Chapter 93

In the large hall, there were already quite a few explorers, transferring various dishes from the tables to their plates and enjoying them. The dishes were a mix of Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, each sectioned off, waiting for the hungry crowd.

Wow, this is getting me hyped! My mouth is watering uncontrollably!

As I was getting excited, Ms. Mochizuki smiled at me.

"Mr. Kōhei, please take a seat. I'll get the food for you."

"Huh? No, no, I'll go get it myself. Don't take away my fun."

"But... look at that line?"

She pointed to the crowd queuing up for the food. Oh, what a spectacular line. It's really crowded.

It seemed that all corners were busy, but in terms of proportion, the international cuisine—Turkish, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai—seemed to be the main attraction, slightly more popular.

I understand. Dishes you rarely see can spark curiosity.

For example, compared to soba, hamburgers, and dumplings, it's not often you see kebabs, tacos, spring rolls, or banh mi in everyday life.

It makes sense to want to try flavors you don't often get the chance to taste.

"Let's go together, Ms. Mochizuki. I don't want to be a burden to an older sister."

"...Alright. I deeply appreciate your consideration."

"You're being too dramatic..."

I managed to persuade Ms. Mochizuki, who was about to bring the food for me. Her kindness is appreciated, but does she want to treat me like a freeloader?

She seems to have a tendency to spoil me, which is different from the fanaticism of Ms. Kanae. What do I mean by fanaticism? I'm taken aback by my own word choice.

Anyway, we joined the queue together. Holding trays, I giggled, thinking about all the dishes waiting for me. It feels like we're at a theme park. While waiting, I chatted with Ms. Mochizuki to pass the time.

"By the way, Ms. Mochizuki, are you going to act with those men from earlier today?"

"Oh, no. They just suddenly appeared, what you might call a pickup. The people I'm with are... oh, there they are. Over there."

Following her gaze, I saw a group of women. There were three of them, chatting and eating together. Oh, they noticed us. They were waving at Ms. Mochizuki with bright smiles.

She smiled back and continued.

"One tour participant and two explorers from their team. Things tend to get complicated when men are involved, so I generally prefer to work with women."

"Ms. Mochizuki, you're popular, huh."

"Being pursued just for my looks is only troublesome for me."

She muttered with a hint of bitterness. Ah, it seems she has quite a lot of trouble. Being beautiful but constantly exposed to people's desires must be difficult.

Oh, we've reached the food. We're at the Western cuisine corner. Hehe, hamburgers! Oh, scrambled eggs! Oh, sausages! I added some chicken steak and didn't forget the vegetables.

I loaded up a variety of dishes, focusing on meat and adding a salad. Considering the space on the plates and trays, this kind of situation really tests your sense.

For now, this should do. I felt satisfied with the plates of food that filled the tray. If I'm curious about any dishes I didn't take this time, I can always come back since there's plenty of time.

Ms. Mochizuki, who was next to me, was mainly going for salad but also seemed to be eating some meat. Explorers tend to do a lot of physical work.

"Let's go, then."

"Okay."

On our way back to our seats, I greeted the female explorers Ms. Mochizuki was working with. Actually, since we're here, why don't we eat together, Ms. Mochizuki?

When I asked, I got an unexpected answer.

"Since this is a good opportunity, I've been encouraged to take care of Mr. Kōhei. After I introduced myself and told the story of how Mr. Kōhei saved me, they've been supporting me ever since."

"......So, that's how it is."

"Yes! Of course, Mr. Kōhei is everyone's savior, and it wouldn't be right for me to monopolize him. However, I don't intend to lose to Ms. Kōdō or Mr. Kōhei's classmate, Mr. Sayama! I'll do my best as a devoted follower!"

"Ah, thank you... Please take care of yourself first."

That was all I could say to Ms. Mochizuki, who said something unbelievable with a smile.

What do you mean by follower? What do you mean by taking care of me?

I'm starting to seriously not understand where you're going with this.

"Go, Mochizuki!"

"Savior, if you make that kid cry, I won't forgive you!"

"Defeat Kōdō Kanae! The enemy is strong, but you can't lose, Yū-chan!"

I could even hear the enthusiastic support from Ms. Mochizuki's friends. It's appreciated and makes me happy, but their deep-seated faith is making me feel a bit lost.

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