“Everyone, we’re ready. I’ll show you around.”
“““Oka~y”””
The chamberlain came to call us, so we all headed to the venue. I grabbed Fran’s hand, and Sue grabbed Horn’s.
Click!
“This will be it. Please wait until it’s time to start.”
“““Wow!”””
The main hall, where the banquet was being held, had been arranged as a standing buffet-style party. We, however, took a seat in the small resting area set up toward the back of the room. Simple refreshments had been laid out, yet—unusually—Shiro and the others didn’t touch a thing.
“Shiro, Fran, Horn… aren’t you going to eat anything?”
“We won’t. We’ll bear with it.”
“We’re saving room to eat lots of the delicious dishes later.”
“Mm, lots of it.”
Watching them sip their juice in tiny, measured sips, I could tell their resolve was solid. Still… I couldn’t help but think that a small bite wouldn’t hurt.
Let’s cast one vote for giving in to temptation and trying a light snack before the real feast begins.
“Wait, the participants today are limited, right?”
“Yes. Everyone present here is the entirety of the invited guests.”
Originally, only the prize winners had been invited. I’m because I had helped out at the Margrave’s food stall, and Sue was recognized for her achievements with the medical team.
Ao, who wasn’t present, and Shiro and the others—who had already begun sneaking sweets—were officially being treated as prize winners as well.
My my, Shiro and the others had only declared they wouldn’t eat anything just a few minutes ago.
Perhaps noticing my gaze, they shouted,
“““Sweets don’t count!”””
I see. Very well, then.
“I just hope no uninvited guests show up.”
“He’s disqualified. Even if he does come, we can just remove him from the hall.”
I understood why Sue was concerned, but really—if that mage showed up, all we’d need to do was fend him off. And, truth be told… Ao would almost certainly want a rematch. There was no doubt about that.
“Still, Ao is late.”
“Maybe she’s having some kind of meeting with the Margrave.”
Shiro seemed genuinely worried about Ao, but I had no reason to be concerned. Ao could communicate through Pearl or Fina-san if needed, and written messages were always an option too.
If I had to guess, they were probably discussing measures to prepare for any unexpected attacks—just in case.
Though… part of me wished that either Sue or I could be included in those discussions. It would be reassuring to know the plan firsthand, instead of relying on secondhand updates.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
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