"What is this?! It's incredible, Motegi-kun!"
"Verily. Why doth consuming mine own kin… taste always so sinfully divine?"
"Mmm… it's so crunchy… and soft at the same time, Motegi-chan!"
"Simple… and yet… delightfully pleasant, Motegi-sama…"
"Ooh~... it's so creamy and sweet, I love it~..."
"Moisture level: optimal. Sweetness: moderate. Cream flavor: balanced with fruit acidity. Conclusion: This is highly satisfactory, Master."
Right now, we're all enjoying a well-earned day off with a picnic in the park. A thick mattress is laid out under the shade of a big tree, with Puck nestled near the center.
For today's meal, I made two kinds of sandwiches using that Heiligeichen's milk bread: katsu sando, stuffed with lindworm cutlet from Nomah, homemade tonkatsu sauce, mayo, and shredded cabbage from the Catapult Cabbage. And fruit sando, chilled and filled with sliced Heiligeichen's kiwifruit and mango, and fluffy Misdaras's whipped cream.
Since the lindworm meat is nearly identical to pork, I knew right away it'd be perfect for katsu. Crispy outside, juicy inside, just how it should be.
Although I'll admit, I cheated a little on the sauce.
The soy sauce I used was technically still in mid-fermentation. I just pulled a tiny batch from the tub and cast Time Forward, a Cosmic element spell that lets me fast-forward time on a specific object. I aged that bottle by a whole year in just one hour, and it worked.
But I'm not doing that again, and I'll let it ferment naturally.
"Kyuu!"
I look down to see Puck happily munching on its tiny bowl of muesli, which is a mix of Heiligeichen's rolled oats and raisins, grated carrots from the Drill Carrots, my homegrown sunflower seeds, and chopped walnuts from the Wallynuts soaked in just enough milk.
"You like it, Puck?"
"Kyuu~!"
I don't know why I get so uptight about Puck's meals. I mean... I have two rules now: no fried food, and everything must be small enough for that adorable mouth. So, yeah... taking care of Puck feels like raising a tiny baby. I want it to grow up strong and healthy.
Although sometimes, I wonder... can a pilus follis even get sick?
Finally, I pick up my own katsu sando and bite in, marveling at the crunch and the juice that hit just right. Then, I reach for the fruit sando, savoring the cool cream and tart fruits.
"Everything is ridiculously good..."
After lunch, we're relaxing together as we enjoy the breeze swaying the leaves above and the sunlight. But out of nowhere, a squirrel suddenly skitters down the tree and lands right on the edge of our mattress.
Puck freezes, and so does the squirrel. For a heartbeat, the two just stare like they're sizing each other up, until...
"Mehr! Mehr!"
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
Both of them chirp, and in an instant, Puck curls into a perfect ball and tumbles off the edge of the blanket with a soft thump, rolling across the grass like a fluffy wheel. The squirrel gives chase, darting after it in playful zigzags.
"Oi, Puck! Don't go too far!"
I laugh because it's no use. Puck's already halfway across the park, rolling wildly with the squirrel on its tail.
Salacia and Yomogi giggle.
"Fufufu~... looks like Puck has made a new friend~..."
"You're right... they're so cute!"
Chantal and Pinna can't take their eyes off the scene, and then suddenly Manas laughs and explains.
"Look! That squirrel can't even catch Puck! It's like a little lightning!"
"Fascinating. A spontaneous interspecies interaction driven by mutual nonverbal cues and mimicry behavior. Such bonding is rare without conditioning. This is… definitely worth studying further."
"Mwahaha!! Foolish is the beast who thinketh it might catch a pilus follis mid-roll. None shall match their… rotund swiftness."
Kimberly murmurs softly in awe.
"I can't... believe… a pilus follis... could… be... full of energy…"
A few minutes later, Puck rolls back to me, panting, and flops into my lap. The squirrel pauses at the tree, then scurries back up the trunk.
"Had enough fun, Puck?"
"Kyuu..."
With that, I quickly activate [Fluffmaster] and start stroking Puck fully. The belly is first, then go up to the top of its head, around the ears, and back down along the curve of its back. Then again. And again.
"Who's my good kid?"
"Kyuu… kyuu… kyuu… kyuu…"
The little guy answers me with those soft, steady chirps and droopy eyes like an unmistakable mix of tired and content. I can't help but laugh, brushing a thumb across its fuzzy little cheek.
Then, Yomogi comments softly.
"Aww... Puck really looks like a little infant right now. So cute in your arms like that, Motegi-chan…"
I've come to understand what this skill actually does to Puck. It's not as visible as it is with the others... no wagging tail and panting like Yomogi, or no kitten mode and purring like Chantal. With Puck, the changes are subtle. To notice them, you need quiet hands and careful attention.
Its fur gets noticeably softer and almost weightless. Its chirps also shift, like listening to a baby's cooing to their parents, not a pet to their master. And Yomogi's comment earlier has reinforced my hunch, which is normal since she had a little pup once, so she knew how it felt when he was tiny... about how he'd relax completely in her arms and trust her with everything.
Chantal laughs.
"Hahaha... looks like Puck's lazier than me, Motegi-kun!"
I smile, still running my fingers along Puck's belly.
"Is that so?"
Honestly, ever since Puck came into our life, I haven't pampered Yomogi or Chantal with [Fluffmaster] anymore because Puck is enough already. It's small, and it fits neatly in my arms. And Yomogi and Chantal have come to understand that, so they don't expect pampering from me anymore and return to being adults.
Kimberly murmurs, and Salacia adds dreamily.
"This sight… is so comforting, Motegi-sama…"
"Mmhmm~ it really is~..."
Manas tilts her head and smiles, eyes warm.
"Thou art… truly an incredible man, mine king."
Pinna watches closely, expression focused.
"Puck's state: optimal. Heart rate low. Muscle activity minimal. Chirp frequency stable. Body language indicates full physical and emotional trust. I conclude it is experiencing peak relaxation."
"Kyuu…"
Puck whispers again, barely audible, curling tighter into my palm as I run my hand over its soft fur once more.
HOURS LATER
BACK AT MOTEGI'S HOUSE
After so much fun and relaxing, we finally return home in the evening. Arriving here, we make our way upstairs, and I turn to Yomogi beside me.
"I'll take care of dinner tonight, Yomogi."
And her face lights up with a warm smile.
"Yes! I'm looking forward to it, Motegi-chan!"
With that, she drifts off towards the living room, where the others are already sitting on the sofa and gathering around Puck, who's nestling in Manas's arms.
I head straight to the kitchen and open the fridge and take out everything I'll need. And resting on the bottom shelf is the cake I baked this morning, still frosted and perfect. I lift it out gently and set it aside on the counter to let it come to room temperature. Then, I go to the terrace garden to pick a fresh sprig of thyme and return to the kitchen to start cooking.
First, I slice Misdaras's beef into even, thin strips. Next come the onions, then Heiligeichen's mushrooms, garlic, and thyme, prepped in quick succession. Once everything's ready, I heat a pan and drizzle in some oil.
When it's hot enough, I toss in the beef, and a loud sizzle erupts in an instant. I sprinkle in salt and pepper, stirring and flipping the meat to brown it. After a few minutes, I add the sliced onions, stirring gently as they begin to soften. Then come the minced garlic and thyme, their aromas rising up as the heat coaxes out their flavors.
A few minutes more, I toss in the mushrooms and keep stirring until they go tender and glossy. Then, I dust the mixture with a spoonful of flour, working it in until everything is coated. Next comes the mustard and stock, stirred together until it starts bubbling into a creamy consistency.
When it thickens, I stir in a generous spoonful of sour cream and a splash of my homemade Worcestershire sauce, then season again with salt and pepper. Once it returns to a simmer, I give it a final stir.
While the stroganoff sauce simmers, I boil tagliatelle in salted water for a few minutes. I drain the pasta and portion it neatly onto seven plates, topping each one with a generous scoop of the creamy beef mixture and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. For Puck, I set aside a small bowl with just a few spoonfuls of meat and little strands of pasta.
Finally, I call out to the girls.
"Everyone, can you help bring these out?"
"Yes!"
Each girl takes a plate, and I carry my own, along with the little bowl for Puck. Once we set everything on the table, Yomogi and Kimberly lean in at the dish.
"What is this, Motegi-chan?"
"It's called beef stroganoff."
"Hmm… the color is… a little off, Motegi-sama..."
"You won't know if you don't try."
At once, we all dig in... and the reaction is instant:
Yomogi murmurs, clearly pleased.
"Mmm!! It's like a creamy stew, Motegi-chan!"
Chantal is already halfway through her plate.
"The meat's tender too, Motegi-kun!"
Kimberly blinks in surprise.
"The taste... is better... than the... appearance. I take back... my words, Motegi-sama..."
"Told you, right?"
Pinna finishes her first bite and begins her usual analysis.
"Cream flavor: rich and harmonized. Mushroom and beef ratio: optimal. Nutritional profile: ideal for post-combat muscle recovery. Conclusion: highly satisfactory."
Salacia savors a bite joyfully.
"Darling~... why is your cooking always so good~?"
Manas pauses, lifting her chin after a thoughtful chew.
"Verily, mine king… this is… incredible. Yet... methinks it shall be even more glorious were thou to bestow upon it the kiss of flame… mayhap… a hint of chili, perchance?"
"Okay, I'll make a spicy version someday."
Then, I look around the table.
"So? Do you girls like it?"
They all nod in unison, cheeks full and expressions glowing. No need for words this time. And then I turn to Puck, who is gleefully munching on its little bowl.
"You like it too, Puck?"
"Kyuu! Kyuu!"
"Good to hear that."
Finally, I take a bite of my own, savoring the richness of the sauce, the tenderness of the beef, the silky pasta underneath... all comes together perfectly.
"This is… incredible..."
Honestly, this was my first time making stroganoff. I only knew about it because a female Russian chef once cooked it on a variety show. Because I still remembered the steps, I tried to recreate it here from scratch... and it turned out great.
Once the plates of stroganoff are cleared, I make my way back to the kitchen.
"I'll bring out the dessert, okay?"
"Yes!"
On the counter, the cake I left out earlier has softened perfectly. I slice it into seven even pieces, and each slice goes onto a small plate. Then, I carry them out two at a time, making a couple of quiet trips between the table and the kitchen.
As I place the final slice down, Salacia and Pinna lean forward curiously.
"Ooh~... and what is this, darling~?"
"This is Napoleon cake."
"Confirmation: Is this the cake you prepared this morning, Master?"
"Correct."
With no need for prompting, everyone digs in. Forks gently slice through the layers, and almost instantly, the table hums with happy, satisfied murmurs.
Yomogi and Chantal chew with delight.
"Mmm… it's like a mille-feuille, but softer… and fluffier…"
"You're right. It's got that mille-feuille vibe, but it just… melts."
Yeah, they'd know, of course.
I made mille-feuille once back then before Manas joined this household, and they loved it so much.
Kimberly takes her time with her slice as Salacia licks a bit of cream from her fork.
"There is still... a slight crunch… just in the middle. It's really... nice..."
"Darling~ everything tonight has been so yummy…!"
Manas lifts a dainty forkful and closes her eyes as she tastes it, nodding in approval.
"Mine king… this is… layered goodness… upon layered goodness!"
Pinna pauses after her second bite, analyzing again.
"Primary structure: laminated pastry. Filling: custard cream, stable and not overly sweet. Surface: crumbled pastry topping enhances textural contrast. Overall: a dessert of structural clarity and harmonious simplicity. Delightful."
Then, I look around them again.
"So? Do you girls like it?"
And I have the same answer. They nod eagerly with mouths full and cheeks puffed. Then, I cut off a quarter of mine and transfer it to the small plate beside me and slide it to Puck.
"Here you go, Puck."
Puck waddles over and sniffs, then dives in cheerfully.
"Kyuu!"
"You like it too?"
"Kyuu!"
"Good boy."
Finally, I take a bite of my own. The custard is smooth and cool, the pastry light but still holding just enough crunch to make each forkful satisfying.
"This is really like a mille-feuille."
And just like the stroganoff earlier, this one came from the same chef and the same variety show too.
So, yeah... I think I should thank her for tonight's dinner ideas.