{Guren's plan has been enshrined in stone. First, they must get all the information they can inside the Magical Academy in the Royal Capital of Wizteria, while being a student there and Benjirou researching in the library in the shadow.
This strategy, however, has one major flaw. How can they be admitted to that Academy when they are complete strangers to the Royal Capital? This is the first obstacle that must be overcome before moving on to the others. The cycle's starting point.}
The sun had already set, and the dinner had been prepared in response to Chika's invitation. As I descended the stairs, the smell of food filled the air and ran over my nose, amplifying my hunger. It's my first prepared meal since arriving in this world, so I'm a little excited. As a result, even before I got to the table, my stomach let out a nice growl.
"Wow. What a great grumble! Hahaha!"
"Yuiren-sama is probably tired and hungry after all those things that happened in the forest."
"I-I'm sorry."
Uwaa... How humiliating! (*Blushed. Guren turned red as the Duke and his wife teased him.)
It never happened to me in VLF to be unable to control my hunger. Or, to put it another way, in VLF, we don't even get hungry. As a result, this situation is unprecedented. Isn't it true that firsthand experience is a trial? And also extremely embarrassing.
"Fufu..."
"How cute."
"Right~?"
You can also see the maids who were preparing the meal by the table giggling at the time. It was embarrassing, but since the maids find it amusing, can I call it a win-win situation? (This made him even redder; what a lady killer; we're not jealous.)
What's the deal with this size?
The table is enormous.
Ellsworth, Beth, Mai, and Chika stood beside the unusually long table, holding Andreas' hand. There's also me. The maids are also present, patiently and gracefully preparing everything that is required. Perhaps they are awaiting orders or something similar? Professional maids sure are different from those who work in a maid café. Sorry, but I just have to say it.
Seeing them makes me believe that if they were NPCs, this would be the highest quality type of them. It's a thought that has bothered me since meeting Andrea and Benjirou.
The butler is not present; it appears that he went on an errand at the Duke's request. Will he be okay going out at this hour, given his age?
However, the cast of characters appears to be lacking. Someone appears to be missing from the table's personnel. So, after looking around the table, I tried to inquire,
"Uh, how about the young lady? Err..."
"Oh, Ellisbeth? She's still sleeping upstairs."
Still sleeping? How long does she intend to sleep? For a short moment, I pondered this, but what really drew my attention was,
"Ellisbeth?"
Her name...
"Yes! That is the name of our dear daughter. Ellisbeth de Blaze-Wisteria. A wonderful name, isn't it?"
"..."
It was, indeed, a lovely noble name. Nonetheless, I stared blankly at the Duke, who was bragging about the name of someone who was not present at the time.
"Sir, let me guess. Her name came from you and madams', am I correct? 'Ellis' from Ellsworth and 'beth' from madams' Beth, so Ellisbeth!"
"Wow, Yuiren-kun! You're such a bright kid!"
I cast another blank stare at the Duke.
Yeah. That is obvious to anyone! I don't even want to know how it happened because it was so plain.
With this thought another grumble of a stomach was heard...
"I-it was not me!"
I denied as strongly as I could. Since I was the first suspect to make the same noise earlier, all eyes were on me with a grin on their faces. Don't look at me like that... It's not me, I swear!
That was my thought, but then another one was heard...once again, it wasn't me, okay?!
I took a look around. Oh... so it was Andrea. She was clutching her stomach and staring at the beautifully prepared foods on the table. She was drooling like a hungry cat, and her ears' wing-like antenae began to flap around like animal ears.
Andrea's scene elicited laughter and giggles from the entire party. She made our appetite to dig in even bigger.
"Hahaha! What interesting kids, Yuiren-kun, Andrea-chan! Let's get started!"
"Ah, Yuiren-sama, you don't have to worry about Ellisbeth right now; she must be tired from the fear and shock she felt earlier, you can enjoy the meal for now. I am sure she will be fine later. I will have Mai bring food to her later."
Madam Beth smiled at Mai as she spoke, and Mai nodded in response.
"Is that right? Then can I have one more request before we eat?"
"Of course, Yuiren-sama, tell me what's on your mind." ('Is the food we prepared still lacking?' is what Beth is thinking.)
The maids who prepared the food were about one and a half meters away from us. I was staring at them, and our gazes eventually met. I was made to smile lightly for some reason. I feel a little awkward eating while they only look at us, so...
"I am not used to eat being watched..."
"Huh? W-well then, girls you can leave for no—..."
"...therefore will you guys eat together with us?"
They were about to leave when my words caused a confused expression on both the maids' and the Dukes' faces.
The maids responded in a weak and slightly trembling voice.
"H-huh? eh?"
"N-no... we can't possibly do..."
Hmm... This proposal appeared to be unacceptable in light of the common sense of being a servant maid. Of course, I know the answer will be a resounding 'no.' Having seen far too many historical anime, I am well aware that it is not customary for servants to dine with their masters. After all it was given. As a result, this is somewhat difficult for them... But I've already made up my mind, so the only option is to use the ultimate technique I learned from playing Dating Sims out of boredom! Here goes nothing!
Oraaa! The ultimate technique is to look cute with a depressed expression! Charge! (Please keep in mind that he is not a bad boy; this is simply how he thinks.)
"This is not a command, but a request... If you don't want to, that's fine... but... I'd be... sad. I guess..." (He said in a very weak tone with a despondent expression written on his face. A look like a depressed person who lost something important, and with the smooth glance, his eyes glimmering with tears almost falling met of as the maids. Blushing in silence, a huge thump on their chest was
So, while playing with her hair, the maid in the middle responded with a gentle expression on her face.)
"Th-then, if you don't mind, Yuiren-sama... Please let us join you at the table..."
"Yes! With pleasure!"
After one, another joined us in the table.
Owrayt! Dating sims rocks!
The Ultimate technique went off without a hitch thanks to this upbeat response. Not that I had any other intentions. I just want more company at the table because I remember how lonely I felt when my sister worked nonstop day and night. Back on Earth, I was the only one eating at the table because Hikari is still not at ease in our home. You can call me childish, but it has a sentimental value for me. Also, I don't like eating while being watched. I'm being completely honest here.
So, with the maids joining us at the table, we ate the meal, which was clearly delicious just by looking at it. The highest grade of fish, fresh from the source. That beef with such tenderness that the richness of its flavor gushed down and up in the mind of the eater with each bite. A selection of freshly picked vegetables from the garden. A truly luxurious meal. But it was the fact that we were all eating it together that made the meal even more delicious. This is a happy time for my childish request.
And look at Andrea, she's doing it again, this time eating in a rough manner. How does she eat so much given her petite stature? The maids, oh, the maids are still stiff. I hope I didn't overburden them by saying too much. All I want is for them to join us. Also, I didn't consider the feelings of Sir and Madam... I'm wondering if it's really okay... This is what I was thinking, but when I looked at them... After all, it appears that I have met a really nice group of people. Just by looking at their faces, you can tell how happy they are that the maids are eating with us. Now I feel bad for even considering doubting them for a moment.
The food was delicious, but the most delectable aspect of this dinner was the laughter and smiles of those who attended.
I guess that's what you call a bliss.
And with that, the meal was over. It was one of the best meals I've ever had. But only second to when I ate meals with Hikari and Big sis Sakura. I'm curious what they're up to right now. Are they eating properly? What were they eating? I hope they are well.
My hunger had been completely satisfied by this meal. Both psychologically and physically.
Also, I hope Benjirou can hold out for a little longer!
...To be Continued...
Chapter Quiz!
When was the last time you had a particularly delectable meal?