As evening approached and the sky began its subtle transition into twilight, Lilia Albert, the head of the Albert household, sat in her office staring at several documents.
They were papers included with the invitation for Kaito that had arrived that morning—essentially a written pledge. The documents meticulously detailed various terms, including a guarantee of Kaito’s physical safety.
"—Don’t you think it’s a bit too convenient to be a coincidence?"
"...Luna... Yes, I suppose so. A Demon helps Kaito-san when he gets lost in town, and it just so happens that this Demon is an acquaintance of Sei Libelstar, the chairman of the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company? And now Kaito-san is being formally invited to a private dinner... It is a startling series of coincidences."
Lilia looked up from the documents, her voice quiet and even as she responded to the flat tone of her maid. Earlier that morning, Kaito had explained that the Demon who helped him had mentioned eating together sometime, but he hadn't imagined they were such a high-profile figure. Lilia, for better or worse, saw that Kaito’s schedule was open; she had encouraged him to go if he wanted to, which had led to this moment.
"...There have been nearly a hundred Hero Summonings. This time, the responsibility fell to you. And this time, for the first time ever, an accident occurred involving multiple summons. Being the responsible person you are, you naturally took them under your wing."
"..."
"Then, because the mansion lacked men’s clothing, Miyama-sama had to go out alone. At his destination, someone used Concealment Magic to hide the fact that people other than the Hero were summoned, and a high-ranking Demon just happened to be passing by to rescue him."
"..."
Lilia’s expression didn't flicker as she listened to Lunamaria’s quiet narration. She simply watched the maid, who stood by the door with a smirk.
"Next, His Majesty the King’s bad habits flared up, leaving Miyama-sama without an invitation to the palace, which just happened to leave his schedule for the fourth day of the new year wide open. Then, by total chance, a dinner invitation arrived from an acquaintance of the Demon who saved him. And the host? The chairman of a massive trading company—a contact that a newly-titled Duchess with few connections like you would practically kill for. Isn’t it all just so... convenient, Duchess Albert?"
"..."
"...For you, it really is a scenario that's too perfect, isn't it, my lady?"
"..."
The setting sun shone through the window, illuminating the mistress of the house. A smile played across her lips—one that could only be described as a self-deprecating sneer.
"—Well, that’s probably what you were brooding about, wasn't it? Honestly, 'Lili,' you always think the worst of things."
"Luna..."
"I don’t believe for a second that someone as dead-serious and pathologically kind-hearted as you could ever cook up such a meticulous scheme."
"I feel like you’re insulting me in a very roundabout way."
Lunamaria broke into a laugh, and Lilia couldn't help but let out a smile of her own. When they were alone and using nicknames, Lunamaria felt less like an attendant and more like an old friend.
"You’re far too easy to read, Lili. You’ve been in a foul mood all morning because you’re trying to protect these Otherworlders from people who would exploit their status, yet you’re unintentionally profiting from Miyama-sama’s connections. That’s what’s eating at you, isn't it?"
"...I really can't hide anything from you. Yes, that's exactly it. Honestly, a connection with the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company is a blessing. The document even says the chairman will personally visit the estate to offer greetings later... It feels like I’m exploiting Kaito-san’s friendship for the benefit of the Albert family. I can't quite make my peace with it."
Since Lunamaria had hit the nail on the head, Lilia muttered her frustrations with genuine displeasure.
"You really are a blockhead. Why can't you just accept it as a stroke of good luck and be done with it?"
"We’ve only known them for a few days, but Kaito-san, Aoi-san, and Hina-san are all such kind people. They don’t blame me for dragging them into this; they even thank me. I don’t want people like that to be pawns in noble diplomacy."
"I don’t think Miyama-sama feels like he’s being dragged into trouble, though."
"Even if he doesn't, I still hate it. I really am not suited to be a noble."
"I agree."
"You’re actually agreeing with me!?"
"You've been a muscle-brained girl who acts before she thinks since we were children, Lili. You should just leave the complicated thinking to someone else."
"Who’s muscle-brained!? Who!?"
Watching Lilia slump over her desk with her head in her hands, Lunamaria laughed and continued her teasing.
Because they were old friends and not just master and servant, these unreserved barbs actually helped bring a bit of the smile back to Lilia’s face.
"...Well, I suppose you're right. Brooding over what’s already happened isn't my style. I’ll apologize to Kaito-san again... and make sure to properly thank him."
"Why not just use the 'thank you' as an excuse to create a fait accompli with him? That might ease your guilt."
"...You really do talk nothing but nonsense."
"Hehe, it’s fine, isn't it? Since you're so serious, I have to be the fool to keep the world in balance."
"...Sigh. I feel like I'm always the one who has to suffer for it, though."
After they finished laughing, Lunamaria turned back toward the door. Just before leaving, she looked over her shoulder with a sharp smile.
"Kusunoki-sama and Yuzuki-sama are almost ready. It’s nearly time to depart... my lady."
"...Thank you, Luna."
To be honest, I thought I was going to be interrogated, but Lilia-san gave me permission to go to the dinner party quite easily. It just goes to show how incredible the person who sent the invitation must be. It makes my stomach ache just thinking about it.
Anyway, since she had originally planned for me to attend the royal party, formal wear for me and dresses for Kusunoki-san and Yuzuki-san had been prepared before I even knew it.
I dressed in a glittering outfit that I’d only ever seen in movies back home. Once I got word that my ride had arrived, I gave a brief greeting to Lilia-san and the others and headed for the main gate.
When I arrived, a massive carriage hitched to four black horses immediately caught my eye. What on earth is that? Those horses are huge... and they have horns. Are those unicorns? Black unicorns?
"You are Miyama Kaito-sama, I presume?"
"Ah, yes."
A man who looked exactly like a high-class noble’s attendant stood before the carriage. He bowed deeply. Feeling a bit overwhelmed by his polished aura, I confirmed I was attending the dinner. He opened the door for me, and I climbed inside.
"...It’s huge..."
I knew the carriage was big from the outside, but the interior was surprisingly spacious and screamed "celebrity." Since I was the only one in there, I didn't even know where to sit.
Feeling a bit awkward about sitting right in the middle, I took a seat by the window. The man then handed me a bag.
"The Chairman asked me to give you this."
"Thank you."
"Think nothing of it. We will be departing shortly. Please let me know if you have any questions."
"Ah, okay."
The man moved to the driver’s seat, and we set off a moment later.
I checked the bag he gave me, and as if it were the most natural thing in the world, glowing text floated into the air.
"Kaito-kun, since it’s a BBQ, I’ve prepared some easy-to-move-in clothes! I’ve made it so the inside of the carriage can't be seen from the outside, so go ahead and change!"
Ah, I see. Officially, I left the house in formal wear for a "dinner party," but Kuro had said from the start that it was a BBQ. Casual clothes made much more sense.
I had been worried that I was being taken to some venue even more extravagant than the Royal Palace, so I felt a wave of relief as I changed into the provided outfit. It was a simple black shirt and trousers, but compared to the stiff formal wear, it felt exceptionally light and comfortable.
I watched the scenery from the window for a while. The carriage hardly vibrated at all. We passed through a large gate and drove for about twenty minutes before coming to a stop. The attendant opened the door.
"We have arrived. Please mind the step."
"Ah, thanks."
"The venue is just there by the riverside. If you wish, I can hold onto your formal clothes for you."
"Please do."
"Certainly. I shall return to pick you up at the scheduled time."
I thanked the man as he bowed and took my clothes. I looked in the direction he pointed and saw an open riverside area perfect for a cookout. I headed that way.
"Ah, Kaito-kun! Over here, over here!"
After walking a bit, I saw Kuro up ahead. She was wearing her usual black coat and waving her hand vigorously.
Beside her stood a petite woman in a maid uniform, about 150 centimeters tall. As I approached, she gave me a deep, respectful bow.
"Let’s have a great time today!"
"Yeah... though that invitation you sent was a bit much. I’ve been a nervous wreck because of it."
"Ahaha, sorry, sorry! But it’s okay. Like I told you yesterday, it’s just my family today, so you can relax. Oh, let me introduce you. This is Ein."
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miyama Kaito-sama. I am called Ein."
She had platinum-blonde hair that was short except for the slightly longer locks at her temples. Her maid uniform was impeccably pressed without a single wrinkle.
I don’t know how to describe it, but she had an extraordinary aura—an incredible sense of composure. I was used to Lunamaria, but Ein gave off an entirely different vibe.
"Well, now that Kaito-kun is here—Ein, get everything ready."
"As you wish."
"Wait, what—?!"
Kuro spoke with a relaxed smile, and Ein bowed. A split second later, BBQ grills, outdoor tables, and chairs—things that definitely weren't there a moment ago—manifested instantly. What was that? Magic?
I stood there gaping as if I'd just seen a master stage-magician at work, but Kuro didn't seem to notice my shock. She just beamed at me.
"Since this was short notice, I sent the others out to gather ingredients. They should be back soon, so I’ll introduce you then."
"Right, okay..."
I nodded, trying to wrap my head around things, when I heard a series of heavy thuds. I turned around and froze.
What is that? Are my eyes playing tricks on me? A knight in pitch-black plate armor was walking toward us, casually carrying a winged lizard about five meters long over one shoulder. Is that a dragon?
"Chrome-sama, will three wyverns be sufficient?"
"Yeah, that should do it!"
"..."
Three?! Did they say three wyverns? Oh, wow, they really did. Besides the one on their shoulder, they were dragging two more behind them. Wait, wait, wait! My brain can't keep up with this!
While I was staring at the literal dragon that had just appeared, a giant green mass—actually, a massive heap of vegetables—came floating toward us from another direction.
"Chrome-sama! I brought the veggies!"
"Thanks!"
"..."
I looked toward the child-like voice and saw a girl about 50 centimeters tall flying underneath the vegetables. A fairy?! Now there’s a fairy?!
"Yo, Chrome-sama. I caught some fish."
"Oh, perfect timing!"
"..."
Now a giant?! No, wait, please! Someone stop the world for a second! My brain is officially at capacity!
"I believe these are all the seasonings you required?"
"Ah, yes, thank you!"
"..."
A skeleton in expensive-looking clothes just flew in?! What is happening?! A demon girl, a maid, an armored knight, a fairy, a giant, and a skeleton?! It’s a fantasy-world fever dream!
Dear Mother, Father—I’ve made it to the BBQ. And as it turns out, the outrageous Demon’s relatives are, as expected, outrageous.