第１６３２堀：お弁当屋さんの準備 (Part1)
**Chapter 1632: Preparing for the Bento Shop**
**Side: Canaria**
"Hmm? Things you'd like to eat?"
"Yes."
I held my notepad in one hand, ready to record her response. The person before me was Aslin-sama, one of Yuki-sama’s wives and someone well-versed in Japanese cuisine.
"Let’s see... are you asking what I want to eat right now? Or are you talking about the bento shop you mentioned you were starting, Canaria-oneechan?"
"It’s about the bento shop, but I want to know what you’d like to eat as well. Yuki-sama told me that research is essential."
"Ah, I see. Understood, I’ll tell you."
Aslin-sama didn’t look bothered in the slightest; she answered me quite candidly. From the basics—onigiri, furikake, and various fillings—to side dishes like karaage, she listed so many things it was clear she cooked often.
When I asked Milly-sama, however, her suggestions leaned heavily toward snacks that paired well with alcohol, prompting Eris-sama, who was listening in, to step in and stop her. That said, I personally thought that snacks for drinking were delicious enough that they might be worth including on the menu.
I realized then that the research Yuki-sama spoke of was indeed vital. Of course, since one cannot drink on the job, I would have to give some thought to how to handle that.
As I was jotting down notes, Firia-sama, who was standing nearby, looked at me curiously.
"Are you not going to ask Firia?"
"No, if you could spare the time, I would be very grateful."
"Leave it to me."
"But are you sure? I understand you’ve been entrusted with significant work by Yuki-sama."
"It is fine. A little bit of Q&A won't make Firia’s work late or early. Now, as for the food Firia likes, or things that are easy to make..."
And so, Firia-sama also shared her favorite foods and suggestions for items that would work well in a bento.
"Well then, good luck, Canaria-oneechan!"
"If you need any tools, I’ll make them for you."
"Thank you very much."
We parted ways, but a sudden thought made me stop in my tracks.
"What’s wrong?"
"Ria-sama. Come to think of it, why were Aslin-sama and Firia-sama at this hotel? Thinking back, Milly-sama and Eris-sama were here the other day, too."
"Ah, well, when everyone heard you were starting a bento shop, they all said they wanted to help. I suggested doing it at home, but everyone’s been so busy lately. We don't all gather at the same time, and we still have to eat breakfast and dinner, plus there are the children to look after. So, it ended up being here."
"I see. They are going out of their way to make time for me. I am truly grateful."
It is something I should be deeply thankful for. Considering my position, they could easily have left me to my own devices. Yet, even now, they are considerate of me and allow me the freedom to act as I please.
In fact, I can say with confidence that I have more freedom here than I ever did as a princess in Vinosia. I never imagined I would be granted permission to open a bento shop. My father would never have allowed it. No, I probably never would have even thought to do such a thing in the first place. I didn't even have the will for it back then.
"So, what shall we do today?"
As I was lost in thought, Ria-sama asked me that. Lately, she has been moving around for the sake of my bento shop, letting me take the lead—or rather, letting me decide the schedule. Ever since I finalized the concept for the shop with Yuki-sama, I have been spending my days practicing culinary research and conducting these surveys.
"I was thinking of visiting Ratz-sama today, as she mentioned she had something to discuss regarding the storefront."
"Ah, that’s right. You heard about the plan to build a shopping district alongside the resort hotel, didn't you?"
"Yes. Yuki-sama suggested that I might be able to secure a storefront there."
"He did say that. I suppose that means it’s ready?"
"I wonder?"
I hadn't heard the details, so I tilted my head, but there was no doubt that I had to go and see for myself.
"Yoo-hoo, Ratz!"
"Oh, you’ve arrived."
We headed straight to the Commercial Division of the General Government Building and successfully met with Ratz-sama. We were then shown into a conference room...
"So, this is what we are planning to provide—or rather, lease—to you for your shop. What do you think?"
The document placed before me detailed the property intended to be my shop. It included photographs, and while I could understand the gist of it...
"Would it be possible to go and see it in person?"
"I agree. It’s hard to get a real feel for it just through photos."
"Of course. I need to inspect the site myself as well, and I’d like you to check the kitchen equipment and such."
And so, after speaking for a short while at the General Government Building, we headed toward the port town. I thought it would be just like before, with nothing but government offices, but...
"Oh, there are more buildings now."
"Yes. It wasn't long ago that it was just dug-up ground, but while it’s not quite on the scale of Weed, there are enough buildings now that it actually feels like a town."
Indeed, where there had been nothing but the government office, the dorms, and the port, dozens of buildings had sprung up in just the few days I hadn't been watching. Well, with the power to create dungeons, I suppose it’s simple enough, but seeing it with my own eyes was still a surprise.
"Well, the plans are coming together. Shisia and Sona are working hard, too. Now, follow me."
Ratz-sama led the way. The roads in the developing town were properly paved with stylish brick tiles, making them easy to walk on. To my surprise, she stopped at a building only about 50 meters from the government office.
"This is the street intended for individual shops."
As Ratz-sama turned around, I saw a row of buildings that looked like storefronts. The interiors were empty—nothing there. It was only natural, but the sight of the vacant, empty shops felt a little lonely, or perhaps just surreal.
Setting that aside, we entered the designated shop, and sure enough, there was nothing inside.
"Um, there’s nothing here."
"Well, of course. You’ll be changing the equipment, furniture, and layout to suit the kind of shop you want to open, right?"
"I see. So this is the maximum size."
"Exactly. Though, the water fixtures are somewhat limited in placement due to the piping."
Ratz-sama’s gaze was fixed on the only thing in the empty room: a kitchen, or rather, a sink. I suppose I would be building the kitchen around that.