AT THE SAME TIME
ISABELLA
By the time I made my way through the last stall, the sun had just begun to peek over Orario's rooftops. The air shimmered faintly with morning light, that golden haze that made everything feel softer, even the cobblestones under my boots. My basket was heavier than usual, filled with vegetables, herbs, and cuts of meat wrapped neatly in paper. Every sound the chatter of merchants, the calls of hawkers, the clink of coins wove together into something comforting. I'd missed this kind of morning peace.
"System check." I murmured quietly as I adjusted my grip on the basket.
"Inventory status. Full. All priority ingredients secured. Emotional state - stable. Objective - return to Hostess of Fertility before opening hours."System said.
"Stable." I repeated with a little laugh. "That's rare for me."
I stopped at a small herb vendor tucked between two larger stalls. She was young, barely older than me and her table was piled high with bundles of green, still damp with dew.
"Morning." I greeted. "You have any fresh parsley or basil?"
She smiled brightly.
"Sure do! You're that girl from Mama Mia's place, right? The one who makes that curry everyone's talking about?"She asked.
My cheeks warmed instantly.
"O-oh. People are talking?"I asked.
She nodded enthusiastically.
"Half the guild office was buzzing about it yesterday! Said it tasted like it was made by a goddess herself!"She said.
I laughed nervously, brushing my bangs back.
"I think that's a bit much… but thank you. I'll take two bunches of basil and one parsley, please."I said.
She wrapped them neatly and passed them over.
"Tell Mama Mia I said hello, and that I still can't get a table without a reservation now, thanks to you."She said.
"I'll… apologize in advance." I said, grinning.
By the time I reached the street leading back toward the cafe, the rest of Orario was properly awake. Merchants were shouting prices, adventurers in mismatched armor passed by, and the smell of bread, oil, and smoke hung thick in the air. I slowed down a little. The Hostess of Fertility's sign came into view ahead, the faint clatter of dishes already echoing from inside. Syr was probably prepping the tables, humming like she always did, and Mama Mia was likely barking orders before breakfast even started.
A small smile tugged at my lips. This place had become my world so quickly. When I stepped through the back entrance, the familiar scent of coffee and wood polish wrapped around me like a hug. Syr glanced up from wiping the counter.
"Early again, Isabella?" She said with a teasing grin.
"I wanted to make sure we have everything before the rush." I answered, setting my basket down with a thump. "The market was lively this morning."
She peeked into the basket, eyes widening.
"Looks like you cleared out half the market! Mama Mia's going to think you're planning a feast."She said.
"Maybe I am." I said with a small shrug. "We ran out of curry by noon yesterday. I don't want to be unprepared again."
From behind the kitchen door, Mama Mia's deep voice rumbled.
"That's the kind of thinking I like to hear. Get your prep done before the lunch crowd hits."She said.
"Yes, ma'am!" I replied automatically, already rolling up my sleeves.
"System note - motivation levels optimal. Objective progression: steady. Emotional signature: anticipation mixed with pride."System said.
As I started sorting the vegetables and washing them in the sink, the light filtering through the kitchen window turned warm and golden. The sound of Syr humming in the next room, the low rumble of Mama Mia's voice, the bubbling water, all of it blended into something peaceful.
The lunch rush hadn't even begun yet when the café door swung open with a loud clang. I looked up from slicing carrots and blinked. A young adventurer stumbled in, dragging something heavy wrapped in thick, wet cloth. His armor was splattered with mud and faint traces of monster ichor.
"Uh, good morning?" I said hesitantly.
He grinned sheepishly, brushing his messy hair back.
"Morning! You're Isabella, right? The one who made that curry?"He asked.
"...Yes?" I replied slowly, eyeing the dripping bundle. "And you are…?"
"Galen. E-rank adventurer. I, uh— kinda caught something weird on my way back from the lower river tunnels." He tugged the cloth open with a proud little flourish. "Thought maybe someone here would want it."
Underneath, a long, slick body glistened in the light. It looked like a cross between an eel and a salamander deep black skin, small sharp fins, and faintly glowing blue streaks running down its length.
"System scan." I whispered quickly.
"Identified. River Serpent (Tier 1). Edible after purification. Flavor profile: similar to freshwater eel. Risk: low if cooked thoroughly."System said.
My eyes lit up.
"An edible serpent? Oh… oh this could work."I said.
Galen blinked.
"Wait, really? You're not grossed out?"He asked.
I shook my head, excitement bubbling up.
"Not at all! It's perfect. The texture looks firm, if I prepare it right, it could taste like unagi!"I said.
He tilted his head.
"Una-what now?"He asked.
"Japanese-style grilled eel." I said, already rolling up my sleeves. "It's sweet, savory, smoky… perfect for rice bowls."
Syr peeked from behind the counter, curiosity sparkling. "Ohh, new recipe already? You never stop, do you?"She asked.
I smiled shyly.
"It's… kind of addictive."I said. Turning back to the adventurer, I asked, "How much for the serpent?"
"I don't really know the market price. Was gonna sell it to the guild, but… I'd rather see what you make with it."He said.
"Deal." I said immediately, slipping him a few valis. "Fair trade."
"Works for me!" He said cheerfully, accepting the coins. "Just promise I get to try it first, yeah?"
"Promise."I said.
The kitchen filled with the scent of sizzling oil soon after.
I worked carefully, first cleaning and slicing the serpent into long fillets, removing the spine, then brushing them with a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and a touch of rice wine I'd bartered for earlier that week. The skin crackled softly against the pan, caramelizing to a deep golden brown. A smoky sweet aroma filled the air, rich and savory. Syr leaned in the doorway, practically purring.
"Mmm… that smell." She whispered. "It's unfair how good you're getting at this."
Mama Mia grunted approvingly from her post by the door.
"You'd better not burn that sauce. Keep it even."She said.
"Yes, ma'am!" I said, turning the fillets carefully.
"System log - new recipe detected - 'Serpent Kabayaki.' Temporary buff on consumption: stamina regeneration + mild charisma boost."System said.
When the final glaze shimmered perfectly, I plated the dish over steaming rice, drizzling the rest of the sauce on top. The blue streaks on the serpent's skin had turned a glossy, iridescent sheen, almost magical. I set a plate in front of Galen.
"Here. Fresh off the pan."I said.
He took a cautious bite, then froze. His eyes widened, pupils dilating.
"Oh gods, this is-"He begun.
"Good?" I asked nervously.
"GOOD?" He almost shouted, slamming his spoon down. "This is divine! My whole body feels like it's buzzing!"
Syr giggled softly.
"Looks like another Food Boost hit."She said.
Mama Mia's lips twitched into the faintest smirk.
"You've done it again, girl. Seems even monsters are no match for your frying pan."She said.
I flushed, rubbing my arm sheepishly.
"I just… wanted to see if something strange could become delicious."I explained.
"System update - new subskill acquired - Monster Cuisine Adaptation."System said.
As Galen licked his fingers clean and immediately asked for seconds, I couldn't help but smile to myself. The Hostess of Fertility wasn't just serving adventurers anymore, it was becoming a place where even the monsters of Orario could find a second life… as something beautiful, warm, and unforgettable on a plate.