Tilea's Worries

Today is the day of Casey-chan's apprenticeship test.

Three months have already passed since Casey-chan came here.

Time sure flies by quickly.

Since failing the previous test, Casey-chan has been working hard with renewed determination. It seems the pervert was also happy to have his first real subordinate for work, not just a playmate from the Evil God Army. He's been even more enthusiastic than Casey-chan in his efforts.

The test subject is the same as before: fried rice. It's a dish that can't be made well without knowing the basics of cooking. It seems simple, but it's actually quite difficult. Superficial knowledge won't cut it. I want to see solid foundational skills rather than showy but shallow techniques.

I left Casey-chan's training entirely up to the pervert. I hardly know anything about the content of her training. I'm excited to see how much her basic cooking skills have improved.

I know Casey-chan has been working hard from early morning until late at night. It was heartwarming to see her earnestly responding to the pervert's enthusiastic voice, like a true master and apprentice.

It seems the pervert was as strict as a drill sergeant. His style of instruction is lenient on himself but harsh on others. I was worried Casey-chan might rebel, but surprisingly, they seemed to get along well.

From what I heard, the pervert started by building up Casey-chan's physical strength. Apparently, he had her do muscle training in the Underground Empire's training room.

Yes, that's certainly important. Physical strength is essential for cooking. Casey-chan is delicate and fragile, so starting there was the right choice.

Then, there's the crucial matter of cooking skills...

The pervert can passably imitate a butler's duties. He's been teaching the basics of cooking since his time in Belga. He should be able to teach a beginner the fundamentals of cooking.

Of course, given that it's that pervert, I had my doubts. I wanted to offer advice.

But you know, if I keep meddling, the pervert will never grow.

So, partly because I was busy, but also because I knew I'd be tempted to interfere if I saw them, I refrained from checking on the two.

If Casey-chan was a novice, then the pervert was a novice instructor. I was praying they would both improve through their efforts.

Given all this, to be honest, I wasn't expecting much. The teacher is the pervert, after all. I thought it would be good enough if she showed even a little growth beyond a complete amateur.

But when Casey-chan appeared in the kitchen, my worries disappeared.

Hmm, she's got a good look on her face. That's the face of someone who's accomplished something.

"Casey-chan, I'm looking forward to seeing what you can do."

"Yes! I humbly assure you, I'm vastly different from before. I can't wait to show you the results of my training, Tilea-sama."

"Mm-hmm, do your best."

This voice full of confidence. It raises my expectations.

I immediately give instructions to make fried rice.

Casey-chan, as if she'd been waiting for this moment, takes out ingredients from the refrigerator and places them on the cutting board. Then, she takes a knife from the shelf and starts mincing.

After cutting the ingredients, she puts them in a pan and stirs. After adjusting the seasoning, it's done. The fried rice is placed on the table with a thud. Steam rises from the freshly cooked dish.

"How was it?"

"..."

"Tilea-sama?"

She... she hasn't improved at all...

What's going on?

Three months of training and nothing has changed.

It's exactly the same as the first test. The way she held the knife was fine. But the way she cut the ingredients, the seasoning, it's all a mess. There's no balance in the flavors. She doesn't understand the basics of cooking. Those self-centered movements, the individual play that ignores proper cooking procedures. Does she understand that when you cook, it's for the customers to eat?

Casey-chan, cooking isn't just for you. It's for the customers who will eat it.

Sigh~ You're not a complete amateur who knows nothing about cooking. What have you been learning during these three months of training?

Besides, what kind of instructor would allow such self-centered movements?

Ah, I see. Of course, that's it.

I understand the cause now.

"Um, what's the result of the test?"

Casey-chan asks anxiously.

She must be very worried. She doesn't seem confident.

Yes, as you imagine, you've failed. There's been absolutely no progress after three months of training. I should tell her the result clearly.

"Casey-chan."

"Y-yes?"

Suddenly, my eyes meet Casey-chan's.

No, no good. No matter how much you look at me like that, the result won't change. The professional world is harsh.

Ugh!? Casey-chan is appealing to me with upturned eyes. This lovely young girl is desperately pleading. It's impossible, I don't want to sadden such an innocent girl.

Alright. For now, identifying the cause should come first. Let's prioritize that over announcing the result.

"Ah~ Casey-chan, before the pass or fail result, there's something I want to ask."

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, could you tell me what you've been doing for these three months?"

"Yes! First, we started with gravity conquest, then hand-to-hand combat, and after that..."

As I listened to Casey-chan's story, I started to get a headache.

This... they were just playing around, weren't they?

It might build some physical strength, but so what? This is training for a restaurant. It's all about teaching cooking.

I thought that went without saying, but...

Pervert. You've been an employee for over a year. You should know how to distinguish between work and play. You can't keep that NEET mentality forever.

"Sigh. It seems you've just been playing around for these three months."

"N-no, that's not..."

"Ah, it's not your fault, Casey-chan. The blame lies with Nielsen who was supposed to be instructing you."

"Tilea-sama, I wasn't training half-heartedly. Please believe me. For these three months, I trained as if my life depended on it. In fact, I might have died two or three times."

"You're exaggerating. Besides, saying it like that makes it sound like you weren't training seriously at all."

"It's true. I was desperate. Even when both my hands and feet stopped moving during hand-to-hand combat, I attacked with my tongue, and also--"

"Stop. What do you mean by tongue?"

"Y-yes. I used my tongue to go like this on Nielsen-sama's face... peh."

Casey-chan sticks out her adorable tongue and pokes it out repeatedly like a woodpecker.

Yep, it's confirmed. This is a crime. There's no room for leniency. If this goes to court, it's 100% guilty.

The pervert wasn't just playing around. He was even engaging in perverse acts with the innocent Casey-chan.

"That's enough, Casey-chan."

I interrupt Casey-chan's story. She seemed like she had more to say, but I've had more than enough.

"Wait here for a bit. I have some business to take care of."

I grab a metal bat-like object from the kitchen and head down to the Underground Empire.

Now, it's time for punishment. I need to properly educate the pervert on what happens when you mess around with the restaurant's operations.

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Author Notes:

  [This time, I've included the eleventh illustration. It was wonderful, just as I imagined. Thanks to illustrator Yamada-sama.]

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