You can’t act out of place, so you’ll play along — it helps that this guy seems like a nice dude. And if Kobashi was willing to teach you his best recipe, there’s no reason to keep it to yourself.

“I can teach you right now, if you want.” You can be nice to strangers! “You’ll have to teach me something back, though.”

“Fair is fair. I’ll be first. I take this to be some sort of family recipe, since I’ve never tasted a cake like this before. So, I’ll return your kindness with one of my best dishes. I don’t have a fancy background, but I bet this will leave an impression.” Haytham nods.

Haytham cooks and teaches you The Demonic Beef Bowl with Fried Shrimp. A formidable dish that leaves you wanting more!

“Woah, this is good.” You don’t think you have tasted something this good since Claudia’s cookies. It doesn’t sound very impressive since it happened yesterday, but if it didn’t happen, it’d be mind-blowing! In a way, you feel like your fast version of the Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter is as good as this Beef Bowl. “Why is this called demonic? It’s anything but...”

“Ha! Ha! Ha! You’re welcome. It’s due to the fact that shrimp and beef shouldn’t be combined like this. Critics disliked it for its flavor mixing, but it became a city staple nonetheless.” Haytham explains. It’s a pretty simple dish, all things considered. “The oddities I explained are what made this bowl so controversial.”

“Yeah, I guess I get it.” You don’t think there’s anything weird about combining proteins, but what do you know? “It’s pretty good, that’s all that matters.”

“But here’s the kick. Doesn’t it feel like your tiredness has washed away?” Haytham grins.

“Now that you mention it. No.” You shake your head rapidly.

“Ha! Ha! Ha! I-I s-suppose you’re well-rested. But believe this: In sickness, one bite will cure you!” Haytham assures. Are food dishes outside of this city secret spells or something? “Just the regular illnesses like a cold. Don’t expect it to cure lung cancer…” There’s a sad story in here that you won’t pry on.

“Sounds miraculous.” You believe it. “Mine makes lonely ladies willing to confess their feelings. Also, happy, but that’s a given.”

“Indeed, with a taste like that, I can hardly imagine someone not revealing a smile.” Haytham agrees. “Still, I’m a little skeptical...”

“You said a beef bowl cures a cold, give me a break.” You frown. Why is yours stupid?! His is even dumber! “Whatever, you’ll see it for yourself. Here’s how the Lonely Lady’s Heart Melter is done…”