Your Majesty, Dinner Is Ready. Chapter 158 - Practice Is Necessary

Chapter 158 – Practice Is Necessary

 

Ash Wolf Guild Headquarters – Guild Master’s Office

Elvira, the Jewel Elf secretary, quietly bowed.

“Guild Master. I have something to report.”

“What is it?”

Guild Master Targon replied without looking up from his paperwork. His hand, gripping a pen as large and long as his own massive frame suited, never stopped moving.

“Did Yallen get another explorer angry and end up becoming the victim of another assault? Or did Brunelda start pestering some strong person for sparring day and night again?”

“Those things are everyday occurrences, so they aren’t worth reporting.”

“Then what is it?”

Elvira answered with a faint smile.

“The Nunun Bear Love Guild and the Moonlight Expedition Team, who applied to challenge [Southern Continent Expedition], have safely returned.”

“…”

Only then did Targon raise his head.

“Knowing your personality, you wouldn’t bother reporting it if they’d merely cleared the hidden route. So they fulfilled the standard conditions?”

“That’s correct. It’s the first successful clear.”

“According to the information we purchased, the dungeon’s effective difficulty corresponding to the standard conditions was closer to B-rank. In other words, a B-rank dungeon has finally been conquered after quite some time.”

“If those perverts from the Labyrinth Management Corps hear about this, they’ll probably be so excited they won’t sleep tonight.”

“Indeed.”

“They’ll probably want to hug the explorer who led this conquest and shower them with kisses.”

The guild master and secretary simultaneously pictured the same explorer.

Blond hair. Golden eyes. A half-elf presumed to have been born from a rare Sun Elf lineage.

“It must have been Karr. The one who made the decisive contribution.”

“It was exactly as you expected.”

It wasn’t that the Nunun Bear Love Guild lacked ability. Overall, they were filled with excellent explorers. And Veldora, in particular, was already considered one of the candidates to become one of the next Twelve Heroes.

Even so… Targon naturally assumed Karr had played the decisive role.

“Tell me how they cleared it.”

“Certainly.”

When an unexplored dungeon is conquered, the detailed record of the expedition itself is often bought and sold as valuable information. Elvira calmly recounted the information she’d purchased from the explorers after their return.

“…”

Targon silently listened to every word. Only after she had finished did he finally speak.

“So my judgment that we need to maintain an ongoing relationship with Karr wasn’t mistaken.”

“I wholeheartedly agree.”

The Golden Crow, Karr… Was an exceptional newcomer they absolutely had to secure.

Being a Cultist was certainly a flaw. However, the limitations of his class could be overcome through equipment. It wasn’t a fatal disqualification.

“Karr will become one of the Twelve Heroes in the future.”

“Personally, I believe reaching second place among the Twelve Heroes is entirely possible.”

“So you don’t think he’ll reach first?”

“The Gloryen family’s second daughter is simply too monstrous…”

“That’s true.”

Crossing his arms, Targon leaned back against his sturdy chair.

“Quite many dazzling young talents have appeared these past few years.”

Golden Crow Kar.

The Shining One, Aladia Gloryen.

The Miracle Archer, Wonderbeak.

The Great Bear, Miriel.

The Cunning Sage, Mech Invincible.

The Little Shaman, Veldora Ires.

The future of Pletica’s exploration world was bright.

Which was exactly why… They couldn’t simply ignore the dark clouds attempting to swallow those stars filled with brilliant potential.

“…Elvira. You mentioned the Six Apostles.”

“Yes.”

Since suddenly becoming a follower of the Evil God Lriria… The Conspirator, Kyras Selune, had become astonishingly cooperative. To the point where he voluntarily spilled every secret he knew without even being asked.

“Since even they don’t know each other’s identities, tracking them down and eliminating them won’t be easy. Which means we’ll have to make the most of the few clues we’ve been given.”

The corners of Targon’s lips slowly rose. A smile that only appeared whenever he failed to suppress his true nature.

“Once we find them… they’ll receive the punishment they deserve. They sold the world to a Great Demon.”

“…Very well.”

“Gather as much information as possible starting today.”

“Understood.”

Leaving the guild master’s office with another bow… Elvira headed straight toward Vice Guild Master Dilmo. There was no one more suited to covert information gathering than that gnome.

“…”

As she walked… She suddenly remembered something the Conspirator Kyras had said.

“Golden Crow… deliver this message to him. Tell him I’d gladly bring about an eclipse.”

An eclipse.

Considering the origins of the two involved… Its meaning wasn’t difficult to infer.

She disliked the Conspirator. Even so… She still intended to pass the message along.

“I wonder how he’ll react…!”

Elvira was the kind of elf who enjoyed supporting people who could go off in completely unpredictable directions… People like Targon or Kar.

 

***

 

“Yeah. Next time you come to District One, come visit my house.”

Our home in Cultist Town. I was sitting on the sofa, speaking through a Mage Tower communication device. The person on the other end was none other than… My friend, Veldora.

“My mother is very strict, but she won’t treat guests harshly, so it’ll be fine.”

“Understood.”

“If I get the chance next time, I’ll come wearing a giant ribbon on my head.”

“…Why a ribbon?”

“Because adorable little Karr is everyone’s present.”

“……”

For a moment… Nothing but Veldora’s incredulous laughter came from the book-shaped communication device.

“Please just come looking normal.”

“Understood.”

“Then I’ll stop at just wearing a collar–”

“No! No! No! Please just wear proper clothes that actually suit your face, you idiot!!”

After the previous expedition, we’d had a celebratory dinner together with the Nunun Bear Love Guild.

We’d talked quite a lot. And for some reason… Ever since then, Veldora’s attitude toward me had become remarkably bold.

“Just wear that holy relic, [Sky Invader] or whatever it’s called! It looked clean and perfectly fine! Why do you keep dressing like some weirdo, you moron…!!”

Not only was a noble living in District One shouting at the top of her lungs… She’d even started swearing.

Those were things only best friends did. Didn’t that conclusively prove how incredibly close we had become?

“Very well. Since you wish for it so strongly, should I ever visit the Ires family estate, I’ll dress impeccably.”

“Why are you saying ‘for your sake’ when it’s obviously for your own good!? I’ll hang up now.”

“Since we’re friends, please contact me often. You must.”

“…Okay.”

The call ended.

Rachel, the faint shadow who also served as our maid, immediately approached, swiftly took away the communication device, and handed me Abel’s newest specialty tea.

‘Flower of the Wilderness.’

Sip.

As I slowly enjoyed the tea’s mysterious flavor… I looked toward Thief, who had somehow transformed the entire living room into the inside of a refrigerator.

“Hyaah!”

Marlin activated Gléléré of Frost, straining with both hands.

Shwaaak!

An ice dagger formed in her right hand. Its appearance resembled [First Breath].

But… It didn’t last long. The dagger crumbled and fell to the floor. Rachel immediately cleaned it up as though she’d been waiting for it.

“…I’m sorry, Sister Rachel.”

“No, it’s okay! This is my job!”

We’d only returned from the expedition yesterday. Yet instead of resting… Marlin was diligently practicing how to use Gléléré of Frost.

Such admirable dedication. 

“Don’t rush yourself.”

I gently pressed down on the head of the slightly droopy-eared Marlin.

“Now then. I can either give you Encouragement Filled with Hope or Criticism Wrapped in Darkness. Which would you like to hear?”

“…The first one.”

“You’re a talented explorer… but you’re not a genius. So it’s perfectly normal that you can’t use it properly at first.”

“…”

Marlin subtly glanced toward the sacred snow squirrel perched on her shoulder.

Kuruk!

Iquiril leaped over… Punched me in the side… Then immediately landed back on Marlin’s shoulder. Now it had started poking me remotely.

“Anyway. Take your time. The Extreme Frost Series is absolutely not an artifact that anyone can master within a day or two.”

“…That sounds far more like encouragement than what you said earlier.”

Just as Marlin grumbled… While secretly looking noticeably reassured…

“Sir Cultist! Abel says the offering ritual has been completely prepared!”

“Has he?”

Leaving Rachel in charge of observing Marlin’s practice and giving feedback… I headed downstairs into the basement.

 

***

 

“You’ve arrived.”

Abel greeted me politely. Yesterday I’d been so exhausted that I’d collapsed into bed immediately after returning.

Apparently, while I hadn’t been paying attention… The determination burning in his eyes had grown considerably stronger.

“It seems Lady Charlotte taught you well.”

“Yes.”

Abel, who normally behaved far more maturely than his age… Smiled innocently.

“I’ve successfully learned the martial-type Mystery, [Charlotte Style Blazing Cuisine].”

“Like my older sister, I still need much more practice before I can use it in real combat.”

“There’s no need to rush. Continue improving at your own pace. If there’s anything you don’t understand, make sure to ask your master.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Having thoroughly fulfilled my duties as a patron… It was time to fulfill my role as a Cultist.

I walked toward the altar placed at the front of the basement.

“Uugh… aaah…”

Upon the altar lay a corpse whose vitality had been freshly preserved using [Death · Flame · Transformation].

A canine beastman. Today’s offering to Lord Lidni.

“Ordinary canine beastmen… are actually rather unsuitable offerings for the Wise One.”

Resting my hand upon Abel’s head, I continued.

“However… If the preparation itself is unique… then their very ordinariness becomes a strength.”

“Like creating an unusual dish from ordinary ingredients? Something familiar, yet completely new?”

“As expected of Abel.”

[The Wise One warmly watches your quick-learning patronized child, Abel, with approving eyes. :)]

“I’ve prepared all the ingredients you requested, Patron.”

Nodding, I vigorously ruffled Abel’s hair.

“Shall we begin?”

Using the telekinetic Mystery [The Hand That Grasps the World]… I gathered the pile of snow Abel had collected beside the altar.

Snow was brought back from the mountain range during our recent expedition. A premium ingredient containing a faint trace of the delusion-inducing blizzard’s power.

Tap.

Using telekinesis… I gently sprinkled the snow over the offering.

I still needed more practice myself.

In terms of usefulness… [The Hand That Grasps the World] ranked among the highest of all Twisted Truth Mysteries. Starting today… I’d train myself to rely on telekinesis instead of my own hands.

“That should do it.”

The snow now sat atop the corpse like a small snowy mountain.

“The fruit is inside the refrigerator.”

To keep it cool… I’d stored it in the upper compartment of the two-tier refrigeration device beside the altar.

Using telekinesis… I pulled it toward me.

Boneflesh Mango. A fruit I’d acquired through fierce bargaining at the marketplace inside the Tower of Trials.

“Abel. Although it looks like a mango… Boneflesh Mango is actually an entirely different species. It lures monsters and animals with its sweet scent. After being eaten… it takes root inside their bodies.”

“So it grows by feeding upon living creatures?”

“Exactly. Instead of sunlight and water… it absorbs flesh and muscle.”

“How fascinating.”

“Indeed. It’s fascinating in every possible way.”

Its essence. Its texture. Its characteristics.

Nothing about it was ordinary. Which made it exactly the sort of fruit Lord Lidni would prefer.

“Could you dice all of this into cubes?”

Using the kitchen knife [Devouring Fangs]… Abel neatly cut the Boneflesh Mango into cubes and beautifully arranged them atop the snow.

Now… Only the final ingredient remained.

Blood.

Something that could never be omitted from an offering ritual to the Wise One.

“Sprinkle this over it.”

I took a small bottle from my subspace. Inside… A mysterious blue blood gently sloshed.

“It’s blue… Whose blood is this?”

“I barely managed to obtain it by asking someone we met in the labyrinth.”

The blood of Pingpi… A member of the Glacial Battle Emperor race.

I’d only managed to get it after performing my secret weapon… The Wiggle Wiggle Dance.

Drip… drip…

Without hesitation… Abel generously sprinkled the blood of the high-ranking Glacial Battle Emperor over the offering.

It was complete.

“Good. Stand back a little.”

The recipe’s name: Boneflesh Mango Shaved Ice of Snow and Ice.

Satisfied… I knelt before the offering with one hand resting upon it.

“I offer this tribute to the One who governs magic and knowledge. Surely even the Great One would prefer adorable Karr’s refreshing smile over another tiresome prayer.”

Slowly removing my hand from the offering… I quietly recited:

“Lord Lidni. Dinner is ready.”

CAAWK!

The blind crow burst forth… And happily tore into the chilled offering.

“Caw… CAAWK…!”

Perhaps it was too cold.

Every so often… It paused with its beak wide open before continuing.

Even so… Its table manners remained as atrocious as ever.

【My child!】

Soon afterward… Lidni’s delighted voice echoed out.

【Another magnificent offering today!】

【As expected, you truly are the finest Cultist of the Twisted Truth!】

For some reason… He seemed especially intent today on emphasizing that I was his Cultist.

“Lord Lidni… Are you perhaps anxious that this Karr might someday devote himself more faithfully to someone else?”

【…As if such a thing could ever happen!】

The Wise One shouted indignantly.

Then, after a brief pause… The divine message continued.

【This one merely wishes for your journey along the path of Twisted Truth to proceed smoothly!】

“Ah! So that’s what you meant. Please forgive this foolish mind for daring to presume the Wise One’s intentions.”

【Indeed! Reflect upon your mistake!】

Obediently nodding… I requested the reward for today’s offering.

“Please use [Wealth That Transcends Space ] as the feast for the journey… and raise the rank of [Eyes That Perceive Truth].”

【That is simplicity itself!】

After the blind crow returned to my empty eye socket… A slight stinging pain spread through my right eye.

Then… The same sharp pain briefly flashed through my left.

[I, [Eyes That Perceive Truth], have reached the Fifth Tier!]

[As my rank increased, my partner, [Eyes That Whisper Falsehood], has likewise reached the Fifth Tier! Praise the Wise One’s boundless grace!]

At last… My Eye Set had reached the Fifth Tier.

[Eyes That Perceive Truth] would now be able to inspect vastly more information. And the illusions created by [Eyes That Whisper Falsehood] would possess stability on an entirely different level than before.

“Have you finished?”

“Indeed. Now let’s move on to the next task.”

Rising to my feet… I used telekinesis to throw open the lower compartment of the refrigeration device.

Inside the chilly compartment… A monster whose body was composed of snow and ice sat curled up.

“Good day.”

A snowy replica modeled after me. The Snow Karr greeted me cheerfully.

Abel frowned.

Then… He stared at me for quite some time before slowly shaking his head.

“…To be honest… I’m afraid of whatever you’re about to do this time, Patron.”