22. The omurice accident

"Welcome back, Master!"

A cat-eared waitress was greeting me at the shop I had just entered.

"... Shibata, are you sure that...?"

"I've been wanting to visit this place for a long time!"

Shibata, who was at my side, had her eyes all sparkling with excitement.

We didn't enter in the wrong restaurant, it's the right one....

After confirming the reservation, the waitress led us to our table.

"Master, here is our menu!"

With chills on my back, I hesitately accepted the menu from the waitress.

"Shibata, don't you think this place..."

"I never thought I would see all these dishes together! What a feast for my eyes!"

She wasn't listening to me at all....

Sighing, I leaned all my weight on the chair as I lost all hope of being able to convince her to change place.

I had nothing against the waitress, but I was afraid that the feelings I had sealed away might resurface at any moment, as they did this morning.

Regardless- I was surprised that Shibata was an otaku to this extent.

It could be easily deduced from the condition of her room but I wouldn't have imagined that she was involving me so deeply into it.

"Hmm? Do you see anything strange on the menu?"

Shibata was looking at me with innocent eyes.

... On second thought, it is very likely that she is doing it on purpose.

After all, behind that angelic expression there is a stalker.

"Have you decided on your order?"

Without even realizing it, it seemed that a lot of time had passed and it was time to order.

"Huh? Ah, so...!"

Panicking, I was quickly looking at the menu to get a simple dish when the voice in front of me completely denied all my attempts.

"Two omurice!"

"... What happened to freedom of choice in this country?"

"The one who has the money rules!"

I was about to protest and counter that I would pay for my portion but I felt something eerie- under the table.

Something soft was touching my leg.

"I'm right...Don't you agree?"

"Wha...!"

As if trying to interrupt me, that feeling was slowly rising until it almost touched my knee.

"...!"

"Heheheh...!"

"...? Master, is everything all right?"

"... The omurice is okay..."

"??? Understood. Two omurices, coming soon!"

Distracted by the person in front of me, I couldn't even notice the dazzling smile the waitress had shown before leaving.

When she was far enough away, it was time to protest.

"What on earth are you doing!?"

"Fanservice!"

"There are no fans here!"

"So this would mean that I am pleasing my boyfriend?"

"Why it became a question!?"

Chuckling at my responses, Shibata then showed a sulking expression.

"Don't just pay attention to the waitress, look at me too!"

... You mean to tell me that I was going through hell just because I wasn't paying attention to you?

What a spoiled girl...

"There's your omurice!"

"So fast!"

Not even a minute had passed since the order was placed... Could it be that we were given some leftover?

As I was thinking why it was so suspicious, the waitress moved next to Shibata, said something in her ear, and left the table.

Hmm...?

Why do I feel like a stereotype is missing?

Aren't we in a maid cafe...?

"Master, what do you want written on your dish∼ "

"Yes, that was what it was missing...!"

"What is it, Master? Do you have any trouble deciding on the message∼ "

"Shibata, what are you doing...!"

Rising from her seat, Shibata stood next to me with a bottle of ketchup in her hands.

"Putting the finishing touch on the plate!"

"So this was all premeditated!!!?"

Without waiting for my opinion, Shibata began decorating the dish.

"What do you think of this heart? Now the dish has reached the peak of its flavor!"

"Shibata, return to your seat at once!"

"What's going on, Master? Is my presence upsetting you in some way∼"

Shibata was oblivious to the issue, so it was my duty to warn her before some other customer stared at her with indecent eyes.

"You're without your boots!"

"...!"

Noticing her state, she quickly sat down in her seat.

Sitting quietly, she seemed to be reflecting on her actions.

Sighing, I stood up and walked over to her.

"Here"

"... Thank you."

Offering her my coat, she accepted it and placed it over her legs.

Taking the bottle of ketchup, I began to decorate her plate in the classic way.

"Finish your plate while I'm gone, will you?"

Heading toward the counter, I couldn't hear Shibata's murmur.

"... You are so unfair..."