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nChapter 59

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nFifty-Ninth Episode~ Dinner Party

n“Oi, oi, did you bring a slave?”

n“Even if you participated in the subjugation, bringing as slave to a place like this…”

n“Lower than beasts, **ty slaves…”

n“-Untouchables, this is why I have adventurers . ”

n“Really . To give a seat to a slave . ”

nThe female magic user slave master ignores the conversation of the distant nobles . Her long brown hair flutters behind her as she walks around the circle . She appears dignified .

nHer face has an air of propriety . Her etiquette isn’t bad, I eat while walking around the crowd .

nThe magic user woman’s eyes have black makeup around them . Her eyes are chestnut brown .

nHer cheeks are tinged red, bringing out the pink tones of her skin .

nShe resembles a famous Japanese model . Her clothing is a brown magician’s robe .

nWhile I watch her, behind her is a pair of short people .

nThe children who unleashed the showy ice magic during the subjugation .

nThe S rank twins 【Ice Mausoleum of Blue Waters】 .

nThey look like children…

nBoth of them have thin white hair resembling a Buddhist monk .

nThere is a spiral design stretching from their necks to their heads and appears to extend to their scalps .

nThey look like sand art, each of the small lines contains mana .

nStrange . Notably, their green eyes seem devoid of humanity .

nFollowing the mysterious twins, Cecily and an ikemen from the griffon unit show up .

nTheir green uniforms have stiff collars .

nThey also have shoulder straps and aiguillettes .

nAs expected, they are picturesque .

n“It’s the heroine!”

n“The hero of the Griffon corps . ”

n“That’s the hero of the Dragon subjugation…”

n“Cecily-sama . ”

n“Kya, Cecily-sama!”

nA group of people appears, surrounding Cecily .

nSeeing this, an unpleasant expression is apparent on her face .

n“I…that’s not…”

nCecily tries to say something, but the ball is already rolling .

nOh my, Cecily-sama . No need to be modest . ”

nDue to the rumor of the “dragon subjugation” spreading, it can no longer be helped .

nI felt sorry for her upon seeing this, but give priority to the delicious meal .

nAnd then, Marquess Chardonnay finally appears .

nUnlike Chardonnay’s hair style from before the subjugation, her hair is now in a vertical roll with pink ribbons to highlight the blond color .

nHer clothing is clearly distinct from the other nobles . Her dress is made from sheer snowy silk and accented with pink embroidery .

nNow that Chardonnay has entered, everyone’s attention is on her .

nBehind on the side of Chardonnay are the always macho white-haired old soldier and the maid-like beastwoman .

nChardonnay’s servants accompany her to Cecily .

nMy curiosity is peaked, do I approach the spectators .

n“As expected of Cecily Fadasso of the Griffon Corps . Called the ‘Hero of the Dragon Subjugation,” are you jealous of the popularity?”

nEveryone pays attention as the Marquess talks to Cecily with a smile .

nThe nobles surrounding Cecily bow to the Marquess and take a distance from Cecily .

n“Marquess, your Excellence…to what do I owe this honor?”

n“Please don’t get angry, Cecily . Can it not be helped? Haven’t you only reported one since you returned? Besides, all the adventurers you wanted to invite are here, you were eager to meet that D rank adventurer, right? Ah, they should have been promoted to C rank now . ”

nN? Isn’t that me?

n“I see . Excuse, but thank for taking care of my personal request . ”

n“Fufu, it’s fine . Considering our past relationship, let’s dispense with the pleasantries today and talk like we did in the past . ”

nThe Marquess says with a beautiful smile .

n“Ha, however, this an an official celebratory dinner and awarding ceremony . ”

n“It’s fine . It really is fine after the success of the Dragon subjugation . You’re safe too . But, you not receiving a reward is troubling me…”

nIn response to the Marquess’ words, Cecily has an unpleasant expression .

n“You Excellence . I…”

n“Fufu, Cecily, raise your head . Let’s forget about the ‘obedience’ for now and enjoy ourselves . ”

n“Yes, thank you . Ah…”

nN?

nThen, I make eye contact with the smiling Cecily .

n“-Chardonnay-sama, we’ll talk again . Then-”

nCecily abandons the Marquess and runs towards me .

nOoooi, it that okay?

nTsukkomiing in my heart, I swallow the meat in my mouth .

n-I wanted to meet you . You name is Shuya Kagari? Now, I can finally apologize…”

nI’ll be darned, she’s apologizing all of a sudden .

n“Eh, yeah . I’m Shuya . No, no, don’t worry about it . I got my reward from the guild . ”

n“Is, is that so . Still…”

nShe seems to be depressed by the fame .

nShe is prideful and straightforward …

nEven if you accept it, I don’t mind .

nMa, ‘I killed the Evil Dragon King . Hahaha . ’ in an ostentatious way .

nSince she didn’t say it like that, I have a good impression of her .

nBesides .

nNo matter what I say, this “beautiful woman” won’t accept any of the evil dragon king’s materials are a reward .

nThis soldier-san is way too cool .

nI also don’t think it’s any of your business…

nI feel like lightening the burden on her heart .

n“…It’s fine . I will understand it if it is the strong, beautiful griffon commander who is adored by the people . And I said earlier, I got enough rewards, I can eat delicious food today too, so please don’t mind it . ”

nI tried to paraphrase to the person in front of me, but it can’t be helped if an unrefined adventurer does it .

nMa, I expressed myself as politely a possible, but will it be okay?

n“…I see . You saying so helps me . But, saying I’m beautiful…”

nCecily seems unused to being praised, causing her cheeks to redden .

n“-Some nerve, making advances on Captain?”

nNuo?

nThe ikemen suddenly interrupts, complaining .

n“Sheridan, stop . ”

nCecily tries to stop him, but ikemen-san still steps in .

nThis ikemen, he is the one who duel wielded and severed Daedalus’ neck . He resembles the actor from fight club .

n“…I was only frank about my impression of her?”

nWith a flat face I return to speaking informally . However I am more concerned about the gaze of Chardonnay who is behind the young man from the griffon corps .

nThe Marquess is staring at me .

nMoreover, as soon as we make eye contact, Chardonnay’s eyes widen, and her mouth opens .

nA shocked expression is evident .

nChardonnay speaks to the white haired old man waiting behind her, then to the beastwoman maid, she turns to whisper to her .

nJudging by this reaction, it would be that she has recognized me?

nLeaving out the matter of 【Fadyke】, was I just called an ordinary adventurer…

nThe old soldier listens to Chardonnay, he lowers his head, the swishes his mantle as he moves to follow and protect her .

nPlus, the old soldier’s eyes are sharp . He is openly glaring at me .

nThe Marquess’ beastwoman maid-servant is glaring at me too, her arms are held up in a fighting pose .

nI pay no attention to the ikemen going on about his pet theory .

nIt’s unfortunate for him, but I chimed in properly and answered

nFor a while now, I haven’t looked away from the Marquess .

nWith the two people following her, Chardonnay walks to the center of the room .

n“-Chardonnay-sama . ”

nThere, the master of ceremony and the uniformed servants greet Chardonnay .

nIn a few words, the conversation is repeated to the servants .

nAfter the servant leaves with a message, Chardonnay pulls herself together, relaxes her guard towards me, and turns to the surroundings with a smile .

nTaking a step forward .

nThen, cymbals sound and everyone’s attention is focused on Chardonnay .

nChardonnay begins to talk .

n“-Everyone Thank you all for gathering for today’s dinner party . This time we a celebrating the success of the Evil Dragon King subjugation . The Blue Iron Knight, all of the Griffon corps and adventurers, you all worked hard-”

nChardonnay lowers her head lightly .

nThe violin begins to play .

n“As a token of appreciation, also as an apology for the reward, this is a reward for the adventurer clans attending here . As proof of your contributions in the Evil Dragon King subjugation, I would like to present a ring made with the material of the Evil Dragon King and a single white gold coin . And then, because a special reward was prepared for our hero of the Griffon corps, Cecily, don’t miss it later…fufu . Then, after this, don’t restrain yourself and enjoy your meal . ”

nFinished with her short speech, Chardonnay attendants in various places lower their heads, and music begins to play when she claps her hands .

nThose attending the party give a standing ovation .

nThe ikemen who has been speaking harshly respond to the Marquess’ words as well and begin to clap .

nMusic flowing with a profound and quiet elegance starts to play, signaling the start of the real party

nChardonnay is observing the conduct of the surrounding nobles .

nAnd, she looks at me again .

nOur eyes meet .

nThe corners of Chardonnay’s lips lift, and she laughs, and covering her mouth with a white fan she says something to the old soldier .

nThe old soldier nods and lowers his head, making eye contact with Marquess Chardonnay, he nods once more .

nThe old soldier separates from the Marques and approaches me .

nOn the other hand, Marquess Chardonnay’s beastwoman maid-servant disappears into a back room .

nFor a moment, I become anxious…

nThat moment the ikemen of the Griffon Corps steps in front of me .

n“-Oi, did you hear me?”

n“Ah, aah, be done with it . I didn’t hear you . ”

n“Oh, really?”

nThe Griffon Corps youth becomes angry and drops the glass in his hands, breaking it .

nHowever- I ignore him .

nI’m not that worried about this man, my focus is entirely on Chardonnay now .

n“Kora, Sheridan . You’re troubling Shuya . ”

nCecily calls the man by his name and scolds him .

nShe makes him pick up the broken glass on the floor .

nWithout minding such a thing, I continue enjoying the food on my plate .

nAfter Chardonnay’s old soldier sees the conflict is settled, he approaches .

nThe old soldier in white armor stands out .

nThe soldier jii-san is honest, he speaks after bowing to me .

n“You are Shuya Kagari, the adventurer who just advanced to C rank? That Spearman?”

nThe way he says that has an implication .

nEverything has already been discovered, so I admit it .

nI speak after swallowing the last of the meat .

n“That’s right . ”

n“Her Excellency is calling . Please follow me . ”

nAfter all, I’ve been requested .

nWith this development, it must be about Fadyke…

nDamn it .

n“…Another room?”

n“Hai . ”

nIs it a trap? I should be cautious .

n“I understand . ”

nI’m worried, but I get over it .

nI don’t know what the Marquess is planning .

nI am led by the old soldier from the hall into another room .

nI am guided to a big square room .

nThere is something like a big circular fireplace in the center .

nInstead of coals, there are bluish-purple rectangular crystals .

nPale violet flames dance in the furnace, illuminating the room .

nThe shade has a strange sense of modesty .

nAnd, the pervasive scent of flowers and honey makes me feel refreshed .

nMy nose is filled with the smell .

nWhile I’m enjoying the smell, Chardonnay appears with the self-possessed atmosphere of a Marquess .

nHowever, next to her in the Marquess’ beastwoman maid, glaring at me…

nThe white haired old soldier moves to take up his place to the rear of Chardonnay .

nThen, Chardonnay begins to speak .

n“You are the Spearman and the black cat who was at that place then, correct?”

nI- then, remember my first encounter with Chardonnay .

nChardonnay’s expression now is beautiful and modest, when she looked at me before…her eyes were as if she were staring down at someone who was total garbage .

n-I will not forget the expression of contempt this person gave me .

n“…Now that, that time?”

nI speak, forgetting about etiquette .

nImpudent, I expose my feelings, feigning ignorance .

nMy heart is surprisingly delicate .

nThe insult from so long ago has caused me to bear a grudge .

nAlso, this is a private room .

nEven if I take a firm stand, there is no else here aside from the Marquess .

nSeeing how I speak to the Marquess, the beastwoman maid’s face twitches .

nShe can’t seem to stand my rude manner .

nThe beastwoman maid gathers mana in her feet .

n-Hee, you’re going to attack?

nOn the ends of both her hands, the maid has claw-like weapons attached .

nActually, with a *kakin* sound the steel claws seemed to jump out from the cover on the back of her hands . (Basically, she’s Wolverine . )

n-The beastwoman turns her claws to me kicks off the ground with a shout .

n“Haidara . ”

nRaises a strange shout, she extends each hand to deliver a punch with the claws extending from her knuckles, aiming for my chest .

nThe claw jab .

n-I retreat backward .

nI sway slightly back and forth, continuously dodging .

n‘Kiki, stop . ”

nBecause of her subordinate’s action, Chardonnay shouts sternly .

n“-Ha, however, this smell, this is definitely the right man . And, the way he treats ojo-sama is unacceptable . ”

nThe beastwoman maid is unwilling .

nThe claws are withdrawn, and she retreats .

nThe beastwoman retreats, and immediately the old soldier who guided me here moves .

nCautious of me, he advances .

nHe begins to speak after stretching out an arm in front of Marquess Chardonnay to protect her .

n“-Kiki is correct . He is too impudent . What he said to your Excellency . Shuya, please answer seriously . ”

nThe old soldier throws reproachful words at me .

nBeing cautious, even though the one who was attacked despite being unarmed was me…

nMa, how should I answer? After all, it’s probably time .

n“…You mean the ruins of the mansion outside 【Fadyke】?”

n“As expected . ”

nThe beastwoman reacts quickly . She keeps glaring at me .

n“-Kiki said something about ‘smell . ’ I’ve also understood ever since I saw him…is the report from your subordinate, Seme, not finished?”

nChardonnay turns to the beast woman and communicates with her eyes to not move .

nAfter all, they remember me .

n“Ha, excuse me, your Excellency . After the Evil Dragon King subjugation, I’ve been busy in 【Hector】…”

n“Hun, Seme is the captain of the 【Counter Espionage】unit…it looks like we’re going to have to have a ‘talk’ again . ”

nChardonnay waves a thin arm, and the slender white feather fan whacks the old soldier’s guarding arm .

nThe captain of the 【Counter Espionage】 organization is called Seme? (TL: Seme means shark . )

n“Ha, however…”

nThe white haired old soldier looks at me with an embarrassed expression unbefitting his appearance .

nIt must be the Marquess’ classified information .

n“Good . Tell Shuya-san too . ”

nThey’re going to tell me?

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