I was reincarnated as bait for the summoned hero :
Savoring pasta for the first time in a while, I slowly chew, enjoying every bite. The fresh seafood is excellent, and the mentaiko cream sauce is undeniably delicious.
“This chewy pasta is amazing too.”
I’d used dried pasta bought from a 100-yen shop, but I had wanted to try fresh pasta. So, I experimented with a trick I saw online.
“Just soak dried pasta in water for about an hour, and it works like magic.”
I had been skeptical about such a simple method, but it worked perfectly—turning dried pasta into something with a fresh pasta-like texture. The chewy noodles blended beautifully with the cream sauce, creating a dish that was truly delightful.
Both Sheera and Ketsue seemed to love the mentaiko cream seafood pasta, happily devouring it with smiles.
“This sauce is so good! I’ll use some on the bread too,” Sheera said, cleaning the plate with the baguette and savoring every drop of sauce.
Ketsue, on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying the chewy pasta. Narrowing his eyes, he blissfully chewed each bite with his molars, completely absorbed in the experience.
(Cats sometimes have peculiar preferences for noodles or bread, and it seems Ketsue is a noodle fan.)
Watching him carefully eat the pasta one strand at a time was adorable, so there was no issue. I decided that next time, I’d make fresh ramen for him.
“Don’t forget to eat your veggies too!”
We also had carpaccio made with black sea bream sashimi. While Ketsue, who loves sushi and sashimi, devoured it without issue, Sheera hesitantly brought it to her mouth. But the moment she took a bite, her eyes widened.
“…The salad is delicious?”
“Why the questioning tone? The veggies here are great, aren’t they?”
“Oh, yes. Compared to the wild greens I used to eat in the village, the difference is night and day. But, um… is this fish?”
Sheera stared curiously at a piece of black sea bream sashimi on her fork.
“Yep, it’s fresh black sea bream we caught today. Back in my hometown, it’s common to eat fresh fish like this. But if you don’t like it, you don’t have to force yourself.”
I personally think sashimi and carpaccio are delicious, but I’d never push anyone to eat them.
“Raw fish…”
“Don’t worry, I’ve properly inspected the ingredients. There are no parasites or spoilage in this fish, so it’s perfectly safe to eat.”
Food culture is one of the most diverse aspects of life, and raw fish might be hard for some to accept.
(Sheera might enjoy steak tartare or yukhoe, though…)
As I watched her nervously, Sheera stabbed the sashimi with her fork and cautiously brought it to her mouth. She chewed slowly, savoring the taste. After swallowing, she smiled.
“This is delicious! I might like raw fish more than cooked or boiled fish.”
“Whoa…!”
Her unexpected declaration made me happy. If she likes raw fish, I can add sashimi and sushi to our menu!
After finishing the carpaccio, Sheera drank the chicken soup and moved on to the pièce de résistance: a chocolate banana crepe.
The crepe, wrapped in paper for easy eating, was filled generously.
“Mmm, the banana is delicious on its own, but the chocolate sauce makes it even better. This yellow cream is so smooth and sweet… it’s heavenly.”
She seemed to enjoy the custard cream as well. Since whipped cream was available at the convenience store, I decided to make a strawberry and whipped cream crepe next time.
Since moving out of the city inn to live in a seaside cottage, I’ve had one thought over and over.
“Tiny houses are the best…!”
With air conditioning, a clean toilet, and even a proper bath, it’s a lifestyle I can’t give up once I’ve experienced it.
Even the bed, bought from a major Japanese furniture store, is leagues ahead of what this world’s inns offer. While the local inn used hammocks made of woven plant fibers instead of straw beds, the durability was questionable. It was cool and free of pests, but…
“Not being able to cook for yourself, and dealing with constant noise from people coming and going, was a pain…”
While the inn was affordable and decent, I’m glad we moved out. Not being able to casually enjoy Japanese food and drinks had been stressful.
Evenings were particularly dull, with little to do after sundown. Thanks to the convenience store, I’ve taken up reading for fun.
Sheera also showed interest in books, so I lent her some picture books and animal photo albums. Though she can’t read Japanese, she seemed to enjoy the illustrations enough.
“Maybe I should make a hiragana chart for Sheera. Learning to read would make things more fun for her.”
I could translate everything for her, but self-learning adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
If reading becomes dull, I could even introduce her to games that Golden Dragon Lei used to love.
“Board games first. Reversi is a staple in otherworld stories, and Sheera seems like she’d enjoy puzzles too.”
Cards can wait until she learns the alphabet. Luckily, Ketsue is a genius cat who can join us in playing games.
“Entertainment is important.”
As I muttered this, I realized I’d been cooped up indoors enjoying the comforts of the cottage for too long.
Looking out the window, I saw the moonlit ocean stretching into the distance.
“Living by the sea is too great an opportunity to waste. We’ll be leaving soon to join Lei anyway, so we should enjoy our time here while we can.”
That settled it: I decided to shop for some outdoor essentials.
After browsing a furniture store, I found what I was looking for: a beach umbrella.
Instead of something colorful and eye-catching, I chose a simple, natural design and added it to my cart. Then, I picked out a matching table set and a reclining beach chair.
“A reclining chair and a colorful fruit cocktail sound like the perfect way to relax.”
This, of course, meant I needed a side table for the cocktail glass.
“Resort-style decorations and dishes are a must too. Oh, this cushion looks perfect… Wait, they sell swimsuits too?”
For women, I found a tankini set with shorts and a pareo, in a shade of blue that matched Sheera’s eyes. I added it to the cart along with a rash guard for sun protection.
For myself, I bought a simple pair of swim shorts, a T-shirt, and a rash guard.
As for Ketsue, since he doesn’t need a swimsuit, I got a small inflatable boat instead. Even if he can’t swim, he can still enjoy the sea breeze and gentle waves.
“Next, some resort-themed trinkets and dinnerware…”
We’ll explore the beach, complete guild quests, and enjoy this seaside lifestyle to the fullest.
“Alright, let’s make the most of it, you two!”
Please ignore this author’s note part (it’s for site’s technical reason)
Author’s Note:
Thank you for joining us in this cozy seaside adventure! If you enjoyed the blend of culinary delights, whimsical worldbuilding, and the charm of a medieval fantasy setting, stay tuned for more. Don’t forget to explore the glossary below for deeper insights into the world and its unique elements. Your support helps us continue crafting these stories, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or dive into our other works!
Worldbuilding Glossary:
- Mentaiko Cream Sauce: A rich, savory sauce made with cod roe, cream, and spices, popular in coastal regions where seafood is abundant. Often paired with pasta or bread in this world’s culinary traditions.
- Black Sea Bream Carpaccio: A delicacy in the seaside villages, this dish features thinly sliced raw black sea bream, drizzled with olive oil and citrus. It’s a testament to the freshness of the catch and the skill of the preparer.
- Golden Dragon Lei: A legendary figure in this world, known for their love of games and puzzles. Their influence has inspired many to incorporate strategic thinking and entertainment into daily life.
- Hiragana Chart: A writing system from the protagonist’s homeland, used to teach Sheera the basics of reading. It’s a bridge between cultures, symbolizing the blending of worlds.
- Reversi: A strategic board game introduced by travelers from distant lands. It’s gaining popularity in taverns and homes as a way to pass the time and sharpen the mind.
- Tiny House Movement: A growing trend among adventurers and settlers who value simplicity and efficiency. These compact homes, often equipped with modern comforts, are becoming a symbol of independence and innovation.
- Resort Lifestyle: A concept brought to this world by the protagonist, blending relaxation and adventure. From beach umbrellas to fruit cocktails, it’s a way to enjoy the natural beauty of the seaside while embracing a touch of luxury.
