第１９２７堀：ちょっとした悩みとその解決 (Part2)
"Ah, you're right. I could probably manage two servings at most. And besides, there’s dinner waiting for us later, isn't there?"
"Exactly. It wouldn't feel right to skip the inn's meal, would it?"
That’s the crux of it. If there’s no one to taste-test the food, there’s no point in cooking at all. You can’t judge whether something is delicious or not without a palate to test it. I suppose I could eat it myself, but even I have my limits.
"If I were to ask for help, it would really only be Yayui and Lyushi..."
"Is that so? I’m sure Aslin and the others would be happy to cooperate, though."
"I’m sure they would, but our workplaces are different. We could never coordinate our schedules, could we?"
"Ah, I see. By the time we’re back at the inn, it’s practically dinner time already."
That’s exactly it. By the time the ladies are back at the inn, dinner is just around the corner, so they couldn't possibly eat much more.
"It’s quite a dilemma. But for now, let’s focus on finishing our work."
"Agreed. We have to do our jobs properly."
We’re still in the middle of our duties. Once we finish our rounds today, we’re free to head home.
"The shop seems to be running smoothly, and the business isn't doing poorly, either."
"It’s honestly surprising how well it’s selling, isn't it?"
We only set it up as a front for gathering information, so we never really prioritized profit. Still, if we didn't show any earnings, it would look suspicious, so we have to maintain a certain level of success.
"I made sure of that part myself. Including the advertising. I am the daughter of a merchant family, after all."
"Ah, you were quite enthusiastic about it. But I’m glad. It would have been awkward if we weren't making anything at all."
"Indeed. It is Yuki-sama’s shop, after all; that would be unacceptable. Though, it seems you have no need to worry about me."
For some reason, Orelia suddenly brought up something completely out of the blue. What on earth could have happened?
"Worry? What do you mean?"
"You were staring off into space while pouring the tea earlier, weren't you? That wasn't just because you dislike dealing with the nobility, was it?"
"Oh, you noticed?"
"We’ve been together for a long time now, haven't we?"
I see. Well, I suppose that’s only natural.
"But you seem much brighter now. How are you feeling?"
"I suppose I was troubled, but now that I have a goal, I feel much better."
"A goal?"
"Yes. Orelia, you’re practically on par with Ratz-sama when it comes to business, and Yayui has such incredible talent for driving. Seeing that, I couldn't help but wonder if I’m actually being useful."
I say this while gazing out toward the sea. Among the three of us, I’ve always felt like I was the one falling behind. Not that either of them is "better" than me—they’re both working so hard—but it’s just… you know how it is.
When I let that honest thought slip, Orelia let out a soft sigh, which was quite unexpected...
"I understand. Honestly, I always thought I was the one most useful to Yuki-sama out of the three of us."
"Oh my, you’re being very blunt, aren't you?"
"Well, that’s what I thought after hearing our backgrounds. Yayui was a farmer, Hovis was helping at a diner. And I was deciding whether or not to inherit a merchant house. It’s not about who is a better person, but purely from the perspective of managing people and finances, you see?"
True, when you put it that way, Orelia is certainly ahead.
"Well, putting my situation aside, you’ve resolved your worries about being useless, then?"
"Yes. Yuki-sama told me he wanted to try my cooking."
"Ah, I see. I must admit, I’m a little envious."
"Why don't you just make him something yourself, Orelia?"
"There’s a difference between me making it on my own and him actually asking to try it, don't you think? Or do you already know that?"
"Ahaha, I suppose you're right. At this rate, becoming Yuki-sama’s personal chef might be a good idea."
"Indeed. We would be happy if that happened. Now, the question remains: who will be our taste-tester?"
"Oh, I’d forgotten about that!"
We laughed together as we talked. I think I truly love being in an environment like this.
Hovis tends to be a bit overshadowed, but she is currently in a state where I’m debating what kind of special ability to grant her. Whether to lead her down the path of culinary arts or something else entirely—she has so much room for growth that she might actually be more impressive than Orelia or Yayui, whose paths are already set.
Oh, and as a side note, she also happens to have the best figure of the three.