Chapter 87: The Last Day of the Food Stall!
"They're here, they're here!"
The moment the familiar figures and their food cart slowly came into view, the waiting crowd erupted with excitement. Some people automatically began to form a neat line in the usual spot. Others, unable to contain their joy, rushed forward to greet them.
Poporon watched the swarming crowd, her eyes wide with surprise. "There are so many people!" she exclaimed.
"There are so many people!" the exact same words came from Pekola beside her.
"Why are you so surprised?!" Poporon couldn't help but retort.
"Er… this is my first time working at the stall!" Pekola replied with an innocent expression.
"Eh?"
"Chef Ryohei," Irimi Kaya greeted him with a smile. Today, she was dressed in a cool black jacket and black leggings that accentuated her long, powerful legs, with her sunglasses casually perched on her head. Her voice, however, was as gentle as ever. Behind her, several members of the Black Dog crew, wearing their sunglasses, expertly began to clear a path.
"Irimi-san," Ryohei nodded to her. "This will be our last day with the stall," he said, deciding to give her a heads-up. "Starting next week, the restaurant will be open." Even though he hadn't asked them to, the Anteiku Ghouls had been a great help these past few days.
"Is that so? Congratulations! We'll be sure to visit the restaurant, then!" Irimi's eyes widened with pleasant surprise. Perhaps Yoshimura had already told her about the large, standing order for Tonjiru. It sounded like she was offering to continue their security detail at the new location. Ryohei was a bit taken aback, but he felt it would be more hurtful to refuse their goodwill, so he just smiled.
"Huh? Today is the last day?"
Their conversation caused a stir in the surrounding crowd. Just then, someone noticed the updated message on the small blackboard hanging from the cart. Ryohei had posted an announcement, including the new restaurant's address and business hours.
"Chef Ryohei is finally opening a shop?! Wait a minute… why are you closed on weekends? And only open from 6 PM to 9 PM on weekdays?"
"The Chef is as carefree as ever!"
"What's the average price going to be?"
"Will there be any grand opening discounts?"
"There will definitely be a special event for the grand opening," Ryohei announced to the crowd as he began the day's service. "As for the price, it will depend on what you order. Some of your favorites from the stall, like the Glowing Onigiri, the Katsu Sando, and the Tonjiru will make a return on a rotating basis. We'll also be introducing a brand new menu featuring many meticulously prepared dishes from my repertoire."
He took the orders while Yurine helped with the money and bagging, the two of them working together in perfect sync.
To the side, Pekola and Poporon each received a container of food. Ryohei had told them to eat first, and then they would switch with him and Yurine. Poporon had been starving on the way over. She said a quick "Itadakimasu" and eagerly dug into her Omurice.
She took one bite, and her entire world stopped.
It was as if she had been transported through time and space to stand before a giant, towering mountain made of golden omelettes, its peak disappearing into the swirling clouds. So this is what Pekola was talking about, she thought, a feeling of pure wonder spreading through her heart.
Back in reality, Poporon couldn't help but take a second bite. So delicious—! The soft, fluffy omelette and the savory, rich rice and sauce combined into a taste that was simply divine. The happiness it brought her almost surpassed the joy she had felt when she had become the acting Archangel.
Meanwhile, back at the house.
Minos slowly opened her eyes, a drunken haze still clouding them, which quickly cleared. "Urgh…" she groaned, sitting up in bed. "I actually got drunk…"
Crap! What time is it? Remembering she had work in the afternoon, she scrambled for her phone. The screen showed it was already past 5 PM. She quickly got up, went to the bathroom, washed her face, and was about to rush out the door when she noticed a sticky note on it.
The note said that she and Jashin-chan had the day off, and that they would bring dinner back for them.
Jashin-chan got drunk, too? Minos thought, surprised. But it made sense. They had about the same tolerance and had drunk the same amount. She felt a little better knowing she wasn't the only one. Still, she decided to head to the stall anyway. She was just sitting around at home being bored, and she knew Ryohei and Yurine would be busy. She could go and help out.
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