General 112

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Chapter 112. School Festival Wrap-Up And All-You-Can-Eat BBQ

(Sizzle, sizzle)

The sound of meat grilling and the occasional burnt smell tickle the nose.

"Thank you all for coming today."

"Enough with the formalities, let's get started already, President Nase~!"

"Right, let's do that. Well then, everyone, thank you for your hard work at the school festival! Cheers~!"

"Cheers~~!!"

"Alright, let's cook and eat!!"

The party began with President Nase’s simple toast.

We’re at an all-you-can-eat BBQ restaurant, not far from the Special Operations Soul Armor Academy.

Today’s event is organized by the student council, inviting those who contributed to the festival from various clubs for a wrap-up celebration.

"Since it's all-you-can-eat, order only what you can finish! No leftovers allowed!"

"Understood!"

After President Nase’s loud instructions, the sports club members promptly loaded up plates with heaps of meat and fried chicken, shuttling them back and forth to their seats.

"It’s typical to have a family restaurant after exams, but this time it’s BBQ, huh?"

"Yeah, it’s easier to handle even with a large group. It’s not a hassle to collect everyone’s orders. Plus, with an all-you-can-eat place, the cost is fixed from the start, so we can collect money in advance and keep things transparent."

In response to my question, President Nase openly explains why this place was chosen, waving her hands.

It’s definitely easier for the student council to handle.

"These wrap-up parties are nice, aren't they? Everyone here is a student too."

Mina, unable to wait, is all excited. Indeed, having a large group for a wrap-up gives a bit of an adult feel and is quite fun.

"Oh dear. I thought the battle songstress would be all into the high-end BBQs with shady producers, but it turns out she’s just as pleased with a place like this. Seems your palate remains humble after all."

"Huh? There’s no way I’d go to a meal with anyone other than Yu-kun. And President Nase, being from a prestigious family, wouldn’t you find such a commonplace not to your taste? Why don’t you just leave the money and go home?"

Early on in the wrap-up, President Nase and Mina are already clashing.

"Calm down, Mina. It’s a fun wrap-up party, so let’s keep it friendly. Sorry about that, President Domon."

"President Nase, you should calm down too. My apologies. And Kamiya, I used to be the president, you know."

We, the guardians—myself and former President Domon—calm the bickering duo.

"President Nase and Mina are actually happy to see each other again. They’re rare opponents who can go all out against each other."

"“That’s not true! This girl!”"

Both respond in perfect unison to my observation.

"See, they’re in sync."

"President Nase, you mentioned that without your partner for class exercises, there’s no challenge."

"“Ugh...”"

President Nase and Mina both look embarrassed and avert their eyes.

"Are those two on bad terms?"

"No, they’re actually quite close, Misuzu."

Misuzu, seeing the exchange for the first time, looks worried and asks, which Kotomi quickly denies with a wry smile.

The back-and-forth between President Nase and Mina is basically just their way of greeting each other.

The others recognize that the earlier sharp exchanges are just like a "Long time no see, brother!" hug, so they’re engrossed in the meat without paying it much mind.

"Well then, shall we go get some meat, juniors? What would you like, Mina?"

"Let’s see, I’ll have some roast, heart, top sirloin, and hormone, plus takoyaki and fries."

"Ahaha! Got it."

Mina’s choices are pretty hefty.

"And what about you, President Nase?"

"Huh? If we’re going to get them, I should—"

Former President Domon gently grabs President Nase’s shoulder and makes her sit back down.

"This successful school festival is thanks to you, President Nase. A wrap-up is for honoring those who contributed, so I’ll take care of things today."

"President, you don’t have to..."

"I’m a former president now. You’re the current president, President Nase."

"For me, you’ll always be the president..."

"Haha. But honestly, I didn’t do anything for the festival."

"That’s a lie. Former President Domon was working behind the scenes to arrange things with the club alliance."

"Hey, that’s supposed to be a secret!"

"Thanks to Former President Domon’s advance arrangements, we were able to smoothly distribute the responsibilities. With an all-female student council this year, we were at a disadvantage against the intimidating club alliance."

Kotomi intentionally ignores Former President Domon’s reprimand and talks about his behind-the-scenes efforts.

"Ken-kun..."

"N-No, President Nase. You shouldn’t use first names in front of everyone."

"Ah... then I’ll just be sweet to you later."

The overly sweet exchange between the two formed an awkward atmosphere, and we headed to get some meat.

Despite not having eaten anything yet, my mouth feels sweet, so I might not have much room for sweets today.

◇◇◇◆◇◇◇

"Wow! There’s not just meat, but also sushi, fried chicken, and cotton candy!"

Misuzu’s eyes sparkle as she gazes at the variety of dishes and exclaims in awe.

"Was there no such place in your country, Misuzu?"

"In my country, food was rationed, so I’ve never seen such an abundance of food."

"I see."

Misuzu’s words make me feel a complex emotion. It might be due to her country’s circumstances, but it seems like hunger is a part of daily life there.

Even when I was on the front lines, I developed a habit of unconsciously saving food.

The sense of despair and urgency when all supplies run out is something you don’t truly understand unless you experience it.

"Ah, but since I was recognized as a Soul Armor user, I was treated specially in the military and could eat my fill."

"Well, for Misuzu, it’s necessary to maintain her abilities."

"But since I couldn’t eat properly as a child, I ended up staying small."

"…Eat as much as you like today! You can eat as much as you want!"

"Really?! Yuusuke!"

"Yes, eat to your heart’s content, Misuzu."

My words sound like an exuberant uncle, but since it’s an all-you-can-eat place, eating as much as she wants is perfectly fine.

"I’m glad I came to this country."

Misuzu’s smiling face, still in her private school uniform, looked like that of a carefree child.