第６６７堀：相変わらず元気 (Part2)
The reason the kitchen had been expanded to such a massive size was twofold: the increase in customers meant the old space couldn't accommodate everyone, and the children frequently wandered into the cooking area, so isolating it became necessary to prevent accidents.
It had happened before—a child had wandered in on a whim and gotten burned. The mother had been profusely apologetic, and after a stern lecture, the child had burst into tears. While we had handled it gently since they were clearly remorseful, the other customers had looked on with awkward smiles. It became clear that we needed to manage the space properly, which is how things ended up this way. After all, nobody can enjoy a meal while watching someone apologize or a child crying.
But that’s beside the point. Right now, my focus was on the middle-aged man sitting next to me: Blade.
"Hm? Say, Covil-chan. What’s this 'firm' thing the customer next to me was talking about?"
"Eh? Ah, I suppose you wouldn't know, Blade-san. You can choose the firmness of the ramen noodles."
"Noodle firmness? Does that change the flavor?"
"Hmm. It’s more about the texture than the flavor. I think you’d have to try it to understand."
"In that case, I'll take a refill. Firm."
"Understood. One firm refill."
"Coming right up! One firm. Two ramen, firm, coming—oh?"
Kiyu, who had been repeating the order while bringing our ramen, froze as he looked over at us, his eyes wide.
"Brother, what's wrong?"
"I've come to catch the old man sitting next to us."
"Ah."
It seemed Kiyu knew the identity of this man, as he offered a wry smile.
"Hm? You're Kiyu-niichan's brother? My, you’ve got real skill, this Ki... yu... huh..."
He had been praising Kiyu with a smile, but the moment he saw my face, Blade stiffened.
"Yo. Thanks for praising my brother’s shop. But tell me, what exactly happened? Huh? Depending on your explanation, I’ll put in a good word for you with Father-in-law Huge and Ronri-san. I won't drag you away right this second, so don't worry about your ramen. Eat up."
"R-really!? That’s a relief. Another serving of fried rice."
"You’re still eating!?"
"Eh? You said I could eat, didn't you?"
Wow. This guy is truly something else. I suppose that’s what you’d expect from someone who used to rampage as a mercenary; his ability to set his own pace is incredible. He’s definitely a leader of men.
Seeing that he wasn't going to run, Ria and Cleena, who had been waiting in the back, placed their orders and decided to eat as well. By the way, I had already sent word to Samantha and Horst that I had secured him and was in the middle of persuading him. Well, that wasn't exactly a lie, so it was fine.
"So, why did you suddenly come here?"
"Hm? It wasn't exactly sudden. I heard Yuki was coming, and I know full well how busy you are. I figured it would be better for us to visit you than to make you travel, so that’s what we decided."
"And how does that turn into a game of tag?"
"They said that since other countries have already received visits, Roday couldn't refuse. It’s a matter of face, apparently."
"Ah..."
It was true; the fact that Roday was the only one not visited wouldn't look good to the public. We didn't have any ill intent, but those who *did* have malicious intentions would use that as a perfect excuse to stir up trouble about Weed or Roday.
However...
"You’re not the type to not understand that, are you?"
"Yes, here are the gyoza."
"Thanks. Old man, want some gyoza?"
"Oh. Don't mind if I do. Well, I understand the logic, but I told them that showing we’re on good terms with Yuki is more important right now. Those two were against it, though."
"...That sounds reasonable, but what’s your real motive?"
"The Weed products circulating in the market are just too fun to pass up. This ramen is the same. Actually, if your brother is making this, why not serve it at my place too? I’ll use my authority to push it through. It’ll definitely be a hit, right?"
He said that, casually trying to recruit my brother. But a stand-up guy like Kiyu wouldn't be swayed by something like that.
"I appreciate the offer, but it would be difficult to consider such things until we’ve properly organized the work with my brother and the others."
He said the most sensible thing possible. I thought that would quiet him down, but...
"Is that so? Alright!! Then let’s hurry up and hear the details so we can get it sorted. I’ve finished my meal, and Huge and the others are probably already here, right? Let’s go have that meeting!"
"Wait, wait!! We’re still eating, so hold on a second."
"Ah, my apologies. Then, for the refill, make it normal this time."
"Coming right up."
Damn it, why does this guy always throw off my pace...?
Blade of Roday is doing just fine, as you can see. I’ll save the serious talk for next time.
Also, a major announcement! Well, it’s not *that* major, but starting this spring—or rather, in April—my job is changing, which will affect my work pace. Please be aware that my posting frequency might drop. Well, nothing is set in stone yet, but I’m putting it out there for now.