第３７掘：個室の重要性 (Part2)
Looking at the wall, I noticed a bookshelf lined with colorful books. There were also vivid landscape paintings on display, and in the corner of the room sat a miniature version of the dungeon map that had been projected in the banquet hall.
"Well, I’m sure there are many things here that seem unusual to you, but first, take a seat. Fifteen is a lot, though... eight on the sofa, five on the chairs by the table. The rest of you, I’m sorry, but please sit on the floor. ...I’m glad I expanded the room."
While taking in the sights, we followed Yuki’s prompt and sat on the sofa. The children tagged along, sticking close to him.
"By the way, is there anyone here who can't drink milk?"
No one said no.
"Alright then, how about some cocoa?"
*Cocoa?* What could that be?
After waiting a while, Labyris and the others arrived carrying trays with cups.
"Are you sure you're okay?"
"Big Brother, please just sit down!! Aslin is very capable!!"
"Yes, indeed!!"
"...Yuki, you should just give up."
Though they were a bit unsteady, they managed to distribute the cups containing our "cocoa." Inside was a warm, brown liquid... was it muddy water?
"Never mind how it looks, just try it. It’s not poison, I promise."
Since Yuki would never do such a thing, I took a sip...
"It’s... sweet!?"
"Hwah!? W-what is this!? It’s incredibly delicious!? D-did you put sugar in it!?"
Only Ratz and I managed to find our voices; the others were staring with wide eyes, already taking another sip of the cocoa.
"Oh, wait, is sugar a luxury item here?"
"Naturally..."
"Yes."
Yuki truly is bottomless.
"So, Brother, what was the reason for bringing us here? I assume it wasn't just to have us drink cocoa?"
"Well, that’s part of it. What did you think of this room?"
"It’s, well... it’s a room that feels just like you, Brother."
Ratz replied, and I felt the same. It wasn't gaudily luxurious, yet it was clean and felt like a gentle place. Each piece of furniture and even these cups didn't feel like mere tools; they seemed to have a certain charm. It was a room that was pleasantly, uniquely his.
"Thought so? When you have a private room, you want to fill it with your own hobbies. Milly, can I carry you princess-style for a moment?"
"Eh? E-eh?"
"I’m short on time, so if you hate it, I’ll apologize later."
Before I could even answer, Yuki scooped me up.
*Ah, I’m so happy...*
While I was dazed, I heard a "click" sound.
"Thanks. Are you alright? Sorry if you didn't like that."
"No!! I would welcome it anytime!!"
I’m sure my cheeks were still flushed even after he set me down. Yuki began manipulating something on the desk with his fingers. Then, a square box underneath spat out something that looked like paper.
"Here, Milly. This is called a 'photograph.' It’s a way to... well, how do I put it? It captures the scenery of the moment beautifully."
He showed me the *shashin*.
"Ah, i-is this... me and Yuki-san from just a moment ago!?"
The photo showed me being held by Yuki. He was looking at the camera, but since I had been so flustered at the time, I was just staring at Yuki’s face.
"This is truly amazing~"
"...I’m jealous. Make a *shashin* for me, too."
Everyone peered at the photo, offering praise and asking for one of their own.
"Milly, you asked earlier if I had a sentimental attachment to private rooms, right?"
"Yes."
"Things like this are meant to be displayed secretly in your own room, aren't they? Or would you rather show it to everyone?"
"...I wouldn't want to show it to people who aren't my friends."
After all, the version of me in that photo is completely smitten with Yuki. Ah, it’s embarrassing, but it makes me so happy. A *shashin*... what a wonderful thing!
"So, by having private rooms, if you decorate them with photos or gather your own hobbies, the salary will circulate within the dungeon, won't it?"
"Ah, so that’s the goal. Indeed, if we hire people and they just hoard their money, it would dry up our funds, as we struggle with procurement. I am convinced of the value of private rooms."
"What about you, Milly?"
"I have no complaints!! Also, can I have more of these *shashin*!! I want a private room too!!"
"No, there’s no point in having the same photo twice... As for the private rooms, they’re at the inn. I intended for you all to live in them from the start. When we get back, discuss which rooms you want and decide."
After that, everyone ended up taking photos with Yuki to display in their rooms. The group photo we took is now displayed at the entrance of the inn.
I truly believe that what Yuki is aiming for is something wonderful. I will do anything for your sake. Therefore, I pray that your gentle face never has to twist in pain...
Oh, and afterward, we found a book on Yuki’s shelf filled with pictures of naked women. Even if it was a hobby, we decided to tear it to shreds. Yuki’s expression did twist, but we decided that doesn't count.