第１５１２堀：食べながら話す方が意外と気楽 (Part2)
"Ah, thank you. I see, I suppose this is something I must be careful with, lest I stain it."
"Yeah. Maybe you should try eating a bit more quietly."
"Well, if it gets dirty, we can just wash it."
That’s true, but Canary is wearing a proper dress... and then there’s Lilishe and Rurua in their usual sister habits, and Seraria and Lowell-san in their military uniforms.
Man, they’re all wearing clothes that make eating sauce-based dishes a high-difficulty task.
"Since you’re wearing nice clothes, you really should be more careful. Now, we can keep eating while we talk, so shall we continue the meeting?"
No sooner had Seraria offered her warning than she suggested picking up where they left off.
"Isn't that fine? We’re going to eat ourselves to death here anyway, so I’m not in the mood to move around. *Nom.*"
Lowell-san said this while eating her share of the yakisoba.
Well, she is a soldier, so I suppose she’s used to discussing matters under any circumstances.
"Are you sure about the content?"
Given the nature of the topic, I couldn't help but ask out of concern.
"It’s not like there’s any real problem if we’re overheard."
"What do you mean? You called Canary here, so doesn't that imply it’s that kind of conversation?"
"True, but this okonomiyaki shop has private rooms. The counter-intelligence is perfect."
Looking around as he said that, I noticed the walls were indeed solid and the door was heavy-duty. It was clearly not the kind of place meant for the general public.
"I know better than to talk in a place where just anyone can walk by and tamper with things. Though, Blade and his lot seem to prefer those kinds of public eateries."
"Usually, you’d suspect passersby of poisoning you in places like that, so it’s out of the question, but this is Weed, after all. More importantly, Blade and the others are on the If Continent; even if we discussed something important here, it’s doubtful the information would reach them."
Ah, right.
Poisoning is impossible in Weed, and travel to and from other continents is currently strictly limited, so the source of any leak would be identified immediately.
Above all, we wouldn't be discussing anything that critical in a place like this. It’s mostly just idle chatter anyway.
"Well, there you have it. No issues. If Canary wants to focus on her meal, we can stop, though?"
"No, I am quite alright. Such discussions are common during business meals, and more importantly, there is nothing I need to hide at the moment. I have no country or family left to protect; I am the property of Yuki-sama and Seraria-sama. Besides, I am being treated to such delicious food—in terms of loyalty, this far exceeds the family that sold me off."
Canary stated this with an expressionless face, causing me and Dressa to catch our breath, though Yuki-san and Seraria didn't seem surprised in the slightest.
"That’s good to hear. Well, it’s more about chatting while the okonomiyaki cooks and we eat, so there’s no need for the usual mealtime maneuvering."
"Exactly, the meal is the main event. *Nom.* Ah, delicious."
Seraria was eating her yakisoba without a care, and as I shifted my gaze...
"The tonpeiyaki is delicious, too, isn't it?"
"Yes. To think that wrapping cabbage and pork belly in an egg omelet could result in such flavor—culinary arts are truly profound. Oh, would Ria and Dressa like some?"
"Oh, sure. Give me some."
"I'll take some."
"May I have some as well?"
In addition to us, Canary asked for the tonpeiyaki without hesitation.
Hmm, she’s certainly not shy—didn't she just finish a plate of yakisoba?
Ah, it’s already empty.
"Here you go~. Eat plenty, Canary-chan~."
"Yes. I shall eat my fill. If you don't mind, could I have more yakisoba?"
"Er, is it alright to order more? Master?"
"Ah, for now, hold off until the okonomiyaki is done. If you still have room after that, feel free to order more."
"Understood. Once I have finished this, then. I see."
With that, Canary turned her gaze toward the okonomiyaki sizzling in front of her.
...I’m supposed to be asking her all sorts of things, but it feels like the conversation is revolving entirely around food.
No, wait, is that okay?
Talking while eating means you don't have to worry too much about manners. You can just enjoy the lively atmosphere. Especially with okonomiyaki, which takes time to cook—plenty of time to talk in between.