落とし穴１１３堀：短い時間 (Part1)
**Pit 113: A Short Time**
**Side: Yuki**
When I opened my eyes, the clock read 5:30.
Outside, it was still dim; the sun had yet to rise.
"...Ah, right. Today is my day off."
That’s right. To catch a breather, I had suddenly declared today a holiday.
The problems are piling up, but working without a break only lowers efficiency. That’s why I scheduled this day off.
But, I wonder why... even on a day off, I woke up at my usual time.
Back when I was a salaryman, I remember counting down the days until my time off. But now that I’ve become, for better or worse, a person of status—a leader of a nation, if you will—I’ve found myself working non-stop.
I suppose I’m finally starting to understand why people who own their own businesses never take a day off.
"Or maybe, it’s just because it’s a day off that I woke up early?"
It’s that classic phenomenon where, on the one hand, you’re sleepy, but on the other, your body decides to wake up anyway.
Well, I’m no workaholic, so I’ll just tell myself I woke up because it’s a day off.
"I’m not sleepy, so I might as well get up..."
It’s funny how you never feel like going back to sleep when you actually have the time to.
With that thought, I sat up and slipped out of the futon, careful not to wake Seraria, who was sleeping soundly beside me.
Seraria has work today, too. I want to let her sleep as long as she can.
Since I didn't want to wake her, I quickly changed and left the room.
"Hm? Ah, that scent... breakfast?"
As I stepped into the hallway, the faint aroma of miso soup drifted toward me.
Given the layout of this inn, I didn't think the scent would reach this far, but the smell of good miso soup was undeniable.
And catching that scent gave me an idea.
"I might as well add one more dish to breakfast."
I’ve been so busy lately that I’ve left the mornings to Kirue and Sasari, and I rarely cook for myself anymore.
Thinking that a little change of pace would be nice, I headed toward the kitchen. As I walked, other scents began to mingle with the miso, making my stomach rumble.
I hadn't intended to make more than one dish, but I found myself wanting to add even more.
When I opened the kitchen door, Kirue and Sasari were busy preparing breakfast.
"Morning."
"Good morning, Master."
"Good morning! Wait—huh? Wasn't today your day off?"
As I called out, both of them turned around. Kirue remained composed, while Sasari looked at me with a curious, puzzled expression.
"I woke up, and I thought I’d help out with the morning preparations."
"Oh, I see. Kirue-senpai, Master Yuki is going to help us."
"Is that so? Master, this is our domain; would it be too much to ask you to take a rest?"
"Eh!? Let him help! That means one more delicious side dish for us, right?"
It wasn't me, but Sasari who answered Kirue’s earnest question.
"Sigh... Master, please forgive Sasari’s forwardness."
"No, don't worry about it. I’m just happy that people say my cooking is good, even if my skills are only average. If I didn't want to help, I wouldn't have come."
I replied with a smile. I understood Kirue’s professional stance, and I understood Sasari’s enthusiasm, so I didn't favor one over the other.
Besides, like I said, I just genuinely felt like cooking.
"Understood. Please, go ahead. If you need any assistance, just let us know."
"Right. You two, just keep doing what you’re doing with the rest of the breakfast."
"Yes!"
The two of them went back to their work.
Having said I’d help, I put some effort into it, peering into the refrigerator to see what I could whip up.
***
"My, there are quite a lot of side dishes today. Don't you think so, Rurua?"
"Yes, you're right. Did something happen?"
"Seraria, you’re too observant. More side dishes is a good thing."
The wives gathered in the banquet hall, commenting on the sheer volume of food on the table.
"Whoa! The food is so luxurious! Hey, Tori, is today some kind of anniversary?"
"No, I don't think there was anything special? Kaya, do you know anything?"
"...I know. This scent is..."
"It’s Big Brother’s cooking."
"That’s right. It’s Yuki’s cooking, isn't it? Isn't that so, Kirue, Sasari?"
"Yes, there is no mistake."
"That’s right! Master added some extra dishes for us today."
For some reason, Kaya, Ratz, and Eris figured it out immediately. Is my cooking that distinctive?
"Kirue and Sasari usually keep it to a maximum of three side dishes, after all."
"Yeah, yeah. Just like Jessica says. Plus, the extra dishes are a bit rough around the edges, so you can tell right away."
"Ria-san, 'rough' isn't the right word. It’s 'manly' cooking."
"...Mm. It’s Yuki-like cooking."
Ah, I see.
It’s true that the dishes Kirue and Sasari prepare are carefully plated with a focus on color, whereas I don't think about that at all. I just pile it on, ignore the color coordination, and set it down.
Ria’s description of "rough" wasn't wrong. And as Samantha said, you could call it "manly" cooking.
"Ugh, never mind that, I want to eat!"
"That’s right! I want to eat Big Brother’s breakfast!"
"True. It smells so good, I’m starving."
"Yes, I’m hungry."
"Indeed. My patience has reached its limit."
"Big Brother’s home cooking is bound to be delicious."
"I want to eat Big Brother’s food right now."
"Alright, alright. Instead of critiquing the presentation, let’s hear what you think of the taste. Let’s eat."
" " "Itadakimasu!" " "
I don't know if they were just being polite, but the reaction was great.
Tori and Jessica went back for seconds—and thirds—of the stir-fried meat.
Meat is truly magnificent. Well, it’s heavy on the stomach, so Eris and the others only ate what was served, but they finished every last bit.
As for Aslin and the others, they were devouring it so fast I wondered where they were putting it all.
Well, I suppose that’s just the appetite of youth.
The breakfast ended on a high note, and everyone headed off to their respective duties.
Since I was off, I was left alone in the house.
"What are you going to do today?"
And my only guard was Ria.
Jessica, Samantha, and Cleena had already left for their diplomatic duties. Aslin, Firia, Labyris, Vilia, Dressa, and Hiiro were at school in Weed.
The members remaining at home were busy doting on the children.
"It’s rare for it to be just the two of us like this."
"It really is."
"I thought about joining the others with the kids, but..."
"That wouldn't be much of a day off, would it? Is there nothing else you want to do?"
"Something else, huh..."
Just as Ria said, the others had told me the same thing, leaving me alone with her.
If I insisted, I could probably join in on childcare, but they were being considerate of my time off, so I decided to accept their kindness. But now that I had the leisure, I didn't know what to do.
No, it’s not that I don't have things I want to do, but with only one day, the list of things I can actually accomplish is extremely short.