Chapter 90

As the sunset marked the beginning of the banquet, I, prompted by Premiere's advice, started with the opening greeting.

"Everyone, I know it's been tough, but the problem with the ruins' labyrinth is finally resolved. We'll return to normal from tomorrow, but tonight, let's all relax and take a break. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

Over fifty people, including my guild members, filled the dining hall, which could accommodate a large crowd. With everyone joining in, the scene was quite impressive.

"Lord Dick, I must thank you again. I know it's late, but I would like to apologize once more for the way I treated you during the inquisition."

Premiere stood up first and came over to greet me. We clinked glasses modestly, and she bowed deeply to me and then to my master.

"No, it's all in the past. Regardless of the reasons, the snake had to be dealt with. Besides, we gained a lot from this experience."

"I am grateful for your understanding. If there is anything the Duke's family can assist with, please let us know at any time."

Veil is half-transparent, so when she gets close, Premiere's appearance can be seen.

It is said that even after marrying another woman, the Marquis remains infatuated with Premiere. She is indeed a woman of remarkable beauty.

"Lord Premiere, it's been a while. Would you like to join us at this table?"

"Princess Manalina... and Lady Timis. I am honored that you invited me."

Manalina and Timis came over to invite Premiere.

If they are old acquaintances, they probably have a lot to talk about on such an occasion—so I thought.

"Dee, are you forgetting something important?"

"Hmm... Master, something important...?"

As I started to speak, I noticed Manalina's tense expression. I looked at her attire again—her dress, elegant yet not overly luxurious, befitting a princess and perfect for the banquet.

(Since it's a public event, I need to use appropriate language... not the time to be flustered.)

"Princess Manalina, Lady Timis, your dress today suits you very well."

"Um... I wasn't waiting for such a compliment... my sister is wearing something similar."

"Big sister Manalina looks better. I am a knight, so such frilly dresses make me feel uneasy."

"You look very good in it. The pride of the Albein Knights, indeed."

Premiere praised Timis in a gentle tone. Timis, though blushing, has a similar grace to Manalina, despite being only half-siblings.

"Lord Dick, your attire today is quite different. You look like a noble prince."

"N-no, that's an exaggeration. I'm not a prince or anything."

"Big sister Manalina is right. Since you changed, your impression has completely changed..."

At a banquet, one can't just show up in casual clothes. I put on the outfit Verlene prepared, but it seems to be more well-received than I expected.

"When I saw you at the inquisition, you were deliberately dressed to blend in... I feel embarrassed. As a noble, I never questioned the need for such elaborate attire..."

In a situation where I'm praised no matter what, I feel more uneasy than genuinely happy. Premiere's sudden change in attitude towards me is overwhelming and a bit embarrassing.

"Then, if we could talk again later..."

"Sure... if you want. I'm not much of a conversationalist, though."

"Even a little about your heroic deeds in the labyrinth would be a great honor. And, if you don't mind, some news about Duke..."

"Duke? Timis, did you just say Duke?"

"Um... Princess Manalina, there are people with similar names in the world, so don't worry too much."

"No, the receptionist Polon at the magic university said he sometimes delivers meals to that person..."

I narrowly avoided revealing my true identity, but even if it did, the only problem would be if Timis's affection was directed at me personally—no, that would be a big problem.

"Lord Duke is frequently at the magic university. Given his level of expertise, he must have achieved many great things... yet to remain out of the spotlight is truly humble."

"That's quite impressive. Princesses, would you like a refill? We have a variety of drinks."

"Then... I'll have a kirin milk wine with a thousand peach mix."

"I'll leave it to your recommendation, Lord Dick. I'm not very knowledgeable about alcohol."

"Understood. Please wait a moment."

I bowed politely to the guests and went to the kitchen. Beatrice was preparing additional dishes.

"Sorry for making you work so hard. Are you tired?"

"I'm using mana for materialization, but I still have plenty. Thank you for your concern, Master."

"Right, inviting Premiere was Beatrice's idea. I wanted to talk to her soon, so it was good that you brought her over. I appreciate it."

"Since you wanted to talk to the Duke, I sent the invitation in your name, Lord Dick Silver. I believe that's why Premiere came."

"Premiere must have wanted to come here at some point. I don't think she came just for me, right?"

"Ah... Lord Dick..."

Seeing Beatrice's reserved demeanor, I naturally wanted to comfort her. I stroked her head, and her pale face turned red.

"...Oh no, I shouldn't have taken my eyes off the stove. Master Dick taught me that."

"Beatrice, once the cooking is done, come over here. I'll make some drinks for a bit."

"Seeing Master Dick shake the shaker would be a great spectacle, I think."

"How many servings should I make... At the toast, we had ale, fruit wine, and juice. That was a bit bland."

Opening the cabinet, I saw a variety of ingredients for blending drinks. I started measuring the quantities, feeling as if it had been a long time since I did this.

◆◇◆

About half an hour after my drinks were served, everyone started to get a bit tipsy, and the dining room filled with lively conversations at several tables.

I was greeting guild members and pouring drinks for guests, but I felt like getting some fresh air and went out to the courtyard. Tables were set up outside, allowing people to enjoy the garden while drinking.

I run a tavern, so I'm not uncomfortable in noisy settings. I like seeing happy, drinking customers, and I enjoy getting tipsy myself.

(You have to put in effort for everything. If I hadn't run the tavern properly, I wouldn't have been able to host such an event.)

Not all guilds have taverns for their members and local residents to relax in.

The Silver Water Jug Inn has a tavern because it was attached to improve revenue. While implementing various measures, it evolved into its current form.

I started listening to clients' requests at the bar, with Verlene's arrival. Before that, there was no fixed bartender, and guild spies took turns at the counter, essentially acting as receptionists.

It's been about three months since Verlene arrived. She waited five years after the defeat of the Demon King before coming to the capital.

She entered my shop as a bartender and even moved in with me. If my brother Julius knew the truth, he would be quite shocked.

However, Verlene is an adult and an independent woman. It's not commendable for family, even a brother, to interfere in her life.

I have a sister, but if she got married while I was away, I wouldn't object unless her partner was extremely dangerous.

(No, Verlene and I aren't married, but living together might seem like that to family...)

"Lord Dick, are you troubled about something?"

"Hmm... Yuma. Did you come because you thought I was alone?"

"Hehe... That's part of it, but I also wanted to pour you a drink."

"Thanks... Oh, careful there."

Yuma poured ale into my glass from the bottle she offered. The foam was rising, and it almost spilled over, but it just managed to stay in.

"Sorry, I'm not used to this... I was trying to act grown-up..."

"No, I'm just happy to have someone pour me a drink, so don't worry too much about it."

"...Thank you."

Yuma brushed her hair, which had grown a bit and made her look more mature than the last time we met, and smiled shyly.

"So... Lord Dick, you were in the bath earlier, right?"

"Ah... You noticed?"

"Um... Yes, I did. I couldn't see you in the bath, but I felt your presence when you submerged in the water..."

"Yuma's senses can't be fooled... I'm sorry. I was just trying out a new spell on a whim."

"A spell to make you invisible? No, that's not good. Your pure soul shouldn't be tainted. God is always watching our actions, you know?"

"I really am sorry. I promise it won't happen again. Can you forgive me?"

Grateful for the future High Priestess's lecture, I confessed sincerely. Yuma chuckled and looked at the lively dining room.

"I know you didn't have any ill intentions, so I'll keep it a secret. But, can I ask one thing?"

"Sure, I'll try to give an answer that won't cause trouble."

Yuma took a sip of her non-alcoholic herbal tea and placed her hand on her chest.

"...Which one of them stirred your soul the most?"

"Um... Well, to be honest, I didn't really look properly. I didn't intend to peek."

"Didn't look properly... Does that mean you saw a little?"

"A little... just one. I swear."

"Then... was it Aileen? She wasn't hiding and was swimming boldly."

Interrogated by the female priest, I felt cornered. If I admitted to seeing, Aileen would find out—though I've seen her nearly naked due to the slime incident, that's a different matter.

If she offered to marry me, I might not mind seeing her naked, but if I were too casual, her affection might freeze.

(I don't think Yuma was that explicit. So, I can consider her neutral, right?)

"Seems like you're aware of her. God created all human forms equally. Full-figured is not the only standard."

"Right... I agree."

"Really? Can you swear it to the God of Albein?"

"I'm not a believer, but I can swear. I can say that with certainty."

"...I'm glad. I'm sorry for worrying about such things. I shouldn't make you feel uncomfortable..."

"Until recently, I thought of Yuma as a younger sister, but today..."

My impression of her has changed. Before I could say more, Yuma smiled and looked at me intently.

"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"No. I just find your face fascinating to look at."

"Are you trying to exorcise my soul? I'd appreciate it if you could do that when my time comes."

"...It's very touching, but we can connect on a spiritual level even before then, if you allow it."

The light from the dining room illuminated Yuma's hair, which had grown past her shoulders, creating a wave of light.

She usually has a warm, bright smile, but now she had a different, unfamiliar expression.

It was so earnest that I couldn't look away. It made me realize that she was observing everyone from a distance, though it wasn't her intention.

"...Maybe I don't need to be so timid. A new world might open up."

"Sure, it will. We can open the door to a new world and experience a simulated spiritual elevation. Then, the two souls will merge, creating a strong bond that will never fade, both in this world and in the promised land."

"Too close... It's a bit much when you get this close..."

"The physical distance is trivial; what matters is bringing the souls closer... Oh..."

In the midst of our conversation, Yuma, who had become engrossed, leaned over me, sitting on a chair. I couldn't help but notice her white legs extending from her skirt.

(Always out of direct sunlight, they are so white... such beautiful legs.)

"Lord Dick, that's not right. We should focus on spiritual connection, not physical desires... gradually bringing the souls closer..."

"...Spiritual connection?"

"Ah... Sister, should we be interrupting Lord Dick and Yuma...?"

Sherry and Lotte came looking for us, and Lotte, misunderstanding the situation, tried to leave. No, it's not a misunderstanding; seeing us so close in the night garden, it would naturally look like we were more than just acquaintances.

"Wait... both of you, don't jump to conclusions. We were just getting a bit heated in our conversation... right, Yuma?"

"Y-Yes... I'm sorry, I get too focused sometimes."

I thought that explanation would suffice, and both Sherry and Lotte seemed to understand.

"To bring the souls closer, we need to take our time. I got a bit impatient..."

"That's... right..."

"...I'm interested in that. The distance between souls... with Dick?"

"If you're interested, I... for the sake of learning, I'd like to hear more."

Sherry and Lotte, both wearing red, elegant dresses, exuded different charms. Sherry had her long hair braided, and despite not showing much skin, she was so alluring that I couldn't look away.

"...Dick, you look very handsome in that outfit. Your greeting earlier was wonderful."

"Sister, you praise Dick too much. Men can get carried away if you don't keep them in check. Right?"

"Maybe, but I think you're already getting carried away."

"...Not a misunderstanding. Everyone here is grateful to Dick. Both men and women."

Lotte refilled my empty glass with ale. We clinked glasses, and I drank half of the cold ale.

"Sherry, are you feeling okay?"

"I'm fine. I'm not worried... but I'm a bit concerned about the information about the labyrinth."

"Sister... please don't go to the labyrinth alone."

"I'll let you know before I go. I'll be fine; I won't be in danger in the labyrinth."

"Sure, but it would help if you let me know. There might still be strong monsters in that labyrinth."

"Understood. I'll follow Dick's instructions. What should I do normally?"

"Just continue as a guild. There are no plans to reorganize the Red Twin Inn."

That means things will return to normal, but they both looked a bit disappointed.

"What's wrong? You seem a bit down. Is something bothering you?"

"...It was great to go on adventures with Dick and everyone. That's all I was thinking."

"Going on adventures with people outside the guild is rare... It was a valuable experience. Thank you, Dick, for taking us along."

"Even though it was short, I appreciate it. We're all in the same capital, so we can meet whenever we want. We can go on adventures too."

"Really...? Can we invite you on adventures?"

Sherry asked hesitantly. Normally, a guild master wouldn't go on adventures so casually, but this is an exception.

"Sure, invite me anytime. We need to coordinate our schedules, though."

"Got it. Thank you, Dick."

"...You really know how to charm my sister. I can't compete with that."

"It's not like that. Dick just indulged my whims."

It's not just whims. Being invited to a party as an adventurer is an honor. There's nothing sadder than an adventurer who isn't needed by their companions.

They both looked happy as they went back inside. Yuma also stood up.

"Lord Dick, Verlene... She was entertaining everyone in the hall, but now she seems to be absent."

Is she asking me to check on her? I wanted to talk to her, so I'll take Yuma's suggestion.

However, if I stay out too long, everyone in the dining room might start to worry, so I should return soon.

◆◇◆

Verlene's strong magical aura made it easy to track her.

I arrived at my bedroom on the second floor. The door was slightly open, and as I tried to peek inside,