The Saintess Next Door is a Super Popular VTuber Whose Character was Designed by Me
Tonari ni Sunderu Seijo-sama wa Ore ga Chara-Design o Tantoushita Daininki VTuber deshita
Chapter 19 - The Saintess Standing in The Kitchen
“Are you sure it’s okay to use such high-end ingredients?”
Asumi had agreed to cook for the illustration work Iori worked on, so today she was in the kitchen.
However, she was a bit flustered by the quality of the ingredients provided by Iori.
“If we don’t use them, they’ll spoil. So, don’t worry about it.”
“Umm, I’ll pay you for this, okay?”
Today was February 3rd, which meant it was *Setsubun. (Note: Seasonal Division/A celebration marking the end of winter/Japan's Bean-Throwing Holiday)
Seafood such as salmon's roe, tuna, and salmon were available as ingredients for the *Ehomaki. (Note: a type of sushi roll)
Of course, these weren’t the kind of ingredients you’d find at a supermarket, they were packed in wooden boxes and carefully placed in styrofoam.
In addition, they were also shipped from famous production areas, so it was understandable that Asumi was concerned about the cost.
“Let’s stick to what we had agreed on before."
“Okay. By the way, did you go out of your way to buy these?”
Iori firmly declined Asumi’s offer to pay.
That was because there were some agreements between the two ever since they started cooking for each other.
One was avoiding wasting ingredients by communicating schedules and deciding who would handle the shopping.
The other was not to split the cost of ingredients.
Since they were cooking together and both earning income, they agreed that money issues wouldn’t arise.
Additionally, Iori often made donations during her streams, and Asumi also paid a substantial amount for requests related to costumes and other things.
"Actually, these are a return gift from the taxes I paid in my hometown."
"Oh, I see."
"It may sound boastful, but I’m a high taxpayer. Based on my income, the amount of these returns is quite large, so I’m just grateful that you’re going to use them."
Asumi seemed to understand after Iori’s explanation and clapped her hands.
"As can be expected from divine illustrator."
"Looking at the super chat rankings, you’re a high taxpayer yourself.”
"Well, super chat income does get cut quite a bit though."
"Ah......"
Given her popularity as a VTuber, Asumi received a significant amount from super chats.
However, due to agency and platform cuts and taxes, what she got was only a small fraction.
It seemed that this was true, as she gave a wry smile.
“W, well, let’s set aside the money talk. Please make it delicious.”
"Yes, leave it to me."
Focusing on anything other than the food might dampen the excitement for the ingredients.
Iori returned to the dining table and resumed his work on the tablet.
Meanwhile, Asumi changed into an apron and started preparing the high-end ingredients she had been entrusted with.
"Tokisaka-san, is the flavor of the vinegar rice okay like this?"
While working, Asumi occasionally asked for a taste test like this.
It seemed she was trying to match Iori's preferences as much as possible.
Though the saintess could still be a bit formal and distant at times, Iori found her behavior quite endearing.
"Whoa, this is good. Delicious!"
"Ah, I'm glad to hear that. Excuse me then."
Asumi brought over the vinegar rice in a small dish, and Iori took a bite. The perfect balance of sweetness and the aroma of vinegar filled his mouth.
Iori made a small circle with his fingers to signal his approval, and she broke into a smile before heading back to the kitchen.
(I think I can understand why those guys want a girlfriend.)
Watching her actions during their exchange made him feel that way.
Iori observed Asumi's half-up hairstyle and the way her apron swayed while he worked at the dining table.
It gave him a sense of what it might be like to have a family.
Of course, Asumi and him weren't in that kind of relationship, and neither of them intended to find a partner.
But at least for him, he couldn't deny that he had some admiration for having one.
It was just admiration, though, and it felt more like dreaming about something unrealistic.
To put it simply, it was similar to fantasizing about becoming a billionaire or a powerful figure.
"What’s with the staring?"
"Nothing, I just think it’s refreshing."
"Huh......?"
Asumi, while busy cooking in the kitchen, seemed to notice Iori's gaze.
So, she raised an eyebrow suspiciously.
"How should I put it? I was just wondering if having a wife feels like this."
"Geez, you were thinking that? Please focus on your work."
"I know, I know."
When Iori confessed his thought honestly, her tone turned cold, and she turned away.
She was serving him home-cooked food because she was being thoughtful about Iori.
Yet, Iori was neglecting his work, so, it was only natural for her to react that way.
"Well, I can’t say I don’t understand."
"Oh?"
"Actually, when Tokisaka-san was in the kitchen, that thought crossed my mind a little."
Not long after, Asumi mentioned this while continuing her cooking.
It seemed that when you saw someone of the opposite sex cooking or standing in the kitchen, the situation led to similar thoughts.
"Even Miss Saintess thinks about those things, huh?"
"It's just a little, okay! Unlike you, I’m not staring intently."
"Hey, hey."
But perhaps feeling embarrassed, Asumi quickly added that clarification.
Then, Iori noticed her chopping rhythm sounded to speed up a bit.
"What’s with that look?"
"Nothing at all."
For now, it'd be best to leave it at that.
And he’d better not upset her, the knife she was holding seemed a bit intimidating.
Afterward, Iori quietly decided that his next illustration to post on social media would feature "a girl standing in the kitchen."
Later on, Asumi figured out that Iori modeled it after today’s events and got mad at him. But that was a story for another time.
[To be Continued]
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