Chapter 10: An unexpected dinner party

“This?”

Ignoring Lester’s disapproving expression, Viola brought a white object closer to his nose.

“It’s like instant cheese. Well, it’s not properly fermented since I made it this morning, so it’s not as good as the real thing.”

Early in the morning, fresh milk had been stacked in the corner of the kitchen. Since it spoils easily, Viola asked for a small portion and quickly prepared it.

She put the milk in a pot and heated it to a boil. She selected the most acidic fruit among those prepared for breakfast, squeezed the juice, and added it to the hot milk.

This is what she obtained by taking out only the solid part and cooling it.

Viola quickly transferred the vegetables she had washed and sliced earlier onto a large plate, then placed the cheese on top. Since the meat was fatty, a light seasoning would be better.

“Hey Lester, do we have any vinegar?”

“…What are you trying to make?”

“It’s okay; judging by your tone, we have some, right?”

“Well, if apple cider vinegar is fine, I have it. I bought it a long time ago, but it’s too acidic, so I haven’t used it.”

“Bought it? From humans, I assume?”

“High-ranking demons sometimes disguise themselves as humans for trade. I asked for it back then.”

Lester, rummaging in the back of the kitchen, eventually pulled out a dusty bottle. After leaving the kitchen and returning, a loud sneeze could be heard.

When Lester returned, he handed the shiny bottle to Viola with a tired expression.

“Thanks, this helps.”

Viola immediately opened it, tasted it lightly, and smiled with satisfaction. It had just the right amount of acidity.

She transferred it to a small container, added chopped ginger, and stirred. It was a bit too acidic on its own, so she needed honey or sugar.

When she conveyed this to Lester, he handed Viola a small bottle without saying anything.

Viola, without hesitation, sprinkled the finished mixture over the vegetables. In response, Lester let out a short scream.

“Hey, Viola!?”

“It’s delicious. I won’t put in too much, so don’t worry.”

Finally, with some aromatic vegetables and the hidden flavor of raisin flowers added, she lightly mixed everything.

The meat she had prepared earlier was ready to be cooked. She quickly tossed the meat into the oven that had been lit. The aroma of the cooking meat began to fill the kitchen.

At this point, it was almost done. Viola turned around and noticed that the kitchen door was slightly ajar.

Seeing the familiar wings peeking through the gap, Viola couldn’t help but suppress a smile.

“Ignatz?”

“Oh, woman!!”

“What, did you come to beg for lunch?”

“…”

Seeming to resign himself, Ignatz, who opened the door, confidently entered the room. However, his expression was somewhat awkward.

The moment his eyes caught the meat cooking in the oven, a rumbling sound echoed—his somewhat empty stomach.

“…”

“Woman!!!!”

Ignatz shouted, glaring at Viola, who couldn’t bear it anymore and burst out laughing.

“Woman!!!!! This is different; yes, it’s too bad that no one can eat it!!! I came to get it!!”

“If someone else wants it, they can have it, so don’t worry about it.”

Knowing Viola’s teasing response, Ignatz struggled to find words. His mouth moved as if he wanted to say something, and his wings fluttered nervously. It was too obvious. Too transparent.

Still, as Viola continued cooking, Ignatz’s soft voice could be heard.

“…I want it.”

“Huh? Did you say something, Ignatz?”

“I told you! Woman! I said, I want your cooking!!!”

“If that’s the case, you should have said so from the beginning. Sure, wait for me in the next room? The Grand Hall is probably for the Demon Lord, so I’ll place it next door. If anyone else wants to eat, call them over. …Arnold is fine too.”

“Hmph! I’ll go call him!!!”

After Ignatz made a fuss and left, Lester and Viola exchanged glances, both bursting into laughter at the same time.

“Ignatz is too amusing.”

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Ignatz like that.”

“Really?”

“He’s usually the right-hand man of the fearsome Demon Lord, making even crying children silent.”

“Is that the character Ignatz has?”

Amid Viola’s genuine confusion, Lester suppressed his laughter.

“It seems like even the terrifying Demon Lord’s right-hand man becomes shapeless in front of you.”

And when the dishes were ready,

As Viola opened the door to carry the food to the next room, she abruptly stopped in her tracks, her feet planted firmly.

She thought there would be just one or two people inside. It was a small room to begin with, and she had expected it to be empty. However, dozens of demons were silently fighting over the five or six available chairs. The room was originally small, and now it has a considerable density.

Lester, peering into the room from behind Viola, also let out a surprised sound.

“…How did it come to this?”

“Probably Ignatz.”

“Huh?”

“He likely spread the word all around. He’s strangely liked by everyone, so it’s natural they’d gather for this.”

“We’re short on food, and the room is small.”

“I’ll help with the cooking. But what about the room?”

“Should we use the Grand Hall after all?”

“That’s used by the Demon Lord.”

“So why not eat together?”

“Huh?”

Viola turned on her heel without hesitation and opened the opposite door. Of course, the room beyond was the Grand Hall.

With its arched high ceiling and large windows for letting in light, the Grand Hall stood out in the spacious interior. A splendid mantelpiece adorned with sculptures was installed above the fireplace.

A long table, large enough to seat ten people on one side, was placed to divide the room. The Demon Lord, seated at the far end of the table, squinted his eyes at the sudden intruder.

“You again.”

Even with a sigh, Viola remained undeterred.

“I have a proposal.”

“Rejected.”

“You won’t even listen to what I have to say?”

“I don’t have time to spare for someone like you.”

“Even though you’re obviously idle,”

Ignoring Lester’s attempt to stop her, Viola confidently stepped into the room, placing both hands on the long table and making a declaration.

“Since I’ve decided to treat everyone to my cooking, I’ll borrow this place for a bit.”

“Huh?”

“If you won’t listen to what I have to say, I won’t listen either. I’ll use this place quietly. Oh, but I’m kind, you know.”

Viola smiled sweetly and deliberately showed the meat she held in her hands.

“I’ll share some with the Demon Lord too.”

“…”

“Huh, I thought you’d say you don’t want any. Well, was my breakfast delicious?”

“Annoying.”

“Don’t even have the luxury of making sarcastic remarks? That’s unusual.”

Originally, the one being rude was the Demon Lord. Viola disliked disrespectful behavior and felt a strong urge to provoke. If a fight is offered, she’s one to accept.

Viola swung open the door to the adjacent room and shouted inside.

“I’m changing the venue! The Grand Hall next door! Don’t worry; I got permission from the Demon Lord!”

“…Is the Demon Lord here?”

“Yes.”

“O-Okay, I’m leaving!”

As the man tried to leave the room, Viola thrust the finished meat in front of him. His nose twitched at the scent.

“Leaving?”

“…”

When the man silently returned to the room, there was no one else attempting to escape.

The demons cautiously entered the room where the Demon Lord sat silently. The atmosphere felt more like an execution than a meal.

Strange. A dining place should be a happy gathering rather than this impending execution-like ambiance.

“The Demon Lord is really feared, huh?”

Muttering something that would likely cause a commotion if heard, Viola and Lester hurriedly prepared the meal.

By the time they managed to finish cooking for the number of people present, a considerable amount of time had passed. Apologizing for the delay, Viola opened the dining room door, and the atmosphere had somewhat relaxed.

On either side of the Demon Lord were Ignatz and Arnold. The Demon Lord seemed to be conversing with his two aides, occasionally addressing those sitting nearby. The expressions of those approached revealed tension, but rather than fear, it seemed more like they were trembling with respect.

Oddly enough, the Demon Lord’s expression appeared softer. Perhaps because the expressions directed at Viola had been overwhelmingly stern until now, making this seem even more noticeable.

With the help of Lester and other cooks, Viola managed to distribute the dishes. When she had finished, she was drenched in sweat.

“Please, everyone, enjoy!”

Upon Viola’s announcement, the demons eagerly dove into the dishes as if permission had been granted.

To save time on individual servings, they opted for a method of placing the food on large plates. This way of eating seemed unique to humans, and although perplexed, the demons enthusiastically reached for the dishes.

The meat, devoid of any gaminess thanks to herbs and wine, was seasoned simply with large grains of salt. The doneness was just right—neither too tough nor too raw. As a side, there was a refreshing salad with vegetables tossed in cheese. The bread, lightly warmed and thinly coated with the freshly pressed oil from Sharon fruit, had a pleasant texture. The vegetable soup, made alongside the cooking meat, also seemed to be well-received.

Viola sighed in satisfaction as she watched the demon engrossed in devouring the food.

Glancing at the Demon Lord, Viola noticed that, while he didn’t display an overly eager demeanor, his hands were still busy. For a second, it seemed to be going quite well.

The bustling Grand Hall and the refreshing sound of clinking dishes filled the air.

As Viola brought additional dishes, one man spoke up.

“Human. What’s your name?”

“I’m Viola.”

“Viola, that… was delicious.”

“Really!? Thank you!”

Viola responded with a bright, beaming smile, and the man’s expression also softened.

The unexpected dinner, which had started suddenly, concluded with great success and enjoyment.