𝐌𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞
“. . .That, what is it?”
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Maurice’s first words were somewhat taken aback.
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“It’s a food stall! It’s amazing! It has two stoves and a simple sink! The workbench is spacious, and there are plenty of places to put things! Above all, by pressing a button it cleans automatically. . .! Even oil stains! Even sauce spilled on the floor! With this button, there’s nothing to fear! It’s incredible that this can be rented for so cheap, Valka’s domain is amazing!”
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This stall is truly incredible! I see why there are so many stalls in Valka’s domain! Maybe I should start with a stall too!
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“. . .And you’re going to make curry with that?”
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I coughed at the sight of Maurice’s slightly appalled face for the first time. I ended up extolling the virtues of this stall, but there’s no way Maurice, a nobleman and a man, would understand its value.
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“Since I can’t make curry at the inn I’m staying at, I rented this! I’ve received permission to cook just a little way from here, so let’s go there.”
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We move from the usual square where we talk to our destination.
There, lots of lord knights are hiding, arranged to capture Maurice.
Present here are Roa-sama, Shiro, and Edgardo. In the laboratory are Arthur, Rene, and Rolf.
A ninja couple has already infiltrated the lab, presumably prioritizing the disarmament of the self-destruct device. Just three more hours, I must persevere!
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While being told by Maurice that I walked too slowly, we reached a small vacant lot near a municipal-like building.
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In the past, there was a dispute over land ownership, resulting in a small piece of land being left unused. However, it’s too small, and no one seems interested in buying it.
It’s too small for people to live on or set up a shop; it’s an awkward size. It’s even smaller than the restroom at the aristocratic school.
It’s about the size of a two-tatami room, so you could probably sleep there, but land is expensive around here. If you go a little further, you can buy a larger piece of land for the same price. I guess everyone had the same idea.
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“The stall fits, but just barely. . . I’m sorry, but could you watch from inside the stall while I cook?”
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The stall fit perfectly in the vacant lot, so Maurice would have to be crushed if he were to watch from outside.
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“. . . . . .Well, it can’t be helped. But you know, I have Marie Ange.”
“Eek! Don’t say creepy things, please!!”
“Eh. . . . . .but, I have Marie Ange.”
“So what?! Did you think I would fall for you?!”
“. . . . . .Is that not the case?”
“Ugh. . .!”
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. . .Creepy. Truly creepy.
I cover my mouth with both hands. I feel like vomiting.
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Indeed, Maurice’s face is well-featured, but I have a hard time with handsome men.
I’m only talking to this man, Maurice Maigret, because he’s connected to Dyson. Otherwise, I would have run away at first sight.
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“. . .Do you dislike it that much?”
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Maurice looks dejectedly my way, and I’m about to flee but desperately stay put.
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. . . . . .For the sake of Roa-sama and the others, I will do what I can.
Keeping Maurice here is something only I can do. I don’t care about the nausea! I’ll manage! It’s better than severe motion sickness!
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“I really don’t like it, so could you please not say that anymore? There’s no chance I’ll fall for you, no matter what.”
“That’s true. It’s inconceivable for me too.”
“Right? So, please don’t talk like that. I won’t be able to make curry.”
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Maurice stepped lightly over the big step and entered the stall. His large size was quite intimidating.
In this cramped space, if Maurice harbored murderous intent, I’d probably die before Roa-sama and the others arrive.
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“First, I’ll make my favorite curry. It takes a bit of time, so please take a seat.”
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He looked over the simple wooden chair I brought out with great interest.
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“Is this, a chair?”
“Yes, it is. You said you didn’t need a cushion, so I didn’t prepare one.”
“. . .I didn’t mean it like that. Well, I’ll sit.”
“Please don’t dirty it, it’s borrowed.”
“. . .Is this really a chair? It’s too hard.”
“Please endure.”
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I placed the pot on the stove and added butter. While the butter melted, I took out the onion I had prepared the day before.
It was something I had Prep-kun microwave. As I sautéed it in the pot, a nice smell wafted through the air.
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Oops, I forgot to add ginger and such. This is probably because I’m flustered.
To calm down a bit, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I can’t sense the presence of people. I don’t understand it, but when it’s dangerous, there must be someone nearby who will definitely help.
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I added minced garlic, ginger, and cumin seeds to the mix.
A little sautéing brings out delicious smells and sounds, regardless of the order. That’s what encompasses everything, that’s curry!
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“It smells good now.”
“Yes, it does. But it’s not the scent of curry, is it?”
“That will come soon.”
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To stretch out the time, I took plenty of it to sauté the onions.
Surprisingly, Maurice didn’t complain and just silently watched the pot. It’s quite unpleasant to be peered at from behind with a looming presence.
I hate it, but I can’t say that. Probably, Maurice suspects that he might be poisoned.
One tends to think that others are doing what they themselves are doing.
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But unfortunately, I’m just trying to catch him! What I am making is just delicious curry!
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“You seem to be having fun.”
“Eh? Oh, sorry. It smells so good.”
“Don’t women prefer the scent of perfume or flowers?”
“I like those too, but I also like the smell of sautéed onions.”
“. . .I see.”
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The onions turned a caramel color, so I added the curry powder that Thor and Marina had made.
The scent of curry suddenly filled the air, surprising Maurice.
Once the curry powder was mixed in, I added a generous amount of tomatoes that I had peeled and cut the day before.
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The mixture started to dry out a bit, so I added the chicken thigh meat that I had marinated in yogurt overnight, yogurt and all. I mixed it a bit and watched before adding water and reducing the heat.
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“I will simmer it now.”
“For how long?”
“About an hour. During that time, I’ll make other curries!”
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Looking at the clock, it had been about an hour since I met Maurice.
At least three hours, that means the longer I can stretch it, the better. Of course, I have to do it without being unnatural.
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“This is the scent of curry. Amazing, it seems like you can really make it.”
“What are you saying? I can really make it. I’ll take a little break now.”
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Sitting next to Maurice, I drank a cold juice. This is such a strange space. . .
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