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 a 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 than our cooking, right?"

Masaru sighed and sent Rika the message he had received. "Mille-feuille and Filet-Mignon for 100 guests. So-"

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

"You know I can prepare a filet-Mignon far better than you, especially if it needs to be thinly sliced to accommodate 100 guests," Rika retorted.

"Very well. You truly outmatch me there. The event is in 3 days. I've already ordered the meat and all the ingredients we'll need. Your acrobatic performances are on hold until we finish the job."

"Wait, are you concerned about me?"

"I simply cannot cater to everyone all by myself in a timely manner, and would prefer you not hinder our efficiency by injuring yourself flipping knives.

"Boo, show a little more kindness," Rika pouted as she shoved Masaru's hand into her breasts.

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

"Showing you some kindness. 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.

...

As soon as Rika and Masaru finished getting set up, they 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 here," 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 main room."

As Rika entered the main room and began filling the glasses, she was approached by the curator. "Done already!?" he gasped.

"The main course is, but we're still working on the dessert. I just decided to fill the glasses now," Rika stated.

"Splendid! Say, care to have a toast for a successful job well done?" the curator asked as he offered Rika a glass full of wine.

"We aren't done yet, but sure why not,” Rika smiled as she grabbed the glass from the curator and took a sip.

Almost immediately, Rika slumped to the floor unconscious as the curator hovered over her.

...

"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 leave!"

"Fine! I'll go!" Rika cried in annoyance as she stormed out of the kitchen.

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

...

"I apologize for the delays," Masaru bowed as he handed out desserts to everyone.

"These look exquisite, did you make them all by yourself?" the curator asked.

"Yes, sadly my partner failed me, and I was forced to send her home and take on all the work by myself."

“Ah, so that is why I saw your assistant leave a half hour ago. A shame you didn't have someone more reliable accompany you here. Well, my good friend Makihara-dono did say the talented one was you, and that the woman was nothing more than an eccentric heathen.”

"Rika may be eccentric, but I respect her skill as a chef. Though I've never seen her so out of it before."

Suddenly, 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 to him. "Best to make use of that, boy. It goes to the storage room over there," Dastard smirked as he pointed at a door before escaping out a window via a grappling hook.

Once the lights were back on, Masaru approached the storage room with a police officer and unlocked the door. As soon as he opened the door, a bound and gagged Rika came tumbling out. "Rika!? Why are you here!?" Masaru asked.

"Mmph ngh mmph!" Rika glared.

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

"That damn thief locked me up. Though I guess I fell for his trap. Bastard somehow slipped a sleeping agent into my drink," 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. That bastard's a thief that only announces his crime once he's safely secured the artifact. A master of disguise as well," the officer stated.

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

"Hey, I screwed up too. I should have been able to sense something was off when he offered me a toast," Rika glared.

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

"Got that right, but thanks for rescuing me like some dashing prince," Rika smiled as she kissed Masaru on the cheek, causing him to faint immediately.