第９９４堀：いつもの観察と案内 (Part2)
"Hmm? What’s the matter, Proprietress?"
"Oh, nothing. I was just wondering if Aslin-sama and the others haven't caused you any trouble? I was originally scheduled to attend to you myself, so..."
"Ah, don't worry about that. Aslin and the others have been doing a fine job."
*Tch...* To think they got to spend so much time chatting happily with my sisters... how incredibly fortunate. Even though it’s for their work, I find myself hating the Emperor right now.
While I calmed my heart to ensure that the jealousy-fueled hatred didn't show on my face, my master continued the conversation.
"No, I didn't come here for anything that requires going up to the room. I just wanted to ask what you would like to do, as dinner time is approaching."
"Ah, is it already that time? Hmm. I am indeed hungry. Very well, let us have it."
"Understood. I shall prepare it immediately... though, before I do, I should mention that this inn offers a specific style of dining."
"A style? You mean it isn't just a matter of the type of food?"
"Yes. One option is the standard style common in the Zurable Great Empire, where we serve fixed, individual portions. The other is what I personally recommend."
"Oh? And what is that?"
"It is a buffet-style service. We prepare a wide array of dishes in a corner of the room, and you are free to take as much as you like of whatever you prefer. Our nation is at the heart of the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance, so we have access to a vast variety of ingredients and cuisines. However, everyone has their own personal tastes, and if we were to limit the menu, it would be difficult to guarantee that it suits the palates of everyone from the Zurable Great Empire."
"I see. So, with this buffet style, one can choose what they like and simply avoid what they do not care for?"
"Exactly."
Yes, that is the strength of the buffet. People have their preferences, after all. While it is fine for cultural exchange to present our nation's recommended dishes, I am hesitant to force someone to eat something they dislike. Especially before a discussion on whether or not to join the alliance, it would be counterproductive to force them to eat something that might put them in a bad mood.
That is why we chose the buffet.
"There's curry, too!"
"And hamburger steaks!"
"Scrambled eggs... my, there really is an incredible variety here."
"I believe for this time... Kirika?"
"Yes. The recommendation for this buffet is our wide variety of curries. We have prepared summer vegetable, beef, green, keema, and seafood curries, among others. We want to ensure that all of your guards can enjoy the meal as well."
Of course, this wasn't a coincidence. It was based on thorough prior research.
"Ho-ho! You know your stuff! Very well! Call everyone to assemble at once! Tonight, we shall feast on the cuisine of Weed!"
"Yes, sir!"
"Aslin and the others are coming too, aren't they?"
"Yep! We're coming!"
"We'll eat together! Big Brother too!"
"Oh, certainly. Provided Emperor Yupia gives his permission."
"Of course. Schow, attend to us."
"Certainly, Your Majesty. I will be sure to taste-test everything, so please make sure to eat only after I have done so."
"I shall not allow such a thing! Very well, I shall get to the buffet before the meddlesome Schow! Aslin, Firia, lead the way!"
"Yeah!"
"Oh my, Yuki, you go ahead and gather the others."
With that, Aslin and the others took Emperor Yupia by the hand and dashed off ahead.
"Ah!? Your Majesty! Everyone, assemble immediately! We must follow them!"
"Yes, sir!"
And so, Schow and the others hurried off in pursuit. The only ones left behind in the wake of the commotion were the people of Weed.
"They’re a noisy bunch, no matter the situation. Kirika, handle the rest properly."
"Yes. Leave everything to this proprietress, Kirika. I will determine everyone's favorites through this buffet."
That information will serve as a souvenir and will eventually be added to our list of future trade goods. There is no meal more convenient than this.
"By the way, do you have anything other than curry?"
"Yes. It is a simplified version, but we even have stations where you can prepare your own ramen or udon."
"Ah, that stuff that isn't very good?"
"Well, Master, it is a few steps below Kiyu's ramen shop, I admit."
"Hmm, right. Call Kiyu over for a late-night snack. And get Rurua and Lilishe ready for the medical treatment."
"Yes, understood. I have already informed them about the treatment, so they should be ready by the time you finish your bath."
After all, no woman would want to show off their burns to others. By providing proper treatment here, we can improve the favorability of the entire Zurable Great Empire toward us.
"Now then, everyone from the Zurable Great Empire. Can you withstand the hospitality that is to come?"
"Hmm... is hospitality something you're supposed to 'withstand'?"
"Yuki-san, in Weed, it is."
"Yeah, yeah. You won't be able to move afterward."
"...Do you have... fried tofu?"
"Yes. I have prepared plenty of Inari sushi just for you."