第１１７２堀：悲しみの裏側 (Part2)
"Still, this place hasn't changed a bit. It remains as cluttered as ever."
I had slipped out of the castle and found myself in a back alley of the castle town. Descending directly along the castle walls would have invited immediate discovery, so I had traversed the rooftops for a while before dropping down into this secluded passage.
Under normal circumstances, such alleys would be perilous, but ever since it was discovered that this was my preferred escape route, the area’s safety had been strictly maintained. Well, I suppose I was the one who personally cleared out the ruffians that used to congregate here.
"Oh, dear, I mustn't dawdle. It would be a waste to spend my time idling about."
If I don't get to the main street soon, the shops will close. Besides, I want to savor the flavors of the castle town for the first time in a while. To me, these are the tastes of home—flavors I will likely be denied for quite some time.
With that, I hurried through the alley and emerged onto the main thoroughfare. The street still held the vibrant, bustling energy I had been observing from my private chambers just moments ago.
"Where are we drinking tonight?"
"Hmm, let's splurge and go somewhere a bit upscale."
"Sounds good. I made a decent wage today, after all."
Workers on their way home walked past, chatting animatedly. The crowd was almost entirely male; understandably, it wasn't considered safe for women to be out and about at this hour. In that regard, this place fell far short of Weed.
Well, no matter. I needed to eat, or I wouldn't be able to sleep on an empty stomach. I decided to enjoy a meal at my usual haunt. I headed toward an old eatery at the edge of the main street. Even now, it was brightly lit, and the sound of lively conversation spilled out into the night.
"Hey, Auntie. Give me the usual."
"Coming right up."
"Same here. One pasta for me, too."
"You got it."
It was a simple shop that served nothing but pasta, just as it always had. And the woman who ran it seemed as energetic as ever—a comforting thought.
"May I have the same?" I asked as I stepped inside. The proprietress looked surprised for a moment, but a smile quickly spread across her face.
"Sure thing, dear. Eat up and get your fill."
"Thank you."
She treated me with the same casual warmth as always.
"I'm afraid the tables are all full, so you'll have to take a seat at the counter."
"That's perfectly fine."
It was always popular here. I had visited enough times that sitting at the counter next to a stranger didn't bother me in the least. In fact, striking up a casual conversation with whoever happened to be sitting next to me was part of the charm.
"Is this seat taken?"
"Oh, no, go ahead."
I received the reply and sat down. When I turned to greet my neighbor, I froze.
"Eh? Yuki-sama?"
"Hm? Oh, Princess Fiora."
For some reason, Yuki-sama was eating pasta. I suppose since the food here is delicious, there’s no reason he shouldn't be here, but still... And sitting right next to him was—
"Eh? Oh, it really is!"
"Riel, please, chew your food before you talk."
"*Cough, cough, cough!*"
"Honestly, all three of you, eat calmly."
"Ahaha. What a coincidence."
It seemed the entire group from Weed had gathered at the counter.
"W-why are you all here?"
"Well, it’s got a reputation for being delicious in this castle town. It’s quite similar to *peperoncino*, isn't it? I suppose cultures tend to converge. And as the rumors say, it’s excellent."
"I... I see. Yes, it is delicious, I suppose."
"Oh, aren't you sweet to say so! Here, Fiora, a large portion for you, and an extra serving for the young man over there."
"Ah, thank you very much."
"Much appreciated."
*Thump, thump.* The proprietress placed the special pasta before us. There were so many things I wanted to ask, but—
"First, let's eat. We can talk later, yes?"
"Agreed. Best to eat while it's hot."
"Mmm, mmm. So yummy! Auntie, one more refill!"
"I'll have a refill too, just like Riel!"
"Coming right up."
And so, we sat side by side, focusing entirely on our pasta.
"*Cough, cough.* Ah, thank you, Kirika-sama."
"Think nothing of it. I understand your surprise, but please be careful in the future. In fact, you should learn not to let such things bother you; it's quite a common occurrence in Weed."
"Eh? It happens often?"
"Indeed. Even kings of great nations can be found sitting at a street stall without a second thought."
"Ahaha... I'm starting to get scared of returning to Weed..."
I felt as though I had overheard something that made even me break into a cold sweat. No, first, I must finish this delicious meal. After all, this might be the last time I ever taste the food of my homeland.
...I won't dwell on whether I was truly lucky to have survived. Even if the mind understands, the heart can still refuse to accept. One can acknowledge necessity without ever finding peace with it. Everyone, after all, has their own memories.