第１６３８堀：メインをどうしよう？ (Part1)
**Chapter 1638: What About the Main Course?**
**Side: Ratz**
"……And so, we’ve managed to secure the necessary personnel for the resort area just in time."
"Hmm. That’s cutting it quite close, isn't it? Dignitaries will be arriving for the grand opening, so we need everything to be absolutely impeccable..."
"Since most of our staff are new hires, I’m afraid it might be a tall order."
"In that case, I suppose we’ll have to request reinforcements from the Maid Guild."
"They are certainly the gold standard for etiquette, but as for the budget..."
And so it goes. I, a rabbit beastman who happens to adore my dear Yuki-oniisan, spend yet another day buried in the frantic preparations for our newly constructed resort.
Come to think of it, I’ll need to arrange a tour for the students as well. By guiding the children from the intercontinental exchange school, we can demonstrate how effectively the port town is being managed. Showing them the ships will only further emphasize the strategic importance of Weed.
*Sigh.* That means I’ll have to tackle school-related duties the moment I return, doesn't it? Well, that’s a problem for when I’m back in the principal’s office. For now, I must focus on the task at hand.
"Don't worry about the budget for this instance. We aren't to be wasteful, but there is no need to skimp on necessary expenses. Please contact the Maid Guild immediately and see if we can secure personnel to act as instructors."
"Understood."
With that, my subordinate departed, and I turned my attention to the next stack of documents. These concerned the retail side of the resort—the sale of goods. We’ve decided to set up several shops inside the hotel, with a row of stalls lining the beach. Beyond that, we still need to prepare food and entertainment options for those venturing out into the port town itself.
"It would be easier for us if we kept everything within the resort, but that would only leave the port town to wither away."
The entire port town must thrive and pulse with life. We cannot afford to draw a sharp line between the wealthy and the poor. We’ve ensured there are price points that allow the people of Weed and the port town to stay and enjoy the resort just as much as anyone else. Though, I hope you’ll forgive me for setting aside separate areas for the high-ranking officials—that is, after all, a matter of security.
Just as I was lost in my work, a knock echoed through the room.
"Excuse me."
My subordinate returned. I had only just received their report, so I feared some sort of trouble had arisen.
"We’ve received a lunch delivery from Hana, the bento shop."
"Oh! Is it that time already?"
"Yes. They are waiting to hear your feedback on the meal."
"Understood. I’ll head over now."
I had no pressing business at the moment, so I decided it was time to satisfy my hunger. Standing up from my desk, I glanced at the clock: 1:00 PM. They had delivered it exactly on schedule. Well, with Ria, Kirue, and Kirika involved, I suppose punctuality is a given.
Thinking this, I made my way to the staff breakroom. To my surprise, it wasn't just the members of Hana there; Yuki-oniisan and his group were present as well.
"Oh? Did something happen?"
If Oniisan is here, it usually means there’s work to be done. But I hadn't heard anything, so I tilted my head in confusion. Oniisan waved a hand dismissively.
"No, I’m just tagging along. It’s the day we eat Hana’s bentos, too. We’re just inspecting the port town while we’re at it."
"Ah, I recall you mentioning that. So that’s why you’re here?"
"Exactly."
As we chatted, I took my bento from Canaria, paid the bill, and took a seat.
"So, Oniisan, aren't you eating?"
"Already finished. Around noon. You’re a bit late today, aren't you, Ratz?"
"I had to make the rounds at the resort site, so I pushed my schedule back."
*Ah, what a waste.* I rarely get to share lunch with Oniisan unless it’s my day off. Setting that aside, I opened the bento box to reveal a Western-style *makunouchi* assortment.
"My, my. It’s exactly as the menu described."
I hadn't been worried since Kirue was supervising, but I had been a bit anxious knowing Canaria was the one who actually prepared it. Seeing it all come together so beautifully put my mind at ease. Oniisan and his companions weren't interrupting anyone’s meal; they were sitting a little ways off, observing the surroundings. Well, they *are* here for an inspection, so that’s only natural.
Now, let’s taste it.
The flavor was excellent. What surprised me most, however, was that it was still genuinely warm. It felt as if it had just been cooked.
"Excuse me, Canaria? May I ask a question?"
"Yes, of course! What is it?"
"This bento feels like it was just made. How did you manage to transport it?"
It takes twenty minutes to walk from the resort hotel to the port town’s administrative office. Even with the simplified travel methods via gates, this level of warmth was strange. It was truly piping hot.
"Ah, that was a suggestion from Kirika-sama. We used a time-stasis item box for the delivery."
"Oh, I see. That makes perfect sense. Using an item box would certainly keep the bento steaming hot. That’s a wonderful idea."
"Thank you! Yuki-sama has also been helping us; there’s talk of installing time-delay boxes for customers who buy in bulk."
"I see, I see. So, you’d place the delivered bentos in those boxes? That way, even if someone is a little late, they can still enjoy a fresh, hot meal."
It’s a brilliant proposal. If we increase the size of the boxes, theft becomes difficult, and if we allow other shops besides Hana to use them... well, that’s a topic for another discussion.
Lost in these thoughts, I finished my meal.
"Thank you for the food. It was delicious. I can confidently recommend this to the resort staff."
"Thank you very much!"
Canaria and her team beamed at my response. Providing meals for our staff alone would generate a steady income for them. With such good taste and reasonable prices, it’s highly likely their business will continue to grow.
Having finished my evaluation of Hana, I turned to Oniisan.
"So, Oniisan, do you have a moment?"
"Sure. You were here for an inspection, right? Is there a problem?"
"No, nothing at the moment. But Fiora had an interesting proposal."
"Fiora did?"
That was unexpected. Fiora generally handled diplomacy and military affairs; she rarely involved herself in internal administration like this.