Restaurant Hills Opens (1)

Blow, startled by Skadi's sudden lunge, was still making his way toward her when she thrust ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠an arm out at the male customer and shouted.

"The right to shake hands with Skadi Hetaya herself!"

His head spun.

Blow pressed a hand to his brow and shot Skadi a glare, then turned to the customer with a smile pasted on.

"There seems to have been some mistake. If you'd like to draw agai—"

"No! I'll take it!"

Blow stared at him, dumbfounded.

The man paid that look no mind at all and snorted, breath flaring from his nose.

"I said I'll take it. Number ninety-nine...!!"

"See! ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠He says it's fine! Ah—no, Boss, he says he's perfectly happy with it!"

Skadi crowed, triumphant.

The young man then took her fingers as carefully as if he were cradling an egg. Happiness washed over his face, and Skadi smiled at him.

"Are you pleased?"

"...Yes."

Watching him answer so meekly, Skadi turned a pointed smile on Blow, as if to say look.

"Five pennies gets you one draw! For the record, what you just won was the smallest prize. You can also win any of the things you see right here!"

While she called that out and shuffled the raffle box, the customers lined up without anyone needing to decide who went first. Blow slipped a little away from the fuss and watched the line stretch on and on. A boy in glasses edged over, hesitant, and spoke in a careful, measured tone.

"Boss."

"Yes. Is there something you're looking for?"

"Number ninety-nine... how many of those are in there?"

"...I wouldn't know. Our staff put the ninety-nines in themselves."

"Aha, random! Understood."

The boy clapped, already pulling out his money. Skadi called over to Blow.

"Care to draw one yourself, Boss?"

"I couldn't steal the customers' fun."

"Spoken like a true boss! Next customer, number twenty-two! You've won three potions!"

"Three? Whoa, three for five pennies!!"

A single potion usually ran past seven pennies, so the price was outrageous in the best possible way. Hervena was handing the potions to the customer, who was practically bouncing with joy.

"...They ought to work well. My magic went into them."

She stumbled through a line that didn't suit her in the slightest. Blow's eyes narrowed as he looked at Skadi. She glanced aside and carried on in a bright, lively voice.

...She put her up to that.

He scratched his head, wondering if any of this was really all right, and Yulia came up beside him to whisper.

"As expected of you, Young Master. What extraordinary marketing. That person is already on their third draw."

He had nothing to say to that.

"I ought to watch and learn myself. Would it be all right if I adapted a little of this?"

"No, that's..."

"The handshake ticket, what Hervena just said—there's something in it that stirs a customer's urge to spend!"

"Mm. Senior, I didn't tell them to do any of that."

"Oh my, you didn't? Then both Skadi and Hervena are working as hard as actual employees! To motivate them until they take such ownership—truly, you are remarkable, Young Master!"

...She has no intention of taking me at my word.

If she was pleased, Blow decided, that was good enough, and he simply let her talk. Meanwhile, snatches of the other customers' praise drifted over.

"I'm only coming here from now on."

"Right? It's really clean."

"The stock isn't wildly varied, but they've got what you need."

"The prices aren't exactly cheap, though."

"In exchange, it feels completely looked after."

"The beer's dirt cheap, too."

"...You've already had a glass, haven't you."

"Obviously!"

The praise alone was enough to fill him. Everything had landed exactly as he'd expected, and Blow couldn't help but smile. Yulia, who had been watching him with quiet satisfaction, spoke with regret thick in her voice.

"Young Master, I'll head in first... I have something to take care of...."

"Of course. Will you be coming to the opening of Hills tomorrow as well?"

"Naturally! And..."

Yulia looked at him steadily, then laid a hand over her heart.

"I received the gift you gave me very well."

"I'm glad it pleased you."

"It was the most delightful gift I have ever been given. So... this Yulia Edfolk has prepared a gift for you in return."

"Oh, really? May I ask what it is?"

"I'll tell you tomorrow."

With that she stepped outside. Blow watched her go, let out a breath of relief, and walked on with a lighter step.

"Umhaha! This is the life!"

Restaurant Hills, right beside the potion shop, was deep in preparations for tomorrow's opening. Today's MVP, Skadi, was draining two mugs of beer at once.

"What were you even thinking with that handshake ticket?"

"What! I helped ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠properly! Everyone loved it!"

"That much is true. Still—how many ninety-nines did you put in?"

"Three. Everyone seemed to like them, so when I made another box later, I put in four."

"A little over two hundred slips in a box... so the odds were downright vicious."

Seven in roughly four hundred. A little under two percent.

...But if the rate was fixed, that was higher than he'd thought.

Remembering the gacha of that other world, Blow nodded as if the math were perfectly reasonable.

"So the first customer drawing the handshake ticket—did you aim for that?"

"Mhm. That's how you hook people's interest right away, isn't it?"

"How'd you do it?"

"I just put it in last. People usually draw whatever's on top."

She said it as if it were nothing, popping a perfectly grilled shrimp into her mouth. Blow's eyes narrowed as he watched her.

"Ah. So that's why you shuffled it right after?"

"Yeah. If it comes out immediately, where's the fun?"

"Well, I'll be... a fox in a bear's hide."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Obviously."

Pleased, more than she meant to show, that Blow was paying her such attention, Skadi propped her chin on her hand and asked in a sly voice.

"Why? Does it bother you? You keep asking."

"No. I'm grateful you helped."

Skadi opened her palm toward him. The number 99 was still written there, clear as ever.

"...What's that?"

"I'm giving you the right to shake my hand! Umhaha!"

Smile tugging at his mouth, Blow took her hand lightly.

"Thanks."

"For this much? Consider the Black Bridge Gathering, and going clothes shopping together, paid back!"

"Wow. Since when were you this precise about pluses and minuses?"

"I'm just saying."

Hervena, who had been quietly listening beside them, drew her brows together.

"You're... going clothes shopping? With the Young Master?"

"Yeah. I need a dress."

"A dress?"

"Something to wear to the Black Bridge Gathering. Blow's got a pretty good eye for clothes."

Hervena said nothing.

Skadi had spoken as if it were nothing at all, and Hervena's face hardened in an instant. Blow offered, lightly,

"Jane's coming that day too. Hervena, want to come?"

"Jane as well?"

"Yeah. I'm getting her fitted for glasses."

"The three of you are going?"

"Mm. I've got a bit of room these days. I think I can buy you an outfit, too."

Only then did her stiff expression loosen. She brushed at her skirt for no particular reason.

"...It's fine."

"Come on."

"Then... all right."

"Good. Better if we all go together."

"Yes! Help me pick! My Black Bridge Gathering dress!!"

Beer mugs clinked. Just then Jane, who had let out a long breath, rose and came quietly over to Blow.

"Young Master, may I go in first?"

"Sure. You look exhausted."

"I think it's from being on edge for days."

Her skin was dry, and the sheen had gone out of her hair. Worried in spite of himself, Blow spoke firmly.

"We're not opening the potion shop tomorrow, so don't come to the restaurant. Just rest. The books can wait until Monday."

"...Could I really? I should still go."

"It's fine. The place runs well without you. Right, Megan? Melo?"

"Yes, sir! Get some rest, Jane!!"

"That's right. Even I can see Lady Jane looks far too tired. Resting would be better."

Seeing them answer in one voice, Jane hesitated, then nodded to Blow.

"Then I'll stop by for a little while in the evening."

"Sure. You'll need dinner anyway. Come then."

"Yes. Understood."

Skadi, who had been watching quietly, held out a bag.

"Jane. This."

"Ah, thank you."

Jane took it and headed for her room. Her steps looked unusually heavy. Blow studied her, then beckoned Melo and Hans.

"Yes, Young Master. What is it?"

"Jane looks worn out. Could you prepare a chicken dish sometime next week? Something with broth."

Color rose in both their faces.

"Ah, yes, we'll do that!"

"Yes, sir! Sister Jane's been looking so down lately, I was worried too."

"Thanks. I know the opening means a lot on your plate. Sorry."

"Not at all. We'll prepare it properly!"

"Make plenty. You'll be eating it too."

"Yes, sir!"

Skadi, who had been openly watching the exchange, tapped Blow's shoulder.

"And me!"

"...Aren't you the problem, because you've got too much energy?"

At that, Skadi went limp all over and dragged her words out.

"Exams are over, but... I've been helping with this and that.... I haven't even rested...."

Blow had heard enough. He looked straight at Melo.

"...Make plenty."

"Yes, sir!"

As if she hadn't just been wilting, Skadi beamed and drank her beer. Reminded of something by the word opening, Hervena asked quietly,

"Is the restaurant menu finished?"

"It is. Want to see?"

"I am curious."

"Me too!"

The moment Skadi's eyes lit up as well, Megan brought the menu over.

"Breakfast is awfully simple."

"Yeah. For now we're only selling those two, nice and easy. Lunch will probably be those, plus one more."

Hervena nodded and shifted her gaze to the evening side, which could fairly be called the main event.

"I understand the pasta add-on at a glance. What's the curry powder?"

"Ah. I was only going to do the all-red, but Melo insisted she had to make Red and Yellow."

"Because iiit's the dish that let me stay in Caipol!"

The moment the menu came up, Melo, who had been standing beside them with a thrilled face, planted a hand on her hip. Skadi scooped her into a hug and nuzzled her cheek.

"So cute! Our little head chef!!"

"Hehe."

Hervena, pleased that a dish bore her name, pointed at the salad.

"What's the salad? It seems a bit expensive."

"The salad? We're going to make the portions pretty generous. Something cool goes in the middle, so it refreshes you."

"Don't people usually say you whet the appetite before the main course?"

"Aas expected of Blow Deblique. You actually know a thing or two."

Skadi nodded along with him, and Hervena's eyes narrowed.

"What principle is that, exactly?"

"A principle you figure out after about three main dishes."

"...Forget I asked."

"In that case, I'm curious about this Chef's Special!"

The moment Skadi said so, Melo brightened, ready to explain—but Blow stopped her.

"Order the Chef's Special when you come tomorrow."

"But I want to know!"

"We need at least that much mystery between us, don't we?"

Melo puffed up and chimed in.

"That's right! It's a secret."

"...Melo's been turning into the Young Master lately..."

She said it, but Hervena was watching them fondly all the same.

"Let's make tomorrow's opening a good one!"

"Yes."

"Yes!!"

"Tomorrow I'm drinking fifty!"

Blow ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠answered by clinking his glass against hers, and so the potion shop's first day of business came to a splendid close.

"Um... how long until we can go in?"

Near the front of the long line, the woman holding ticket number 28 asked in a desperate voice. Rowbedi answered calmly.

"Quite a few tables just went in. If you're twenty-eight... I'd say about an hour."

"I see..."

"I'll give you a menu now. Tell me what you'd like, and I'll have it ready so it comes out right away."

Rowbedi was a full-fledged employee now.

Inside the restaurant, Blow looked over the line stretching away behind the door. A considerable crowd had come—not only people from Caipol Magic School and Dusk Block, but a fair number from Central Academy as well. So the place would be easy to find, he had asked Hervena to summon a small version of that bear from before and set it at the entrance. The customers' reaction was nothing short of explosive.

"It's adorable!!"

...If this were modern Korea, they'd be taking pictures and posting them to Starsta. The publicity from that alone would have been excellent.

That he couldn't do the same was a shame he couldn't quite shake, but he had resolved to do his best with what he could, and he swept his gaze across the bustling hall. The first thing to catch his eye, as if it were only natural, was the Traffic Light Trio, who had arrived ahead of everyone and already demolished two dishes and six beers.

"What... should we eat next?"

"Right...."

"Let's not get the roasted potato, for starters."

"Agreed."

"That salt-grilled pork was insane."

"We had that not long ago."

"Don't you know the most dangerous flavor is one you've already tried?"

"...Let's just ask the boss."

Worn out by roughly ten minutes of debate, Radness shot her hand up. Blow, who had been watching them anyway, came right over.

"Ready to order?"

"Yes, we want the next round! It's just a little hard to decide."

"You just had the Garlic Meat Shrimp and the Tomato Mussel Stew, so you could go toward the corn cheese."

Cosette, meanwhile, was staring at the Chef's Special, written bold at the very bottom of the menu.

"What's this Chef's Special?"

"Ah, that one's a dish that keeps changing. Whatever the chef feels like making at the time."

"So it's something Lady Melo cooks?"

"Yeah. Whatever Melo wants. So-called Melo freestyle."

Alice, watching Melo cook with everything she had, spoke carefully.

"M-maybe... what kind of dish is it...?"

"Mm. Pork."

"Pork?"

"Yeah. But it's nothing at all like the Westriver stir-fry."

When they hesitated, Blow thought a moment, then lowered his voice.

"Special for you three—I'll only charge half. You're regulars."

"Give it to us right now."

Radness didn't hesitate for even a second. Blow smiled and went to the kitchen.

"One special!"

"A special?!"

"Yeah. Good thing we prepped it."

The Chef's Special was a dish you ordered because you trusted the chef. Pleased by the order alone, Melo poured even more care into it than into the others.

A little parsley powder... right here!

Blow nodded at her, as good as saying well done, and carried the plate out into the hall himself. It was thick and long, a sight so tremendous that forks paused midair, if only for a moment, as he passed. At last the so-called Chef's Special took its place on the Traffic Light Trio's table.

"Th-this is...?"

They couldn't even finish the sentence at a dish unlike anything they had seen since the day they were born. Blow spoke in an easy tone.

"Pork ribs... that is to say, barbecue ribs."