第１３４８堀：女の視点から (Part1)
Chapter 1348: From a Woman’s Perspective
Side: Schans
"Ah, I drank way too much."
The one saying this while fully enjoying the hot spring is Menou-dono, who has come as a diplomat from the Seasaifu Kingdom.
Under normal circumstances, one would ask why she is in Yuki-sama’s private residence, but there is a specific reason: she hails from the same place as Yuki-sama, Taiki-sama, and Taizo-sama.
It is a matter of reincarnation—she possesses memories of her previous life, which is to say, memories of Earth, the same world as Yuki-sama and the others.
To me, it sounds incredibly suspicious, but since Yuki-sama and the others have confirmed it, I have no room to doubt it.
Well, if I were to bring that up, I am currently soaking in the same hot spring at Yuki-sama’s inn, so I would be just as deserving of criticism.
That is why I have decided to look at it from a different angle.
I am trying to see if I can extract knowledge about Earth from Menou-dono that I cannot get from Yuki-sama and the others.
Of course, I won’t force her. If I don’t offer something in return, it’s clear that Yuki-sama’s evaluation of me would drop.
As I was thinking this and watching Menou-dono, she must have noticed my gaze, for she turned toward me.
"Is something wrong?"
"No. I was just thinking that you seem to be enjoying yourself quite a bit. After all, this is the residence of a Dungeon Master."
"Ah."
She wore a look of realization at my remark, and while laughing, she said...
"Haha, you’re right. But, well, it’s an inn, isn't it? It has a certain formality to it, but the interior feels like something you could find just about anywhere."
"Is that so? To me, the interior was absolutely breathtaking."
The Japanese-style architecture, combining high-quality woods with such deliberate care, creates a warm and tasteful atmosphere.
In our Zurable Empire, where stone construction is the norm, houses built like this are quite rare.
"It’s certainly rare in the Zurable Empire. And in the Seasaifu Kingdom, too, of course."
"Hm? Then where is it common?"
"Ah, Japan. Japan. You know why I’m on such good terms with them, right?"
"Yes. Does that mean that in Japan, inns like this are commonplace?"
"That’s right. The style varies from inn to inn, but the base is mostly the same. Though, in terms of facilities, this place is incredibly luxurious."
It seems that, regarding the facilities, Yuki-sama’s residence is the best of the best.
Well, if it weren't at that level, it would probably be problematic for a Dungeon Master’s home.
But putting that aside, since we are already talking, I should take this opportunity to ask a few things.
"If you don't mind, would you be willing to tell me about Japan?"
"About Japan?"
"Yes. I have heard that it is a peaceful country in another world, Earth. I have heard a little about the culture, but only from the perspective of Yuki-sama, Taiki-sama, and Taizo-sama. I would like to hear it from a woman’s perspective."
"Ah, I see. That might be a different experience."
Menou-dono seemed to understand.
Good. Well, it is a bit concerning that she isn't more guarded, but let’s just say it’s because we are all trusted individuals invited to this place.
Just as I was thinking that:
"You two are talking about something interesting."
"Rurua."
Before I knew it, Rurua had approached us.
Since this isn't a secret conversation, I decided to invite not just Rurua, but Milly-dono and the others as well.
"Yes. I wanted to hear about Japan from a woman’s perspective. Milly, would you like to join us?"
At that, Milly and the others, who had been lounging about, seemed intrigued and gathered around.
"I’d love to hear it. Right, Eris?"
"Yes. Yuki-san’s stories are definitely from a male perspective, after all."
"It sounds like there will be some good information. Yesterday was mostly just drinking and lazing about, so it’s fine to have something like this today."
"That’s true. Like Ratz said, I feel like we drank a bit too much yesterday."
Indeed, as Ratz and Ria said, we prioritized soothing our daily fatigue yesterday by eating and drinking.
It was a situation that made it clear just how busy their daily work lives are.
I had wanted to talk about things like this yesterday, but it didn't happen at all.
Well, at least I learned what they want, what they want to buy, and what they want to do, so I am grateful for that.
I plan to use that information to surprise them with gifts later.
Now, that aside, the only question is whether Menou-dono will be willing to talk...
"I don't mind, but aren't you all having a dinner party with Yuki and the others tonight? Are you okay with the preparations?"
Ah, that’s true.
Tonight, the Weed members who had been acting separately since yesterday were scheduled to join up for a celebratory banquet.
For some reason, I have been invited to that as well.
I feel happy to be recognized as one of the inner circle, but putting that aside, are the preparations truly okay?
It is true that even counting Yuki-sama’s family and inner circle, there is a fair number of people.
It wouldn't be a problem if we left it to the servants, but Yuki-sama and his group seem to have a hobby of doing these things themselves, so we have to handle the preparations.
In other words, as Menou said, we should need time for preparations, but...
"Oh, it’s fine. We made yakitori yesterday and have it stored away."
Saying this, Milly took a plate of freshly made yakitori out of her item box to show us.
"Yes, exactly. Besides, there are so many people that if we didn't do it this way, we wouldn't have enough."
Eris’s explanation made sense, but I was surprised that they would show off such a precious time-stopping item box so casually, and even more surprised that they use it to store delicious food.
No, it is rational, but since item boxes are usually used for storing truly valuable items, it is rare to find food inside them.
"Then, I guess it’s fine. I’ve already handed over my souvenirs, so that’s taken care of too."
"That is true."
Of course, we didn't come empty-handed.
While it is a personal dinner party, the attendees are the heavyweights of Weed.
I was strictly instructed by Eupia-heika to fulfill my duties properly.
If I were to speak honestly, she said she wanted to participate herself, but that would be asking too much, so I had to make her hold back.
I made sure to order souvenirs for her from Aslin-dono and the others, so I’ll have to hope that satisfies her.