Chapter 365 - Dinner on the Eve
"Oh, are you alone today?"
"She's pretty busy over there."
Ring a bell at dinnertime, and the chef appears—even a life tinged with such real-world fantasy becomes somewhat normal after a month.
When you're told, 'This is also part of my paid duties,' it feels wasteful to be overly reserved.
Hence, over the past month or so, I feel like I've gotten to know Chitose-san fairly well. We even eat together sometimes, the three of us sharing a table.
"You're in a similar boat, aren't you? —What will you have?"
"The usual."
Namely, the chef's recommended course.
No matter what I order, it always exceeds my expectations, so I've reached the conclusion that there's no harm in leaving it all up to him.
I've told him what I dislike, and now my trust in him is at one hundred percent. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that both Alicia and I have had our stomachs completely won over.
...Then again, she seems to be a young lady from the White family, so she's probably used to eating good food.
"Thank you for waiting—I was thinking of joining you, if you don't mind?"
"I'd be more than happy to have you."
Welcoming the chef-slash-waiter who brought three large plates and serving dishes without so much as a scrape, the table was set for a rare dinner between two men.
Tonight's menu was bonito carpaccio and beef tagliata. And to add a splendid splash of color to a table of red meat and fish, a vegetable terrine.
This guy can cook anything, but I get the feeling he has a preference for Italian. It comes up quite often when I leave the choice to him.
"How do you have a terrine ready in less than twenty minutes?"
"Oh, that's just something I made for fun and had stored away. I just sliced it."
"You really do love cooking, don't you..."
This is my first time trying a proper one, but... wow, this is delicious.
Perhaps because we talk every day, the sense of reservation and tension that comes with dealing with a stranger has faded considerably.
From my perspective, Chitose-san has already settled into the position of a friendly older brother figure. Plus, he's a fantastic cook. Wonderful.
"Mmm, this makes me want some wine."
"Go right ahead."
"You think so? Then I'll help myself."
Isn't this technically during work hours?—Such a retort would be boorish. It's best to keep it relaxed; I prefer this easygoing atmosphere where I don't have to be on guard.
...Hold on, why did he bring two glasses?
"You know my age, right?"
"Of course I do. That's why this is non-alcoholic. Think of it as a dry grape juice."
"Though it's a high-end product that looks just like the real thing," the friendly older brother added, emptying the bottle with a mischievous grin.
Regarding the adults at the Yotsuya household, it seems the only ones I've met so far are free spirits who haven't forgotten their inner child.
"Consider it a little something to raise our spirits before the battle—so, how are you feeling? Fired up?"
"Raising spirits with non-alcoholic drinks... —Well, from the reference footage I've seen, I can't in good conscience say it'll be a walk in the park."
When I frankly stated my thoughts... Chitose-san simply smiled gently and tilted his glass.
I followed his lead, picking up the expensive-looking wine glass filled with a deep red liquid.
As for the contents, which I was even more afraid to ask the price of than the glass, it had a complex taste that I, having never drunk alcohol before, couldn't quite describe.
"If you're talking about the video in the archives, that's from a year ago. The strength of the players, including the rankers, has undoubtedly improved since then."
Of course, I know that. But, even understanding that—
"Even if everyone is twice as strong, isn't it still a tough fight?"
The objective power balance... remains unchanged.
I remember a time when, in my utter immaturity, I threw my entire being into a fight. The creature in that 'video,' which had completely overwritten that memory, was a true monster.
"Well, that may be true."
Furthermore, the archive video is an incomplete record of a defeat—meaning, there's still more to it than what was shown.
As an outside observer, he would understand that better than I do. He nodded without disagreeing... yet the composed, almost confident expression on his face didn't waver.
"If you think of it as a game, the difficulty of those 'Colored Monsters' can only be described as unreasonable. I don't think a straightforward approach will work."
"...Is it okay for you to say that, in more ways than one?"
Even if it's just a title, that's not something a person involved in the game's development and management should say.
"Probably not. But it's fine—that's why that world allows for the special."
"..."
I honestly don't really get what he's saying, but I'm already starting to feel like I should just plug my ears. Maybe I'll let him talk and focus on the food...
My inner thoughts, which I made no effort to hide, must have shown on my face. Chitose-san laughed, looking amused. "It's not that complicated."
"Simply put, 'special' forces were available a year ago as well. The 'Red Circle' was vanquished two years ago, so there's no reason the 'White Throne' can't be defeated."
"Well, there were things like compatibility with the selected members and that mysterious power-up after the 'Red Circle' was defeated..."
"True, there were probably various factors."
Though he nodded, his expression and tone did not affirm my pessimism.
It wasn't the optimism of a detached bystander—I could feel a mysterious sense of reliability deep within his black eyes.
"I'm not a gamer, but... after watching Arcadia's players for three years, I have a conviction that I've found a single truth about all of you."
"Oh? And what might that be?"
Ignoring me, who had put down my knife and fork some time ago, he continued to eat the meal he was clearly satisfied with.
This non-gamer, assistant representative of Yotsuya, and chef continued to speak in an utterly carefree manner.
"More than skill, more than the quality of equipment, more than anything else—motivation. That is the single greatest factor directly linked to the 'strength' of you players."
"Ah..."
As for that declaration, my personal take was...
"As someone who has watched over the players more than anyone, I can guarantee it. Thanks to a certain someone, they are more fired up than ever before... no, it's like when the world first began. They're driven by a motivation that burns day and night, never-ending. They are—"
I could never say it will be a walk in the park, and I'm full of anxiety and pessimism.
However, for some reason—
"Compared to a year ago, I doubt they'll be just twice as strong."
Strangely enough, I don't feel like we're going to lose.
"...I'll do my best to meet our client's expectations."
"Yes, I'm looking forward to it, Master Acrobat."
Of course, there was no way I could possibly disagree with his words.
We trained, we grew stronger, we upgraded our equipment... the preparation period flew by, and the day of the decisive battle is tomorrow.
As for me, I couldn't ignore the heat of motivation churning in my gut—
I let out a wry smile, feeling like a child before a field trip, thinking it would be a restless night.
I've finally made it this far, but has it really been nearly 130 chapters since the Four Pillar War...?