落とし穴７７堀：秋の夜長の…… (Part2)
"Oh, thanks. Man, nothing beats fresh-fried food. This place is always the quickest to bring it out."
"I see, so that's why you made the reservation here, Velg."
"You bet. Everything else here is top-notch too, so let's keep the drinks and food coming."
"Understood."
Taiki and Velg seem to have a lot of private conversations regarding hero equipment and the like; they’ve become quite close, just as they appear now. Meanwhile, Yuki, myself, and Zargis are deep in our own discussion.
"So, you two were here first. What were you talking about?"
"Ah, just the usual progress reports on our research."
"Indeed. We were discussing how every technology advances day by day."
"Talking shop even at a drinking party—it’s a real occupational hazard, isn't it?"
"Haha. It’s not like we can change that easily at this point."
"True. All of us technicians and craftsmen are cut from the same cloth."
"Is that so? Oh, looks like we're out of drinks. Should I put in an order? Excuse me!! Anything you guys want to add? Here, take a look at the menu."
Zargis and I lean in to look at the menu together.
"Hmm. Everything looks delicious. Japanese food never misses. Maybe some chilled tofu? Do you have any recommendations, Taizo?"
"Let's see... Oh, how about this? Salt-grilled saury. It’s said to be in season during autumn, and it’s fatty and delicious."
"Then let's order that as well."
While we were chatting, a server came by to take our order, so we requested the items we wanted to try. Naturally, we started another round of drinks. Since we’d already polished off our first beers, everyone ordered their preferred spirits. The order arrived shortly after.
"So, you're going with sake, Taizo?"
"It’s the liquor of my homeland, after all. And you, Zargis, are having red wine?"
"Indeed. It is the liquor of my homeland as well. Now, for the second round—cheers."
"Cheers."
We both took a sip.
"Phew. There really is nothing like the liquor you’re used to."
"I agree. It warms the very cockles of my heart. Now, why don't you try some of the salt-grilled saury?"
"Ah, thank you."
Zargis took the saury I offered and brought it to his mouth with elegant chopstick technique. As expected of someone who has been around since the founding of Weed, he has become thoroughly steeped in Japanese culture. As for his reaction to the saury...
"This is delicious!!"
"I'm glad it suits your palate. If you add the grated daikon, soy sauce, and a squeeze of yuzu, the flavor profile changes and it becomes even better."
"Ho. Then... Mmm, this is incredible!!"
Zargis began devouring the saury, and it vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Oh, my apologies. It was just so tasty..."
"Not at all. We can just order more. Next time, try it with sake. Sake is the perfect match for saury."
"I see. Indeed, there are certain drinks that pair best with certain dishes. Let's do that next time. In that case, we'll need two more plates of salt-grilled saury."
"Agreed."
Just as I was about to place the order, an unexpected interruption came from the others.
"We'll take some salt-grilled saury and sake too. Seeing you guys eat it like that is making me hungry!!"
"Same here. Put us down for some too."
"Autumn saury... and a large serving of rice, please!!"
It seems Velg, Yuki, and Taiki want in on it as well. A large serving of rice is hard to pass up, though. I should probably order one too.
"Excuse me. Two large servings of rice, please."
Well then, the party has only just begun. They say the autumn nights are long, so let’s enjoy the start of the evening.
***
**Side: Narjia**
*Nufufu*, today is a special treat since Yuki and the others aren't here...
"Today is a girls-only night, no men allowed!! Cheers!!"
"Cheers!!"
I invited Yuki’s wives, of course, along with Lady Lilishe and Lady Hifie, and we’re going to drink the long autumn night away!!
"Phew!! I live for this glass right here!!"
"Milly, don't drink too much, okay?"
"It’s fine, Narjia. We’ve got a medical expert right here, so there’s no problem."
True, with Rurua and Lady Lilishe here, there’s nothing to worry about. I was worried about my fellow alcohol-loving comrade suffering from the pain of not being able to drink, but it seems she’s doing just fine.
"So, let’s keep the drinks flowing!! I’m always abstaining, so I’m totally fine, totally fine."
"I see~"
"Um, Milly. Drinking too much isn't good for you, you know?"
"Well, Milly-chan has been holding back, so once in a while is fine, right? If she really looks like she’s had enough, we can just stop her. Anyway, Rurua-chan, here’s a refill."
"Oh, thank you very much."
As we chatted, Rurua and Lady Lilishe were drinking too, so it’s all good, all good!! As we ordered various things and enjoyed the delicious food...
"Five orders of salt-grilled saury coming up!!"
The server’s voice rang out.
"Salt-grilled saury? Is that good? Do you know, Milly?"
"Hmm. I wonder?"
"Um, I think it was a delicious fish that’s in season during autumn back at the big brother's place. Right? Riel?"
"Yeah!! That’s right!! I’m going to order some too!!"
"Oh, then me too."
"Me too!" "Me too!" "Me too!"
It feels like ordering saury has become the standard for autumn drinking parties. Maybe. I just don't remember.
Today is a holiday, so why not go out for a drink? Even though I have work tomorrow.