第７６３堀：各国の昼食 (Part2)
"Western food" is a classification from the Earth where Yuki once lived, and it's somewhat similar to the things we eat often. However, the seasoning is on a completely different level.
"Princess Cleena, what would you recommend?"
"Hmm, that’s a tough one. But if Laraina wants to learn a variety of recipes, Chinese cuisine, which is difficult to prepare, might be a good choice."
"I see. Then, please make Chinese the main focus and mix in some other dishes as well."
"Understood."
August chose Chinese. That style of cooking is delicious in its own right.
"Lord Doje, what would you like?"
"Let's see. Rather than myself, His Majesty preferred Japanese food. If you could center it around tempura and other fried dishes, I would appreciate it. Princess Samantha."
"Then we shall focus on Japanese cuisine. Please proceed with that."
"Yes, understood. I will prepare a meal centered around Japanese tempura."
With Roday choosing Japanese food, the main genres of cuisine from Earth were now all accounted for. As I was wondering what I should have, it seemed more people had arrived.
"Oh my, all the diplomats and Magic Sword Users are gathered here."
"Indeed. Is everyone preparing for lunch?"
Appearing as they spoke were Kaya, the Magic Sword User from White Forest, and Kishua, the Magic Sword User from the Ex Kingdom.
"That's right, both of you. But it seems the diplomats aren't here."
"Well, it's just lunch arrangements. They are more focused on the meeting."
"True. It's much the same for White Forest."
It seems these two nations are more serious about their meetings than their appetites.
"I'd like something light. Just a sandwich and an onigiri will do."
"I'll go with something easy to eat, like a burger."
"Understood."
The two of them chose surprisingly modest meals. Having decided so quickly, I felt a bit concerned and spoke up.
"Is that really okay? It’s quite simple, isn't it?"
"Simple? This is plenty luxurious. You think this is simple?"
"Wait, Kaya. You mean compared to the meals provided by Weed until now, right?"
"Ah, I see."
"Exactly. And will His Majesty and the retainers participating in the meeting be satisfied with that?"
If you arrange a poor lunch and it’s poorly received, complaints will follow. That could affect one's future career or standing. That is precisely why Weed's ability to provide such luxurious, selectable meals is so appreciated. There are no misses, after all. That was why I was worried about the two who chose such subtle meals.
"Well, I was told to bring back something light."
"Same here. If it's too delicious, everyone will eat their fill and get sleepy. His Majesty Noble said that considering we have a meeting with other continents afterward, it's better not to overeat."
I see. That’s a sound reason. It seems the kings of White Forest and Ex are wise men.
"I understand. In that case, shall we change our orders as well?"
"No, that won't be necessary. I've already placed the order. It would be a hassle for the maids, and I want to eat steak."
"..."
I'll just ignore that idiot. Jessica, stay strong.
"W-well, as General Marly says, rather than changing the delicious food we’ve already ordered, it would be better to simply control the portion size."
"That is true. We shouldn't let it interfere with the meeting."
"Mhm. If you eat too much delicious food, you just become happy and stop thinking."
"That is the nature of fine cuisine. Well, it applies to everything; moderation is key, and anything in excess becomes a poison."
Samantha offered a strained follow-up, and Lord Doje, Cleena, and Laraina backed her up. Well, it wasn't wrong, so we decided to accept it. I didn't intend to support Marly, but I do want to maintain favor with Samantha and Cleena. What was said was logical, so there was no issue.
"That's right. Let's all stick to moderate portions, finish the meeting properly, and do our best to ensure the If Continent meeting goes smoothly tomorrow."
When I said that, everyone nodded. It seems the other countries are also eager to hold the continental meeting as soon as possible. We only have two days. If we don't reach an agreement here, we'll have to gather elsewhere for another meeting. In that case, the capabilities of the host country would be tested and compared to Weed. That is something everyone wants to avoid for the time being; the difference is clear, and there is no reason to intentionally lower their own nation's reputation. It’s better to incorporate Weed's technology and improve things first.
"Then, let's meet later to discuss tomorrow's meeting."
With that promise, I returned to the Enaria meeting, but...
"It really is delicious, isn't it? Here, try this too."
"No, Prism. We have to control our portions; there's the If Continent meeting tomorrow."
"That might be fine for you, Eagil, but Light and I won't be able to eat this for a while."
"Yes! I'm going to eat as much as I can while I have the chance!!"
And so, it goes without saying that because everyone ate so much, the afternoon meeting began with everyone feeling sleepy and sluggish. Well, once they started getting hungry again, things progressed rapidly. The fact that dinner was waiting was likely one of the reasons the meeting accelerated. People are so pragmatic, aren't they?
Still, Chinese noodles are delicious. Whether you eat your fill or exercise restraint for the sake of a meeting—that depends on the person.
Are you the type to eat a lot, or the type to keep it light? What kind of meal do you prefer? Light snacks? Japanese? Western? Chinese? What did you have for lunch today?