第１２７３堀：まずは腹ごしらえ (Part1)
Chapter 1273: First, Let’s Eat
Side: Eupia
Today’s lunch break.
I had come to Weed to grab a bite to eat when Yuki-dono appeared out of nowhere. When I asked him what was the matter, he told me he wanted to have a word with me.
To go out of his way to show his face right at mealtime...
"Goodness, you certainly are a busy man, Yuki-dono."
"Tell me about it. I was hoping to take it easy for about a month, too."
"Yuki-dono taking a month off... I wonder how many nations would be left screaming."
That is no exaggeration.
If the man before me were to take a month of leave, the nations of the world would be thrown into absolute chaos.
That is the extent of the influence he holds over every country.
Though, I suppose I am one of those nations that would be doing the screaming.
"I guess so. Well, I at least intend to take it slow and eat something delicious. Would you like to join me, Emperor Eupia?"
"I see. I am all for eating something delicious, and that alone should help take my mind off things, at least for a while. However, seeing as you haven't brought Aslin and the others along, I assume this is 'business'."
Usually, my friends like Aslin would be accompanying him, but not today.
That means there is no room for leisure.
"I could call them if you like?"
"No need. I fear I would be unable to concentrate on our talk."
"Yes. I believe that is for the best. Aslin-dono and the others are quite busy, after all; there is no need to summon them simply to appease the Emperor's mood."
Shou said exactly that.
Honestly, that man always has one word too many.
That said, it is true that Aslin and the others are busy.
Despite how they appear, they shoulder various responsibilities, from overseeing the monster army to the manufacturing of weapons.
"Then, first of all..."
Oh? Is there something so pressing that it must be discussed before we even reach the restaurant?
I braced myself alongside Shou, preparing not to be rattled no matter what urgent, high-stakes matter was about to be revealed, when...
"What do you want to eat?"
"..."
"..."
"Pardon?"
No, it is a natural question, but it was so far removed from the kind of discourse I expected between heads of state that I was, in fact, rattled.
"Any preferences?"
"Ah, um. Do you have any, Shou?"
"H-haah. Being asked so suddenly, nothing comes to mind... Yuki-sama, do you have any recommended establishments?"
"Then, let's go to the Laboratory Shopkeeper's."
"The Laboratory?"
"Yeah. My regular spot."
"Judging by the name, does that imply 'culinary experiments'?"
"Spot on, Shou. Generally speaking, the food eaten here in Weed is first created at the Laboratory. If someone likes it, they buy the recipe and refine it into an original dish for their own restaurant."
"Ho! In other words, this 'Laboratory' is the birthplace of Weed's cuisine?"
"You could say that. Though, I wouldn't call the flavors refined. It is an 'experiment,' after all."
I see, I see.
I certainly understand what he means.
Since their role is merely to devise various prototypes, it is only natural that the taste would be inferior to dishes perfected by individual chefs.
Nevertheless, since Yuki-dono is recommending it, there is no reason to refuse.
"Very well. Let us be off!"
I wonder what manner of unknown cuisine awaits!
The Laboratory I was guided to was located in what one might call the back alleys of the commercial district I am familiar with.
In any other place, such a back alley would likely become a hotbed for crime, but in Weed, that is not the case.
Even in the back alleys of Weed, there are naturally many shops open, and many of them are quite intriguing.
Well, the rent on the main street is high, after all.
For that reason, there are many shops located one street over, or even deeper in, where the rent is cheaper.
It is a layout that can only be achieved because the public safety is so good.
By creating commercial zones like this, while some might just sell things at the market, those who wish to own a shop can do so with ease.
"I am once again struck by how safe it is here."
"Indeed. Even the children walk about freely, as you can see. Ah, that there is a candy shop. I have been there with Aslin and the others."
Incidentally, 'dagashi' refers to small, inexpensive sweets.
They are sold at prices even children can easily afford.
It is the kind of business that makes you tilt your head and wonder if they even turn a profit, but apparently, they manage to break even.
They say they even receive public funding so that children can learn how to shop.
I found that quite insightful.
"It's right there."
As I walked, observing the back alleys, there was indeed a shop with a curtain reading 'Laboratory'.
It was located at the very end of the alley.
The building was large, but at a glance, it did not look like a typical Weed establishment.
Thinking this, I stepped inside.
"Welcome. Oh, Boss, welcome."
"Yo. Sorry to intrude. Is the back open?"
"Yes, it is. Please, go ahead. You ladies as well."
"Indeed."
"Excuse us."
We replied and headed into the tatami room in the back.
"Here is the menu."
"Hmm."
I looked at the menu I was handed, but...
"I cannot make heads or tails of it just from the names. I can imagine a few, but..."
As Shou said, this shop does not seem to use the menus with photographs that are standard in Weed, making it difficult to envision what the food actually is.
Not that menus with photos are common anywhere but Weed, mind you.
"Indeed. In that case, I shall leave it to you, Yuki-dono."
"Understood. Do you like omelet rice dishes?"
"Omelet rice? Ah, the rice wrapped in egg? Yes, it was delicious."
"Indeed. However, what do you mean by 'omelet rice' types?"
"Well, there are many kinds of omelet rice. Though, even in Weed, this is about the only place you can order such a variety."
"Ho. Then let us order those."
"Alright. Then, I'll have the beef stew omelet rice, the chicken cream omelet rice, the curry omelet rice, and the standard chicken omelet rice."
"Right away."
With that, the clerk turned on his heel and disappeared into the back.
Only after confirming this did I ask...
"I have eaten beef stew and curry before, but... over omelet rice?"