182 Food Triumphs Over Nightmare
After returning to the real world, and after Shirou had calmed down, he considered the problem from the perspective of the real world, outside the dream world, and finally found the breakthrough that he hadn't been able to think of before.
Previously, because he was in the dream world, all he thought about was how to defeat that distorted, terrifying, and unreasonable monster.
But, considering it from the real world's perspective, the monsters in nightmares are inherently irrational. The nightmares people have in childhood can be bizarre and endless; they might be afraid of a vacuum cleaner, medicine, or even a rag doll.
They might, when half-asleep or feverish, imagine the bright spot of a charger or a strange sound as a glowing green python or a monster.
These are somewhat related to people's psychological factors. Some people are afraid of caterpillars, spiders, or cockroaches, some are afraid of mice, and most people are probably afraid of snakes and scorpions. Yet, there are indeed people who like to keep these kinds of reptiles as pets.
It is understandable, based on common sense, that these people, although their interest is niche, are not immune to pain or invincible to all poisons.
It is precisely because of the existence of such diverse people that there are so many dreams. Therefore, the black mud monster, which gathers all these nightmares and sweet dreams into one body, is naturally a collection of all sorts of oddities.
But precisely because of this, it can be confirmed that the black mud monster's ability is absolutely not omnipotent. Even if she can create a collective dream world and set the script with a fairy-tale theme, not all entities act according to the script.
Not only are there existences like Merlin and Tamamo Cat who play dual roles, but there are also figures with overly distinct personalities, such as the singing Mad Hatter. The actions of these characters are driven by their own will and are not controlled by the black mud monster.
Once entering the world of dreams, the restrictions of various physical and bodily aspects in reality are lifted. Humans are not the party to be completely slaughtered.
In fact, among the classifications of human dreams, there is a category called lucid dreaming. In this state, a person clearly realizes in the dream that they are dreaming. From that moment on, the nightmare no longer feels scary, and they can even control the dream world as they please.
Humans in this state are the masters of the dream. Even if the incubus Merlin were to invade their dream, he would be effortlessly crushed with one hand, and even the black mud monster would not fare well.
Dreams are things that can change due to feelings in reality. If encouraged, people will become more proactive when fighting against certain things inside the dream.
What Shirou needs to do is to help people in the real world build the courage and positive attitude to confront the dream, using fantasy to fight fantasy.
At dinner time, the students were still sleepy and returned to their rooms to rest. Shirou called Chaldea and asked to contact Jeanne and Tamamo Cat, and the others in the dream world.
"Hmm, everything is fine for now. When Merlin was building the house, he seemed to have already considered the possibility of an attack, so it's protected," Da Vinci explained.
"Is that so? That's great. I'll have to thank him next time I see him," Shirou said, letting out a sigh of relief.
"If you want to thank me, you can do it now," a handsome man with silver hair and purple eyes appeared uninvited in a holographic projection on the other side of Da Vinci's screen.
"Ah! Merlin! You finally show up!" Da Vinci said.
"Merlin, is there anything you can teach me? A way to create a breakthrough in that dream world?" Shirou asked the silver-haired man.
Merlin replied, "Just do it the way you've thought of, Shirou. But time is running out. All I can do is a distraction spell, so the black mud monster can't perceive the castle."
"So, do you think the method I've devised is feasible?" Shirou asked.
"Theoretically, it is indeed feasible, and with my assistance, the possibility is even greater. This is a method that only a human from another world could think of, Shirou. Well done. Just go ahead and do it." Merlin said with an approving smile.
"I understand! Then, could you help me contact Jeanne and the others this time?" Shirou nodded, then turned to Da Vinci and asked.
"Yes, yes. I'll patch you through to the castle then," Da Vinci said cheerfully.
The holographic image in front of Shirou suddenly changed, and he saw a flash of a slender, pale body. A girl with pink cherry-blossom hair and braids... no, a boy, was running around the castle hall in an unprecedentedly unrestrained state, embracing nature.
"You scoundrel! Don't run around naked in someone else's house after a shower! And wait, you're a guy?! You damn pervert! My eyes! I'll set you on fire!" Jeanne roared.
"Ya ha ha, Jeanne is angry~!" Astolfo happily ran behind his companion's cloak to hide.
"Don't come near me! People will think I'm like you!" the blonde-haired White Lily Knight said to the person hiding behind him.
"Eh? That's cold. To anyone, we're the same comrades, aren't we?" Astolfo said, poking D'Eon's tender and bouncy cheek with his finger from behind.
"At least put on some clothes before you say that! Are you even a knight of France like this?" D'Eon lectured, annoyed.
"Eh... although I'm a Knight of Charlemagne, I'm actually from Britain. Alright, alright, I'll put them on, okay?" Astolfo pouted, put down a small piece of blue and white cloth he was holding in his hand, and slipped it on directly behind the cloak.
"Look! I'm not some crazy jerk like Roland who throws tantrums when heartbroken. I'm properly wearing underwear, see!" Astolfo boasted, showing D'Eon his striped underwear.
"No, in a sense, this is even worse," Sanson commented coolly.
"Great! Our pervert team has a new member!" Mozart said with a cheerful smile.
Nearby, Emperor Louis, sitting at a table drinking tea, looked at these people with a subtle expression, remaining silent.
"Your Majesty! No, I have no association with these people at all, hmmph... How embarrassing." Just standing with these people was enough to make D'Eon feel ashamed.
"Well, it's boring to stay here all the time, so I shall sing a song," the Dragon Girl Elizabeth, holding a microphone, was about to practice, but the Cat Girl opened her mouth wide and bit her tail.
"Kyaaah~! What do you want, little cat?" Elizabeth cried out.
"Lizard girl, let's play, nya! The princess said you sing because you're lonely, so the kitty will play with you, wan~!" Tamamo Cat said with a laugh.
"I'm not a lizard, I'm a dragon!" Elizabeth corrected.
"Dragons should be thick and long, nya? Is this a new Western dish, wan?" Tamamo Cat exclaimed, confused.
"Don't eat me!" Elizabeth tried to shake off Tamamo Cat, who was clinging to her tail.
The black-haired, glasses-wearing princess who instigated Tamamo Cat was sitting on the floor on the side, wearing a pink bat-eared cap, playing a game on a computer connected from who-knows-where.
Watching these scenes of farce, Shirou couldn't help but feel that his previous worries might have been unnecessary.
"Haha, this is great. As long as everyone is safe, that's what matters most," Shirou laughed out loud from the bottom of his heart.
"Ah! Shirou! Are you okay over there? Why did you only contact us now!!" Jeanne complained.
"I'm sorry, Jeanne, for making you worry," Shirou apologized, clasping his hands together.
Jeanne twisted her mouth awkwardly and said something contrary to what she felt, "Who was worried about you! There are probably very few people in the world as stubborn and resilient as you. It doesn't matter if you don't come back; just stay in Paris and eat baguettes with cheese! I can take care of that monster by myself."
Shirou nodded, looking at the silver-haired girl, and sincerely promised, "Yes, I will definitely come back. I won't keep you waiting. I'll find a way right away, and then I'll fight side-by-side with you."
"Hmph... Hmph, fine, whatever," Jeanne looked away, pursing her lips, trying hard not to smile.
"Master! Master!" Tamamo Cat used Elizabeth as leverage and jumped right up to the holographic image, shouting happily.
"The kitty worked hard for Master, so remember to give head pats as a reward, nya," Tamamo Cat said, soliciting praise with a smile.
"I know, and a radish too, right," Shirou promised with a smile.
"As expected of the kitty's Master~!" Tamamo Cat nodded happily.
"Shirou-san, you've accepted my friend request, haven't you?" Osakabehime came up, holding her phone, and asked quietly.
"Ah! I've added you. But I've been busy and stressed, so I haven't contacted you yet. I apologize," Shirou looked at her.
"No... there's still a long way to go. I look forward to... Ah! No, I'm just a humble lady. Please continue to look favorably upon me," Osakabehime held her phone to her chest with both hands, blushing slightly as she bowed.
"Please do the same," Shirou replied with a smile. Huh? Why does this feel a bit like a marriage interview?
"..."
"Everyone, please step aside!" A clear, neutral voice called out.
Emperor Louis, supported by D'Eon, walked forward.
"Thank you, D'Eon, that's enough." Emperor Louis seemed no longer restricted by the setting after the collapse of the fairy-tale world, but he seemed weakened now due to the shock of his Queen's death. He looked up at the young man in the holographic projection and smiled:
"Shirou, so you are a person from another world. I always thought you were exceptional and special. So this is why."
"Yes, Your Majesty, I apologize for keeping it a secret before," Shirou said, looking at this kind-hearted uncle.
"No, I thank you for taking us in. But have you figured out a strategy against that monster?" the Emperor asked.
"Yes, I'm trying right now. If I can free people from the black mud monster's control in this dream world, the monster will definitely weaken," Shirou said.
"Is that so? Please, I beg you. This is too heartbreaking," Emperor Louis said, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Understood," Shirou nodded and promised. Indeed, for the Emperor uncle, who is not a Heroic Spirit, this world has nothing to do with him anymore. The current situation is too cruel; he had died before his wife and son in life, and this time he watched his wife be swallowed by that distorted monster.
"Please, you must save France! This is an elegant and romantic city, and it absolutely should not be so bleak. Please release the poor Parisian people from this ordeal of being tormented by bad dreams. I swear I will assist you with all my strength." Although Emperor Louis was physically weak, he spoke these words with great determination. This was his heartfelt plea.
"Your Majesty..." Shirou looked at this good-natured uncle with some surprise. He hadn't expected that what he cared about at this moment was his country. Yes, the person in front of him was indeed an Emperor. Even a defeated ruler had their dignity.
The young man loudly reassured him, "I understand! This is what I will achieve, even if it costs me everything!"
"Jeanne, Tamamo Cat, everyone, wait for me. I will definitely find a way to defeat the black mud monster and come to save you." Shirou vowed.
"Mmm, Shirou, come back quickly. I'm looking forward to your cooking," Astolfo smiled brilliantly, showing his fangs, and waved his hands.
"You should really go put on some clothes," Shirou retorted.
After the Paris branch school approved the request, Shirou and Erina started preparing all the necessary ingredients in a vacant kitchen in the culinary arts department.
Shizuka Hiratsuka was sitting at a small table on the side, typing on a laptop. She was in a good mood, humming a tune while working on the application report for the necessary materials. "Qui se lamentent et qui râlent... I hate those who are always the same and those who cry all day long. I hate those who always complain, those who have lost interest in life..."
A sweet, lively, and refreshing tune came from Shizuka Hiratsuka's lips.
"Hmm? What are you singing, Sensei? A French song?" Erina asked curiously.
"It's a song by Alizée from France," Shizuka Hiratsuka explained with a smile.
"Ohh," Shirou and Erina responded in surprise, then both paused and fell silent. They hadn't expected Hiratsuka-sensei to be unexpectedly knowledgeable, even able to sing a French song?
Shizuka Hiratsuka looked at the young man and woman, asking doubtfully, "Eh? You don't know? Alizée? The little European music diva of the '80s. Although she's faded from the music scene now because of marriage and childbirth, back then she was a world-class youth idol, one who could dance and sing."
"Huh... Is it possible that to you young people, singers from the '80s are already outdated aunties? Is there a generational gap... Is it impossible for people your age to even touch upon childhood memories, to the point where you can't even say things like 'I grew up listening to your songs'?
Forget it. Maybe we should look for someone more popular now... like Lena Ka? Wait, she seems even older... I guess so, how could I know the preferences of high school students like you..." Shizuka Hiratsuka fell into deep self-denial.
"Hey! Hiratsuka-sensei, what are you doing going to the corner of the wall?" Erina shouted, annoyed.
"Exactly, Sensei! Don't get discouraged on your own! We know those people, we know Jay Chou! We know Michael Jackson, too." Shirou quickly tried to comfort her.
After all, classic music is immortal. As long as a song is good and can move people, it won't be forgotten even after centuries. There are still many modern people who listen to Mozart, Chopin, and Beethoven and find them enjoyable.
"Really?" Shizuka Hiratsuka, squatting in the corner, looked back and asked pitifully.
"Yes, yes, and it's very good. Good enough that people would rush to listen if you held a concert," Shirou consoled her.
"That's a good suggestion!" Just then, the team leader teacher, who was here for inspection, walked in through the doorway and interjected.
"Eh, eh?" The three people in the room all cried out at the same time.
"By the way, my eternal goddess is Sophie Marceau," the team leader teacher pushed up his thick glasses, which obscured his eyes, and smiled until wrinkles appeared, showing the air of a true fan.
"No, none of us asked about your interests, Sensei," Shirou and Erina waved their hands.
"No, Sensei, I'd rather not sing or anything," Shizuka Hiratsuka said hastily.
"No, Hiratsuka-sensei! The purpose of us holding this gourmet event is to cheer up the people who have been dejected lately. So, in addition to delicious food, holding a performance event
with public participation is also a great idea. If our school had an act that could sing French songs, it would definitely be well-received," the team leader teacher said.
"But... Sensei!" Shizuka Hiratsuka still wanted to refuse.
The team leader teacher directly interrupted her and continued to persuade her patiently, "No buts! All the teachers and students of our Chiba branch school are counting on you, Hiratsuka-sensei! And if you succeed, I will submit an application for the highest bonus amount for you, and your staff evaluation for this year will also..."
"..." Shizuka Hiratsuka hesitated when she heard this, then resolutely agreed. Yes! To help her lovely students! To help this dispirited Paris! What did it matter if she sacrificed herself a little!
With this bonus, her food expenses and car fuel for the year would be covered. The money saved could be used for gacha pulls! When Scáthach's limited banner came out, she would definitely get her this time!
"Then I'll leave it to you, young lady," the team leader teacher patted the young Shizuka Hiratsuka's shoulder and left with a smile.
"Ah, she succumbed. She succumbed in the face of profit..."
"A carrot and a stick. That team leader teacher is indeed no simple person."
Shirou and Erina watched the team leader teacher leave, thinking to themselves.
The Paris branch school also seemed to take this proposal seriously; they efficiently called in construction workers to set up a tent on the school's spacious lawn. Of course, a stage for the performance event would not be missing, and a brightly colored red carpet was laid on the ground.
Dozens of meters away from the stage, on an open area, cooking stations were set up for easy food preparation. All kinds of ingredients were ready, with electric ovens and other equipment behind, connected to the school's power supply via extension cords.
The necessary ingredients could be retrieved from the food warehouse using a trolley. As expected of a school with a culinary arts department, it had its own cold storage stocked with various ingredients.
Tables were covered with white tablecloths, topped with self-service plates and cutlery. A vase of fresh flowers was placed on each table, with a few drops of water sprayed onto the petals to make them look more vibrant. To give the teachers and students here a taste, Shirou and Erina would hold a tasting session here today to show everyone what they were capable of.
If they were going to do it, they would do it well. So, Shirou and Erina, both dressed in professional white chef uniforms, walked over.
Shirou wore a white hat, a red scarf tied around his collar, and a red apron tied around his waist. As expected of the man best suited for an apron in the world, just standing there gave a warm feeling as if one had returned home.
Erina tied her shiny blonde hair back. The fitted white chef uniform suited her like a combat suit, displaying her proud figure while looking clean and pure.
Because both of their chef uniforms fit them so perfectly, those unaware might think they were shooting an idol drama. Therefore, when the two of them first arrived at the cooking station, they were met with enthusiastic applause from the students.
"Whoa, oh," some students booed playfully.
"Erina, is that your boyfriend?" A culinary arts girl who was familiar with Erina asked, gossiping.
"No! Mind your own business~!" Erina glared at her and said.
"..." The girl pouted in disappointment.
Shirou introduced himself with the help of the teacher's translation.
The black-haired, brown-haired, and blonde students in the audience enthusiastically greeted the young man.
"Welcome, Shirou~! The uniform suits you."
"Bonjour, Shirou~!"
"Thank you, hello everyone," Shirou nodded in response.
Then the team leader teacher continued in French, "Now, let Shirou-kun and Erina-chan from our Chiba branch school demonstrate their culinary skills as a warm-up for tomorrow's gourmet event."
"Oh, oh, we're looking forward to it, Erina~!" The culinary arts students seemed to hold Erina in high regard and cheered.
"Hmph, just wait to be conquered by my food. And Shirou, are you really not considering a cook-off now? We even have the culinary arts teachers here, so there's no shortage of judges," Erina said, looking at the young man again.
Shirou shook his head and refused, "No, this time we'll focus on making dishes that bring joy and express our full capabilities. If we're going to compete, let's at least do it next time with a limited set of dishes."
After all, the purpose of this event was to create dishes that could genuinely make the guests happy, so all their effort should be focused on serving the guests and trying their best to discover the flavors each guest liked most.
Competing with limited ingredients at this time would be pointless.
"Is that so? Then let's save it for next time," Erina nodded, accepting his reasoning, but still pointed a finger at the young man and said, "However! Even so, I will still make dishes that are more delicious and more highly praised than yours!"
"Is that so? I look forward to it," Shirou replied with a light smile.