kscans

Chapter 869 - An Invitation for One

Anyway, putting aside the constant state of my defeats, which I don’t feel I’ll ever be able to overturn.

I don’t dislike aimless walks, and with a cheerful companion by my side, I could probably enjoy them for hours. In fact, I’ve spent entire days with Ashe just like this several times.

However, for today, there was a place I wanted to invite her to…

"……………Now this is one hell of a VIP you've brought with you."

After a leisurely two-hour stroll through the city from the early afternoon.

Waiting for the Princess to show signs of being reasonably satisfied, I suggested a change of location and we came here, to the virtual world—to a very, very remote corner of the [Safe Area].

We arrived at a single, cozy little “shop.” Passing through the atmospheric noren curtains at the entrance, we felt the sensation of teleportation and came face to face with a familiar person.

"Yo, Tetsu-san. Business booming?"

"Hello."

I had the business days and hours perfectly memorized. So, I had made a reservation this morning, and the owner greeting us in the private room was a perk for being a “regular.”

That said, although I had told him I was bringing someone, I never said who, so his surprised expression was only natural. After looking at the Princess showcasing her world-class blank expression next to me, Mr. Ittetsu, a.k.a. Tetsu-san, turned an exasperated gaze upon me.

My bad.

A bit of mischief had prompted me to keep her name a secret, but I did tell him I was “bringing a VIP.” He should have been able to predict that a high-ranking player would likely show up, so I hope he’ll forgive my little prank.

Well, anyway.

"…Fine. What's your order?"

"The usual 'omakase' for now."

"Got it. Wait here."

Ittetsu-san is a big shot in his own right. I mean, he’s a sort of unknown player who runs a small shop at his own leisure, but his mentality, his demeanor, is something else.

As if he had swallowed his shock and confusion in an instant, he regained his straight face in less than ten seconds… gave a single bow to the incredible VIP, Ashe, and the owner left the private room.

"…Is that him?"

"Yeah. The head chef of our 'Etomori' group."

Then, we entered the tatami-matted room, which didn't just have a Japanese feel to it, but was filled to the brim with the very heart of Japan. We both de-equipped our leg armor (boots) and stepped up.

We sat facing each other. Sitting properly in seiza—both of us in fantasy outfits, the mismatch with the scenery was comically perfect.

"It’s a nice shop. Small, but it has charm."

"You can look forward to the taste, too. I’m impressed every time I come."

This place, the small restaurant [Tesshin], is apparently famous as a hidden gem that serves creative Japanese cuisine with a virtual world twist. I know, hidden or famous, which is it? But the story goes that its name is well-known among gourmands who have been enjoying virtual world food since the dawn of Arcadia.

Thanks to special dining specifications, the number of players who allow themselves to have “meals that don't fill you up” has exploded since the first [Starry Paradise] event. However, beginners jumping on the bandwagon tend to flock to places with grand storefronts or heavy advertising.

A small shop at the edge of town that doesn't even say “welcome” to its customers… well, it goes without saying that it doesn't stand a chance of standing out.

By the way, the lack of greetings isn’t because they’re being rude or disrespectful.

"—…Hehe. Automation that's impossible in reality."

"Right?"

This is because [Tesshin]'s concept is to let customers enjoy the taste of the food freely, leisurely, and elegantly, without making them feel like they have to be considerate of the staff at all.

Proof of this was the “otoshi” appetizer that appeared on the table with a soft poof of teleportation, rather than being brought by a waiter. Ittetsu-san showing his face earlier was, again, a special treatment. Normally, in this shop, a customer never sees another person from the moment they arrive, order, eat, and leave.

As Ashe said, it is the ultimate unobtrusive service, something that cannot be achieved in the real world.

Whether people appreciate the subtle consideration inherent in the concept is probably a matter of personal taste, but I'm on the pro side for the simple reason that it's wonderfully fantastical and interesting.

And then, of course—

"…………What is this, I wonder?"

"No idea. But it’s delicious."

…because absolutely everything that comes out is exceptionally delicious, so there are no complaints.

On the plate—a wicked-looking, stylish seashell that looked like a Level 100 turban snail, so spiky it would probably get you charged with assault if you threw it at someone in reality.

I picked up a piece of the translucent, pearl-blue sashimi-like “something” with my chopsticks and popped it into my mouth. A flavor that lived up to the trust I'd built over our four-month acquaintance spread through my mouth.

Despite its almost jelly-like appearance, what my teeth felt as I bit down was the satisfying texture characteristic of shellfish. And an instant later, a burst of dashi flavor exploded from the tender morsel.

"…………It’s delicious. Although I am curious about the ingredients."

"If you ask Ittetsu-san, he’ll usually tell you. …Though there are cases where you might wish you hadn’t asked, so that’s on you."

As always, it was likely another miraculous dish born from an incomprehensible cooking method. I had no doubt it would be this way, but it seems to have successfully met the Princess’s approval.

It wasn't something to be overly relieved about, but as the one who invited her, I was at least reassured. I let out a quiet sigh… and smoothly raised my right hand into the empty air.

In response to the gesture, a single menu materialized in my hand, as if by quick-change. I love this extremely unrealistic system, yes indeed.

"Do you come here often?"

"About three or four times a month, maybe… whenever I have some free time, I just pop in."

"Pop in, with Nia?"

"Oh, look, Ashe, today’s special is dragon! Dragon! If it doesn't come with the recommended course, let’s order it separately! Dragon!!"

I frantically tried to change the subject as the conversation seemed to be heading into dangerous territory, but it’s not like I only come here with Nia. I usually stop by alone.

I’m not lying, really.

"………………"

—Now, how did she interpret my deflection and my inner thoughts?

Ashe just stared at me with narrowed eyes for a few seconds.

"…Mm, thank you. I’m happy you brought me here."

"Ah… well, uh, yeah."

If you can't join in, then at least enjoy the atmosphere.

With that in mind, I had planned to have her enjoy the “food.” My intentions were probably completely transparent. I had no intention of hiding them, so it's fine, but her happy smile is ticklish.

I'll take that as forgiveness. In that case, there's no need to worry about anything else.

"Ooh. And next up… —What is this? Pebbles?"

"I know this one. I believe it's a fruit."

"What a look, kicking the conventional wisdom that appetizers should be vibrant…"

Now, let's just enjoy the food and our time freely, leisurely, and elegantly.

---

If I start giving detailed explanations of the food, the meal would turn into a novel of tens of thousands of characters.