[Weekly Short-Short Note] Theme: "The Maybe-Benten" (751 characters) ~Priority Diner~

"Is this discrimination?"

"No, it is differentiation."

What an outrageous diner.

That was my impression when I saw the menu at a diner on the outskirts of town.

<Lunch-only menu>

"President Set Meal"
"Department Manager Set Meal"
"Section Chief Set Meal"
"Regular Employee Set Meal"
...etc.

The price is a flat 750 yen.

At first, I thought it was interesting and ordered the President Set Meal, but...

"Do you have a business card?"

"Huh? Does it have to be a real one?"

"It is our store's policy."

"Then... I'll have the Regular Employee Set Meal."

The Regular Employee Set Meal consisted of simple side dishes like rice with raw egg, natto, and miso soup; although the portion was large, I was assigned to a cramped counter seat.

The President Set Meal was served at a table with a cushioned chair, and while the portion was small, it was a magnificent spread of seafood sashimi, seasoned rice, and more.

When I complained to the staff about why there was such a difference, they said,

"We provide appropriate menus based on social priority and status."

"The Regular Employee Set Meal is a menu with good nutritional balance that can be eaten quickly and in large quantities."

—It was an explanation that I felt I understood, yet didn't quite understand, but it was somehow frustrating—

Driven by a rebellious spirit, I went to the diner every day, worked recklessly hard, and 20 years later, I became a president and was able to order the "President Set Meal" with sashimi.

<My long-cherished wish was fulfilled and I was satisfied, but...>

There is still a mysterious set meal at this diner.

I was the only one who couldn't eat the most luxurious "Benten Set Meal".

For the "Benten Set Meal" alone, one was unconditionally guided to the back room without even needing to present a business card. It was always closed off by sliding doors, so I could never peek inside.

Could it be that a real god is in there?

-One day, unable to suppress my curiosity, I peeked through the sliding doors-

Mothers holding babies were,

happily eating luxurious lunches that came with parfaits.

-The foundation of society, what is a proper meal-

I was satisfied with everything about this cafeteria and paid my 750 yen for the day.