Koyomi
Haah... As usual, everyone tries too hard to push through with sheer momentum.

Koyomi
Not only did they take over Xue-san's part time jobs without being asked, but now they're making a bento to support her.

Koyomi
...I understand Ramona-san and the others' feelings. It's not that I'm not concerned, but...

Koyomi
...

Koyomi
(It's better not to let anyone know when you're suffering. If you let them find out carelessly, it would just make them worry unnecessarily.)

Koyomi
(At the very least, Xue-san must think so. After all, she's kept my insomnia a secret from everyone.)

Koyomi
(All worries should be kept to oneself. That's what I thought, but...)

Koyomi
Haah, why didn't I realise... If you're feeding someone who's ill, it should be rice porridge, not a bento...

Koyomi
Nevertheless, it's too late now. At this point, refusing would only invite more questions.

Koyomi
Especially when it comes to cooking...

Koyomi
...

Yushima
My, what's the matter, Koyomi Ojou-sama? You look like Chef Hayashi fretting over the dinner menu.

Koyomi
! I'm making no such face!

Yushima
My, my, such an excessive reaction. It seems I've hit the mark? If there's something troubling you, please rely on us.

Koyomi
No, there's nothing of the sort...

Yushima
Then let me ask the eyes and ears that watch over Koyomi Ojou-sama. Even hiding in the shadows won't fool my nose, Hikawa-san.

Hikawa
Um...Koyomi Ojou-sama, I apologise. I was standing behind you, so I heard all your muttering...

Yushima
Now, would you care to share, Hikawa-san? This Yushima is not above using rough methods.

Hikawa
...!

Koyomi
A series of misfortunes has led to me having to make a homemade bento. Please do not cause unnecessary disputes among the servants...

Yushima
My, my, is that so? So, this means Koyomi Ojou-sama's great adventure of defying capricious fate through cooking is about to begin?

Koyomi
If I had enough skill to defy it, I wouldn't be troubled... Just making home cooked food is difficult enough, let alone a bento...

Hikawa
Koyomi Ojou-sama rarely has the opportunity to work in the kitchen. The Senju household has Chef Hayashi, and even if not, there's us.

Yushima
Yes. We are here to handle trivial matters so that everyone can focus on the family business. If you were to cook, we would be scolded by the Mistress.

Hikawa
Indeed. Koyomi Ojou-sama. there's no need for you to blame yourself.

Koyomi
But that's just the circumstances of the Senju household. It doesn't apply outside our threshold.

Yushima
My, my. Overflowing with ambition, aren't we?

Koyomi
(It's not something as fine sounding as ambition. If people found out I lack confidence in cooking-)

Ramona
Aaah, well...yeah. There's no need to feel down? I'm not good at drawing either. We're the same?

Hikari
Th-that's right! Even if you can't cook, Koyomi-san is amazing! You should be confident!

Lilja
Koyomi's cooking doesn't taste good.

Koyomi
Ugh...

Koyomi
(At this rate, they'll treat me with awkward consideration. I want to avoid that at all costs, but where should I learn to cook...)

Yushima
I see. You already understand your next mission, don't you, Hikawa-san?

Hikawa
Yes. I'm moved by Koyomi Ojou-sama's unceasing ambition. Let's both lend a hand for Koyomi Ojou-sama's sake.

Koyomi
You two? But in this short period of time, how...

Yushima
Just as Koyomi Ojou-sama usually does, we will practice. This is getting interesting! I'll go shopping.

Hikawa
Let's leave the shopping to Yushima-san and head back. To make a bento that won't embarrass you anywhere.

Koyomi
...Yes. I'll be counting on you.

Koyomi
Um, I'm sorry after you've bought all this, but...isn't this too much food?

Hikawa
Basic vegetables, commonly used meats and seafood. Mushrooms, nuts, boiled foods, and even canned goods are all here.

Yushima
Oh! You assessed the quantities at a glance? That's an excellent eye, Koyomi Ojou-sama.

Koyomi
I think this much is only natural...

Yushima
With this much, we can handle most menus. Don't worry about leftovers, the staff will enjoy them later.

Koyomi
Leftovers or not, I'm too confused to decide. If it were Chef Hayashi, she wouldn't waste anything, but...

Hikawa
Shall I call for Chef Hayashi? She's preparing in the main kitchen, but if it's a request from Koyomi Ojou-sama she would surely-

Yushima
No, seeking help from Chef Hayashi is forbidden. And we servants are also strictly prohibited from helping.

Koyomi/Hikawa
What!?

Yushima
Think about the bentos Chef Hayashi has made before. Do you think an amateur could make something that would impress even established restaurants?

Yushima
In short, Chef Hayashi's bentos are too perfect. It's absurd to use such charmless items as reference.

Koyomi
Um, the charm of a bento...?

Yushima
Yes. Koyomi Ojou-sama is both a leading actor and the heir to the family name, but also a high school girl.

Yushima
In other words...a charm that makes people think, "A high school girl made this." That is the goal, a bento that reflects Koyomi Ojou-sama's character!

Yushima
However, being a poor cook is also part of that charm.

Hikawa
What an eccentric idea again...please cook freely without worrying, Koyomi Ojou-sama.

Koyomi
But if Yushima is advocating so passionately, perhaps I should aim for it...

Koyomi
A perfect bento filled with this so called charm that only I can make...!

Yushima
Yes, yes! That's the Koyomi Ojou-sama I know. The prosperity of the Senju family is assured!

Hikawa
Such a vague guideline as "charm" will only lead to confusion!

Hikawa
A bento with better nutritional balance would be-mmph!

Yushima
Now, Koyomi Ojou-sama! Trust your own palate and imagination, and fill the empty bento box with your "character"!

Koyomi
...Indeed. In both acting and cooking, practice is important. I shall give them a feast for the taste buds.