第１５１２堀：食べながら話す方が意外と気楽 (Part1)
Chapter 1512: It’s Surprisingly Easier to Talk While Eating
Side: Ria
It has finally come.
That was the thought that struck me.
It was only natural, really.
I purchased—no, protected—her in Weed for this very moment. To use her as the catalyst for our intervention in Vinosia and Hinsua.
I knew this day would come, yet when the summons finally arrived from Yuki-san, I couldn't help but brace myself.
"Is something the matter?"
The one addressing me was Canaria, the former princess of the fallen Kingdom of Vinosia and the very subject of this discussion.
She was a woman sold off to settle her country’s debts. Her expression remained as stagnant as ever; with that flat, mask-like face, it was impossible to tell if her emotions had truly returned.
And yet, lately...
"Um, Yuki-san says he wants to hear what you have to say."
"I see. That is fine. But what of lunch?"
Yes, while her emotions remain hidden, her obsession with food is clear.
I still don’t understand how she can eat that much and not have her figure change in the slightest.
"Lunch, huh... Well, let's talk to Yuki. Maybe he can point us toward a hidden gem."
"I see. I have heard that Yuki-sama is the one who built the culinary culture of Weed. In that case, there is no helping it. If the schedule shifts, I shall simply have to eat my lunch and dinner portions together."
"That’s true. You can’t skip a meal, can you? Shall we head over now, then?"
"Yes, let us go. Besides, he is my master. Whether I am to be fed or not, I must go regardless."
"Yuki-san wouldn't do something like that to you."
"I suppose so. One only needs to look at Dressa-sama to know that."
She said it with such a straight face that I couldn't tell if she was joking or being genuinely earnest.
Ugh, she is truly difficult to read.
I wonder, did Yuki-san feel this same sense of bewilderment when he first met me?
Lost in thought, we arrived at the Queen’s office in the General Government Building, where Yuki-san and the others were gathered.
"You're here. Welcome."
"Sorry to call you in."
Inside, I found Seraria and Yuki-san, of course, along with Eris, Ratz, Rurua, Lowel-san, and even Lilishe-sama.
There were more people than I had anticipated, and I began to worry about what was about to happen to Canaria.
To put her at ease, I decided to ask the most important question first.
"Um, Yuki-san. Before we begin, I have a question."
"What is it?"
"Is this going to take a long time? It’s almost noon, so if it’s going to drag on, I thought we might want to eat first. I’m afraid if I’m hungry, I won't be able to focus on the conversation."
I made sure to emphasize my own hunger to make it sound natural. Dressa caught on immediately.
"Yes. We smelled something wonderful on our way here. It caught our attention."
"Ah, I see. It’s not like this is an urgent matter. Shall we eat first?"
At Seraria’s suggestion, the others nodded.
"That’s true. I didn't realize what time it was. Let's have an early lunch."
"Yes, that would be best. One cannot concentrate on a conversation on an empty stomach."
"That’s right~. Let’s go eat something delicious~."
"Just don't overeat, alright?"
"Well, I’d like to say let’s go immediately, but what shall we eat? Eris, is there anything you’d like?"
"Hmm, that’s a tough one. Nothing comes to mind right away. Ria, Dressa, Canaria-san, do you have any preferences?"
The question of what to eat was tossed back to us.
However...
"Um... I can't think of anything off the top of my head either. Dressa, do you?"
"That question should be for Canaria, not me. She has been eating everything she can get her hands on, after all."
All eyes turned to Canaria.
"Am I permitted to offer an opinion?"
"Of course. Is there anything you’d like to eat?"
"In that case, I have a request. Since coming to Weed, my definition of 'delicious' has been constantly updated, so I still do not know what is truly the best. I have heard from Ria-sama and Dressa-sama that the culinary culture of Weed was built by Yuki-sama. Therefore, I would like to taste whatever Yuki-sama deems to be the best."
Oh, she was much more direct than I expected.
I had been hesitant when I first arrived, but perhaps this is the wisdom of a former princess—knowing exactly how to handle such a situation.
Yuki-san, now on the receiving end of the question, blinked.
"Ah, I see. That’s fair. Well, tell me what you’ve eaten since coming to Weed. Or, would you rather I just make a suggestion?"
"If it is all the same to you, I would prefer to hear your suggestion. If you ask me what I have eaten, I feel as though I have tried so many things that it would be impossible to list them all."
Indeed, the buffets serve such a wide variety of dishes that it would be endless. And I doubt Canaria knows the names of every dish, so it’s better for her to receive an explanation from Yuki-san.
"I see. In that case..."
And so, Yuki-san began to make suggestions, and the one that piqued Canaria’s interest was...
*Sizzle.*
The sound echoed through the room, followed by a mouth-watering aroma.
"Is this... 'okonomiyaki'?"
"Yeah. Well, you have to wait a bit longer while it finishes cooking, but for now, try this yakisoba to tide you over."
Yuki-san placed a plate of freshly made yakisoba from the iron griddle in front of her.
"Is this pasta?"
"It’s a noodle dish, but different from pasta. Have you had ramen?"
"Ramen? Ah, it was at the buffet, but for some reason, the pot was almost empty, so I have not."
"Ah, I see. Those idiots. Well, never mind that. Just eat. If it’s not to your liking, you don't have to force yourself."
A group that ate all the ramen... I have a rough idea of who that might be, but what on earth are they doing?
Canaria skillfully lifted the yakisoba to her mouth with her chopsticks.
Now, how will she react?
It’s a flavor quite distinct from pasta, though I can’t imagine anyone finding the sauce unpleasant...
"It is delicious."
As she spoke, the yakisoba noodles vanished into her mouth with a soft *slurp*.
A smear of sauce was left on the corner of her lips.
Honestly, that is not something one should say with such a beautiful, expressionless face. The contrast is just too jarring.
I reached for my handkerchief to wipe her mouth, as I had done many times before; she sensed my intent immediately.