落とし穴外伝：カレー談義 (Part2)
I returned to where Yuki and Hovis were, finding them glancing between the curry they’d been served and me, whispering something to one another.
Hmm, is it really that unusual for me to be the one serving the curry?
Well, no use dwelling on it. I grabbed a chicken curry for myself and headed back.
"Oh, you chose the chicken, did you?"
"Yeah. It’s just good, simple food."
"You do love your simple dishes, don't you?"
"Exactly. It’s the simplicity that makes it difficult to perfect."
I took a bite as I spoke, then a thought struck me, and I voiced it aloud.
"Seraria. What do you think of Orelia and the others?"
"Orelia and her group? Oh, I think they’re fine. You brought them here today because you trust them, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah, but I meant, do you have any personal reservations?"
"None at all. Besides, you’re the one who gave the go-ahead, so that’s that. I’ve heard reports on their work ethic, and from what I can see, their manners are impeccable. Though, I suppose that’s the fruit of Kirue and Sasari’s training."
"Thank you very much."
"You’re making us blush."
Two maids appeared from behind, carrying bowls of curry udon.
It’s truly impressive how they manage to serve their master even in a moment like this. But more than that, look at their aprons—not a single drop of curry had splashed onto them.
To clear such a high-difficulty challenge without a scratch?
While I was busy being stunned by such trivialities, Seraria turned to those super-maids.
"You heard my husband’s assessment. From your perspective, Kirue, Sasari, how do Orelia and the others measure up?"
"In terms of combat and etiquette, they are still quite green as maids, but there is no doubt they are giving it their all."
"Indeed. They are far better than I was when I transitioned from a knight to a maid. Above all, they have firmly resolved to give their best for Yuki-sama and for us."
I couldn't help but be awestruck by the sheer technical mastery with which Kirue and Sasari slurped their curry udon while offering their opinions.
How? How are they not getting a single drop on themselves?
"See? There’s no issue at all. I spoke with them again today, and they told me how happy they are to be your subordinates, Yuki. There’s really nothing to worry about."
"…Right. I see."
I gave a distracted reply, still caught up in Seraria’s repetition of "no issue," while I checked my own attire. I was wearing dark clothing specifically to hide any potential curry splashes, but even so, a few tiny specks were visible.
Then I looked at Seraria. She had a napkin spread across her chest as a defensive measure, but the napkin itself was stained, suggesting she wasn't exactly eating the curry with perfect grace either.
Good. It seems I’m not uniquely clumsy, at least.
"What is it? Is something wrong with me?"
"No, you’re just your usual self, Seraria."
"Um, weren't we talking about Orelia?"
"Ah, right. Well, if you and the others don't see any problems, I’ll have them keep at it. The troublesome meetings start tomorrow, and I don’t want to burden you with any extra stress."
"Oh, I see. Well, even if Orelia and the others make a few mistakes, there isn't a fool among us who would complain at this point. Besides, even if we have some discussions, the nations will just take the information back home to study and investigate before returning. It’s that kind of level."
"True. This is just to establish the broad framework. They’ll take it back and hash out the details."
That was the very purpose of this conference. To hand over the documents and materials we’d prepared and have them deliberate on it. Even so, that alone was a monumental task.
"Exactly, that’s all there is to it. …Besides, the work for today is finished. Let’s just enjoy our curry in peace."
"Ah, my bad. I think I was overthinking things."
I said that and reached for my curry, careful not to let any droplets fly as I brought it to my mouth.
Mmm. It really is delicious.
What is your favorite kind of curry?