GPT4o Glossary Test – Chapter 18

Gathering of Companions – Epilogue

“Uh, may blessings be upon our gathered companions… So what’s next?”
“That should be something like expressing gratitude for this encounter.”
“Alright, let’s do it again. May blessings be upon our gathered companions, and may we express our gratitude for this encounter. Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Kuhehe… Cheers!”
“““……””” trembles

In a room of the Faritia Family, specifically Fana’s private chamber, six of us, including myself, gathered with our favorite drinks—well, mostly alcohol—and raised our glasses in a toast. The feast began with such a disorganized greeting, and while Fana and I were calmly drinking and enjoying the food, Stella was trying to suppress her laughter after taking a sip, while the three Beastmen, led by Rio, couldn’t even manage a first sip, turning away to stifle their giggles.

If you don’t swallow that laughter soon, we’ll run out of dinner, you know?

“Haah, finally settled down.”
“Phew… That was just too unfair.”
“If you’re going to laugh, then laugh heartily. Was it really that funny?”
“Well, it was just Ferno’s rare, beautiful smile mixed with his surprisingly emotionless monotone.”
““Of course we’re going to laugh!!””
““Oh wow.””

Perfectly in sync.

“Well, I’ll listen to your complaints later… For now, since it was just the two of us, Fana and I, and now we have four new companions, let’s take a moment for everyone to introduce themselves.”
“Sounds good. What should we talk about?”
“Your name, age, and what role you’ll take on. Also, whether you can handle formal responses to nobility. If there’s anything else you want to say, feel free. It’s a drinking party, so I won’t be picky about manners.”
“Got it. So who goes first? Should we start with us?”
“That would be best. I’ll go first, and then it’ll be your turn.”
“Alright. In the meantime, I’ll ask for a refill.”

As Fana stood up and opened the door, asking the waiting servant for more alcohol, I turned my gaze to the four who had finally managed to swallow their laughter.

“Well, I think everyone already knows my name, but I’m Ferno Desire, the leader of this gathering, and I’m 20 years old. My role in combat will be as the vanguard and all-around annihilator, but we can discuss that later. I can handle formal responses to nobility, but I don’t want to do it, so I’ll be passing that off to someone else.”
“…By the way, who do you plan to pass it to?”
“Fana is a bit of a musclehead and not the type for detailed negotiations, so for now, I plan to pass everything to Stella.”
“…Is there a right to refuse?”
“Only if it’s absolutely impossible. Sorry, but I’m fundamentally either a commoner or a barbarian, so there’s a chance I might rub someone the wrong way.”
“Good luck with that. I haven’t participated in such events for nearly ten years.”
“Yeah, you should definitely try your best.”
“…Should I drill it into you and drag you along?”
“Feel free to do as you wish. I’m powerless against problems that can’t be solved by force.”

As I tossed aside the main topic of gathering companions, Stella, who seemed to realize she’d likely be the one in charge, asked without hesitation, “It’s you, isn’t it?” I thought it would probably end up being me who would take the lead, but I wanted Stella to do her best when it came time to pass the responsibilities.

With a smirk that resembled a scheming smile, I glanced at Fana, who was likely planning to drill knowledge into her and drag her into the fray. Well, since I’m the one passing off the responsibilities, I shouldn’t interfere with whatever Stella decides to do.

“Now, it’s my turn. My name is Fana Faritia, I’m 22 years old, and I’ve been traveling and fighting alongside Ferno for over five years, so I believe I’ve accumulated a fair amount of experience. My role will be as a meat shield to maintain the front lines, but I can’t do much else, so don’t rely on me too much.”
“Can I ask a question?”
“Sure, ask anything.”
“Is it true that you and Ferno are in a romantic relationship?”
“Ferno and I? Not at all. If anything, we’re more like comrades. Isn’t that right?”
“Huh? Sorry, I wasn’t listening. What’s the question?”
“The question was whether we’re in a romantic relationship.”
“Oh, then that’s completely different. We’re more like allies or comrades; I can’t imagine us becoming anything more… Besides, our tastes in men are different, aren’t they?”
“Oh really? Is that so?”
“Yeah, what was it again… Someone who’s worth protecting?”
“Correct. To be precise, I prefer a man with a fragile aura who’s worth protecting. Age difference doesn’t bother me, but he should look healthy and likely to live long.”
“Oh my~.”

With that, Fana’s introduction came to a close, answered in her gentle manner.

In reality, I wouldn’t say I’m completely against the idea of a romantic relationship, but the likelihood of us becoming that kind of couple is low. Excluding all the preferences about love and romance, we both know the bitter end that can come from being infatuated or longing for love.

There’s a lot to unpack here, and it’s not something that can be explained in a day or two. So while Fana and I could become a couple built on mutual understanding and benefit, I believe we won’t ever be able to turn our feelings toward each other into love. I can’t say for sure what she thinks, though.

“So, who’s next?”
“By order, it should be me, right?”
“Then let’s go with that. Stella will go next, followed by Rio, then Fon, and finally Ruru.”
“Okay!”
“Got it.”
“Understood!”
“Alright~.”

“Then, it’s my turn. My name is Stella, and I’m 24 years old, making me the oldest in this gathering. My role will likely involve utilizing my experience as a Chamber Knight and Knight Captain to engage in various negotiations… I plan to teach Fana and Rio the art of conversation for dealing with nobility and merchants.”
““!?””
“I was given the freedom to do as I please, so I’ll take full advantage of that.”
“Wait, hold on. I’m pretty rigid, so wouldn’t it be better to involve Ferno, who can think flexibly on the spot?”
“Exactly. He’s the leader and a hero, so he should take the lead.”
“…I’m basically the one who gets put on the front lines, you know? But I can’t make any careless statements, so I’ll be handling the finer details instead.”
“True, now that you mention it… Then all the more reason for Fana and Rio to work hard to remember what I teach them, right?”
““!?””
“Do your best, Lady Fana.”
“Please do your best~!”

With the order of introductions decided, the flow of Stella’s introduction led to Fana and Rio being dragged into the fray. They were desperately trying to push the responsibility onto me and the other two, but considering the circumstances, it was clear they were the only ones who could take on those roles. Fana has been seen as my partner since the days of the Hero, and Rio is a respected figure among those who know about Beastmen.

Well, if they wanted to escape this, they should find someone like a surviving royal from a fallen kingdom, a descendant of a leader from another race, or someone with extensive experience dealing with nobility.

“Well, there’s no point in struggling here. Just accept it, and now it’s your turn to introduce yourself, Rio.”
“Ugh!! Fine, but I’ll keep protesting!”
“Then you’d better push through with your abilities. Stella, if she keeps resisting, feel free to knock her down.”
“Understood.”
“Is that okay!?”
“Not you. If you’re going to act up, I’ll deal with you.”
“…!!”
“Don’t look at me like that while munching on bread.”

As I silenced Fana, who reacted first, she shot me a silent protest with her gaze while I gestured for Rio to start her introduction. She still seemed like she wanted to complain, but perhaps realizing she was getting a chance compared to Fana, she cleared her throat and shifted her focus to begin her introduction.

“My name is Rio, and I’m 24 years old. My surname and hometown were lost just recently. I plan to take on roles like scout or advance guard alongside the other two, but I’ll be consulting with everyone to decide on strategies. I’ve spoken with nobility and upper-class individuals before, but I don’t have much experience, so don’t rely on me too much. Also, as you can see, I’m a Black Lion Beastman.”
“I see. So, what was your position in your village?”
“…The chief’s daughter. But I didn’t learn much besides combat skills, so I’ve only picked up the bare minimum to survive.”
“Hey, I don’t even have that bare minimum, and Fana doesn’t remember anything, so we’ll be relying on you.”
“I can’t believe that. There’s no way you two can’t manage that.”
“I’m not lying.”

If I went out for reconnaissance, I’d be discovered because I can’t hide my presence, and if I tried to do a feint, I’d end up annihilating everything in my path. Fana isn’t good at hiding her presence either, and even if she could, she’d likely mess up and get surrounded.

Besides, both of them tend to think that if they can just punch their way through, everything will be fine. They’ve been careful to avoid traps, but when it comes to baiting for encirclement or being caught in narrow passages, they’ve always smashed through head-on.

…How are they still alive?

“Could it be… Are you both muscleheads?”
“Yeah, that’s right. It’s worked for five years, so it’s hard to shake off that ingrained sense.”
“Indeed.”
“…But yeah, I can see how that would make sense.”
“It’s not something to be proud of. Anyway, let’s move on to the next person.”
“Yeah, let’s do that. Fon.”
“Understood. Leader, Lady.”

Next up for introductions was the male Beastman, the one Rio referred to as her brother, who had a slightly larger frame with a tail and ears patterned in black and white.

“My name is Fon, and I’m 44 years old. I’m a type of Beastman you don’t see around here much—specifically, a Snow Leopard Beastman. I plan to take on a scouting role similar to the lady. As for my experience with nobility, it’s quite limited; I’ve mostly been a servant and bodyguard, so I don’t know how to engage with them.”
“I see. What about your combat abilities?”
“Well, I intend to meet expectations. If it’s a dragon that doesn’t fly, I’m confident I could take one on alone.”
“Hm, sounds promising. What will your scouting duties entail?”
“Stealth and assassination. I may be big, but I can manage that.”
“Got it…”

As a combat asset, he’s passing. Not bad at all. I’ll need to train him just enough to handle any dragon without flying, and then focus on honing his assassination skills. There’s no need to strip away his strengths.

…However, I’ll need to find a way to procure some throwing weapons. Also, since we don’t have unlimited funds for additional consumables, we’ll need to find ways to earn more.

“Alright, last one.”
“Yay! I’m Ruru, and I’m 160 years old, so I’m the oldest here! My role will be as a scout for disguise and infiltration… and I’ll also use my Poison Hand for tactics in prolonged battles. My combat abilities aren’t that high, so I want to contribute in ways other than fighting.”
“Just to add, Ruru is a fox Beastman, but she’s not purebred; she’s a half, so her Beastman abilities are a bit weaker. However, she excels in knowledge and household skills.”
“Thanks for the clarification!”
“Ah, understood. By the way, can I ask what you’re half of?”
“Sure! I’m half of ■■■■■■ (■■■■■■■).”
“???”
“Oh my~?”
“…Ah, just to clarify, the other half of Ruru’s parent is a special race, and as you can guess from her age of 160, they’re a long-lived species with a high level of secrecy. Unless you meet them directly, you won’t be able to hear their race name, personal name, or any information to uncover their identity.”
“I see… So it’s similar to that incubus from a while back.”
“Oh, that guy? The mechanism for obstruction is probably the same.”
“““???”””
“I’m sorry, but discussing the details isn’t appropriate for a meal or drinking session, so we’ll talk about it another time. For now, just know that there was someone who could completely obscure their existence in a similar manner.”
“Oh my~ Is that so?”

Ruru, the Beastman whom Rio referred to as her sister, had a height taller than Fana, silver hair that looked almost like it shone, golden ears and tail, and an overall fluffy, gentle demeanor. Despite her appearance, she’s quite capable; according to Rio, in emergencies, her demeanor changes to the point where one might doubt their eyes, suggesting she conserves her energy most of the time.

At 160 years old, she’s the oldest here, but according to her, she hasn’t even lived a tenth of her lifespan yet, so I’m curious about her father’s race.

“Well, that’s about it. For the time being, our overall plan is to tackle the troublesome requests the Kingdom has with the people gathered here.”
“I see… By the way, what kind of requests are we talking about?”
“Subjugation of disaster-designated monsters.”
““““!?”””
“Are there really that many?”
“Apparently so. At least the one that attacked Rio’s hometown is the first one we’ll be going to subjugate as part of that request.”
“““!?”””
“Wait!! Are we really going to fight?”
“That’s your request, and we’re receiving a reward for it, so we’ll have to kill it sooner or later. It’s just a matter of whether it happens sooner or later.”
“Indeed. And since it’s a request, there should be some prior information, right? That should make it a bit easier than dealing with the Demon King’s Army executives.”
“Well, that’s true.”

Author’s Notes:

  • Rio’s tone was different because she was trying to maintain her composure.
  • Detailed appearances will be discussed next time.
  • Rio’s request will be addressed in the next few chapters.
  • Ruru’s details will come much later.