第１３２９堀：仕事の終わり (Part1)
Chapter 1329: The End of the Work
Side: Yuki
I review the documents laid out before me.
No omissions, no oversights.
Confirming that all the necessary paperwork is in order, I speak a single sentence.
"The preparations are complete."
As I say this, Ria, Fiora, and the others in the office break into simultaneous applause.
"Congratulations. With this, we can finally begin."
"It has been a long road, but we have finally reached this point."
The two of them offer their praise.
Ah, finally.
"With this, the student exchange program can commence."
Yes, today, at this very moment, all preparations are complete.
From notifying the various nations to the selection process and our own internal arrangements for receiving them, the tasks have been endless, but they have reached a definitive conclusion.
While there will be ongoing maintenance, the preparatory phase is over.
All that remains is to begin.
I draft the document authorizing the execution, sign it, and hold it along with the rest of the files.
It is deeply moving to think that these few sheets of paper will set the coming era in motion.
I felt something similar when the Intercontinental Exchange Alliance was founded, but this feeling is just as profound.
Intercontinental exchange will flourish even further from here on out.
The times are shifting once again.
"Contact Seraria."
I tell Fiora to secure an appointment since I am heading over with the completed documents, but...
"Yes, I have already received word from Seraria that everything is in order. She said she is ready to meet at any time."
"That was fast."
"She is your partner, after all, Master."
"Thank you. Alright, let's go."
"Yes!"
We leave the office with the usual members in tow.
However, the atmosphere is different.
It is not the look of people contemplating their next task, but the faces of those who have seen a job through to the end.
Ria and the others, of course, as well as Fiora, Orelia, Hobis, and Yayui, all wear faces brimming with confidence.
They know they have accomplished something significant.
Or, even if it wasn't "significant" in the grand scheme, completing a job is something to be proud of.
As I am thinking this, I run into John in the hallway.
"Oh, Boss. Good work. Wait, are you heading out again? ...Ah, that look on your face. You've finished it, haven't you? Is it finally time?"
"Yeah. Thanks to you all."
"Glad to hear it. Have you told Steve?"
"Not yet. I still need Seraria's final confirmation."
"Well, that shouldn't take long. I'll pass the word along from my end."
"I appreciate it."
Just as I think we’ve parted ways, John calls out to my back...
"What about the celebration?"
"Ah, right. That."
There is no way we could accomplish all this and not celebrate.
It is a way to reward the subordinates who worked so hard, and a way to encourage their future efforts.
"But I haven't consulted with Eris and Ratz yet, so nothing is set in stone. I'll reach out to them later."
"Understood. Still, we'll start preparing on our side."
"Don't go overboard."
John has an inexplicably excessive amount of confidence when it comes to his vegetables.
I intended that as a warning, but...
"It'll be fine. Our salads are popular with the ladies, you know? Right?"
Ignoring my opinion entirely, he seeks agreement from the women.
"That is true. The salads John prepares are delicious."
"They are very healthy, aren't they?"
"Mm-hmm."
As it happens, the salads are genuinely good, so they have earned a certain level of approval from the ladies.
But we know there is more to it than that. I am just about to say something when...
"Mm. But too many cucumbers is a no-go."
Cleena says it without hesitation.
Yes, this John—despite being of the Orc race, he is a vegetarian.
It is not that he refuses to eat meat, but he simply loves vegetables.
And for some reason, he loves cucumbers above all else.
According to him, he admires the *kappa*. Honestly, I don't really get it.
Regardless, he is a health-conscious Orc.
Well, pigs and boars are omnivores, so there is no problem with them eating vegetables, but still...
"Haha, I know, I know. I'll keep the balance."
While I am lost in thought, John walks away, but...
"Um, what was that about salad?"
Fiora and the others tilt their heads in confusion.
Ah, right. These four don't know about the peculiar tastes of the Orcs.
Well, they likely talk about it when they meet within the military, but these four must have just never happened to hear it.
"John and his group, they just really love vegetables."
"?"
The four of them tilt their heads at Ria's words.
They look as if they don't understand what that means.
Yeah, I don't think I understand it either.
But facts are facts, and I must explain.
"Literally, they love vegetables. It started when I had them try their hand at farming as soldier-settlers. They must have found the vegetables they grew themselves incredibly delicious. Since then, they declared they would live on a vegetable-centered diet."
Recounting the origin, I realize again that it really makes no sense.
I suppose growing vegetables is more stable than killing animals for meat, but an Orc—a staple of fantasy—being a vegetarian?
When you really think about it, it is clear that a giant Orc couldn't possibly sustain that massive frame on meat alone.
So, eating vegetables is only natural, but I never expected them to become such vegetable enthusiasts.
"Haa..."
Fiora still didn't seem convinced, but...
"So they love vegetables. That is a good thing, isn't it?"
"I agree. It sounds very healthy."
"Oh, now that you mention it, I have received a salad at lunch before."
"I have too. They said it was a vegetable they grew themselves, but I didn't realize it was a military-wide project rather than a personal hobby."
"It was delicious~."
"The dressing was wonderful, too."
It seems Orelia and the others, whose lunch schedules don't always align with mine, have been treated to salads by the Orcs in the cafeteria.
Even though it is a military cafeteria, it is an order-based system, so it is surprisingly flexible.
Of course, there are Goblins and Orcs who bring their own bento boxes, and some who go out to eat.
"Um, why exactly does the military have a farm?"
Fiora, having finally rebooted, asks me the question.