Chapter 121: Ogre

It might have been a different story if Fernando’s family could have maintained their noble status. But after his subordinate, an Alchemist named Mino, treacherously harmed a colleague out of "jealousy and prejudice," it was impossible for their family to advance any further. As such, his opinion was naturally inconsequential.

It just meant that at this party, where they were forced to interact with him, Ron and the others would have to endure a bit of unpleasantness.

"You speak like an educated man, and your companion carries herself like a true noble," Fernando said, raising his wine glass. His gaze flickered over Silvia’s chest before finally settling on Andre. "So, tell me, why would you bring a stupid country bumpkin to a place like this?"

"I’m sure none of you here wish to see future banquets infiltrated by such lowly individuals, do you?"

The members of the Rose Council were citizens at the very least, and they already held the villages surrounding Rose City in contempt. Someone like Andre was beneath even that. The moment Fernando spoke, his words immediately drew murmurs of agreement from many of the council members.

"At least country folk are honest. They wouldn’t resort to devious plots like trying to steal a colleague’s work and, failing that, attempting murder," Carlos retorted sharply. "Wouldn’t you agree, Master Fernando?"

"You—"

"Enough. That is not the topic of discussion for this banquet," Hendrix intervened, stopping the conflict between the two young men. "That matter has already been settled by the council, so there is no need to bring it up again."

It seemed as though Hendrix was dissuading Carlos from dredging up the past, but he was actually twisting the knife.

"Allow me to introduce this young man to you all. He is Andre, an ordinary villager from Delusional Land," Hendrix announced to the crowd. "Given that many of our friends here are unfamiliar with the current situation in Delusional Land, and I myself know little of it, I have invited him here. If any of you have questions, you may direct them to him."

"Andre, why don’t you start by giving us a general account of your experiences."

"Er, yes," Andre cleared his throat nervously. "The story of why my fellow villagers and I went to Delusional Land... it all began with a natural disaster in the north..."

His speech was the product of being polished by several seasoned veterans, and Andre had spent the past few days rehearsing it until he knew it by heart. As he spoke at the banquet, his familiarity with the script was such that he could even ad-lib, sprinkling in a bit of country slang and what appeared to be genuine emotion. This way, even the most malicious observer would find it difficult to realize this performance wasn’t genuine.

Afterward, answering the various routine questions and providing explanations would be handled by Ron and Silvia. For Ron, this posed no difficulty.

As for the most cunning and troublesome objections, Daniel and his group would help fend them all off.

Amid the clinking glasses and lively conversation, Ron was certain that many people had already changed their minds and would vote in their favor after the banquet. As for changing the minds of the rest, that would require Sera and the others to "persuade" them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, if I could have your attention over here! If you still have any doubts about the strength of the Pioneers from Delusional Land, then this next bit of impromptu entertainment is guaranteed to change your perception of them!"

Seeing that the time was right, the spice merchant tapped his glass. "I have purchased three Ogres from a generous arena owner in the south of the city! These ferocious and crude creatures are among the most evil beings from countless plays, legends, and even our very nightmares! Although most of us, myself included, have never seen one in the flesh, absolutely no one would question how terrifying they are!"

"And now, our future neighbors have decided to liven up the party by eliminating this menace for us, right here at the banquet! Do you see this newly constructed arena? They are going to defeat the Ogres with an equal number of combatants, and without using any Magic!"

Hendrix’s words immediately caused an uproar, and the guests began to murmur amongst themselves. No one questioned the strength of an Ogre, so even the council members who sided with Ron thought this was an incredibly reckless move.

’No Magic? Are these Ogres old, weak, and crippled?’

However, when the three Ogres were released from their cages and began to roar and posture around the arena, everyone was convinced. These were three healthy, adult Ogres—beating them would be an impossible task!

It was amidst this charged atmosphere that Sera and the other two made their entrance.

"They’re so young! Can they really take down those hideous creatures?" a noblewoman asked, approaching Liya with a worried expression. "I heard your daughter is one of them. Aren’t you worried in the slightest?"

"There’s nothing to worry about, Madam Pierre," Liya said with a smile. "It’s only three Ogres. They can certainly handle it."

"Your husband has been worried they won’t be able to establish a foothold in Delusional Land, hasn’t he? Once you’ve witnessed this, you’ll know their true strength."

"Not bad. They even remembered to give the Ogres weapons," Sera said as she stepped into the arena, drawing the Grip of the Vast Wave from her back. The legendary greatsword had been coated in black dye to prevent it from being recognized and attracting unnecessary trouble.

The three Ogres wore crude armor of animal hide and clutched massive clubs made from uprooted trees. When they slammed them against the ground, the tableware at the banquet rattled noisily.

"Focus, Sera. Ogres are no joke." The Half-Elf was likely the one drawing the most attention in the arena, not only because of her exquisite suit of Full Body Armor and the terrifyingly large tower shield in her hands, but more importantly, because she was Liya’s daughter—one of Rose City’s own.

For that reason alone, even the council members who disapproved of siding with Ron’s faction hoped she would be victorious—the honor of Rose City was at stake.

As for Victoria, it was clear to any observer that she was a Priest, so she also drew a great deal of attention. Many people were speculating whether she would break the rules to turn the tide if the situation became critical.

"ROOOAAAR—"

Hendrix didn’t even have time to shout for them to begin. The three Ogres had no intention of following any rules. Having been caged for days, they couldn’t wait to charge the moment they saw fresh people, and Aive immediately became their primary target.

Ogres have a particular fondness for the taste of Dwarves, Half-Elves, and Elves. It wasn’t that they intended to get friendly with Aive before eating her; an Ogre’s only culinary technique is to swallow its prey whole and raw.

But in messing with Aive, they had bitten off more than they could chew.

THUD!

An Ogre’s massive club crashed down on the tower shield with a dull thud. The wooden club rebounded high into the air from the impact. Seizing the opening, Sera, who had been lying in wait, sprang forward, bringing the Grip of the Vast Wave in her hands down on the Ogre’s right arm!