"We've arrived. This is the Working People's Ally. It's a budget-friendly diner that’s actually quite tasty. I happen to be the owner, but... well, please, come inside."
Reaching our destination, I stepped through the wide-open entrance.
"Welcome! Oh, it's the Owner. What's with the getup?"
"Manager-san. The clothes are for a separate matter. More importantly, I'm here as a customer today. I’ve run into some acquaintances and we've decided to have a meal together. There are four of us, but one of them eats enough for ten people—and I'm not even joking. Do you have two adjacent tables available?"
"We only have one free table right now. The lunch rush has died down, so a spot should open up soon, but I can't guarantee they'll be side-by-side. If you're in a hurry, I could ask the customer next to the empty seat to share?"
The manager greeted me with a boisterous voice from the open kitchen. He glanced toward the back of the shop and pointed out a seat. It was past peak hours, but the place was still packed, mostly with manual laborers.
Scanning the noisy room, I spotted a familiar face. A staff member was currently clearing half of the table next to an empty seat; it looked like someone had been sharing it until just a moment ago. Now, a single man sat alone at the four-person table.
Since it was convenient, I went to ask him myself. As I approached, he noticed me.
"Hello, Jasper-san. If you don't mind, could we share the table? I'm with some friends."
"Takebayashi-sama! Of course, please, help yourself."
Jasper-san, the newspaper reporter, gave a friendly smile and a nod. I turned to wave the others over, but the moment they stepped into view, Jasper-san suddenly started choking.
"A-Are you—"
"I'd appreciate it if you kept your voice down," Siber said, stepping forward and raising a hand to restrain him.
"!"
Jasper-san's eyes were glued to the three of them. I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised; he was from the Royal Capital, after all. Because Siber had acted quickly, Jasper managed to swallow his shout, but he looked like he might have screamed if Siber had been a second slower.
Glen-san took over a four-person table for himself, while Siber-san, Big Sis Remily, and I joined Jasper-san at his. Jasper straightened his posture immediately, looking remarkably stiff.
"My apologies. I never expected to meet such illustrious figures here, let alone all three at once."
"Oh? You recognize me as well? I didn't think my face was quite as famous as these two," Remily remarked playfully.
"Big Sis Remily, this is Jasper-san. He's a newspaper reporter from the Royal Capital."
"I have seen all three of you several times from a distance, both in my professional capacity and as a commoner living in the Capital."
Jasper-san nodded toward me, sweat already beading on his brow. He seemed completely overwhelmed by the sudden encounter with such celebrities, but there was one man present who didn't care in the slightest.
"Forget that, let's order. What's good here?" Glen barked.
"My personal recommendations are the Sprint Rabbit Nikujaga and the Stir-fry of Goblin Grass, Egg, and Tofu. Though, looking at the menu, it seems some new items have appeared while I was away. I wonder what this 'Crowing Bird Gorigori-age' is."
"That dish just started this week, and it’s excellent," Jasper-san offered. "The crunch is incredible—my jaw actually started to ache after a while—but the more you chew, the more the flavor comes out."
"Hoh... Jasper-san, do you come here often?"
"I've been having lunch here almost every day lately. I was a bit taken aback by the ingredients at first, but the flavor is delicious. Most importantly, it’s cheap and the portions are huge. For someone like me on a solo assignment who has to spend a lot on interviews, it’s a lifesaver."
I was the one who had suggested he come here originally, but as the owner, it made me happy to hear such high praise. Since he had become a regular, he seemed more up-to-date on the specials than I was. I took his advice and ordered a round of recommendations for the table along with sharing plates. With Glen-san here, I knew nothing would go to waste.
"—I'll start with five servings of everything. We'll likely be ordering more later."
"Understood!"
The waiter seemed a bit stunned by the massive order, but he didn't protest. He shot a quick, curious glance at my formal attire before scurrying off toward the kitchen.
"...Do these clothes really stand out that much?"
"In this shop? Absolutely," Remily said. "Besides, if you stay in those, you're going to get grease and cooking smells all over them."
"Actually, why the hell are you dressed like that anyway?" Glen asked.
"I was attending a gathering of major shop owners as a merchant. I had just gotten back when that whole mess started."
Remily’s point was a good one, so I decided to change before the food arrived. Space Magic really is a blessing at times like this.
I slipped into my Dimension Home, changed into my everyday clothes, and stepped back out. Several dishes had already arrived, and Glen-san was already deep into his meal. Meanwhile, Jasper-san and the other two seemed to be hit it off.
I took my seat and prepared to dig in. The food at the gathering had been world-class, but honestly, I hadn't felt like I'd actually eaten anything. Maybe I’ll get used to those events one day, but that day felt a long way off...
"Sorry to keep you waiting," the waiter said, dropping off more plates.
"Ooh, the volume here is great. Food always tastes better when it’s piled high. Expensive meals are fine and all, but I’ve never had much of a stomach for tiny portions served on little plates," Glen grumbled happily.
"I had a feeling you'd like this place, Glen-san. By the way, what were you all talking about?"
"Just a brief explanation of how we ended up in Gimul and the commotion from earlier," Siber replied.
"A reporter's curiosity, you might say," Jasper-san added.
"I see."
It made sense. Since I had mentioned "that commotion" earlier, a reporter like Jasper-san was bound to be intrigued.
"Come to think of it, I wanted to ask Siber-san something."
"About Casbal? We weren't close enough to be called acquaintances, but I knew of him. Mostly through his father; we had a fair amount of contact as fellow nobles."
"Is that so? Then, regarding what happens next..."
"There's no need to worry. To be honest, his father is the kind of man I'd rather avoid, but he’s far more reasonable than Casbal. The truth is, Casbal was so incompetent that even his parents had essentially washed their hands of him. His position as the lord's son was little more than a facade to keep up appearances. It was effectively a deal: 'We'll give you an allowance to play with, so just stay in the territory and don't cause trouble.'"
"Ah, so he really was that much of a disaster..."
"Indeed. I heard rumors of his behavior and even cautioned his father once, but it seems he never changed. Now that he's attempted a blatant fraud against someone under the protection of the Ducal House, there's no way his family can shield him. They might try to negotiate to minimize the damage to the house, but they'll likely admit to Casbal's crimes without much fuss... Actually, knowing his father's personality, he’ll probably cut the boy off immediately to save his own skin. Either way, it won't result in any lasting trouble for you. I will also be acting as a witness."
"Then I can rest easy. Still, I can't help but wonder why he thought such an obvious scam would work... He didn't do it knowing it would fail, did he?"
When I voiced my doubt, Remily gave a wry little smile.
"He probably figured he had nothing to lose and a fortune to gain if it worked."
"Isn't the risk far too high for a gamble like that?"
"Ordinarily, yes. But remember his opening line? He said he was only there to help a couple looking for their missing son. That was likely just a convenient excuse, but think about it: what if he hadn't let his greed show? What if he hadn't harassed your staff or pushed so hard against you, and had simply backed down gracefully once you called him on it? If he’d just said it was all a misunderstanding, do you think Ryoma-chan would have been in the mood to demand the couple be arrested and severely punished?"
I considered it for a moment, but the answer was obvious.
"No, I wouldn't. The couple's story felt genuine. Casbal was a nuisance, but if they were being dragged into it..."
"Exactly. That man was trying to exploit your nature. It's common knowledge what kind of child Ryoma-chan is. He likely figured that even if he failed, he'd get off with a stern warning and some private discipline, avoiding any fatal blow to his noble status. His parents were soft enough to give him a title and an allowance to do as he pleased, so if he’d just backed down, his father would have used that 'misunderstanding' to protect the family name, spinning it as his son being a fool but having no ill intent. It was a half-baked plan, and he ruined his own safety nets with his greed, but it seems he wracked his brains as best as he could."
"Hmm... I suppose I can see how he might have thought he could avoid a fatal blow. But still, the risk is so high, and it didn't seem likely to succeed at all."
"I agree that it was a very convenient interpretation of reality," Remily said. "But people who can actually weigh risks and consider failure don't usually try these things in the first place. There are plenty of people out there who do things that make you wonder 'Why?' from a common-sense perspective, aren't there?"
Well, I couldn't argue with that. However, her comment about my reputation being "common knowledge" caught my attention.
"The planning and execution are one thing... but is my personality really that well-known?"
"Isn't it a bit late to be asking that?" Remily teased. "Everything Ryoma-chan has done has drawn the eyes of the nobility. At the very least, the basic outline of your character and how you handle things has spread far and wide."
"It seems the stories were beginning to spread among the commoners even before we left the Royal Capital," Siber added. "A young technician for the Ducal House who made a massive contribution during the troubles at the end of last year. A merchant with the talent to amass a fortune through innovative products, yet one who lives a modest life and pours his wealth unhesitatingly into helping those around him and the less fortunate. They say you are like a paragon of the clergy—a Saint."
"Ehh... Isn't that a bit too beautified? It's so exaggerated I don't even know who they're talking about anymore."
"Rumors tend to grow their own wings, but it's not entirely groundless. If someone only hears of your achievements and connects the dots, that's the picture they get."
"Regardless of what Ryoma-chan thinks, what you're actually doing isn't that far off from the rumors," Remily noted.
"I have to agree," Jasper-san chimed in.
As I was processing that, Jasper-san continued.
"I investigated your reputation in the Royal Capital before coming here, and I've continued my interviews since arriving. While there are more people with personal connections to you here, the consensus remains the same. Also, from what I have seen myself... for example, the clientele of this shop. I only learned this after I started coming here, but children from the Slums eat here too, don't they?"
"The kids from the Children's Home come here often. The portions are large even for adults, so they can share a single meal among several children. Since it's relatively cheap, they can pay for it with what they earn from their side jobs."
"One sees orphans in the Royal Capital as well, but they never have the bright expressions I see on the children here. It's fair to say that this shop—and by extension, Takebayashi-sama—supports their smiles with warm, nutritious food."
...That was hard to deny. In addition to the low prices, I also provided work at the waste processing plant. If the older children work there, they can earn enough to feed themselves and the younger ones who can't work yet. It was a fact that the nutritional health of the children in the slums had improved.
It was a fact, but I was still taking their money, and it was money they had earned through their own labor. It didn't feel right to be treated like a Saint for it.
Feeling a sudden, awkward tension, I reached for a nearby plate to change the subject.
"Ah, it's hard!"
I had absentmindedly bitten into the Gorigori-age, and the crunch was so intense it snapped me right out of my thoughts. It wasn't so tough that I couldn't bite through it, but as Jasper had warned, the flavor really did bloom the more I chewed. So this is what Crowing Bird tastes like.
Incidentally, the Crowing Bird is a sparrow-sized bird that builds nests in underground burrows. They’re common enough, but they’ve evolved hard, tough bodies to handle the friction of diving into their tunnels. Between that and having very little meat, they're usually considered unsuitable for eating.
However, the batter on this Gorigori-age was so thick and crunchy that the toughness of the meat wasn't an issue. If anything, the texture was quite satisfying.
"Ryoma, get me another plate of this fried stuff! And do you have any booze?"
"We don't sell it in the shop, but you're allowed to bring your own, so I'll share some of my private stock. Is Shirozake alright?"
"Yeah, that'll do!"
I pulled a box of Shirozake bottles from my Item Box and set it on the empty seat. Glen-san grabbed a bottle and began to drink with gusto.
"That reminds me, Glen-san. I heard you were thinking of moving your base of operations."
I posed the question as he finished a bottle in a single go. He answered without hesitation.
"I don't have a specific reason."
"Eh? I heard you were frustrated by the Sea of Trees materials, or that you had a falling out with the Commerce Guild. Was that not it?"
"...Now that you mention it, I did rough up a few people. As for that guy from the Commerce Guild, he backed down easily enough when I refused his request, then started running his mouth the moment he was out of the room. I just told him to say it to my face."
"It sounds like the Guild in the Capital is in a complete panic. They nearly asked me—someone they don't even know—to mediate. I turned them down, obviously."
Glen-san’s face soured at the mention of it.
"Just leave 'em be. Those guys are always plotting in the shadows. If there’s one reason I left the Capital, it’s that. Sure, there were noble errand boys constantly badgering me, and maybe more than usual lately, but those types are everywhere. It’s the ones moving behind the scenes to force my hand that really irritate me. The Capital was convenient for getting what I wanted, but it’s not like I’m attached to it. If I find a better place, I’m always ready to move."
So the deciding factor was the Sea of Trees material incident, but the root cause was a long-simmering accumulation of frustration. And he just happened to come to Gimul because of the retort pouch food.
...Honestly, even if I hadn't been here, I suspect Glen-san would have vanished from the Capital sooner or later.
"What are your plans now?"
"Nothing’s set in stone. I'm satisfied with the food here, and I want to buy those preserved rations, so I'll be in town for a while. I’ll decide whether to stay permanently after that. While we’re at it, tell me where I can find a decent place to stay and a shop to get my equipment sorted. I don't care about the price."
"Sorry for the wait, more Gorigori-age!"
"And get me some soup and bread too!"
"Coming right up!"
Glen-san turned back to the fresh plates, pairing them with his drink.
"Ryoma-chan, we'd also like you to recommend some shops for lodging and equipment," Remily said. "The lodging is especially important."
"I intend to get a house in this city eventually, but choosing a proper home takes time," Siber added. "I have the savings, but I'd hate to be saddled with a subpar property."
"In that case, I know someone who knows everything there is to know about both lodging and real estate."
Dominic-san, who had been at the gathering. If I consulted him, he could arrange lodging immediately. He also ran a real estate business, so he’d be the perfect person to ask about a house.
"As for equipment, I can introduce you to two people."
There was Balor-san, who had also been at the gathering, and Darson Digger, who I’ve been visiting for a long time. The former deals mostly in ready-made goods for a wide audience but has a massive network and very few duds. The latter is a local expert with deep ties to individual craftsmen, perfect for detailed, custom orders.
Between those two, they should be able to handle just about anything.
The only question was where Balor-san was currently. Dominic-san and Darson were here in Gimul, but Balor usually operated out of other cities. He’d gone to great lengths to attend today’s gathering; I wondered if he was still in town. I had his contact info, but meeting in person would be better.
If we went back to the restaurant where the gathering was held, Dominic-san might still be there, and he might know where Balor went. I asked the three of them if they’d be alright with heading to Dominic-san’s first.
"No problem."
"Shall we head over once we're done here?"
"Right! Just give me a minute!"
And so, we focused more on eating than talking. With one person eating at a pace that would rival a professional food fighter, it didn't take long for the table to be cleared.
"Thanks for coming!"
Sent off by the manager-san, the four of us stepped out into the street.
"Jasper-san, are you heading back to work?"
"Yes, interviews until evening. After that, I have a meeting with my supervisor. Today is the day I find out if that article I mentioned before gets the green light for publication."
I had only meant it as casual small talk, but it turned out to be quite an important day for him.
"You seem very composed about it."
"It's not as if this is my only chance, and I've been through this process many times. My work up until today is what’s being judged. There’s no point in panicking now; I’ve made my peace with it."
"It's a cliché, I know, but I hope it goes well. I'm rooting for you!"
"Thank you. Takebayashi-sama, and you three as well—have a pleasant day."
With that, Jasper-san departed.
"Well then, shall we get going?"
"Before that, would you mind letting us use your Dimension Home? If we're going to a high-end restaurant, we might look a bit... out of place like this," Remily suggested.
"Ah, good point."
"A lodging house wouldn't mind, but for a fine dining establishment, it's best to shed our traveling gear," Siber agreed.
So, after a quick stop inside my space magic to tidy our appearances, we set off for the restaurant once again.