“Looks like the meat’s almost ready. Help yourselves and eat as you like. If there’s not enough, we’ll just order more later.”
As we continued chatting casually, the meat cooked, and everyone began helping themselves and eating.
“This is amazing! Eito, this short rib is fantastic!”
“Really? Is it that good?”
I took the short rib Kōya mentioned and gave it a try.
“You’re right—this is delicious.”
Come to think of it, how many years has it been since I last went out for barbecue?
Ever since my parents passed away, there just hadn’t been any opportunity.
During the years I spent holed up by myself, I couldn’t even imagine going out for something like barbecue.
But now, thanks to starting this office and having companions, I can finally enjoy meals like this with others.
The taste of this short rib, shared with everyone, is something I could never have experienced while isolated at home.
“Kageno-san, is something wrong?”
Shiba-san looked at me with concern. Maybe my slightly dark expression gave me away.
“Oh, no. I was just lost in thought. It’s been years since I’ve had barbecue.”
“Wait, really? You haven’t had barbecue for years? At your age?”
Ikezawa-san was clearly surprised. For someone like him, who’d been in a sports club, barbecue was probably a staple for maintaining stamina.
Of course, he had no way of knowing that I’d spent so long shut away from the world.
It might indeed seem strange for a 20-year-old to go years without eating barbecue while living a normal life with family and friends.
“Haha, well, there’s been a lot going on.”
“Yeah, I bet. I mean, a guy who becomes a CEO at such a young age probably has all kinds of stories.”
I wonder what kind of image Ikezawa-san has of me. He should already know, from the treasure chest incident the other day, that my parents are no longer around.
Well, it’s easier to deal with if people don’t tiptoe around me too much.
When my mom and dad passed away, it was a huge shock. I didn’t want to do anything for two whole years and completely shut myself away.
But now, things are different. Working with everyone at this office is fun.
I may not go into dungeons with them as a teammate, but I have a strong desire to grow this office and tackle even more diverse dungeons.
And above all, I don’t want to lose a single one of the people here.
“Kageno-san, the meat’s gone. Can I order more?”
“Oh, yes. Go ahead.”
I handed the tablet to Daigo-san, who selected a few items and placed the order.
“By the way, I don’t hold back when it comes to food.”
“Good, because I’d feel awkward if you did.”
Some people find being treated awkward or uncomfortable, but thankfully, no one here seems like that, which is a relief.
“Well, as a dungeon streamer, you never know when you might die. You don’t know what your last meal will be, so I make it a point to eat what I like when I can.”
Daigo-san ate a piece of meat from his small plate.
“I’m especially careful about meals before heading into a dungeon.”
Being prepared to die at any time, huh?
Of course, it’s not just dungeon streamers—anyone could die at any moment.
There’s that saying from some business guru: live each day so you don’t regret it if you die today, or something like that.
Daigo-san might really embody that philosophy.
“Interesting. What exactly do you do to be careful?”
Kōya was trying to expand on the topic. It wasn’t really a topic that needed to be expanded, though.
“Hmm, well, let’s see. For example, the ultimate choice: On your last day, would you prefer your usual meal or a luxurious meal that you normally can’t afford? There’s no right answer, but which would you choose?”
“Hmm. I think I’d like to try caviar.”
Kōya answered right away.
“I’d go with the B set from my regular diner.”
“I don’t have a strong preference, but if I had to choose, I’d probably stick with my usual meal.”
Ikezawa-san and Shiba-san also gave their answers. Looks like these two are in the ‘usual meal’ camp.
“I see. Well, I think I’d choose something I’m used to eating, something I enjoy. If I try something I don’t usually eat and it turns out to be bad, that’d be a letdown.”
I could understand what Daigo-san was saying. For some, eating the usual meal might be the best way to avoid regret before dying.
“Yeah, but for me, I’ve decided that I’m eating caviar before I die. I’d rather die without doing a lot of things, but not without having caviar. I’m a man who lives for his dreams!”
That’s a very Kōya-like answer. This guy is so caught up in living for his dreams that he became a dungeon streamer, even worrying his family.
“I see. That’s one way of thinking about it. But before diving into a dungeon, I always have the same meal. It’s kind of like my ‘battle meal’.”
A battle meal. I get it. Athletes often have routines before big games, and for Daigo-san, it’s his meal.
“The meal right before is important for motivation. If your motivation drops, your performance will too.”
Impressive. He really sounds like a pro. Well, he is a pro, but I’m realizing that all over again.
“Huh, that’s interesting. So, Daigo-san, what do you eat before going into a dungeon? Caviar?”
Kōya, seriously, drop the caviar talk.
“Beef curry. I don’t know, but it just feels like I perform better when I eat it.”
“Ah, that sounds good. I might try coming up with my own battle meal.”
Ikezawa-san seems into the idea too. I wonder if his performance will improve from this.
I hope this kind of interaction has a positive effect on everyone.
“So, Shiba-san, do you have any pre-dungeon rituals?”
Kōya turned to Shiba-san to ask.
“Ah, well, if anything, I just make sure I get a good night’s sleep. I’ve always loved sleeping.”
They say “sleeping children grow,” so maybe sleep is what gave Shiba-san his tall frame.
“Sleep is important. Are you all getting enough rest?”
I turned to everyone. After all, as the head of the office, it’s my responsibility to make sure everyone’s well-managed.
I can’t afford to let work suffer because people aren’t getting proper sleep.
Worst case, it could be a matter of life or death.
“I make sure to sleep well, just like Shiba.”
“Ah, I might be a little iffy on that. Sometimes I stay up late playing games.”
“Kōya, what are you doing? What’s more important, games or your life?”
“Wait, really?!”
“Kōya, listen, I’m not kidding. If you want to live long in this job, taking care of yourself is just as important as working hard.”
“Okay. If Shiba-san says so, I’ll listen.”
Looks like Kōya won’t argue with Shiba-san, the veteran.
I hope this helps improve his lifestyle habits.
“By the way, Eito, I’m thinking of making my battle meal like Daigo-san’s. Is that okay?”
“Do whatever you want.”
“Well, I’m thinking of using caviar as my battle meal, so I was wondering if I could expense it…”
“Rejected.”
What is this guy even talking about?
“Come on, it’s not a big deal, Eito!”
“I don’t mind occasionally treating you to barbecue, but if I had to buy you caviar every time, I’d go broke!”
◇
After we’d all had our fill of barbecue, it was time to wrap things up.
“Alright, I’ll take care of the bill, so you guys can head outside.”
“Okay!”
I got the receipt and took care of the payment.
Today was fun. I got to hear all sorts of stories from everyone.
Still, listening to Daigo-san’s stories made me realize that dungeon streamers really do live on the edge. Everyone knows the risks, and they’re ready to face them.
For my part, I’m determined not to be complacent as the person behind the scenes. I’ll support everyone with everything I’ve got, even if it means risking my own life.
