111 111. Buy and eat.txt (2/2)

Near the imperial palace was the nobleman's quarter, and there was a gate between it and the town where the commoners lived.

It was guarded by soldiers in shifts, and was closed unless there was something to do.

Near the gates were the headquarters of the great merchants and upscale residential areas, which helped in the perception that the richer they were, the closer they could live to the aristocratic quarter.

Val and Mina did not enter the more upscale area, but rather the more second class area.

The food served in the more upscale area is closer to the taste of the aristocracy, and they don't feel the need to go to the extent of using magic.

''Since we're going to be here, why don't we go for pasta and cheese?

That's good.

They consulted briefly and chose one restaurant.

This restaurant specializes in pasta, a dish made with noodles and cheese, and is popular mainly with young men and women.

The inside of the restaurant, which could hold about 30 people, was 80% full, with five staff members busily working around.

They were ushered into a vacant two-person seat at the back of the restaurant.

Two chicken and cheese pastas, rose water and wine.

Val ordered on his behalf.

As the waitress leaves with a smile on her face, Meena opens her mouth.

'That's unusual. 'You're asking for a drink in the daytime.'

It's nice to have a change of scenery.

Val laughs a little shyly.

I guess he's also aware that drinking in the daytime is not a good idea.

''Then shall I join you?

Meena starts to say.

It was even more unusual for her to ask for alcohol than him, but he wasn't surprised.

'Can we cancel the order now?　Isn't that hard?

No problem. I'll have some rose water.

Meena says with a smile.

Rose water was her favorite, and she was glad Val remembered it.

She wasn't the one to directly mention it, though.

She orders the rose water just as the waiter brings her food.

There were five large pieces of chicken on top of the noodles, with a generous sprinkling of cheese on top.

'Yeah. Delicious.'

Yes.

Perhaps because the two men were not food critics, their assessment of taste was quite simple.

It may not be as good as the high end food, but Baru thinks it's good enough.

The price is higher than in the second class area, but the skill of the cooks and the quality of the ingredients have improved.

It's definitely worth the money.

'Yes. You should not be rewarded for being a good cook.

Meena agrees with him, but not with much heat.

I guess she just understands that it's better that way, but it's not a passion.

Still, he was grateful for Val's willingness to go along with him.

This is how they enjoyed their meal.