Chapter 179: A Conversation About the Past on the Night Before the Feast (1/2)

Thanks to all the slimes hard at work, clear water started pouring in.

The water gates had been closed for some time to allow the water to drain completely, so the water was still shallow, but the lake was undoubtedly being filled back up.

At this rate, it should be back the way it was by tomorrow morning.

There’s no actual need for me to keep watch, but for some reason or another, I’ve found myself watching the lake as it’s restored to its previous state.

The evening winds, especially those near the water, are cold, but after a long day’s work, they’re really comforting.

While I was thinking that, the maids finished working on the wedding halls and they went back.

“And just like that, everyone is gone… Sounds just like a light novel I’ve read before.” [Ryouma]

Only, that was a mystery novel and was certainly not as relaxed as my situation.

While I was thinking of pointless stuff like that, I heard four pairs of feet approaching.

“Yo, Ryouma!” [Hyuzu]

“Hyuzu-san? Jill-san and Camil-san too? And even Zeff-san is here.” [Ryouma]

The four pairs of feet belonged to none other than the four guards I was familiar with. They brought with them a basket, from which wafted up an appetizing smell, and some wine.

“What’s with the luggage?” [Ryouma]

“It’s supper. It’s the day before the ceremony, so I was thinking of sharing a meal with you tonight.” [Hyuzu]

The day before the ceremony the bride and the groom are supposed to eat with their family, but Hyuzu’s family has already passed.

“Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not about to call you dad or anything, but you are the reason I’m still alive today, so I thought it would be a good idea to spend this time with you. Besides, we weren’t able to have our drink last night, right? …So, how about it?　We could have a toast while gazing at the stars, yeah?” [Hyuzu]

On such an important day, the person he chose to drink with was me? That really makes me happy.

“By all means, please allow me to accompany you.” [Ryouma]

“I see!” [Hyuzu]

“In that case, let’s get ready then. Camil, Zeff.” [Jill]

“The food was cooked by the head chef himself, so it definitely tastes good!” [Camil]

“We have tables and chairs here too.” [Zeff]

“In that case, I’ll put up a barrier to protect against the cold. I’ll prepare some slimes as well. If you have any trash, just leave it to them.” [Ryouma]

We divided the work and prepared the place.

A few minutes later…

In front of me are some warm stew and bread. There is a pot of cheese fondue on top of a magic tool stove.

And then there are lines of snacks that go well with liquor.

“Now, a toast to celebrate Hyuzu-san’s wedding! Cheers!” [Jill]

“Cheers!” [Everyone Else]

As I poured the contents of the glass into my mouth, a mellow fragrance passed through my nose.

“Ooh!　What is this? That’s some really good stuff!” [Hyuzu]

“Jill-san was the one who prepared the liquor, right?　Was it expensive?” [Ryouma]

“Well, yeah, but it was for a celebration, so I thought I’d splurge a little.” [Jill]

“That’s true, but if I knew you were going to bring such good liquor, I would have gotten better snacks to go with it.” [Zeff]

This group of four really gets along well with each other despite being coworkers.

Come to think of it, I haven’t asked them about their relationship yet, have I?

“How long have you guys been working together?” [Ryouma]

“Hmm?　About 10 years already. Jill has always been serving the duke’s family, but me, Zeff, and Camil were adventurers first before getting into guard business. The three of us were the same age, so the person who served as our instructor was Jill.” [Hyuzu]

“Wow…” [Ryouma]

“Camil and Zeff were still okay, but Hyuzu really had a hard time. His strength surprised a lot of people, but he hated rules and didn’t have the slightest manners that one was expected to have to deal with nobles.” [Jill]

“You must have been really desperate back then, Jill-san.” [Ryouma]

“Depending on the situation, even guards have to show themselves in front of the guests, after all. If something bad were to happen, it would become a blot of shame on the reputation of the duke.” [Jill]

“Yeah, you really gave me an earful back then… 　Saying stuff like ‘And you have the gall to apply as a guard of a noble house!?’ or something like that.” [Hyuzu]

“That’s because I really couldn’t understand it. Why you applied to be a guard and why Reinhart-sama accepted you.” [jill]

“So why did you apply?” [Ryouma]

I tried asking the person himself, and Hyuzu-san became thoughtful, then after a while, he opened his mouth.

“That time, I was…” [Hyuzu]

Hyuzu-san talked about how he was the eldest child of a farmer family at the borders. He hated the thought of being poor for the rest of his life, doing nothing but tilling the land, so since he was confident in his strength, he decided to make a living on his own. Like that he fled his house at a young age and became an adventurer.

“I suffered a lot too at first, but things gradually settled down. I managed to become a B Rank adventurer, and to be honest, it would have been fine had I just continued, but… There were a lot of people around me who gave up after becoming a B Rank. Some found the work too difficult, while others had saved up enough and wanted to work a normal job and live in peace.

It was around that time when I was jumping from one party to another due to them breaking up left and right that I met the duke and his wife.” [Hyuzu]