第１６２０堀：食べるのが好きなら？ (Part1)
Chapter 1620: If You Love to Eat?
Side: Ria
The world seems to be in a state of restless, bustling motion.
Yuki-san even dropped the bombshell that he would be providing cores and dungeons to various nations. I was shocked, of course, but once I heard his reasoning, it all made perfect sense.
Thinking I should do something to help, I consulted him about returning to guard duty, but...
"Hmm? Has Canaria’s employment been settled yet? Not yet? Then, please continue to stay with her for a while longer. After what happened in Suls, she’s been quite fragile, and I’m worried."
Having been told that, I have continued to accompany Canaria up to this very day.
Naturally, I consulted Seraria and Rurua about it as well.
"My husband is right. I don’t believe Canaria bears any responsibility, but there will undoubtedly be those who complain, claiming the core discovered in the old Vinosia territory was misused."
"In that case, I would be worried if she were alone. Ria-san, please stay with Canaria-san as you are."
With everyone else giving their stamp of approval and urging me to take on this mission, I couldn't really say no.
"Well, it’s not that I dislike it, exactly..."
It’s true; I don’t hate taking care of Canaria.
I’m certainly not good at organizing documents by Yuki-san’s side like the others, so in a way, this is easier... but.
"I just hate not being by Yuki-san’s side."
Even if the work is grueling, I can endure anything as long as Yuki-san is there.
With the addition of members like Rushi and Prof, the guard rotations have settled down, and I can’t help but feel a slight sense of alienation.
Well, I suppose being entrusted with a solo assignment is a sign of trust in itself.
Still, I see him every day, we share hugs, and I spend my days off playing with our child, so I’m actually quite blessed.
"Have I become a bit too greedy?"
Back in the day, I felt grateful just to be alive, but now I find myself wanting more.
As I was pondering this...
"Here. Your tea."
Suddenly, a cup of tea was placed on the table. I looked up to see a friend who had been sold alongside me back in the day.
At the time, I was in a strange state where I couldn't hear names, but later, we spoke properly and cried together, relieved that we had both survived.
We’ve been talking more often lately, but...
"Thanks. Wait, did you start working at this hotel?"
"It’s been about a year now, though I suppose that’s recent. I hadn't mentioned it, had I?"
"I see. It must be tough with all the important people coming and going, right?"
"There are certainly some difficult guests, but as long as you do as you’re taught, there’s no problem. There are personal maids for the guests, so we don't really have to do much in terms of direct care."
"Ah, I see."
It is a hotel, yes, but because high-ranking officials often stay here, their own personal servants—the maids—handle everything during their stay, so we rarely have to clean their rooms.
They are VIPs, after all. The maids they bring with them handle the cleaning.
So, for those of us working at the hotel, our duties are limited to maintaining the rooms when they’re vacant, general hotel upkeep, managing the baths and pools, and preparing meals.
Of course, it’s not exactly "easy."
There are many important people, and since they come from various countries, we have to learn the proper etiquette for each, which is quite a chore.
But, putting that aside.
"So, Ria, you’ve been coming here lately. Are you waiting for Canaria?"
"Yeah. I’m her escort."
There’s no reason to hide it, so I nod honestly.
Since she works here, she’s bound to know who I’m waiting for, and I’ve already informed the staff.
"It’s a bit surprising that you’re the one handling it, Ria. Oh, I don't mean you’re not capable! It’s just... wouldn't one of Yuki-sama’s wives be more appropriate?"
"Yeah, I get it. I’m just a commoner from the countryside, after all. But with her, it’s a special case."
"A special case?"
"Well, it’s like that illness I used to have."
"Ah... I see. I always thought it was strange how she had no emotional fluctuations, but that’s what it is?"
She understood immediately. I really did cause a lot of trouble back then.
"So, you’re the one who’s been through it, huh?"
"Exactly. Plus, I was the one who volunteered."
"Couldn't leave her be?"
"Yeah. I was on the receiving end of that kind of help once, too."
"I see. You haven't changed a bit. Even with a child now. By the way, is Makoto-chan doing well?"
"She’s great. Things should settle down soon, and I’ll bring her to see you then."
"Haha, don't push yourself too hard. But I’m looking forward to it."
We paused the conversation there to sip our tea.
"Mmm, delicious. By the way, while we’re talking, can I ask you something about Canaria?"
"I don't mind, but I think you’d know more about her than I would, Ria?"
"I just want to know how she behaves in the hotel, so it’s fine."
"I see."
And so, I asked her about Canaria’s behavior.
Of course, I’ve told the staff to report any issues, and so far, Canaria hasn't caused any trouble.
That’s why I didn't know how she was actually living her life here.
"Let’s see... well, I’m sure you’ve heard the reports, but she hasn't done anything to trouble us. Other than that... oh, right. She seems to love eating."
"Ah, yeah. Canaria does love to eat."
"For the first few days, I thought she was just eating the rare, delicious food like everyone else, but she’s been keeping it up the whole time."
"Haha, is that so?"
I knew Canaria loved to eat, but I assumed it was only when we ate together for lunch or dinner.
I was shocked to hear she was eating so much at the breakfast buffet, too.
"And yet, that figure of hers is surprising. Well, I have seen her practicing her sword swings in the courtyard after dinner, so she must be putting in the effort."
"Yeah, yeah. She can actually fight quite well, you know."
If she didn't, I suspect she’d have turned into a round little ball by now.
Still, I didn't get much useful information.
"Well, at least it’s good to know there are no problems."
"For now, at least. Were you hoping for some kind of progress, Ria?"
"Hmm, I wonder. I don't think forcing things is good, but I can't say the current state is ideal either, I suppose."
"That’s a delicate spot. Is it something you can talk about?"
"It’s not exactly a secret, but please don't tell Canaria. It’ll just put pressure on her."
With that disclaimer, I told her about the fact that I was helping Canaria look for a job.