Since Osanai-san wanted to go, I expected that the gelato shop would be very popular and would have an independent store in a good location within <Lemora>. However, unexpectedly, Osanai-san took me to the food court. In the large showcase next to the entrance, there were samples of pudding à la mode piled high with fruits and whipped cream, a parfait that was so tall it was hard to believe, and ramen with chopsticks floating in the air as if eating noodles. There weren’t many customers, probably because it was past mealtime.

A family that looked like they had preschool children, two people in sailor uniforms occupying a two-seater, and a woman in a suit were inside the store. There was also a man in a shirt and tie who had spread out papers on the table and was talking to a boy who looked like a high school student.

“It’s empty.”

I spoke instinctively. Osanai-san looked satisfied.

“That’s right. I’m glad.”

“I thought there would be more middle or high school students. There were a few in uniforms who looked like they came after the exam at the bookstore.”

Osanai-san, glancing around, replied with an attitude that seemed to be elsewhere.

“There was a McDonald’s in another place, and it was really crowded.”

Then she spotted the store she was aiming for and added while looking straight at it.

“This place is empty only now. Once it becomes more known that this store, <Abernetty’s>, is here, it will be really crowded. The main store is always popular.”

Osanai-san approached <Abernetty’s>, raising her thumb. The store was between <Sugake> and <Tacotaco Festa>, and the store sign read <Abernetty’s Gelato of Rome> in a stylish font. If Osanai-san hadn’t told me the name of the store, would I have been able to read it as Abernetty’s?

The first thing that caught my eye in front of the store was a glass case serving as a freezer. Colorful gelato was lined up in metal containers, perfectly arranged - I guessed it was gelato since it was a gelato shop, but its appearance was indistinguishable from ice cream. At the bottom of the case, there was a purple panel with the letters “S.P.Q.R.” written in bold, heavy font.

“What does SPQR mean?”

As I muttered, Osanai-san replied without taking her eyes off the gelato.

“Senātus Populusque Rōmānus. In other words, it means the Roman Empire.”

“… Why do you know that?”

Osanai-san tilted her head without taking her eyes off the gelato.

“Why do you think?”

The wall behind the case had a large photo of wide stairs. The stairs were wide, and a building resembling a church with two towers was visible on top. It was definitely not a Japanese photo. It was probably Rome. It looked like a scene I had seen somewhere. Between the case and the wall, there was an employee in an orange and white striped uniform standing there looking bored.

This isn’t particularly Roman.