“Well, it’s a feast for conquering the second of the Seven Great Demon Lords! Drink as much as you want, and let’s toast!”
” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” “Kanpai~~~~!” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ” ”
A private banquet at Zazam’s villa. Nina looked around the dining hall, having invited everyone who had helped with the security for Luna Castle, for a celebratory party meant as a token of gratitude.
“First, the slaves will offer their thanks. Well, it’s not normally necessary, but this is a special occasion.”
Nina generally believed that slaves should be treated as slaves. However, there were a few exceptions, and it seemed that cooperating in the subjugation of the Seven Great Demon Lords warranted a certain level of respect. Yes, that was fine; even slaves could be companions.
“First, Eldoria, thank you for your hard work as the leader of the reserve unit.”
“I merely did what I could, but I regret not being able to join the main force.”
“Chances will come. There are still five Demon Lords left to conquer.”
Although it wouldn’t lead to the slaves’ liberation, it was a significant positive in their evaluation. Nina wondered what to do next.
(Perhaps Jian felt the same way.)
“Jian, you’ve worked hard too.”
“Yep. About this Shadow weapon I borrowed, can I keep it?”
“Ah, to be honest, it’s a degraded version of what we possess. It wouldn’t even serve as a spare weapon.”
However, hunting shadows was extremely dangerous without support. If they could get used to it, they would become a reliable party under her command.
“Next, Nataira and Lyra.”
“Yes, Nina-sama.” “It’s an honor to be summoned.”
“Both of you, as precious high-class ‘Dancers,’ will continue to work hard. Thank you for your efforts this time.”
As expected, the two were drinking fruit juice, not alcohol.
“Um, about that, Nina-sama…”
“What is it, Nataira? You should raise your hand.”
“Well, about my request to become a regular member of the Nina Starlights…”
Indeed, today they had fought alongside them to defeat sea monsters with the newly learned magic “Thunder Wave.” Nina wanted them to level up more, but…
“We’ll discuss that after the meal. And Baraka, that’s fine, but why is Camilla here?”
Well, Mother had worked hard, but Camilla shouldn’t have accomplished anything more than Nina witnessing her changing clothes. This time.
“I… I’m just serving today! I came with Citie-san.”
That’s right. Nina had also invited Cooking Hero Citie as the dessert attendant, and it seemed she had tagged along. Could these two… Well, it didn’t really matter.
(But then, what’s with her constantly trying to seduce me whenever we meet?)
“Never mind. Baraka, you worked hard as the Tank too.”
“Um, can I also have that ‘Salt’ body plate?”
“It belongs to the ‘Nina Starlights.’ However, I will lend it to you for a while.”
Yes, Nina supposed Baraka wanted to protect the Princess Sisters with it.
“Next, Amari and Jumaji, thank you for your hard work.”
“Is it okay to bring Grandpa?”
“Ah, he worked hard as the guardian here at our villa.”
There was a possibility that both the main and reserve units could have been wiped out. In such a case, they would have needed to use a Teleport Scroll to inform everyone who remained.
(It ended up being unnecessary worry, but guarding was an important job too.)
“Amari has also grown quite strong…”
“I still have a long way to go, but her future is promising.”
“Right, Amari? I want to join Derus-onii-chan’s harem soon—!”
(… Does she truly understand what that means?)
“Amari, are you prepared for what that entails?”
“Yes! I’m ready for golden wings to sprout anytime!”
Is that where we’re going with this?!
“Could it be that Amari is an Angel Race? Jumaji-dono?”
“That’s preposterous. However, she has been getting along well with the Angel Race lately.”
Several angels standing near the dining hall wall nodded.
“All right, we’ll discuss that after the meal. Lastly, Nastasia.”
“Yes, Nina (Master).”
Nastasia had settled in so well as a regular member that one might almost forget she was a slave. But a slave was still a slave.
“As perhaps the world’s only ‘Hero Assassin,’ I will count on you to continue working hard. For the full subjugation of the Seven Great Demon Lords, will you help us defeat the remaining five?”
“Yes, I will dedicate everything to the ‘Nina Starlights’ and to Master Derus.”
Nina nodded. Not long ago, she might have said something quite harsh, like “Slaves have no right to even consider dedicating themselves.” But it seemed Nina had finally acknowledged her.
“That too will be discussed after the meal. All right, that’s all for the slaves.”
“Ah, Nina-san, are all participating slaves accounted for? There’s one missing…”
“Chigopas. He’s reflecting in his cell. He really squandered this opportunity.”
Yes, it was probably the right decision not to invite him.
“Apologies for addressing the slaves first, but now, I will thank our collaborators.”
Nina’s gaze shifted to the two individuals from the Shucco High-Class Brothel, who had kindly come the next day despite not being hired with Platinum Coins. They would be treated to a meal, and it was free!
“Mujin, Ruena, your help was invaluable. You can proudly boast of your cooperation in the Demon Lord subjugation in the Empire.”
“Thank you. We heard that it was also registered as a quest with the Adventurer Guild.”
“We received the quest reward, so we’re here to participate in this gathering. Just for the meal, though.”
Yes, frankly, two consecutive nights with these extremely demanding high-class courtesans would be too much for me.
“I hope we can maintain a good relationship going forward.”
“Absolutely.” “Especially since Master Derus is such a valued patron.”
U-um, we’re talking about Demon Lord subjugation, right?!
“Finally, Mogunami. Thank you for coming despite your busy schedule.”
“No, it was just my mealtime before opening the brothel after finishing my work with the Commercial Guild.”
“This subjugation was only possible because we had a mobile operative like Mogunami. I’m grateful.”
Really, it’s a waste that she’s effectively a free agent. But if I say that, she’ll just get surprised, so I’ll keep quiet.
“Now, the toast is over, so please eat and drink as freely as you wish. There’s no need to hold back.”
“Indeed, it is the ‘Nina Starlights’ victory celebration. Come, let’s begin!”
At Clarice’s words, everyone started eating. Yes, it’s only today that I’ll eat something bloody like whale steak. It’s a celebration! And so, I’ll heartily enjoy the high-class seaweed salad too.
(Speaking of which, what is this “after the meal” talk regarding the slaves?)
I wonder if it’s that. Yes, it’s probably that.
