𝐃𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐨𝐲𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐲
Albero, Kid, Ashe, Lapis, and Ridelle were all shocked by what Yorha had said in the dormitory’s common room.
The topic of the discussion was a dinner with King Zenobect.
The king apparently wanted to have a meal with the S-class summoners, who had contributed greatly to the demon subjugation. Yorha was confident about this, stating that King Zenobect had no ulterior motives and genuinely just wanted to host a dinner.
First, Kid.
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“Pass.”
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With a gesture as if brushing off an insect, he declined.
Ashe and Ridelle felt the same.
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“Ah, I’m a bit. . . . . .uh, having dinner with the king. . . . . .”
“I, I might get so nervous I’d throw up. . . . . .ugh.”
“It’s not possible!”
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Lapis stood up and said,
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“Refusing the king’s invitation isn’t normal! Even if you all are not up for it, we should go to the royal palace!”
“Ojou-sama, you seem eager.”
“I apologize. . . . . .I feel like we must go as nobles.”
“Well, it’s fine. I don’t mind either way.”
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While sipping his orange juice, Albero said,
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“Think of it as going to eat something delicious. We can quickly eat and leave, and there’s also Yorha’s position to consider. Let’s just accept this one time.”
“. . . . . .You seem eager. Did something happen?”
“Nothing at all.”
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Thus, Albero and the others decided to attend the dinner.
The outfits for Albero and the women’s dresses would be prepared by Yorha. Leivinia and Nisrok were left at home. . . . . .Kid was overjoyed when he said he’d prepare lots of food and snacks for them.
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The dinner was set for three days later. . . . . .Time flew by swiftly.
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◇◇◇◇◇◇
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Dressed in the clothes provided by Yorha, Albero and the others rode in a royal carriage to the castle.
Upon their arrival at the castle, they were greeted by Yorha, dressed in a peach-colored dress.
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“Welcome. Just kidding. . . . . .you don’t have to be that formal. Just have a regular meal and go back.”
“If only it were that simple. . . . . .”
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Ashe, wearing a green dress, was incredibly nervous.
The dress had an open shoulder design, showing off her cleavage. Normally, Ashe would be shy, but she was too nervous to care.
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“. . . . . .”
“Hey, don’t get scared now.”
“I, I’m not scared!”
“. . . . . .You’re lying.”
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Kid, dressed in a dark formal suit with a tie, spoke to a nervous Ridelle.
Ridelle is a dress with a red color scheme, featuring a design that emphasizes a large neckline. Just like Ashe, it’s not the time to worry about dresses with excessive exposure due to being too nervous.
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“Albero, do you prefer meat or fish?”
“Both.”
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Lapis, being the Duke’s daughter, had dined with the king before and was not nervous at all. She wore her dress gracefully.
Albero, looking up at the royal castle, asked Yorha,
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“Hey, is it really just a simple dinner?”
“I assure you. It’s genuinely just a dinner. . . . . .sigh.”
“Well, it’s okay.”
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Then, in front of Albero and his companions, the guide knight. . . . . .Arnaud arrived.
Seeing Arnaud after a long time, Albero tried to call out to him. However, Arnaud, without changing his expression, silently bowed and began guiding.
Working. Typical of the serious Arnaud.
Following Arnaud inside the royal palace. And then, to the outdoor dining area set up in one corner of Asgard’s royal palace courtyard.
A makeshift open kitchen was set up, and chefs, sommeliers, and maid waitresses bowed in unison.
Seeing the rows of premium liquor, Kid let out a soft whistle.
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“Ah, the heroes have arrived. Come on, take your seats.”
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Zenobect had already arrived.
Beside him was Sanbart, who had fought against Albero. He seemed to have a complicated expression upon seeing Albero, but Albero completely ignored him.
The servants pulled out chairs, and Albero and his group took their seats.
Aperitifs were served, and everyone took one.
Zenobect made eye contact with each of Albero’s group members, one by one.
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“Hmm. At last, I get to look into the eyes of the heroes. I’d like to hear from you all, but let’s start with a toast. Cheers!”
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A straightforward greeting followed by a toast.
Ashe and Ridelle hastily raised their glasses, while the others lightly did the same.
Albero and his companions were still underage, but the served aperitif was a very light grape wine, almost like juice.
After that, food was served. It started with appetizers.
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“Now, heroes. Or should I call you by name? Albero・Rushout. . . . . .the slayers of 『Gluttony』, 『Pride』, and 『Wrath』.”
“. . . . . .I am honored.”
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Albero ordered freshly squeezed orange juice from a nearby servant.
The palace’s orange juice was freshly squeezed on the spot.
Afterwards, Zenobect continued to ask questions to each one of them. Ashe and Ridelle, out of nervousness, bit their tongues, making Zenobect laugh heartily.
Kid opened several bottles of premium liquor and became quite cheerful. Zenobect seemed to be quite impressed with his drinking.
After finishing the main dish, only the dessert remained.
Zenobect then brought up a topic to the long-silent Sanbart.
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“Speaking of which, Sanbart. It seems the A-class summoners are searching for the demon.”
“Uh. . . . . .T, That’s right, father.”
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Sanbart almost spat out his wine in surprise.
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“Hahaha. In that case, why not collaborate with the S-class summoners? Hahaha. With the demon-slaying Albero・Rushout, wouldn’t the remaining demons be easily defeated?”
“”””””””…………””””””””
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Everyone present fell silent.
King Zenobect seems oblivious to the mood. Yorha had mentioned this, but to this extent?
Does he not know of the mock battles between A-class and S-class summoners, and how they are on bad terms? Even Yorha seemed about to hold her head in frustration.
But, they couldn’t ignore this.
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“Indeed. Onii-sama, if the A and B-class summoners, who have many detection-type summoners, find a demon, it would be beneficial to share that information with the S-class summoners.”
“W, Well, that’s. . . . . .”
“Oh! That’s a great idea! Hahaha!”
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Zenobect seemed drunk.
Yorha quickly seized the moment.
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“Otou-sama, both A-class and S-class will cooperate to defeat the demon. As you know from the results of the mock battle, it’s said that the S-class summoner is superior. . . . . .How about the A-class provides rear support while the S-class takes on the frontline combat?”
“What? Oh, that’s a great idea! Hahaha, it would be good if the S-class demon subjugators takes down the remaining demons!”
“Yes, that’s exactly right. Right, Onii-sama?”
“Yorha. . . . . .you.”
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Sanbart was stunned by the unfamiliar expression on Yorha’s face.
The enjoyable banquet concluded with a royal order stating that 『A-class will support S-class』.
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It’s not a partnership.
The S-class is using the A-class. It has turned out that way.
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