Chapter 273.1

Chapter 273.1. Curry

-Mion’s POV-

I chop the carrots on the cutting board with a rhythmic thud. I’ve been helping out with cooking since I was little, so I’m quite skilled at it.

I cut the carrots into slightly larger pieces at the orphanage to make them more satisfying to eat. Rough chopping is fine. It’s easier that way.

“Hmm-hmm-hmm.”

I hum a tune and keep on chopping. I have to make a large quantity for all the kids, but it’s nothing special, so I don’t mind.

The kitchen is a bare concrete floor, with an antique stove, a slightly rusted faucet on the sink, and a rustling exhaust fan.

A few children are busy preparing dishes in a kitchen where practicality takes precedence.

“Mion-neesan, you seem to be in a good mood today, don’t you?”

A girl who will turn 10 this year asks the humming girl with a curious expression.

“Um, do you think so? I don’t feel particularly cheerful.”

“Yeah, you’re usually full of energy, but today you seem happy.”

She asks with her round eyes, causing me to stumble over my words. Reflected in her eyes is me, Akechi Mion, with short brown hair and faint freckles on my face.

“Well, today’s a special treat! Look, it’s curry with plenty of meat!”

I laugh nervously and avert my gaze.

“Oh, I see. I’m looking forward to the curry too!”

Her eyes shine brightly in response to Mion’s words. Everyone loves curry, but curry with plenty of meat is a rare treat.

Recently, the orphanage has received more funding. So we can afford a bit more luxury. It’s like a precautionary measure from the past to avoid getting too accustomed to luxury.

Our budget has increased because we’ve received more donations from nobles.

It’s been happening from time to time. A generous noble would donate a large sum of money, but it wouldn’t last long, and they would stop donating. So, we have to be cautious.

Well, lately, there have been more part-time jobs, such as making accessories from Sacred flowers or helping with the harvest on the farm, so even if the donations stop, I think we’re better off than before.

One of the signs of our increased budget is that we haven’t been kicked out of the orphanage, and we’ve been able to continue our education. I consider ourselves lucky.

One of those strokes of luck is coming today, but that’s not why I’m in a good mood. Absolutely not.

“You’re such a fool. Mion-nee is in a good mood today because that person is coming.”

“Yeah, that’s right. Lately, you’ve become quite alluring.”

“You’re not dressing up? With that shabby apron, you might disappoint him.”

Members who are making curry tease me one after another, causing my cheeks to unknowingly flush.

“Wrong! I’m in a good mood because of the curry! Well, I’m a little happy that he’s coming too. But more importantly, get to work!”

I wave my hands and smile, causing everyone to freeze and immediately start working on their respective tasks.

“Mion-nee’s Hanya mode…”

“Shut up.”

I lightly tap the head of the boy who mumbles like that.

I sauté the onions and flour thoroughly, quickly sear the meat to keep it from falling apart, and then add the curry powder to the pot along with the roughly chopped carrots.

At my orphanage, we prefer making our own curry powder rather than using store-bought roux because it’s more cost-effective when making large quantities.

“Mion-nee, make sure to put a lot of curry powder!”

“If you do that, it’ll become too spicy. Let’s keep it moderate.”

The younger children eagerly request, their eyes shining, so I add the curry powder with a wry smile.

Yeah, the reason for using curry powder is that when times were tough financially, we had to use less curry powder.

We had times when we’d hear “curry” and end up with a soup of vegetables that smelled like curry but lacked flavor…

The children know about this, so I emphasized it. But it’s okay. Today’s curry is a delicious one with plenty of ingredients.

“Um, how about grating some apples to make it milder?”

Thinking it might make it even more delicious, I swallow hard and suggest the forbidden secret ingredient.

“Oh, it’s said to make it milder…”

“There are still some brave souls who occasionally try it.”

“Let’s not do that. How about we eat the apples as they are?”

Since everyone opposes it in a roundabout way, I give up. I’ve tried it a few times, but adding just one apple doesn’t make much difference.

When I try to put one apple in a big pot, they stop me, saying it’s a waste, and so far, the taste isn’t there.

“There are plenty of apples today, though.”

“Comes with dessert! Yeah!”

Looks like it’s a no-go after all. Too bad.

I wanted to surprise him with a delicious curry, but… I guess I’d be happier eating dessert too.

“Okay, all that’s left is to let it simmer… Ah!”

“W-What’s wrong, Mion-neesan?”

“Do I, like, smell like curry all over now?”

I bring my hand closer to my nose, and the strong smell of curry indeed wafts from it! I didn’t realize this!

“Oh… yeah, the smell of curry is really strong. It smells delicious.”

“Idiot! It’s embarrassing to greet someone you like with the smell of curry wafting from you.”

“She’s a maiden in love!”

Everyone starts chattering excitedly, but I don’t have time to worry about that. What should I do? The orphanage’s bath hasn’t been heated yet. Should I go to the public bathhouse on my own dime?

But public baths are expensive. Should I be using the money I’ve saved up? What should I do?

As I cross my arms and ponder, it’s precisely at the moment when I’ve decided to go to the public bathhouse.

Several of my friends rush into the kitchen with bustling footsteps.