My Refrigerator Turned Into A Dungeon
Irori Dinner"Hmm, so you're gonna cook for me? Well then, feel free to use whatever you need."When I asked about the current food stockpile while preparing dinner for t

Irori Dinner

"Hmm, so you're gonna cook for me? 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 mentioned he had more than a year's worth of rice for themselves.

Not only that, but he also had homemade miso, soy sauce, and pickles in such abundance that it was impossible for one person to consume 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 homemade 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 time, 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 meat 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 simmered away.

"What's this, Machi, aren't you eating?"

"Nah. Actually, we eat this all the time. So for us, the fresh vegetables you grew, Grandpa, are way more of a treat."

On the other hand, our meal 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 same as the same 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 some of the simmering 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 smell were soothing.

As I watched the grandfather and granddaughter caring for each other, I nodded in agreement with Nina-san and enjoyed my fresh TKG (Tamago Kake Gohan - egg on rice).

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