第１１８５堀：お弁当の内容 (Part2)
"Wait, if you look closely, this food-storage side has a button on the meat partition. It seems if you press it, the meat gets replenished."
It’s strangely high-performance, isn’t it? I suppose that’s just like Yuki...
"It’s an application of the Item Box, I bet. The Boss really wastes his technical genius on the strangest things. Then again, with this, you could eat delicious, freshly grilled meat anytime, anywhere."
"Well, it’d be fine for a safe campsite, but you couldn't use it in areas with monsters or beasts—the smoke and smell would give you away."
John is right. You can't go around carelessly creating smoke in dangerous territory. In that sense, it doesn't seem very practical for soldiers, but that’s just a soldier’s perspective. If there were a tool that could cook food easily outdoors, then...
"Haha, you're right, soldiers like you can't afford to be so conspicuous. But for adventurers, or merchants traveling from town to town—not to mention selling them for household use—I think they’d sell incredibly well."
"That’s true. I agree. We have stoves for home use in Weed, but that’s limited to Weed alone. If this can be produced cost-effectively, it would be wonderful news."
Another tool from Weed that makes life more convenient. Yuki really is testing us with these things, isn't he? Still, it seems inefficient that you have to buy the bento inside to use it. Or perhaps he’s waiting for us to come and ask before he makes an official announcement?
"Hey, if this is what's inside, what do you suppose the 'upper' bento is like?"
"I am curious. Mino-chan, open it."
"Alrighty then."
Oh, that’s right—there was still one bento left. Now, what kind of bento is Mino-chan about to open?
"Hm? It’s just a normal bento."
Surprisingly, the contents looked like a perfectly ordinary meal. It was very similar to a standard *makunouchi* bento. Wait, there’s one empty spot. Did they forget a side dish?
"It’s pretty plain. Doesn't it have any gimmicks like John’s bento?"
"I suppose so... Let me check the lid... Ah, here it is."
With that, Mino-chan flipped the lid over to show us. Several menu items were written on it, each with a corresponding button.
"Let's see... 'Press the menu button to dispense the dish from the bento until the energy reaches zero'?"
"That’s amazing! It’s a superior version of the bento box John was using. It doesn't just give you raw meat and vegetables; it dispenses cooked food! Mino-chan, press it!"
"You got it. Let's see... first, I'll add a salad."
Mino-chan is quite health-conscious, isn't he? Oh, is he avoiding meat because it’s cannibalism? No, wait—he was eating grilled meat just fine the other day. That can't be it.
As he pressed the button, a salad appeared in the empty space. Specifically, a shredded salad with lettuce and carrots.
" " "Ooh!" " "
It really did dispense a prepared dish. The bento’s energy gauge dropped just a little—about one notch. But since there are fifty notches in total, there’s still plenty left to eat. Given Mino-chan’s size, I imagine this is a huge help.
"With this, we wouldn't have to grill anything ourselves. We could even take it to the workplace."
"True. If freshly cooked food is always on tap, there's no need to cook for yourself."
"That’s true. It could help avoid crowding in the cafeteria. Oh, but the cafeteria is also for socializing, so is that really a good thing?"
"That wouldn't do at all. Above all, the military needs unity. It’s convenient, sure, but I don't think we should rely on it too much."
"Vilia is right. If having these bentos meant we didn't have to gather, it would mean we wouldn't have to see Yuki’s face, either."
" " "That is impossible." " "
The moment I said that, everyone immediately denied it as if the very idea were absurd. Of course. The thought of not being with Yuki is simply unthinkable.
"Well, as much as I like the Boss, we should probably pick our lunch now."
"Ah, right. Everyone, let's go get our bentos."
"Firia will have a rice ball."
"That sounds good. I’ll have the same."
"I... think I’ll go with the grilled meat."
"Oh? That’s surprising."
"I thought I’d eat a hearty meal to prepare for this afternoon’s battle."
I see. Perhaps I should eat a hearty meal, too? Come to think of it, should I check just how extensive the menu on the 'upper' one really is?