Chapter 219. [Make-Believe]

Under the blue sky, on the green grass,

I watched as Mai and Ah-nee playfully interacted with Papa-san’s daughter.

<<Sorry for interrupting.>>

<<No worries, it’s not just our barbecue area.>>

The delicious smell of grilling meat wafted from the grill.

Sitting alongside Papa-san, who lives in the same apartment, I sipped on juice.

Although our timing coincided, we decided to barbecue together since we had the chance.

Come to think of it, this kind of interaction might be the first since coming to America.

<<Americans really seem to love barbecues. We rarely do it in Japan.>>

<<Is that so? Well, today being the “Independence Day” is a big factor. We even jokingly call it “Barbecue Day”.>>

<<I see. Also, the content of the barbecue itself is quite different.>>

<<How so?>>

<<Well, specifically…>>

At that moment, Angu Ogu joined us.

In her hands, she carried a massive chunk of meat.

<<Iroha! We’re grilling our meat too!>>

<<In Japan, we don’t grill such large chunks. We usually grill small cuts of meat, vegetables, and seafood.>>

<<Japan is still unique, huh!?>>

While they arrange our meat, they ask, <<Is it okay for us to place ours here?>>

<<Sure, go ahead.>>

<<Alright. Hey, what… what is this meat!? >>

Upon seeing the colossal chunk of meat on the grill, Angu Ogu was shocked.

After trembling for a moment, he faced Papa-san.

<<I see. I never thought you’d be a plain type!>>

<<Of course! Enjoying the true flavor of the meat’s ingredients is paramount. Everything except salt and pepper should be eliminated as much as possible.>>

<<What!? It has to be sauce! Coat it generously with sweet sauce, then enjoy the harmony with the meat juices!>>

<<What? Young lady, that is blasphemy against meat. For someone like you, a pitmaster may be too early.>>

<<Argh!>>

They argued vehemently.

It doesn’t matter to me if I say that, I’ll surely get involved, so I’ll stay silent.

In Japan, they say “No politics and baseball talk”, but in America, it seems to be about barbecues.

And they aren’t really fighting; it’s more like playful banter.

It’s like the mushroom and bamboo shoot war in Japan.

While smiling wryly, I was suddenly pulled by the arm.

<<Hey, Iroha-chan too! Let’s play together!>>

<<Uh, um…>>

Papa-san’s daughter seemed to be inviting me.

Hmm, I don’t really understand how to interact with kids.

<<Come on, hurry up!>>

<<Y-yes.>>

Reluctantly, I was led away, arm in arm.

While spreading toys on the grass, the girl said, <<Iroha-chan is my little sister. Here, it’s time for lunch. Say “Aah.”>>

<<I-I appreciate it.>>

<<That’s wrong! You’re not supposed to talk while chewing! >>

<<Is she a baby or something!? Ba-bu. >>

<<Yes, munch, gulp. You ate it well. Good girl, good girl. >>

What is this embarrassing play!?

Forced into a baby move by a little girl, my head was being petted.

Mai and Ah-nee, don’t look at me!

Stop with the affectionate gaze!

<<Um, excuse me, little girl. I prefer an adult role if possible.>>

<<Oh my, Iroha-chan is a bit selfish. Then, it’s okay for you to be a special Papa.>>

<<Phew…>>

<<So, Ah-nee is going to be Mama, okay?>>

<<What!?>>

I sneak a glance at Ah-nee.

Usually, I wouldn’t mind, but after hearing that story…

<<Uh, little girl, can we change that?>>

<<Meh! You said only one selfish request!>>

<<I-I’m sorry.>>

<<Ah-nee, that’s fine, right?>>

“…I see. ‘Okay’ it is!”

Ai-onee-chan gives a lively thumbs up.

No way, you absolutely don’t understand anything!

“Um, Ah-nee? I’m supposed to be Papa, and Ah-nee is supposed to be Mama, right?”

Unable to help it, I translate the girl’s English and convey it to them.

In an instant, Ah-nee’s face turns bright red, and she freezes.

“Y-you want me to marry Iroha-chan!?”

“N-no, it’s just a ‘role’! It’s just pretend!”

“Oh, right, yeah! I totally get it!”

Again, it becomes an awkward atmosphere.

Seeing us like that, Mai was shivering.

“U-uh… this… it’s really going to be like this!? Little girl, I want a role for Mai too!”

<<Dog.>>

The girl points at Mai and says.

It was an innocent, sparkling gaze without malice.

“W-what? A dog? Um, not that, Iroha-chan’s…”

<<Dog.>>

Repeatedly, the girl declared.

This time, with a different meaning, the surroundings fell into silence.

“…Uwahhh!”

<<Kyakya! Mai-neechan, you’re good at crying!>>

K-kids can be cruel, huh?

I quietly averted my eyes from Mai.