第１６０３堀：海の噂はどうですか？ (Part2)
"Indeed. Students, in particular, often find themselves bewildered by that very distinction, don't they?"
"Distinction, you say? Whether one is paying for a service or purchasing goods, the fundamental exchange remains the same, so I don't foresee any significant issues. Though, I have heard some students lament the lack of exclusive areas reserved for nobility. It seems they aren't quite accustomed to waiting in line."
"True enough. That would be the case, I suppose."
"Oh, I’ve heard that as well."
"Firia has heard it too. But if they simply made reservations in advance, it would be no trouble at all. That is the standard practice in any noble circle, after all."
Indeed. While they may not be used to queuing, as Firia pointed out, such matters are typically handled through reservations. If they fail to do so, the oversight lies with the patron.
"As Firia says, such etiquette is expected even in shops frequented by the nobility. Those few who acted foolishly were promptly corrected by their peers, so it’s hardly a systemic issue. Besides, we are actively teaching them the necessity of waiting their turn; it was merely a lapse in judgment on their part. Ah, we’ve arrived."
Just as Shera had noted, our conversation carried us right to the entrance of the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. Since it was still before the lunch rush, the establishment was relatively quiet.
"Fewer people here than elsewhere. I suppose sushi hasn't quite caught on yet?"
"Yes, it seems the concept of consuming raw fish is still quite foreign to many."
"It is strange, considering we have access to more bounty from the sea than Rogari does."
"It’s not strange at all. Most of these nations are landlocked. Only places like Seasifo or Zrable have direct access to the ocean, and even then, their methods for flash-freezing and transport are far from perfect. Remember, even Yupia mentioned she had never tasted fresh fish before coming here."
"Ah, that’s right. She was absolutely delighted when she first tried sashimi, wasn't she?"
The first time I used the Gate to take her to Aurelia Port, she seemed truly moved by the experience. Though, I suppose curry still holds the top spot in her heart.
"I see. Well, that’s only natural. It was the same on Earth, really. Inland fish often carried parasites, so you had to cook them thoroughly to avoid illness. Even ocean fish had those risks, not to mention the pungent, fishy odor."
"Precisely. That is why there is a general reluctance to consume ocean fish in its raw state. However, they have sampled cooked seafood on several occasions, and when we have introduced sashimi alongside those dishes, it has been met with great acclaim."
"Is that so?"
"Indeed. Many of them have never even seen the ocean, so we have been taking them to the beach to experience the sea firsthand. The meals are simply an extension of that educational process."
"Ah, I see. That makes sense."
That is the reality of it. At the International Exchange School, we are allowing them to fully experience the capabilities of Weed—the power of the dungeon. As Shera mentioned, this includes not just the vast natural wonders like the ocean or snow-capped mountains, but also the towns infused with Weed’s technological ingenuity.
"If that’s the case, the school has only been open for about three months... Even if they were served seafood during a field trip to the coast, it’s unlikely they’d immediately flock to a restaurant. It might take some time before they truly develop a taste for it."
"Perhaps. But word of the port development is spreading, and you are planning to showcase the finest seafood, aren't you? Surely that will act as the catalyst we need."
"I think so too. The monsters and the fish we caught were all delicious."
"The seas of Rogari are every bit as bountiful as those on Earth."
I couldn't agree more. The seafood brought back by Tori and Dressa was exquisite. If we intend to develop the port town, we must find a way to convey that quality to the masses.
"Fair point. Well, I suppose we should inquire about the local sentiment regarding the port project. Let’s head inside and discuss it over a meal."
With that, we stepped into the conveyor-belt sushi restaurant. I wonder what the recommendation is today? Personally, I’m leaning toward sea bream. And, of course, I simply must have the chawanmushi. It will be interesting to hear how the port plans are being discussed among the locals—and how the rumors are spreading.