#1026 BBQ Day

Today’s weather is gorgeous...

The perfect day for yakiniku.

And so, the moment has finally arrived.

The much-anticipated Pregnant Women’s Support Event: The Lucky Charm Yakiniku Festival!!!

Expectant mothers from all corners of the land have gathered on the farm!

From the mermaid side, we have my lovely wife, Platy, joined by Zoth Syra, Carp, Mahi, Lady Puffer, and Lampeye.

From the Demon Kingdom, we’ve got Mrs. Astres and Mrs. Glasya, the two demon queens, as well as our farm’s very own Batemy. Oh, and let’s not forget Mamoru’s wife, making her first appearance here.

Representing the Human Kingdom, we have the therian Black Cat and Varlina, the feudal lord’s wife.

To top it all off, we’ve got Bloody Mary the dragon herself.

A dragon expecting her first child—what a cause for celebration.

Looking at all these attendees, I can’t help but marvel at the sheer number of pregnant women. It truly is a baby boom.

This is all thanks to the blessings of Cronus. His influence is clearly working wonders.

“What exactly do you have planned for today, Dear?”

My wife, Platy, asks on behalf of the group.

“I had a feeling you were up to something recently. I’ve been so excited that I couldn’t concentrate on my work! Whatever you’ve been preparing, it’s bound to be something utterly delicious!”

I could see the gleam of anticipation in Platy’s eyes.

She knows that whenever I’m up to something new, it’s sure to result in a culinary masterpiece.

It’s practically become a Pavlovian response.

Have I really conditioned her like this? Maybe this is partly my fault…

“A feast to celebrate your wife as she prepares for the big day… Platy, you really found yourself a gem of a husband,” says Lady Mahi.

She’s the former mermaid queen and Platy’s mother.

She, too, is expecting a new addition to the family.

It’s quite something to be pregnant at the same time as your daughter. She must have had Platy and Arowana at a very young age because she still looks youthful...

“For a man to truly understand how difficult childbirth is for a woman… it’s rare, you know. Platy, your husband is one of the few who gets it. The other husbands could learn a thing or two from him.”

Lady Mahi’s words cause a few of the men present to glance away guiltily.

Naturally, the wives didn’t come alone. Their husbands are here too, and for those who aren’t first-time parents, they’ve brought along their eldest children.

“All this chatter is fine and all, but what I really want to know is—what feast have you prepared for us today, Dear?!”

Platy’s impatience is palpable as she pounds the table.

Stop that. That’s no way to behave.

What if Junior or Norito start copying you?

But Platy isn’t the only one getting antsy.

The others, particularly those who live or frequently visit the farm, are practically salivating in anticipation.

They’ve seen this scenario play out before and know exactly what was coming.

They’re like a pack of Pavlov’s dogs, honestly.

If I keep them waiting any longer, there might be a riot.

Time to get things rolling.

“Ahem, thanks for gathering here today. We’ve got great weather, and—”

“Skip the pleasantries! Get to the point already!” “Food! Food!” “I can’t wait any longer!!!”

Yikes, they’re as impatient as Americans at a drive-thru!

All right then, let’s unveil the main event—Yakiniku!

“Uooooooooooh!!!”

“The new masterpiece from Lord Saint himself!!!”

Hold on, hold on.

Everyone.

Don’t just dive in.

It’s raw meat.

Stay, stay.

“But if it’s a dish prepared by Lord Saint, it’s guaranteed to be delicious!!!”

“Exactly! We can eat it without hesitation!!!”

Wow, their trust in me is through the roof!

Though some of these women are royalty who really should have someone taste-test their food first...

As much as I appreciate the confidence, there’s a right way to eat this.

Especially since it’s raw meat.

Food poisoning is the last thing we need, especially for the pregnant women here.

All right, let’s make sure everyone’s on the same page—husbands, please keep your wives from grabbing the raw meat!

Seriously, don’t join them in trying to eat it raw!!!

“This dish is called ‘yakiniku!’ And it is meant to be grilled!!!”

“Ooooh!”

“Now, let me demonstrate the proper way to enjoy it!”

Who better to introduce this otherworldly delicacy than yours truly?

“First, we have the brazier packed with burning coals, perfect for grilling meat!”

I had these made especially for today.

The metal grate on top is already hot, shimmering in the heat.

“Now...let’s place the meat on top!”

The moment the meat hits the grill, fsshhhhhhhhhh! A sizzle bursts forth, making the most mouthwatering sound imaginable!

The sound of meat cooking, the kind that makes your stomach growl with hunger!

Juices start to seep out, dripping down through the grill and onto the coals below.

“Kyaaaahhh! It looks so delicious! Can we eat it now, Dear?!”

“Hold on a second! We need to flip it over! You can’t just cook one side!”

It seems like everyone’s completely obsessed with this yakiniku, but have they ever been this wild before?!

Is this the magic of grilling meat?

Even though it hasn’t touched our lips yet, the yakiniku has already cast its spell on everyone!

“Make sure the other side gets cooked too… There, it’s done! Go ahead, enjoy!”

The sauce is ready and waiting, so all that’s left is to dig in.

Platy eagerly grabs a piece, not wasting a second, and pops it into her mouth.

Less than a second later…

“Shooooooooo ghoooooooooooooooood!”

She lets out a bizarre cry.

“What is this?! The meat is so tender! Doesn’t meat usually get tough when you cook it? But this, it’s so soft! And it melts! It’s like it disappears on your tongue, like snow! Hot, sizzling snow?! This texture is something elseeeeeee!”

By grilling the thin slices right in front of us, we avoid any food poisoning risks while getting that almost-raw, melt-in-your-mouth sensation.

It’s no wonder grilled meat is destined to be popular forever.

“Did you all see that? The beauty of yakiniku is that you get to enjoy cooking it yourself!”

Cook it just the way you like.

Just, please, no raw meat—I beg you!!!

“The reason I chose yakiniku for this special gathering of pregnant ladies is that it’s considered a good luck food. Or so I heard from a certain god. I was like, ‘Really? Never heard that before,’ but I guess even superstitions can get updates…”

“Keep grilling! Let’s goooo!”

No one’s listening to me.

Well, I get it—who wants to hear a long speech with this feast right in front of them?

I know there’s nothing worse than a pre-meal monologue.

A meal is for eating, not for listening to a sermon!!!

“I get it, dear son-in-law. I know you put a lot of thought into this for us ladies.”

Ah, Lady Mahi, my mother-in-law!!!

As expected of someone with her experience, she’s the only one staying calm in the face of BBQ’s magic!

But let me be clear: “experience” does not mean “old!”

“It makes sense to have yakiniku to wish for a safe delivery. It’s like you’re saying, ‘Grow the baby with the meat you eat,’ right?”

Well…maybe.

 But when you put it so bluntly, it feels a bit too literal?

“Yes, we’re nurturing new life inside us right now. And for that, we need lots of meat! It’s only logical to stock up on it!!!”

Do you have to explain it from scratch like that?!

Can’t we just keep it simple? Traditions and superstitions are supposed to be like that, right?!

Plus, even without all the wishful thinking, yakiniku is delicious and full of nutrients! It’s perfect for taking care of pregnant ladies dealing with all those body changes!

Look at them devouring the meat—they’re positively glowing!

“Hey! Puffer! Why are you stealing my meat?! I raised that piece myself!”

“Oh, please! The only thing you raised was that charred piece over there! Don’t go poaching my meat just because you messed yours upppppppp!!!”

...This was supposed to be a ceremony to wish for easy childbirth, but all these ominous words are flying around.

Is this really good luck?

Anyway, the die is cast, so dig in, ladies!

Enjoy to your heart’s content!