第１６３６堀：お弁当は何を選ぶのか？ (Part1)
Chapter 1636: What Bento Shall We Choose?
Side: Yuki
The time is just about to strike twelve.
In the common parlance, this is what they call the lunch break.
An oasis in the midst of the busy daily grind, whether at school or in the workplace.
A time for each person to spend as they please—eating a meal or catching up on sleep to stave off exhaustion.
However, unfortunately, the representatives of the various nations—with the exception of Weed—are likely gathered right now, discussing matters of vehicles and medical facilities.
Or perhaps they’ve gathered at a yakiniku restaurant, enjoying a delicious feast?
"Well, since it’s a meeting at a yakiniku place, I suppose it’s hardly a formal exchange."
"That would be the case, wouldn't it? One doesn't typically draft proper documents at a barbecue joint."
Fiora, who has been following my lead, nods as if it were a matter of course.
I had assumed as much, but to my surprise...
"Documents from a yakiniku place. The scent would likely cling to them. It makes one hungry just thinking about it."
The one who made such a famished comment was, of all people, Prof.
Orelia and the others, as well as Rushi, are staring with wide eyes at the words of the usually serious Prof, so it seems this isn't just a side of her I’m unaware of.
And so...
"Prof, are you hungry?"
"Yes. I am. It is lunchtime, after all."
"Oh, I see. Want to go eat yakiniku?"
"No? We are here to sample the bento prepared by Canaria-sama today, are we not?"
"That we are, but..."
"Ah, did I mislead you? I was simply feeling hungry because I heard the portions would be generous, so it was just a bit of a joke."
"I see."
To think Prof would make a joke of this sort.
It’s not that she never does, but it’s rare to see it during work hours, even if it is lunch break.
She must truly be starving.
"Well then, let's go for yakiniku another time."
"Indeed. Our conversation has certainly made me crave it. However, Canaria-sama’s bento is the priority right now. Let us ensure we do not say that we would have preferred the yakiniku."
"Right."
"Still, if it’s just a bento, I would think we could have just brought it here. Why did Ria call us out?"
"Who knows? Maybe there’s some sales going on at the local site or something?"
Fiora’s question is valid, but since I didn't press Ria for details, I don't know the answer.
It might seem strange to go out of our way—if you can call it that—to the port town just to eat a bento, and considering the distance, it is indeed odd. But when it comes to these things, logic doesn't always apply.
Besides, being able to go for a walk with everyone like this isn't a bad thing at all.
And I even got to see an unexpected side of Prof.
While chatting about such things, we arrive at the port town in the blink of an eye.
"Let's see, what's the time?"
"Yes! It has been about twenty minutes since we left the office!"
Rushi checks her watch and answers.
"That’s quite a distance, isn't it?"
"Forty minutes round-trip just to eat a meal. I wonder if the shopping district in Weed would be faster?"
Hovis and Yayui respond to the time taken.
Indeed, twenty minutes one way just to eat is a bit tough.
"However, if you consider it a sightseeing trip to the port town, is twenty minutes on foot really such a problem?"
True, a sightseeing trip that only takes twenty minutes to reach could be considered very close, couldn't it?
In this world, sightseeing is a life-threatening endeavor of sorts.
After all, it is a world where monsters and bandits roam freely.
Even nature itself is harsh.
Traveling in such a world is truly a gamble with one's life.
Compared to that, this is a remarkably casual and safe excursion.
"Orelia is right. I think it’s a wonderful thing to be able to reach a tourist destination with just a short walk. Perhaps the path itself might even become bustling?"
"Ah, I see. That might actually work. I'll have to consult with Ratz."
Enjoying the journey while sightseeing is not something common in this world.
Because there are so many dangers that can take a person's life.
People prefer to stay in groups and minimize risk.
Unlike on Earth, there aren't many opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery, even if it is beautiful.
Of course, lovely landscapes exist here too, but there is simply no leeway to enjoy them.
And there aren't any eccentric individuals opening shops in such places, either.
But this time is different.
That is why Fiora is suggesting that we intentionally create a route to the port where business and sightseeing can flourish.
"So, a road related to the sea?"
"Who knows? Since it’s the image of a journey, we could do all sorts of things. We could even build a flower garden and have the path pass through it."
"A flower garden! That sounds lovely!"
Rushi seems to have taken a liking to the idea of a flower garden and is delighted.
"A botanical garden, then. Well, things like this will have to be discussed with Ratz and Eris first."
"Then, right away—oh, today is at Canaria-san’s place, isn't it?"
"That's right. First, let's eat the bento. Dreams may expand, but one must start with what is right in front of them."
Still, a botanical garden...
It’s true that this world has beautiful flowers and rare plants, but there are also those classified as monsters.
The kind that are like overgrown carnivorous plants or man-eating weeds.
Having those lined up... no, could we manage that if we asked Aslin?
Is it possible that Aslin is actually a game-breaker, given that she can increase her companions regardless of species?
As I ponder this, we arrive at Canaria’s shop in no time.
No, while Canaria said she wanted to do this, the actual management is effectively in Ratz’s hands.
After all, Canaria has virtually no know-how when it comes to handling money or supplies.
It’s not that she’s incapable of learning, but it’s impossible in such a short time.
And for our part, we wanted a legitimate position to monitor the port town, so we are making use of Canaria’s proposal.
Of course, it is also for Canaria’s own future.
But, setting that aside, everyone is keeping silent for some reason.
The reason being...
"…It looks like a normal shop after just a few days."
"Indeed. It really does look like a normal shop."
Rushi nods in agreement with Prof’s words.
I share the same sentiment.
What was once just an empty storefront now has the appearance of a respectable establishment.
"Let's see... 'Bento Shop Flowers'? Is that the shop name?"
Orelia reads the flag standing outside and tilts her head in confusion.
"That’s probably it. It seems they’ve leaned toward a Japanese style."
Well, the culture of the bento is said to be best in Japan.
In other countries, they call it a lunch box, but honestly, compared to a Japanese bento, it’s like comparing clouds and mud.