Compared to the turmoil at the Echigo Trading Company, Inari’s ho was peaceful.
And what was she doing, exactly?
Why—preparing to make stew. Yes, stew. The very sa Inari who sincerely believed that rice and furikake were all one ever needed was now making stew. Surely, the presence of a guest to entertain played a role. But more than that, she had simply spotted sothing interesting at Satou Mart.
“This world is marvelous indeed… To think one may make shichuu simply with this.”
“Well, it’s not exactly this world—it’s been around for quite a while.”
“Has it? …Now that you say so, it does feel familiar…”
Regardless, it was certainly a convenient age. Curry, stew, even beef stroganoff—buy a box of roux, and you could make them all. True ease with a professional flavor.
The box Inari held was one such product: Chef Kuritani’s Luxury Cream Stew. A best-selling roux long beloved, supervised by the famous chef affectionately known as “Auntie Kuritani.”
Simply sauté vegetables and at, simr with water, add the roux and so milk, and it was done. Far easier than caralizing onions with butter and adding flour and so forth. Even chicken at was sold pre-cut into stew-sized cubes.
Thus, even Inari could make stew simply by following the instructions on the box.
“Indeed, we live in a fine age.”
—A most glorious age! In this era, power alone bends all to its will! You feel the sa, do you not!?—
—Nonsense! We will never accept such a world… I, and the kingdom—Divine Kingdom—shall destroy it!—
“…Am I to be destroyed, then?”
“Th-that was… from the ani…”
It seed Atsuage had started watching ani in the living room, and at the perfect (or worst) timing, such lines blared out.
Leaving it be, Inari chopped carrots, potatoes, and onions, added chicken and a bag of mixed beans, sautéed them lightly in oil, then followed the steps. Soon the stew was bubbling away, filling the room with a savory aroma.
When finished, the set was complete: stew with freshly cooked rice.
They pressed their hands together with “itadakimasu” and began eating. The tender vegetables, chicken, and beans together made for a delightful harmony.
“I’ve never seen beans in stew before… You’ve never made this before, right?”
“I thought they might suit it. And lo, it was the right choice.”
That freedom of improvisation was the essence of ho cooking. No strict rules—only results.
After stew ca washing dishes, then the bath.
And once more that night, Inari and Eru slept in the sa bed. Or rather, Eru naturally slipped under the covers, and Inari said nothing. Assuming she was simply lonely, Inari smiled, and Eru smiled back with a soft “ehehe.”
“This might sound childish… but it’s always been my dream, to fall asleep beside soone like this.”
“I would never laugh. I know thy story… Thou art worthy of much more love.”
“You feel… like a mother. Or maybe a grandmother—I never t her, but that’s the feeling I get.”
“Mhm. Then tonight, I shall be thy mother. There, there, good child.”
Inari stroked her head. Embarrassnt colored Eru’s cheeks, but the warmth of joy was stronger.
“This is nice… so fun. I wish this ti could last forever…”
Eru was grateful to Takemoto. He had raised her like a father, cared for her as family. Even on paper, she was his daughter—though he had insisted there was no need to discard her surna. If she ever wished, he would allow her to take his na. She was the one holding back.
“…I’m happy. Even though I was the only one to survive. But… is it really alright?”
“It is.”
As though reading her heart, Inari pulled her close and stroked her head.
“I claim not to understand thee wholly. But thou needst not clutch such pains that stiffen thy body.”
“But I—”
“I shall absolve thee. If thou deest thy past, or that which was beyond thy power, a sin… then I, Inari, proclaim it no sin. If thou deest happiness itself a cri, then I decree it not cri but duty.”
The words seeped into Eru’s very core. Strange, truly strange—but Inari’s words guided her more than anyone’s ever had. So much so that, with pure and reverent sincerity, Eru asked:
“Is it really alright? For … to be happy?”
“Of course. Be happy. It is the one duty laid upon humankind.”
At that mont, she felt sothing heavy fall away inside her. Perhaps it was only in her mind. But it was as if a shackle had truly been removed.
Strange. For she had heard similar words countless tis before—but those only ever added shackles.
“Now then, to sleep. Staying up late ill befits thee.”
And so, far quicker than the night before, Eru drifted into peaceful slumber as Inari gently patted her side. Inari too, closed her eyes in quiet contentnt.
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