Chapter Text
‘Mushi’ often wondered if he could compliment his tea with a nice treat or two. Refreshments served with snacks, a timeless pairing if there was any.
With his nephew off on his date, ‘Mushi’ hosted a series of auditions. His applicants would come in, taste his tea, and prepare a complimentary dish to go alongside it.
His hopes were met with fierce adversity.
“What is this?!” He pointed at the mass of black mush, served with a wooden spoon.
The huffy self-proclaimed chef sneered, “It is called fish roe, sir. The finest of cultivated eggs, that will satisfy any cultured palate-”
“I know what it is!” ‘Mushi’ yelled, then jabbed an accusatory finger into the buffoon’s chest. “You were supposed to make something yourself from our pantry!”
“Now people will taste something refined to go with your bland rainwater.” The snobbish boor collected his fish roe, spilled the hot tea across the table, and stomped his way out. “How you expect people to come to drink something with no taste is beyond me!”
Clicking his tongue in annoyance, ‘Mushi’ turned his back to the door, grabbed a mop, and began tidying.
How wasteful.
“Um, excuse me?” A petite voice called out, “I’m here to apply as the cook?”
‘Mushi’ took a steadying breath, before greeting the newcomer. “Hello! Sorry about the mess. The last guest was… particularly rude.”
The young miss at the door seemed to have blossomed well. Bright pink with green tipped hair tied into two long pigtails, framed around a heart-shaped face with a slightly pale complexion. Round, pale-green eyes nervously glanced at him, before shyly turning towards the wooden floor. Each had a beauty mark beneath.
Her attire was a simple commoner’s robe, beige tied with a dark green sash.
Though, they may have been a tad too small for her. Her chest seemed as though it could spill out at any moment.
Her gaze led to the spilled tea, dripping down the tablecloth. She gasped softly, “Oh! Would you like any help?”
“No, no. It’s fine.” ‘Mushi’ waved it off, “If anything, this is perfect. My name is Mushi. I am the manager of this humble shop. May I know your name, miss?”
“Uhm,” she fidgeted awkwardly, still avoiding eye contact. “I am called Mitsuri. Nice to meet you.”
“A pleasure to meet you as well, Mitsuri. Now then,” ‘Mushi’ poured into another cup, the action practiced and graceful. “My evaluation is quite simple. I’d like for you to try this tea, then prepare a dish that both compliments the tea and overall experience. You have full access to my kitchen and pantry, within reason of course. Do you have any questions?”
Her eyes snapped into focus, and looked directly forwards. “Oh! No, none so far, Mister Mushi.”
“Mushi is just fine,” he held out the steaming cup. Such an earnest girl. “Enjoy the tea, and take your time. I’ll just be cleaning up this mess until then.”
Mitsuri nodded, staring determinedly at the pale tea. He watched as she inhaled deeply, the wafts of vapor disappearing into her nose. After exhaling, she did it again. And a third time.
Then, she sipped the tea. Her eyes fluttered, and he heard a soft moan of delight. She took a heartier sip, savoring the taste, before swallowing it down.
“Well, my dear?” ‘Mushi asked, “What do you think?”
“It’s amazing!” Mitsuri cheered, “And I think I have an idea.”
Not long after, the young miss skipped into the kitchen. He could hear the quick knife work, and the clatter of porcelain.
‘Mushi’ was content waiting by the doorway, the floor already dried and the tablecloth replaced.
In minutes, two small platters were placed before him.
“Interesting choice,” ‘Mushi mused, “May I ask how you came to such a decision?”
“Oh, um,” Mitsuri bit her lip, fidgeting some more as she explained, “Your tea has a very delicate sweetness. It’s mild, but it has a lot of layers in its complexity! I didn’t notice until my second try, so it’s something that can be easily overlooked, when compared to an assertive flavor.
“I think a nice cucumber salad can cleanse the palate, so it doesn’t overwhelm the tea. Another option being a mild cheese, like one made from Otter-Giraffe milk.
“I usually prefer black tea myself,” Mitsuri admitted, “but several of my friends and my beloved master liked lighter teas. It’s better to let a flavor shine, when it has so much depth, rather than overtaking it with something too assertive.”
‘Mushi’ nodded, took a sip of the White Lotus Tile, and sampled the prepared dishes.
It did go very well together, but he knew this was just a formality.
“Mitsuri, when would you like to start?”
The tackle hug he received shortly after was unexpected, but nice.
He wheezed, as she squeezed around his waist and babbled her thanks.
For one with such a petite frame, she was certainly strong!