第６４９堀：和解と再会 (Part2)
"Hmm. As far as I can tell, she greeted us normally. But, well, it’s a reunion of sisters after a long time, so I’m sure she has a lot on her mind. Honestly, for someone who passed away at that age, she’s remarkably composed. She isn't lamenting her situation, nor is she uttering any grievances. It wouldn't be strange if she had lost her mind; after all, few people could truly accept that they’ve died. So, I think we should forgive her for that much... though, I’d prefer if she didn't overdo it."
Everyone nodded at Agil's words.
As Agil pointed out, Aju's mental fortitude was extraordinary.
Perhaps it was the upbringing of a princess that kept her steady; despite losing her life at such a tender age, she showed no signs of falling apart.
Furthermore, she wasn't making the situation unnecessarily grave. She interacted with us normally, and the squabbling was strictly between the sisters.
It wasn't a place for outsiders to intervene in family matters.
"Well, I suppose this is Princess Carrie's time to shine."
"And we are left with nothing to do but wait."
"That’s all we can do. Well, in the worst-case scenario, I could always deliver a swift knock to the head to make Aju behave, but that should be a last resort."
The Spartan undead, Enol, said this while making a motion of swinging a fist down.
I couldn't tell if I should be impressed by that line of thinking or if it was just the wisdom of age...
"Well, we can't exactly move on to the main topic yet. Yuki-dono, judging by our conversation, you have more than just guns, don't you? What exactly is a 'Dungeon Master'?"
"Well, there is quite a lot... But I’m surprised you believed me so easily when I told you I’m the same kind of being as the Dungeon Masters who have been hostile toward you, and that you were willing to discuss it so calmly."
That's right. Because of the guns and other factors, it had already come out that I was brought here from Japan. I felt it would be inconvenient to hide the fact that I was a Dungeon Master for future developments, so I had been honest about it.
Well, there was also the benefit that if they turned out to be hostile, I could dispose of them.
However, unexpectedly, the two of them didn't show any particular disgust; they simply believed my story and accepted it.
"In the old days, I would have laughed it off, but now... We’ve dealt with the Demon King, the Mad King Aquenos, and Hairen. I’m not going to be surprised by someone calling themselves a Dungeon Master at this point."
"Indeed. We believe in the person standing before us who speaks with sincerity."
"I appreciate you saying that."
It sounded like a nice sentiment, but depending on how you took it, it was also a warning that they wouldn't show mercy to anyone who turned hostile, be they a god or otherwise.
In a sense, they were undoubtedly our seniors.
"But, we've strayed from the topic. What I wanted to ask about was the food. There’s a delicious confection called a 'manju,' right? Souta used to talk about it often, but unfortunately, we lacked the red beans needed for the filling and various other things, so we gave up on it. Oh, and was it called 'ramen'?"
"Come now, Enol. Don't go asking for things like that..."
"No, no. We have time, and I suppose this is a good chance to show off my capabilities as a Dungeon Master. Let's serve some up. It’ll be a good meal for everyone."
"Yes, yes!! You’re a man who understands, Yuki-dono!! Unlike this stubborn old man."
"Yuki-dono, please feel free to stuff this old hag with horse manure instead of bean paste."
"“Hey!?”"
They really are a close-knit couple, aren't they?
I’d like to aim for something like that.
"Now then, rather than manju, let’s start with ramen. What flavor would you like? Tonkotsu? Soy sauce? Miso? Salt?"
"Oh my!! So there are many kinds of ramen!! Which one is the most delicious? Souta!!"
"Hmm. Taste is a matter of preference, and the soy sauce ramen I used to eat probably tastes different from the shop's version..."
If I tried to adjust the flavor for every single shop, I’d probably end up with over ten lists of a hundred ramen types each.
Realizing that I’d never reach a conclusion if I kept worrying about it, I decided to just bring out every variety.
I figured I’d just provide small bowls so everyone could share.
Normally, one might think each person should cherish their own bowl, but that’s just the pride of a Japanese adult. Families with children usually share, and people often order different things to compare flavors, so it was a trivial matter.
If cross-cultural exchange could be advanced through ramen, then that was a win-win.
And serving that ramen is what pushed the situation forward.
"Sniff... Oh, this is the scent of ramen. I love Tonkotsu. I’ll dig in."
Princess Stasia, who had been crying, reacted instantly to the aroma of the ramen and began eating immediately.
Perhaps she hadn't heard the part about sharing, as she promptly secured an entire bowl for herself.
Well, everyone else gave a look of 'it can't be helped,' and I quietly served another bowl...
"Sister!! I came to peek thinking you were reflecting on your actions, and here you are eating delicious food from another world!! And to think you’re eating something so prestigious that Souta-sama loved, without even thinking of me!?"
"Bubo!? *Cough*! *Hack*!! Aju, it’s not like that!!"
Princess Aju had appeared out of nowhere.
Well, I knew she had returned with Princess Carrie and was peeking, but still.
It was a full-blown 'Heavenly Rock Cave' operation.
But Princess Stasia, caught off guard, was in a sorry state.
Perhaps because she choked, there was a noodle hanging from her nose...
"H-hey!! Aju, you should eat too."
"Sister!! Do something about your face!! Where did my dignified sister go!?"
"...*Sigh*, sisters, please calm down."
Carrie, standing to the side, let out a deep sigh.
The others watched the scene, smiling as they ate their ramen.
Ah, a bowl on a cold day is nice.
Cold days make you want to eat ramen at night.
It seems like there's a lot of snow.