We held a dinner party at our academy residence today.
The guests included Uncle Demon King, his wife the Academy Director, Uncle Beezel, Uncle Randan, Big Sister Hou, and Uncle Gratz. Additionally, Ridley from the Dalfon Company made a surprise appearance. She was apparently nervous about leaving the Demon Kingdom's food production and price regulations—responsibilities the Dalfon Company handles—entirely in my hands.
I wanted to snap at her to trust me more, but since we only met yesterday, I suppose her hesitation was understandable. Still, I was happy to introduce Ridley as my friend. I doubted Big Brother Alfred or Big Sister Urza had any friends they could invite to a dinner party yet, so I felt a small swell of pride.
Since the house wasn't very large, the party was split between the living room and the yard. Given his massive Minotaur frame, Uncle Gratz had volunteered to stay outside. It seemed they were having a barbecue out there; Uncle Gratz’s subordinates had gathered and were busy with various preparations. It looked like it was going to be quite a large-scale setup.
That was all well and good, but I wondered if it was wise to leave the house unguarded while Uncle Demon King and the others were inside.
"If we provided overt security, it would just be advertising that important people are here," Uncle Gratz said, indicating several spots with his eyes as he skewered meat and vegetables. "Don’t worry. We’ve got the key points covered."
I see. They were guarding the place in secret.
I noticed Ojes, Hyfryguta, and Kihatroy—members of the Post-Age of Gods Dragon Race—mingling with Uncle Gratz’s subordinates to help with the barbecue.
"They volunteered to help," Gratz explained. "Apparently, they had some sort of friction with you all? It seems they want to make up for their previous blunder."
"It wasn't really what I'd call friction... Maybe they just wanted to join the barbecue?"
"That may be, but their combat strength is beyond reproach. Also, some of the other students are participating—or rather, they just naturally gather whenever something is happening here."
"It seems so."
On the outskirts of the barbecue area, I could see several familiar faces among the students. Big Brother Gol and his group seemed to be keeping them in line.
"We aren't short on hands. Leave the outdoors to me. Shouldn't you be heading back inside soon, or you’ll be scolded?"
He was right.
When I returned to the living room, Ridley was looking at me with a face that practically screamed for help. Surely she wasn't being bullied? When I glanced at Asa, he shook his head to signal that wasn't the case.
"Lady Tiselle," Asa whispered. "It is quite improper to leave your invited guest unattended."
Ah, right.
"I’m sorry," I said, apologizing to Ridley.
I had introduced Ridley to Big Brother Alfred and Big Sister Urza, but I hadn't introduced her to Uncle Demon King and the others because they hadn't arrived yet. If they were already acquaintances, it wouldn't have been a problem, but otherwise, the host must perform the introductions. If you don't, the guest is treated as if they aren't even there. It was a hassle, but those were the rules of the nobility.
The dinner hadn't officially started, but since everyone was present, I performed the introductions immediately.
"Uncle Demon King, may I introduce her to you?"
In a setting like this, one must first introduce the guest to the highest-ranking person present. I was sure I hadn't made a mistake with the etiquette, yet Ridley let out a small shriek. Why?
Once the introductions were finished, the dinner party began. Big Brother Alfred, Big Sister Urza, Ridley, and I sat at the table along with Uncle Demon King, the Academy Director, Uncle Beezel, Uncle Randan, and Big Sister Hou. Asa, Earth, and Mettora acted as the servers. I’d have to thank them later. There were also about six other servers brought by Uncle Demon King and his group, making the already small house feel incredibly crowded.
First, everyone was served a drink. To start, we all had Fruit Water. Big Sister Hou looked visibly disappointed, but it couldn't be helped. The rule was that everyone should eat and drink the same thing for the initial toast. Of course, that was just a formality; after the first round, alcohol would be provided to those who wanted it. When Mettora conveyed this to Big Sister Hou, she perked up instantly. Honestly, Big Sister Hou, you didn't have to gulp down the Fruit Water all at once.
Since the party was officially held to celebrate our enrollment, the guests were the ones to give the speeches. The Academy Director went first.
"I mentioned this at the Entrance Ceremony as well, but I will say it again. We welcome your enrollment. Please study well and apply yourselves."
Next was Uncle Demon King.
"Don't run too wild."
Then came Uncle Beezel.
"If you ever have any trouble, you may rely on me. You are all like my own grandchildren."
Uncle Randan spoke next.
"Beezel, that's playing dirty. Ahem. If you’re going to rely on anyone, rely on me. After all, I’m in charge of internal affairs. I can make a few minor crimes disappear."
Big Sister Hou cut in.
"I certainly can't overlook an admission of covering up crimes. If you’re going to rely on a useless adult, come to me instead. Especially if you need to consult someone about money, you can leave it to your big sister."
"Even though you're older than me..." Randan muttered.
He suddenly fell silent, likely because something had happened under the table. Father always said one must never mention a woman's age. I decided Uncle Randan only had himself to blame. Besides, I didn't intend to make the kind of mistakes that would require covering up a crime anyway.
Finally, it was Ridley’s turn.
"Um... First of all, thank you for the invitation. As a member of the Dalfon Company, I, Ridley Baker-Maka, offer my sincere congratulations to Lord Alfred, Lady Urza, and Lady Tiselle on your enrollment in the Galgard Noble Academy."
Receiving Ridley’s greeting, Big Brother Alfred replied on our behalf.
"Thank you for your kind words. We are still inexperienced and may cause trouble for you all, but we look forward to your guidance. It is a humble offering, but today we have prepared dishes from our home village. We hope you enjoy them."
He used the script we had prepared exactly as written. It was a draft we had worried over quite a bit to ensure it wasn't overly formal, so it would have been sad if it had gone to waste. I was genuinely glad I had invited Ridley.
Asa and the others began bringing out the food. We had agonized over the menu—specifically, whether to serve a formal multi-course meal or not. Conceptually, a multi-course meal would have been the "correct" choice to show we were following the customs of the Demon Kingdom. However, there was no need for such reserve with Uncle Demon King and the others, as they were already familiar with our village's food. Therefore, we decided against the formal courses.
"This is the Pork Katsu Set Meal," Asa announced.
Pork Katsu, cabbage, rice, miso soup, and pickles. It was a menu that would have made Father very happy.
"We have extra helpings of the Pork Katsu, cabbage, rice, miso soup, and pickles ready. Please do not hesitate to ask for more," Asa added.
With that, the meal began. Normally, we as the hosts would have been expected to drive the conversation, but every single guest was eating in total silence. Ridley was no exception. The only sounds to be heard were requests for second helpings and orders for alcohol.
I wondered how Big Sister Hou already knew the specific types of sake we had brought along. It was true that we didn't drink it ourselves and had only brought it for occasions like this, but still...
"Mettora, it’s fine. Go ahead and serve her," I whispered. "Just make sure she doesn't overdo it."
For now, I decided I should just eat. I had a feeling the conversation could wait until everyone was full.