第１２８３堀：おなかは一杯食べる方 (Part2)
As always, Yuki was surrounded by a bevy of beautiful girls.
They all looked vibrant, full of life.
Though there was a faint trace of fatigue from their duties, it wasn't a bad sort of weariness. If it were otherwise, I’d have to snap them out of it with a sharp chop to the neck.
"So, what shall we have?"
"Hmm..."
Lilishe and I pored over the menu, lost in indecision.
As I pondered my own selection, I couldn't help but wonder if I was about to order something redundant.
"Hey, what did you order over there?"
"Let's see... three sandwiches, one doria, and two napolitans... was that it?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"Wait, Yuki, there are five of you—Fiora, Orelia, Yayui, and Hobis. Isn't that one too many?"
"Ah, I wanted a napolitan for myself. So it’s a doria and two napolitans."
I see. Yuki’s in his growing phase, then.
Perhaps I should follow suit and order three dishes myself?
Just as that thought crossed my mind, Senal spoke up with a serious expression.
"Um, we seem to be focused entirely on lunch, but didn't Yuki have something he wanted to discuss?"
"Hm? Oh, that talk is for the afternoon. We’re eating now, so I’m not in the mood for work."
Yuki answered Senal’s question with a sluggish, unmotivated tone.
He’s right, of course. Unless it’s an absolute emergency, I hate talking shop while I’m trying to enjoy a meal.
I hadn't thought twice about it, but Senal seemed to feel differently.
"Hah... I feel like my rhythm is completely off."
"That’s nothing new. Besides, you wouldn't discuss 'troublesome matters' at a casual eatery, would you? Not even in Weed."
"...When you put it that way, I suppose you're right."
Senal seemed convinced by Yuki’s blunt logic.
"It’s just that whenever I meet you, something monumental seems to follow, so I can’t help but keep my guard up."
"Was it really like that? Last time we spoke, it was just a status report and information sharing, wasn't it?"
"The time before that, you brought Lady Luna along, and the time before that, we were enemies and I got beaten to a pulp. So, two out of three times, things have been absolutely chaotic."
Ah, I see her point. It’s only natural to expect trouble when you see him.
Still, things won't be like that going forward, so I was wondering how to bridge that gap when...
"Senal-chan, you don't have to keep that scary face anymore. Let’s just enjoy a leisurely meal. Now, what looks good to you?"
"Lilishe... *sigh*. Between you and Yuki... very well. I suppose I need to get used to this peace, for the sake of the children."
"That’s the spirit! If you learn to make even one delicious dish, they’ll be so happy. Right?"
"Exactly. Besides, it’s been a while since you came here, Senal. You must have developed some preferences by now, haven't you?"
"I suppose so. As for food, I’ve grown fond of this: gratin. I’ve always loved cream sauce."
"Oh? Did you raise cows back home?"
"Yes. I was a cowherd’s daughter, so I was quite accustomed to cheese and white sauce. Though, the quality here is vastly superior... Very well, I shall have the gratin. And you two?"
"Hmm, then I’ll have the same gratin, a napolitan, and a steak."
"Oh, I’ll have the same."
Perfect. That should be enough to fill us up.
"...You two have a meeting this afternoon, don't you? Will you be alright eating that much?"
"We’ll be fine!"
"Exactly. You can’t muster any strength if you don't eat well."
"Hey, you—the one over there—don't you dare fall asleep from a food coma."
Tch, he’s already warning me, but it doesn't matter.
When I sleep, I do it with pride.
Besides, I’m fully prepared with an eye mask, a pillow, and a light blanket.
Now, let’s eat!
It’s rare to truly eat until you’re stuffed.
When you’re a child, your parents scold you for it, and as an adult, you’re always calculating your schedule for the rest of the day.
It’s only on special occasions, when you don't have to worry about what comes next, that you can truly indulge.
Personally, I prefer a full-blown yakiniku feast over a night of drinking any day.