The visit to Shigenobu-san's home proceeded in a friendly mood from start to finish, and we were even treated to dinner. Both Shigenobu-san and Hannah-san are really nice people, and we had a good time at their place.
Just as Akane-san said before, I would also like to have a get-together with all the otherworlders some time again.
The day after that though.... Kuro had unusually visited my house early in the morning. Kuro was normally busy during the day and often visited at night, so it was rare for her to come in the morning. Though I say that, just because the frequency is low, doesn't mean she never visits in the morning, so I couldn't say her visit today was strange.
I welcomed her just like usual and while eating baby castellas as usual, we chatted in my room. But after a little while, Kuro seriously said something with a really serious expression on her face.
[...I think it's time to bring my baby castellas to the next level.]
[...U- Unnn?]
[The possibilities of baby castellas are endless. However, I think I've only been able to tap into a fraction of its potential. In order to reach its maximum potential, we need to challenge ourselves not just with established practices, but also look at it from multiple perspectives. Fortunately, thanks to Shiro and Earth God reviewing their contract, some new ingredients that were unique to the other world have been introduced to this world. I think it's time for us to make a breakthrough.]
[...…]
Kuro's chronic illness snapped out again huh... That's a child-like line for one of the Six Kings, the pinnacle of the Demon Realm, to say with an extremely serious expression on her face. Seriously, where does her enthusiasm for baby castellas come from?
Also, to put it bluntly, we're off to a bad start. It doesn't feel like things are going to end here with just a chat, as it feels like she intends to take action... Can't we somehow change the subject? I personally don't wanna continue talking about the potential of baby castellas... I don't really think that's possible.
[And so, Kaito-kun! You and I, let's pursue new possibilities for baby castellas together!]
[Would it be alright if I refused here?]
[As expected of Kaito-kun! I'm glad you agree with me!]
[You're being unreasonable... Haahhh... However, what exactly are you going to do in pursuit of that new potential? I'd like it if you'd at least decide on a direction...]
Is this one of those forced events? The situation is proceeding with my response locked to a YES... No, well, I already gave up to some extent when Kuro started talking about baby castellas.
In any case, when it comes to baby castellas, not only is she quite stubborn, she also has a tendency to go off the rails...
[Hmmm, you're right. Even though we have the main members of the "Baby Castella Research Group", consisting of me and Kaito-kun, we can't just go testing things out at random. It is important to have a direction to aim for!]
[...….]
When the heck did I become a main member of a research group that gives me a headache just hearing about it? However, although I'm rather reluctant, I can't say I don't have any idea how.
I have been eating baby castellas almost every day since I came to this world and have experienced many different flavors, so it's fair to say that I knew a lot about baby castellas.
I mean, if one just counted the number of baby castellas people had eaten, I would have quite a high number for a Human. Well, I'm repeating myself here, but that's something I'm rather reluctant about.
[Hmmm. I guess it would be a good idea to ask for a third party's opinion, right? It's great and all that Kaito-kun and I have deep knowledge of baby castellas, but I think this deep knowledge is also the reason why we're stuck in a stereotypical way of thinking about them. That's why, by listening to the opinions of people from various fields, we may be able to see aspects that we haven't been able to see before.]
[I- I see... Errr, in other words, are we going to go around and talk to people who seem to be good at cooking?]
[Right. However, I don't think we should limit ourselves to people who are good at cooking. What I want is new ideas, so there's a possibility that people who don't have much of a connection with cooking would have innovative ideas. Anyhow, as a rough direction for the time being, we should get new ideas and actually put them into practice.]
[I see...]
Well, the direction she had in mind was decent... right? We'd just practically be meeting acquaintances here and there, so I guess you could say this would just be an irregular date...
[By the way... Kaito-kun, what do you think is the ultimate baby castella?]
[...The tastiest baby castella, I guess?]
[Unnn, it's true that this is the factor leading towards one of the ultimate forms. However, taste is something that has infinite variety to it, and what is the ultimate taste for me isn't necessarily the ultimate taste for everyone.]
[T- That's true...]
[Besides, baby castellas aren't a luxury food. Therefore, I don't think it's enough to just pursue tastiness. The cheapness and comforting gentleness are part of the appeal of baby castellas, so I think that if you disregard these aspects and pursue only deliciousness... Can you really say that it's the ultimate baby castella?]
[...T- That's tough.]
...How in the world is she taking baby castellas so seriously? Also, all that philosophical talk doesn't really answer your earlier question, so I guess this would take a long time? I'd like to stop here and leave immediately...
[Yes, it is tough! Baby castellas have endless possibilities. That's why it also opens up many options... It's a subject that won't allow us an easy answer.]
[Y- Yeah, I suppose... Well then, let's leave that for later. For the time being, as we don't have an infinite amount of time in a day, let's just get going.]
[Ahh, you're right! Alright! Through the journey for the search of possibilities for new baby castellas, let's go!]
[O- Ohh~~]
Anyhow, just like that, in an unexpected turn of events, I became caught up in an exploration for the possibilities of new baby castellas.