Chapter Text
“Boy, thanks again for letting us stay at your home this time.” Lucretia Zola took a seat at the table.
Erica looked at the direction of the kitchen. “Godou, is it done yet? I’m really excited to try your cooking.”
“Just another minute you guys…” Godou prepared three bowls, ready to serve tonight’s dinner.
“So what did you prepare for us, young man?” Lucretia asked cheerfully.
“Instant ramen and eggs. My personal style that I learned from watching online videos.”
Godou grabbed his chopsticks, and slurped another strand of ramen. Maybe I should’ve added sliced sausages. “Miss Lucretia…”
“Yes, young man.”
“Is there anything wrong with it? The dish I mean.” Is ramen not fancy enough for her?
“Oh, no no no. It’s good.” Lucretia softly smiled, doing her best to assure him.
“Godou…” Erica stood up from her seat, and sat next to him. “I appreciate your effort, but your cooking’s not that good, darling.”
“Oh… thanks for being honest, but what’s so wrong about it?”
“Young man…” Zola got off her seat and stood behind his seat. “Tell me. What do you usually eat when you’re travelling abroad? Like when you were in Sicily, or anywhere else at Italy?”
“I usually just stick to drinking milk for most meals, and biscuits… Anything cheap and easy to grab on the go. Helps keep my travel budget low. After all, my only income is part time work at a convenience store.”
“I see, young man. How about at home? What do you usually eat in Japan?”
“Well, whatever Shizuka cooked for me for the day. When she’s busy or it’s my turn to cook, I usually just make instant ramen for both of us.”
“Young man… Why do you insist on feeding yourself like that?”
“Sorry, but like what, Miss Lucretia?”
“Like an uncultured delinquent… This junk food isn’t healthy for you.” Erica was quite annoyed. “Godou, you were supposed to be a gentleman…” She softly laughed. “My gentleman, of course.”
She stood up from her seat. “Why don’t I just show you what I mean. Come, Godou. It is time to begin your steps into learning proper cuisine and cooking.”
She paused on her steps. “What? Do you think I just let Arianna do all the work for me? I know some tricks myself too, so don’t underestimate me… And, would you kindly come along with us, Miss Lucretia?”
“But… why?” Lucretia moaned.
“Because… Miss Lucretia… I don’t want you to be your usual lazy self…” Erica smiled. “I want you to see for yourself what a good team Godou and I will make.”
…
“Yep, this is enough salt. Here, Godou, give it a taste.” Erica scooped some of the salted water onto the spoon, and gently motioned the spoon to Godou’s lips. He slowly sipped the water. “Em, not too salty but noticeable. So that’s how it is done.” Erica smiled. “Yes, you got it, Godou.”
“Hey, don’t break the pasta, Godou.” Erica put her hands on her hips. “You should put the entire strands into the pot. When the submerged parts absorbed enough water to be loose, you then bend the entire strands into the water.”
“Oh my, Boy. I got butter all over my chest. Would you mind helping me clean it up?” Zola teased. “Sure let me just grab some tissues.” Godou was reaching for the box of tissues when she held his hand. “Oh that wouldn’t be necessary, young man. I prefer it if you just use your…” Erica loudly coughed, interrupting the moment. “Actually, boy… I’ll just go to the bathroom to clean myself up.” Zola leisurely walked away from the kitchen. “Have fun, you two.”
…
“Big bro, we’re home.” Shizuka walked into the kitchen, carrying bags of groceries. “Thanks again for helping me, you guys.”
“Oh it’s no biggie at all, Shizuka.” Mariya smiled as she carried another bag of groceries, and followed behind Shizuka.
“It’s my pleasure to help as well, Miss Shizuka.” Arianna walked to the kitchen with her bag of groceries. She spotted Erica and Godou carrying large bowls of pasta, and asked in surprise. “Miss Erica, did you cook something? What’s the occasion?”
“Oh Arianna, you’re back. There’s no special occasion, really. I was just teaching my Godou how to cook a proper pasta. Are you guys hungry? We made carbonara pasta and alfredo pasta.”
“Thanks for the meal.” Shizuka took a forkful of pasta. “Wow, this tastes great. I really like this bacon that you guys put in with the pasta.”
“It’s guanciale, dear Shizuka.” Erica smiled. “I had Arianna helped shop it for me the other day.”
Godou finished his plate of pasta. He was proud of the work that they got done.
“Oh my…” Lucretia’s shock got Godou’s attention. “It seems I spilled some of the pasta on my dress. Boy, why don’t you help me clean up… privately… just the two of us?”
“… You did that on purpose, Miss Lucretia.” Mariya quietly protested.
“Don’t you dare, big bro.” Shizuka stared at her brother.
“Ohhh… Godou. Looks like I also spilled some pasta on my dress. Why don’t you help me clean up instead?’
“How indecent…” Mariya had a look of pure shock and disgust.
“Oi oi…” Lucretia exclaimed as Shizuka grabbed onto her hand.
“What the… Shizuka?” Erica was surprised when Shizuka grabbed onto her as well.
“Listen, I’ll help both of you clean up. Come with me.” With that, Shizuka took them both and stormed out of the room.
Godou sighed in relief. He hoped that they would not have to do any weird battles with mystical beings for the night. He was so fed up with all the teasing that he laid down on the couch in defeat. I wonder where I’ll take Miss Lucretia to go to tomorrow.