The Fallen Angels’ Banquet – Prologue
Season: Spring (ES 2nd Year, Mid-June)
2nd year since ES’s establishment, mid June…
…Mmm~. I saw this coming, but… I really do feel like we look out of place in this restaurant.
However, they’re having a collaboration with a manga that used to be super popular in the past, so this is what you’d expect…
I’m so glad I’m not alone… Mashiro-kun, I’m truly grateful that you joined me today.
But, er, does this bother you? If it feels uncomfortable to be here, we can finish up with our task quickly and leave the place, alright?
Nah, I’m good. This sorta thing doesn’t bother me, I’m used to it.
You’re used to it? Really?
Yup. Sometimes, on our way back from work, Mitsuru invites me over to go to an all-you-can-eat cafe for bread.
And you know how much that guy eats, yeah? So he’s always attracting the attention of other customers when we go and eat.
This feels way more comfortable than that in comparison. It doesn’t seem like anyone’s paying any attention to us, either.
Ahaha, I can easily imagine how Mitsuru-kun must’ve looked then~♪
I’m relieved to know you don’t feel uncomfortable! Though this may be a mission, I still shouldn’t force you to deal with something you’re against.
Mission, huh… This collab is with a manga I’ve never read before, so I was curious… Did someone ask you to come here?
Indeed! My mom did.
A mission from your mom? Is everyone in your family a ninja as well, Sengoku?
No, that was simply a figure of speech. My family is normal, through and through.
However, I’ve always behaved and spoke like this for the longest time, so they are aware of how ninjas operate.
At any rate, my mom loves the manga that this cafe is having a collaboration with.
It’s a story that holds many precious memories for her, and she used to be absorbed into it during her youth.
It went out of print for many years, but they started reprinting it again, and this collaboration is meant to commemorate that.
My mom was extremely happy to hear the news, and was even following up with any further news since then. But it seems like she’s hesitant to come to the cafe…
That’s when she requested me, saying, “it feels awkward going to a cafe full of young people, so go in my stead.” I agreed, as a way to repay my mom for all her hard work.
But in reality, there’s actually quite a few people here that are my mom’s age, so I don’t think she needed to worry so much.
Now I get it. Then maybe you could tell her it’s best she comes over herself, at least to pass over the coaster?
Like you said, the customers here come in all ages, and since people who like this manga are coming here, I don’t think it’ll be that awkward for her.
Since it’s a story that holds so many memories for her, that’s all the more why it’s best she experiences it by herself.
Ooh… I was only focused on bringing back the commemoration merchandise, but — You’re right, that would be much more beneficial to my mom.
My mom must have looked up the cafe on the internet, and assumed it’s for young people based on its appearance…
In that case, if I simply tell her my observations, she will feel inclined to come!
I appreciate the advice! You truly are incredible, Mashiro-kun. Even today, you offered a hand when you saw me struggle to find a fellow traveler for the cafe.
Even though it’s a collaboration to a manga you don’t know, you still accompanied me. One can truly count on you…♪
You’re exaggerating things. We’re all in this together, aren’t we?
Plus, my job’s at night, so I was also trying to figure out what I’ll do with my time until then.
So if anything, you helped me big time by inviting me. Thanks, Sengoku.
I didn’t expect to be thanked for this! This is exactly what we’d call a “Win-win” situation, no? Nin-nin…♪
…Ooh! Our food’s here! Excuse me, the “Blessings of the Angels Doria” is for us!
Woah, so this is the “Smiles of Reconciliation Gratin”, huh? Looks pretty hefty, and tasty at that, too.
Mashiro-kun, how about we check the special coasters we got before we eat?
Oh yeah, sure.
The illustration is random, right? This feels exciting somehow, even for a franchise I don’t know well~♪
Let’s see here… Ohh, this is…!
Yaaay, it’s my mom’s favorite character~! ♪
Really? I’m so glad for you, Sengoku.
Mhm, I obtained the perfect souvenir for her! What did you get for your coaster, Mashiro-kun?
It’s this one… Do you know which character it is?
Only a little. I thought it would be rude to come here knowing nothing, so I did a light read of the manga.
Ah, this is none other than the protagonist’s childhood friend! They’re the most popular character of the story, and were even in the hall of fame in the popularity ranking!
Nihihi, we were both extremely lucky~
Looks like it. Now I’m curious what sorta story it is, so I’ll check if it’s being sold digitally.
By the way, why is the special item for ordering food a coaster, anyway? Aren’t these for putting drinks on top…?
Hmm…? Now that you mention it is, it is a little strange.
But I don’t dislike that. They’re pretty convenient, being small and easy to carry.
And the size reminds me of shurikens! It feels familiar to me somehow~♪
Shurikens, huh… I never thought of that.
…Oh, I know. I’ll give you this coaster.
Mm? Do you not want it?
Nah, I just thought it might make your mom happy.
Wouldn’t it be better for someone who’s aware of this coaster’s value to have it?
Mm~ I appreciate the sentiment, but…
This is to commemorate today for us, so I’d much rather you take it if possible.
Well, I could say the same back, can’t I? Since you’re gonna give yours to your mom, anyway.
I got to make memories today, so I’ll be fine without the coaste—
—You don’t want it?
Then could you give that coaster to Yume?
…Eh?
…Huh?