落とし穴外伝：寒くなってきたら (Part2)
"They haven't arrived yet. Well, it's only been an hour since we opened. If they're out drinking or eating, they're likely still at it, and if they're at home, it takes even longer to get word to them. Once those guys start eating, they fall into idle chatter and stay until closing time."
"Well, for those old timers, this is the only watering hole where they can truly escape from work."
"From my end, it’s a toss-up whether to be grateful or annoyed that they devour every bit of ramen and gyoza I prepare. It makes things so busy. So, what’s the plan?"
"I suppose. It looks like it’s Riel's first time, so let’s stop by."
"Oh? Is that so?"
Covil-sama turned to look at me with a face of genuine surprise.
"Yes. I didn't even know this shop existed. Or rather, judging by the word 'ramen,' it’s a ramen shop, isn't it?"
"That's right. Come on, let's head in. It’s delicious."
"I see."
I wondered why Covil-sama would be involved with a ramen shop, but if Yuki-sama says we’re going, I’m simply going to follow.
We ducked under the noren—though I’m not sure how much of a barrier it really serves—and found Kiyu-sama behind the counter, seemingly in the middle of preparations.
"Welcome. Wait, is that Riel-chan?"
"Oh, yes. It’s been a while."
I greeted him, feeling a bit startled. We had certainly crossed paths before, but since our departments rarely overlapped and I lived with Covil-sama, we didn't run into each other at the inn, either. We hadn't really had much of a conversation.
"Hey, Kiyu. I found her on the way back from work today. It seems it’s Riel’s first time here, so we thought we’d grab a bite. That alright?"
Before I could figure out how to carry the conversation, Yuki-sama had already moved things along.
"Sure. That’s fine. Please, take a seat."
With that, Yuki-sama immediately sat at the counter, right across from where Kiyu-sama was working. Since it had come to this, I had no room to refuse, so I quietly took the seat next to him.
"So, what shall I get you?"
"Let's see. Oh, Riel, are you alright with ramen and the like?"
"Yes. I love it."
At this point, I decided that rather than being overly formal, it was better to be bright and clear, so I answered honestly.
"Alright then, two bowls of ramen, two plates of gyoza, and for the fried rice..."
"I'll be eating, so make it two orders of that. And add another bowl of ramen to the order."
"Understood. Oh, and what about drinks?"
"Good point. Let's have some hot sake."
"...That’s the right choice."
Just as I thought the ordering was finished, a voice chimed in.
"What’s this? You’re only going for ramen? We have oden, too, so you’d better eat some of that."
Before I knew it, Covil-sama had moved behind the counter to help Kiyu-sama while she spoke. Um, I didn't really know the merits of oden, so...
"If we have room after the ramen, sure."
"...I always have trouble deciding which one to pick. But since Riel is here today, it’s fine to order both."
"I see. Lucky you, Riel."
"Is it really that delicious?"
"Well, it’s food, after all. It depends on the person."
"In that case, one of everything on the oden menu, just to start."
"Coming right up!"
And so, that day, I experienced oden for the first time. My favorite ingredients turned out to be the daikon radish and the egg. It was even better with a dab of mustard, and the broth was exquisite.
The ramen was, of course, delicious as well. I felt a slight pang of regret for how we ended up hitting it off with some familiar-looking old men who arrived mid-meal and proceeded to eat everything in sight.
I decided I would come back on my own sometime.
There’s something special about eating piping-hot food at a small stall or shop when the air starts to turn cold. We walked home, feeling the night breeze against our skin.