NOVEL WEB Chapter 139.2
A Fragrant And Delicious Grilled Rice Ball Made With White Dashi
Just as Yuuri’s stomach growled softly, the rice balls were done. He placed them on a large plate and started grilling the next batch, aiming for a crispy outside and fluffy inside.
“Done! …I’ll taste one first.”
Yuuri picked up the first grilled rice ball, which had cooled slightly, and took a bite. The crispy, toasty surface reminded him of the crust that forms at the bottom of a pot when cooking rice. The subtle flavor of the white dashi was delicious.
After enjoying the crispy exterior, he reached the fluffy rice inside. The seasoned rice spread its umami flavor in his mouth. The combination of crispy and chewy was delightful.
The sesame seeds, bonito flakes, and shiso also added their own flavors. The bonito flakes contributed umami, while the sesame and shiso added aroma and freshness. The small rice ball was perfectly balanced, and Yuuri finished it in no time.
“Grilling really makes it even better. Next time, I’ll try adding a bit of sesame oil. Or maybe some ginger juice…”
…Yuuri, the meticulous man, clearly inherited the Japanese gene for culinary experimentation. If something was delicious, he couldn’t help but think of ways to make it even better. Not that anyone would scold him for it.
“…By the way, Magg, where are you going with that plate?”
“…”
“You can eat some, but if you eat it all, you won’t have room for dinner. If you’re going to eat, let’s share with everyone, okay?”
“…Understood.”
“It took you way too long to nod!”
Magg, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, was holding the plate of grilled rice balls. He was naturally good at hiding his presence, often disappearing without realizing it. Yuuri knew that Magg would be drawn to the aroma of the white dashi, which contained broth.
After a long silence, Magg finally nodded. It took him a while, but it was progress compared to before when he would’ve just taken everything without a word.
“Where is everyone?”
“Over there.”
“I see. Then, I’ll prepare some drinks. Can you go call them?”
“…”
“Don’t worry, I already tasted one, so I won’t eat any more.”
“Understood.”
Assured that the rice balls wouldn’t disappear while he was gone, Magg handed the plate back to Yuuri and left. He walked quickly—running in the hideout was frowned upon—but his footsteps were almost silent, which was a bit eerie.
“…I heard Magg’s job class is assassin, and I can totally see why…”
Yuuri sighed. Everyone probably felt the same way. The boy raised in the slums was growing up in his own unique way. …By the way, Magg’s ability to hide his presence and move silently was something he had developed long before being taken in, likely as a survival skill in the slums. Yuuri and the others never asked, as the stories would probably be too grim.
After all, the slums were a world apart from their own, and hearing about it would likely make their stomachs churn. Plus, it would probably turn into a scary story, which they didn’t want. Most of the others had grown up in safer environments.
Magg returned with the trainees in tow. As expected, they were delighted to see the grilled rice balls Yuuri had prepared. Yuuri was relieved that the leftover rice hadn’t gone to waste.
…Or so he thought.
“I said, why do you keep getting in my way when I try to eat?!”
“…Portion.”
“I made sure everyone got two each!”
“…Size.”
“They’re the same, you idiot!”
The usual bickering had begun.
There were eight grilled rice balls in total, and the trainees had divided them equally, two per person. But as they ate, Magg noticed that Urgus’s rice balls looked bigger than his. So, he kept pulling at Urgus’s hand, trying to interfere.
As Magg and Urgus continued their endless squabble, Camille and Yakk watched with warm smiles, munching on their rice balls. They knew better than to get involved, as it wouldn’t change anything. Urgus was clearly Magg’s designated target.
“…Why do they fight over a single rice ball…”
““It’s Magg.””
“Yakk and Camille, you’re so in sync… Here, some lukewarm tea. It’s easier to drink with the warm rice balls, right?”
“Thanks, Yuuri.”
“This helps. I like cold drinks too, but it feels like a waste to let the warm rice balls get cold.”
As Yuuri poured lukewarm tea into glasses, Camille murmured thoughtfully. With his refined appearance, it was a bit surreal to see him munching on rice balls while holding a glass.
Yakk also alternated between sips of tea and bites of rice ball, looking content. Meanwhile, across from them, Urgus and Magg continued their never-ending battle. Fighting like this was a sign of friendship… probably.
By the way, the trainees liked the seasoned grilled rice balls so much that they suggested adding them to their lunch boxes from time to time. …The reason being that grilled rice balls could be reheated easily while out on missions.