Published: August 2, 2025
Today, four chapters are posted simultaneously.
This story is the second of those chapters.
Eventually, when the Duke's household arrived, Ryoma guided the total of 29 invited guests further inside.
"From here on, it's employee-only. Customers are basically prohibited from entering. This includes the employees' changing rooms, reception room, office, break room for employees, restrooms, and also the kitchenette," Ryoma explained.
"Mind if we take a quick look around inside?"
"Sure, go ahead."
Following Ryoma, the 29 people toured each room. Ryoma thought to himself that they resembled tourists on a bus tour from his previous life. After finally guiding everyone to the employees' break room, he went off to finish up the cooking, while the others waited in the break room.
By the way, as they departed, Ryoma finally realized that he had done something quite unconventional—inviting high-ranking people like those from the Duke's household to a private gathering regardless of their social status.
He had simply organized this gathering as a gesture of thanks to those who had helped him, and also out of a yearning for social connections, which he lacked in his previous life. Seeing the situation, however, he quietly reflected in the kitchen afterward and admitted it was a rather shortsighted decision.
Still, given their personalities and the fact that most of the adventurers present were high-ranking, they didn’t seem to mind as much as Ryoma thought. Some of those waiting chatted calmly despite their nervousness.
About ten minutes later, Wellanna suddenly started fidgeting, looking uneasy.
"Wellanna? What's wrong?"
"There's some incredible aroma coming from somewhere… probably from Ryoma's cooking."
At her words, everyone in the room started paying attention to the smell, but only Wellanna, three other beastmen, and the Dragonewt Asagi noticed it.
"Meow!? Now that you mention it, there’s a really nice smell!" said one.
"Indeed," another agreed.
"I don’t smell a thing," someone else said.
"Maybe it’s a bit too faint for human noses? Only beastmen can tell for now, I guess…"
"No, I can smell it too. Is it meat? Or maybe some fragrant bread? Either way, it smells delicious," a voice declared.
"Come to think of it, Ryoma-kun’s cooking was delicious last time too," someone remarked.
"Is that so, Mr. Reinhardt?"
"Yes, even with limited ingredients, he was quite thoughtful. The sautéed rabbit with ginger root was really good."
"Lord Ryoma has housework skill level 10 at his age; you can expect a lot," another said.
"Level 10 at his age is impressive. Even with skills that level up easily, not many reach that before 40."
Five more minutes passed, and Ryoma returned.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, the food is ready."
"We've been waiting, meow!"
"You're late! You teased us with the smell; do you know how painful that was…?"
"Did you smell it? I put up a deodorizing barrier… maybe it wore off halfway through?"
"Forget that, bring the food!"
"Got it."
"We’ll help!" multiple voices chimed.
Ryoma thanked them and, along with Sebas, Alone, and Lilian, carried the dishes. Meanwhile, the drinks were being delivered by slimes under Ryoma’s orders. The five members from the commercial guild and branch chief Taylor were surprised by how the slimes moved—they were unlike ordinary slimes—and they received explanations from those around them.
Meanwhile, more food and drinks kept coming until everyone had received their share. Ryoma then led the toast.
"Well, thank you all for gathering to celebrate the completion of my shop. There’s nothing extravagant, but plenty of food has been prepared. Please enjoy your meal. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
Everyone drank from their cups at once. Then Gordon let out a loud cheer.
"What is this sake? This is top-notch!"
"It's a celebration, so I splurged a bit."
"What’s it called?"
"The store owner called it Gemisu’s Spring."
At that, Gordon laughed as he looked at the cup.
"Gemisu’s Spring, huh? I’ve heard it’s good sake but never tried it."