Chapter 249 – Nishida’s Gathering

(You could call it “Nishida’s Gathering.”)

It was a standing buffet party held in one of the medium sized banquet halls of the Ootori Hotel. Because the meal was served buffet style, or rather Viking style, it had apparently begun to be referred to as the Ootori style as well.

After all, when one thinks of a Japanese banquet, the standard image is a traditional restaurant, zabuton cushions laid out, and individual trays with carefully arranged dishes set before each guest. Even at garden parties, the purpose is conversation, not eating for its own sake.

In this case, however, small tables intended for standing guests had been arranged throughout the hall, allowing people to eat while drinking and drink while eating.

To me, it was simply an ordinary standing buffet party, but it was considered modern, and other hotels, Western style inns, and