TDBF 8

Chapter 8

“To poor Enoch,

The stump-tailed rat not only knows how to cook but even swears? Is it insane? What kind of life has that rat lived?

Its mouth is as foul as mine and my squadmates’. Was that rat a soldier too? More importantly, what on earth did you do to make ratatouille that caused curses to spill out of a rat’s mouth?

To say such awful things to a kind wizard like you… Did you sleep well last night? No nightmares? When you woke up, was there a teardrop decalcomania on your pillow?

Here’s my advice: If it were me, I’d just send the stump-tailed rat away. You’re not running a restaurant — you cook for yourself and eat it yourself, so what if it’s not perfect! It’s ridiculous to be cursed at over a failed ratatouille. As for the crow — well, just don’t feed it.

Of course, the ‘real’ me wouldn’t send the stump-tailed rat away. The ‘real’ me would’ve cursed it back twice as hard. I’m not the type to lose. But you’re too soft-hearted for that, aren’t you? Someone like you should be protected by a big-hearted man whose name starts with H. Really.

Send the stump-tailed rat back! You didn’t even do anything wrong!

Send it off with a piece of Emmental cheese.

— H.A”

“To Miss Helen, who cares for me,

Fortunately, I didn’t lose any sleep. Just in case, I used the softest, fluffiest pillow I own. Thank you for worrying — you truly have a warm heart.

You’re right. Since it’s food I’m going to eat, as long as it suits my taste, that’s enough. I’m not hurting anyone, so there’s no reason to be scolded by Chef Grubach.

But I didn’t send Chef Grubach away. I can’t. I plan to keep learning until he says my cooking is good. His mouth may be foul, but his cooking skills are unmatched.

He’s coming to my house again today. Honestly? He hasn’t even arrived yet, but I already feel like running away! I wish someone could hold my hand. But… there’s no one here.

You’ve endured far harder things than this, Helen, so I shouldn’t be whining over something so small, right? Please… just tell me to hang in there.

A night trembling like an aspen tree,
Enoch Greer”

“To foolish Enoch,

Why put yourself through that? That vile rat may be able to teach you recipes, but it’s going to leave countless scars on your heart.

Just send it away! Listen to me! So what if the crow doesn’t like your cooking? As long as you enjoy it, that’s all that matters. The crow can feed itself. Take care of yourself first!

Don’t put yourself through hell for some pride match with the crow. Tell the stump-tailed rat honestly you can’t do it anymore. Your food is fine for you — end of story.

I just hate it when anyone — even a rat — curses at you.

— H.A”

“To kind and gentle Miss Helen,

You’re misunderstanding something. The crow’s criticism doesn’t bother me anymore. Our quarrel ended long ago.

The reason I’m not sending Chef Grubach away is for you.

Do you remember our earlier letters? I promised to treat you to delicious mushroom soup, spaghetti, and beef steak.

I want to keep that promise.

My cooking needs to be special. It’s not just for me — someday you’ll eat it too.

Please understand my wish to share a happy meal with you.

An unusually hot night,
Enoch Greer”

Medical Report – Sgt. Helen Dorothy Atwell, 386th Fighter Squadron, 2nd Women’s Flight – Week 4

Despite difficulties caused by the patient’s continued refusal of medication, test results show a remarkable recovery. Stress levels decreased by approximately 30%, with visible alleviation of depression and lethargy.

Cause of improvement presumed to be the patient’s innate resilience and support from comrades. Recommend observation. Approved removal from intensive monitoring at the request of command, as patient is no longer in danger range.

As cause of recovery is unknown, caution advised for now.

“To Enoch, who leaves me at a loss for words,

Now you’re making me feel guilty! You don’t have to put up with constant cursing just to keep a promise to me. Really. Believe me, Enoch — I’m someone hardened by rations that taste like garbage in this war. I can eat anything!

If I suddenly ate fine dining from a top chef, I might die from the shock. My tastes are simple. Don’t torture yourself! But knowing you, the stump-tailed rat is probably already at your place. Oh well.

If you’re determined, then make the best ratatouille ever. At least earn the curses you’ve taken! Don’t cry in front of the rat!

I didn’t want to mention this, but… I’m probably worse at cooking than you are. I’m not meticulous at all. If the stump-tailed rat tried to teach me, we might end up dueling with kitchen knives. I’m neither patient nor precise. Not that it’s a brag.

Thinking about food like this is torture. When this damn war ends, let me barge into your house. I get the feeling you have tons of food.

— H.A”

“To food-loving Miss Helen,

Of course! If you came to my house, I’d be overjoyed. I always welcome guests — especially ones I really like!

It pains me that I can’t cook for you now. Sadly, food is on the prohibited list for fireplace transport. As you know, it’s sensitive to transformation magic, and I’d rather you not risk food poisoning.

The battle with Chef Grubach went just as we expected. He insisted on watching over me the whole time. My hands shook so much I nearly dropped oil into the fire! His sharp, black eyes are terrifying.

While making ratatouille, I heard things like:

‘—, Do it like that and you’ll have to start over! Do you know how much vegetables cost these days?’

‘Too much oil, you — — —!’

‘What do you think spices are for? Is this cooking or soap-making?’

‘— — — ——-’

‘Cook food, food!’

‘Taste it yourself, see if it’s good. (It is.) Yeah? Give me a bite! … It really is good!’

And in the end, I did it! I made ratatouille that satisfied Chef Grubach. For the first time, I felt recognized. I almost collapsed from relief.

It was delicious — my first truly peaceful dinner in what felt like forever.

And guess what? The crow was watching from the window! It must’ve smelled it.

Did I open the window or not? I’ll leave that for you to imagine. I think you’d guess right.

Helen, I’m so relieved I don’t have to see Chef Grubach anymore. Peace is so precious. I bet you’re fighting for that same peace. I hope you win.