The kitchen in Chaldea was bustling with activity as Ritsuka Fujimaru stood between three very different Servants, each with their unique approach to cooking. Today was a day off, and while others might have taken the opportunity to relax, Ritsuka found themselves learning how to cook under the tutelage of Boudica, EMIYA, and Tamamo Cat.

"Alright, Master, cooking is about heart and soul," Boudica said, her voice gentle and encouraging. She stood beside Ritsuka, guiding their hands as they chopped vegetables. "You don't need to rush. Take your time. Feel the connection with the ingredients."

Ritsuka smiled nervously. "Right… heart and soul."

On the other side of the counter, EMIYA was inspecting the various ingredients, his sharp eyes analyzing each step. "Cooking is an art," he added, his voice calm but firm. "Precision and timing are everything. If you fail to follow the steps correctly, the entire dish could be ruined. Don't be sloppy, Master."

Tamamo Cat, meanwhile, was enthusiastically bouncing around the kitchen, wearing a chef's hat that was slightly too big for her. "Nyaa~! Master, cooking is about having fun! If it looks good and smells good, then it's a win! Let's get cooking, nyaa!" She darted from one side of the kitchen to the other, grabbing ingredients and tossing them into bowls with reckless abandon.

Ritsuka looked between the three, feeling a bit overwhelmed by the drastically different philosophies. "So... should I be precise, go with my heart, or just have fun?" they asked, confused.

Boudica smiled kindly, wiping her hands on her apron. "It's all about balance, Master. You'll find your own style as you practice more."

"Just don't listen to her too much," EMIYA muttered under his breath, gesturing toward Tamamo Cat, who was currently licking the batter off a spoon. "We want something edible."

"Hey! That's rude, nyaa!" Tamamo Cat pouted, her ears twitching. "I make tasty food all the time! Just… a little messy sometimes."

After some time spent prepping and learning techniques from each of them—Boudica teaching Ritsuka how to chop and sauté, EMIYA guiding them through precise seasoning and temperatures, and Tamamo Cat offering tips on presentation (albeit in her chaotic, fun-loving way)—it was time for the final test.

"All right, Master," EMIYA said, crossing his arms as he looked over their shoulder. "You've learned from all of us. Now it's time to make a dish on your own."

"No pressure!" Boudica chimed in cheerfully, while Tamamo Cat added, "Just imagine you're cooking for your favorite fluffy companion, nyaa!"

Ritsuka took a deep breath. It was time to apply everything they had learned. They gathered the ingredients for their dish—nothing too complex, but something they hoped would impress their teachers. As they worked, the kitchen filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and the fragrant aromas of herbs and spices.

After what felt like hours but was only a short time, Ritsuka's dish was ready. A savory beef stew with roasted vegetables, garnished with herbs and served with freshly baked bread. They took a deep breath, proud of their creation.

And now came the real test—the taste testers. And who better (or worse) to judge their first dish than two very particular Servants?

Salter (Saber Alter) and Jalter (Jeanne Alter) entered the kitchen, both dressed in their stylish Shinjuku outfits. Salter's cool, indifferent demeanor contrasted sharply with Jalter's annoyed scowl.

"Food, huh?" Salter said, looking over the dish with mild interest. "Let's see if this is worth my time. I'm curious how well you've been trained, Master."

Jalter, on the other hand, crossed her arms, glaring at Ritsuka. "Tch, I don't even know why I agreed to this. You expect me to be your guinea pig or something?" Despite her words, there was a slight hint of curiosity in her eyes as she eyed the food.

Salter sat down at the table first, cutting into the stew without hesitation. "If this passes my expectations, Master, I might just make you my personal cook," she said nonchalantly. "You'd better not disappoint."

Jalter's eyes widened at that. "What?! You can't just claim him as your cook! Master's an idiot, but you're an even bigger idiot if you think he'd actually cook for you all the time!"

Salter glanced at Jalter with a bored expression. "If the food is good, why not? He clearly has the potential to improve."

Ritsuka, now sweating from nerves more than the heat of the kitchen, watched as Salter took her first bite. Her eyes remained neutral as she chewed, and after a moment of silence, she swallowed.

"Well?" Jalter demanded, tapping her foot impatiently.

Salter wiped her mouth with a napkin and set down her fork. "It's... surprisingly good. Not perfect, but for a first attempt, it's well done." She gave Ritsuka a rare, approving nod. "You've passed."

Ritsuka exhaled in relief. "Thanks, Salter! That means a lot."

Jalter, however, narrowed her eyes. "Hmph! Don't think I'll be as easy to please," she said, sitting down at the table and begrudgingly picking up her fork. "I'm not gonna go easy on you just because you're Master."

She took a bite, chewing slowly, her expression difficult to read. Ritsuka held their breath, waiting for her verdict.

After a long pause, Jalter swallowed and then... blushed slightly, her face turning away from the table. "It's... okay. I guess."

Salter raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Is that so? I thought you'd have harsher criticism."

Jalter glared at her. "Shut up! I'm just saying it's fine! Don't go making a big deal out of it!"

Ritsuka couldn't help but smile. "I'm glad you liked it, Jalter."

Jalter huffed, crossing her arms again. "Don't get cocky, idiot! If you screw up next time, I'll never let you hear the end of it!"

Salter, with a rare smirk on her lips, leaned back in her chair. "In any case, Master, you've proven yourself capable. Perhaps I will have you cook for me more often."

Jalter scowled at her. "Over my dead body! There's no way Master's going to be your personal chef!"

As the two Alters began to bicker back and forth, Ritsuka couldn't help but laugh. It seemed no matter how much time passed, things were always lively in Chaldea's kitchen—and while today had been stressful, it was also incredibly rewarding.

"Thank you all for helping me learn today," Ritsuka said, looking over at Boudica, EMIYA, and Tamamo Cat. "I couldn't have done it without you."

Boudica smiled warmly. "You did wonderfully, Master. I'm proud of you."

EMIYA gave a satisfied nod. "Not bad for your first time. Keep practicing, and you'll improve."

Tamamo Cat, of course, bounced up and down, tail wagging happily. "Nyaa~! That was so fun, Master! Let's do it again soon!"

Ritsuka smiled, feeling grateful for the support of their Servants.