𝐀 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝
Today’s trial dish features thickly sliced pork belly and fresh vegetables, grilled to perfection and lightly seasoned with salt and pepper. There are various sauces to choose from, so enjoy it your way.
I’ve prepared several classic options like refreshing scallion-lemon sauce and spicy BBQ sauce. The highlight is my homemade mayonnaise.
I’ve generously used fresh, high-quality eggs to make a mayonnaise that’s rich yet refreshing. I’ve also made tartar sauce using half of the mayonnaise. Everyone likes spicy food, so I’ve prepared some chili pepper as well.
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“Roa-sama, I look forward to working with you today. I apologize for doing this after dinner.”
“No need to worry.”
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Roa-sama spoke few words, but kindly.
I sat next to Roa-sama, who had pulled out a chair for me, and decided to have a late-night snack. Since I had dinner earlier than the lord knights, I was a bit hungry.
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The pork belly is sizzling and crisply grilled, and it’s of a large size. I cut it up using a knife and fork and decide to first taste it with the BBQ sauce.
The sauce has a lot of garlic and is slightly sweet, delivering a robust flavor that the lord knights are fond of.
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“This BBQ sauce is delicious. A flavor that will appeal to everyone.”
“I thought Roa-sama would like it.”
“Indeed.”
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Roa-sama gently smiled and took a bite with the scallion-lemon sauce. As I followed suit, the flavors of lemon and scallion burst in my mouth. The crunchy texture of the scallions is delicious.
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“The highlight is the mayonnaise and tartar sauce. Please try the mayonnaise first.”
“. . .This is delicious.”
“Right?! It’s my pride and joy.”
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The tartar sauce also contains pickles, giving it a unique and delicious taste.
I’m still considering making my own unique sauce based on Rolf’s advice, but the response has been better than I expected.
I was so pleased that Roa-sama found it delicious that I happily slathered a generous amount of tartar sauce on my pork belly. I’m not concerned about gaining weight.
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“. . .Do you have plans for the next holiday?”
“Not particularly.”
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I plan to cook while reading a cookbook I bought on my next day off.
The usual three will probably come, but sometimes they don’t. My house is like a community center where no reservation is needed.
Well, even if they come, everyone is free to do as they like. I’ve told them they are welcome to use the tables and chairs even if I’m not around. All I need to do is set them up.
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“If it’s alright with Miss Norchev, would you like to go out?”
“Go out? Understood. Do I need to prepare anything?”
“. . .If you could, please prepare curry for lunch.”
“Certainly. I will prepare a few curry-flavored dishes. Shall I adjust them to Roa-sama’s taste?”
“Yes, please do.”
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Roa-sama smiled as if relieved. Before I knew it, the plates were empty.
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“I’ll come to pick you up at your house in the morning on the day.”
“There’s no need for that. I’ll come to the Knights’ quarters.”
“But, for a lady that is—”
“Lady.”
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I inadvertently repeated the word.
Between Edgardo and Roa-sama, is there some rule that if one is female, one must be treated as a ‘lady’?
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“. . .Miss Norchev is a fine lady.”
“Is that so. . .”
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I don’t feel like a fine lady because I don’t want to marry, but that’s not something to tell Roa-sama.
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“Alright, as per Miss Norchev’s wishes, let’s meet up at the knight’s headquarters. We’ll make it an early return.”
“Understood.”
“Then, I’m looking forward to our next day off.”
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Quickly standing up, Roa-sama extends a hand to me, and I rise from my chair to shake it.
Looking up at Roa-sama without understanding the handshake, I find an unusually puzzled expression on Roa-sama’s face.
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“Miss Norchev. . .What is this?”
“You extended your hand, so I shook it. . .It seems this wasn’t a handshake for the success of our next day off.”
“Handshake. . .”
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Roa-sama stares at our linked hands, eyes wide, and then bursts out laughing.
The crinkled face and glimpse of white teeth offer a different kind of smile, making me feel like I’m seeing the true Roa-sama.
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“Ha, haha, Miss Norchev, this is an escort.”
“Escort. . .Oh, an escort!”
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I know! My dad and Thor have done it for me before!
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“I didn’t recognize it as an escort right away because I’ve had few opportunities to interact with the opposite sex. Quite embarrassing.”
“No, it’s fine. If you’ve never been escorted and someone suddenly extends their hand, it’s understandable to be confused.”
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If that’s the case, I wish you’d stop laughing.
Despite giving Roa-sama a grumpy look, the chuckling continues without a sign of stopping.
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“To tell the truth, I was a bit nervous about our next day off. But I feel like it’ll be a meaningful day with Miss Norchev.”
“I’m honored.”
“I’ll make sure to prepare so that I can offer a perfect escort next time.”
“Roa-sama!”
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Pretending to be angry at Roa-sama’s teasing tone, Roa-sama doubles over with laughter.
As I watch Roa-sama, I feel some of the tension leaving my body. Perhaps it’s because Roa-sama showed me a genuine expression that is not typically seen from a noble.
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“. . .Ah.”
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Also, when the hand was extended, I could touch it. Without feeling disgust, naturally.
This must be because Roa-sama approached me with respect.
I tightly grip the hand that is still linked with mine. I don’t feel anything particular about our bare skin touching—firm, a bit rough, large, and calloused from sword practice.
Roa-sama will never aim this fist at me.
I stand up to face Roa-sama.
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“I’m looking forward to our next day off.”
“Yes, so am I.”
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I watch Roa-sama leave the room after we give each other a firm handshake.
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Amazing! I was fine even when touching a man!
It’s probably only limited to the lord knights I’m friendly with, but it’s a great step forward!
Next time Thor’s friend comes over, I’ll ask for a handshake. If I gradually get used to this, I’ll be fine even when interacting with men!
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I wrote about the handshake in the last part of a letter to Thor, who is at school. A reply came back by express mail the next day. It was a no-go.
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