A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World

Amy walked over to Sally, followed her gaze, and smiled. “I know Father is handsome, Sister Aisha, but Teacher Luna said it’s not ladylike to stare at others. Sister Miya and I are studying this dance called ‘spring is here’. Do you want to join us?”

Actually, Sally had been thinking about the dish, even though she found Mag attractive when he was cooking. Still, she didn’t want to justify herself to a child, for she thought that would only make things worse.

Sally smiled. “‘Spring is here’?”

Amy nodded. “Yes! I like this dance very much.” She put the music box on the table and turned it on.

The music started, and the little elf began dancing the sultry yet powerful dance. The strong beat made Sally want to dance, but she found the dance moves too sensual for her. Nonetheless, she couldn’t tear her eyes away from it.

When it was over, Amy asked expectantly, “Do you like it?”

“Please join us, Aisha. It’s not like we have anything else to do,” said Yabemiya, who wanted to become her friend.

She had never had any friend. Her former colleagues had either treated her with disrespect or looked at her with lustful eyes, just like the son of her old boss.

Yet everything was different now. She had thought elves distant, but Sally was treating her as her equal, and had eaten with her too.

Mag was her boss, and Amy was too little, so she wanted Sally to become her friend.

Sally thought a moment. This dance must be meant for celebrating the coming of the spring, judging by its name. She nodded with a smile. “Okay, but I don’t think I can dance it well.”

Amy shook her head. “I’m sure you’ll dance as well as Mushroom Fairy because you look so much like her.”

Yabemiya had moved some tables and chairs aside to create enough space for them to dance in.

“Your dance moves won’t be exactly the same now that there’re three of you. The dance is more enchanting this way,” Mushroom Fairy said, and made two copies of itself.

“Is she a real fairy?” Sally asked, surprised. She had assumed it was a toy made by Mag, but now she found it too intelligent to be a mere toy.

“Yes, she is,” answered Amy. “But Father said she would die if I let her out. She doesn’t belong in this world. I feel sorry for her.” She looked at her with compassion.

Poor fairy, thought Sally and Yabemiya.

“Okay, let’s begin!” said the fairy in a cheerful voice.

“She’s so positive and upbeat even in such a distressful situation. We should show her the respect she deserves by studying harder,” said Yabemiya.

Sally and Amy nodded.

Mag glanced back. He had never thought Sally would join them. An elf, a half-dragon, and a little girl—it’s a perfect combination to dance the ‘Gokuraku Jodo’. He became expectant.

The room resounded with the song. The three girls giggled as they danced and corrected each other’s dance moves.

Luckily for Mag, he got to watch them dance.

Sally might have started later, but she had already danced quite well since she had learned some basic dance moves when she was little.

An hour later, Mag walked out with four bowls of braised chicken. He put them on a table, and went back into the kitchen to get the rice.

The three girls smelled the wonderful aroma and turned to look.

Even the kitten was staring at the four bowls.

Amy ran over to the table. “They smell so good, Father! Are these braised chicken?” she asked.

Mag nodded. “Yes. Go wash your hands, girls. Lunch is ready.” He put four bowls of rice on the table.

“Yes, Father!” Amy turned off the music box and trotted into the kitchen.

It must be very good! Yabemiya thought as she walked towards the kitchen.

I can’t eat too much meat, but the mushrooms smell so good and somewhat familiar. Sally followed Yabemiya in.

…

“Over there!” Goodenia called out through gritted teeth in a carriage.