第１００８堀：飲みにケーション (Part2)
"That is certainly true. Even at the recent exchange and trade situation meeting, it was mentioned that the New Continent still has less trade activity compared to the other continents."
It’s incredibly frustrating to think that this is the lingering aftermath of being tossed about by Aquenoki.
"Hmm. I have also heard that trade activity has stagnated due to the conflicts. From here on out, we will be cooperating as nations connected by the same landmass. I hope to be of as much assistance as possible."
"Yes. Thank you again for your cooperation, Show-dono."
Just as we were having such a serious conversation, suddenly...
"Alright. Three draft beers and the recommended yakitori, coming right up!"
The owner called out energetically as he brought our orders.
Mmm, everything looks delicious.
"Alright, enough with the difficult talk for now! We can't discuss anything important here anyway, so let's start with a toast. Come on, everyone, grab your mugs."
Prompted by Menou-san, once everyone had their mugs in hand...
"Then, to soothe the fatigue of the day, let's eat, drink, and build up our energy for tomorrow! And to celebrate the joining of our new ally from the New Continent, Show-dono... Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
We clinked our glasses together, creating a pleasant, crisp sound.
*Gulp, gulp, gulp...*
We poured the beer down our throats.
"Ahhh..."
Mmm, delicious. A drink after work really hits the spot.
Without hesitation, I reached for a skewer of yakitori and took a bite.
"Delicious."
The grilling was perfect, and the salt balance was spot on.
As expected, the yakitori here is truly excellent.
"Yes. It really is delicious. You can't go wrong with the owner's skills here."
Enora said the same, happily bringing the yakitori to her mouth.
Everyone else followed suit, and the skewers disappeared in the blink of an eye.
"Owner! Ten more yakitori, some tamagoyaki, and a salad!"
"Coming right up. Anything else to drink?"
"Ah, Micos-chan will have a chu-hi. What about everyone else?"
"I'll have a Daiginjo."
"I see. Then I will have this whiskey on the rocks."
"Then I'll have shochu. What about you, Stasia?"
"I'll have shochu, just like Enora."
"Um, I'll have... a lemon sour."
"You got it."
The owner replied briskly and immediately set to work on the cooking.
"Oh, that reminds me, I was a bit concerned. Show-dono, how is your health? I heard that while Rurua-san treated you, you still needed to be monitored."
I had been so caught up in drinking and chatting naturally that I had forgotten: until Rurua-san treated him, Show-dono had been suffering from the aftereffects of severe burns.
Even though he is healed now, I can't help but be concerned.
If he were to collapse from overexertion, it would become a matter of our responsibility.
"Ah, the recovery is going smoothly. Thank you for your concern."
Show-dono said with a smile.
Yes, he doesn't seem to be pushing himself too hard.
"So, Menou. You said no work talk, but what are we supposed to talk about instead?"
"As Enora says, it feels like the only common topic we have is work... I am a former royal, Kagura is a duke's daughter, Micos is a baron's daughter, Menou-dono is a head of house, and Show-dono is a military strategist. Our positions are so varied that finding a common topic seems quite difficult, doesn't it?"
As the two of them said, our positions are just too different for casual small talk.
At best, Stasia, Menou, and I might be able to complain about social circles, but for the others...
"What are you saying? There are tons of topics for times like this."
Menou, however, didn't seem to think so and asserted it clearly.
Just what kind of common topics could we possibly have?
"Huh? You don't know? In times like these, it's obviously hobbies or love stories. You must have at least one of those, right? Well, setting aside Show and Stasia, who were busy with the wars, surely the two of you who were students, and the priestess who is in a position to hear everyone's troubles, have plenty to talk about?"
Ah, I see.
Yes, in that case, we have plenty.
Especially that Micos.
When I turned my gaze toward her, Micos was already grinning, having opened her scroll to record the information, standing by as if to say "bring it on."
"How rude. Even if I have been buried in battle, I have had a hobby or two. Let's see. Collecting books, perhaps?"
"Same for me. I was a princess, after all! I used to collect armor that wouldn't get scratched!"
"..."
Setting aside Show-dono... I really don't think that's a hobby for a princess, Stasia.
And so, the night of the drinking party wore on.
Some people may dislike them, but drinking parties are an effective form of communication.
Well, since no one here has any particular aversion to it, it’s fine.
Though, I do believe you shouldn't feel obligated to attend drinking parties that make you uncomfortable.