Volume 8 Chapter 27 The Welcome Banquet
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Quite a crowd we have here.”
As night fell, the ruined town bustled with life. Bonfires scattered throughout cast dancing shadows over the gathering crowd.
”Looks like they didn’t just call the Rushelora guards—they even invited adventurers,” one remarked.
”They gathered themselves voluntarily? How thoughtful,” Klock replied.
The meeting place was a relatively wide avenue. Time had passed while waiting, and the scattered rubble—broken stones and debris—served as seats for those who grew restless.
The first to catch the eye were the guards from Rushelora, civilian warriors from afar. Slung at their waists were falchions (T/N: a single-edged sword with a thick tip, durable but unsuitable for piercing beasts). Seeing the uniformity, it was clear they were former city guards.
In the corners, warriors with distinct gear stood apart—clearly adventurers, dressed for travel and exploration. Some were in parties, others stood alone.
A few Beastkin mingled among them, evoking a nostalgic feeling for Klock. They were rarely seen here.
A restless dog-like Beastkin caught his attention. Turning to the edge of the street, Klock noticed a harpy woman and, beside her, an unusually short girl. At first glance, a child—but her long ears, absent in humans, marked her as a rabbitkin. A rare attendee.
”Huh?” Klock muttered.
Their eyes met, and the rabbitkin girl waved at him, her small frame paired with an enchanting smile. She seemed to be teasing him, though her words were lost in the distance.
From appearance alone, it looked like a playful child flirting—but she was likely older than Meni and capable of fighting as an adventurer. Rabbitkin adults were short, often appearing younger than their age. Even mid-twenties could look twelve or thirteen to humans. Their culture and values differed, and care was needed despite familiarity with dog and cat Beastkin.
”All fifty-seven are here. That’s everyone,” Boston announced, walking up with his familiar longsword.
”Quite the increase,” Klock said.
”Yes. Half the guards chose to return home, but adventurers and citizens volunteered, so our numbers grew,” Boston explained.
Klock’s eyes flicked away. While it was helpful that citizens had joined voluntarily, it also hinted at potential trouble.
This meant the group included those with little combat experience and some with no experience in coordinated action. The unit’s training would need to start from scratch. Some might not even own weapons. Supplying them would be a challenge.
Managing the daily needs of fifty-seven people was now Klock’s heavy responsibility. Fifty militia and hired adventurers—insufficient against a ten-thousand-strong army, yet enough to be called a squad. A frontal assault on a large Demon Lord’s Army was impossible, but the larger the force, the more possibilities arose.
Klock suddenly felt tense. He had no experience leading troops. A thief who had lived freely was now expected to command people in real combat. Fifty-seven individuals, each with different skills, values, and species—success would require talent or experience.
In history, thousands moved as one mind, shaping events—only a few geniuses could achieve that. At least to Klock, it seemed impossible. If his lover weren’t Hero, he’d never attempt such madness in his life.
”Klock.”
A slender, beautiful voice cut through the empty space. Klock looked up, his expression tight, when a gathering of light appeared before him.
”Huh? What—?!”
The nearby guards murmured in surprise. In the growing dusk, the light was impossible to miss. Eyes from the crowd turned toward the spectacle.
Amid all the attention, she descended with a radiant glow. Gray hair shimmered silver, and blue eyes sparkled like jewels.
”I brought alcohol and meat,” she announced.
”Ah, thanks for the hard work,” Klock greeted.
A cart piled high with barrels of sake, meat, and firewood appeared. She leapt lightly through space, hair flicking under the magical glow, exuding a mystical aura.
The crowd stood stunned. Teleportation was a high-level skill rarely seen; such a mysterious display left them speechless.
”See that, everyone? Pretty amazing, huh? My woman,” Klock muttered, pride swelling. The opening act was perfect. Demonstrating Hero’s presence was effortless. With anything she did, awe followed.
Once all were gathered, Klock arranged for teleportation to the center of the street—a performance to show the group the power backing their banner. It would also influence future command.
”All right, everyone’s here. The meat and alcohol have arrived. Get the fire ready! First, we grill the meat and drink to our hearts’ content!!”
Goals, plans, and strategy could be discussed later. First, fill the stomachs. Klock proposed a celebration before serious matters.
The crowd surged forward, and the cart’s cover was removed, revealing heaps of meat. Shouts of joy echoed as Klock declared they would finish it all tonight.
”Cianie, you okay?”
”Yes. Totally fine,” she replied calmly, despite the long journey across the Beast Continent. She masked her exhaustion well. Klock decided to match her demeanor, showing no concern.
”What kind of meat is this? Doesn’t smell bad at all,” someone asked.
”Livestock. Not wild deer or boar,” another replied.
It was the first decent meal in a long while. Cheers and whistles rose, filling the ruins with the energy of a lively tavern. Klock felt a small swell of pride watching it.
Rubble and stones were cleared or stacked to make space, and firewood was arranged. Soon, new flames flickered, separate from the bonfires.
”What? You’re cooking it like that?”
”Yeah. What’s wrong?”
”Way too wild,” someone said.
Adventurers skewered meat with slim longswords, holding it over the flames. The men acted as if this was normal, while hooded women and bow-wielding men exchanged wry smiles.
”Wow, it’s delicious!”
A dog-like Beastkin woman chomped her meat, kicking her legs in excitement. A nearby Beastkin man maintained a stoic, cool facade, but his tail thumped rhythmically against the ground.
Good, everyone’s enjoying it. The start of any group was crucial—first impressions mattered. A positive image prevented a purely transactional relationship. In work involving lives, the stakes were higher than ordinary jobs.
Militia members were individually weak and timid. The more disliked tasks appeared, the more they’d quit. Maintaining such a force was far more difficult than in ordinary work.
”Hey, hey, who are you, anyway?”
She tugged lightly at his clothes.
Klock turned to see a female adventurer. She wore light armor, a hood over her head, and carried a bow and quiver on her back.
”I’m Fit! A solo adventurer!” she announced cheerfully.
”Seriously? You handle a bow all on your own?” Klock asked.
”Not really solo. I just don’t join full parties. Whenever there’s an ad-hoc group forming, I jump in. War’s started, so work’s been slow. How about you, big guy?”
”I’m Klock, a ranger of the Brave Knights,” he replied.
”No way! You’re really from the Brave Knights? That’s insane!” she exclaimed, exaggerating her surprise. From her words, it seemed Klock’s reputation had already spread among this crowd. Likely, Boston had mentioned it, and the Rushelora guards had passed it along.
Looking around, Klock noticed the intensity of their gazes. He realized the attention wasn’t just from speaking with Hero or organizing the event—merely bearing the Brave Knight name lent him borrowed charisma, an invaluable advantage for leading the group. Regardless of the circumstances, he owed thanks to Hermine.
”Hey, big guy,” a small, thin voice called from behind.
Turning, he saw two sitting quietly without fires. The petite girl winked at him—it was the rabbitkin. Beside her, a Harpy woman smiled enchantingly.
”What’s with all that girl-energy you’re giving off?” Klock teased.
”Ehe~! Sorry! Got caught being curious?” the pair giggled, teasing him.
The rabbitkin’s overalls made her look childish, while the Harpy’s outfit was risqué, revealing much of her side. They hardly looked like adventurers. Even as Beastkin, they seemed atypical.
”I’m Alice,” the rabbitkin introduced.
”And I’m Athena! Two single ladies, no boyfriends~” the Harpy added, leaning forward.
Instead of jobs, they introduced their relationship status. Athena pushed her chest forward; Alice pressed a finger to her lips, making a playful sound. Klock couldn’t help smirking at their blatant flirtation.
”I’m Klock. I’ve got a woman, so don’t come at me with that act,” he warned.
”Oh, that’s fine! Other guys wouldn’t even notice, right? I’m just a hopeless romantic. If a guy falls into my chest, I might wrap him in my wings and comfort him~” Athena replied coyly.
”Ah, shut up. Later,” Klock muttered, suppressing a laugh and turning away. Their playful, provocative energy reminded him of girls who’d call from alleyways. But they were here to fight—he assumed, though it was risky to press the point.
Could these Beastkin really fight? Surely they weren’t just here to look around. He hoped they wouldn’t cause trouble. Historically, women in mixed units often distracted men in battle, causing extra casualties. That’s why armies sometimes separated men and women. He’d need to watch the group carefully.
”All right, everyone! Listen while you eat!”
Klock waited for a lull in the drinking and merrymaking, then raised his voice. Attention snapped to him. The crowd’s chatter died down, all eyes on Klock.
”You probably already know, but we’re Brave Knights. We’re gathering warriors to fight the Demon Lord’s Army alongside Hero! And you’re here because we want you to swing your swords with us!”
He gestured toward Cianie. Instantly, the crowd’s gaze shifted to the silver-haired woman.
”The leader here is Hero Anna. But I’ll be the one giving orders. Your lives are under my protection.”
No one responded to Klock. Expressions remained fixed—everyone was glued to Cianie. Some even gaped in awe.
She was like the incarnation of the sun itself, radiating a sanctity that made the entire street feel like a temple. Her eyes shone with a brilliance that could intimidate anyone.
Cianie’s Stellar Manifestation (T/N: a high-level skill activating divine aura) enveloped the area. Even Klock, protected under her sunlight effect, felt its weight. She emphasized her presence to impress upon all assembled that she was a being worthy of worship.
Using charisma as a skill—this was what it felt like. Klock was amazed, feeling the surreal pressure of standing beside someone extraordinary… though, admittedly, that was probably always the case.
Hero was the pillar of this fledgling group. Klock had instructed her to unleash her sunlight fully when introduced, ensuring she appeared as divine as possible.
The effect seemed overwhelming, though it was temporary. Even if the crowd’s fervor peaked now, it would fade when the skill ended. Yet their respect and awe would be etched into memory, fostering genuine reverence.
Was this over-the-top? Perhaps. But for the coming battles, such impact was necessary. Klock wanted them to take pride in fighting alongside her.
”The fights ahead are going to be tough. The enemy? The Demon Lord’s Army. Ridiculously numerous, strong, and utterly ruthless. Allies are weak and scattered, and even politicians are dragging their feet during wartime,” Klock continued, his voice serious.
Boston stood nearby, eyes wide and serious. Other guards and adventurers fixed their gaze on Klock as well. Their earnest attention made speaking difficult—he felt tension rising instantly.
”Here’s the deal. This morning, I tried talking to Barreith’s government—they refused us. Ludovico demanded we only defend this town, threatening arrest if we didn’t comply. The world’s falling apart, and they only care about their own street,” he said, emphasizing his version to sway the crowd. Murmurs spread; he didn’t need them to believe every detail, only that the local authority was an enemy.
”Once we’re ready, we leave this town, head west, gather allies, and strike at the Demon Lord’s Army. Ultimately, we’ll take down their commander and drive them from the Human Continent. That’s our mission.”
As he finished, Boston clapped—one hand at first, then others joined, spreading applause.
”Hey, don’t make it sound so grand,” Klock grumbled.
”Come on! You’re saying something insane—turning not just the army but the government against us, right?” one guard said. Indeed, ignoring Ludovico’s orders could provoke severe consequences. Politicians would act if they sensed weakness.
”Uhahaha! You’re going after the Demon Lord with only fifty people? I heard they have tens of thousands of Monsters! You’re crazy, man! That’s the Brave Knight for you!”
An adventurer-looking man spoke up, heavily armored—a mid-to-high rank, perhaps.
”Shut up! We’ve got no choice but to do it! We’ll gather anyone who can fight and just chip away at them step by step,” Klock shot back.
”Hahaha! Well, gathering people shouldn’t be too hard. There’s plenty of idle folks lying around,” the man laughed, and soon others joined in the ruckus.
Surprisingly, no one protested the madness. They must have known what they were signing up for the moment they arrived. Even the former guards looked somewhat exhilarated.
The adventurers didn’t seem reluctant either. Perhaps it was reverence for the Brave Knights, or admiration for Hero’s party. If Hero led the banner, adventurers would reasonably expect a chance of success.
Ah, the Hero effect. The way they looked at Cianie sparkled with awe. The initial momentum seemed manageable.
…And so it truly began. No turning back for Klock now. He had to steel himself.
”Here, have a drink. Don’t look so glum—you can enjoy it too,” a maid approached, offering two large wooden mugs. Klock and Cianie each took one. The aroma of beer teased their noses.
”Ah—delicious,” Klock muttered, tasting the frothy first sip. A second gulp brought a hearty, satisfied exclamation, drawing a small smile from Cianie.
”Klock, I’ll step out for a bit,” she said.
”Huh? Sure,” he replied.
”Don’t worry about me. Enjoy yourself,” she added, walking away briskly. Normally, he’d expect her to watch constantly to prevent mistakes—but tonight was unusual.
”…Sir Klock,” Suzette’s voice came softly, drawing near.
”Yeah, what’s up?”
”I suspect Lady Cianie may mention something, but if she doesn’t, it would be wise for you to ask her tomorrow,” Suzette said quietly.
”Did something happen?”
”This morning, while we teleported to Beast Country for supplies, she looked at the black book. Since then, she’s been deep in thought.”
”…The Black Chronicle (T/N: black prophecy book)?”
Did she learn something from the prophecy book? Klock recalled the existence of the book. The Black Chronicle was Saint Cynthia’s ability. Whatever Cynthia wrote in the original would be reflected in Cianie’s copy. A saint with foresight writing about the future transformed it into a prophecy book. So if new entries appeared, it meant an action from the saint toward Hero had been noted.
”Was it something serious?”
”I’m not sure, but she’s a saint with foresight. Whatever she says can’t be ignored.”
Nothing from a saint could be dismissed lightly. Apparently, something troubling for Cianie had been recorded—perhaps a death or a choice she’d have to make.
Still, Cianie was an adult. If it were truly critical, she would mention it herself. Suzette was right; waiting until tomorrow was wise.
For a while, Klock joined the guards in drinking. Interacting with comrades was important. They sipped cautiously as conversation shifted to the Barreith government.
”Don’t worry, sir. You didn’t do anything wrong,” one said.
”Using Hero for personal gain? Out of the question. Shouldn’t we strike down the governor?” another exclaimed.
”That’s right. They haven’t even fought the Demon Lord’s Army but are obstructing Hero! That’s rebellion against the Federation!”
Politics made men passionate. The guards vented their frustration, voices rising.
”Even as Brave Knights, can we not touch the government?” one asked.
”Cause legal trouble if we intervene. Any misstep works against us,” another replied.
The conversation risked spiraling, so Klock tried to calm them. His words seemed insufficient; the guards still looked dissatisfied. Discussing legalities over drinks was tricky—or perhaps they were just venting their anger.
Taking down the Barreith government was complicated. It might feel satisfying, but without evidence, intervening would stain their reputation. Fighting the government would require allies within it. Even with Empire backing, Hermine wouldn’t blindly support them. Hero, for now, was practically a normal adventurer.
They could teleport to the Empire to negotiate—but months had passed since the war began. They’d face questions for their absence. No easy access, no casual visits.
”Ugh… my vision’s spinning…”
”Told you, Ms. Meina, you shouldn’t be drinking.”
Just as Klock considered avoiding the topic, he saw Suzette leading Meina away. A cat-like Beastkin, her tail low, ears drooping. Such defenselessness in public was risky. Fortunately, the maid handled it before any trouble arose.
”I’ll just cool off a bit,” Meina muttered.
”Still going, sir?” Suzette teased.
”Plenty left in the barrel~” Klock replied. He brushed past the noisy interjections, leaving before saying anything foolish. Drinks were best kept moderate.
”Ah… I smell a male’s scent~”
The cat girl and maid reached toward his backside—until a whisper at his ear stopped him.
”You’re excited by the female scent, huh? Smells like a man,” the rabbitkin Alice teased.
”Want me to relieve you?” Athena added.
As they broke from the group, the two girls—Alice and Athena—slipped around him. Sweet, feminine scents teased his senses.
”Hey, hey, say that and I’ll drag you down an alley,” Klock warned.
”Hehe~♡ I’ll keep you warm tonight after the drinks~♡”
Soft, yielding pressure pressed against his arm. They rubbed against him, leaving no doubt of their intent.
”You’re Brave Knight, after all. Can’t help but treat you special. If you insist, you can carry me,” Alice whispered into his ear.
And just like that, they led him toward a deserted area, voices low, enticing. The rabbitkin’s sultry tone challenged all composure. Memories of Rizan Village’s Meni shattered. No man could resist this provocation—his mind quickly justifying a deviation from the path.
”Do anything for the Brave Knights, huh?”
”Oh? Maybe~?”
Talking with them, Klock’s spirits rose. He seemed a bit tipsy. His arms naturally rested on their backs.
”Yeah… you did it now. Don’t regret it if my tastes change from tomorrow,” he teased.
”Hehe~♡ Does that mean Mr. Klock’s coloring me already?”
”Confident, huh? A little creepy, but I like it♡”
One hand slid under Athena’s side, gripping her breast, while the other slid down behind Alice, sinking into her rounded rear.
”Let’s go over past those ruins~♡”
”Fuhihi! I’ll make you forget everything ♡. Your lover won’t even cross your mind— we’ll fill your head with us ♡,” Athena teased with a wicked grin.
Two enchanting smiles glowed in the dim light. Their captivating aura, tinged with an eerie edge, sent blood rushing downward, heart pounding—
”Hey, where do you think you’re going, you jerk?” a sharp voice cut through.
”Ow, ow, ow!” Klock yelped as his ear was yanked, the warmth of the women slipping away from his arms.
”You’ve got a lover, yet you’re openly chasing other women?” the voice snapped, clear and piercing.
Klock’s eyes widened in shock. A woman appeared, her hood hiding most of her orange hair, which peeked out in strands. It was Primlena. Her fins at her ears and waist were tucked under her clothes, and she glared at Klock with exasperation.
”Beastkin scum,” she spat. “Don’t you have the sense to pick who you mess with? Get lost—now.”
Primlena summoned a spear in plain view, startling everyone. Athena jumped back, wide-eyed, as the spear’s tip pointed her way. Alice, caught off guard, blinked before waving with a playful, “Too bad. Next time, then~ ♡,” and retreated.
”Hey, Primlena! Didn’t know you were joining the party. Enjoying the drinks?” Klock said, trying to lighten the mood.
”Don’t play dumb,” she retorted. “You’re always like this when Hero’s not watching, aren’t you?” The undercover Merfolk princess grabbed Klock’s collar, dragging him away from the crowd to a pile of rubble where she sat him down.
”Uh… Primlena, ma’am?” Klock ventured cautiously.
”Drink if you want, but do it here,” she ordered. “Until Hero or that Majin servant shows up, you stay by me. Got it?” Her eyes stabbed into him, daring him to argue. Disobey, and she’d probably snitch.
Provoked but left hanging, huh? Klock thought. Guess I’ll head to Suzette later.
Cianie was gone. Suzette was gone. It was the perfect chance to stray—yet he hadn’t expected a new ally to stop him. After that scolding, the rabbit and bird girls would likely steer clear. What a shame.
”They came onto me!” Klock protested.
”Doesn’t matter,” Primlena snapped. “If someone tempts you, you shut them down—even if it means killing them.”
Kill over temptation? She sounds like some noble prince, Klock thought. Her intense ideals left no room for excuses. Best to stay quiet.
”Sorry,” he mumbled. “So, uh, you were drinking here?”
”Yeah,” she said. “Hero’s performing, so I figured I’d show up. But being swarmed by Humans is hardly relaxing.”
Klock shifted the topic to ease the tension. Awkward silence needed breaking. “Sorry, didn’t mean to be a bother.”
”Don’t worry about it,” Primlena said. “Those Humans will follow Hero as soldiers, right? I expect you to handle them well. I respect your leadership—would’ve been better without that earlier nonsense.”
”Guess I missed my shot there,” Klock replied with a wry grin.
Primlena’s unexpected praise came with another sharp glance. She brushed her hair back, swaying in the breeze, a tipsy warmth settling over her as she sighed in the quiet.
The conversation stalled. Klock didn’t know what to say to her. Lively voices echoed from the crowd, but with Primlena’s low opinion of him, every word felt like it could backfire.
”Uh, I’ll grab a refill,” he said. “Want me to get yours too?”
”I’m fine. I’ll do it myself,” she replied curtly.
”Come on, let me. Call it a welcome for the new teammate,” Klock insisted, standing to dodge the tension and maybe win her over.
The sea princess frowned, her suspicious eyes narrowing. After a moment’s thought, she sighed, downed her drink, and reluctantly held out her cup.
Score! Got her to budge a little, Klock thought. Maybe she’ll warm up.
Everyone builds bonds differently. Whatever the rough start, small steps like this could be the way forward.
”Don’t swap my drink,” Primlena warned.
”You’re that paranoid?” Klock teased.
They’d fight side by side in battles ahead. He hoped to at least reach a point where they could joke together. It wouldn’t be easy, though.
* * *
A throbbing headache jolted Klock awake. He must’ve been sleeping. Memories of last night’s drinking flickered vaguely—he’d been at it, no doubt, but with who or how? No clue. Probably drank, stumbled home, and passed out until now.
”…Ugh…” he groaned.
Bright light stung his eyes. A breeze from an open window made him shiver. Naked. Of course he was cold. Why was he naked? He couldn’t recall taking his clothes off.
Sitting up, wincing at the headache, he glanced down.
”…Huh?”
An old bed. And a woman. Long orange hair splayed messily, not a stitch of clothing on her. Cute fins, pale skin, her ample chest spilling sideways, limp like she’d fainted. Between her spread legs, unmistakable white fluid dripped.
Klock’s own erection glistened in the light, clearly having done its job. What the hell happened? His mind drew a blank, no memory to pull from.
Hesitantly, he reached toward her thigh, slipping a finger inside. Her entrance was stretched wide, as if something thick had been there. A soft moan escaped her lips as he probed, her walls pliable. When he pulled back, more white fluid gushed out.
No doubt about it—they’d gone at it all night. Hard. No way they hadn’t.
Looking closer, he saw white streaks marking her chest and stomach. The Merfolk queen’s sister, drenched in his seed. He’d screwed up. Royally. Even her hair was crusted in places, utterly defiled.
”…Oh, man…” Klock muttered, staring at the ceiling.
Notes:
• Rushelora – A port where demons are allowed to stay at embassies under special circumstances. It is a location where humans and demons have trade relations.
• Boston – Adelina’s father, who holds a position of power within the church hierarchy. He has a dark secret regarding the death of his wife, Adelina’s mother.
• Cianie – A noble girl with a fluffy white and light blue dress, indicating her high status. She has a hesitant and flustered personality but is kind and courteous. Her relationship with Klock begins as an accidental encounter and develops into a romantic interest. She has a fiancé but expresses feelings for Klock, complicating their relationship.
• Fit – Solo archer adventurer; first appears at Barreith volunteer gathering, introduces herself to Klock and group, joining Brave Knight against Demon Lord’s Army
• Hermine – Daughter of the Emperor of the Second Empire of Dusselhelm. A companion and friend of Anna. The mage. She is pragmatic and encourages Anna to focus on her duties as a hero rather than her personal revenge.
• Alice – Rabbitkin adventurer; appears at the same Barreith gathering, playful and mischievous, interacts with Klock, part of recruited volunteers
• Athena – Harpies adventurer; appears alongside Alice at Barreith gathering, flirtatious, joins Klock and volunteers for upcoming battles
• Anna – The legendary Hero, chosen to defeat the Demon Lord. Her past life is Sylvia Croce. She is described as a heavenly being with overwhelming skill and a merciless attitude.
• Ludovico – He appears as Barreith administrator; confronts Klock and Cianie, demands Hero assist in town defense
• Suzette – The older maid from Viscount Fennec. The head maid at the Viscount Fennec’s villa. She is confident, clear-spoken, and professional.
• Meina – She is a golden-haired catgirl employee of the beastman (Larana the cat woman) Inn, appeared performing fellatio, desperate and tear-streaked, with an inexperienced yet earnest approach to her work.
• Rizan – Village on a hilly plateau.
• Primlena – Orange-haired merfolk priestess, fierce yet elegant | First v8c3 | Sister of Sea General Primjune, subordinate to Primrity | Once captured and violated by Klock, now obsessed with reclaiming honor | Commands Obsidian Riders on giant fish, fights with trident | Seeks to drag Klock to Seabed Temple for marriage trial or execution | Unique note: revenge-driven siren bride who masks fury under ritual grace
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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