Irori Dinner
"Hmm, so you're gonna cook for ? Well then, feel free to use whatever you need."
When I asked about the current food stockpile while preparing dinner for the old man, he ntioned he had more than a year's worth of rice for themselves.
Not only that, but he also had homade miso, soy sauce, and pickles in such abundance that it was impossible for one person to consu it all. So, I ventured into the storehouse hidden behind the barn, and there I found an impressive stockpile.
Hmm, as expected of a farming family. His self-sufficiency is truly remarkable.
Well, it makes sense. I hadn't seen any convenience stores around here until I arrived. This must be the norm in these parts.
"...Even if we wanted to share, there aren't as many people around as there used to be."
According to Serai-san, they used to share homade miso and such with the neighbors. But that has dwindled significantly. Hmm, it seems the rural depopulation has left this area quite desolate.
"Well, this ti, the fact that the old man made too much, as usual, worked in our favor. With this much, we don't have to worry about food. In fact, it's almost enviable."
"Yeah, that's true. Monster ingredients aren't bad, but it's comforting to be able to eat normal food."
Yeah, I agree with Nina-san.
Giant crab and giant fire-breathing cockroach at are delicious, but the familiar taste of rice, eggs, and pickles is truly comforting.
"Alright, let's split up the work and whip up dinner quickly!"
"“Yeah!”"
...
And so, the three of us cooked together.
For Serai-san's grandfather, we prepared a lavish feast centered around giant crab, while we enjoyed a dinner of fresh vegetables, pickles, and freshly laid eggs.
"Ahh, this is quite the feast!"
"Right? I made this especially for you, Grandpa, so make sure to eat it all!"
A whole giant crab, no, a whole pot of luxurious crab dishes were laid out by the irori. The thick claws and legs were skewered and grilled by the hearth, while a large pot of crab stew simred away.
"What's this, Machi, aren't you eating?"
"Nah. Actually, we eat this all the ti. So for us, the fresh vegetables you grew, Grandpa, are way more of a treat."
On the other hand, our al consisted of pickles, vegetable salad, and rice, which might seem a bit modest at first glance. But our bodies were craving fresh vegetables more than anything.
"Yeah, in Tokyo, vegetables are so expensive, we can't really afford them."
"True. Right now, this whole giant crab is worth the sa as the sa weight in cabbage or carrots."
"Ah, so Tokyo's running short on vegetables, huh... Sorry about that. With fewer folks around here, I couldn't plant as much as I wanted this year..."
Hearing our conversation, Serai-san's grandfather bowed his head deeply, looking truly apologetic.
"Please, raise your head, Serai-san's grandpa."
"That's right, Grandpa! You stayed till the end, protecting the fields and paddies, didn't you? So hold your head high with pride! You're my amazing grandpa!!"
"Oh, Machi..."
Serai-san, visibly moved, peeled a perfectly grilled crab leg and handed it to her grandfather. He accepted it, blowing on it to cool it down before taking a bite. Hmm, what a beautiful display of family love.
"This is delicious... I wish I could have shared this with grandma..."
"......"
Then, Serai-san took her bowl, scooped up so of the simring crab soup, and stood up. She walked over to the family altar in the next room, clasped her hands in prayer, and offered the soup before returning.
"...Grandma said we should eat it before it gets cold."
"Hehe... Machi, you're as strong-willed as your mom. Well then, I'll gratefully accept..."
The main house's lighting was dim, and the age of the building gave it a slightly eerie feel. But the burning charcoal in the irori was warm, and the sound and sll were soothing.
As I watched the grandfather and granddaughter caring for each other, I nodded in agreent with Nina-san and enjoyed my fresh TKG (Tamago Kake Gohan - egg on rice).
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