Getting Ready for the New Year-Making Dumplings? (Please Vote!)

By evening, Akari had returned home. She greeted Kirlia warmly, set down her backpack, and headed to the kitchen, where Mingyou and Ogerpon were busy.

"Did you sort things out with Ralts?"

"Yeah. Both sisters are staying at the Manor now. How about you? Any leads?"

"Still nothing..."

Akari shook her head regretfully. Heavy snow was forecast for tomorrow, so she wouldn't be able to go out looking again. She hated knowing the enemy could see her when she couldn't see them.

After a moment of silence, she lightly patted her cheeks and pulled herself together. "Let me help. What are we making tonight? I bought some fresh ingredients at Momozawa Shop on my way back, in case we can't get out tomorrow."

"Hmm... Let's make some sweet soup. Ralts seems to like sweet things, and her Older Sister probably does too. We can welcome them with it."

"Sure. I'll chop the vegetables... Oh, have you tried the Mochi from Momozawa Shop?"

Akari was curious. While investigating the "Ogre" with Carmine today, she had seen Carmine buy quite a few pieces and eat them. Something about Carmine's behavior while eating the Mochi had felt strange.

Mingyou paused. The revolting taste came back to him, and his face tightened. "I have... but it was awful. I don't know if the piece of Mochi I ate had gone bad, or if eating your Mochi did something to my sense of taste. Either way, I really couldn't stomach it."

"Your sense of taste? Are you okay?"

"I'm fine otherwise. Have you tried it? What did you think?"

"No. Carmine ate all of hers, and I felt awkward asking for a piece. Momozawa Shop was sold out when I went to ask, too. The Mochi seems pretty popular lately. Lots of people were asking