Chapter 3

When Tamami Shiomi stepped onto the stone stairs leading to the Moriya Shrine, the sky was awash with the soft glow of dawn. A light morning breeze brushed through his silver hair, carrying a faint scent of mountain flowers. The crisp chirping of birds mixed with the trembling light filtering through the trees, giving the whole scene a serene and warm atmosphere.

"This place looks so peaceful…" Tamami stopped in his tracks, gazing up at the torii gate standing ahead, his eyes shining with childlike curiosity and anticipation. "I wonder if I could stay here for a while?" he murmured softly to himself.

From the high vantage point, the Moriya Shrine exuded an air of calm and sacredness. Though Tamami wasn't particularly interested in the shrine's divine legends, what he cared about was the sense of tranquility the place offered. A place like this, he thought, would surely be a happy place to live.

He ascended the steps slowly, his pace unhurried and deliberate. The rising sunlight cast a gentle glow on the hem of Tamami's robe. When he reached the top of the staircase, he spotted a green-haired girl bent over, sweeping the shrine courtyard. Dressed in a shrine maiden's outfit, her expression was focused and calm, though she furrowed her brows slightly upon hearing the faint sound of footsteps.

"Excuse me, are you here to pray?" The girl turned to face Tamami, her tone polite but tinged with subtle wariness.

Tamami hurriedly bowed, offering a sheepish smile. "Ah, my name is Tamami Shiomi . I'm just… um, an ordinary tsukumogami. I happened to be passing by and saw how beautiful your shrine is. I wanted to ask… if I could maybe… stay here for a while?"

"Stay here?" The girl blinked, repeating his words with surprise. She was Sanae Kochiya, the shrine maiden responsible for protecting and managing the shrine's affairs. Encounters like this were unusual, and someone outright asking to stay was a first. "Why would you want to stay here? The Moriya Shrine isn't an inn."

Tamami scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "Because this place feels so peaceful, and I really like that kind of calm. If… if it's inconvenient, I can help out! I can clean, repair things, or… I'm really good at cooking! If I can make a meal you like, maybe you'll let me stay for a little bit?"

Hearing that, Sanae couldn't help but smile slightly, though she quickly composed herself. "You're quite confident, huh? Alright, I'd like to see your cooking skills. But if it's not good enough, I won't let you stay so easily."

Tamami followed Sanae into the shrine's modest kitchen. The space was small but tidy, with shining countertops and neatly arranged utensils. Sanae retrieved some basic ingredients: rice, a few wild vegetables, a block of tofu, and some seasoning.

"The ingredients are simple. Use these," Sanae said, crossing her arms. "I'm hoping to taste something that surprises me."

"No problem!" Tamami replied cheerfully, rolling up his sleeves before getting to work. The sound of chopping vegetables was sharp and clean; his knife movements were swift and precise, as though he had done this countless times. When making the soup, he carefully tasted the broth, adjusting the balance of flavors with practiced care. Throughout, he hummed a light tune, his gentle eyes full of focus and quiet joy.

Sanae, standing to the side and observing, couldn't help but feel curious.

"This guy… his movements are so natural. Is he really just an ordinary tsukumogami? And that aura… it's so calm and soothing, it's hard not to relax around him."

Before long, Tamami served up the dishes: vegetable rice and tofu soup. The food emitted a delicate aroma – not overpowering or flashy, but gentle and comforting, like a soft breeze through a forest at dawn.

Sanae picked up a bite of the rice and placed it in her mouth. The grains were perfectly cooked, having absorbed the subtle sweetness of the broth, while the vegetables added a crisp freshness. Paired with the light, clear taste of the tofu soup, it left her momentarily speechless.

"Well? How is it?" Tamami asked expectantly, his eyes shining.

Sanae coughed lightly, feigning composure. "The taste… is pretty good. Do you always cook like this?"

"Yup! I love seeing people enjoy my food. It makes me feel accomplished," Tamami replied with a pure and unguarded smile.

Sanae slowly set down her chopsticks, lost in thought. "Your cooking is impressive, but I still can't let you stay just like that… How about this? You can come by occasionally to help out. After I've observed you for a while, I'll decide."

Though slightly disappointed, Tamami nodded gratefully. "Thank you for giving me a chance! I'll do my best not to trouble you."

After cleaning up the kitchen, Tamami stood at the bottom of the shrine steps, waving to Sanae. The sunlight behind him stretched his shadow far across the ground. His eyes shone with gratitude and hope. "Miss Sanae, I'll come back next time to help clean and cook. I really appreciate you not chasing me away!"

"Heh, as long as you don't cause trouble, I won't drive you off," Sanae replied with a faint smile, raising her hand in farewell.

After Tamami left, Sanae carried the leftover food deeper into the shrine. Inside, two deities were seated at a low table, resting idly.

"Kanako Sama, Suwako Sama, I made a little extra breakfast today. Please enjoy it," Sanae said, setting down the bowls and plates before them.

The faint aroma caught Kanako's attention, and she frowned slightly. "This doesn't smell like your cooking, Sanae. When did you get this good?"

Suwako, however, eagerly took a bite of the vegetable rice, her eyes immediately lighting up. "Wow! Who made this? It's amazing! Sanae, did you find a gem out there?"

Sanae cleared her throat, looking both amused and exasperated as she replied, "Actually, I didn't make this. It was a tsukumogami who visited just now. He claims to be ordinary, but his cooking is far from it."

Kanako put down her spoon thoughtfully. "A tsukumogami? With cooking skills like this, he's not ordinary at all. He asked to stay here?"

"Yeah. He directly asked if he could live here, but of course I didn't agree immediately," Sanae shrugged. "Still, since he promised to help out and his cooking is so good, I'm letting him visit and assist for now. I want to observe him first."

Suwako laughed brightly, looking up. "Sanae, with a talent like this, aren't you tempted to keep him? Look at this food – it's way better than yours!"

Sanae's mouth twitched. " Suwako Sama, I chose those ingredients… Never mind. Comparing people is just asking for trouble."

Kanako chuckled softly, her expression meaningful as she said, "If he's willing to help, let's see how he performs. He might turn out to be someone quite interesting."

Suwako, busy stuffing her mouth, raised her hand in agreement. "I second that! Good food is never a loss!"

Watching the two deities enjoy the meal, Sanae couldn't help but lower her head, deep in thought.

"That tsukumogami named Tamami Shiomi … Why does he give off such a calming, pleasant feeling? I'm not ready to trust a stranger so easily, but perhaps… he really is someone worth relying on."

Outside, the sunlight grew brighter, streaming through the shrine's pillars and casting patterns on the table. A soft, gentle light seemed to glow in Sanae's heart as well.

She smiled faintly, letting out a small sigh as she thought to herself, "The days ahead might turn out to be quite interesting…"

In the ethereal realm of early morning, a soft breeze carrying a thin mist brushed through the air, scattering cherry blossoms like falling snow.

Tamami gazed at the picturesque scene before him, his heart filled with awe. In the distance, the pavilions of Hakugyokurou loomed faintly through the spiritual haze, resembling a paradise.

"The cherry blossoms here… are so beautiful," Tamami whispered in admiration, his voice tinged with childlike wonder.

As he stood there, immersed in the scenery, a soft yet mischievous voice suddenly sounded beside him. "Outsider, how did you end up here?"

Startled, Tamami quickly turned around. Standing before him was a pink-haired woman dressed in an elegant kimono, exuding a noble yet approachable demeanor. She held an ornate folding fan, her face adorned with a serene smile, and her violet eyes glimmered playfully. Tamami noticed how the atmosphere around her seemed to blend seamlessly with the misty cherry blossom grove, as though she were part of it.

"Ah, h-hello!" Tamami stammered, quickly bowing in respect. Nervous but earnest, he said, "My name is Tamami Shiomi , just a… well, ordinary tsukumogami. I happened to pass by and stumbled upon this place. The scenery here is so beautiful that I couldn't help but stay and admire it for a while."

The woman chuckled softly, her laughter as clear as a wind chime. "I am Yuyuko Saigyouji, the mistress of Hakugyokurou. An ordinary tsukumogami who can wander into the Netherworld… How interesting."

Tamami scratched the back of his head, his expression sheepish. "Is that strange? I just thought this place felt so comforting. Oh, right! I can cook! If you'd allow it, I'd be happy to help out by making meals in exchange for staying here for a while."

The moment Yuyuko heard the words "cook", her eyes lit up with a sparkle of undisguised anticipation. "Cooking? What kind of delicious food can you make? I have plenty of spiritual ingredients here. I wonder if they'll suit your needs."

Tamami nodded enthusiastically with a bright smile. "Anything will do! I love cooking the most. Please, give me whatever ingredients you have, and I'll prepare something with all my heart!"

Yuyuko led Tamami to the kitchen of Hakugyokurou. Compared to human kitchens, this one had an unusual charm. The utensils were ancient yet brimming with spiritual energy, and the stove seemed to burn without the need for firewood.

Yuyuko retrieved a few seemingly ordinary ingredients from the storeroom: some smooth root vegetables, a small basket of glistening rice, and a handful of mushrooms that seemed to grow in complete silence.

"Here, let's see what you can make out of these," Yuyuko said, handing the ingredients to Tamami before standing to the side with keen interest to watch him work.

Tamami took the ingredients with a smile, showing no sign of complaint or hesitation. Instead, he eagerly rolled up his sleeves and began preparing the meal. With a small, delicate knife, he worked with precision and grace. Peeling, slicing, and chopping – every movement was fluid and practiced. As he cooked, he occasionally leaned in to listen carefully to the sound of the simmering pot or stirred the broth gently, his movements calm and gentle, full of focus and care.

Yuyuko watched in fascination, thinking to herself, "For someone who claims to be an ordinary tsukumogami, his movements are incredibly skilled. He's like a master chef putting on a performance."

Before long, a simple yet heartwarming meal was placed before Yuyuko: a bowl of fragrant stewed vegetable rice paired with a clear, sweet soup. The rice grains were distinct and glistened with moisture, while the broth was clear and full of depth. Though the presentation was humble, it exuded a comforting, homely warmth.

Yuyuko couldn't wait any longer and eagerly sat down, picking up her chopsticks to taste the food. The moment the rice entered her mouth, she felt a wave of warmth flow through her spirit, softening the ethereal realm around her. The gently falling cherry blossoms seemed to accompany the sweetness of the meal like a delicate symphony.

"This flavor… it's warm, gentle, and carries a faint sweetness," Yuyuko murmured in awe. "It feels like I'm not just tasting the ingredients, but experiencing a heartfelt tenderness."

Tamami smiled sheepishly at the praise. "I'm glad you like it! I've always believed that if you cook with sincerity, you can bring happiness to people."

Yuyuko let out a soft laugh, her voice like a breeze that lingered in the kitchen. "It seems I've found a treasure. Tamami-san, why don't you just live here? Hakugyokurou is a dreamlike place, and as long as you cook for me every day, I don't mind letting you stay permanently."

Hearing such a generous offer, Tamami froze for a moment. He blinked in surprise before speaking with a hint of regret in his voice. "Thank you for your kindness, but I want to see more of Gensokyo. Cooking makes me happy, but I also want to explore different places, meet people, and see their stories. I can't stay in just one place… I'm sorry."

Yuyuko gazed at him, a hint of disappointment flashing through her eyes, but she quickly replaced it with a smile of understanding. "I suppose I was being a little greedy. If you wish to explore, then the gates of Hakugyokurou will always be open to you. Come back whenever you want. I'll look forward to your new dishes."

Tamami's face lit up with joy, like a child given a precious treat. "Really? That's wonderful! I promise I'll come visit often!"

With light, carefree steps, he turned and began to leave, his face full of anticipation for the future.

As Tamami's figure gradually disappeared into the mists of the Netherworld, Yuyuko sat back at the table, savoring the remnants of the meal. Each bite lingered on her tongue, leaving her with a deep sense of nostalgia and contentment.

"That tsukumogami… he claims to be ordinary, yet he possesses such unforgettable culinary skill and warmth," she mused. "His arrival feels like a warm seed planted in this ethereal realm of mine."

Looking out the window at the drifting cherry blossoms, Yuyuko whispered softly, "Tamami-san, I'll be looking forward to the next time we meet. I hope you bring me even more wonderful feelings."

Tamami strolled through the verdant bamboo forest as the night deepened. Moonlight filtered through layers of bamboo leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground. The soft rustling of the leaves carried on the gentle breeze brought a refreshing chill. Wandering through the mysterious Bamboo Forest of the Lost, Tamami's heart brimmed with joy for the unknown.

The atmosphere here was vastly different from the shrines he had visited, yet it held its own tranquil beauty.

"What a beautiful place…" Tamami whispered softly, his face lit up with a pure and innocent smile.

Before he knew it, he had arrived in front of an elegant and serene mansion. The red lanterns of Eientei swayed gently in the night breeze, as if beckoning him to come closer. Standing at the entrance, Tamami hesitated, unsure whether he should knock. But before he could decide, the doors opened on their own.

A young woman clad in a luxurious kimono stepped out. Her long black hair framed a face that radiated grace and composure, her demeanor timeless as if unaffected by the passage of years.

"We rarely have visitors here. Are you lost?" The woman—Kaguya Houraisan smiled gently at Tamami, her tone soft but tinged with faint aloofness.

Tamami froze for a moment, then quickly bowed. "Hello, my name is Tamami Shiomi . I'm just… a regular tsukumogami. I happened to pass by and was drawn in by the beauty of this bamboo forest. I wanted to see the scenery here."

He looked up, his gaze full of pure admiration and curiosity, completely free of ulterior motives.

"The Bamboo Forest of the Lost isn't a place ordinary people can wander into," Kaguya said with a playful laugh, lightly covering her mouth with her hand. "You're quite bold."

Tamami scratched his head, his expression sheepish. "Well, I'm not particularly amazing or anything. I just thought this place was beautiful… Um, if it's not too much trouble, could I maybe stay here for a while? I can cook, clean, and help out. I promise I won't cause you any problems!"

Kaguya blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a request. She raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile curving her lips. "An interesting offer. Very well, let's see how good your cooking is first."

And so, Tamami was led into Eientei's kitchen.

The kitchen was modest but equipped with the essentials: spices and simple ingredients. Kaguya pointed casually toward a corner where bamboo shoots and a few other basic ingredients were stored. "Use these. If you can impress me, perhaps I'll consider letting you help out from time to time."

Tamami's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and began his work. His movements were fluid and precise—peeling, slicing, and chopping with practiced finesse. He carefully blanched the bamboo shoots and combined them with rice, mushrooms, and seasonings to create a fragrant bamboo shoot stew. He then simmered fresh bamboo leaves in clear water, creating a light, refreshing soup that carried a faint, grassy aroma.

Kaguya sat nearby, watching idly at first, but her eyes quickly lit up with interest. "This one's cooking… is no ordinary skill."

Before long, Tamami presented the finished dishes: a beautifully simple bamboo shoot stew paired with a clear bamboo leaf soup. His hands trembled slightly, but his smile remained sincere. "Please enjoy!"

Kaguya picked up her chopsticks and tasted a bite of the rice. The warm, rich flavor filled her mouth, as though the moonlight itself had been infused into each grain. She sipped the soup next, savoring the light, clean taste that left a refreshing sweetness on her tongue.

"This flavor… is quite good," Kaguya said softly, a hint of surprise flickering in her eyes.

Tamami let out a breath of relief and grinned. "I'm glad you like it! This is just how I usually cook, so I hope it suits your tastes."

Setting down her chopsticks, Kaguya looked at Tamami thoughtfully. "With cooking skills like these, you still call yourself an ordinary tsukumogami? How curious."

She paused for a moment before smiling faintly. "Very well, I'll trust your sincerity for now. If you can avoid causing trouble and prove yourself useful, I don't mind letting you come by occasionally. We'll see how you do."

Tamami's face lit up with joy. He bowed deeply. "Thank you, Kaguya-san! I promise I'll do my best not to cause any trouble!"

As the night deepened, Tamami left Eientei and made his way back through the bamboo forest. He glanced at the moonlit shadows cast by the bamboo leaves, his heart content.

"Kaguya-san might seem aloof, but she gave me a chance. Next time, I'll bring even more delicious dishes for them to try."

Once Tamami's figure disappeared into the depths of the bamboo forest, two figures emerged from the inner halls of Eientei—Eirin Yagokoro and Reisen Udongein Inaba. They had come to investigate the visitor after hearing Kaguya mention him. Though initially cautious, they were surprised to see Kaguya seated with a faint smile, the remnants of a meal still on the table.

"Kaguya… who was that?" Eirin asked, her voice calm and laced with quiet wisdom.

Reisen peered over at the table, taking in the lingering aroma. "It smells amazing… Did that person cook this?"

Kaguya pushed the remaining bamboo shoot stew and bamboo leaf soup toward them. "Try it for yourselves."

Eirin picked up a spoon and took a sip of the soup. Her usually composed expression wavered slightly. "The flavor is so gentle—it's the natural fragrance of bamboo leaves and clear water. This is no simple feat."

Reisen eagerly took a bite of the stew, her eyes widening in surprise. "Wow, this is so good! Is that guy really just an ordinary tsukumogami? This is better than anything I've had from top chefs outside!"

Turning to Kaguya, she asked curiously, "Princess, who exactly was that person?"

Kaguya lightly smoothed her sleeves, a thoughtful expression on her face. "He said he's an ordinary tsukumogami and didn't display any unusual powers. But his cooking skills and demeanor are anything but ordinary. He's quite intriguing."

Eirin set down her spoon, a glint of contemplation in her eyes. "An ordinary tsukumogami? To wander freely into the Bamboo Forest of the Lost and win your approval… he's clearly no simple being. Perhaps he's someone worth observing closely."

Reisen's face lit up with excitement, her eyes sparkling. "If he comes back often, we'll get to enjoy his cooking! Isn't that great, Princess, Eirin-sama?"

Kaguya chuckled softly, her gaze drifting toward the night sky outside. "Well, at the very least, the flavors he brought us tonight were delightful. Let's see what changes he might bring to Eientei in the future."

Moonlight bathed the courtyard in a soft glow as the bamboo leaves rustled in the wind.

Eirin and Reisen continued savoring the dishes Tamami had left behind, while quietly discussing him with Kaguya. From this night forward, the gentle and unassuming tsukumogami would bring a rare warmth and sense of anticipation to Eientei's long, quiet nights.

As Tamami hummed a cheerful tune on his way back to his temporary resting spot in the depths of the Bamboo Forest, his mind was already planning the next dishes he would bring on his return visit. He couldn't wait to see the smiles on their faces once again.

Tamami wandered to the lakeside, his gaze captured by the majestic Scarlet Devil Mansion before him. The towering spire shimmered mysteriously under the moonlight, as if silently watching over the entire lake. A gentle breeze carried the cool, damp air, prompting him to stop and take in the enchanting scene.

"What a beautiful place…" Tamami murmured, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I wonder if the people inside like sweets?"

Without much thought, he stepped onto the path leading to the Scarlet Devil Mansion, walking toward the unknown with his usual warmth and innocence.

The atmosphere inside the Scarlet Devil Mansion was nothing like what Tamami had imagined. Tall bookshelves, a stifling quiet, and dimly glowing lamps filled the grand hall with a subtle pressure.

But soon, his attention was drawn to a quiet girl sitting on a chair. Her slender figure was wrapped in a long purple dress, and her smooth, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall. She held a thick book in her hands and looked up, her gaze calm and wise.

"Outsider, who are you? What brings you here?" Patchouli Knowledge's soft voice carried a faint sense of distance.

Tamami bowed politely, his grin as guileless as ever. "Hello, I'm Tamami Shiomi , just an ordinary tsukumogami. I happened to pass by and saw how beautiful this place is. I wondered if I could help out, maybe by… making some sweets?"

Patchouli raised an eyebrow, her gaze lingering on Tamami as she evaluated him. Her voice remained calm. "Sweets? The Scarlet Devil Mansion doesn't lack servants. Are you sure you can make something better than what they can?"

Tamami scratched the back of his head, his voice sincere. "I don't know for sure, but I can try! If you don't like it, just pretend you never saw me."

Patchouli gently closed her book, a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes. "In that case, prove it with action. The kitchen is over there. Use whatever ingredients are available to make something that satisfies me."

Tamami entered the Scarlet Devil Mansion's kitchen and looked around. He found a limited selection of ingredients: eggs, milk, flour, sugar, and a small assortment of fruits. Seeing the simplicity of the materials, he felt a wave of ease. "This is perfect!"

Without hesitation, he got to work. He whisked the eggs and sugar together until the mixture was smooth, then added milk and flour to create a soft batter. His movements were fluid and practiced as he prepared the small cakes, humming a light tune as he worked with focus and care.

Standing at the kitchen doorway, Patchouli quietly observed him, her curiosity deepening. "His techniques are far too refined for someone claiming to be ordinary… Is he really just a wandering tsukumogami?"

Soon, a sweet aroma wafted through the kitchen as the cakes baked. Tamami carefully took them out of the oven, revealing golden-brown cupcakes dusted with a fine layer of sugar and garnished with fresh fruit.

He placed the cakes in front of Patchouli, his expression full of anticipation. "Please try them!"

Patchouli picked up a fork, cutting off a small piece and placing it in her mouth. The cake was soft, light, and melted instantly on her tongue. The creamy flavor blended perfectly with the slight tartness of the fruit. Her eyes widened ever so slightly, and her voice softened with subtle praise. "The taste… is far better than I expected. Your cooking skills are impressive."

As Patchouli savored the cake, a cheerful, bell-like voice rang out from the doorway. "Pache, what are you eating? Let me try too!"

Before Patchouli could respond, a lively blonde girl bounded into the room—Flandre Scarlet, the other mistress of the Scarlet Devil Mansion.

"Hello!" Tamami greeted her with a cheerful wave. "I'm Tamami Shiomi . I just made some cupcakes. Would you like to try one?"

Flandre, drawn in by the aroma, wasted no time grabbing a cupcake and taking a huge bite. Her eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! This is so good! How can you make something this delicious?"

Tamami scratched his head, smiling warmly. "I'm just an ordinary tsukumogami, and making sweets is my hobby. I'm glad you like it!"

Flandre grabbed Tamami's hand, her crimson eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Stay here! You can make sweets for me every day, right? Please?"

Tamami blinked in surprise, then smiled gently. "Thank you for liking them, but I still want to see more of the world. I promise I'll come back sometime!"

Flandre pouted, her cheeks puffing out. "You have to keep your word, or I'll come and drag you back, Nii-san!"

After Tamami left, the sweet scent lingering in the air drew both Koakuma and Hong Meiling into the kitchen. They arrived just in time to see Patchouli and Flandre enjoying the remaining cupcakes.

"What's that delicious smell?" Koakuma's eyes lit up as she grabbed a fork and tasted a bite. She gasped in delight. "Oh my gosh! This is so much better than anything I can make!"

Meiling also took a piece, savoring it slowly before exclaiming, "Who was that guest? How did he make something that tastes so warm and comforting? Even I can't resist it."

Patchouli closed her book, her voice calm yet thoughtful. "He calls himself an ordinary tsukumogami, but his cooking… is far from ordinary."

Flandre, hugging the remaining cupcakes protectively, grinned widely. "Tamami Nii-san said he'll come back! Next time, I'll make him bake even more sweets for me!"

That night, as Tamami strolled along the lakeside, he gazed at the rippling moonlit water, his heart full of satisfaction.

"Patchouli-san and Flandre-san really liked my sweets… I hope I can bring them even more happiness next time."

Meanwhile, inside the Scarlet Devil Mansion, Patchouli murmured softly to herself, "That tsukumogami… He's no simple being, but he's certainly worth looking forward to."

Flandre, lying on her back and gazing up at the starry sky outside her window, shouted excitedly, "Tamami Nii-san, come back soon! Or I'll come find you!"