Chapter 3: Kobayashi Rindo's Happiness, the Arrival of the Stellaron Hunter!
Kobayashi Rindo had accidentally arrived at the restaurant in 'Gensokyo'.
Accepting the owner's hospitality, she had originally just thought of filling her stomach, paying, and leaving, but...
Now, she was already having other thoughts.
Because as one of the 'Tohtsuki Elite Ten' herself, she had felt the distinct impact delivered by someone else's cooking for the first time!
And the dish the other party brought out was called 'Longjing Shrimp with Herb-Lemon Butter Baked Prawns'.
The first thing Kobayashi Rindo saw were the brilliantly golden, large prawns that met her eyes, gleaming with an enticing luster.
They seemed to have been granted new life, as if just scooped from the sea under the moon, surrounded by glistening, jade-green Longjing shrimp, like a fantastical combination woven from emerald and gold!
Each large prawn seemed like an otherworldly treasure, full of allure.
Especially that layer covering the surface, thin as a cicada's wing yet extremely rich—the herb-lemon butter sauce—left an endlessly delightful aftertaste.
Her appetite greatly stimulated because of this, Kobayashi Rindo finished tasting the shrimp and immediately targeted a large prawn.
She carefully picked one up and gently took a bite.
In that instant, the entire world seemed to stand still.
At this moment, a field of brilliant colors blossomed before Kobayashi Rindo's eyes.
She felt as if she were standing in a garden filled with miracles.
The prawn meat she had just put in her mouth was fresh, tender, and juicy, releasing an indescribably wonderful flavor in her mouth.
Accompanied by the unique fragrance of herbs and lemon, along with the rich texture of the butter, every bite was an ultimate tease to her taste buds.
As she chewed, those flavors leaped and danced like sprites, weaving a magnificent symphony upon the tip of her tongue.
"Ahh... This method of preparation isn't uncommon, but it's incredibly difficult to control the flavor components so accurately and excellently."
Unable to forget her evaluation, Kobayashi Rindo spoke entranced, while simultaneously picking up the next prawn.
Shameimaru Aya at the side saw this scene, and drool unconsciously dripped from her mouth.
Eh, eh, eh?
What's going on?
The customer before her seemed like she was under some kind of illusion spell, her emotions were quite unnatural!
No! It should be called 'very abnormal'!
Thinking this, Shameimaru Aya's gaze fell upon the dish that had made Kobayashi Rindo become 'entranced'.
Just as she was about to secretly grab one to try, she was caught firmly by Kobayashi Rindo.
"This is mine...!"
"Whoa! Red-haired devil! It's the red-haired devil!"
Although Shameimaru Aya had struggled for many years in Gensokyo, she rarely encountered such an emotionally unstable person.
No, it should be 'someone made strange by delicious food'.
"I get it! I get it! I won't steal any!"
"Good that you know."
Kobayashi Rindo released Shameimaru Aya's arm and continued savoring the delicious food before her.
Next, she aimed for the Longjing shrimp.
The moment she put them in her mouth, the soft shrimp slipped gently down her throat like mischievous little sprites, bringing a feeling of refreshing refinement.
The unique fresh fragrance of Longjing tea perfectly merged with the savory freshness of the shrimp.
Not only was there no trace of greasiness, but it instead added a touch of elegance, making her feel as if she were strolling through a tea garden in the early morning, feeling the warmth of the first rays of sunlight.
So comfortable...
So pleasant...
Receiving these impacts, Kobayashi Rindo's face gradually flushed red, her eyes sparkling with the light of surprise and emotion.
She almost couldn't believe that such an incomparably delicious dish actually came from the hands of a strange owner in a strange restaurant.
"This... This is practically like magic."
She murmured in a low voice, her tone filled with astonishment and excitement.
At this moment, food was no longer just a means to satisfy hunger, but a palace for enjoying life.
Kobayashi Rindo finished the dish before her very quickly, simultaneously lifting her head to look at the restaurant's owner.
Luke, looking satisfied, didn't wait for her to speak and asked:
"Want another serving?"
"Of course!"
"Coming right up."
Before his voice faded, Shameimaru Aya beside them hurriedly raised her right hand.
"Me, me, me! Me too! I want a serving too!"
"Do you have money?"
"Of course I do! Besides, this Kobayashi-san might not have money either!"
"She's different. She's a new customer, gets a discount. As for you... extra charge."
"Eh?! Why!"
""Shocking! Popular Gensokyo Restaurant Owner Teams Up with Kamishirasawa Keine-sensei to Create Psychedelic Reading Material!""Too Scary! Night is Coming! Luke Bought a Young Girl in the 'Human Village'!" The former was just publishing a very popular cookbook, the latter was just having the shop deliver goods to the door. You just know how to make stuff up."
"There won't be a next time!"
Shameimaru Aya slumped onto the table, apologizing.
Luke sighed lightly and headed to the kitchen.
"Just this once."
"As expected of Boss Luke!"
Shameimaru Aya immediately lifted her head, revealing a smile.
And while Luke was busy, the restaurant, having opened early, suddenly welcomed a new visitor.
The bell on the main door rang, and a woman entered the establishment.
"Ara."
The newcomer sized up the restaurant before her, smiling faintly.
"Looks like this 'Stellaron Hunter's' midnight stroll is turning out a bit different, hm?"
The woman's gaze landed on Luke.
"Are you the owner here?"
"My name is Luke. And you...?"
"Kafka."
Kafka, having introduced herself, chose a seat by the window.
"What's good to eat here?"
She picked up the menu and calmly began to choose.