5. Choices
"I'm looking forward to eating out! We're going to the Golden Wheat Pavilion, right?"
"That's right. It's not as expensive as a restaurant, but it's exceptionally delicious."
"Hasn't been since Leon's birthday."
"I'd like to go on days other than birthdays too, though."
We walked down the main street illuminated by the setting sun, the whole family side-by-side. Both my brother and I were in high spirits for this rare meal out.
As we walked cheerfully down the street, the sign for the Golden Wheat Pavilion came into view. I broke into a jog, approached the door, and opened it. The spacious hall was full of customers.
Then, a staff member noticed us.
"Welcome! Please take any open seat!"
Told so, we sat down at an empty table.
"Now then, what should I eat?"
"I want meat!"
"I'll have the expensive one!"
"Don't pick something too expensive..."
We looked at the menu happily. Everything looked delicious, making it hard to choose.
"Rio!"
At that moment, a voice called my name. When I turned around, my school friend was standing there.
"Lumel! Sorry for intruding."
"Welcome! Here, water for everyone!"
Lumel wore a beaming smile as she distributed water to us.
This girl is famous; there isn't a single person at my school who doesn't know her.
First of all, her appearance is just perfect. Her golden hair is silky smooth, so beautiful it practically glows in the sunset light. Beneath long eyelashes, her eyes are a translucent blue that sparkle when she laughs. She's like a princess straight out of a picture book.
But Lumel isn't just amazing on the outside. Her personality is surprisingly good too.
She's kind to everyone and trusted by both teachers and classmates. She can't ignore anyone in trouble, and above all, she's hard-working. Perfect in both studies and sports, yet she never boasts once.
...In short, a superhuman. They say she's the most beautiful girl in school, but I think she'd easily pass for the most beautiful in the capital. It makes me wonder why she talks so often with a designated weirdo like me.
"Man, because Lumel is so cute, customers are swarming just to see her again today. Yo, number one in the capital!"
"That's not it~! It's because the cook's food is too delicious! Ah, happy birthday!"
"Thanks!"
"Did you get a good skill?"
"Yeah! It was good enough that I want to talk about it passionately."
"Fufu, you can't just talk about it recklessly, you know. Rio is cute, so if your skill is good, bad people might target you."
Haa... Lumel is the only one who calls me cute. She really is a good girl... I'd drink a tea brewed from her fingernail clippings if I could.
"So, decided on what to eat?"
"Ah, wait a se—"
Piron
A mechanical sound rang out, cutting off my words. It was because a window appeared between me and Lumel. But why? I didn't activate the Window.
Wondering why, I looked at the window. There, text was written: "Decide by looking at the menu" and "Ask for recommendations."
Are these... choices? Why did this appear all of a sudden? Is this one of those choices that determine fate?
What should I do... Normally I'd choose from the menu, but when there's an option I hadn't intended to select, I get curious about it.
"...Do you have any recommendations?"
"Recommendations? You're asking? Actually, we got some good orc meat in today. So, the Sautéed Orc Meat is recommended."
"Heh, is that so. Then, one of those please."
"Okay, thank you very much!"
Piron
The mechanical sound again? When I opened the Window, the Favorability category was blinking red. Opening it, it displayed: "Lumel Eliamir: Favorability +1."
Heh, so choices appear when favorability is at stake. It feels like I'm playing a dating simulation game, which is super exciting.
But there are cases like with Mom where there were no choices. It's more fun and game-like when there are choices. I wonder if more will pop up.
While I was thinking about that, Lumel took my family's orders and withdrew.
***
Until the food arrived, I enjoyed chatting with my family. However, absolutely no choices appeared. Hmm, under what conditions do choices appear? Is it just random?
While I was verifying the choices—
"Sorry for the wait!"
Lumel's voice rang out. Lumel and another staff member brought our food. Freshly made dishes were immediately placed before us.
"Looks delicious! Let's e—"
Piron
A window appeared again between me and the food. What is it this time?
The window read: "Eat as is" and "Ask, 'Did you perhaps plate this?'"
Well, normally I'd just eat immediately... but I'm curious why something I wouldn't normally ask is displayed. Actually, where did it even get this information?
If I say this, something will probably happen. ...I'm extremely curious.
"Um... did you perhaps plate this?"
"Ah, you noticed? Since it's a friend's birthday, I wanted to try plating it myself. H-how is it?"
Lumel asked, fidgeting shyly. I felt like I was playing a dating sim, and my excitement spiked.
No new choices appeared. In that case, here's a line utilizing my past life experience...
"I'm super happy! It feels like a special dish, perfect for a birthday! Thanks, Lumel!"
"Fufu, hearing you say that makes the effort worth it. Thank you!"
Piron
Alright, a reaction. I immediately opened the Window to check. And the display read— "Lumel Eliamir: Affection +1."
"No, that went up?!"
"Eh, w-what's wrong!?"
"S-sorry... talking to myself!"
"R-really? Well then, take your time."
I accidentally blurted it out. Pretending it was nothing, Lumel walked away looking puzzled.
Phew, I managed. Or rather, wasn't Affection a parameter for romantic feelings? Does that value go up even for the same gender?
"Rio, what are you doing? The food will get cold."
"Ah, sorry. I'm eating, I'm eating!"
Not good. It's a waste if I don't enjoy this special birthday dinner.
Stopping my thoughts for a moment, I began to eat the food in front of me.