I’m an Appraiser, But What the Heck is a [Divine Eye]? ~I Want to Live Freely as the World’s Best Beginner Class~ - Episode 203: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 5

Episode 203: Hot Springs, Hospitality, and Trouble 5  

I practically dragged Mamiyu and Yaka-san to Alicia’s room.  

While Alicia kindly said it was fine since it was a reunion with friends, I had to teach them—especially Mamiya—the importance of following proper procedures. After all…  

“We’ve finished our greetings! Now, Maki, let’s head straight to the kitchenware!”  

“Shut it! Why do you only ever talk about kitchenware?!”  

“…Huh? Isn’t that normal?”  

“No, it’s not!”  

At first, Alicia was taken aback, watching my back-and-forth with Mamiyu. But her expression soon softened into one that seemed amused, as if she found the scene endearing.  

…No, let me make it clear. It’s not like Mamiyu and I are close friends or anything. His only focus here is the kitchenware.  

“You may go, Maki-san.” 

“See! Even the lord is giving her blessing!”  

“You…! Hah. Fine, fine!”  

“Woohoo! Then, My Lady, I’ll make sure you’re delighted with lunch today~!”  

“Hey, use proper honorifics!”  

(Note: While Mamiyu calls Alicia with a formal title, the end of the sentence in the raw uses an informal tone.)

“Th-thank you very much, Mamiyu-san!”  

…Ah, right. Alicia was excited to taste Mamiya’s cooking, being an ‘advanced-class’ Chef.  

In hindsight, maybe I didn’t need to insist on them greeting her in the first place.  

“Ah! Then, in that case, I’ll prepare the dessert, My Lady!” 

“Really? Thank you, Yaka-san!”  

I could forgive Yaka-san. After all, her offer was genuinely thoughtful and considerate toward Alicia.  

“Hey, Maki. Isn’t there a clear difference in how you treat me and Sumire?”  

“Huh? Of course there is.”  

“Whoa, you’re not even hiding it!”  

“Because your attitude is awful!”  

“Is it? Well, whatever! Let’s go already!”  

And so, leaving behind a delighted Alicia, we headed to the kitchen.  

The moment we arrived at the kitchen, Mamiyu’s excitement shot through the roof.  

“Whoa-o-o-o-o-o!! This is incredible! You can adjust the flame on the stove! There’s even a microwave and a blender!”  

“It *is* amazing, Mamiya-kun! I’m so glad I came here!”  

“Me too! All right, with this setup, I can give my absolute best in the kitchen!”  

Mamiyu and Yaka-san began rolling up their sleeves enthusiastically.  

I’d expected Mamiyu’s reaction, but I hadn’t thought Yaka-san would mirror his excitement.  

As cooking enthusiasts, they might’ve been dissatisfied with the cooking tools available here up until now.  

“If there’s anything I can help with, let me know.”  

“Even Sensei’s pitching in!”  

“Is that okay, Sensei?”  

“If it’s something simple, I think I can help.”  

“Awesome! Let’s go all out with this meal!”  

“Going all out,” huh? Whatever that means.  

I held back the urge to comment and left the three of them to their preparations while the rest of us moved to the dining hall.  

Seeing Madoka and the others getting excited about the upcoming meal made me wonder if I’d been the only one taking things too seriously.  

……..No, that’s definitely not it. The weird ones are Alicia and Madoka’s group, not me.  

“…Sigh. Somehow, this is all so exhausting.”  

No one heard me. Instead, I found myself listening to the lively voices of the three back in the kitchen.  

“….Well, as long as they’re having fun, I guess it’s fine.”  

And so, convincing myself that this level of hassle was tolerable, I refocused on looking forward to the lunch ahead.