Chapter 47 Restaurant
Ms. Elsa has decided to start with the Yuruyana medicine and some basic physical enhancement magic training.
I plan to check in on her after about a month to see how the circuit is doing.
"They're an odd pair, aren't they? Master and servant, yet they're so close, clearly caring for each other while speaking their minds."
One day, Yuruyana returned from delivering medicine to the Berth mansion, sounding cheerful as he said,
Even with their proper master-servant boundaries in word choice, I bet they want to be equals, beyond their stations.
Probably what people call best friends.
* * *
Soon enough, Luka got in touch.
Ms. Helmine had apparently reported the situation, and Luka wanted to express gratitude, so we decided on this little trip together.
"You saved me, Yuru-Yuru. It's my treat today, so order whatever you like."
"Really? Then I won't hold back."
At the restaurant we were led to, Yuruyana quickly opened the menu and started choosing.
"The captain... still can't tell flavors apart, huh?"
"No, I've gotten better at telling what's spicy."
"For real? That's progress, and it's all thanks to Yuru-Yuru too."
"Right? Feel free to keep praising me."
I wanted to tell him to stop before he got too full of himself, but Yuruyana's achievements are significant, so I just flipped through the menu in silence.
"By the way, this place is pretty popular, right? We got a nice table. Is this what power gets you?"
Yuruyana, who often chats with female customers, knows more about capital trends than I do.
It was lunchtime, the seaside restaurant was packed, and there was already a line when we arrived.
Yet, we were guided to a table on the terrace with a great view of the shimmering horizon, bathed in the dazzling sunlight.
"Well, in a way, it is power? Not mine, but the captain's."
"Tsukumo's?"
Just as Yuruyana tilted his head,
"Excuse me!"
A loud voice suddenly echoed from inside.
Turning around, I saw Thomas, wearing an apron and carrying a water-filled glass on a tray, rushing over with a big smile.
"Hey── isn't this bad?"
By the third time, Yuruyana already knew what was coming next.
"Stop right there!"
"Oh──"
I called out early, but it was too late.
Thomas's toes caught on a slightly floating plank on the deck── exposed to the sea breeze──and he was just about to stumble.
Honestly, it looked like he *wanted* to trip.
"Float!"
Don't use magic where so many people are.
But honestly, better that than causing a scene for the customers.
With a flick, he floated all the glasses and water he was about to spill──sending Thomas stumbling forward──then kicked the tray, which spun like a frisbee through the air.
And suddenly, cheers and applause burst from nowhere.
It's not a show.
"How many times do I have to tell you── no running in a crowd? Kids these days, huh?"
"Sorry..."
While scolding Thomas, sprawled on the ground, I retrieved the floating water from the glasses, placed them back on the tray, and carried everything to the table.
"Thomas, you okay? That was a pretty big tumble."
"Yeah, I'm fine. Barely even hurt. Reinforced magic and a good fall── nothing special."
I had been careful── if I'd gone full force, the entire terrace's supporting pillar might have gone flying outside the premises.
Yet, Thomas, with that big body, stood up as if nothing had happened and bowed politely to the surrounding customers, saying sorry for the trouble.
His friendly attitude makes him popular with everyone──young or old──who ask if he's okay.
"Honestly, I forgot I hadn't fixed that wooden plank yet..."
When he finally reached our table, he pulled out the order slip from his apron pocket and started taking orders with practiced ease.
"By the way── why's Thomas the one bringing water? Are soldiers moonlighting as waiters now?"
"This is actually my home. Do you want to place an order?"
His large hands make the clipboard and pen look tiny.
"Your family owns a restaurant...? Sounds familiar, I think I've heard that before."
Yuruyana tilted his gaze upward, tracing back his memory, then suddenly remembered.
"Ah! Is that the delicious dressing Tsukumo makes sometimes? Is it here?"
"Yeah, I'm clueless when it comes to cooking."
Thomas really can't cook.
He knows the recipes, but he burns the bread as soon as he tries to get a nice toast on it.
He's even had to hand over his cooking gear for the sake of the dorm's safety.
Instead, he's been feeding it to everyone at [Fourth], without even realizing it.
"Alright, I'll have the salad too. I want to try the original."
"Seafood is recommended. Thomas's parents were fishermen, you know."
"Huh, really?"
Today, Luka seems determined to spoil Yuruyana rotten.
From guiding him through the crowded shop to subtly pulling out the chair for him, and even catching a tottering menu before it falls, his lady-like skills shine everywhere.
After making sure Thomas doesn't run back to the kitchen, I turned to Luka while waiting for our food.
"By the way, it's pretty rare for you to introduce me to your family, Luka. I get that Ms. Helmine is a good person, but..."
"Yeah, she's a rare type, all right. But hey, it's not a loss to be in her good graces. She's close to Princess Ellen, after all. If we make a good impression, we might get to meet the princess herself someday, right?"
Close to her, huh?
That must mean she's part of the royal guard.
I've heard there's an all-female knight squad dedicated to protecting the princess.
No wonder she's got a trained physique.
"That's why people might think it's fishy if there's some scheme behind it..."
But Luka just chuckles away, looking quite pleased.
"Nah, it's like the last piece of the puzzle finally clicked into place. I think it's gonna turn out well for the captain too."
"For me too?"
For some reason, I'm not feeling particularly optimistic about this.
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