第１３３９堀：あがり症の治し方 (Part2)
The two parties in question exchanged glances, tilting their heads in unison. It was clear they couldn't grasp the resemblance I was pointing out.
"Hmm. I wonder? I suppose there is a certain similarity, but..."
"Ahaha~. That’s a bit of a difficult one, isn't it~?"
It seemed my point hadn't quite landed with Orelia or Hovis either. Well, it was a subjective feeling, after all. Still, standing in the middle of a bustling thoroughfare was hardly the place for this conversation.
"Right. Let’s grab a bite to eat while we discuss this. What are you all craving?"
"I, um, I don't have, well, anything in particular..."
"I am the same. I am already well-compensated, so..."
"Oh! In that case~, can I choose~?"
As the gaze shifted to Hovis, she raised her hand with unbridled confidence.
"Sure. What do you want?"
"The other day~, when Yuki-sama was talking about that International Investigation Team—was it Interpol?—I wanted to eat at that yakiniku place you were at. That place is so expensive~."
"Oh, um, I, I would like that as well..."
Hovis and the others had been there at the time, though I suppose they hadn't exactly been able to eat their fill.
"Prof, Orelia, does that work for you?"
"Y-yes. That is fine."
"Yes. Though, I am concerned about whether I have enough on hand..."
"No, don't worry about that. It’s my treat. I’m the one dragging you out on your day off, after all."
Actually, I could probably expense it. Then again, I’m not exactly hurting for money, so is there even a need to file a claim?
While I was lost in thought, we arrived at the yakiniku restaurant and were ushered into a private room.
"My. I had heard of this place, but it is certainly well-suited for private discussions."
Prof said this while pacing the perimeter of the room, inspecting every corner. It seemed she viewed checking the environment as part of her professional duties, as she efficiently scanned for any hidden microphones or surveillance devices.
"It’s designed for that purpose."
"Did you design this, Yuki-sama?"
"Yeah. I figured people would need a place to talk in private. Usually, I use the café for that."
"Ah, the Master’s café. I frequent it as well. That place is also impeccable in its security. Though, it lacks walls."
"Well, that’s just a place to have tea, after all."
A café with private rooms is a rarity, to be sure.
"It’s strange, though—you’re so casual at times like this."
"Ah, yes. But your safety is at stake, Yuki-sama."
"That’s where you differ from Yayui, I suppose. Let’s think about that while we eat. Maybe a hint will emerge from the conversation."
"Understood. Then, let us place our orders. What would you like?"
Prof picked up the tablet for ordering. Since even the ordering process was digitized, the confidentiality of the room remained absolute. Food was delivered through a service hatch, ensuring the staff never saw the guests. Even the bill was settled within the room, so the staff remained oblivious to who was dining inside. The only one who knew was the manager who guided us in.
Well, anyone watching the entrance could see who came and went—assuming they could see through the rings of illusion, that is. Protecting VIPs requires that level of vigilance.
But, setting that aside, it was time to order.
"Alright, who wants kalbi?"
"Me!" "Me!" "Me!"
"Who needs a large bowl of rice?"
"Me!" "Me!" "Me!"
With that, we placed our initial order and began our yakiniku feast. I wondered if I’d be able to pace myself enough to still have room for dinner later.
Oh well. It’s a day off, so gorging ourselves is perfectly acceptable.
The snowman was also prone to stage fright, but I suppose it’s like anything else—getting used to it is the key. It’s not quite as extreme as throwing someone who can’t swim into the ocean, but I believe that once you gain enough experience, people naturally adapt.