Mayuten ~The Demon King and the Hero Reincarnated as Twin Elementary School Students~

Chapter 9 The Demon King and the Hero, Eating Mother’s Home Cooking

On the living room table, a delicious-looking lunch was spread out: white rice, pork miso soup, fried chicken and hamburger, spinach with sesame dressing, and beef stew, among others. Everything was homemade by my mother, Akari. There was even a dessert, featuring some ripe persimmons.

In my original world, I had eaten hamburgers before. I also had the chance to taste sesame dressing and beef stew during my hospital stay. However, the fried chicken was a first for me; it seemed to be a dish where chicken meat was coated in flour and deep-fried.

The meal was quite luxurious, with a good balance of meat, vegetables, and staple food. Even I, once called the Demon King, often had simpler meals unless it was a formal dinner gathering. Particularly during the height of conflicts, I sometimes had nothing but hard bread for lunch.

The Kamiya family was by no means of noble lineage. Although this world doesn’t seem to have a clear social hierarchy like commoners or nobles, my father, Higakure, was just a “salaryman,” employed by a merchant. Yet, here we had two main dishes like hamburger and fried chicken served for a regular lunch, along with plenty of vegetables in the miso soup and side dishes.

It made me think again that this world must be peaceful and its economy in good shape.

I had wished to serve this meal to the citizens of my original world every day… Even though I knew it was futile to dwell on such thoughts, I couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by those emotions.

Isumi seemed equally astonished by the lavishness of the meal.

“How extravagant… Is there a party today?”

Akari, who prepared the dishes, replied with a smile.

“Oh, it’s nothing grand. It’s not our usual meal. Well, it’s a celebration for Kageyo and Isumi’s discharge from the hospital, so I got a bit carried away.”

I see, a celebration for our discharge. Still, even by the standards of our previous world, this was undoubtedly a luxurious meal.

Higakure chimed in.

“Regardless, let’s enjoy it. I need to leave within the next hour, or it’ll be troublesome.”

It seemed he had to go to work in the afternoon.

Hikaru and Akari scolded him gently.

“Oh, Papa, are you working today too?”

“You couldn’t take a day off for the kids’ discharge day?”

Higakure lowered his head to his family.

“I’m sorry. The real estate industry is booming right now, and there’s a mountain of work. Even getting a half-day off was tough.”

It appeared that Higakure’s company was involved in the brokerage of land and properties. Come to think of it, I remember hearing on the news that property prices have been soaring lately.

“I understand. We can live because you’re working hard,” Akari reassured her husband.

“Yeah, everyone may be in high spirits now, but we never know how long this economic prosperity will last. We should earn and save for the future while we have the opportunity,” Higakure added.

It was commendable to make decisions not based on recklessly spending during good times but rather preparing for the future.

He was indeed a reliable father.

After that, the family synchronously said, “Itadakimasu,” and began to eat.

Though unique to this world’s culture, the act seemed to be more of a prayer to nature or the gods than a gesture to the cook.

The meal was delicious. The seasoning was a bit strong, but Kageyo’s young body could handle hearty portions. Eating with chopsticks, though challenging, was manageable after practicing even during the hospital stay.

Holding a rice bowl with one hand felt a bit impolite from my original world’s perspective, but it was a case of “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

Isumi seemed to particularly enjoy the fried chicken Akari had prepared.

“Wow, this is amazing! Did you work at an inn or restaurant, Mother?”

Akari chuckled, replying, “Oh, no. Isumi, you know I’ve been a housewife ever since graduating from university, right?”

“I see. Even so, this taste… Mother, you’re a cooking genius.”

“Don’t flatter me; it won’t get you more food,” she retorted playfully.

Despite the wry smile, being praised by her daughter seemed to make her genuinely pleased.

On the other hand, Hikaru was giving Isumi an eerie look, as if she had discovered something unusual.

“Isumi bis sister, you really are strange. Calling our Mam ‘Mother’ sounds like something from a period drama,” Hikaru remarked.

“Hmm, then what should I call her? ‘Okāsan’ like they do in anime?” she retorted.

Hikaru’s face became even more colorful with fear.

“Y-You’re scaring me, Isumi big sister!”

Seeing Hikaru on the verge of tears, even Isumi panicked.

“N-No, I’m sorry. That was just a joke, don’t cry. I’m not good at comforting little kids.”

Akari also looked concerned about Isumi’s behavior.

“Isumi, you really are acting strange. After the accident, it’s like you’re a completely different person.”

Well, technically she is a different person. It’s no wonder her parents and sister are worried.

Higakure tried to calm Akari and Hikaru, saying, “Come on, let’s not dwell on that. The most important thing is that Kageyo and Isumi are safe and sound.”

“You’re right. Considering they were in a state of cardiac arrest immediately after the accident, it’s truly a miracle,” Akari added.

Cardiac arrest, huh? Indeed, Kageyo and Isumi should have been dead in their original bodies.

Higakure and Akari continued speaking.

“Isn’t it strange how things can turn out? To think that in just one night, even fractures can heal.”

“Not just limbs, but even ribs are back to normal. We should be grateful to the gods.”

Certainly, it must be the power of the Creator God, Zekar.

Even that annoying god, to Higakure and Akari, seems like a savior.

In any case, they truly are a loving and warm family.

I couldn’t help but feel envious of the three, Kageyo, Isumi, and Hikaru, who were raised by such caring family.

And yet… a few hours later, when I opened the last page of the diary that Kageyo had written when he was alive, I was left astonished.

There, in rough handwriting, were the words:

“I want to die.”