Kirie is a relative, but she is still the person in charge of an organization from another country.
Even if you base your judgment on the fact that she’s family and can keep a secret, you must distinguish between what can and cannot be said.
This distinction applies to nobles and spies from underworld organizations who have infiltrated this marriage hunting party.
Of course, there are opinions that one should speak sincerely, especially if the other party is also participating. Even if one speaks, Kirie-san can discern who should be told and who shouldn’t, and it wouldn’t negatively affect our impression of oneself.
However, there are also cases where information should not be shared because it could put her in danger if she were to know it.
Speaking about the internal affairs of one’s own organization, in my case, the Demon Lord’s Army, is something that might be acceptable to me personally but not to the organization as a whole.
While I strongly recognize Kirie-san as someone I can trust and rely on, from an organizational perspective, she is merely an executive of another organization with whom we have yet to establish a truly friendly relationship.
If I were to carelessly reveal that the Demon Lord’s Army is not monolithic and that there are various behind-the-scenes dealings involving vested interests, I would be perceived as someone who leaks information to those around me, leaving a bad impression.
If it were just my own reputation at stake, it would be one thing, but in that case, Kirie-san would be recognized as a spy from the Japan Shiju Jutsu Association within the Demon Lord’s Army, and in the worst-case scenario, she could be deemed dangerous and assassinated.
Therefore, she is someone who cannot be involved in our internal troubles.
We have implicitly shared information that neither of our organizations is monolithic and that we both face political problems, but we have not exchanged detailed information.
The risk of delving deeper is too great.
Therefore, it is imperative to maintain Kirie-san’s impression that this is a smoothly progressing party.
The dark dealings happening behind the scenes can only be dealt with by subordinates I’ve embedded among the restaurant staff.
Perhaps sensing this, Keiri-san quietly moved away from us and disappeared into the party.
“Yes, it seems a few couples have formed, and if things continue like this, it won’t be long before they start dating.”
“That’s excellent. Mimamori-sama will likely receive a good report.”
I wished she could stay like that, but it couldn’t be helped.
This is something I must do. Ah, I can feel my stomach starting to ache.
To have problems arise not only on the Japanese side but also on our side, in a situation that already demands constant tension.
Precisely because it’s a marriage hunting party, the environment officially permits the use of seduction, and the distance between men and women is quite close.
Consequently, if one were to set a honey trap, it would be an extremely convenient environment.
In reality, I am here as a monitor, so they won’t start anything within this venue, but once they start dating, I cannot intervene.
For now, I want to concentrate on the operations, appearing nonchalant while keeping an eye on the woman whose number Keiri told me and tracking her magic power.
“This is my first time trying it, but the meat from another world is truly delicious, isn’t it?”
“That’s because the cow was a special breed, making it particularly tasty, but we have many other delicious ingredients as well.”
The atmosphere of the venue has been set, and the masquerade party’s ambiance is becoming familiar.
While it gives the impression that everything is fine, one cannot relax and watch if there is information suggesting that various things may be secretly brewing behind the scenes.
However, the timing for the organizer to intervene and liven things up becomes completely unnecessary, and I can no longer afford to act carelessly when Kirie-san remains by my side.
Therefore, I can only indirectly issue instructions to the staff to monitor for any R-rated behavior.
After observing the changes in the movements of several staff members, I shifted my attention to entertaining Kirie-san.
“For example, this fruit looks like an apple, but its taste is closer to a peach.”
“Is that so… Indeed, the taste is like a peach. The texture, however, is closer to a pear than an apple.”
Praying that the opportune moment never comes, I maintain a peaceful atmosphere until the next event.
There are no succubi among the current participants.
If there were, it would be disastrous, which was thoroughly checked.
That’s why I didn’t expect there to be men who would be instantly captivated…
“…It’s just, you really have no experience with women, do you?”
“…I chose people like that to come, but I never expected you to prepare such a beautiful woman. And you’re quite proactive, aren’t you?”
Even though representative species are not participating, the men seem engrossed in conversation with the women, unfazed by the charm.
It’s not to the extent of being lovestruck, but it’s clear they are pleased by the proactive actions of the women.
Some blush for reasons other than the alcohol they are holding, exhibiting a naive reaction. The effects of the masquerade magic tools not only transform appearances but also adapt to changes in facial expressions, making them clearly visible.
“The concept of marriage is quite different between Japan and the other world.”
“Different how?”
“In the other world, marriage is not an extension of romance but rather belongs to survival instincts. It’s primarily considered for procreation, and in environments with more dangerous lands and creatures than Japan, it’s instinctively based on leaving offspring.”
Since their views on romance are quite different from Japan’s, Kirie-san likely finds it unusual for women to actively approach men.
“However, it’s not just anyone. There’s a tendency to prefer strong men, and there are also cases where men with financial power are preferred. Simple good character is also a factor. In the other world, women who remain passive in pursuit of these ideals generally cannot get married.”
“So that’s why they approach so actively.”
“Yes, it’s an essential skill for them to appeal and let themselves be known.”
In contrast to Japan, where a passive mindset towards the act of marriage is becoming more prevalent in recent times, in the other world, marriage is revered. It’s as if procreation is considered justice, driven by such passion.
“I see, in a way, that’s helpful for us. They have no experience with women, so having someone to talk to and listen would make the conversation flow better.”
“It seems so. If anything, the women appear to be the ones actively initiating the conversation.”
The men are somewhat overwhelmed by their enthusiasm but don’t seem displeased. Although their appearances are slightly different from humans, they are undeniably well-featured, and with the mask’s effect, they are now more approachable to the men.
Frankly, for men who have never been approached by beautiful women, it’s understandable that they might see this as one of the three periods of romantic luck in their lives occurring right now.
“I don’t think things will stay this way, but the next item on the schedule is the orchestra’s performance, correct?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
It pains me to think that there might be someone strange among them, but the schedule must proceed smoothly. I’ve contacted the staff, and the orchestra is also making preparations.
“After that, we will change our forms again using the masquerade magic tools.”
“Yes, that’s what I heard was planned. I believe we will change into the forms of different species from other worlds.”
When the music starts and the atmosphere changes further, we will proceed with another event. While confirming the progress, Kirie-san and I head towards the stage.
To act as the MC, we need to capture everyone’s attention, and from there, we can survey the entire venue.
“Indeed, there are various inhabitants in the other world, so I thought it would be good to get accustomed to them, as there will be many opportunities to interact with the residents of this side from now on.”
“Yes, I believe it will be a valuable experience. Perhaps I might try changing myself and enjoying it a little as well.”
“Would you like to try?”
“If the opportunity arises.”
After the performance, the plan is to transform from our normal human forms into those of other-worldly species. The women will also change into different species, not just revert to their original forms. It wouldn’t make sense for a Dark Elf to turn into a Dark Elf. The orchestra’s music will serve to ease the tension in the room and create a foundation for the acceptance of the new event, providing the men with an opportunity to become accustomed to the other world.
“Now, it’s almost time,” I thought, and as I started to head back to the stage to announce the change rather than suddenly transform, a glimpse of a scene made me stop for a moment.
“? Was something wrong?”
“N-no. Nothing at all.”
Kirie-san, sensing something unusual about my behavior, tilted her head, but I managed to resume my stride towards the stage without appearing too unnatural. What I saw just now was a familiar. To be more precise, it was the President’s familiar. It’s a bat-type scout, specializing in visual sharing. Why is the President’s familiar there? Could it be an unannounced inspection? Is she here to see if I’m successfully interacting with other organizations, still holding a grudge for handing Evia over at the last drinking party? Even though I’m already dealing with a slightly suspicious individual who has participated and needs to be handled, having the President witness this is quite a trial. What kind of evaluation will I receive if I handle this poorly? I swallow hard, my tension spiking for a momentary second. It’s alright, calm down, Jiro Tanaka. If I handle this without issue and complete this project properly, there will be no problem. No need to panic. The image of the President chuckling comes to mind, and simultaneously, I feel my enhanced body’s stomach start to ache. It’s been a while since I’ve felt this sensation. In my previous job, I felt it quite often. I ascend the stage with a sense of nostalgia and pick up the microphone. My appearance on stage means another event is about to begin. Just like the masquerade party and the ox meat. Although a brief schedule has been distributed to the participants, the details are kept secret. Their gazes are filled with anticipation, wondering what I’ll do next. Entertaining them is my job right now. “Cheer up,” I tell myself as members of various species, holding instruments, gather in the performance space beside the stage. “I apologize for interrupting your conversations. We will now have a performance by the orchestra affiliated with this restaurant. For those from the Association, a performance using magic is likely a rare sight, so please enjoy it. If you have the opportunity, dancing a song with your partner here can also be a chance to deepen your bond.” While the instruments are being prepared and the performance is being readied, I buy time by explaining what kind of orchestra it is. Then, when the elder gentleman-like rabbit beastkin, who will be conducting, gives me a signal, I nod. “Now, everyone, please enjoy the music from another world.” With that, I switch the restaurant’s BGM to live performance. The atmosphere doesn’t become boisterous but rather moody. The spirits summoned by the magical performance dance in the restaurant’s air, creating a captivating scene.
Today’s Word: It’s practically impossible to say everything.
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I am currently serializing another work: Pandora Pandemic Panic. The Pandora’s Box has been opened again, but we’re fighting back with a secret base and other means!! Please check it out as well!!
