第１３４０堀：意見を募る (Part1)
Chapter 1340: Soliciting Opinions
Side: Yuki
*Sizzle...*
A sound accompanied by an aroma that resonated deep in my gut filled the room. Right before our eyes, the meat lay upon the grill, its flesh searing as it neared perfection. Prol, Orelia, Hovis, and Yayui already had their rice bowls in one hand and chopsticks in the other, waiting impatiently for my signal.
Honestly, the timing of when to start eating grilled meat is a matter of personal preference, but given the superior-subordinate relationship between me and these women, it was clear that they needed my command to begin.
Wondering when I should give the word, I picked up a slice of meat and checked the underside. The top was already seared enough that I’d flipped it over. Now, just a moment more for the other side...
"Yup. It’s ready."
If the meat in this spot was properly cooked, the rest would surely be done as well. They might end up with an upset stomach from overeating, but it was important to be considerate of that. Besides, if they collapsed from food poisoning, my work would be the one to suffer.
With that in mind, I decided to give the go-ahead.
"Alright, you can eat."
"Yes!"
As soon as I spoke, all four reached for the meat in front of them, dipping it into sauce or salt—seasoning it to their liking—before bringing it to their mouths.
"Mmm! Delicious!"
"Indeed. Truly."
"So good~"
"I usually dislike meat because of the smell, but I’m fine with this!"
It seemed the meat met with Yayui’s approval as well. That was a testament to both the quality of the meat and the skill with which it had been prepared.
"Right, from here on out, just grill your own meat and eat at your own pace."
"Yes!"
From this point on, they would order the cuts they wanted and grill them in their own designated spots. That was the rule in this house. If the family were small, we could grill everything together, but with this many people, many would end up missing out. Thus, the rule of "grill your own" had become the standard for our yakiniku sessions.
I, too, fell into the rhythm of grilling and eating my own portions, feeling quite satisfied. ...I feel like I eat yakiniku quite often when I’m out, but since it’s what they want, I can’t really complain.
So, I ate without reservation. After about thirty minutes of constant chewing, my stomach began to feel the strain. Meals aren't meant to be drawn out forever, and during these gatherings, the latter half often devolved into simple chatter.
"That was delicious..."
"Yes. It was wonderful."
"Ah, I feel like I’ve eaten several years' worth of meat~"
"Tell me about it~"
All four were rubbing their bellies, looking thoroughly satisfied. My own stomach was full, and I was taking a breather with some tea. I figured this was as good a time as any.
"Well, now that we’re full, shall we talk about easing Prol’s extreme nervousness?"
"Eep!?"
Perhaps they hadn't expected me to bring this up after we’d finished eating, but Prol let out a startled cry and immediately went into tension mode. Still, since this had been the goal all along, Orelia and the others nodded.
"That’s true. Here, we don't have to worry about anything we say leaking to the outside."
"That’s right~. But I’m not sure where to start~. Do you have any ideas, Yayui?"
"Me? Hmm. Oh, come to think of it, didn't Yuki-sama say that you... you were similar to me?"
"I did. Yayui, you also seem quite nervous around me and my wives, don't you?"
"Y-yes. That is... true."
"And yet, you talk to us normally."
"But it’s not to the same extent as Prol, is it? I wonder what the difference is? What do you think, Prol?"
"Mmph. I’m sure it’s obvious, but it’s simply that I am more nervous around Yuki-sama and the wives than anyone else..."
"I suppose so. That’s a fact. It means Yayui’s level of tension is lower. I think that’s one of the differences."
Normally, I might have said something like, "I know that already," but I felt it was better to tackle the problems one by one, so I steered the conversation this way. If I were talking to someone like Taiki, I’d just tell him to grit his teeth and push through it, but these are women. I wouldn't be that harsh. I don't believe in using Spartan methods or "guts" just because I’m a man, but there’s a difference in how you treat a friend versus a subordinate.
Let’s dig deeper into the issue.
"Let’s focus on that level of tension. Prol, Yayui, I agree you’re both too nervous, but what do you think, Orelia, Hovis? Do you think you’re nervous?"
"Eh?"
The question caught them off guard; all four widened their eyes.
"It’s true that the problem lies with Prol and Yayui. But if we focus not just on them, but also on Orelia and Hovis—who think they don't have a problem—might we find something more?"
When I explained it that way, all four nodded in realization.
"You’re right, Yuki-sama. I’m not saying they should become exactly like us, but understanding our mindset might serve as a reference."
"That’s true~. Maybe they could become like me~."
"No, I’ll pass on becoming like Hovis."
"That’s mean~."
"Ahaha, I actually think it would be nice to be like Hovis?"
"Thank you, Yayui~."
Hovis hugged Yayui as she said that. Well, if they could just become as thick-skinned as Hovis, they’d be fine.
"Now that we’re on the same page, Orelia, could you start by analyzing yourself?"
"Yes. Well, it’s not much of an analysis, but I do feel nervous when I face Yuki-sama and the wives. But it’s not to the point where I lose the ability to speak."
"That’s true~. Orelia, your speech does get a bit casual when you talk to us~. It feels like we’re friends~."
"Yes. I distinguish between the two. Also, from my perspective looking at the two of them, I think they’re too conscious of their admiration, gratitude, and the fact that you are their superiors. It’s good to show proper respect, but it’s gone too far. Especially with Prol—she can’t even hold a conversation. It’s counterproductive, isn't it?"
"...That is true. But, no matter what, when I, uh, meet with Yuki-sama and the others, I just can't..."
"Yeah. Like, I get it, but... I just can't..."
So, once they become conscious of it, they freeze. I know that, but the question is why the difference is so stark.
"Alright. Next, Hovis, your turn."
"Yes~. Though, I’m not much different from Orelia~. I also feel nervous when I’m with Yuki-sama and the wives~."
"Liar."