ALL NOVEL Chapter 174
174. A Feast Is The Best Lubricant, Isn’t It?
“Craft-kun! Craft-kun! This is delicious! Super delicious!”
Leafan’s eyes sparkled with excitement as she enjoyed the feast.
Spread before us were vibrant delicacies from both the sea and the mountains.
Every dish brought out was exquisite, and I could understand Leafan’s enthusiasm.
Invited for lunch, we were led to a warm, cozy room.
All of us sat cross-legged in a line.
Shingen and Hanbe also sat cross-legged like us, but Nobuna sat in seiza.
I wondered if it was a punishment game, but apparently, sitting in seiza was a normal posture for people of this country.
Having often been made to sit in seiza by Leafan when scolded, I couldn’t help but worry, though Nobuna seemed unfazed.
Unlike the earlier audience, Raidoc and the others were invited to sit at the same table and join the meal.
Jitaro, for one, had been devouring the food as if he were starving.
Myrna, though her movements were elegant, ate quickly—like, really quickly.
“Gwahahaha! Kyle-dono, you’re truly brilliant!”
Kyle, having caught Shingen’s favor, was engaged in an animated conversation with him.
I was thankful he was handling the most important figure here.
“I toured the town and thought I could help with salt refinement.”
“Oh? You mean it could be more efficient than the salt field method?”
Not only Shingen but Hanbe also leaned in to listen as he sat beside Kyle.
Sandwiched between Shingen, who only talked about casual topics, and Hanbe, who focused solely on serious matters, Kyle managed to converse smoothly with both.
Meanwhile, Persia, the bodyguard standing stiffly behind them, stared longingly at the food, nearly drooling.
Kyle noticed this and turned to her.
“Persia, feel free to enjoy the food.”
“But…”
“There are no bodyguards from the Mizuho Divine Kingdom present. If only our side has one standing, it might be seen as disrespectful.”
“Ugh…”
Kyle pressed further with a smile.
“They’ve even prepared a portion for you. It would be polite to partake.”
“Understood! Though I shall decline any alcohol!”
At this, Shingen burst out laughing.
“Gwahaha! The royal guards are so earnest! Sitting and sharing food and drink is the Mizuho way! Enjoy to your heart’s content!”
“…Yes, sir!”
And thus, Persia joined the feast.
Good job, Kyle—I was worried about her standing there like a ghost.
“Now, Kyle-dono, about the salt refinement…”
“Yes, about that—there’s an alchemical potion that rapidly evaporates water…”
“Gwahahaha! This fish is raw but healthy! The world outside Mizuho should know of its wonders—”
“The aftertaste is refreshing, making it so easy to eat—”
“Moving forward, we should exchange ambassadors between territories—”
“His Majesty has already given his approval—”
“Then try this sushi! It’s rice with a tangy flavor—it pairs perfectly with the fish—”
As Shingen offered food and Hanbe discussed trade and economics, Kyle adeptly juggled both conversations.
Yeah, Kyle, you’re incredible.
Meanwhile, our company included Nobuna, her younger brother Kanetsugu, and a newcomer—a cat beastwoman.
The beastwoman was female, with an adorable face.
Though it’d be rude to stare, I found my gaze unintentionally drawn to her.
Damn it!
She’s short and baby-faced, yet… huge!
And the Mizuho-style outfit she wore emphasized her cleavage!
The more I tried to avoid looking, the more my eyes were magnetically pulled!
Even though she wasn’t as big as Marilyn, her small frame made her seem larger!
Understand?!
Noticing my gaze, Eva shot me a withering glare of contempt.
No! This is a trap! Help me!
As if hearing my plea, Nobuna introduced the beastwoman.
“This girl is Chiyome. Chiyome Clemant. Though it might not be obvious with gloves on, she bears the Kunoich crest.”
With a sigh, Nobuna added.
“Chiyome, don’t trouble our guests.”
“Vision-guidance, it is. Wanted to see if it worked on men from the kingdom.”
“I understand, but stop it.”
“Understood.”
Chiyome straightened her posture, and the delightful view of her cleavage vanished.
…N-not that I’m disappointed or anything! I’m glad I can focus now, okay?!
Even though I was just thinking this, Eva’s cold, three-white-eyed glare bore into me.
Unfair…
“So, that person also has the Kunoichi crest, doesn’t she?”
Nobuna’s gaze turned to Camille.
“Yeah. Matching.”
“I’ve never seen another Kunoichi crest outside myself.”
“Rare?”
In her usual monotone, Camille tilted her head.
“It hardly manifests, even in Mizuho Divine Kingdom.”
“Rare.”
Camille gently stroked her left hand, looking pleased.
“By the way, that blue-armored one…”
“Raidoc.”
“Right. Raidoc, you’re an adventurer, aren’t you? Your skills are extraordinary.”
“Thank you. But all our strength is thanks to Craft.”
“The alchemist? What do you mean?”
Hey, Raidoc! Don’t say unnecessary things!
“We were second-rate adventurers until this guy alchemized a bunch of handy stuff for us.
Thanks to him, I think we’ve finally reached first-rate territory.”
“You’re undoubtedly first-rate. Your archer, Kunoichi, and mage as well.”
“Thank you.”
Raidoc, isn’t your standard for first-rate too high?
You’ve been first-rate since I reunited with you!
“But alchemy only makes minor potions, right?”
“Usually, yes. But everything he makes is extraordinary. Craft, the stamina potion was part of the tribute, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah. It’s a standard trade item.”
Raidoc glanced at me, then turned back to Nobuna.
“You wouldn’t believe it unless you tried it yourself, but with Nobuna-sama’s strength… let’s say at 80%, you could use your techniques endlessly—speaking of sword skills, that is.”
“Endlessly using techniques? I can’t believe it.”
“You wouldn’t. But it’s true.”
“Hmm…”
Nobuna peered curiously—no, intrigued—into my face.
“Hey, Raidoc, why don’t you join our nation? We could welcome you as an outer vassal samurai.”
Shingen, noticing Nobuna’s words, reacted.
“Yes! If Nobuna praises your martial prowess, you’re welcome here!”
While I wasn’t sure what status an outer vassal samurai entailed, it seemed akin to a baronet or knight.
Raidoc shrugged lightly.
“I appreciate the offer, but I plan to remain an adventurer with Golden Dawn for life.”
“Hmm, I see. A warrior’s conviction is not easily swayed. If you change your mind, remember us.”
“Thank you for your kind offer.”
Still, Raidoc managed to navigate this situation flawlessly. What a real charmer.
“Well, that’s unfortunate, but understandable. In that case, how about that adorable girl over there?”
Her gaze landed on Myrna, who was zealously devouring Mizuho cuisine.
She occasionally exchanged remarks with Persia about the dishes.
“Myrna, wasn’t it? Could you give her to my brother Kanetsugu as his bride?”
I nearly spat out my sushi.