Well, things seem to have calmed down quite a bit for Hijiri.
The Hoshimiya sisters guided us to the dining room.
...If you think about it objectively, it seems amazing that a private home even has a dining room.
The room was slightly larger than the Hoshimiya sisters' room. In the center of the room was a large, long table that could seat about 10 people. Mei-san was already waiting nearby.
"We've been waiting for you. Everything is ready, so please take your time."
The food is already laid out on the white tablecloth.
The menu was, um... meat. I think it was steak. Yes, there was a delicious looking chunk of meat on a white plate. It was also covered in a delicious looking sauce. As a commoner, I can only use cliched descriptions like this, but it looked very delicious and luxurious.
"I've prepared some Sharipian steak... I hope it suits your taste."
"Sharipian? I see."
I feel like I've heard it before, but maybe not.
I followed the instructions and sat down. Hime sat right next to me, as expected. Then Kiyoshi sat to my left.
At times like this, I wonder why the Hoshimiya sisters are sandwiching me between them. We're sitting in the same position as when we're eating lunch in the principal's office.
"Let's eat!"
As soon as he sat down, Kiyoshi began eating his meal with gusto.
He seems more energetic than usual. It's the same at lunchtime, he's a very energetic person when he's eating. That must be how much he loves to eat.
"Itadakimasu... Youhei-kun, please feel free to eat. Mei-san is also a good cook, you know?"
"Uh, yeah. Thank you..."
When Hime told me that, I nodded.
To be honest, I was unsure how to eat it. I'm a commoner, so I don't know anything about table manners. Even though a knife and fork were provided, I couldn't bring myself to eat it.
Naturally, I have never been to a high-end restaurant. To get some reference, I looked at Hijiri, who was eating at an incredible pace.
"Mmmm! Delicious! This is lean meat, right? It's low in fat, so it has zero calories... which means you can have as many refills as you want."
...Etiquette? What's that? Is it delicious?
He ate with such gusto that it was as if he was saying so. He took the steak with a knife, stuck each piece on a fork, and took a big bite with his mouth wide open.
It's a masterpiece. She only has the appearance of a lady, but Hijiri is quite a bold person.
"Youhei, it's fine to eat as usual. My sister is like that too... so at least at home, it's okay to ignore etiquette."
As expected of Hime, she saw my condition and seemed to understand what I was confused about.
I felt relieved when I heard those words. It's always like this, but I end up feeling strangely nervous.
I guess I'm just the type of person who worries about unnecessary things. I need to be more conscious of relaxing a bit.
"Don't worry about it and just relax."
"That's right. Thank you.... I'll eat it."
After expressing my gratitude to Hime, I picked up the knife. I wasn't used to using it so it was a bit awkward, but I managed to cut the steak into bite-sized pieces and ate it with a fork.
As I chewed, a refined flavor spread throughout my mouth. It was the first time I had ever eaten such tender red meat...it went perfectly with the sauce.
"Yohei-sama, how is it? Does it taste good?"
"Yes. This is the most delicious steak I've ever eaten...!"
When I told this to Mei, who looked a little anxious, she blushed happily and lightly gripped the hem of her maid uniform.
"That's good... hehe♪"
Mei looks happy.
The way she rejoiced, savoring my words...she was just like Hime, and it was adorable.