Chapter 76

"Having a special place prepared and being praised, this is the first time for me. Have you ever received an award, Reina?"

"Not in this town... but yeah, a few times. But being awarded for defeating bad people is the first time for me."

"It's the first time for me too!"

That's right... It's the first time since I became Reina. I refused the idea of hosting a party for promotional purposes when I sold the artificial magic stone to the viscount. The reason I ultimately decided to accept the award is that, in fact, the existence of Kohaku was also involved. Revealing the crimes of the Gord family required not only my efforts but also Kohaku's power. I felt it would be unfair to deprive Kohaku of the opportunity to be recognized alongside me. After consulting with Anna and Fred, and with Kohaku's agreement, I decided to accept the award.

When we saved the orphans in the forest, Kohaku was very happy to be thanked. I thought it would be a good experience, and as expected, it seems to be very joyful. I'm glad I didn't refuse it on my own. Kohaku, who has a clear goal of becoming a hero to be thanked by people, is really impressive. I want to support her in achieving that dream.

I was worried until the end that I might be asked to do something during the award ceremony, so I decided to firmly refuse anything that might be asked of me tonight. I made them so anxious by almost saying, "Maybe I'll find some reason to tag along," until the last moment, so I have to bring back a report that will reassure them.

By the way, Kohaku played a very important role. She tracked down their hideout by following the scent from the workshop and gathered information on the number of their companions. Her sense of smell is far more precise than that of ordinary beast people, so I think she probably unconsciously sensed magical traces as well. Being able to tell the strength of the scent's owner is not something that can be explained by just having a good nose. I want to investigate the principle behind it someday, but that's a different story.

It was only because Kohaku determined that there were no other companions that we could come up with the decoy investigation and set the trap. Thanks to her, the crimes of the Gord family were exposed, so it's only natural that they would receive an award from the nobility. In fact, she might be the greatest contributor for capturing them in a situation where they couldn't escape.

Additionally, Kohaku caught the trio who came to the apartment where she lived. Among them was a criminal who had been wanted in a neighboring territory. He was once a distinguished adventurer but fell from grace due to illegal drug use and was expelled from the Adventurer's Guild, after which he turned to crimes like robbery. I was relieved to learn later that Kohaku managed to defeat three adult men, including such a person, without any danger. It's still terrifying to think about, and I'm really glad she wasn't injured.

After all, when the local police tried to capture that former adventurer, Dald, they not only had casualties but also let him escape. For Kohaku to have captured such a notorious criminal... and to have done so while protecting Anna without resorting to excessive force is impressive. Yes, I think it's a wonderful achievement. However, while her combat skills are on par with adults, her mind and thoughts are still those of a child. The thought of her facing criminals or other people in the future is scary and makes me anxious.

I think the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild, Sajé, is a reasonable person and wouldn't assign Kohaku tasks that could potentially harm her emotionally, but I'll talk to him just to be safe when I see him next.

When I got out of the magic car that came to pick me up at the viscount's name, the driveway of the mansion was bustling with other guests arriving. As expected, it was a bright and casual event with the city's influential citizens as the main guests. The other invitees were dressed up but in a casual manner. I, too, succumbed to Anna's pressure and wore a slightly more elaborate outfit under my alchemist's robe. My hair was styled for the first time in a long while.

Kohaku resisted the idea of dressing up formally because it made her feel uncomfortable, but she gave in to the promise of Anna's pancakes, which she hadn't made in a long time, and obediently wore a children's rental costume. Looking down at her hand, the tail peeking out from under her knee-length skirt was very cute. Kohaku, with her neatly styled hair and obedient demeanor, really looked like a doll, and I could understand why Anna wanted to dress her up.

"Reina... I can smell the food."

"It's a buffet. You can eat whatever you like after the greetings, but remember to follow the dining etiquette we practiced."

"What?! Whatever I like?! Can I eat everything?!"

"Even for Kohaku, I don't think you can eat everything. There's enough for everyone here."

"Wow, I screamed when Anna washed my tail mercilessly, but if I get to be awarded and eat as much as I want, I can endure it. I wouldn't mind having an award ceremony every day."

Kohaku, the fox-eared girl with a mysterious, beautiful, and adorable appearance, completely shatters that image when she starts talking. That's just who she is, though. With her fox ears on top of her head moving as if on guard, she suddenly became excited when she caught the scent of the food, and I couldn't help but laugh.

I... I don't think I'd like it every day. It's nice to have it occasionally, but if I had to eat every day, I'd prefer Anna's comforting home-cooked meals.

After handing over the invitation to the male servant at the entrance and stating my name, I was given a ribbon to wear on my chest, which the guests were supposed to wear. It's convenient that you can tell at a glance whether someone is a guest or not. After pinning the ribbon with a bow on Kohaku's chest and doing the same for myself, we entered the hall where the award ceremony and party were being held. The smell of the food wafting through the air made Kohaku's stomach rumble softly. ...It probably didn't reach the others amidst the noise of the conversation, but it seems the light meal I gave her at the hotel wasn't enough. I silently prayed that there wouldn't be a long-winded speaker and looked for the viscount, whom I was told to inform upon arrival.