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Friends of the Heart

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

“Are you making money?” (??)

“Not too bad.” (??)

“Won’t you give me a discount?” (??)

“Why would I do that!” (??)

“Well then, goodbye.” (??)

“Thanks a lot, thanks a lot!” (??)

The streets of Osaka were very lively. Kanae’s distinctive way of speaking, which was very similar to the locals’, could be heard from all around, and it stuck oddly in the ears.

“This will definitely influence me, won’t it…” (Leon)

“Right? I think my accent will get even stronger.” (Kanae)

“Kanae-dono, what does ‘ookini’ mean?” (Filia)

“I think it means something like ‘thank you’. I don’t really use it much myself.” (Kanae)

A hundred years ago, they had gone straight to Edo, finished their business, and immediately returned to the continent. So, this was Leon’s first time coming to Osaka. By the way, the reason the hero Leon had traveled all the way to this Far East was because he needed an item that could only be obtained here.

‘At that time, you met me, degozaru!’ (Kisaragi)

“I fought so many people I don’t really remember much…” (Leon)

The hero had come from a foreign land. Hearing the rumors, the hot-blooded samurai of this country kept challenging him one after another to make a name for themselves. There was no way he could remember each one individually.

‘…A female samurai like me should be rare, degozaru.’ (Kisaragi)

“Hmm, I think I might remember, or maybe not.” (Leon)

“This is what he’s like! He doesn’t remember me at all! He isn’t even interested in humans in the first place!” (Silvia)

‘That really does sound about right, degozaru.’ (Kisaragi)

For some reason, Silvia even jumped in, and the two of them (?) looked dissatisfied together.

“It’s understandable to be vague since these are memories from a past life.” (Leon)

At that moment, the twins sniffed the air, as if they caught an interesting scent.

““Smells delicious.”” (Arc/Iris)

It was the smell of food. Their appetite was as strong as ever. Drawn by the savory scent, the twins drifted toward a nearby food stall.

“What’s that?” (Leon)

At the stall, something was being grilled, but it was something Leon did not know. Several spherical objects were lined up on what seemed to be a griddle.

“Leon-han, that’s takoyaki.” (Kanae)

“Takoyaki?” (Leon)

“It’s a food made by cooking a batter of flour with octopus and other ingredients inside. It’s one of Osaka’s famous gourmet specialties alongside okonomiyaki. When you eat it with a special sauce, it’s absolutely delicious.” (Kanae)

With the eyes of a [Emperor Chef], Leon examined the takoyaki.

“I see. The broth and seasonings mixed into the batter, the ingredients inside, how it’s cooked, and the sauce, all of these allow for various styles to enjoy. This shop seems to cook it overall to a soft, melty texture. It looks like they turn it over with those skewers, which requires delicate technique.” (Leon)

“…How do you know all that just by looking?” (Kanae)

Kanae tilted her head at Leon, who analyzed the essence of takoyaki on first sight.

“Here you go!” (Stall Owner)

The twins’ eyes sparkled in front of the hot, freshly made takoyaki. Steam rose warmly, and the bonito flakes on top danced vigorously.

“It’s hot, so you have to blow on it before eating!” (Stall Owner)

The stall owner warned them, but the twins didn’t seem to hear it. They immediately stuffed the whole thing into their small mouths.

““!”” (Arc/Iris)

“Hey, you beastly kids, are you okay!?” (Stall Owner)

““Delicious!”” (Arc/Iris)

“…Huh? You’re not burned?” (Stall Owner)

““Munch munch munch.”” (Arc/Iris)

Considering the twins’ status, a little heat was no problem. The stall owner, unaware of this, looked wide-eyed.

“Our takoyaki bursts with hot juice inside when you bite it, and most people burn their mouths…” (Stall Owner)

“W-what kind of dangerous food is that…” (Meltera)

Meltera’s face twitched as she thought about how dangerous the specialty foods of Osaka were.

““Munch munch munch… More, please!”” (Arc/Iris)

“O-okay.” (Stall Owner)

“Then I’ll have some too.” (Leon)

“Me too, me too!” (Kanae)

“Ah, then I’ll have one as well.” (Henriette)

“Thanks!” (Filia)

Since the twins ate so deliciously, Leon and Kanae wanted to try some and ordered as well. Henriette and Filia followed without losing to them, and Meltera joined in too. Tina, who was muttering excitedly, “Haa haa… I want to be eaten by loli shota…” could be left alone.

“Yeah, it’s tasty.” (Kanae)

“Hot!? Hey, Leon-han, how can you eat this without cooling it down!?” (Kanae)

“Hmph, I can eat it just like this too! Nom! — Aaaaah!?” (Meltera)

Meltera, who tried to eat a whole one at once to compete, writhed in agony. Despite being a homunculus, she seemed to have low heat tolerance.

“Y-yeah, it’s really hot… but delicious.” (Meltera)

“Yeah. I can see why it’s famous.” (Henriette)

The serious pair, Henriette and Filia, made sure to cool theirs before eating.

“Ugh, it’s always sad being the only one who can’t join in at times like this!” (Silvia)

‘Silvia-dono, I can’t eat it either, degozaru!’ (Kisaragi)

“Huh!? Does that mean I’m not alone anymore!?” (Silvia)

‘Yes, you are not alone, degozaru!’ (Kisaragi)

“Waaah, finally someone to share these feelings with~~!” (Silvia)

‘Oh, friend of the heart!’ (Kisaragi)

Silvia and Kisaragi were getting along well.

“So, Kanae-oneechan, where is your family home?” (Leon)

After savoring the takoyaki, Leon asked Kanae.

“It’s over there.” (Kanae)

She pointed to a place ahead.

“Huh? A castle?” (Leon)

It was Osaka Castle, standing tall in the center of the city.

 

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