The highest-class hotel in the West District of Shucco,
The Moonlight Hotel, on its top floor,
We were brought to the dining room overlooking the night cityscape.
(Meaning, Nina Starlights and the others also arrived late, one after another!)
And while a luxurious meal was laid out,
It seemed that each person had their favorite dish placed before them.
In front of me was a high-class seaweed salad, Nina Starlights had meat-focused dishes, and so on.
“Now everyone, let’s make a toast to our reunion.”
At Mariu’s words, the Dwarf Maids poured the drinks.
The appearance of these girls was also suited for humans, not rough-looking.
Seated in the center at the back was Mariu, with me and Nina Starlights on either side. The rest are omitted.
(However, they are official members of Nina Starlights!)
Clarice was holding back Anju, who looked like she was about to float away.
Helen adjusted her glasses, and Nastasia was inexplicably glaring at Mariu.
“Wait, before we toast, there’s one thing I want to confirm.”
As expected of Nina Starlights, she seemed to want to clarify something.
This is probably the story I wanted to hear, the one I tried to ask about in the carriage…!!
“Yes, what is it, Lady Nina Starlights dear.”
“The agreement between Mariu and me was strictly… no, before that,
I must first express my gratitude. Regarding Ric and the others; thank you for holding them back.”
Nina Starlights bowed her head while still seated.
Yes, I should bow my head here too.
“Not at all. After all, you are the very one who betrayed Lord Derus.
We did give you the proper amount of harassment, hehehe.”
…Did I tell Mariu the detailed story?
Perhaps Nina Starlights heard it, but harassment…?!
(Well, I won’t ask about it now.)
“Ah, it seems like I received a lot of gifts, like souvenirs at my home.
Thank you very much.”
“No, we have not sent anything to your true home, your birth home, so please do not worry.”
(How much do you know about the situation?!?)
Honestly, it’s terrifying…
“That’s all for my gratitude. We will now proceed to the main topic…
First, the marriage with Derus was limited to ‘within the Dwarf Country’s territory’, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s correct. Both inside the carriage and in the hotel room we are currently renting are treated the same.”
Ah, I’ve heard of this.
Even in another country, if the owner of a building is from their own country,
Their own country’s laws apply, but that’s only in very limited circumstances.
(It’s unreasonable to apply that to a moving carriage or a hotel room…)
“Isn’t that just a one-sided argument from your Dwarf Country?”
“Yes, it is. Do you have a problem with that?”
“…Is Derus okay with that?” “Eh?! Uhh… he’s probably not okay with it.”
Despite coming with enchantments to their face,
I’m truly sorry, but to constantly have such one-sided demands pushed…
I can’t bear it.
“Is that so? For the sake of your beloved Lord Derus, you will work hard to create weapons, armor, and items…”
“That, I am truly grateful for that.”
“That was your objective in approaching us, wasn’t it?” “Ugh…”
Yes, they’ve seen through it. Of course, they would.
“If you intend to deceive me, then deceive me to the very end.”
“How could you say such a thing.”
“Marry me, have children, have grandchildren, and deceive me until Lord Derus dies of old age before you do.”
To say such a thing with a smile…
Even changing her appearance to suit human tastes, or rather, my tastes…
“I-I’m sorry.”
“It’s alright. I am a convenient woman, because I have fallen in love with Lord Derus.”
“Then, then what should I do?” “Let’s negotiate.”
Ugh, I can only feel a sense of danger!!
“Ohho, if it’s a negotiation, then I’m the one in charge.” “Nina Starlights!”
“Derus, you only need to listen from now on, alright Mariu.”
“Yes, if Lord Derus agrees to that.”
…I cautiously looked around.
Clarice with a serious expression,
Anju poking at her food, and then…
(Not only Nastasia, but Helen is glaring too!!!!!)
The two of them, in unison!!
“I’m sorry, the negotiation will be after the meal!!”
Yes, let’s just finish the toast quickly.
“If Derus says so.”
“If it is Lord Derus’s command, I gladly will.”
“Th-then, to our reunion with Mariu, cheeeeeers!”
Ah, I hastily initiated the toast!!
” ” ” ” ” CHEEEEEEEERS!!!!!!!!!! ” ” ” ” ”
(Oh well, let’s drink and eat.)
I’m having fruit juice anyway!!
“Now, Lord Derus, open wide.”
“Ah, yes, ah, aaaaah…”
“Hehehe, how is it?” “Wow, this seaweed is delicious!”
On the other side, Nina Starlights too…
“Derus, here, open wide.”
“Yes, Nina Starlights! …Yes, it’s delicious.”
“Derus-kun, me too, me too!” “Hey, don’t float up into the food from the front!”
Mariu smiled as if amused.
She’s truly turned out so cute…
(No, really, what am I going to do about this.)
The Dwarf Maids also served us with friendly smiles.
Not only refills of water and fruit juice, but even the exchange of wet towels.
It felt like they had gathered the most beautiful Dwarf women suited for humans.
“By the way, Lord Derus, there’s something I’d like to ask.”
“W-what is it?”
“Just to confirm, where is your current, actual place of residence?”
I flinched!!
“W-w-w-what are you talking about?”
“Hehehe, you’re so easy to read.”
Is it about the Great Tree? Will that be found out?!?
“Lady Mariu, we will discuss that later.”
“Yes, we will have a ‘negotiation’ about it.”
(…What will happen to me?)
Looking around again…
(Helen and Nastasia are biting their nails side-by-side!!!!!)
What is it?
Even though it’s a delicious meal,
The taste has started to fade…
