A garden on a winter night — a place that, under normal circumstances, no one would think suitable for a party.
However, thanks to Marina's Spirit Magic and the heat from the kiln Rei had prepared, the garden was not quite as warm as summer... but it was close to spring.
And yet, not a single speck of snow had melted, even around the kiln — a testament to either the sheer absurdity of Spirit Magic... or simply the fact that Marina's skill in Spirit Magic was truly exceptional.
At first glance, the scene might have appeared to be nothing more than a wasteful use of Spirit Magic and Magic Items.
Even so, the fact that the other residents of the Noble District did not give them curious looks was partly because this mansion was not located in a conspicuous area within the district, but more importantly because the residents knew that this was Marina's mansion.
Given Marina's beauty and her status as the Guild Master, it would not have been strange for someone to try and curry favor with her.
But, at least on this occasion, no such individuals made an appearance.
...Whether that was because Set was present among the partygoers, or because Marina had done something with her Spirit Magic, only she herself would know.
"Since Rei is going to be the party leader, I'd like the party name to include something like 'flame,' you know?"
"I never agreed to being the party leader, you know."
The pizza ingredients had already been cleared away. Placing his cup of tea on the table where only a few slices of pizza remained, Rei muttered in displeasure at Vihera's words.
"Give it up. This party was formed by members who gathered around you in the first place."
Fufu, that is right. From my perspective as well, I cannot think of anyone other than Rei who could lead this group.
In response to Marina's words, Elena — displayed through the Paired Orbs resting on the table — nodded in agreement.
At first, Elena had been busy with a gathering at her own home, but once that settled down, she was able to join the New Year's party Rei and the others were holding — albeit through the Paired Orbs.
Granted, the fact that she could not interact with Rei directly through the Paired Orbs was a source of frustration for Elena.
"You say that, but if I were to become the party leader, there would definitely be no shortage of problems cropping up, you know?"
"...Well, it's Rei, after all."
As Marina murmured those words with feeling, Vihera floated a delighted smile.
For Vihera, who loved combat, being targeted by someone due to some sort of trouble was by no means a negative.
Rather, for Vihera, it was a plus.
Of course, the opponents who would emerge at such times were not always strong; among them, many would be all bark and no bite.
"Setting the party leader matter aside for now."
Judging that continuing down this path would only work against him, Rei deflected the conversation for the time being.
...Though naturally, everyone listening to Rei understood this and raised no objections.
"For our party, the most eye-catching member is Set, right? In that case, I think a party name that makes Set stand out would be good."
"No objections there."
A party name often reflected the characteristics of that party.
As far as Rei knew, the Axe of the Thunder God led by Elk was one such example.
It was Elk's weapon, his alias, and his party's name.
Hearing the name Axe of the Thunder God, anyone would immediately think of Elk and his party.
Of course, that was not the only pattern; there were also cases like Mirene's party, Scorching Wind.
Though in that case too, the name Scorching Wind was chosen to represent their fierce attacks — Mirene's Sword Skills, Surnin's magic, and Ekril's archery.
"Set's name, huh... Mirene or Yohanna might come up with something good."
"Stop right there."
At Rei's words, Vihera immediately called a halt.
She said this precisely because she knew just how much Mirene and Yohanna doted on... no, were utterly obsessed with Set.
If those two were to come up with a party name, the thought flashed through Vihera's mind that they might create something like the "Set-chan Love Squad," "Set-chan is Supreme," or "Set-chan Beats Everything."
Giving it a moment's thought, Rei could understand that as well... and in the end, he had no choice but to nod at Vihera's words.
"Hmm, but a party name, huh. This is a tough one."
Forgetting the business about Mirene and Yohanna for the moment, he once again considered their own party name.
However, Rei did not have all that much confidence in his own naming sense to begin with.
If anything, the only party names that came to mind were the sort that Mirene or Yohanna would think of.
When he tried to think of a name that would clearly convey their characteristics or goals as a party... almost nothing came to mind.
Being able to agonize over something like that is something to be envious of.
"Oh? What do you mean by that?"
Marina asked in reply to the words coming from the Paired Orbs.
It is not as though I intend to tease you. It is simply that the time spent thinking of such things is the most enjoyable, is it not?
"True. I won't deny that."
One occasionally heard the saying that preparing for a festival was more fun than the festival itself.
If someone were to say that their current situation was the same, Marina had no intention of denying those words.
Besides, the fact that Elena's face, displayed in the Paired Orbs, was looking at them with what appeared to be genuine envy played a large part as well.
"What are you talking about? You're going to join this party eventually too, Elena. I'm counting on you to help us think of a name."
...Huh?
And so, at those words from Rei, Elena — displayed through the Paired Orbs — wore an expression of complete surprise.
After wearing a blank expression for several seconds... she eventually came back to herself and hastily opened her mouth.
N-No, but... as you well know, Rei, I am in no position to become an adventurer.
Those words were undeniably the truth.
Elena was a symbolic figure within the Noble's Faction — one of the Three Great Factions of the Kingdom of Mireana.
She could not possibly work as an adventurer.
That was precisely why she envied Rei and the others as they talked about their party... rather, she was even grateful that she was not there in person and was only interacting through the Paired Orbs.
For she was certain that had she been participating directly in the party at Marina's mansion, she would have acted in a manner unbecoming of herself.
Because of all that, she was caught off guard by the words that left Rei's mouth... and Elena's face at this moment was not that of a duke's daughter, nor that of the Princess General. It was the face of a single woman, standing before the man she loved, wearing an expression of pure surprise.
Elena would only ever direct such a face toward Rei.
Not even her father, Duke Kerebel, would ever be able to see such an expression on Elena's face.
(Whether she herself is aware of that or not... I wonder which it is.)
Suppressing a smile, Marina mused as she looked at Elena displayed through the Paired Orbs.
But she would absolutely never say it aloud.
For if she were to voice it, those very same words would come right back to apply to herself.
This held true not only for Marina but for Vihera as well, and Byune — the only one present who was not in love with Rei, though she did hold some fondness for him — was letting the conversation go in one ear and out the other, devoting herself entirely to savoring the dried fruit on the table.
Amidst those harboring all sorts of feelings, Rei nodded toward Elena.
"Yeah. As things stand now, it'd be impossible for you. But... it's not going to be like that forever, right? Thanks to the Ritual of Inheritance, you've become closer to me, Elena. So even if it's not possible right away, there's a chance you might eventually be freed from your current position."
When that happens, you can just join our party.
At Rei's words, saying exactly that, Elena fell silent for a moment, unable to comprehend what had just been said... but in the next instant, she burst out laughing.
Pfft... kuku... hahahaha. I see, you're right. Ah. That would be nice.
Elena, unable to suppress the impulse to laugh.
This smile too was something that those who normally knew Elena would never get to see.
If there were any man in the Noble's Faction... no, any man who knew Elena, Noble's Faction or not, they would all surely be envious of this sight.
However, Rei did not consider himself to be blessed with such fortune at all, and as Elena laughed on the other side of the Paired Orbs, her golden hair — like sunlight given physical form — shaking wildly, he opened his mouth with a displeased expression.
"What's so funny? There's no reason to laugh. I'm inviting you sincerely here."
Kuku... a-ah, forgive me. But... yes, your words are appreciated, Rei. And they make me happy. That much is certain.
Elena, displayed through the Paired Orbs, laughed merrily... truly, genuinely merrily.
"Anyway, about the party name... hmm, nothing comes to mind right off the bat."
Judging that continuing to talk with Elena like this would get them absolutely nowhere, Rei forcibly steered the conversation back to the party name... but even there, no good ideas ultimately emerged.
Several opinions were brought up, but it was accurate to say that none of them quite clicked.
Also, even while discussing the decision of a party name, the conversation was not limited to that topic alone.
The discussion jumped here and there, bouncing from one subject to another.
However, since they had not gathered for the sole purpose of deciding a party name, this was perhaps fitting for a New Year's party.
Kyu! Kyu-kyu!
Guru-ruru.
Once again, Ielo — having come over to Elena's side — was conversing with Set through the Paired Orbs with an adorability that belied its nature as a Black Dragon.
"Still, I've been wondering about this for a while now, but Ielo and Set are completely different species, right? So how is it that they can communicate?"
Sipping her slightly cooled tea, Vihera murmured in puzzlement.
The gaze was directed at Rei — it was him being asked — but even Rei could not answer that question.
From the very first time they met, Set had already been able to converse with Ielo.
The image that it was simply something natural had taken root in Rei's mind.
"I wonder. Well, I can come up with a few guesses, but... they'd be hypotheses stacked on top of hypotheses, really nothing more than wild speculation."
Murmuring, Rei directed his gaze at Ielo.
Ielo was a being created through Dragon Language Magic — more precisely, through what was known as the Ritual of Inheritance, by Elena, who had inherited an Ancient Dragon's Magic Stone.
And Set was a being created through the sorcery known as Beast Magic, which only the Zephyle Clan had ever managed to achieve.
There seemed to be something of a common thread between the two, but even so, he could not say for certain.
"...Oh my, the date is about to change. Rei, you're going to eat udon, aren't you?"
Rei, who had been pondering the commonalities between Beast Magic and Dragon Language Magic, was brought back to himself by Marina's voice.
"Ah, right. ...Sorry, Elena."
Hm? Ah, do not worry. Lately, the number of shops serving udon has been increasing on my end as well. I contacted one such shop and had them prepare it. ...Though I would have preferred to eat the same udon as you all.
"Udon from the Duke Kerebel's Territory, huh. That's interesting in its own right. I imagine it varies quite a bit depending on the region."
Udon had spread from Gilm, but yakisoba-style fried udon already existed, and various types of broth had been developed as well.
(If it spreads to port towns, it'll probably become seafood udon rather than seafood ramen.)
Rei thought as much, but if he had his preference, he would have chosen soba over udon for New Year's — because he was Japanese.
...Though he did not hold any particular attachment to rice.
"At any rate, if you've got your udon ready on your end too, Elena, then the timing's perfect. Alright, let's all eat udon now. The date's about to change."
At Rei's words, Elena nodded on the other side of the Paired Orbs and rang a bell.
Immediately, a knock came at the door, and a maid appeared.
My lady, did you call for me?
Yes. There should be udon prepared in the kitchen. Bring it here.
The maid nodded at Elena's words and departed.
And in less than a few minutes, the udon was brought over.
"Alright, let's bring ours out too."
Seeing Elena holding a bowl filled with udon, Rei took the udon out of his Misty Ring.
What could be projected through the Paired Orbs was video only; it was impossible to transmit smells to the other party.
But... even so, from Elena's perspective, the authentic udon looked many times more delicious than the udon in her own hands.
Feeling a twinge of envy at that fact, the moment udon was eventually distributed to everyone, the year crossed over... and it became the new year.
"Happy New Year."
So saying, they ate their udon.