"Rize, have you ever thought about being able to eat human food one day?"
At that moment, Hayashi suddenly spoke.
"Eat human food?"
Perhaps not expecting such a question, Rize's beautiful eyes flickered with a trace of thought.
"I did think about that once" she admitted softly.
"But only back when I was a child. As I grew older and devoured more and more, the thought eventually disappeared."
At this point, her eyes softened with a faint smile.
"Because I was born a ghoul. Human food isn't something I can eat."
"I tried it once, you know. All those things you humans consider delicious—when I tasted them, they were like vomit, revolting and nauseating."
"At first, I felt regret and curiosity. But eventually… I just got used to it."
Hearing this, Hayashi fell silent. After a moment, he lifted his head, eyes flickering with a strange light.
"What if… I could make it so you could eat human food? Would you want to try it?"
To be able to eat human food? That sentence immediately piqued Rize's interest.
"Although I'm not exactly obsessed with whether food tastes good or not" she said with a hint of curiosity, "I am curious about the flavors of what you eat every day."
Receiving her confirmation, Hayashi's eyes lit up instantly. If that was the case… then he could try channeling the Horse Talisman's power into Rize. Maybe it could alter a ghoul's body, allowing them to enjoy human food.
With that thought, Hayashi walked over and sat down beside the bed.
"Give me your hand."
Although confused, Rize obediently stretched out her pale, slender arm.
"No matter what strange feeling you experience next, don't resist."
He gave her a small warning before taking hold of her hand.
Her skin was smooth and delicate to the touch. Hayashi inhaled deeply, then golden light began to flow through his body and into hers.
Rize blinked, her eyes glimmering with curiosity and confusion.
A warmth—gentle and soft—spread through her body like waves, expanding further and further.
It was such a strange sensation, like receiving a spa treatment. Relaxing, soothing, irresistible.Her body unconsciously relaxed under its influence.
"Ah~"
A light moan slipped past her lips as she closed her eyes in comfort.
"Hold still, don't make weird noises."
Lines of frustration formed on Hayashi's face.
That sound… was way too easy to misunderstand!
Anyone listening from outside would think they were doing something entirely different.
Once the process was complete, Hayashi reached into his pocket and pulled out a packaged Swiss Roll.
"Try this."
Rize opened her eyes, curiosity flashing across her gaze, and took the roll.
The green-wrapped snack triggered an old memory.
She had eaten one long ago.
Back then, it had tasted like horse dung. Disgusting beyond words, unforgettable in the worst way.
She had sworn never to try one again.
But faced with Hayashi's expectant, almost childlike look, Rize reluctantly tore open the wrapper. She took a small bite, her lips parting slightly.
Her face tensed in anticipation of the usual horror. But this time… it didn't come.
Instead, what bloomed on her tongue was indescribably marvelous. Sweet, creamy, smooth—the delicate flavor of cream danced across her mouth.
"Delicious… it's so delicious!"
Chewing lightly, Rize's eyes lit up brighter and brighter. She had never tasted something so amazing.
"How is it?"
Hayashi asked with a smile, seeing her expression of pure enjoyment.
"This thing you call a Swiss Roll… is it one of humanity's finest delicacies?"
Her voice carried genuine excitement and anticipation.
"..."Hayashi sighed helplessly.
It was nothing but a convenience store snack, the kind of cheap treat kids ate on the way home. Yet she looked like she had been starving her whole life and just discovered heaven.
"There are foods much better than that" Hayashi said honestly.
"Even better than this?"
Rize swallowed, eyes gleaming with desire.
This was already the most delicious thing she had ever eaten. And now he was telling her there were things beyond it?
"I want to try them!" Her voice trembled with eagerness, eyes sparkling with pleading hope.
"No problem. Just wait here, I'll make something right now." Hayashi smiled warmly, ruffling her hair with surprising gentleness before rising to his feet.
He stepped into the kitchen, tied on an apron, and picked up a spatula. Today, he thought, it was time for Rize to experience the wonders of ancient Eastern cuisine.