Everyone ate with such enthusiasm that the large platters of simmered mackerel both the rich miso version and the plum-braised one, were emptied in the blink of an eye.

I ended up eating far more than usual myself. My stomach was absolutely full.

After the meal, we lingered over cups of warm water Yoshi had prepared, chatting idly as the afternoon drifted by. One casual topic led to another, and before I knew it, everyone wanted to know where I had learned to cook.

My mother had never been much of a cook, so almost everything I knew came from Grandma. 

After I started working, I simply taught myself, experimenting with recipes from books and whatever information I could find.

That thought reminded me of something I still needed to confirm. Could I actually read the writing of this era?

And if I couldn't… Then I would simply have to learn. Until I found out, it would be wiser to keep quiet about such things.

" I learned from my grandmother. " Yasu frowned for a brief moment before suddenly slapping his knee with enough force to make everyone jump.

" So that's it! " His eyes sparkled with absolute conviction.

" Sai-chan's grandfather must've been a cook in some grand manor, and he passed all those secret techniques to your grandmother! That's got to be it! "

He declared his theory with complete confidence. Across the table, Yoshi-san and Tokitsugu-san exchanged amused smiles. How had he managed to construct such an elaborate story from one simple sentence?

Sorry, Yasu… but you're completely wrong. For the record, my grandfather had been an ordinary office worker.

" Yasu... that's not it. " I tried to stop his imagination before it wandered any further. Unfortunately, he wasn't about to give up.

" But come on! Otherwise, nobody could make food this good. " Tokitsugu quietly nodded in agreement.

" I think he has a point. I've eaten dishes that resemble these before, yet Lady Sai's cooking always feels... different. As though it has taken one more step beyond what I know. Even the flavors I've never encountered before are somehow comforting. "

...He's sharp. Far too sharp. I'd better change the subject before they start asking more questions.

" Actually, I've been thinking… " I turned toward Yoshi.

" If you're alright with it, I'd like to start accepting special orders whenever possible. "

" Oh my. " She smiled warmly.

" So that's all? Go right ahead. I thought you were about to tell me we should start selling onigiri. "

" I was hoping to suggest that too. "

Lately, more travelers had begun stopping by the restaurant.

" And since so many people are passing through, onigiri would be perfect. They're easy to carry and can be eaten anywhere. "

When I had first arrived, most of our customers were local workers. Now travelers come through almost every day.

If they could take something delicious on the road, and if the townsfolk began dropping by for them too… it would make me incredibly happy. 

It looked like life was only going to get busier from here.

" Oh! Onigiri! " Yasu grinned.

" Then I'm placing an order right now! Three for tomorrow please… one for me, one for Tokitsugu, and… "

He looked at Tokitsugu… “ He's eating one too, right?"

Tokitsugu smiled. " Of course. "

I'd barely finished explaining the idea before I'd already received my first order. I couldn't help wondering if things were moving just a little too fast.

" Very well. Will you be picking them up, or eating here? "

" Our current job's almost finished. " Yasu explained.

" Tokitsugu and I have to head to the next site, so we'll send one of the younger fellows to pick them up. Around late morning, if you can. And make one for him too. "

So that meant… Neither Yasu nor Tokitsugu would be coming for lunch anymore. I had grown strangely accustomed to seeing them every afternoon.

The thought left an unexpected little ache in my chest. Tokitsugu lowered his gaze apologetically.

" The next work site is farther away, so I don't think we'll be able to eat here at midday. Though I'll still stop by in the evening to collect my friend's order. " Somehow, he'd noticed my disappointment.

I smiled.

" It'll be a little lonely without you both, but I'll put twice as much heart into every rice ball I make. "

If they couldn't come here… Then I'd simply send my feelings along with the food.

I looked back at Yasu. " So that's three rice balls, to be picked up before noon. Is that correct? "

" Yep, that'll do. " Then he hesitated.

" There's one more favor I'd like to ask… "

I tilted my head. What could it be?

" The mackerel dishes you made today… " He scratched his cheek awkwardly.

" Could you… spare me a little of both? "

" Is that all? " I'd been bracing myself for another impossible request, something like Can you make this ingredient into something amazing?

Instead, he only wanted a portion of the food we'd already made. Honestly, he could have simply asked. The fish had belonged to him in the first place.

Still, I supposed it only meant he'd enjoyed the dishes that much.

" Of course. I'll pack some up right away. "

While I was at it, I divided a portion of the simmered mackerel I'd planned to give Tokitsugu as well. Yasu received both kinds of mackerel. Tokitsugu received his friend's order along with the fish.

For some reason, Yasu thanked me with such heartfelt sincerity that I almost felt embarrassed.

And so, another quiet day slipped gently into evening.