????? POV
With good food, even the darkest of days will brighten up.
Humans require sustenance to survive, and at first food's sole reason was to provide just that. However as society progress so does the art of cooking. With every passing second people around the world would make an amazing discovery, whether it is a new recipe entirely or simply improving an already existing delicacy.
In the end, the entity known as food will never stop evolving.
But even the tastiest of nourishment pales in the face of a bad mood.
"Ano... Pallas-san, are you okay?"
I slowly turned my head towards the questioner.
"I'm fine. Hwy hware whyou hwasking?" I answered with a mouthful. Not that I like the food, I'm just stuffing my face with them to make myself feel better.
But for some reason, it doesn't seem to be working.
"Um... Moira-san you should really swallow first."
I nodded. You're a real lifesaver you know that Luminere-chan? If it wasn't for you those four would have probably driven me crazy years ago.
I did as told and pushed the food in my mouth down my throat, it tasted delicious but it does little against the terrible feelings clouding my rather good day.
What kind of feeling could possibly get a veteran adventurer like me so down you ask? Is there something that a woman like me who have it all doesn't have?
"Just like you said the food is really good Pallas-nee! I order some on the go for Rai...."
Something that my adorable junior over here have. A meaningful relationship.
I have the looks of course. 25 years old and I still can make males ten years younger than me turn their heads. That's just how attractive I am.
So it's obvious that my problem is the exact opposite. There was just no guy that I seem to be in sync with. Furthermore being a top class adventurer also narrow down the list of possible bachelor, as there are undoubtedly males who wouldn't hesitate to leech on me using their charms.
Or maybe it's just me being too picky? GAH! THIS IS THE WORST!
"Ano... Pallas-san, this might be a bit late but... are you okay?"
Oh, my cute little junior. Being the equivalent of your elder sister it is my duty to tell you that I'm fine. That I am a strong independent woman who needs no man and is completely fine with it!
"No...." I weakly uttered as my head slumped against the table. "I need to get laid...."
But since our group motto is honesty is the best policy screw that feminism crap. Even someone like me needs a spice of romance in her life.
"P-please don't use that kind of coarse language! It's really impolite and rude!" She immediately scolded me. As expected of a first-class priest.
"But look at yourself Lumi-chan. You're ten years younger than me and you're already on the same level as me. Not to mention you already found the guy you'd probably spend the rest of your life with...."
She instantly went red.
"E-EHA! I-IT'S NOT LIKE THAT! RAI AND I ARE JUST FRIENDS!"
Uwah... had I gone too far. It was as if steam came out of her ear. But to be frank that denial kind of piss me off.
Those two -Lumiere and Rai- it was as if they're practically destined to be together. They joined my group right after two of our member decided to lay down their arms and opted for a safer occupation and recommended these two in their stead.
Long story short they are practically married now despite both of them denying that they're together. And you guessed it, the chemistry between these two is a knock out blow to my pride as a woman and as an adult.
I haven't even hold hands with any other males besides my father and brother!
"Mou... you don't get it because you already have what I want Lumi-chan. It's not like the perfect guy would walk right through that door you know...."
But in this case, he did.
I was eyeing the door to add emphasis on my point never knowing that my wish would actually be granted. The person who entered this dining establishment right after my declaration was indeed a prominent male specimen.
Not only was he attractive but my experiences of dealing with many strong adventurers also immediately notified me that he is strong, maybe even only slightly below me. That's really saying something!
And he's heading this way!
"What is it Pallas-nee?"
"Sssshhh! He's coming over?"
"Who is?"
"That hottie over there! Crap he's almost here! Act natural!" She couldn't understand my order and only tilted her head in puzzlement.
Normally our very presence was enough to ward unwanted people off, so him approaching us serves to showcase his mental fortitude.
"Excuse me, but is this table empty?" He started off with a casual question I see, and his tone made it as if he was really just here to ask for sitting space.
"Sure! Please help yourself." My cute junior offered, and with little hesitation, he sat down right next to her. Talk about bold.
"Are you perhaps an adventurer like us.... eto...."
"Blue. My name is blue."
You're joking, right? A guy with light blue eyes and dark blue hair named blue? Either that's a terrible fake name or his mother didn't have much sense in naming? Or maybe it's the other way around? His name perfectly described him after all.
"Oh, so it's Blue-san! Truly that's a fitting name."
"Is that so? How about you, what's your name?"
"AH! Please forgive me! My name is Lumiere, Casus's healer."
His eyebrow perked up at the revelation. Oi-oi, could it be you didn't know who we were before getting here?
"I see, I didn't think that I'd get to meet one of the most esteemed adventurer party today."
"Please don't be like that. Blue-san is also an adventurer, right? That makes us equal then."
"You're too humble, and besides this is only a temporary job...." So he said, then he already has something else in mind? Is he in a shortage of cash or perhaps was laid off from his previous job?
More importantly, why are you the one who gets instantly close to him!? You already have a boyfriend damnit!
Calm down me. The more I waste my time on inner turmoil the smaller my chance to get an actual date.
"Ano..."
"Ah I almost forgot." Oi kouhai, that line hurts in more than one way you know. "This is my senior and our main defender, Pallas-san."
"Oh sorry about that, hello." Blue lowered his head, looks like he's one of those calm and cool people.
"It's fine. This cute kouhai of mine is always stealing the limelight from me."
"P-Pallas nee!" She whined
Nice one me! I managed to keep the conversation going! Now to move onto probing- I mean friendly banter.
"So Blue-kun, you're an adventurer, right? Do you work alone or do you have a party like us?"
"Party. Five people." A curt answer.
"Heh~. Did you band up with your friends, or did the guild recommend you to pump up a party's number?"
To my question, he smiled.
"The first." He answered.
Jackpot! Looks like he's one of those 'treasure his friend and loved one's kind of guy'. Now that I know that I just need to keep the conversation going before redirecting it my way.....
"I formed a party with my wife and three friends."
Ah.
"That's wonderful! I'm sure that your party will zoom up the rank because you all work well together! Don't you think so to Pallas-nee!?"
"....Yeah...." Was all I could say.
"Eh? Are you okay? You seem to be a lot more lively just a moment ago?" You really can't take a hint can you Lumi-chan?
"I'm fine." Obviously, I lied. "It's just an upset stomach that's all."
"Is the food here that bad?" Blue chirped.
"No-no. The food here is great. Pallas-nee probably gets a stomach ache for eating too much. She's a really big eater! Like really big!"
Normally I'd immediately put her in a headlock and cover her mouth to protect my image, but since the target was out of my reach -and since I'm also a decent non-home wrecking harpy- what do I care. Might as well get another serving of steak while I'm at it.
Though I'm a tad curious about what kind of woman can bewitch a man like him...
And again my prayers were answered. I should really stop wasting my luck on dumb wishes and just straight ask the god for a male companion already.
Blue over here turned his head towards the door out of the...blue, and right at that moment, the door opened.
Seconds later every other male -and quite a number of female- followed suit. And the second I caught the glimpse of the newcomer what remains of my womanly pride crumbled into dust.
As a woman, I am painfully aware that there always will be occasions where your look receives more focus than true ability. While this prejudice is lighter on me since I am a top-notch adventurer I still try my hardest to look and act presentable (except on this particular occasion).
My party member has always praised me for looking sharp and womanly, of course to maintain that image was no easy feat. And that woman right there put me into shame, heck the only word that can be used to describe her is 'perfect'.
If I were to be rated 100 out of 100 then she would definitely receive 200 on the same scale. It's a no contest.
And she's going this way. Eh? Could it be?
"Sorry~. The bathroom line was longer than I thought."
"It's fine. Haven't been waiting for long."
"Ara~ you're too kind dear."
Yep, she's the wife.
"Do you mind if I sit here?" She ushered towards the empty seat next to me.
"A-absolutely not!" Damn! She's even prettier up close! Just who is this woman!?
"Is there something on my face?"
"N-no!? It's just that um..... You're really pretty!" I spat out. Looks like even my subconsciousness admitted defeat.
"Ara thank you~. Truth is it's really hard to keep my appearance like this. So can't you compliment me dearer?." She replied and half scolded the husband
"My love for you has little to do with looks you know."
"Oh, my~ a sweet talker as always I see."
...
....
...
SUPER CORNY! AND HE SAID IT WITHOUT MUCH OF A HITCH!? FURTHERMORE, SHE ALSO PASSES IT OFF JUST LIKE THAT!?
"By the way have you ordered anything?"
"No. I waited for you. Food doesn't taste any good if I eat alone."
"Arara~ How romantic. A company certainly increase the quality of everything."
I see. so this is something that happens regularly between the two of them. That's right they always exchange their love for one another like this every day...
THAT MAKE IT EVEN WORSE! Sure romance cliche is good for a relationship, but that's only every now and then you know! I couldn't imagine anybody who is not in a relationship keeping up with these two.
No... that's probably impossible.
"He~"
"W-what is it?" why is she looking at me like that?
"It's just that I haven't introduced myself. My name is Rose, and you are?"
"I-I'm Pallas, and this is Lumiere. We're both members of Casus."
"Oh? The acclaimed party? If you two are here then the food must be really good."
"Yes!" Lumiere interjected, "Just like Pallas-nee told me the food here are really delicious!"
"Oh. Are you a food enthusiast Pallas-san?" Rose-san asked.
"Yep! Her taste is as great as her appetite!" Oi Lumiere! No need to go into details!
"Is that so? I'm actually a big eater myself. Maybe that's why I think that we can get along?"
"Most of our income goes to her stomach."
"Ah Dear! Don't say that! It's embarrassing you know...." She pouted and Blue-san smiled.
"Your angry face is also cute."
"Mou~ are you even listening!"
I don't know whether he did or not but I was, and I'm 90% sure that I'm poisoned by the sheer cheesiness of this situation. Lumiere could handle it better since she's in a relationship, or maybe I'm feeling like this because I was jealous?
Yeah, that's probably it. I'm allergic to normies now.
"Eto... Pallas-san?"
"W-what is it Rose-san?"
"Actually I want to ask for a suggestion. Is there any food that you'd recommend?" Rose-san asked while sliding closer to me. Soon enough the both of us are sharing the same menu book.
"Um~ All of them sound so delicious! I just can't decide which to pick. Are any of them sweet I wonder~"
"Well....."
"I know it's tough but do try and hang in there. Love is a very shrewd but kind being after all. You never know when will 'that person' come into your life."
".....Eh?...."
For a second I wondered whether or not had my ears played tricks on me.
"Hm? Did you say something Pallas-san?"
"N-no... Didn't you just...?"
Rose only tilted her head and flashed me a smile "Oh my. I wonder what do you mean?"
Was I really hearing things? I could've sworn that it was really her even if it was only a whisper.
"Now what should I get~?" She jovially sang.
Rose-san... You really are a Onee-san.
"If it's sweet that you want you should get the Butter Cake."
"Ara? But wouldn't it be too much?"
"The portion can be changed. You just need to ask the waiter. But I you would be so kind I would not mind sharing with you. Rose-san."
"Oh~ that'd be lovely! I'll have one then. Now, what about drinks~"
"Well, in my opinion, the best companion for a butter cake would be...."
Unbenknownst to all four of them their fates are now intertwined.