第７９６堀：宴会と目的 (Part1)
Chapter 796: The Banquet and the Objective
Side: Sasari
"Ahahahaha!!"
"Oh, go for it! As expected of Milly-nee-san!"
"Hahahaha!!!"
While the festivities were in full swing, we maids were busy filleting fish and preparing appetizers.
Wait, was that a good pun?
"But is this really okay, Senpai? We were supposed to be guiding them through the port, after all."
"Indeed. Under normal circumstances, this would be inappropriate, but Yuki-sama never does anything without a reason."
"Well, that’s true. Danna-sama wouldn't do something like this for no reason."
Actually, even if it were a mistake, he’d just turn it into a brilliant move or spin some clever logic to justify it.
"By the way, isn't Milly-sama drinking for real?"
"She is. Milly-sama loves her liquor. And with such fine appetizers laid out, who could blame her?"
Indeed. Thanks to being caught up in this banquet at the port, we aren't hurting for ingredients. Weed’s fish are dungeon-quality and delicious. In other countries, these are high-value trade goods. Being able to fillet and cook them fresh like this is quite the luxury.
"Thanks to this, General Lake and his men seem to think it’s just a simple banquet."
"It seems so. If they’re drinking and eating this happily, they wouldn't suspect a thing. Oh, is this the goal?"
"Likely. Seeing even Deryu-sama drinking, he probably wants to see how the General and his men react once they’ve had a few. Well, if they just eat, that’s fine too."
"So, if they drink and get loose-lipped, great. If they don't, at least they enjoy the fish—is that the vibe?"
"Yes. Showing them a good time is the best way to demonstrate what Weed is all about. Of course, if they drink and let something slip, even better. Now, here. The sashimi is ready. Please take it over."
"Understood."
I stopped my kitchen work, took the sashimi Kirue-senpai had prepared, and carried it over to Danna-sama and General Lake...
"Ho... This is..."
"Delicious. The sauce and the fish’s natural oils are exquisite."
"Deryu-onee-chan, this is yummy!"
"Indeed. Conger eel is best when grilled with sauce. And rice is an absolute must."
The General and the others were completely absorbed in the grilled conger eel. I’m so jealous! Danna-sama’s cooking, using Earth’s techniques, is just divine! Still, I am a maid right now...
"Danna-sama, here is the flounder sashimi."
"Oh, we even have flounder? Judging by the portion, this must have been a huge one."
"Yes, it was amazing. Though, the fishermen who provided it so generously are amazing too."
"I’ll have to pay for the fish used in the banquet later; it wouldn't be right otherwise. Here, this is for you and Kirue."
Danna-sama handed me some grilled conger eel. We’re past the point of formal master-servant etiquette, so I accepted it without hesitation.
"Thank you very much. As expected of Danna-sama."
After thanking him, I returned to Senpai’s side. I thought I could relax now that I only had to keep an eye on the fish soup, but...
*"The fish here is delicious."*
*"I am glad to hear it is to your liking."*
*"And the fishing method is impressive as well. To think you cooperate with those monsters, the Sahagins, to drive the fish into the nets."*
*"Well, that’s not unusual in Weed. Ah, but a word of caution: this is a method that only works because it’s Weed. You likely don't have monsters in your lands, but don't try to imitate this. Normally, monsters see humans as nothing more than food."*
*"Hmm... Is that so?"*
Oh? Danna-sama had secretly connected a call to broadcast this, and he’s diving straight into the deep end. Things are getting interesting. Does alcohol and good food really loosen the tongue? Or will he keep his lips sealed?
"Sasari, your hands have stopped."
"Ah, sorry."
Oops, I can't let my dishwashing slack off. As I resumed, the conversation between Danna-sama and the others continued.
*"As I mentioned earlier, are you interested in monsters?"*
*"Yes. I am interested in monsters... I suppose this is a good opportunity. It seems I can speak honestly."*
*"If it is a serious matter, shall we move to a different location?"*
*"No, I want the fishermen here to hear this as well. Please, everyone, continue to eat and drink while you listen to my story."*
Oh!? Is that serious General actually going to open up, lured by booze and food?
*Clang!!*
"Ouch!?"
Before I knew it, I’d been smacked on the head with a ladle.
"Enough already. You’re falling behind on the dishes."
"Yes, ma'am... but this is getting interesting, isn't it?"
"Don't be reckless. I just hope it isn't a troublesome matter."
"Well... I don't think it’s possible for it *not* to be trouble in this situation."
"I know that, but I can't help but wish otherwise."
"Are you saying you wanted to enjoy your vacation, Senpai?"
"Not in that sense. I mean I don't want to increase Danna-sama’s burden. Though, of course, I did want to go sightseeing with everyone."
Wow. Kirue-senpai is so honest, there’s no room to tease her. Of course, I don't want to increase Danna-sama’s burden either. Because if his burden increases, our workload increases too. Samantha-ojousama would end up jumping into danger to help. And above all, as Senpai said, our sightseeing time would vanish! That would be painful!
When we went to Hayden, we were just spectators to the cute squabbles of the nobles; we weren't actually dragged into it. Still, I’m curious about what kind of problem this will turn out to be. And the answer to that curiosity was...
*"My Kingdom of Sea-Cypho has been engaged in a battle against monsters on the high seas for the past few years."*
That was a completely unexpected statement. Wait, aren't there no monsters in the New Continent? I looked at Kirue-senpai with that question in mind...
"I don't know the details either, but 'New Continent' only refers to the area between the sheer cliffs and the plains. The lack of monsters is limited to that space. Once you reach the sea, the boundaries become ambiguous."
"Ah, I see."
So it’s a matter of the range of Hairen-sama’s power as a goddess. But if that’s the case, isn't saying "the past few years" strange? If they’ve been going out to sea, they should have encountered monsters long ago, right?
While I was thinking that, General Lake continued his story.
*"Judging by what the people of Weed say, monsters seem to be common in this continent—or dungeon? But in the continent where we live, the existence of monsters is extremely rare. However, for the Kingdom of Sea-Cypho, which faces the ocean, it is different."*
*"So, you’ve had contact with monsters?"*