The dastardly catering gig

"We got a catering gig already?" Rika asked.

"Yes, it should be no surprise that an establishment should ask me to cater for them," Masaru replied.

"So who's it for?"

"Curator Lorenzo Millefiori of the national museum. He is hosting an upper-class gala and media showcase of the newly added ancient diamond."

"How much is it worth?"

"You should have asked what food we were commissioned to cook instead of focusing on the diamond's value."

"You know there are people that would value that diamond more then yours and my cooking combined, right?"

Masaru sighed and sent Rika the message.

"Mille-feuille and Filet-Mignon. So-"

"I will handle the filet-Mignon, I don't need you adding any weird spices to it," Masaru glared.

"You know I can cut far better than you," Rika retorted.

Masaru begrudgingly conceded the point, considering they had to make the dish more nearly 100 guests.

"The event is in 3 days. I've already ordered the meat and all the ingredients we'll need. Your stunts are on hold until we are complete. Understand?" Masaru asked.

"Wait, are you concerned about me?" Rika asked.

"I simply cannot cater to everyone all by myself in a timely manor."

"Boo, show some gratitude," Rika pouted as she shoved Masaru's hand into her breasts.

"RI- RI- RIKA!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

"Showing you gratitude. See, you say you appreciate me helping, I let you touch my breasts."

Masaru ran away in embarrassment as Rika laughed.

                                                                                 ...

On the day of the event, the two arrived at the museum early.

"So how much is that diamond worth?" Rika asked the curator.

"Priceless, though I imagine many scientific institutions would pay a fortune just to study it," the curator replied.

"Rika we have work to do. Kitchen now!" Masaru ordered.

"Coming."

                                                                              ...

The two began cooking at a furious pace. They were so fast, they were done with the main course with time to spare.

"You know there's quite a heavy police presence," Rika whispered.

"And we should be concerned about this why?" Masaru asked as he prepared the desert.

"Oh, just figured it seemed to be a little much just for security. I'm gonna start filling the wine glasses in the gala."

                                                                           ...

Rika went to the gala and began pouring wine. She then noticed the curator sneaking about.

"Why're you shrieking around like that? Heck, I'm surprised someone like you can even move like that," Rika called out.

"Well, I guess you could say I got nervous jitters," the curator laughed as he walked toward Rika.

"Say care to have a toast?" he asked as he picked up a glass.

"You hitting on me? Well I guess I could subject Masaru to some NTR," Rika laughed as she poured herself a glass and took a sip.

                                                                    ...

"Ugh, why are you acting sloppily!? Can you not craft a simple mille-feuille?" Masaru growled in anger.

"Hey, I'm trying my best," Rika grumbled.

"Why are you so off? What happened?"

"I had a little toast with the curator."

"That shouldn't be enough to mess you up. Ugh, if you're going to be a hindrance, just walk home."

"Fine. I'll go," Rika cried in annoyance.

"What is that woman doing? She's never been so off her game before," Masaru thought.

                                                                            ...

"I apologize for the delays," Masaru said as he handed out the deserts to everyone.

"These look exquisite, did you do them all by yourself?" a guest asked.

"Yes, sadly my assistant failed me, and I sent her home."

"Dang, that's harsh bro," another guest stated.

"I saw your assistant leave no more than a half hour ago," the curator stated.

As Masaru finished handing out the deserts, the lights suddenly went dark, and a spotlight shined on a lone masked man standing atop the museum's centerpiece.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen! I am Dastard, the dastardly thief. The fact that I am here means I have already stolen your precious diamond," the man laughed.

"YOU FIEND! GUARDS! DO NOT LET HIM ESCAPE!" the curator shouted.

Dastard leapt into the crowd and effortlessly dispatched the security force. He then waltzed up to an unamused Masaru and tossed a key at his face.

"Best to unlock the door," Dastard smirked as he escaped via a grappling hook.

Masaru then approached the curator and handed him the key.

"Huh? That goes to the storage room," the curator stated.

As he unlocked the door, a bound and gagged Rika came tumbling out.

"Rika!? Why are you here!?" Masaru asked.

"Mmph ngh mmph!"

"H- hold on, I'll untie you."

"That damn thief locked me up. Though I guess I fell for his trap. Bastard slipped a sleeping agent into the wine glasses," Rika growled as her gag was removed.

"Huh, wait. What do you mean? Then was that Rika I was cooking with..."

"Seems like Dastard duped you. The bastard's a jerk thief that only announces his crime, once he's safely secured the artifact. A master of disguise as well," a detective stated.

"I made a big mistake," Masaru groaned as he went pale and sunk to the floor.

"Hey, I screwed up too. But thanks for rescuing me like some dashing prince," Rika smiled.

"I'm sorry Rika. I guess I need to pay more attention to you."

"Got that right."