Published: August 2, 2025
Today, two chapters are posted simultaneously.
This is the first chapter.
Thanks to the rush job done by a large number of slime, clear water is flowing into the lake.
Since the water gate was temporarily closed to completely drain the water, the water depth is still shallow.
But at this rate, it should return to normal by tomorrow morning.
There’s no need to keep watch, but for some reason, I found myself watching the lake slowly returning to its original state.
At night, the breeze by the water is quite cold, but after finishing a day's work, it's comfortable.
While thinking that, the maids who had finished setting up the wedding venue started heading home.
“And then there were none... I read a novel like that once.”
That was a mystery novel and wasn’t nearly as relaxed as this.
As I was thinking such trivial things, the sound of four sets of footsteps approached from the direction of the mansion.
“Hey! Ryoma.”
“Mr. Fuse. And Mr. Jill and Mr. Kamil. Even Mr. Zeff.”
The four familiar bodyguards were carrying a basket with a nice smell and a box full of liquor bottles.
“What’s with the luggage?”
“Dinner. Since it’s the day before the ceremony, I thought I’d eat with you today, Ryoma.”
Apparently, the day before the ceremony, the bride and groom are supposed to eat and talk with their family as much as possible. But Mr. Fuse’s parents had already passed away.
“Not to say I’m taking the place of your parents, but you’re alive because of you after all. And besides, we couldn’t drink together yesterday. How about a drink while looking at the stars?”
Being chosen as a drinking companion on such an important day is truly an honor.
“I’d love to join you.”
“Great!”
“Then, let’s get ready right away. Kamil, Zeff.”
“I asked the head chef to prepare the food properly, so it’s delicious!”
“The table and chairs are right here.”
“I’ll set up a barrier for warmth. Also, I’ll prepare some slime, so if there’s any trash, please put it there.”
After a few minutes of preparation, in front of us appeared warm stew and bread. On the magic tool stove was a pot filled with cheese fondue.
Various snacks that would go well with the alcohol were spread out everywhere.
“Well then, let’s celebrate Mr. Fuse’s marriage a little early and toast!”
“Cheers!”
As we sipped from our glasses, a rich aroma wafted through the nose.
“Hmm! What is this? This is some pretty good liquor!”
“Mr. Jill got the alcohol, right? Wasn’t it expensive?”
“Since it’s a celebration, a little luxury is acceptable.”
“That’s true, but if we’re pairing it with such good liquor, I wish we had thought of some better snacks.”
The four of them were talking. They looked really close for just colleagues.
Come to think of it, I’d never asked about their relationship.
“How long have you all been working together?”
“Hm? About ten years ago. Jill originally served the Duke’s household, and the three of us—me, Zeff, and Kamil—joined security after being adventurers. That’s when it started... The three of us were peers, and Jill was our mentor.”
“Really...”
“Kamil and Zeff aside, Fuse was the one who caused us the most trouble. His strength was remarkable, but he hated discipline and rigid formalities, so he didn’t even have the minimum etiquette required for nobles.”
“It was tough for Mr. Jill back then, wasn’t it?”
“Even though he was one of the security, sometimes he had to appear in front of guests. If he caused any trouble there, it would bring shame on the lord and the family.”
“Yeah, I got told a lot back then... ‘You! How do you think you can serve in a noble’s mansion like this!’ or something like that.”
“I just couldn’t understand it from the bottom of my heart. Neither your own way of thinking nor Lord Reinhardt’s decision to hire you.”
“What was the truth, actually?”
When I asked him that, he seemed to think for a moment before speaking.
“Back then...”
Mr. Fuse then told me he was the oldest son of a poor frontier farming family. He hated the idea of spending his whole life working the fields, and since he was confident in his strength, he ran away from home in his youth to become an adventurer.