“Alright, it’s ready! Everyone, help carry the dishes!”

Plates of varying sizes were arranged, each holding portions of fish and vegetables suited to everyone’s appetite. The fish was beautifully grilled to a golden crisp, its delicious aroma filling the entire room. The small, round bread Gatt had bought earlier was placed at the center of the table.

“Let’s eat!”

As if Mika’s earlier cooking disaster had never happened, everyone naturally clasped their hands together before digging in enthusiastically.

“Mm, delicious!”

“Papa’s cooking really is the best!”

“By any chance, is Mika’s husband a renowned chef?”

Dada asked while stuffing his mouth with a large vegetable slathered in sauce. He seemed particularly fond of the sauce’s flavor. Mika’s husband smiled bashfully, clearly pleased, while Mika giggled and shook her head.

“No, Papa is just a regular salaryman… well, someone who works with paperwork. But he’s really good at cooking!”

What had started as a weekend hobby to make his family happy turned out to suit his personality surprisingly well. At first, Mika had helped with peeling and chopping, but lately, he could manage on his own. With each attempt, his skills improved, and now the kids eagerly anticipated the lavish meals on weekends.

“Really, Papa’s cooking is the best.”

Mika laughed softly and quickly emptied her plate.

The reason the Dragonfish was far less gamey and much easier to eat than she’d heard remained unclear. Possible explanations included the pristine waters it had lived in or the fact that it had grown much larger than usual, altering its composition in the process.

Which one was correct?

The answer might lie with the now-frozen, meter-long Dragonfish resting at the bottom of the waterfall basin.

Once the Adventurer’s Guild put it up for sale and someone cooked it at home, the Dragonfish would surely become the talk of Acid in no time.

Having spent far more time than expected on the unexpected subjugation request, Mika and the others realized after finishing their meal that it was almost time to head home.

In a hurry, they unpacked the souvenirs they’d brought, and the room erupted in excitement. Flower, turned into a dress-up doll, blushed in embarrassment. Zurah was utterly fascinated by the cat-eared hoodie they’d put on Flower, while she herself had already adorned the bead-and-wire necklace she’d received.

Gatt shook the snow globe with keen interest, and Dada sprawled happily on his new beaded cushion. Though the house was small, the living room had just enough space to gradually fill with more and more belongings, packing in warmth bit by bit.

“So, this is Mama’s hideout, huh? Can I come visit sometimes too?”

“Of course, Papa! Next time, bring a big pot and frying pan so you can cook something again!”

Mika’s words made her husband nod cheerfully.

And so, Mika’s first private otherworldly adventure came to a peaceful close.