第１１８３堀：午前中の動きその１ (Part1)
Chapter 1183: Morning Movements, Part 1
Side: Kaya, Team 11
*Clatter, clatter... swish...*
That grating, discordant noise has been echoing in my ears for an eternity. Yes, I have been reduced to nothing more than a dishwasher. Why, of all people, am I the one stuck doing this?
"Kaya, here’s more. Get these washed."
Kaya says this as she shoves another stack of soiled plates toward me.
"Excuse me!"
"Coming right up!"
Tori calls out, heading off to serve a customer. Wait, hold on a second.
"Hey, Alfin. I was supposed to be participating in some bizarre event hosted by Yuki, wasn't I?"
I pose the question to Alfin—the owner of this establishment, where we’ve come to earn 'points' through what is essentially a test—hoping to clear up the confusion that has been spinning in my head like a whirlpool.
"That’s right. Yuki-san told me to use you all without hesitation. Honestly, having you guys help out is a huge relief. We’re short-staffed today, so thank you for at least giving us the morning."
"I mean, if you’re in a bind, Alfin, of course I’d help. But that’s not what I meant. Why does 'helping Alfin' count as 'earning points' for that game of Yuki’s? That’s the question."
"Ah, I see. But you all chose this job, didn't you? You picked me over the paperwork, right?"
"Well, yeah, but I assumed there would be some kind of challenge here that we’d have to solve through our own efforts. You get what I mean, right?"
"Ahaha. You’re still as wary of Yuki-san as ever, aren't you?"
"Of course I am. We lost to that man, after all."
"But you don't actually hate him, do you?"
"…Well, he’s taken care of us, so it’s not like that. But it feels wrong to be here, helping out at a shop so leisurely, when I should be in the middle of a team battle. It’s killing my fighting spirit."
"I’ll be heading out to cheer you on in the afternoon, so you’ll just have to find a way to get that spirit back. Besides, by helping out like this, you’re earning 15,000 points per person. That should give you some breathing room. You’d better aim for the championship with that."
"I hear you. But your husband is participating too, right? Are you really okay with that?"
That’s right—Steve, Alfin’s husband, is also in this battle royale. If she were going to cheer for anyone, I’d think it would be him. Is this a case of her prioritizing our friendship over… well, you know?
"It’s fine. If they run into each other, I’ll be cheering for Steve and the others."
"Oh, I see."
I’ve always found it a bit unsettling how Alfin can say such things with that same guileless smile.
"Manager, an order. And, well, I’ve heard the talk, but I have to ask—do you really think there’s a chance of winning? The opponents aren't just Steve and his crew; the masters themselves are in the mix, aren't they? Even with the rules they’ve set, I find it hard to believe you can win."
The one who says this while handing me the dirty plates is Coral, the dragon who works at Alfin’s shop.
"Hmph. If I’m going to do it, I’m going for the win. I have no intention of participating with the mindset of losing from the start."
"That spirit is admirable, but it won't be as simple as that."
"Yes, Coral, here is the order."
"Understood. See you later, Kaya."
Coral is surprisingly diligent at work and has become the de facto leader of the floor staff. Well, she’s still got a ways to go in the kitchen. But, if nothing else, she protects Alfin, which puts our minds at ease. That aside, though…
"So, what’s the reality? Like Coral said, I don’t think you’re skilled enough in combat to beat Steve or Yuki-san. Do you have a strategy?"
"You’re blunt, aren't you? Well, I do have a strategy. I know the difference in our combat power, too."
In a fight with no rules, we wouldn't just lose; we wouldn't even make it to the battlefield. That’s how fighting Yuki goes. The outcome is decided before the fight even begins. I know that all too well.
However, this time, Yuki can’t use his troublesome diplomatic maneuvers, his power to reshape the terrain, or his overwhelming resources and forces. Yuki is fighting under the same conditions as us, with only himself and Zargis. This battle is our only chance to beat him.
Even so, as Coral pointed out, it’s a contest involving firearms, and it’s a fact that Yuki and his team are stronger. There’s no way I’d charge into that without a plan.
"A strategy, huh? Well, I hope it works out."
"You don't seem to trust me very much."
"Well, you’re up against not just Yuki-san, but Steve as well. Even if you manage to take down Yuki-san, can you really handle Steve too?"
"…Honestly, that’s tough. But there is a path to victory. Like I said, I’m not participating with the intention of losing. And more than anything…"
"More than anything?"
As Alfin tilts her head at my words, Kaya approaches us.
"Alfin, Table 5 needs a shortcake set and a mille-feuille set, please."
"And Table 2 needs a block cake set."
"Exactly. With Tori and Kaya here, I won't lose so easily. These two will keep Yuki in check."
"Ah, I see. Wait here, I’ll go grab the orders."
Satisfied with that, Alfin moves off to retrieve the items.
"I’ll do the dishes in silence. Otherwise, Kaya will just be a good-for-nothing girl."
"I’m doing my job just fine! You’re as sharp-tongued as ever, Kaya!! I just complimented you, why are you like this!?"
Kaya and I are always like this. It makes me wonder why she even put me on her team.
"That’s a separate issue. I do my work seriously. I give you credit for that."
"…Fine, whatever."
Still, since she does give credit where it’s due, it’s not like we’re on bad terms. As I return to washing the dishes, Tori asks with a wry smile:
"Ahaha, so, what were you two talking about?"