Part 1

Mm, that smells delicious…!

Making curry from scratch instead of using roux is pretty fun. Now, we just have to let it simmer.

I wonder what kind of salad would pair well with it.

Let’s see—

(Hm? I feel like someone’s watching us from the counter…)

…...

Did you need something, Ten-kun?

No, not really.

?

Chief, I heard you prepared a feast for us? I hurried home after seeing the PeChat.

Mhm, I made some really delicious curry. Even blended the spices myself.

Wow~♪ This tofu salad looks great too. You’re a pro at this!

The naan is homemade as well.

(? Someone’s watching us again…)

…...

Do you want some too, Ten-kun?

Nah, I’m good.

??

All done with cleanup! …Huh?

What’s wrong?

I found this lighter by the sink. I wonder if it's Ten-kun’s?

Maybe. I can pass it on to him when I go back to our room later.

…...

(Oh yeah, I made eye contact with Ten-kun a few times today. He walked away when I tried talking to him… Wonder what that was all about.)

Thanks for offering, Kafka, but I think I’ll return it to him myself.

If you’re looking for Ten, he just left. He said he was going to the balcony.

The balcony, I see. Thanks.

(…That’s what Ten asked me to tell the chief when he came…but I’m surprised he actually showed up. Ten’s amazing.)

Ten-kun.

Ah~, Chief. Good work today.

You forgot this lighter in the kitchen.

Wooow, just in time. I needed a light and was wondering what to do~. Thanks for bringing it over.

So it was yours after all. That’s a relief.

Mind if I smoke?

Of course not, be my guest.

…Um.

Y’know, I thought if I invited you straight up, one of your scary bodyguards would end up hearing about it. And if that happened, it’d turn into a massive pain in the ass.

?? Bodyguards?

I wanted to talk to you alone.

—Oh, so I was right!? What’s wrong, is something bothering you? I’ll listen to anything you have to say.

…...

Huh, now you’re silent? So this is serious…

(It can’t be that he wants to quit HAMA Tours, right? Or maybe he has a problem with me…)

Whether it’s serious or not is up to you. Not really my fault you haven’t noticed it yet.

Huh, what do you mean?

Hm… —Actually.

There’s a big favor I want to ask of you, Chief. Think you can say yes without any questions?

Oh, of course! I’m always here if you need me.

Yaay, that’s awesome~. I’m so happy.

Then please keep this a secret between us, okay, Kaede-san?