第１２６３堀：好きと嫌いと (Part2)
I announced as much to the Head Maid and the maid who always accompany me as we strolled through the streets of Weed. After all, these two are my personal attendants.
"Indeed, Your Majesty. We have visited this place with you many times before."
"Yes. We always make sure to investigate thoroughly."
"Good. Your insights are invaluable. I shall continue to rely on you."
" "Understood." "
While these two are officially my personal staff, I have ordered them to act freely and gather various intelligence throughout Weed whenever I am occupied with meetings and the like. Well, I keep it a secret from Shau that their primary objective is usually scouting out delicious sweets and eateries.
"So, shall we put that expertise to use immediately?"
"Do you have a preference, Your Majesty?"
"Hmm. Let’s rule out curry and ramen. I’ve already finished vetting those two. Unless, of course, there is news of a new establishment I am unaware of."
"No, Your Majesty. There is no information regarding any new curry or ramen shops."
"I see. Then, as for something else... Yes, I would like to try something I haven't tasted before. I’ve already had sushi..."
"In that case, how about *okonomiyaki*?"
"*Okonomiyaki*? That is a first for me. Very well, let’s go with that. Tell me, is it truly delicious?"
"Yes, of course. It is a dish that will surely suit your palate, Your Majesty."
"Then that is settled. Lead the way."
" "Understood." "
We began our journey toward the *okonomiyaki* shop, and along the way, we saw many people—likely tourists—thoroughly enjoying the commercial district of Weed. Will this place continue to expand even further?
...And will it also draw in those who envy these smiles? Yuki and his associates are essentially baiting hostile organizations, even at the risk of endangering this land. No, I suppose they have simply judged that this approach will result in the least amount of collateral damage.
"Your Majesty? Is something the matter? Are you feeling unwell?"
Ah, I’ve let myself get caught up in work-related worries during my break. That defeats the whole purpose.
"No, I simply remembered a bit of business. To ensure I rest properly, I shall focus on enjoying this *okonomiyaki*."
If things go poorly, we might not even be able to come here and dine like this again. I intend to savor every delicious bite.
As it turned out, the *okonomiyaki* we ate was exquisite...
"My, I am stuffed. Both the Osaka-style and the Hiroshima-style were truly magnificent."
"Indeed. Though, personally, I prefer the Hiroshima-style with its generous amount of cabbage."
"Is that so, Hijau? I am partial to the Osaka-style myself. Which did you prefer, Your Majesty?"
"Hmm. They are both impossible to choose between."
I crossed my arms, pondering Torne’s question, genuinely conflicted. Which should I favor?
"You should just eat both!"
"That’s right. We should all just eat plenty of everything."
Looking toward the source of the voices, I saw my friends enjoying their own *okonomiyaki*.
"Exactly. Preferences are a personal matter; it’s fine to like whichever you prefer."
"Yes. For the record, I’m quite fond of the *yakisoba* variety."
"Mm. Hiiro likes *yakisoba* too."
"I prefer the *tonpeiyaki*."
"Vilia, you really do like things that go well with alcohol, despite your appearance."
I was taken aback for a moment by that remark, but I couldn't help but burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha!! You are quite right! It matters not what anyone’s preference is! I happen to like it all!"
"Eh? But Eupia-chan, you don't really like spicy food, do you?"
Aslin pointed to a menu item labeled as extra-spicy.
"Ah, you are right. That one is off-limits."
"I’m not fond of spicy things either."
I exchanged a nod with Labyris. That is simply how the world works. There are some things one simply cannot accept.
Now, how will those who cannot accept this situation move? And how should we respond?
Hm? No, when I think about it, the stage is set, and this is hardly more difficult than the times we built our nations from the ground up. After all, we have plenty of allies. Rather than succumb to anxiety, we have no choice but to press forward.
One cannot navigate this world on righteousness alone. There are times when the heart cannot keep pace. Besides, right and wrong, good and evil—in the end, those are merely things that people decide for themselves.