With Mika and the others high on the excitement of holding a major year-end event, things moved quickly once it was decided that our appreciation party and year-end party would be held at the restaurant Yuji recommended. Operating on the logic that sooner was better than later, Yuji immediately called the restaurant to check their availability. Since the topic had come up yesterday, he apparently already had the number saved just in case.
The call revealed that because of the Christmas and year-end rush, all evening reservations were completely booked. However, by a stroke of luck, it seemed we could secure a lunch slot—with a few strings attached.
"Looks like we can get in. But there’s a condition: since they have to prep for the evening crowd, we have a strict two-hour limit with no possibility of an extension. If you're okay with that, I can book it... What do you think?"
Yuji put his phone on hold and looked to us for a decision. Banquets usually have a habit of running over their scheduled time, so it wasn't surprising that some customers would avoid a place with such a firm cutoff. Adults at a work party, for instance, would have alcohol involved, making it almost impossible to end right on the dot. Considering the reservations coming in after us, it was only natural for the restaurant to emphasize the time limit.
Still, for students like us who were under the legal drinking age, it wasn't much of a restriction.
"We can actually get a reservation!?"
"Whoa, amazing!"
So we're really doing this...
Mika and the other three let out cries of surprise and joy, while Hiiragi-san and I let out murmurs of dejected resignation. The sharp contrast in our reactions came down to whether or not we knew what kind of establishment Yuji was calling. To Mika’s group, it was just a "nice restaurant." To Hiiragi-san and me, the knowledge that it was run by an associate of Juzo-san was enough to make our stomachs churn.
A part of me had secretly hoped they would say they were full, but it looked like there was no escape now.
"So, what's the call? It's a fixed time limit, and the food will be an omakase course..."
We want to go!
"I suppose so. It’s a rare chance to get a booking, after all."
"Everything is a learning experience."
The four juniors leaned in eagerly to tell Yuji to go ahead, while Hiiragi-san and I gave them pitying looks, our expressions reaching a state of detached enlightenment.
I could only imagine what kind of faces those four would make when we actually arrived at the place on the day of...
"Got it. I'll book it with those conditions, then."
Please do!
"Thanks."
"Yes, please."
After confirming everyone's intent, Yuji took his phone off hold and resumed his conversation with the restaurant.
So... it’s happening. It’s definitely going to be one of those terrifyingly high-class, formal places, isn't it? Is it really okay for students like us to be using a place like that?
"All set. Reservation confirmed. It’s for this coming Saturday at 1:30 PM. Since it’s before the Christmas peak, I managed to squeeze us in."
After hanging up, Yuji informed us the booking was complete, looking slightly relieved.
Since he was the one who recommended the place, I suppose he felt a sense of responsibility to actually secure a spot during the busy holiday season.
Yay!
"This Saturday... that's right before the closing ceremony."
"Well, it's only natural to avoid the absolute busiest days."
It was happening sooner than I’d expected, but the timing was reasonable. If we’d waited until next year, the three of us would be too busy with graduation and career hunting to have the mental leeway for a party. This year, however, we could manage it without any issues.
With the year-end party officially on the calendar, Mika and the others began chatting excitedly about what the restaurant might be like.
"Hey, Yuji, you mentioned an omakase course, but what’s the budget for that?"
"Now that you mention it, we haven't asked yet."
While the girls talked, Hiiragi-san and I pulled Yuji aside to confirm the crucial details.
"Hm? Oh, since it’s a special year-end course, probably around ten to twenty thousand yen? Not counting drinks and miscellaneous fees."
"Drinks I get, but what are 'miscellaneous fees'?"
"You know, table charges and the like."
Wait, wait. You’re saying that so casually, but what kind of restaurant has a table charge? I know it’s run by an acquaintance of Juzo-san, but what exactly did you just book?
I wasn't the only one reeling; Hiiragi-san looked completely dumbfounded, her eyes wide.
"Um, does this place happen to have a dress code?"
"I don't think there's anything super stiff, but it’s probably safer to aim for casual formal."
"Safer to aim for casual formal, huh?"
Doesn't that effectively mean it has a dress code? To Yuji, that might seem like common sense when going out for a meal.
I wondered if Mika and the others even owned clothes like that. I certainly hadn't seen them wear anything of the sort.
"I'll check with the four of them later. If they don't have anything, we'll have to take them shopping..."
Hiiragi-san let out a small sigh of resignation, and I gave her a respectful bow.
Sorry for the trouble. We're counting on you.
"Is there anything else? Should we take a crash course in table manners?"
"It's a private room, so you shouldn't need to worry about table manners too much. As long as you don't get drunk and rowdy or start shouting."
"Setting the drinking aside, we should definitely warn them beforehand not to get too loud."
Watching Mika and the others chat and laugh, I suspected they’d be doing well if they even managed to speak once we were actually inside the restaurant.
In fact, I wondered if they’d be too nervous to even taste the food.
"Well, everything is a learning experience."
The three of us directed gazes of detached enlightenment toward the happy group of four.
Enjoy yourselves while you can. They say the preparation before the festival is the most fun part.
Once the discussions about weapon maintenance and the year-end party were settled, we changed into our gear for our usual training. Since Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san had now experienced the reality of dungeon exploration, we wanted to see how that experience had affected them.
For better or worse, your mindset changes the weight of every practice swing.
"Hmm, their sword arcs are a bit less precise than before. I guess the dungeon trip is still weighing on them?"
"Likely. There's a slight hesitation when they swing. It's not like they're stopping, but their power sags for a split second."
"You're right. Their footwork is a bit off too; the initial step is lagging. That’s a clear sign they’re hesitating to commit to the strike."
The three of us evaluated the fallout from the recent expedition while watching Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san go through their practice swings.
As expected, both were hesitating, likely unconsciously. They were probably remembering the tactile sensation of slaying a monster—a memory that often haunts newcomer explorers.
"They likely aren't even aware of it, but in a real fight, that hesitation can be fatal. If we can fix it, we should do so early..."
"Even so, this is mostly a matter of getting used to it. Based on their form now, it's not like they lack the aptitude for exploration. We should probably just give them time."
"Agreed. They're hesitating, but I don't see any signs of self-loathing or disgust. Their basic aptitude is likely fine... for now."
Indeed, as Hiiragi-san said, it was fine for now, but issues can sometimes emerge later. We would have to keep a close eye on them.
We wanted to avoid a scenario where someone suppresses their discomfort, forces themselves to continue, and eventually reaches a breaking point that endangers everyone around them.
"So, for the time being, can we call their first step as explorers a success?"
"Yeah, I’d say so. Neither of them got hurt, and they aren't showing any mental instability. They’re a world apart from the newcomers who dive in unprepared and suffer a total breakdown."
"Yes, it was definitely a success."
Our final evaluation of their first trip was that it was a clear success.
There would be a two-week gap due to the holidays, but at this rate, they should be able to avoid any major disasters on their next trip as well. For a while, we would focus on getting them used to the environment and the act of killing monsters rather than pushing for floor progression.
"I think we’ll have Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san continue their current training for a bit."
"Right. Those two need to solidify their foundations before they start worrying about anything else."
"It's better for them to build a solid base now, even if it feels tedious. It’ll save them in the long run."
Since they had experienced actual combat, the two of them likely understood the necessity of these basics more than before, so it should be fine.
More importantly, though...
"Ugh, moving with this much weight is so hard once the center of gravity shifts."
"I know. If you strap it down tight, it doesn't shift as much, but then it's harder to move your body..."
Further off, Mika and Saori-chan were repeating mock battles while weighed down by various packs and gear.
This was training born from yesterday's reflection, where they had struggled to stay balanced while fighting with bags full of drop items.
"Maybe it's just safer to ditch the heavy bags before a fight starts..."
"Yeah. Maybe keep light things like Core Crystals and magic items in a backpack, and put the heavy stuff like meat in a shoulder bag we can drop instantly."
"Good idea. Even if we have to abandon some drops in an emergency, I want to at least save the high-value rare drops. I hate the idea of losing money."
"Exactly. Getting hurt and ending up in the red is the worst-case scenario."
Mika and Saori-chan spoke with grave expressions, making the hard decision to prioritize safety above all else.
In situations like being surrounded, being able to make those "cut-loss" decisions without hesitation is vital. There’s no point in clinging to a few hundred thousand yen worth of drops if it ends up costing you over a million in recovery potions.
"Mika and Saori-chan look like they’ve got their heads on straight. I was worried they might get reckless after yesterday’s big haul, but it seems they won’t be doing anything foolhardy."
"They're reflecting on their mistakes and thinking things through. They'll be fine. Even if they push themselves, they won't be reckless."
"Yes, they're both focused on keeping their feet on the ground. They’ll be okay."
Seeing how sensible Mika and Saori-chan were being about their approach to the dungeon, I let out a small breath of relief.
It’s not uncommon for explorers to be blinded by the promise of high-value rare drops, only to end up with severe injuries or PTSD.
"Good. As long as they don't let greed get the better of them, that's what matters."
With all four girls seemingly on the right track, I could finally relax a little.
Over the following days, we kept up our usual routine after the girls' first dungeon trip, while also preparing for the weekend’s year-end party.
As I’d suspected, none of the four girls had anything that could pass for casual formal, so Hiiragi-san took charge of a group shopping trip. Naturally, since Yuji already owned suitable attire, he didn't attend.
"Onii-chan, is this restaurant Yuji-san picked really the kind of place where you need clothes like this?"
Mika looked around at the racks of clothes we normally never touched, her expression full of mounting anxiety.
"Unfortunately, yes. If you don't want to be embarrassed once we get there, it’s best to be prepared."
The four of them had been purely excited when the party was first announced, but as the preparations moved forward, the reality was starting to sink in.
The faces they’d made when they found out the price of the omakase course were—as rude as it is to say—hilarious in hindsight.
"...So it really is that kind of place."
"...The meal alone costs a fortune."
"...Uugh."
Mika and the others were looking slightly pale now, clearly wondering if they hadn't gotten themselves into something way over their heads.
Well, there was no backing out now. We just had to treat it as an experience and forge ahead.
"Look, regardless of the venue, it’s a private room and a party for just us. You don't need to be that nervous."
"Exactly. Don't worry about the location; just think of it as a nice dinner. That should take some of the pressure off, right?"
"It’s not that easy to just 'not worry'!"
"Exactly!"
I suppose so, but there was nothing for it but to resolve themselves. Even Yuji was clearly fired up about it, since he was the one who had made the recommendation.
"Let's just pick something and get it over with. Not that I have any idea what I’m supposed to be buying..."
In the end, since none of us had a clue how to coordinate an outfit, we gave the clerk our budget and the occasion, then bought entire sets based on their advice.
The results were certainly better than anything we amateurs could have put together ourselves.
A year-end party where we might be too nervous to even taste the food... man, I was starting to dread this.