In Japan, it’s common knowledge that croquettes from butcher shops are especially delicious.
The reason lies in the frying oil. Butcher shops reuse the trimmed fat from meat for frying, meaning they use animal fat instead of vegetable oil. This gives the croquettes a distinct taste that’s difficult to replicate at home.
So this time, I decided to imitate that method.
Instead of lard (pork fat), I used beef tallow. In this world, pigs don’t exist—or rather, wild boars have never been selectively bred into domestic pigs. As a result, boars remain as livestock, and their meat has a wilder, gamier flavor compared to Japan’s pork. The same goes for their fat—its aroma is a bit too strong for frying.
Slowly heating up a solid chunk of beef tallow, I let it reach the ideal temperature for frying. Then, I carefully lowered the breaded croquettes into the bubbling oil.
In total, we had made thirty croquettes. Since everyone wanted to eat the ones they had shaped themselves, the numbers quickly added up. It did feel like a bit much, but thankfully, my family members were all hearty eaters—five croquettes per person wouldn’t be a problem.
As lunchtime approached, the table in the living room filled with golden-brown croquettes, piled high on plates. Finely shredded cabbage formed a small mountain beside them, accompanied by pickles and simmered side dishes. Once I warmed up some rice and served it into bowls, everything was ready.
Taking off my apron, I turned to the others with a smile.
「Alright, lunch is ready!」
※※※
「Chocola, Pochi! Look, Mint made this!」
「Bark…! Bark!」
「Kyurururu…!」
「Mufu—! Eat with care!」
「Bark!」
「Kyuru!」
Before we started eating, we took the animals’ meals over to the stables.
For Chocola, there was a mashed potato and ground meat mixture—like croquette filling, but without salt. Pochi got a salad. As for the smilodons, fresh meat, of course.
Just as promised, Mint had prepared Chocola and Pochi’s food herself. Seeing their delighted reactions, she puffed up with pride, nose held high.
The mother smilodon purred contentedly, while her kittens meowed noisily around her. They all seemed to be getting along just fine.
Outside the estate, the storm continued to rage, a terrifying force of nature. But as long as we could enjoy a warm meal together, any lingering worries seemed to fade away.
Returning to the living room, we all gathered around the dining table. With our hands joined in thanks, we picked up our chopsticks—only for everyone to turn their gaze toward Mint in perfect unison.
「Now, which one should we try first? These neatly shaped ones must be Sui-kun’s, right?」
Mother smiled, her tone playful.
「And this big one here belongs to Viole-sama. Quite an effort for you, isn’t it?」
Karen smirked, teasing Mother while keeping her eyes firmly on Mint.
「These round ones should be Karen’s. Compared to Sui’s, they’re fluffier and fuller… much like those rice balls we had last winter.」
Grandma joined in, her voice warm with amusement.
「This should be Grandma’s. You can tell it was shaped with care.」
Finally, I too turned to Mint, playing along with a dramatic air.
Picking up the last croquette with my chopsticks, I said,
「And this tiny, adorable one must be…」
「That one! Mint made that!」
Her face lit up instantly, her eyes sparkling as she looked around at Mother, Karen, Grandma, and me. Excitement radiated from her, her small body practically vibrating with anticipation.
So, of course, we responded mischievously, grinning back at her.
「Now, whose croquette should we eat first?」
「Hmm, I can’t decide. What about you, Grandma?」
「Oh dear, that’s quite a dilemma… Perhaps we should follow Sui’s lead.」
「Really? Then I guess the first one should be… this one!」
「Wait… Sui, are you eating Mint’s first?!」
「Itadakimasu, Mint.」
The small croquette could easily be eaten in one bite, but that would be a waste. Instead, I dipped it lightly into the sauce and took a careful half-bite.
「Mmm… it’s delicious. The rich aroma of the mashed potatoes blends perfectly with the savory ground meat. It’s smooth, piping hot… Mint, you did an amazing job.」
「Fwoooahhh! I did it!!」
Someone eating the food she had made with her own hands—it was a first for Mint. And that first experience sent her into a fit of excitement, arms raised high in victory.
「Is it good?! Really?! Mint’s croquette is delicious?!」
「Of course. Why don’t you ask everyone else, too?」
At my prompting, the rest of the family joined in.
「It’s small and easy to eat. Very delicious. The smooth mashed potatoes make it taste so gentle.」
「Mmm, this is amazing. If this is your first time, Mint, you’ve definitely got a talent for it.」
「Oh my, what a delightful treat. Mint, did you know? The very first croquette I’ve ever eaten is the one you made.」
「Uuuuuhhh! I’m so happy! I’m so happy that everyone thinks it’s yummy!」
Watching Mint’s face, taking in her reactions—seeing her heart dance with joy, savoring the croquette she had made with her own hands…
「Now, why don’t you have a bite too? You should be the first to taste your own cooking.」
「After you eat half, try it with some sauce. You made this sauce with me, remember?」
「It’s quite small, so using chopsticks might be tricky. Today is special—Grandma will feed you. Here, say ‘ahh.’」
Encouraged by Mother, nudged by Karen, and held in Grandma’s lap, our little Mint happily bit into her croquette.
「So good! Mint wants to eat more! Mint wants to eat everyone’s croquettes too!」
「Then let’s all take turns eating, shall we? Whose croquette will be next?」
「Hmm… hmm… ummm… Okay! This big one! Mother’s!」
「Then let’s all eat the same one as Mint.」
「…I wonder if mine is okay. It’s the most misshapen one…」
「Don’t worry. I adjusted the frying time to match the size, so it’ll be just right.」
And just like that, everyone followed Mint’s lead, smiles spreading across the table as lively chatter filled the room. Mother, ever attentive, discreetly used magic to keep the croquettes warm.
So, together with Mint—who chattered excitedly, took big bites, and had her mouth wiped clean after each one—I, Karen, Grandma, and Mother enjoyed a relaxed and cheerful lunch.
The raging storm outside? It may as well have never existed.
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