"Everyone, please raise your glasses... Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
A chorus of voices echoed Rest's call as he hoisted his glass high. With the toast complete, the party officially began as he moved to welcome the long line of distinguished guests.
The celebration followed a buffet format, with several tables spread across the hall, each laden with a lavish array of dishes. Maids and butlers dispatched from the Marquis Rosemary House moved with practiced efficiency, weaving through the crowd to deliver food and top off drinks.
"Oho... Is this wyvern meat?"
"My, my. He certainly managed to bring down quite the beast."
The wyvern was the first thing to capture the guests' attention. By intentionally mounting the creature's head at the center of the table, Rest had created an unavoidable centerpiece that commanded every eye in the room. Large platters surrounding the base were piled high with slices of roasted wyvern.
"Roasted wyvern, eh? The seasoning is excellent."
"I'd heard Count Clover was a first-rate mage, but it seems his martial prowess is the genuine article."
The guests smacked their lips in delight, murmuring their approval as they sampled the rare delicacy. Among the crowd, Marquis Catreia stood with a particularly solemn expression.
"...So, he is indeed as capable as Yuri claimed," the Marquis muttered, his brow furrowed in a deep scowl.
As the Knight Commander and one of the twin pillars of the Kingdom's military, he possessed a veteran's eye for such things. He knew that the quality of wyvern meat was dictated by how the beast died. If a group of warriors or adventurers took hours to wear it down, the meat became bruised and tough, losing its subtle flavor. The slices currently melting in his mouth showed no such signs of struggle. This specimen had been taken down with incredible speed—likely dispatched with a single, decisive blow.
"I understand now... I’ve lost. I have truly been defeated. In that case, I have no choice but to acknowledge him..."
His daughter, Yuri, had run away from home some time ago and had been living under Count Clover’s care ever since. As a father who doted on her, it was a bitter pill to swallow. He had no desire to see his daughter—who bore such a striking resemblance to his late wife—clinging to another man.
"It is delicious..."
Despite his internal conflict, he couldn't deny the quality. Marquis Catreia swallowed the tender meat, his stoic face remaining stiff even as the dish softened his resolve.
"Please be careful, guests; this is quite a potent spirit."
"This alcohol...!"
"What incredible depth... and this strength! Is this a distilled spirit?"
Nearby, another wave of excitement swept through the guests as the drinks were served. This particular spirit had been developed in a coastal town. While the Empire frequently traded in distilled liquors, they were almost unheard of within the borders of the Aiwood Kingdom.
"Because of its high alcohol content, we recommend diluting it with water or juice."
"Why on earth would I ruin a fine spirit by diluting it? I'll take mine neat."
The man currently tossing back the drink brought by the butler was the Prime Minister himself, Duke Crocus. It was a well-known fact among the nobility that the Duke was an unrivaled connoisseur of fine spirits. As one of the few hobbies for a man so dedicated to his work, he collected rare alcohols with a passion. He was never going to pass up a chance to sample a distilled spirit served at a gala.
"Distilled spirits are typically an Imperial specialty... but I must say, this rivals their finest. Within the Empire, the highest quality batches are reserved for the Imperial Family, leaving only the dregs for international trade. This, however, lacks any such impurities. So this is what my daughter meant when she said I would be surprised."
"U-um... we also have wine and other selections, so please enjoy yourself, Excellency."
The server was a bit taken aback by the Prime Minister’s sudden academic lecture on liquor, but they maintained a professional smile. They were an expert, after all.
"It will be ready in just a moment, please wait!"
"Is this... seafood?"
"My, how fascinating. How do they get them into such perfect spheres?"
At the seafood station, takoyaki was proving to be a hit with the guests. By having the chefs prepare the dish live, Rest had turned the meal into a performance. People watched with fascination as the batter was expertly flipped on the iron plates. Rest had arranged for several varieties; the fillings ranged from the traditional octopus to whitefish fillets and cheese. The chefs had spent countless hours perfecting the dashi, the tempura scraps, and the bonito flakes, even going so far as to create a custom Western-style glaze to top them off.
"Oho... this is delightful. The flavor is quite unique."
"And the presentation is a treat for the eyes as well. Well done, son-in-law."
Marquis and Marchioness Rosemary sampled the takoyaki, their faces lighting up with approval. The sight of the chefs skillfully spinning the spheres was a novelty that appealed to the nobility’s love for the exotic. The distinct, gooey texture was also a massive success.
"By the way, Albert. Do you know what kind of creature an octopus is?"
"I can't say I do. Are you familiar with them, Eilische?"
"They are the offspring of Krakens."
"Pfft—!"
"Here is a fresh batch with cheese! Rest assured, guests, there is no octopus in this variety!"
While the couple shared their lighthearted banter, a new batch of takoyaki was served. Guests curiously speared the golden balls with their forks, eager to taste the unusual snack.
"Everyone, please lend me your attention!"
Then, timing the announcement perfectly, it was time for the centerpiece of the evening.
"For our main course tonight... we present a saute of Diamond Bear!"
"..."
The moment the butler spoke the words, the hall fell into a stunned silence, followed by a sudden, frantic whispering.
"Diamond bear...? No, it couldn't be!"
"That’s a legendary delicacy! Even the Royal Family rarely gets a taste!"
"Is it real? I've heard the market is flooded with counterfeits!"
The commotion swelled as guests debated the possibility, but the room plunged back into silence as the butlers and maids processed through the hall. To prove the dish's authenticity, Rest had the butchered head and crystalline hide of the Diamond Bear brought out alongside the food. He knew better than anyone how common fakes were, so he chose to let the evidence speak for itself.
"...There is no mistake. This is the genuine article."
In the middle of the quiet hall, it was Count Walnut who finally spoke. The man stroked his beard, his eyes wide with a mix of surprise and admiration as he let out a long breath.
"Count Rest Clover... It seems you are no ordinary man, after all."
In the next heartbeat, the hall erupted in cheers. The guests surged toward the tables, eager to sample the legendary meat that was normally beyond the reach of even the highest-born royals.