Re:Lyra-Starting Life in Another World (Re:Reader-Lyra Edition)

Chapter 48: Dish Duty

Returning from assisting the chef, Rem sat down next to her sister,who had just returned from collecting Emilia and Beatrice for the meal. With everyone present, the chef bowed and readied the meal to be plated.

?: For the first course, you will all share the tastes of—

Liesel: Please excuse the intrusion!

Slamming the door open, Lyra—Liesel—made their entrance from the foyer to the dining hall, using her—their cleverly-acted-out “male" voice as they did Bowing as they held the door open, they made eye contact with the rather-large man who was set to start the dinner with an appetizer. Being given a rather-prominent stink eye, Liesel looked away, avoiding the pressure they felt. Clearing their throat, they had the attention of everyone in the room.

Liesel: Our final guests have arrived. My name is Liesel Aoki, and this is my good friend, Natsumi Schwartz. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Stepping aside and doing their best to mimic Rem when presenting themself and a guest, Liesel invited in the unexpected guest. Stepping into the room, Subaru— Natsumi—made their entrance. With a fan in front of their face, they snapped it shut.

Natsumi: Ah, what a wonderful aroma this dinner has.

With Puck's voice coming into play, the purely-androgynous voice matched Subaru's lips. Pointing with their fan, Natsumi gestured to the empty chair next to Emilia.

Natsumi: Is that seat free?

Looking around the room, Liesel garnered the reactions of the fellow residents.

First noticing Ram, they saw an expression she had never once made before. With a mix of shock and disbelief, it truly looked as if she was moved beyond words. An almost-ghastly attitude seemed to hover over her though, as if she was unprepared to see the consequences of such an action. Next was Rem, who had her mouth covered, seemingly entirely enthusiastic about what was occurring, damn the consequences. A stark contrast from her sister.Beatrice was almost on the same level of flabbergast as Ram was, utterly struck by what she was seeing before her very eyes. But Emilia, hers was an expression of curiosity. Simple and nothing more. Ready however, was Liesel. Ready for the reaction of Roswaal. This would be their make or break moment. If Subaru was right though, it shouldn't be—

Roswaal: Ah Natsumi-sama! How nice of you to joiiiiiin us. Please, take any seat you'd like.

Catching the rotund man's reaction to this, it appeared as if he had no protest with the idea of a new guest. In fact, with every passing second it seemed his forehead became more reflective from his sweat at the prospect of another woman joining in on the dinner. With Natsumi—Subaru putting the fan to cover his face once more, he turned his head back just enough for Liesel—Lyra to see his smirk, which was visible only to her. Taking that as her queue to leave, Lyra bowed once more and closed the door behind her.

Making increasing light steps while standing in place, Lyra had made extra-sure to put all efforts into not making it seem as if she had her ear right next to the door. As she listened in, she quickly noticed that most of the conversation was too soft for her to hear anything substantial at first. With what occasionally sounded like muffled speech, Lyra had no real clue of how the plan was proceeding. Hearing the sound of plates being set out, she figured everything must be going well.

That must mean that fat bastard is FINALLY serving up the food! Now Subaru just needs to make good on his end of the deal and—

Subaru (muffled): This food is just too good to fight against!

As she heard a voice she shouldn't, Lyra's eyes opened wide at the prospect that Subaru's cover was now blown.

Damn it! No!