Chapter 246.2. School Cafeteria

“Ah, I’ll have the plain udon, so I’m good.”
Surrounded by girls, Masatoshi’s face twitches as he selects a modest menu option. He plans to eat quickly and escape.
However, the girls seem to understand that too. They form a solid scrum, preventing his getaway.
Despite their appearances as young ladies, these girls could play American football.
The boys offer prayers and appear sympathetic. Even though they also envied, and gave him stern glances.
It seems people see him as sheep surrounded by jackals.
Even though her sweetheart is in a predicament, when I looked around, Seina was having a meal with Shin. Hmm, is the original story bias in play here…?
No, she’s eating a super-sized katsudon, so it’s highly likely she’s subtly provoking Shin. I have a feeling this is a bet involving Masatoshi and the katsudon.
Though, she could go for the katsudon. She’s the brave Saints who eat a 3 person serving super-sized katsudon. Surprisingly, she might even finish it.
Perhaps it’s due to God’s Spice, an all-purpose seasoning I made with Cooking IV. I made a bulk delivery so the store wouldn’t run out.
Upon closer inspection, everyone is ordering the super-sized options and eating with gusto. It should be okay, as the spice will probably last about a month.
I should still consider some diet dishes, just in case.
Regardless, I’d like to know if Masatoahi is the one who killed me in my previous life. It’s still just an estimation. I need to be careful since it appears that Sena has feelings for him.
He seems like the type to accidentally reveal his weaknesses without even trying.
Oh well. Maybe I should just ignore it.
“Welcome, Countess Takano. Thank you for dining with us today.”
The staff member bows and greets me. Yeah, maybe I went a bit overboard. I don’t think any school novel had cafeteria staff welcoming customers.
“Even with all this, are you still in the black?”
“Yeah, the 2nd floor and up are reserved for our upscale restaurant!”
I was worried it might be slightly in the red, so the 2nd floor and up are separated with an aerial corridor and are open to outside customers. Half of it operates as a real restaurant.
Of course, the security is top-notch. The gate connecting to the academy is even more secure than the main gate.
“Only Em-chan would combine a cafeteria and a restaurant~. I was so surprised the first time I saw it~.”
Tamao laughs amusedly her tail wagging.
“Thanks to cafeteria subsidies, the prices are lower than the market rate, and it’s incredibly delicious. Plus, security is much tighter than at other restaurants, so reservations are always fully booked!”
This restaurant-cum-cafeteria is operated by Takano Restaurant out of goodwill. It was prepared for all the students.
“Well then, let’s head to the VIP room on the third floor~!”
“Oh~!”
Calling out to everyone, we gather in front of the elevator.
“There’s even my private kitchen on the 3rd floor. I’ll whip up something simple too!”
Cooking II dishes should be no problem, Mii-chan smiles sweetly.
“Wait right there, Countess Takano!”
As the elevator doors opened and I moved to step inside, I was called out to and turned around.
“May I have a moment to talk with you?”
“Oh, Elizabeth-san, hello. What’s up?”
Standing before me was the old-fashioned, golden-haired, drill-haired Menou Elizabeth. She had a visible sense of caution, her dog ears stood up, and her tail puffed up. 
With a growl and her fangs peeking out from the corner of her mouth, Elizabeth gave me a sharp glare.
“Where can I buy the Hornbear Cow Jerky you have?”
“Oh, this? You mean the Hornbear Cow Jerky?”
So she wanted the Hornbear Cow Jerky. It gives a 20% increase in strength, so I always have a large quantity of it. 
I quickly took it out of my item box and handed it over.
“This is it! I couldn’t find it in any store! Please, may I have it?”
“Huh? Was it really that delicious? Isn’t it a bit too salty and tough?”
“That taste is just right for me!”
“I see…”
As I shook the jerky back and forth in my hand, Elizabeth’s head moved in sync with the motion. She seemed like a cute pet dog in some way.
Maybe the toughness would be just right for a wolf’s biting strength. It makes sense.
“I’ll give you a bag. It has 12 pieces inside.”
“Thank you! Woof!”
Elizabeth jumped at me with a cry of joy. I handed her the bag, and she happily accepted it.
Then, as if drawing a holy sword, she delicately pulled out one piece of jerky and began to eat it.
That’s good, that’s good. With that done, I turned to get on the elevator, but she grabbed my hem.
“Is there something else you need?”
“Yes, there’s a little something I’d like to discuss. It’s good news for you as well.”
Elizabeth tried to give off a suspicious atmosphere, but she was too busy munching on the jerky, so the tension was somewhat lacking. 
Well, whatever. People say danger and traps can also be business opportunities. I’ll listen to what she has to say.