Koyomi
Now...while we say "bento" in a single word, their contents vary greatly. First, let's start by planning the menu.

Hikawa
As I mentioned earlier, I believe we should use nutritional balance as a guideline. If you'd like a menu that provides essential nutrients, I could instruct you-

Yushima
That won't do. Then it would become a bento supervised by Hikawa-san. What we need now is Koyomi Ojou-sama's individuality. That is, her "character."

Koyomi
Individuality...

Hikawa
I think it would be more like Koyomi Ojou-sama to make a perfect bento with no nutritional imbalance...

Yushima
It seems we must settle this dispute, Hikawa-san! What is a perfect bento!? That is the question!

Koyomi
I see. Just like in acting, everyone has different goals. That's why I must explore with my own strength...

Yushima
Exactly, Koyomi Ojou-sama!

Hikawa
Um...

Koyomi
Then, let's start with the basics of a bento...rolled omelette.

Koyomi
You'll allow me to ask for the recipe, won't you?

Hikawa
As you wish. However...while rolled omelette is standard, it's somewhat...

Koyomi
There's no problem. If it's standard, it won't seem pretentious or cause offense. A bento that's neither good nor bad-that's exactly what I'm aiming for.

Yushima
My, what an unexpected response from the ambitious Koyomi Ojou-sama. I was hoping for originality.

Hikawa
...Please don't mind Yushima-san's comments. Now then, do you know how to prepare the egg mixture?

Koyomi
I do know, you mix beaten eggs with dashi stock. I'll crack them right away. The eggs...!

Koyomi
Grrr...argh...!

Koyomi
Look, I've cracked it!

Yushima
My, breaking it with just finger strength without tapping to make a crack...! This shows promise!

Hikawa
Koyomi Ojou-sama. Please calm down and follow the procedure. After the egg mixture is ready, oil the pan and use low heat.

Koyomi
Yes, leave it to me!

Yushima
...My goodness. Apart from handling the eggs, everything seems to be going smoothly. Shall we call it the adaptability of a leading actor?

Hikawa
Indeed. So far so good, Koyomi Ojou-sama.

Koyomi
Even from basic cooking classes, my body seems to remember. Perhaps I was just harboring unnecessary insecurities.

Koyomi
Now, finally, this egg mixture...oh?

Hikawa
What's the matter, Koyomi Ojou-sama?

Koyomi
Can I roll this runny egg mixture neatly? Shouldn't I thicken it a bit...?

Hikawa
! That's a keen observation, Koyomi Ojou-sama! There are recipes that use potato starch.

Koyomi
Fufu. Then potato starch...this is it, right?

Hikawa
Wait. That's flour-mmph!? Yushima-san!?

Yushima
That's right, that's exactly potato starch! It's showing a lot of your "character"!

Koyomi
My, amazing. It's certainly coloring beautifully. And...look. Even I can roll an omelette!

Yushima
A wonderful pancake...I mean, rolled omelette! Isn't it so well made that even Hikawa-san is impressed?

Hikawa
Y-yes...the shape is very beautiful...

Koyomi
Fufu. Even I am surprised by my dormant talent! Now for the next dish...considering nutritional balance, how about chikuzenni stew?

Hikawa
In that case, let me help with the preparation...

Koyomi
It's a kind offer, but could you leave it to me? I'd like to see how much I can do on my own.

Hikawa
I-if that's what you want, I understand, but...

Yushima
This is exciting, isn't it? Fufufu...

Koyomi
...I had the impression that chikuzenni would be difficult, but if I tackle each step one by one, it's quite simple, isn't it?

Hikawa
Yes, just sauté the chicken and vegetables, then simmer them with seasonings. Koyomi Ojou-sama. it might be good to taste it frequently.

Koyomi
I had forgotten, thank you, Hikawa.

Yushima
Oh dear. It looks like it's going to turn into a rather ordinary chikuzenni. When it comes to simmered dishes, sugar is key. I was hoping that perhaps...

Hikawa
Please look forward to the taste...

Koyomi
...Yes, the amount of soy sauce is fine too. The root vegetables are cooked through.

Hikawa
Well done, Koyomi Ojou-sama. It has a beautiful amber color. I'd say it's complete.

Koyomi
...

Hikawa
Is something the matter?

Koyomi
...No. I was just remembering Chef Hayashi's chikuzenni. Her's had more depth of flavor.

Koyomi
Something is missing...

Hikawa
Um. Koyomi Ojou-sama...?

Yushima
Yes, yes! The insatiable pursuit of knowledge, never satisfied with the status quo! So, what will you do to add depth to the flavour!?

Koyomi
To add depth to a simmered dish...that's it! Surely, among Yushima's ingredients...

Hikawa
Koyomi Ojou-sama...? May I ask, could that possibly be...

Koyomi
Canned peaches and chocolate. I heard from Hikari-san that they add these to curry at her family home to give it depth.

Hikawa
That's only for curry-!

Yushima
My, what brilliant lateral thinking! This is a paradigm shift in thought equivalent to Darwin's theory of evolution refuting creationism!

Koyomi
Fufu...it's done! My chikuzenni! What do you think, Hikawa, Yushima!

Yushima
Bravo! Bravo indeed! A charming menu filled with Koyomi Ojou-sama's charm!

Hikawa
Koyomi Ojou-sama... It's very difficult for me to say this, but that chikuzenni is...

Koyomi
There's no need to worry. When packing it in the bento, I should let it cool first, right?

Hikawa
...That's correct.

Koyomi
Fufu. I've managed to make both the rolled omelette and chikuzenni well. Thanks to you two, my insecurities have lessened.

Koyomi
Now, let's make the other dishes and complete the bento.

Koyomi
I'd love to hear your opinions as well, would that be alright?

Yushima
With pleasure, I'll savour the essence of Koyomi Ojou-sama! Right, Hikawa-san?

Hikawa
...Yes. I'll try not to get dizzy from the profound deliciousness...

Koyomi
Hikawa, you're so skilled with words. Fufufu.