Shinji Matou at Your Service

["In the realm of food, flavor reigns supreme. People have never confined themselves to a bland list of foods. With an understanding of food, they constantly seek inspiration through transformation. One of the most exquisite and representative transformations is that of the soybean. In terms of protein provision, soybean products are the only plant-based foods that can rival meat."]

["Soy milk, tofu, dried bean curd, bean sprouts, fermented black beans, soybean paste, fermented bean curd... these are all delicious transformations of the soybean, and they are found in every corner of the world, appearing on the dining tables of millions."]

"Shinji is at it again. It's amazing how he can find so many delicious things," Byakuya praised while sipping his soup.

It was obvious that the Matou family was watching the video Shinji had sent while eating, as had become their habit.

The first time they received the videotape, the whole family eagerly opened it, only to be tantalized by the images of delicious food and various feasts. The label on the tape read "Food Trip, Episode 1," indicating it was a series, with a second, third episode, and possibly more to follow. From the second episode onward, the family would prepare food beforehand to avoid getting hungrier as they watched.

"One, two, three, four, five..."

Fujino counted on her fingers.

"Is it true that there are so many soybean products?"

"There are that many, and the DV didn't show them all."

Having spent a long time traveling around, Kirie knew quite a bit about cuisine. Whenever her family had questions, she would answer them. Although her answers might not always be accurate, they were generally on the right track.

"There are many types of tofu. I've had stinky tofu, fragrant tofu, fried tofu, tofu puffs..."

"I only know about mapo tofu."

Elsa's knowledge reflected many people.

Why it turned out this way, Shinji still didn't understand. Tofu cuisine has many signature dishes, and the spicy flavor of mapo tofu doesn't suit the generally light palate—spring onion tofu would be more appropriate.

"Don't just watch TV, eat your food. Sakura-chan's cooking skills are improving," Kariya said, putting a piece of tofu in his mouth and chewing slowly as the TV showed tofu.

Fried tofu is Sakura's specialty, and at this moment, she was smiling as she watched Shinji eating crab roe tofu on TV.

My brother is eating tofu, and I'm eating tofu too. Heh, we're in sync.

But soon, Sakura's smile became strained because the DV ended with the appearance of Arcueid—the version watched by the Matou family was the most complete, including a special greeting recorded by Shinji.

This time, the recording was made in Arcueid's little world, featuring scenes of Arcueid and Shinji playfully fighting over food at the table.

Why didn't I go with him back then? Sakura pouted, and Kirie and Fujino showed similar expressions.

◇◇◇

"What's today's theme cuisine?"

In the sealed unknown realm within Mooncell, Altera closed her eyes and read the information dispersed in the air.

Because it was a virtual spirit particle world, the filming and presentation methods were very different from the real world. In the real world, it was done with a camera, but in the virtual spirit particle world, it directly re-created Shinji's memories. More precisely, Shinji digitized his memories, then copied the needed segment and projected it for Altera to read.

It sounds complex, but it wasn't difficult for Shinji, who could manipulate spirit particles. Altera taught him a few times, and he quickly learned.

The reason for using this method was simple. When talking about food, Shinji said that words couldn't convey the deliciousness. If only you could see it. Altera said it was easy, and you could directly display the information, so she taught Shinji some spirit particle manipulation techniques, opening a new path for Shinji to explore the Third Magic.

"That's right. Nowadays, the exterior of every city looks similar. Only eating habits can serve as a distinguishing label from other places."

Shinji reproduced his olfactory memories from the kitchen, and suddenly the fiery, spicy aroma filled the entire stone chamber.

"This is fragrant and spicy; the fragrance mainly comes from the oils and the spice primarily from the chili peppers. This cuisine is like a bomb, immediately imprinting its strong regional flavor on your palate in a striking way that you will never forget."

"Hmm..."

A blush appeared on Altera's cheeks, a symptom of being stimulated by the extreme spiciness.

"It's indeed impactful, somewhat similar to the flavors in my dreams. I like this taste."

The Huns were a nomadic people, and their diet was also strong and intense, so it's no wonder Altera liked it.

"It's great that you like it."

Shinji smiled knowingly.

Culinary culture is a form of civilization. The moment you say you like it, it means your identity as a weapon of civilization destruction is no longer pure. Although it's just a seed now, Shinji believed that one day this seed would grow into a towering tree.

"Speaking of which, I've also learned how to make a few Hun dishes. It's a pity I don't have the ingredients, otherwise, I could make them for you to taste."

"Ingredients... is that so? What kind of ingredients?"

Altera asked.

"Just the ones you saw—"

"Ah, those..."

Altera clasped her hands in front of her chest and gently blew a breath. It was filled with spirit particles, and the white light within them constantly changed, eventually weaving a stove, kitchen utensils, and various ingredients beside Shinji, all exactly as he had seen in his memories.

"What is this?"

Shinji was stunned.

"This is the reproduction of the spirit particle information from your memory. It might differ slightly from the real items, but I processed it thoroughly to make it as realistic as possible. I hope it will be useful."

Shinji picked up a kitchen knife, spun it around in his hand a few times, and muttered to himself.

"Yes, this is a spirit particle fictional world. Everything is based on spirit particles. As long as there is enough information, anything can be recreated, even finished dishes—no, that's not right. That way, Altera wouldn't get to experience the joy of cooking."

"Um... can't you use it?"

Altera looked at Shinji with expectant eyes.

"No, it's perfect."

Shinji stuck the kitchen knife into the cutting board and began manipulating the spirit particles. With a flash of blue light, he was dressed in a chef's uniform.

"Please wait a moment, my beautiful lady. I will prepare a feast for you."

Altera, I will make you say that phrase again—"Cooking is a good civilization."