第１２２掘：相談 (Part2)
"Everyone, take your seats. I've ordered a variety of things, so we just need to decide on drinks."
"Yes!"
With that, everyone passed the menu around, each deciding on their own beverage. Since the four newcomers were here for the first time, we decided on a policy of ordering a wide selection so they could sample the flavors.
"Wow, this is delicious!"
"Hey, try this one too, it's good!"
"You're right!"
"Mmm, tasty."
It was only their second day, yet they seemed to be enjoying themselves quite a bit. Back when I was in their shoes, I was still struggling to build my dungeon and crying for help on my second day. The residents of this world are truly resilient.
"Here you go, big brother, say 'ah'."
"Please, have some of this too."
"This salad is delicious as well, Yuki."
I found myself being fussed over by my wives. Honestly, I’m perfectly capable of eating on my own, but perhaps they aren't used to a meal with just the three of them, since I’m usually the one looking after Aslin and the others. I couldn't very well brush them off, and I didn't dislike it, so I let them feed me.
"So, how are the three of you doing? Things are going smoothly on my end."
"Indeed. We have no issues here."
"Same here, no problems."
"Well, I suppose the same goes for me, though it has only been the first day."
"Too early to judge, then?"
"Exactly. Let's take the long view."
"Besides, if it doesn't work out, we can just introduce them to a different workplace."
We clinked our beer mugs and took a breather.
"Man, a drink after work really hits the spot."
"Yeah, it makes you feel like this is what you're living for."
"I prefer wine, but this beer isn't bad at all."
We relaxed while snacking on yakitori. Once we had eaten our fill and the pace slowed, I brought up the next topic.
"What should we do about where they're going to live?"
As I asked, all eyes turned to Eris. She had likely given it the most thought.
"It’s a mundane answer, but I suggest putting them in a four-person room in the independent wing of the training facility, or we could prepare a new residence for them. I think either would be appropriate."
"I agree with Eris. There aren't many other options."
"Yes. They are only unfamiliar with Weed's rules, but otherwise, they are perfectly qualified. They don't need to be in the training facility, so it's a choice between the independent wing they can move into once they've saved enough money, or preparing a new home for them ourselves."
"But you know," Milly interjected, "if I, as the representative of the Adventurer District, along with Ratz from the Commercial District and Eris from the Entertainment District, prepare a new home for them, it's going to look like they're receiving special treatment."
"That's true. What do you think, Yuki?"
"I agree with Milly. It would definitely be special treatment. But then again, it's a bit late for that, isn't it?"
"Late?"
"We've already been dragging the four of them around all day."
"Ah..."
In other words, since we had already scouted them and spent the entire day showing them around, it was already special treatment regardless of where they ended up. Even if it was due to the Hero's circumstances, that didn't matter to anyone else. How could we handle this without causing a stir?
"And then there's the matter of Ria."
I lowered my voice and glanced at Ria, who was currently enjoying herself with the other four. I was worried about whether it was safe to leave her on her own. If things went south, it could be a literal explosion. I didn't want to wake up to headlines about an entire apartment complex collapsing tomorrow.
"Then, how about this? We prepare a new residence where they live two to a room, and they can live together until they've earned enough money. As you said, Yuki, throwing them into the training facility now might lead to strange rumors."
"That makes sense. If they spend the day by your side and then go to the training facility tomorrow, others might see them as useless."
"Hmm. I really want you to keep a close eye on Ria, Yuki, but excessive special treatment is a concern. For now, why don't we ask Ria if she’d like to live with you, and then show them the new residence?"
"I doubt she'll say yes, considering we've only known her for a day."
"I know that, but we have to minimize the risks, don't we?"
I knew that, but if I actually brought Ria home today, I had no idea how my wives would react.
***
Sorry for the late post. I was busy creating a new character in God Eater 2, so please forgive me! It takes a lot of time when you're doing it solo. Also, I really want Diancie in Pokémon. I need to go find one.