As the banquet drew near, we changed into our formal clothes for the victory party. Unfortunately, there was no way I could manage the intricate task of dressing Shiro and the others in their gowns myself, so I left their preparations in the capable hands of Sue and the maids. The art of fastening ribbons, layering silk, and arranging lace was too much for me.
Once I had finished changing, I was told to wait in the reception room.
So here I was. Tea was served in delicate porcelain cups placed neatly before me. However, there was nothing else here. No announcements, no summons, no sign of anyone. Shiro and the others had yet to appear. Sue hadn’t come either. Even Sylvia-san was nowhere to be seen.
I was completely and utterly idle.
Then—
Knock, knock.
“Ah—yes. Please, come in.”
“Excuse us.”
“Pardon the intrusion.”
At my invitation, the door opened, and a beautifully dressed pair stepped into the reception room.
The first was a woman clad in a vivid red gown, the dress moved elegantly with each step she took. The second was an elderly gentleman wearing a perfectly tailored tailcoat.
Oh? Could these two possibly be—
“You were among the prize winners at the martial arts tournament, were you not? My name is Shun.”
“Yes, I know you.”
“You’re that famous stall owner from the festival, are you not?”
Right. The woman has served as one of the guards, so it made sense that she knew who I was. But to everyone else, I am apparently nothing more than the “famous food stall owner.”
I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or sigh.
“To be honest, I was hoping not to face Ao-san in the tournament. She advanced through the preliminaries with remarkable ease you see.”
“Indeed. Capable in both close combat and long-range engagements, proficient with blade and magic too… I would rather not find myself matched against such a slime.”
“Well, Ao is… a rather special slime you see.”
That was putting it mildly though. Ordinary slimes can’t wield swords. Nor did they chant spells with perfect clarity. And they certainly can’t dominate both melee and ranged combat as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Ao was, in every sense, an exception.
These two truly acknowledged Ao’s strength.
Still, they were strong themselves.
“I would say the same—no, perhaps even more so. I would rather not face you in battle, Shun-san.”
“Uhm, I’m a magian so I am not very good with swords…”
The old gentleman chuckled, stroking his neatly groomed beard.
“You handle a blade as well as any standard soldier. More importantly, your command of magic is exceptional. One does not earn a title for nothing.”
“Oh, no, no… I’m still far from impressive.”
I insisted, waving my hands modestly.
Apparently, they had watched my exhibition match with Sue as well. It had been almost entirely a duel of magic—spell against spell, control against control. But even then, I knew there was so much more room for growth.
Click.
“Oniichan, we’re done changing!”
“How do we look?”
“Are we pretty?”
The door flew open without warning. Shiro and the others, now dressed in their gowns, burst into the reception room as if it were their own playroom.
“Hey! Knock before entering the reception room. We have guests.”
This was definitely one of those moments where I had to act like the responsible adult.
“Yes, now greet them properly.”
“““Hello!”””
“Oh, hello.”
“Hohoho, such lively children.”
Thankfully, both of our guests looked upon Shiro and the others with indulgent smiles rather than annoyance.
The vivid dresses suited the girls beautifully, their excitement practically shimmering in the air. They spun slightly where they stood, clearly eager for praise.
But—
In the span of mere seconds, my mental energy had plummeted. Between hosting distinguished guests and managing overexcited girls in formal wear, I felt as though I had just finished another tournament match. What more, the banquet hadn’t even started yet.
“Shun-san, you’re like a father to them all.”
“”You really do.”
Next, Sue and Sylvia, who had also changed into their dresses, entered the reception room.
Sigh. Honestly, being a “father” with three kids to look after is tough.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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