Banquet

The next moment…
At that moment, Banho, a middle-aged samurai, leaped up as if springing off the ground and closed the distance between us in a single breath!

When did he draw his weapon…?
The katana at his waist was already unsheathed, no longer a negotiation - instead, a terrifyingly sharp and swift thrust was approaching my throat!

In response, I snapped my right hand, which was already in a stance, and released a burst of flame arrows from there!
The samurai’s sword pierces my throat…!
The magical arrow pierces through the samurai’s belly…!

The result of the battle was… a draw!

Of course, this did not actually happen…
As the fighters instinctively exchange their vigor…
As a result, their brains induced hallucinations.

However, even if it was a hallucination… the actual battle would have had a similar outcome.
It was troublesome that Uruka-dono was the last princess of the beastmen country, but this posed yet another difficulty…

By ‘difficulty,’ I meant that Banho’s strength exceeded my expectations.
Honestly, I exposed myself thinking that even if things got rough, I could handle it somehow…
I, who have secretly boasted about my hidden skills, now feel like my pride has been shattered.

Well, that’s fine…
Initially, I had no intention of using force.
Moreover, since there’s room for negotiation, they probably won’t resort to violence.

However, all this will depend on the outcome of our future discussion…
I must be careful not to corner them too much.
Since I am a person with high ambitions, it is not the time to commit suicide with unknown old men…

“I have received your introduction!
Princess of the Beastman Kingdom and her entourage, I believe there are various matters to discuss with you as well…”

I glance at Eve, who is standing beside me.
This had been arranged beforehand.

She knows a lot of things that I am not aware of, but it seems she lacks the knowledge of etiquette in these situations…
Following my instructions, she steps forward hesitantly.

“I am Eve, a servant of my Master Asuru-sama.
What’s the point of standing here and talking in a place like this?
I have prepared food and drinks, so please make yourself comfortable for now.”

Hmm, the lack of emotion in the lines is a drawback, but for now, it’ll do!
Eve unloads a box she has been carrying and takes out various items from it.

And so, the group of me and the residents of Beastman country found themselves savoring a feast under the clear sky in the Land of Death.

They laid out an extra-large cloth, sturdy and seemingly convenient, made of a material called ‘vinyl sheet’ on the ground, turning it into the venue for the banquet.
While Eve suggested inviting them inside ‘Mamiya,’ I, who was resistant to letting the unfamiliar group inside, insisted on having it outdoors.

Since there were only two of us, chairs and such were not brought out. However, if the lifestyle of the beastman country is as I’ve heard, it shouldn’t be considered impolite.

“Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

Prompted by Eve, who laid out the offer, the group, including me, took off their footwear and sat in a circle.
At the head where the most important person should sit, Uruka-dono took her place.
Banho and I seated ourselves on either side, with the other samurais following suit to form a circle.
I’m sorry, but Eve will serve the dishes.

As the server, Eve takes out various dishes from the box and arranges them in the center of the circle.
What’s notable is that these dishes are placed in containers made of a strange material called ‘plastic.’

They have a unique texture, unlike metal, wood, or ceramics…
Each thin and lightweight container is covered with a transparent lid.
The surprising part is that each of the dishes stored inside manages to retain warmth as if they were freshly made.

*Ding!*

*Ding!*

*Ding!*

And just like that, Eve placed the container in a mysterious box called a ‘microwave,’ and in no time, it was cooked.
Hmm, well… can we call it ‘cooking’? Even though it was in a frozen state, it did somehow become ready…

Nevertheless, what was being served was not just food.
The drinks were treated similarly.

For Uruka-dono, we squeezed juice from the fruit called ‘orange,’ a vividly colored fruit juice…
As for the rest of us, amidst unfamiliar choices, the one thing familiar is the beer…
Eve, holding beautifully crafted glass bottles, proceeded to pour the colorful drinks into the assigned glasses.

It seemed that these cups were made of the same material as the serving dishes… despite their delicate appearance, they were clearer and lighter than any glass I had seen before.
Pouring the beer into this cup… the golden liquid sparkled in the sunlight, looking indescribably beautiful.
Moreover, it foams up with a snowy white froth… The beer with the same name as what I know, yet far superior in taste, a feeling that hits me intuitively.
Beyond the quality of the beer itself, what is truly surprising is… its coldness.

There is condensation on the plastic cup…
With magic, it’s impossible to cool a drink.
However, the chilled beer was a first-time experience for me.
It’s not like I’ve never tried it before, but everyone always said it tastes better as it is.

So, when Eve took it out from the storage called ‘fridge’ and handed it to me,

“Isn’t it too cold? Are you sure it’s okay?”

She, expressionless, shimmering hair, responded,

“Beer is said to be optimal at this temperature.”

She insisted, without yielding.

…Well, except for the area where Keaton was greened, we are in the Land of Death with heat rising from the ground, so maybe being cold adds to the taste in itself.

As the drinks circulated, the covers on the dishes were removed.
With the preparations for the banquet complete, I gazed at everyone in order, starting from Uruka-dono.

“Ladies and gentlemen… I’m sure you have countless questions for me.”

For now, a group from a fallen nation accepted the banquet, swept away by the moment…
I spoke on behalf of what they were thinking deep down and continued.

“However, the first priority is to heal the exhaustion of those who have come all the way here beyond the Land of Death.
So, let us first enjoy the dishes and drinks prepared by my subordinates, and then we can talk.”

With a glass of beer in hand, I conveyed this while peering into the eyes of each person.
I announced it, but…
No one dared to touch food.
Everyone had expressions of confusion as if they were bewitched by something.

Well, of course.
Probably driven to the brink of collapse, led to a nonexistent fountain, and then, out of nowhere, I, with the unidentified entity named ‘Mamiya,’ appeared and treated them to a variety of luxurious dishes and drinks.

Putting myself in their shoes, I pondered about what to do.

“Don’t worry about it.
There’s no poison in it.”

Thus, with a smile, I tried to take the lead and tilt the glass of beer… but then my hand stopped abruptly.
At that moment, my hand suddenly stopped in its tracks.
Through the beer foam, the face of my deceased grandfather appeared.
I remained motionless for a few seconds, and then…

“Hey, Eve?
…This doesn’t have any poison in it, right?”

I gazed up at Eve, who was still standing for service and inadvertently asked.

“Eeeeeh!?”

A murmur rose from the samurais, including Banho.
Well, it may be so, but I can’t just let this go without confirming.
Now is not the time for a second encounter today with my deceased grandfather.

“It doesn’t have any poison.”

“…Really?”

“I’m telling you, it really doesn’t have any poison.”

“Really, really?”

“Truly, truly, it’s not there.”

“Really, truly, really?”

“Yes, really, really, it’s not in there.”

Samurais watch over the exchange between me and Eve with a stir of excitement.
Hmm. Is it okay to go this far…?
But, how can I put it, there’s a subtle hesitation…

Surprisingly, it was Uruka-dono who brought order to the chaotic situation.

“In any case, we have no choice in this matter…
If this is a poisoned chalice, I think we could meet our end rather fitting for royals…
I appreciate Asuru-dono’s kindness and will accept it.”

No sooner said than done…
Without a moment to hesitate, the bright juice was swallowed.

You idiot!

What will you do if you die!?

Despite thinking that, I watched over…

“…Delicious.”

The girl, who had a resolute expression moments ago, now naturally revealed a smiling face.