落とし穴外伝：２０２４年末スペシャル (Part2)
"I’ve only been stationed here recently, that’s all. The other side has its own affairs to attend to—diplomacy, if you will—and internal relations within the If Continent to maintain."
"Ah, I suppose that’s only natural. The idea of that group interacting with others... it’s expected, yet it still feels strange."
"Well, they were Hifi’s former subordinates, after all. The connections still exist."
"They do. Though, back in the day, one could hardly call them... well, perhaps 'vicious' isn't quite the word."
I’ve heard the stories, too—tales of Hifi leading Nina and the others through various shadows. It’s the kind of thing that makes me tilt my head in doubt; it’s hard to imagine it being true.
"Hifi is actually on the softer side. But, moving on—what’s the status of the year-end party?"
Oh, right. That. We were in the middle of discussing the year-end party.
"That’s right. I was just confirming the attendees. Well, with Nina joining, that’s settled. Now it’s just a matter of deciding where to go."
"Oh? You haven't made a reservation yet?"
"The group isn't exactly large, and I’ve been busy lately. Including Ria and Cleena, there are only eight of us."
"Hmm. A bit tight, but manageable. So, what are the candidates?"
"Candidates, huh... It comes down to what everyone wants to eat. A family restaurant is the safe bet, since they offer such a wide variety."
Indeed, a family restaurant serves a little bit of everything, so it’s guaranteed that there will be something for everyone. That’s why none of us—myself, Prof, Orelia, or Hobis—had any objections...
"You can eat that anytime. We should go somewhere a bit more of a hidden gem."
"You’re asking for something difficult all of a sudden. 'Hidden gem' is a tall order—the Laboratory Shopkeeper is already fully booked, as it is."
The Laboratory is a place established to recreate the flavors of Yuki’s homeland. It serves as a testing ground for experimental dishes and a place to sell recipes, acting as the foundation for developing a richer food culture. Because of that, it’s a well-known "hidden gem" that’s incredibly popular. Plus, the experimental dishes are quite reasonably priced.
"Hmm. It’s no good just complaining, is it? Oh, by the way, Yayui, your cheeks are flushed. Do you have a cold?"
"No, I just returned from the fishing port. It’s just the cold air."
When Nina pointed it out, I realized just how obviously chilled I must have looked. Perhaps I should stop walking and start using teleportation instead? I’ve always enjoyed walking from the port to the town to observe the state of Glass Port, but if it’s going to cause this much concern, maybe not.
"I see. Well, it must be a lovely place if it makes you want to walk outside even in the middle of winter."
"Oh, ah, yes."
Nina says it so casually, but she really does have a way with words. As I thought that, her expression shifted as if she’d just had an epiphany.
"Cold, you say? That’s it! Yuki, what about something meant for winter?"
"Ah, well, seasonal food is always better, isn't it? In that case, hot pot?"
"Hot pot sounds lovely. And what was that other thing? The one that goes well with alcohol... it was like a pot dish, wasn't it?"
"Oden."
"That’s it, oden. There’s something so delicious about daikon radish soaked in the broth."
Oden. I’ve had it before. I tried it when I accompanied Yuki to an izakaya. I didn’t eat much of it myself, but I wonder if it’s actually that good? Then again, Yuki seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.
"I understand the appeal, but that’s an unexpected choice."
"Kishua taught me about it."
"I see. That one does enjoy her drinking tours more than you’d expect. So, Prof and the others—what do you think? Is there anything else you’d like to eat?"
Even as he asked, we all agreed that we love hot pot, and it would be the perfect way to warm up. And so, the menu for today’s year-end party was decided: hot pot.
Incidentally, we spent quite a while agonizing over which restaurant to choose and what kind of hot pot to order. As with any meal, it’s one thing to decide alone, but when you’re in a large group, it’s never easy. A single pot serves four people, and then there’s the variety—standard, sukiyaki, spicy jjigae... Hot pot is surprisingly broad in its possibilities.
And with that, this is the final post of the year. Thanks to your warm support, I was able to keep writing without ever putting down my pen. I look forward to your continued support next year.
Yuki-daruma