第１１２５堀：集う者たち 唐揚げ (Part2)
"Wait, setting aside Aslin and her group, even the Emperor of Eupia is here? What? Was there a scheduled visit I missed?"
Emerging from the alleyway were the undead Comet and the general Agil.
"Actually, that’s a question I’d like to ask as well. Weren't you two supposed to be here for research? As for me, I’m just here to hang out with Aslin and the others."
"Ah, that makes sense. You two are close with Aslin’s group, aren't you?"
"I suppose it’s questionable for a sovereign to be doing this, but if we’re going there, our own husbands and queens are no different. Anyway, we’re just here for a meal. It’s not that I can’t cook, but it’s a hassle, so we decided to eat out."
"..."
At that moment, our hearts beat as one. After all, Agil had just uttered something truly baffling.
"Agil, you can cook?"
Breaking the silence was Comet, who had arrived alongside her.
"I can manage that much. Whether it’s good or bad is another story, I suppose. I am a soldier, after all. Preparing field rations or cooking up whatever we hunt is just part of the job."
"Ah..."
Both I and Schans nodded in agreement at those words. In fact, even Aslin and her friends nodded as if it were perfectly natural.
"Indeed, if that’s the level we’re talking about, I can do it too."
"Yes. I can certainly manage that much as well. Besides, with Weed’s seasonings, you rarely mess up the flavor. Even just grilling something turns out quite well."
"Oh, that’s right! Next time, I’ll cook for you, Eupia-chan."
"That is true. That would be wonderful. A cooking party, it is."
"Oh, that sounds lovely. Let’s make cakes, too."
"I like the sound of that, Shera. I’m fond of things like that."
W-what... did you say...?
Hand-cooked meals from Aslin and the others? I understand. I know exactly what this means. These dishes would surely be treasures the likes of which have never been seen before.
Ugh, perhaps I should postpone the fried chicken and indulge in their home-cooked meals instead? Surely, even if it were terrible, I could call it delicious. No, even if it cost me my life, I would eat it. Just as I was steeling my resolve to skip the fried chicken...
"This is it! The place with the rumored delicious fried chicken."
"Eh? Isn't this an inn?"
"It seems so. Well, I suppose they earn their keep by running a diner during the day."
"How nice. So it’s a popular menu item at the inn, then?"
"Oh, this is the place where Narjia and I were taken care of. Let’s enjoy it before we head to Weed."
"Y-yeah. You’re right. We should say hello to the old man and woman, too."
"Ah, so this is the place... Ugh, I feel like I’ve lost."
"Well, it can’t be helped. This is a famous shop, after all."
Now even Micos and the others had appeared.
"Oh? Is everyone here to investigate the fried chicken, too?"
"Well, something like that."
"What an incredible coincidence. Anyway, with this many people gathered at the entrance, we’re just in the way. Let’s head inside quickly. I hope there are seats."
"Indeed. Securing a table is the priority."
With that, we cut our chatter with Micos and the others short and hurried into the inn to secure our seats.
"Oh, welcome! Staying the night or just here for a meal? Wait—if it isn't Aslin and the girls! Long time no see. How have you been?"
A man with a sturdy build, clearly the master of the inn, appeared and called out to us. It seemed he was an acquaintance of Aslin’s...
"Long time no see! We’ve been doing great."
"We’re full of energy! And we’ve come to eat your delicious fried chicken."
"Haha! Eat as much as you like. Looks like you’ve brought plenty of friends along, too. Ah, and that young lady there—you’re Yuki’s wife, aren't you? How is Yuki doing?"
"Yes, my husband is doing well. He couldn't make it today due to work, so could you wrap up some fried chicken for us to take home? Everyone loves it."
"Leave it to me. I’ll whip up a big batch. Here, there are seats open, go ahead and sit."
I see, he’s a very good-natured proprietor. Between the smiles of Aslin’s group and the patrons enjoying their meals, it’s a place where one could easily have a good time. Well, the real question is that fried chicken...
"Delicious! This is delicious! Shopkeeper, won't you come work for me!?"
"Whoa!? You startled me. Look, miss, I appreciate the praise for my cooking, but I’ve decided to run this inn and serve food right here. Come back anytime, though. You’re always welcome."
Damn it! How can he say that and expect me not to keep coming back?
Those who gather for fried chicken. It’s true that the flavor of fried chicken changes entirely depending on who makes it, isn't it?