第１２３６堀：コーヒーの香りは落ち着く (Part2)
"Good heavens, you all frequent this place quite often, don't you?"
However, even a master of his craft like him couldn't possibly know the preferences of those who didn't visit regularly.
"Now then, Lady Fiora, Lady Orelia, Lady Yayui, Lady Hovis—what shall I prepare for you?"
Indeed, these four had yet to have any direct contact with the Master. My own duties were centered primarily in my office or out in the field. Yet, the fact that he knew their names perfectly and without hesitation spoke volumes about his high level of competence.
"I'll take mine black, for now."
"I suppose I'll have a café au lait. It’s hard to know what I like until I’ve tasted it."
"I-I would like hot milk, please."
"And I’ll have... a cocoa, please~"
"Understood."
With a polite bow, the Master retreated from the private room.
"My, my. That poise. That impeccable etiquette. And considering he is well-known across so many nations, it is clear the Master is a truly exceptional talent."
"He even travels abroad to provide coffee instruction. He’s had plenty of offers from elsewhere, but it seems he has no intention of leaving Weed."
"It would be a great loss, indeed. But then again, it is precisely here that the Master is able to perform at his absolute peak."
"Actually, if we tried to hoard him for ourselves, it might very well spark a war."
"Hahaha!"
Everyone except Orelia and the others burst into laughter at Lara’s final remark.
"That is entirely plausible. And I, for one, would not stand for it. I won't have anyone monopolizing the man who brews such exquisite coffee."
"I couldn't help but laugh, but you’re right—it really could happen."
"He is simply that valuable; it cannot be helped."
It felt like a shame to dampen the mood of such lively chatter, but I decided to steer the conversation back to Yayui’s inquiry.
"Now, regarding Yayui’s question—you mentioned something about 'various things happening behind the scenes of the exchange student program,' right?"
I made sure to confirm, wanting to ensure there was no misunderstanding.
"Y-yes. In my view, I assumed that meant 'people moving behind the scenes to snatch up the available slots for exchange students.' Was I wrong?"
"Hmm. Well, in one sense, you’re right, Yayui. But to call that the complete answer would be a bit of a stretch."
"It’s difficult to imagine exactly what they might do or how they might go about it, after all."
As Popuri pointed out, since they weren't the ones pulling the strings, it was natural for their understanding to be a bit vague. But since Yayui and the others were at risk of becoming 'involved parties' themselves, they needed a firm grasp of the reality. I was pleased, however, that she had sensed the danger on her own before I even had to point it out.
"Still, if you don't know what kind of schemes are out there, you’ll be caught off guard. You should ask these four about it. They are the ones running nations and academies; they have seen more than their fair share of these sorts of problems."
"True enough, though it is a bit of a luxury to have us acting as your personal tutors."
"Indeed. And we’d certainly like some sort of reward for our trouble, wouldn't we?"
"Oh, come now. You tagged along with me, so I’d say we’re even."
That was the truth; these two teams had followed me here specifically because they wanted to talk.
"Tch, you’re quite shrewd about these things. I would have preferred to see you a bit more flustered, surrounded by such beautiful women."
"Yuki-dono is immune to that sort of thing. That’s exactly why he’s so trustworthy, though."
*No, no,* I thought. Both of them were 'petite, flat-chested girls.' I’ll admit they were beautiful, and I knew they were far older than me, but 'beautiful little girl' was the more accurate description. If I were being less polite, I might even call them 'loli-grannies,' though I’d never say that out loud. The only ones who truly fit the 'beautiful woman' category were Lara and Schans.
"Well, so be it. The growth of Orelia, Yayui, and Hovis will lead to the development of our nation as well. And if anything should happen, know that you are welcome to come to our country; we would put your talents to good use, so do not hesitate to reach out."
"Ahaha, an invitation already? I like it. You’re welcome at my place anytime, too. Though, I suppose I can’t offer quite as lavish a reception as Eupia."
"Hey now, don't go poaching my subordinates so openly. That said, I agree that if something happens to me, relying on these four is a sound plan."
"W-what are you saying!! Yuki-sama, that is absolutely impossible! We won't allow it!"
"Exactly! We will protect Yuki-sama no matter what!"
"I’m sure you’re joking, but... I really don't like hearing you say things like that~"
*Wait,* I thought. I had intended to offer some reassurance, but all three of them were furious. And Fiora, for her part, let out a deep, heavy sigh.
"That was your fault, Yuki-sama. It wasn't a very pleasant thing for me to hear, either."
*Ugh,* even Fiora had turned against me. I was panicking, desperately looking for a way to change the subject, when—
"Would you like a change of pace, perhaps?"
As if on cue, the Master arrived with the drinks, allowing me to escape my predicament. Truly, I could never let a man like him go.