Ch. 156 - To the High-Class Restaurant

Winter Valley, a special city that houses Fiddiq Academy and was jointly funded by the six great nations.

It is a special autonomous territory that draws attention not only from nobles and merchant guilds of various countries but also from scoundrels who seek to profit illegally in the shadows. As a result, the atmosphere within the city is unique, and even its eateries and daily goods shops are diverse and popular among tourists.

Rare races such as elves, beastfolk, and dwarves can be found here, and many merchants gather seeking business opportunities. This dynamic creates a vitality unseen in other nations and fosters a positive economic cycle.

In such a prosperous and diverse Winter Valley, there is a restaurant famous as the most highly regarded high-class dining establishment.

The restaurant is named Dalmore. It is a creative cuisine-focused restaurant run by a proprietor who came alone to Winter Valley from the Cote Highland Federation. Originally, the Cote Highland Federation is a nation formed by the union of small countries, so its upper echelons lack unity, and politics move slowly. However, precisely because it is a country encompassing various cultures, commerce and cuisine have flourished significantly.

Leveraging his culinary skills and knowledge, the proprietor cultivated Dalmore into Winter Valley's premier restaurant. Of course, becoming famous as a renowned establishment isn't solely due to the food. The proprietor's dedication also extends to the space in which the dining experience takes place.

From the walls and pillars to the floor, ceiling, window frame decorations, and even the baseboards, the proprietor meticulously built the restaurant with great care.

Despite having such prior information, Aoi felt a slight sense of wonder the moment she entered the restaurant. The brick-style walls, dark wood used for pillars and beams, and floors made of marble-like beautiful stone. Not just the color scheme, but even the lighting was carefully considered. For the first time since coming to this world, she saw a restaurant with indirect lighting on the floors and ceilings.

Not too flashy, yet not plain either—it was just the right atmosphere. Immediately upon entering, there was a reception-like space, and turning down the hallway led to a hall with evenly spaced seating. With its calm atmosphere and ample space, it seemed perfect for leisurely conversation.

Or so she thought, but it appeared we were being led to a private room instead. How unfortunate.

Students happily taking seats in the hall. Ayle, Liz, Bell, and Shenley sat at one table, while Rox and Cote sat at separate tables. Incidentally, Dean shared a table with Cote.

Watching them with a hint of envy, we were led further inside by a waiter. Proceeding down the hallway, we reached a staircase and ascended to the second floor. Continuing down another hallway, we stood before a large door at the end.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable."

Saying this, the waiter opened the door, revealing an extravagantly luxurious room. It was so flashy that one might hesitate to even call it "extravagantly luxurious" outright.

The wall decorations, lighting, and window frames were all gold, and even the ceiling was adorned with a beautiful painting. It was indeed overly flashy, and for dining, the earlier hall seemed far more preferable. However, Ramsay let out an admiring sigh as he looked around the room.

"Wow! It's like the royal castle's guest room!"

"What a beautiful room."

Ramsay and Fiol, in high spirits, lightly inspected the room. Seeing this, the waiter nodded proudly.

"This room was crafted by a famous castle carpenter. Nobles are quite accustomed to luxurious rooms, so we designed it to appeal even to those of high status."

As the waiter explained, Ramsay and the others nodded understandingly. Tilting my head slightly, I looked around the room again. It was undoubtedly a magnificent and impressive room, but I still preferred the earlier hall.

After the waiter left, I sat down with a hint of disappointment. Then, Ramsay and the others, having taken their seats, looked at me.

"Did something happen?"

Ramsay asked curiously, so I voiced what had been on my mind.

"I liked the first room better, though..."

As I murmured this, Fiol narrowed his eyes with an expression as if she'd seen something interesting.

"The first room we entered from the entrance? This room is far more high-class in its construction."

Asked by Fiol, I felt it might be somewhat rude but opened my mouth anyway.

"It's a personal impression. This room has wonderful decorations and even paintings, but it feels unsettling for a meal. In contrast, the first room seemed to place great importance on harmony. Not just the walls and pillars, but even the way the lighting was cast felt like it was considered part of the room. It felt as if the entire room was like a single painting. It had a calm atmosphere yet showed a playful touch, making it seem like a very enjoyable place to dine... something like that."

I honestly shared my thoughts. Then, Felter snorted a laugh, showing agreement.

"Hmph. Indeed, the earlier room seems more suitable for a leisurely meal than this one."

As Felter replied, Ramsay crossed his arms and nodded several times.

"Oh ho? Now that you mention it and I look around the room, it does seem a bit too flashy. Well, as long as the food is delicious, anything's fine."

Saying this, Ramsay laughed heartily. Smiling at the sight, Fiol looked at me.

"Atmosphere is important for ladies too, you know? Still, judging by your usual demeanor and attitude toward us, I had a feeling, but might you be from a major noble family somewhere? It's not easy to remain unswayed by such lavish, expensive things and confidently express your own impressions to nobles."

Fiol spoke with conviction, as if she'd become a famous detective. Tilting my head at this, I voiced a denial.

"No, I grew up in the mountains. I lived alone with an elf magician who severed almost all contact with the outside world, like a hermit."

Answering with a wry smile, Fiol widened her eyes and placed a hand over her mouth.

"My, how unexpected. I assumed you had received a high-level education... In that case, that elf must be a very noble person. I would love to meet them someday."

Fiol continued happily. It seemed she was secretly gathering information. From her previous attitude and demeanor, I hadn't sensed any such intention at all. Well, it's not like I'm hiding anything, so it's fine.

"I wonder. That person is both my guardian and my master, but I've never really sensed a noble air about them."

"May I ask for their name?"

"Owen Millers."

Upon my reply, Fiol glanced briefly at Ramsay. However, Ramsay wore a puzzled expression. Lightly sighing at this, Fiol turned back to me.

"...My apologies. That was presumptuous..."

"Not at all, I truly don't mind. I doubt he particularly wishes to be known by others either."

As we conversed, the waiter returned with two waitresses in tow. There was a faintly reddish fruit juice, meat dishes, and soup. It seemed like main dishes were brought out from the start. Was this Ramsay's order?

"We will bring new dishes at set intervals. During that time, no one will be stationed around this room. Please, enjoy your conversation at leisure."

"Thank you."

Replying to the waiter, he bowed deeply and left.

"...I think I understand a little why this restaurant became famous as a high-class dining establishment. Now, shall we get to the main topic?"

Saying this with a wry smile, Felter exhaled with a disinterested air.

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