211: The Store of Rewards

"This is it, then."

A few days had passed since the incident involving Magatsuki, now known as Shu Suumere.

The investigation and follow-up inquiries were still ongoing, and the aftermath of the revelation that the colony of the suppression faction had served as a base for a large-scale kidnapping organization still lingered. However, overall, the Shibra Smith star system was gradually settling down.

Moreover, given the scale of the incident, the renovation of Vilijanira's ship, the 'Carnival Viper,' had been slightly delayed, and it now seems it will take a few more days to complete.

Still, none of us are affected by this, so it's no problem.

"Looks like an expensive place just at a glance..."

"Refusing first-time visitors makes sense, I guess..."

Now, leaving the surroundings aside, let's focus on what's right in front of us.

Today, we're at an exceptionally upscale restaurant within the Third Primordial Colony, as part of the reward for the Shu Suumeree incident.

The shop is called 'Akira Sushi,' and it imports live ocean fish from nearby star systems—Vanilla Sid, Gretfarm, and Niriani Potts—then prepares and serves them as sushi on-site.

Naturally, importing fish alive is labor-intensive, which makes them expensive.

Moreover, filleting fish requires a specialized skill, and if you're going to use the usual phrase about how delicious they are, it's even more important.

When you combine the differing environments of each star system with the fact that fish are imported from multiple systems, it clearly demonstrates how much effort and care goes into flavor adjustments.

Of course, preparing high-quality meals requires considerable effort and attention beyond just fish... well, let's just say it's impossible to keep prices low unless you're a major corporation.

"Welcome. You must be Lady Vilijanila."

"Yes, that's correct."

"Please, this way. We've prepared a private room for you."

As expected, the staff's service is courteous and attentive.

I was led to a space resembling a half-private room, separated from the counter area.

I see—thanks to the mod, it's impossible to perceive the other private rooms through sight or sound.

However, the kitchen across the counter was clearly visible, and I could see the scene of fish being prepared and turned into sushi.

Moreover, since the private rooms are visible from the kitchen, there's no need to worry about other guests, yet it doesn't become a breeding ground for crime either—seems to be carefully balanced like that.

"Oh, all sorts of things are laid out here... "

"True. Some of these fish have names I recognize, but others I've never heard of before."

"That's right. Some of these fish are caught in the Under District of Imperial Star Vanilla Sid, but others aren't... The selection is incredible."

"Tea, please. Once you've decided, feel free to place your order using the touch panel at your table."

I took a sip of the tea served to me.

Ah yes, just one cup of this tea is enough to tell you how high the quality of this place truly is.

Just the right temperature, just the right aroma, and a refreshingly clean mouthfeel—perfect as a palate cleanser after eating sushi.

As for the main point, though... Even if today's bill is being covered by the Syblasmith System, going through the entire menu from end to end might get me in trouble.

Given that fish is imported from multiple star systems, as previously mentioned, the variety is simply overwhelming.

After that, some items have fixed prices, but most are priced by current market value—scary stuff.

"Master Sata, Master Johalis, if you're unsure, just ask the shop for their recommendations. That should work fine."

"Yes, let's do that first. If there's anything specific you'd like to try later, we can order it separately."

"Y-yeah."

"T-That's right."

To be honest, both me and Johalis are a bit nervous.

I mean, I'm not entirely unfamiliar with experiences at upscale places—like dining at a hotel in the Grogrobeta system or attending a count's tea party in the Flaretanbo system—but for some reason, I feel a bit intimidated right now.

When I take a closer look—or actually touch it—I realize the desk and tatami mats are made from real plants. Considering the fact that the Sybrassmuth system has no habitable planets, this place must be incredibly labor- and cost-intensive.

Yet seeing how the normally down-to-earth Villigianira isn’t the slightest bit intimidated in this setting, it’s clear just how much of a noble—or even a royal bastard, for that matter—she truly is.

Mekoxi?

Mechanical intelligence wouldn't be intimidated in a situation like this unless specifically programmed to be, so it doesn't count.

"Then, let's start with three servings of today's recommended dish."

Vilijanila placed her order.

At the same moment, the clean-cut chef—no, the sushi chef, rather—began moving behind the counter.

With a sharp blade, he sliced the fish flesh, placed it on rice seasoned with just the right amount of vinegar, and pressed it into shape.

Some varieties include grilled toppings or involve wrapping the sushi in nori instead of shaping it by hand, but the basic process remains the same.

The finished sushi is then presented on a wooden board and brought over to us.

What appears before us...

"「Gurgle」"

"Looks delicious."

Colorful and vibrant, the ingredients glisten, making the sushi look incredibly appetizing.

03/04 typo corrected