OPTC Chapter 163 Shouldn't a Master Cook for Their Pet?
With Jinbe's personality, if he had made enemies in the past, he would face it calmly. Either both sides would take a step back and reconcile, or if the fault was his, he wouldn't mind conceding further. If reconciliation was impossible, then whether it came to a fight or even a life-or-death battle, he wouldn't shy away.
But if it concerned Fishman Island, he would restrain his personal temper and put the bigger picture first. In his own words, "I have my own sense of duty."
"Since that's the case, I'll head to Marine Headquarters to hand the prisoners over. After that, I'll come back to pick up Camie and Papagu."
Zhang Da Ye nodded. "Alright, just come by the tavern when you return. I still owe you a drink."
"That may not be a good idea…" Jinbe was worried his identity might bring Zhang Da Ye unnecessary trouble.
Zhang Da Ye didn't care in the slightest. "Didn't you say people should understand each other better? Then let's start with the dozens of guests in my tavern getting to know you."
"Wouldn't that be too abrupt?" Jinbe frowned.
"Don't worry," Zhang Da Ye said. "Everything needs a beginning. And even if they don't like you, it's not like they could take you down."
Jinbe: …That actually makes me even more worried.
In the end, Jinbe agreed, then headed back to his ship and set course for Marine Headquarters. On the way, he would probably have to notify them first.
On the ride back to the tavern, Shark Chili insisted on pedaling the bubble car with his short, stubby legs, wanting to experience it for himself.
Zhang Da Ye and Rui Meng Meng sat sideways on the backseat. Rui Meng Meng held Camie in her arms, while Camie cradled Papagu. It made for quite the peaceful scene.
Camie chattered about her past couple of weeks. Most of it was small, daily things—games she played with friends, sometimes attending Queen Otohime's speeches, and occasionally playing with Princess Shirahoshi.
"Oh right, Princess Shirahoshi has been learning Mermaid Jujutsu lately! She looks amazing at it!" Camie mimicked punches with her little fists.
"Mermaid Jujutsu? Shirahoshi?" Zhang Da Ye pictured the enormous princess as an adult practicing martial arts. That was basically like having Shark Chili pilot a giant shark to practice Fishman Karate. A terrifying thought.
Papagu suddenly leapt out to assert his presence. "Speaking of Princess Shirahoshi, I'm close friends with her!"
"Eh? Really?" Camie blinked in surprise. "How come I never knew?"
Papagu grew nervous, but with everyone listening intently, he puffed out his chest and declared, "Of course! To tell you the truth, I'm her secret lover!"
"Whaaaaat!" Camie's eyes nearly popped out of her head—she was way too easy to fool.
Rui Meng Meng patted her on the head. "That sounds fake to me."
"Or maybe it's true?" Zhang Da Ye grinned darkly. "Though I heard the last person who tried to be Princess Shirahoshi's lover was executed by King Neptune. But hey, starfish have incredible regeneration, right? Even if you were decapitated, you'd be fine?"
Cold sweat poured down Papagu's whole body. "I-I'm sorry! I was lying!"
He was just a cute little starfish. He didn't even know if he could regenerate and had no intention of finding out. Too terrifying! Never again would he brag like that.
When they arrived at the tavern, Camie hugged Artoria and Tom in greeting, then introduced Papagu and explained how she found him.
After hearing the story, Zhang Da Ye sighed. "As expected of a pet you picked up—nearly eaten by a big fish because he was daydreaming. And somehow you managed to save him?"
Camie scratched her head shyly. "Hehe, I'm not that amazing."
Rui Meng Meng rubbed her hair. "That wasn't exactly a compliment."
"Huh? It wasn't?" Camie looked stunned.
"Help! Somebody help me! I'm not food!"
Everyone turned toward the cry and saw Tom chasing Papagu around a table with a knife in one hand and a fork in the other, a napkin tied around his chest, drooling as he ran.
Papagu's little legs pumped furiously, tears flying everywhere. Unlike Jerry, he wouldn't last long against Tom. Just as Tom was about to catch him, Papagu leapt straight into Camie's arms.
Tom dove after him like a hungry cat, only to be grabbed by the scruff of his neck by Zhang Da Ye. "Didn't I tell you? He's Camie's pet. You can't eat him."
"I almost got eaten… cats are terrifying!" Papagu sobbed.
"Don't worry," Camie comforted him. "Tom won't actually eat you. He just pretends. He even bit my tail once when I first came here!"
Clearly, she'd picked up her comforting style from Zhang Da Ye—because after hearing it, Papagu looked even more frightened.
Once Tom put away his knife and fork, Zhang Da Ye let him go. "Time to cook. Make sure you prepare something Camie can eat. There are fresh clams and scallops over there."
Tom nodded. He remembered mermaids' dietary habits—no fish or animal meat. He picked up the ingredients and headed into the kitchen.
"Can I use the kitchen too?" Camie asked.
"You can," Zhang Da Ye replied. "But what for?"
"I want to cook for Papagu! He's my pet, and he loves the clams I make. Cooking for your own pet is a master's responsibility, right?" Camie bounced happily into the kitchen.
The next moment, Zhang Da Ye felt the gazes of Artoria, Rui Meng Meng, and Shark Chili land on him. Cooking for your pet was a master's responsibility… yet in this tavern, a certain master had always left the cooking to his pet cat.
"Don't look at me like that! It's not like I've never cooked. Tom just doesn't like my food!" Zhang Da Ye groaned. That saying came to mind: "My cat tasted my cooking, then turned around and made a feast instead."
Artoria remembered that night well—the first day she arrived. Among a table full of delicious dishes, one odd plate stood out. But honestly, it wasn't bad at all—definitely better than Gawain's mashed potatoes.
Everyone thought of Tom's cooking and quickly understood Zhang Da Ye's embarrassment.
After a satisfying meal, Zhang Da Ye prepared to open the tavern for business.
"Should I hide upstairs again?" Camie asked, remembering last time when she'd stayed upstairs playing cards and board games with Tom.
"No need," Zhang Da Ye said. "You and Papagu can just sit behind the bar with Artoria. Play cards or Ludo together."
Zhang Da Ye figured there was no longer any need to be overly cautious. The folding stool had already been revealed. Even if Camie's identity became known, it wouldn't matter.
Besides, Jinbe was coming later. What, was he supposed to hide him upstairs too?
Shark Chili shot Zhang Da Ye a look. Was the boss being a little devious? Recommending card games and Ludo to Camie—wasn't he just setting her up to cry in frustration?
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