Aoba Recall was still exceptionally capable.
She strode up to the tightly shut kitchen door, raised a hand, and knocked on it politely yet steadily. At the same time, she called out clearly, "Little Kita, this is Assistant Inspector Aoba Recall. Could you open the door?"
Her voice was calm and strong, carrying a reassuring power.
A moment later, the kitchen door slowly opened a narrow crack, and a faint light shone through from inside.
Kitasan Black herself did not appear.
After glancing inside, Aoba Recall did not turn back. With her hands behind her back, she gave Anjing Zhen an "OK" sign, then slipped sideways into the kitchen. The door quietly closed again behind her.
Not long afterward, the kitchen door was pushed open once more.
Aoba Recall came out first. Frustration and amusement were intertwined on her face, creating an oddly complex expression.
She carried a plate of egg fried rice that did not look particularly appetizing.
The rice and egg looked as though they had gone through a fierce battle in the wok, piled together in a chaotic mess.
Some grains of rice were slightly charred, scattered among the normally colored ones.
The eggs, which should have been golden yellow, looked anything but tender. They were merely irregular, dark-colored chunks mixed carelessly into the rice.
Kitasan Black followed behind her.
By now, she had returned to her usual self, her face wearing its familiar full of vigor along with a trace of apology.
She was also carrying a plate of egg fried rice, though it was clearly far more delicious-looking than the one in Aoba Recall's hands.
A golden omelet wrapped around the rice completely, like a layer of brilliant golden gauze gleaming enticingly beneath the light.
Bright red ketchup decorated the dazzling golden surface.
The ketchup