"Let's head to the room, then."
Estel threw me a lifeline, perhaps sensing the awkward atmosphere. He started walking immediately, taking the lead.
I was immensely grateful and followed right behind him. After all, there was an incredible amount of pressure radiating from the group behind me. Four men—including an Emperor, a Duke, and a Count—were trailing us. What had my life become?
Well, even our leader Estel was a Baron. Sebastian and the rest of the staff seemed to have been left behind. It appeared the initiation ceremony was meant for this select group only. Even my party members weren't allowed to witness it.
An initiation ceremony alongside the Emperor. This was truly surreal.
Estel climbed the stairs to the third floor, walked down the hallway, and opened the door at the very end. He stepped inside with purposeful strides. It was a completely unremarkable room. Once I entered, the other four followed.
"I’m glad to see you were able to join without any issues, just as I expected," the Duke said, exchanging a few words with me as he entered.
Then came the Emperor’s entourage. The Count standing beside the Emperor was a rugged warrior at a glance—likely a guard. He sported a thick mustache, though the hair on his head was proportionately sparse. If I looked down at him from above, he’d definitely have a barcode pattern. He was tall, too; unless you were Vesta, you wouldn't be looking down on him easily.
"Alright. Everyone is inside. As soon as the preparations are ready, we will conduct the initiation ceremony and the ritual for Gaius, Carlos, and Michio in the next room."
Estel, having reached the back of the room, turned to face us. He was really just using their names without any titles.
It seemed the man who wasn't the Count was also a new member. Since he had entered the Lodge with the Emperor, he was clearly an associate.
"We look forward to it," the Emperor nodded.
"I look forward to working with you."
"L-Likewise."
I wasn't sure who the Emperor had been addressing, but since the other man followed suit, I joined in on the greetings.
"At least three members must be present for an initiation ceremony. Today, besides myself, Bruno—the recommender for Gaius and Carlos—and Brocken—the recommender for Michio—will serve as witnesses."
"I am Bruno."
"I am Brocken."
Following Estel’s statement, the Count and the Duke stepped up beside the Baron. So the Count was a recommender, not just a guard.
"Now, you three wait in this room for a moment."
Having finished the introductions, Estel moved toward the adjacent room.
Wait, wait. He was leaving me alone with the Emperor? Even if the other man, an associate of the Emperor, was staying too, the tension was palpable. I sent a pleading look their way, but both Baron Estel and Duke Harz ignored me and disappeared into the next room. My personal anxieties clearly weren't their concern. Even the Count followed them, leaving the Emperor behind.
I tried to think positively. If I looked at it mathematically, the ratio of nobles had decreased from four-sixths to one-third. Depending on the definition, if one considered the Emperor to be above the nobility, there were technically no nobles left in the room at all.
"Is Michio a member of the Human race?"
"I… certainly, I am deeply honored to—"
It was impossible. The Emperor was actually talking to me.
"You may use your usual manner of speech. It is a regulation that we speak as equals within the Lodge. Those around me use nothing but obsequious language. I have been looking forward to hearing the common tongue of the streets."
When facing His Imperial Majesty, of course everyone used obsequious language.
"I-I understand."
"So, are you a Human?"
Even his use of pronouns for "you" was archaic and unusual.
"That's right."
"In that case, you are quite young. How old are you?"
"Seventeen."
He could see my age if he looked at my Intelligence Card, so there was no point in lying.
"Joining at such an age. You must be exceptionally talented."
"No, not really."
"No, that will not do. Excessive humility becomes a vice. Consider the other members and those who were not permitted to join."
I was rebuked by the Emperor. True, there were likely many who wanted to join but were rejected, so I couldn't exactly claim I wasn't talented in front of them. It was just as the Emperor said—those born with power had a different level of resolve.
"I see."
"Even I am only joining now that I have reached a certain age."
"Is that not also quite admirable?"
"If I may offer an excuse, it has not been long since I began entering the Labyrinths in earnest. I am a busy man, after all."
That was probably an understatement. He was the Emperor, after all. Conversely, I wanted to ask why he was entering them at all.
"Is that so?"
"Our specific office is a secret, but our duty is to produce an heir."
I wondered if he really intended to keep it a secret when he was still referring to himself with the imperial "We." Regardless, it seemed that for the time being, his identity was something I was supposed to pretend I didn't know. I didn't know he was the Emperor. I hadn't a clue. Got it?
"An heir, huh?"
"There are things that must be passed down from ancestors to descendants."
I wondered what he meant—perhaps something like the wise lords of old who believed the state was a trust to be passed on, not a private possession to be squandered. He seemed the type to take that responsibility seriously.
"I don't quite get it, but it sounds tough."
"We were only able to enter the Labyrinths in earnest once our firstborn grew to the age of fifteen and safely reached adulthood. It has not yet been ten years."
So, once the Crown Prince turned fifteen and became capable of succeeding him, he was finally allowed to risk his life in the Labyrinths. In this world, the infant mortality rate must be high. He couldn't do as he pleased until he had a reliable successor.
According to Appraisal, the Emperor was thirty-nine. If the Emperor’s child was fifteen ten years ago, they would be twenty-five now. Wait. The math was slightly off.
"Ah—"
"Is something suspicious?"
"You look quite young for that."
"As we said. That is our duty."
Was he going at it like crazy since he was fourteen? If you factored in a year for pregnancy, he’d been active since thirteen. Even if adulthood was fifteen, he’d been a man of action from the start. Was the Emperor’s fifteenth year the age of vigor? I was almost jealous.
Actually, I’d heard that sex as a duty was quite difficult. I-It’s not like I was jealous or anything.
"I see. Even so, why did you wait until you were older to join?"
"For one such as us, there is no reason for existence if we do not subjugate the Labyrinths. Now that our child has reached adulthood, there is a replacement."
The Emperor spoke with a tragic resolve. It seemed being the Emperor wasn't all luxury. Just like Duchess Cassia, the nobles of this world seemed to hold themselves to high ideals. Perhaps it was a cultural thing, like how some societies believe the elite must be the most disciplined.
"Shall we begin soon?"
While I was wondering how to respond to his heavy words, Estel returned. Perfect timing.
"Is it starting?"
"Everyone, put these on."
The Baron was holding white garments, identical to the one he was wearing. It was a baggy shirt called a Dalmatica.
"A Dalmatica, huh?"
"You are well-informed, Michio. It is a piece of equipment passed down in the Society. One wears this during the initiation ritual."
Estel handed me the garment.
"I feel like I've seen this somewhere."
"It is the equipment our Mages wear," the Emperor said.
"Ah, was that it?" the other man added.
As I suspected, the other man was an associate of the Emperor. Since he said "our Mages," they were likely in the same party.
"Once you've put them on, we're going to the next room."
"Estel, I heard it is rare for multiple people to join at the same time. Is that so?" the Emperor asked.
"Indeed. This is the first time since I became Chairman that multiple people have joined at once."
There it was. Baron Estel was apparently the Chairman of the Empire Liberation Society. As Chairman, he was certainly qualified to be an examiner.
"So it really is rare."
"There are not many individuals suitable for membership. Three at once might be unprecedented. Two at once has happened before, as it is customary for a Praetorian guard to join alongside the Emperor when he is inducted, but three is a first."
So the other man was a Praetorian guard. He must be incredibly strong to be the one chosen to accompany the Emperor. As expected, the Emperor required a constant guard. Here, both the Count and the Baron were without guards—though with Substitution Misangas, maybe they didn't feel the need.
"Very well. In that case, it would be best to have Michio’s initiation come first," the Emperor announced.
"Me?"
"By the nature of our profession, we are not accustomed to showing respect to others. We may even find ourselves looking down upon them. That would not be good. If Michio joins first and we are made to respect him as a Senior Disciple, our own heart of arrogance should be somewhat tempered. This must be a form of divine guidance."
No, no, no. That was a noble sentiment, but please think of the person being "respected." My own stress levels weren't going to be tempered at all. The Emperor was used to being respected, so he could stay calm, but I was the one who had to deal with an Emperor bowing to me.
"That resolve is magnificent," Estel praised.
"Indeed."
"The order of initiation will be Michio, then Gaius, and finally Carlos."
"That would be for the best."
The order was decided. The Emperor’s words were like a decree; they couldn't be retracted. And the guard, Carlos, was definitely after Gaius. I wished they'd just handle their internal hierarchy amongst themselves.
"Now, follow me once you've finished preparing."
"Yes."
I had no choice. I pulled the Dalmatica over my head and entered the next room.
It was dark inside, illuminated only by two slender candles. There were two candlesticks on a long table covered with a white cloth, and beyond them stood the Duke and the Count, both wearing Dalmaticas. Estel went around to the other side of the table and stood between the two.
"Close the door."
"Understood."
At Estel’s instruction, the Emperor’s guard closed the door, cutting off the light from the hallway and plunging the room into shadow. It was an ethereal atmosphere. Only the small candle flames faintly lit the area.
"Michio, step forward."
"Yes."
At Estel’s signal, I stepped up to the table. Simultaneously, the Duke moved to the side, placing Estel and me at equal distances from him.
"We shall now conduct the initiation ceremony for Michio into the Empire Liberation Society. Recommender, give your recommendation."
"I, Brocken, a member of the Empire Liberation Society, recognize the strength and character of Michio and recommend him as a person suitable for our ranks. Michio shall bring a new wind to the Society and serve as a strength in the extermination of Labyrinths and Monsters."
"I, Estel, have confirmed Michio’s strength. If there are any who oppose his membership, speak now."
It was likely a ritualistic line, considering the only people here besides my recommenders were people I had met today.
"I recognize that there are none who oppose Michio’s membership."
After a short pause, the Count spoke. It seemed his role was to conclude the process.
"I approve Michio’s entry into the Empire Liberation Society. Michio, repeat the following oath."
"Yes."
"As a member of the Empire Liberation Society, I pledge to never neglect my efforts and training, and to devote myself to the extermination of Labyrinths and Monsters."
I repeated Estel’s words. The content was straightforward enough.
"Furthermore, I pledge never to leak the internal information of the Empire Liberation Society."
I repeated that as well.
"The initiation ceremony is concluded. We welcome you to the Empire Liberation Society."
"Thank you."
"After we conduct the ceremonies for the other two, the new members will undergo the initiation ritual: the confession of one’s own shameful sexual secrets. This is a necessary ritual to be reborn strongly as a member of this Society."
They actually did a ritual like that? I suppose it was meant to build solidarity or a sense of shared vulnerability. An initiation, basically. I had plenty of secrets, but mostly about being from another world.
"Secrets, huh?"
"Once you have joined, it is a violation of the rules to reveal the secrets shared here. No matter what you confess, it will not leave this room. Furthermore, recommenders can be asked to leave if they are too close to the initiate. You two in the back, think about what you will say."
"Understood."
"Yes."
The Emperor and the guard replied. They were really making the Emperor confess? Maybe I should just reveal that I was from Earth. No, that would just be seen as a prank. Maybe I should reveal my ability to cast magic without chanting? That could be verified on the spot.
"I am tired of hearing confessions about mundane habits. Be prepared; I will make you continue your confession until I am satisfied."
It had to be a shameful sexual secret. Great. Maybe something related to my Sex Fiend job? Sharing a secret with the Emperor and the Duke might have merits, but it was hard to say what they would be. If the Empire had a research institute for Labyrinths, I might end up as a test subject. A "normal" secret would be safer.
After that, the initiation ceremonies for the Emperor and the guard were conducted. The script was identical, with only the recommender changing from the Duke to the Count.
"Regarding Michio’s initiation ritual, should I refrain from being present?" Duke Harz asked. Exposure of shameful secrets didn't have to be heard by the recommender. The fewer people listening, the better.
"If you would be so kind."
"I understand. I shall wait outside."
The Duke left for the adjacent room without any fuss. He backed down easily—likely part of the established protocol.
"Now, Michio, begin by exposing your own shameful sexual secret. Everyone else shall listen with sincerity and refrain from teasing. However, if the secret is judged to be insufficiently shameful, you will be strictly rebuked. Michio, come here."
Estel made the declaration in the dim room. I went around to the other side of the table. In the darkness, the candle flames only lit the area immediately around us. The four listeners were just faint shapes. It was a good environment for a confession, I suppose.
"Begin."
Estel urged me on. What story should I tell?
"A long time ago, there was a cute girl working at a shop near my home. Whenever she gave me change, she would always hold my hand gently. I was convinced she was interested in me, so I’d always go to her line and use big bills just to get change back. I didn't find out until much later that some clerks are just trained to do that so they don't drop the coins."
It was a shameful misunderstanding from my past life.
"Trivial."
"We do not quite understand. What does that mean?"
"That's a pretty common story, isn't it?"
The Baron, the Emperor, and the guard gave their evaluations. Apparently, the concept of "change" didn't translate well to the Emperor. He’d probably never stepped foot in a shop.
"Wha… What? No way, the fact that she was holding my hand was…"
Wait, it seemed one person in the group was hit right in the bullseye by that story.
"I don't understand the part about the line, but naturally, you must have proposed marriage while still under that misunderstanding, right?" Estel poked a hole in my story.
"No, I didn't go that far."
"That won't do. The flow should be that you confess, get rejected, and are told you're creepy. It’s not a shameful secret unless it reaches that level."
"Then… Once, in a town I visited for the first time, I asked a child for directions. Afterward, a warning was issued about a suspicious man approaching a girl."
Estel had rejected the first one, so I tried another.
"Not much of a story."
"Promoting caution is necessary for the peace of the people."
"I don't really get it."
Rejected again.
"I saw a woman in town waving at someone behind me, and my heart started pounding because I thought she was waving at me."
"Still not enough."
"A woman I liked helped me out, so I went to great lengths to get her a rare food item as a gift, only for her to tell me she’d already received the same thing from another man."
"Nothing shameful about that."
I couldn't get through to Estel at all, though one person was whispering, "That's rough."
"I once spent an hour loitering in front of a brothel, agonizing over whether to go in or not."
"Insufficient."
"We understand that feeling."
The one who understood was, of course, the Count.
"Since I specifically sent Brocken out, there must be a story you absolutely couldn't let him hear," Estel prompted.
A story I couldn't let the Duke hear? Should I tell him about that?
"Brocken’s wife, Cassia, is quite a beauty. Actually, I’ve fallen for her."
"That's it. That's the kind of story I wanted to hear!" Estel exclaimed.
"We have seen her as well. She is exceptionally beautiful, even among Elves," the Emperor added.
"I haven't seen her, but perhaps it's better for my own happiness that I haven't."
"I haven't seen her either. Is she really that beautiful?"
This time, the story was well-received.
"Of course, you've made her yours, haven't you?" Estel pressed.
"No, I haven't gone that far."
"If you go and push her down right now, I'll approve your initiation."
"We, too, shall keep it quiet from the Duke for you."
"Rest assured, noble marriages are often superficial things—political arrangements. She would likely be quick to take another man," the Count added.
I was genuinely worried about the Count. He sounded like he was speaking from bitter experience.
"That's a bit much, even for me."
"Then this cannot be called an exposure of a secret."
"I feel like we could approve him, though," the Count said, leaning toward mercy.
Estel wasn't budging. Fine. Different story.
"In my party, I have four female slaves. I’ve laid hands on all four of them."
"Those four, huh? They were certainly all beauties. But laying hands on party members is hardly rare," Estel dismissed.
"R-Rarely… not rare?" One person seemed shocked. Had he tried and been rejected?
"Keeping that a secret from Brocken isn't exactly high-stakes. Shall we bring him back in and have everyone call you out? Hey, Carlos—"
"Of course, I cherish all four of them equally, every single day."
"Open the door… Wait."
Estel, who had been about to call the Duke back in, stopped.
"All four… every day?" the Emperor confirmed.
"Yes. Is something wrong?"
"Is… is this what it means to be young?"
"But even for someone young, every day is…"
"Even we, back when we were seventeen…"
"Every day… four times…"
"Now, even once a day is difficult."
The judges whispered among themselves.
"I object! I object to Michio’s initiation!" the Count shouted. He had switched sides.
"Weren't you saying it was fine to approve him earlier?"
"I changed my mind!"
"But having been presented with a story like this…"
"It cannot be helped, I suppose."
"Indeed."
The judges continued their deliberation. The discussion was moving in a "good" direction, except for the Count.
"What color is your blood?!" he screamed at me.
Sensing the disadvantage, I tried to mitigate. "Actually, doing two rounds with all four of them is tough, so I only do it occasionally."
"O-Occasionally, you say?"
"Only occasionally."
"So you do do it occasionally."
"Go explode!"
I ignored that last one. It was definitely the Count. If he wanted to go, I’d take him on. I wouldn't leave a single hair of his in this world—not that he had many left.
"Calm down."
"Gunuuu."
"Why don't we just end this to calm him down?"
"Very well. Michio’s initiation is approved. With this, Michio is a full member. Strive with the feeling of being reborn."
Estel summarized the opinions—or rather, he just cut everyone off. The "four times a day" was mostly thanks to my Sex Fiend job, but I’d keep that to myself.
"Is it over?" The Emperor’s guard opened the door, and the Duke entered.
"We have seen something terrifying."
"That much of a secret?"
"Less a secret, more of a… monster in the making."
The Emperor and the Duke spoke. It wasn't that terrifying, really.
"Next is Gaius’s initiation ritual. What about Bruno?"
"We do not care. We have nothing to hide."
The Emperor’s ritual began. He didn't send the Count out. If he had, the Count might have suspected he was hiding something even worse.
"Now, begin."
"We believe that a woman’s breasts should not be too large. Small, cute breasts are the pinnacle. To be honest, our father loved women with large breasts. When we were a child, everyone from our wet nurses to our ladies-in-waiting was chosen for that trait. A reaction must have set in. We are fed up with women who are nothing but breasts."
The Emperor shared his preferences. He even casually threw his father under the bus.
"That's just personal taste."
"As an exposure of a secret, it is weak. It might be shameful, but…"
The Baron and the Duke dismissed it. The Duke apparently shared the late Emperor's preference for large breasts. Cassia wasn't exactly small, after all.
"What are you talking about? Small breasts are wonderful! Little girls are the best!" the Count shouted.
Officer, this is the guy.
"Speaking of childhood, once when we were small, we hid in a corner and a lady-in-waiting stepped on us without knowing. That was the first time we felt sexually excited."
"That is interesting."
"That pain… it was quite good. Since then, we have felt excitement whenever we see a woman’s feet. If possible, we would like to be stepped on again."
He was a total masochist. And he liked small breasts. I definitely couldn't let him meet Sherry—though her chest wasn't that small.
"If you have ladies-in-waiting, why not just ask?"
"They will not do it easily, you see."
He’d actually asked? They were probably terrified of him.
"In Gaius’s position, it would be difficult."
"Since it cannot be helped, we are thinking of having a hole dug in the path where the ladies-in-waiting walk and hiding there next time."
He was a complete pervert.
"Is this enough?"
"Yes."
"I approve."
The judges liked it. He’d reached the level of a total deviant. I had learned a state secret in the weirdest possible way: the current Emperor was a masochist who loved small breasts because his father was a breast-obsessed tyrant.
"If you're going to be that particular, though, it's the shoes," I commented.
"Does Michio not approve?"
"No, it's not that, but if you're going to enjoy that, you have to have her wear high heels."
High heels weren't common in this world. I’d never seen them. But if you wanted to be stepped on, high heels were the gold standard. An older woman in glasses, a tight suit, cold eyes… that was the missing piece.
"High heels. I see."
"It is high-end equipment for female Mages."
"I saw them once. I heard they increase magic power, but they certainly look like they’d increase the power of being stepped on."
The three nobles discussed it. So high heels existed here? I wondered if there were shoes for men that increased magic power. High geta? A Tengu might look powerful in those.
"High heels. Indeed. With those…" the Emperor muttered. He understood.
"I’m glad you understand," I said, though I wasn't sure if it was a good thing.
"We were mistaken. But how do we get her to wear them? Should we hide in a Labyrinth?"
I couldn't help him that far.
"Please stop doing dangerous things," the guard interrupted.
"Method aside, as expected of Michio. You are worthy of our respect as a Senior Disciple."
I’d gained a strange sort of respect. I didn't want to be respected for this.
"If you continue in that direction, Michio will be a fine teacher. What do you think?" Estel asked.
I wasn't a teacher of perversion!
"W-Well…"
"Very well. Gaius’s initiation is approved. Devote yourself to your rebirth."
Please don't make him devote himself to that.
"We look forward to it."
"Finally, Carlos. Bruno can leave if you wish."
"I am fine."
The Count listened to Carlos’s confession and was clearly repulsed. I was too. I couldn't repeat it—it was against Society rules, but even without the rules, it was a matter of mercy. Between the Emperor, his guard, and the Count, the Empire’s leadership was… special.
"Everyone’s initiation is approved. The rituals are concluded."
Estel made the final declaration. It was finally over. I was exhausted, mostly mentally.
"I welcome you all. It was worth playing the fool."
"Exert your strength for the extermination of Monsters."
The Count and the Duke stood beside the Baron again. I straightened my back, staying a respectful distance from the Emperor.
"I will now teach you the hand sign."
"Hand sign?"
"To show you are a member of the Society. Use it when you are unsure if someone is a member, or if you need help. It is like this."
Estel crossed his hands in front of his body, placing the palm of his left hand against the back of his right upper arm.
"Like this?" The Emperor imitated him.
"Keep your right arm straight. Yes."
"Got it." I tried it too.
"It doesn't concern you yet, but when you want to recommend someone, you show this sign and watch their reaction."
So it had been done to me, too. I looked at the Duke, who nodded.
"I did it as well."
I’d been tested and hadn't even noticed. It was a subtle, obscure sign.
"When someone shows this sign, you perform the same gesture back. If someone asks for help, respond actively. It is for the friendship between members."
"Understood."
I’d probably never use it, but it was good to know.
"Using it recklessly is strictly forbidden."
"Naturally."
"Also, a General Meeting is held every winter. It is not mandatory, but I hope you participate."
"We heard it is at the same time as the Council of Lords."
"Indeed. It is convenient to gather then. There are many members among the nobility."
It made sense. Noble children were often raised in controlled Labyrinth environments. Only the wealthy could become Mages.
"In that case, our participation might be difficult," the Emperor noted. He’d be busy presiding over the Council of Lords, after all.
"Anything else, Brocken?"
"Once you can challenge the 50th Floor, tell the Scribe which Labyrinth you are entering."
That was likely for me. As a member, it would be easier to get recognition for clearing a Labyrinth.
"Bruno, as Vice Chairman?"
The barcode Count was the Vice Chairman? This organization was doomed.
"Nothing. We welcome you. Let us hone our skills together."
"The initiation is over."
The door opened, and the room brightened. I was finally a member.
"Bring the clothes here," the Count called out, removing his Dalmatica. I followed suit and handed mine over.
"We will move to another room for a toast."
Estel led us out. "Drinking-munication," even in this world.
"We are sorry for taking your time when you have none to spare," the Emperor told the Count.
"It is quite alright."
"Usually there's a larger banquet, but today will just be a quick toast," the Duke whispered to me. Thank goodness for the Emperor’s busy schedule.
"I see."
"Since Michio has joined, I want to hold a small celebration at my place tomorrow. Bring your whole party after sunset."
I couldn't refuse the Duke.
"Understood."
We went downstairs, where Sebastian was waiting.
"Is the ceremony over?"
"It is."
"I have prepared a room."
He guided us to a luxurious meeting room. Estel, the Duke, and the Count sat on the far side—the seats of honor. The three new members sat on the other side. There really was no special treatment for the Emperor. I sat at the end.
"I’ll have a Dunkel. Brocken and Bruno, order whatever you like. For the new members, a Dwarf Killer and a Stark Selzer each."
"As you wish."
Sebastian left the room. Dwarf Killer? That sounded ominous.
"For new members, if you can drink, it's Dwarf Killer. If not, Stark Selzer. You can take home what you don't drink."
Dwarves supposedly drank alcohol like water. To "kill" a Dwarf, it must be incredibly strong. The hazing wasn't over.
"Stark Selzer, huh?"
I suspected Stark Selzer was also part of the hazing. Sebastian returned quickly with small, glazed jars.
"We still have work to do later," the Emperor said, picking up the Stark Selzer. His guard did the same.
"Then I’ll also—"
"Wait. No one’s going for the Dwarf Killer? Don't pull the stopper yet," Estel warned.
"Once you pull the stopper, drink it all at once."
"Shake the jar well before drinking," the Duke added.
I could see their game now. "Shake the jar." That Count was a sadist.
"To our new members. Cheers!"
"Cheers!"
I pulled the stopper and tilted the jar.
Carbonation. It was carbonated water. It was incredibly strong—like a high-pressure mineral water. No sugar, just pure, stinging bubbles.
"Gaius likely knew, but did you know, Michio?" Estel asked when I finished without spraying it everywhere.
"I didn't, but I’ve had something similar where I used to live. Though it wasn't this strong."
"It's from a specific spring. That's the strongest one."
It was a prank. Someone who didn't know would have sprayed it across the room.
"Was the Dwarf Killer the correct choice, then?"
"Dwarf Killer is also strong. I know of no one who can lightly drain a jar. Not even a Dwarf."
So both were traps. They had terrible personalities.
"We once heard rumors of a Dwarf who could drain a jar. We would like to meet such a man," the Emperor said.
"Is Sherry drinking this?" I asked Sebastian.
"Miss Sherry said Dwarf Killer might affect her work, so she asked for water."
"Might," huh? And the "water" she asked for was probably just as strong.
"As expected of our Senior Disciple. To know such a strong person."
"I-I don't know if she can chug it."
"It 'might' affect her work, after all."
The Emperor wanted to meet her. I hurriedly asked Sebastian to check if she was free. Offending the Emperor would be bad.
"Did you call for me?"
Sebastian brought Sherry along immediately. She didn't look like she’d failed the Emperor’s small-breast test, fortunately.
"Sherry, do you know of Dwarf Killer?"
"Yes. My grandfather used to say an alcohol isn't worth it unless it feels like it burns your throat."
"There's a jar here. Can you finish it?"
"With that amount, it wouldn't have any effect."
I handed it to her. She finished it as if it were water.
"Oh!" The Emperor was impressed.
"It's a magnificent alcohol. It must be a thirty-year Lusso," Sherry noted.
"As expected. It is a Lusso Brightest, thirty-year," Sebastian confirmed.
"Amazing. Have ours as well," the Emperor offered.
Sherry finished his, and then the guard’s. Three jars of the strongest liquor, and she was still standing.
"Are you alright?"
"I feel a bit good. Somewhat drunk, perhaps."
She was still cool-headed.
"Magnificent. If you are ever in trouble, come to visit us."
"Thank you?" Sherry was confused, but polite.
"We must return to our duties."
The Emperor and his guard left. The three nobles followed.
"Michio, we’ll see you tomorrow."
"Don't forget."
"Do your best as a member."
They left with the Emperor. Sebastian saw them off with a final, formal greeting.
"What did 'imperial visit' mean?" Sherry asked.
"It just means 'come again.'"
"I see. Master’s Brahim is amazing."
She was definitely drunk. She was acting like Roxanne.
"We should go home."
"Yes. But that door is strange. It opens outward. It should open inward for defense."
She was rambling about door architecture. She was definitely drunk. I apologized to the staff for her state and led her away. Sebastian had her transcription wages ready—she’d been working while I was in the ceremony.
I took the drunk, adorable Sherry home. She was bolder than usual, wrapping her arms around my neck. We went straight to bed. After enjoying ourselves, she fell fast asleep.
I was washing up when Roxanne and Vesta returned.
"We’re back."
"Welcome back. Sherry’s asleep—I gave her some strong alcohol."
"I’m glad Master was able to enjoy himself," Roxanne said with a knowing smile. Totally busted.
We went to the Labyrinth for a bit to get fish for dinner. Miria was at the coast, surrounded by her usual admirers. She’d traded some of her catch for fresh shrimp.
For dinner, I made tuna cutlets with an egg-bind.
"It's hearty and delicious," Vesta said.
"The idea of the egg-bind is novel," Sherry noted. Her "dere" phase was over, replaced by her usual intellectual critique.
"Sherry, find anything good in the reference room?"
"Yes. The Damage Escalation skill. It increases damage with each consecutive hit. If everyone in the party has it on an accessory, the damage keeps increasing regardless of who hits. Someone cleared a Labyrinth using that trick without any magic."
"Damage Escalation, huh? That sounds powerful."
"It requires a Bee Skill Crystal and a Kobold Skill Crystal."
"Bee venom," I noted. "Anaphylactic shock. The second sting is worse than the first."
I shared the knowledge, and while Sherry was skeptical, Miria was impressed.
"Shellfish poisoning is the same," Roxanne translated for Miria. "The first time isn't bad, but the second time can be deadly."
Miria looked at me with newfound respect. My little lecture had hit the mark.
"Ana-phy-laxis," Miria repeated, struggling with the word.
"You don't have to remember it," I told her. She’d probably forget by morning anyway, but for now, she looked happy.