落とし穴３掘：仕事の後の一杯
### Pitfall 3: A Drink After Work
*Note: From now on, the "Pitfall" series will be posted at the very bottom, and moved to the "Side Story" section in the next update. That way, you won't accidentally skip over them, right?*
***
**A Drink After Work**
**Side: Milly**
"Puhhh—!!"
Man, there’s nothing like a beer after a long day of work and a hot bath! I worked hard today, and this is my reward to myself! A premium brew!
"My, you really do look like you're enjoying that," Ratz remarked, sipping her own beer leisurely.
We were both fresh out of the bath, clad in nothing but bath towels.
"I’ve never really been a fan of that fizzy sensation," Riel said.
"I prefer sake myself," Kaya added.
Riel and Kaya had already changed into their *yukata* and were relaxing with some Japanese rice wine.
"I think wine is the best. Especially white," Eris declared.
"I’m on the wine team, too. Make mine red," Tori chimed in.
"Look, I get what you’re all saying. Every kind of alcohol is delicious, I know! But after a bath, it has to be beer! Beer!"
On this, I would not budge.
"I suppose that’s a matter of personal taste. Though, even you wouldn't touch whiskey, right, Milly?"
"Well, yeah. I tried it once before and passed out immediately."
It’s true. High-proof spirits are fine, but when your body is still warm from the bath, the alcohol hits you so much faster. I’d only had a little bit before I was out cold. The frustrating part was that Yuki-san had apparently carried me to bed in his arms—I don't remember a thing...
"Speaking of which, where is Yuki-san?"
"Honestly, he’s not so lacking in common sense that he’d just waltz into the women’s bath," Eris retorted quickly.
"Well, I know that, but is there anyone here who would actually mind if he saw them?"
When Ratz asked that, no one answered. Honestly, I’d rather he *did* look. I’d even be happy if he gave in to his desires right then and there.
"Anyway, that’s not what I meant. I was just wondering what he’s up to."
"Ah, in that case... after dinner, he finished cleaning up with Aslin and the others, so at this hour..." Eris glanced at the clock. It was currently 11:00 PM.
"Bedtime, then."
"Indeed. Setting Labyris aside, Aslin and Firia have reached their limit for staying awake."
"Big Brother treasures those two. Well, he treasures us, too."
She was right. In these busy days at the dungeon, seeing their smiles is a genuine joy. I just hope they don't have to go through the same misfortunes we did. I hope they stay happy forever.
...No, that’s not quite right. Yuki-san burdened us with the heavy responsibility of being representatives. Aslin and Firia will likely have their own trials as representatives, sooner or later. Is this Yuki-san’s way of atoning? Even if it is, both of them would gladly do it for his sake.
A brief silence followed. We spent the time slowly sipping our drinks. It was a nice, quiet moment.
"Still," Ratz suddenly broke the silence, "alcohol is delicious, but it would be even better with some snacks."
"You’re right. It’s even better when you have food that pairs well with the drink."
"But we already had dinner, didn't we?"
"That’s what 'dessert stomach' is for, Eris," I said. When I agreed, Eris tried to argue, but Riel insisted it wasn't a problem. Well, for me, snacks for alcohol are definitely a separate category.
"Hey! Is everyone out of the bath?"
Yuki-san’s voice drifted in from outside the changing room.
"Yes! We’re out, Big Brother! What is it? If you wanted to join us, we wouldn't mind, you know?"
"No, no. You were taking so long to come out that I came to check on you."
"Oh, sorry! We’re just having a drink in here."
"I see. Just as I thought. You’re all decent, right?"
"Yes, we’re all covered."
"Then, I’m coming in."
Yuki-san stepped inside, accompanied by a savory, mouth-watering aroma.
*Gasp!* What is this heavenly scent?! It smells like the perfect accompaniment to a drink!
"Heh heh heh. In my homeland, Japan, there’s a classic snack for alcohol. Behold, this!"
He placed several square ceramic plates on the small table in the changing room. On them were... what were these? Skewered pieces of meat, smelling divine. They weren't large—perfect for a single bite.
"This is called 'Yakitori'! The representatives are chicken skin! And thigh!"
He slid the two plates toward us. Both were coated in a rich, dark sauce.
"This is the *tare* sauce. Usually, salt is the standard for drinks, but give this a try, too."
Without a moment’s hesitation, we all reached for the skewers.
" " "!!?" " "
I-it’s delicious!? The flavor was intense, but that’s exactly why it paired so well with the alcohol! We all gulped down our drinks, savoring the combination. In no time, we had polished off all four skewers.
"Next is gizzard. It’s got a nice crunch to it. This one is just salt, but I hope you don't mind."
That was amazing, too!
"Chicken tender, liver, meatballs, green onion chicken, grilled squid, shishamo!"
I felt like there were things other than chicken mixed in there, but it was so good I didn't care. Before anyone could voice their confusion, we were already stuffing our faces. *Chomp, gulp, munch, gulp!* Everything was delicious!
"Phew, that was wonderful."
"Truly a magnificent treat."
We all stared at the empty plates, then poured ourselves another round.
"Hahaha. Yakitori really does go well with alcohol, doesn't it?"
"It certainly does."
"What a wonderful food culture your homeland has, Big Brother."
"Well, I’m going to finish cleaning up and get some sleep. Don't drink so much that you get potbellies!"
With that parting shot, Yuki-san left.
" " "..." " "
We all looked at each other’s stomachs. Come to think of it, since coming here, we haven't just had enough to eat—we’ve been eating our fill, drinking, and sleeping every single day.
"...It’s fine. I exercise," Riel said, taking another sip.
"In that case, I suppose I’m fine too."
"...Me too."
Tori and Kaya, the road-work enthusiasts, continued to drink.
"...I don't gain weight even if I eat."
"Hey now! Traitor!" I lunged at Eris to punish her for saying something so unforgivable.
"Well, I plan on getting plenty of exercise in bed from now on, so it’s no problem for me," Ratz said, taking a sip.
And so, in the end, we all kept on drinking.
***
*Well then, that’s my second food-terrorism post! How about that?! You’re craving yakitori now, aren't you? Don't you dare start arguing about your favorite type of yakitori! And for the record, I’m not the bad guy here!*