Page 45 of A Serving of Hope

“Ah, no, I’m not here to sell anything…”

As Masaru reached for his business card, a man in a loose-fitting samue emerged from the kitchen. “You’re Saburo’s son, aren’t you?”

“That’s right. Masaru Suzuki. My father is very grateful for everything you’ve done for him.”

“Oh, we’re the ones who’re grateful. I’m Nagare Kamogawa, and this is my daughter, Koishi.” He bowed, and Koishi followed suit. “This gentleman’s father runs a hot-spring ryokan named Satsukitei, over in Kusatsu Onsen,” Nagare explained to Koishi, his voice swelling with nostalgia. “Your mother loved it there. It was right by the Yubatake, where all the hot water comes bubbling up in the middle of town. The baths were fantastic, of course, but it was the food that really stole our hearts. We used to drop by all the time—whatever the season.”

“We relocated three years ago, actually. We’re a little further away from the Yubatake now.” Masaru smiled at Koishi, then handed Nagare a brochure for the ryokan.

“Your father was kind enough to invite us, but it’s been hard to find the time to visit,” said Nagare, opening the brochure and scanning its pages.

Masaru glanced at the family altar in the living room, just visible through the curtain, on which stood a photograph of Kikuko. “Mind if I pay my respects?”

“Please,” replied Nagare, showing him to the altar. “You remember her, then?”

“Of course. I took her to see the crater lake at Mount Shirane. She was absolutely delighted.” Masaru joined Nagare in kneeling by the altar and joined his hands in prayer.

“I’ve heard all about this Satsukitei place,” said Koishi a little huffily, “but no one’s ever taken me there.”

“We’d love for you to come,” said Masaru. “Why don’t you pay us a visit sometime? Your husband too, if you—”

“I don’t have one,” replied Koishi quickly, her nostrils flaring slightly.

“Sorry,” said Masaru, hurriedly bowing his head. “I didn’t mean to—”

“Koishi hasn’t had much luck on that front,” said Nagare. “Speaking of which, you’re single, aren’t you?” Nagare gave Masaru a look that managed to seem both playful and sincere.

“Oh, I…” Masaru had turned beetroot red. “She’d be wasted on a country bumpkin like me.”

“Moving on,” said Nagare, getting to his feet, “your father said you want our help recreating a dish. But he asked me to feed you first. I hope you’re hungry.”

“That would be wonderful,” said Masaru, smiling as they returned to the restaurant. “He said you serve the finest food in Kyoto.”

“Please, take a seat.” Koishi pulled out one of the red folding chairs, and Masaru eased himself into it.

“Lunch will be ready in no time,” said Nagare, before trotting off to the kitchen.

“If you work for that food company, does that mean you’re not taking over the ryokan?” asked Koishi, eyeing Masaru sideways as she poured him some tea.

“It’s not really a food company in the usual sense,” said Masaru, raising the tall blue-and-white teacup to his lips. “We provide consultancy services for the restaurant industry. I do plan on taking over the ryokan at some point. I’m just not sure when.”

“You must be a pro when it comes to cooking, then. Wouldn’t it be faster for you to find this dish you’re looking for on your own?”

“Oh, I’m hardly a pro. Just starting out, really.” Masaru took a slow sip of his tea.

“What exactly does a restaurant consultant do?”

“There are various different types, but I work on menu development—tasting dishes, giving feedback, that sort of thing. I’m more like an apprentice at the moment, though—I spend most of my time assisting senior consultants. It’ll probably be another five years or so before they let me work on my own.”

Koishi refilled his cup. “Well, I’m sure your father’s ryokan will end up benefiting from all that expertise one day.”

“I’d like that,” said Masaru, before letting out a quiet sigh. “But hospitality is a tricky old business.”

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” said Nagare, setting a rustic Shigaraki platter down in front of him. “I’ve arranged everything on a single dish. I just hope it’s enough for a young man like you.”

Masaru leaned forward, his eyes widening. “This looks…incredible.”

“Shall I give you a rundown?”