第１２３６堀：コーヒーの香りは落ち着く (Part1)
Chapter 1236: The Aroma of Coffee is Soothing
The aroma of coffee is soothing.
Side: Yuki
"What is it? The sun feels unusually yellow and blinding."
I blinked, looking up at the dungeon’s simulated sky. Well, I knew exactly why—it was because I’d been locked in negotiations with the representatives of the great nations until just moments ago.
Yes, today marked the first round of discussions regarding the international student exchange program. We’d started by providing an overview and distributing documents on the common sense standards we’d compiled. My goal for the day had been met, but the various nations were clearly fascinated by the program, and the questions came flying in one after another. Some were completely unexpected, causing the meeting to drag on.
Before I knew it, it was four in the afternoon. 16:00.
We’d started in the morning, and despite forcing a lunch break, being cooped up in a conference room for over six hours under a barrage of questions is enough to wear anyone out. Even Orelia and the others looked completely drained. Fiora’s expression had stiffened into a forced, hollow smile; it was as if all the energy she’d stored up during yesterday’s curry party had been completely wiped out.
"Yuki-dono, do you have a moment?"
Just as I was thinking that I’d had enough work for one day, a voice called out from behind me. I turned to see Popuri looking uncharacteristically apologetic, with Lara bowing deeply beside her.
"I’d like to take a break. How about a coffee shop?"
Since Popuri and Lara were practically family, I decided to be a little selfish. They looked surprised for a moment, but then broke into wry smiles.
"That sounds good. A coffee shop might be more relaxing."
"Yes, I don't mind at all."
Just as we were about to head off, another voice called out.
"In that case, I shall join you as well."
"Indeed. I will accompany you."
It was Eupia and Schans. Well, since these two had attended yesterday’s curry party and even relaxed at my place afterward for a bath, I suppose they counted as family too?
*Sigh.* Whatever. I had no reason to refuse, so I gave them the go-ahead and we headed toward my favorite coffee shop.
"Wait, you aren't going to tell me that everyone else is going to come trailing after us, are you?"
"That won't happen," Popuri replied. "The moment the meeting ended, they all split up into the 'Ramen faction' and the 'Yakiniku faction'."
"Indeed. I, for one, wanted to join the ramen faction."
"And the women are mostly at the sweets shops," Lara added. "They seem to be gathering with friends, regardless of their countries."
"Well, that’s business as usual, I suppose."
Thinking about it, they might have gathered for the meeting, but their true intentions were clearly focused on the post-meeting meal. They were gathering based on what they wanted to eat, ignoring the boundaries of continents and nations, and having a grand time. I suppose that’s a sign that the nations are getting along well.
"Well, they’ll probably continue discussing the finer adjustments on their own," I noted.
"Naturally," Eupia said. "That single meeting wouldn't be enough to settle everything. As you said, Yuki-dono, we’ll need to gather in each continent to decide on the selection process for students, establish common standards, and determine the quotas for each country. The battles behind the scenes will likely be even more intense than they were today."
"Still, it isn't war," Lara offered. "So, thankfully, it’s unlikely that blood will be shed. I think that’s a good thing."
"I agree with Lara-dono," Popuri added. "As His Majesty said, there will be countless troublesome issues behind the scenes, but that is still better than war."
I wondered if this was really the kind of thing to talk about while walking, but it didn't matter if we were overheard. We hadn't discussed anything concrete, and the exchange program itself would need the approval of the people of Weed. That was proof that there was nothing in the plan that would be against their interests.
As I was thinking this, Yayui, for once, joined our conversation.
"Um, may I speak?"
"Indeed, I don't mind," Eupia said. "What about you, Popuri?"
"I have no problem with it. What is it, Yayui?"
"Er, well... what did you mean by 'it will get troublesome behind the scenes'? I... I suspect it might involve us as well."
"I see. It is true that you should be well-informed about this."
"That’s true," Popuri said. "By the way, Yuki, if you receive a recommendation from Yayui and the others, would you pull some strings to get them in?"
"Only if there’s a valid reason," I replied. "But I can’t do it often. If I make an exception, some idiot will come along thinking they can get Yayui, Hobis, or Orelia dropped just to make room for their own."
It’s like a legal precedent. Once there’s one example, people will think they can do it again. If that happens, the whole point of setting quotas for the exchange program is lost, and if the number of students increases without limit, the quality of education will suffer. That would be putting the cart before the horse, so I can’t allow that unless there’s a truly exceptional circumstance.
"This isn't a conversation for the street. Let’s get a table at the shop and talk properly."
As I said that, we entered the coffee shop we had arrived at without me even noticing.
*Clang, clang...*
As the door opened, the bell chimed, and the rich, fragrant aroma of coffee enveloped us.
*Phew.* It’s so soothing.
While I was thinking that, the master stepped out from behind the counter and approached us.
"Welcome. I heard there was a grand intercontinental alliance meeting today?"
"Yeah, it ended safely, and now we’re just relaxing. Are there any seats?"
"Yes, right this way."
We followed the master’s lead up to the second floor. This shop had become a favorite not just for me, but for the other nations as well, so we’d set up a private room on the second floor. I’d paid for it out of my own pocket, of course.
"Sorry for the trouble, Master."
"Not at all. Thanks to you, Yuki-sama, I awakened to the talent of brewing coffee. I am honored to have received praise from the kings and dignitaries of various nations. I’ve even had the pleasure of discussing coffee with King Heiden and King August. It’s been a joy."
"Usually, that kind of thing gives people ulcers, but I’m glad you seem to be doing fine."
"It’s too late for that now. Honestly, the time when you were teaching me directly was the most ulcer-inducing time for me."
The master had certainly grown tough. He’d come to Weed as a second-wave immigrant, and I’d known him since then. He was an important asset to Weed, so he’d undergone proper training and could handle most things without issue.
As I was thinking this, Eupia burst out laughing.
"Wahahaha! I had wondered why this shopkeeper was so remarkably composed, but to think he was an old acquaintance of yours, Yuki-dono. I see. That makes sense. Indeed, there could be no one more ulcer-inducing than you."
"That’s for sure," Popuri added. "He’s constantly being introduced to the top leaders of every nation."
"Yes," the master said. "Thanks to that, I’ve reached the point where I just think, 'Oh, another one?' Now then, Eupia-sama, a café au lait? Popuri-sama, cocoa? And for Lara-sama..."
Before we could even place our orders, he named exactly what we wanted to drink and confirmed it.