第１５０４堀：ホテルの朝食は基本全部取るかな (Part2)
"Well, it’s not exactly like it’s not here. It’s just that the shipping costs are so high that the total price ends up being a real shocker."
"That’s just how it is. Anyway, I’m having some bacon. How about you?"
"I’ll take some, too."
We piled our plates high, talking as if there were no tomorrow.
"Well, it’s a good thing the food is delicious, at least."
"That’s true."
"Yes. It is truly wonderful."
"I always look forward to mealtime."
"It’s a daily dilemma, isn't it? Though, personally, nothing beats Yuki-sama’s home cooking~"
"““Oh, I know, right?”””
What is this? All the women nodded in unison. Are they trying to make me cook tomorrow or something?
Not that I don’t help with breakfast when I’m not out and about like this, but making lunch boxes on top of that is a bit of a stretch. We’re all executives, after all; if we don’t spend money, it causes all sorts of issues. Plus, there’s the matter of checking on the local situation.
...Well, if my wives and subordinates are asking for it, I suppose I can manage it now and then. I’ll give it my best.
As I was thinking that:
"Oh, look. It’s Ria and the others."
"Ria and the others?"
I followed Seraria’s gaze to see Ria, Dressa, and the former princess, Canaria, standing there.
"Oh, they actually showed up. I thought for sure they’d be hiding away."
"Still, looking at their expressions, I wouldn't say they’ve exactly warmed up to things yet."
"Well, it’s only been a day. Let them take their time. It’s not like they’re going to explode or anything."
"I’m telling Ria you said that."
"Don't you dare."
That whole incident was force majeure, anyway. Or rather, it’s Lilishe’s fault. What kind of curse makes someone explode if they’re forced into something?
While we were chatting about that, we returned to our table to find Riel and Orelia waiting for us without eating.
"No, you two should have gone ahead."
"Meals are meant to be enjoyed together."
"Riel is right. If you’re worried about us, please, just take your seats and eat."
"Understood."
Deciding that further debate was a waste of time, I waited until everyone was seated...
"Itadakimasu."
"““Itadakimasu.””"
We began our meal. Rice, bread, miso soup, corn soup, rolled omelets, scrambled eggs, simmered beef, bacon and eggs, sausages—it was a chaotic, indiscriminate spread, but that’s the beauty of a buffet, isn't it?
"Oh, they’re really putting in the effort. This is genuinely good."
"Of course it is. We brought in chefs from the Weed hotel, after all. Since all these important figures are gathering here, we couldn't just hire any half-baked cooks."
"Fair point. Still, it’s impressive how much the talent in Weed has grown."
"It really has. I’ve learned just how important it is to teach. Being strict isn't the only way to get results."
"I’m not against the 'watch and learn, give it your all' mentality, but teaching useful, foundational skills without bias is what leads to development. Of course, you don’t have to share a shop’s secret seasoning ratios or anything like that."
Foundational strength—the things that can be supplemented through education—is what raises the floor for the entire nation. This is especially evident in studies like arithmetic and literacy. In Weed, everyone is basically capable of basic arithmetic and reading and writing, which broadens their job prospects. More importantly, it means tools for calculation and books actually sell. Abacuses, texts, and the like.
The same goes for chefs. You don’t need to share your secret seasoning, but things like knife skills, boiling techniques, and plating are much faster to master if you teach them properly rather than just telling them to "watch and steal." Even in Japan, there are chefs who teach that way, which is exactly why traditional flavors are preserved. Even a "secret flavor" is just a matter of ratios. By documenting and teaching those ratios, that flavor remains unchanged. Sometimes flavors die out because they were changed, but you can always just keep both versions around. The cost issue is something I’ll leave for each shop to figure out.
As we were chatting like this...
"Um, Yuki-san. May we join you?"
"Yes. Would it be alright if we ate with you?"
"..."
Canaria and the others stood there, holding trays literally piled high with food from the buffet. In silence.
Hmm, are they waiting for me to comment? Or should I just say it’s good to see them with such an appetite? Unless there’s something you absolutely hate, you’re going to try a bit of everything at a hotel buffet, aren't you? Bread, rice, and everything in between.