Epilogue: Gathering of Companions
“Well then, may blessings be upon our gathered companions… and what’s next?”
“Shouldn’t it be something like expressing gratitude for this encounter?”
“Alright, let’s do it again. May blessings be upon our gathered companions, and with gratitude for this encounter. Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
“Hehehe… Cheers!”
“「「「……」」」” Tremble
In a room of House Faritia, specifically Fana’s personal quarters, six of us, including myself, gathered with our favorite drinks in hand, raising our glasses in a toast. The evening of food and drink began with such a disorganized greeting. Only Fana and I were calmly drinking and enjoying the food, while Stella tried to suppress her laughter after taking a sip, and the three beast-folk, led by Rio, couldn’t even manage their first sip, turning away to stifle their giggles.
If you don’t swallow your laughter soon, there won’t be any dinner left!
“Ahh, finally calmed down.”
“Phew… That was just too unfair.”
“If you’re going to laugh, just laugh out loud. Was it really that funny?”
“Well, it was just Ferno’s rare, beautiful smile mixed with his surprisingly emotionless monotone.”
“「「Of course we laughed!!」」”
“「「Whoa」」”
Perfectly in sync.
“Well, we’ll discuss those complaints later… Now that we have four new companions joining me and Fana, let’s take a moment for everyone to introduce themselves.”
“Sounds good. What should we talk about?”
“Your name, age, and what role you will take on. Also, whether you can handle formalities with the nobility. If there’s anything else you want to say, feel free; it’s a drinking party, so I won’t mind any rudeness.”
“Got it. So, who goes first? Should we?”
“That would be best. I’ll go first, and then it’s your turn.”
“Alright. Then I’ll ask for a refill while we do this.”
As Fana stood up and opened the door, requesting a servant waiting outside to bring more drinks, I turned my attention to the four who had finally managed to swallow their laughter.
“Alright, I think everyone already knows me, but my name is Ferno Desire. I’m 20 years old and the leader of this group. My role in combat is to be the vanguard and to handle all-out extermination, but we can discuss that later. I can handle formalities with the nobility, but I don’t want to, so I’ll be passing that off to someone else.”
“…By the way, who are you planning to pass that off to?”
“Fana is all brawn and not the type for delicate negotiations, so for now, I’m planning to pass everything to Stella.”
“…Is there a right to refuse?”
“I don’t think so, except in cases of absolute impossibility. Sorry, but my fundamental way of thinking is either that of a commoner or a barbarian, so there’s a chance I might inadvertently provoke the other party.”
“Good luck with that. I haven’t participated in such events for nearly ten years.”
“Yeah, I should do my best.”
“…Should I beat 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 would likely be the one to handle it, asked without hesitation if it was her. I thought I would probably be the one taking the lead, but when it came time to pass the buck, I would definitely push it onto Stella, so I hoped she would do her best.
With a faint smile that resembled a smirk or perhaps a scheming grin, I glanced at Fana, who was likely thinking of drilling knowledge into her and dragging her into this. Well, since I was the one passing it off, I wouldn’t interfere with whatever Stella decided to do.
“Next is me. 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 is to serve as a meat shield to maintain the front lines, but I can’t do much else, so please don’t rely on me too much.”
“Can I ask a question?”
“Sure, ask anything.”
“Are you and Ferno in a romantic relationship?”
“Ferno and I? Not at all. If anything, we’re more like comrades or something along those lines. Wouldn’t you agree?”
“Huh? Sorry, I wasn’t listening. What was the question?”
“Whether Ferno and I are in a romantic relationship.”
“Oh, then no, that’s completely different. We’re comrades or allies, and I can’t imagine us becoming anything more… Besides, our tastes in men are probably different.”
“Oh really? Is that so?”
“Yeah, what was it… A man who is worth protecting?”
“Correct. To be precise, a man with a fragile aura who is worth protecting. Age difference doesn’t matter to me, but as long as he looks healthy and seems like he would live long, that’s even better.”
“Oh my~.”
With that, Fana’s introduction came to an end, her gentle demeanor shining through.
In truth, I wouldn’t mind if we became romantically involved, but the chances of that happening are slim. Both of us are well aware of the pitfalls of love and the consequences of being infatuated, so I doubt it will ever happen.
This is a long story that would take more than a day or two to explain, so I won’t delve into it. Therefore, while Fana and I could become a couple built on mutual understanding and benefit, I believe we won’t develop feelings of love or romance for each other. I won’t say anything about how she feels, as that’s not my place.
“So, who’s next?”
“By order, I suppose it’s me?”
“Then let’s do it that way. Stella will go next, followed by Rio, then Fon, and finally Lulu.”
“Okay!”
“Got it.”
“Understood!”
“Alright~.”
“Next is me then. 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 an Attendant Knight and Knight Captain to engage in various negotiations. I plan to drill Fana and Rio on the art of conversation for dealing with nobility and merchants.”
“「「！？」」”
“I’ve been given the mandate to do as I please, so I’ll take full advantage of that.”
“Wait, hold on. I’m not very flexible; wouldn’t it be better to involve Ferno, who can think on his feet?”
“Exactly. As the leader and a hero, he should take the lead.”
“…I’m basically the one who gets thrust into the spotlight, but I can’t make any careless statements, so I’ll be handling the finer details instead.”
“That’s true; now that you mention it… Then it’s even more important for Fana and Rio to work hard to learn.”
“「「！？」」”
“Do your best, Lady Fana.”
“Please do your best~.”
As the order of introductions was decided, Fana and Rio were inevitably dragged into Stella’s self-introduction. They were desperately trying to push the responsibility onto me and the other two, but considering the circumstances, it was clear that there was no one else. Fana has been publicly recognized as my partner since our hero days, and Rio is someone who would be respected or viewed as special by anyone familiar with beast-folk.
Well, if they wanted to escape this, they should find a surviving member of a fallen royal family, a blood relative of a leader from another race, or someone with ample 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 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 handle it.”
“……!!”
“Don’t look at me like that while munching on bread.”
As I silenced Fana, who reacted first, she silently protested with her gaze while I lightly engaged with her, signaling Rio to start her introduction. She still seemed to want 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 party member along with the other two, but I’ll be deciding and adjusting our strategies through consultation at key points. I’ve had some conversations with nobility and the upper class, 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 beast-folk.”
“I see. And what was your status in your settlement?”
“…I was the chief’s daughter. But I wasn’t taught much beyond combat skills, so I only picked up the bare minimum to survive.”
“Well, I don’t have even that minimum, and Fana has forgotten it, so I’ll be counting on you.”
“I can do quite a bit, but I wouldn’t say I’m exceptional. I have keen senses, so I can scout and I have mobility and combat skills, so I can perform reconnaissance.”
“That’s more than enough.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, it is. We can’t do that at all.”
“No way? I can’t believe you can’t do that.”
When I go on a reconnaissance mission, I can’t hide my presence, so I get discovered and end up fighting. If I attempted a reconnaissance mission, I would just end up exterminating everything. Fana isn’t good at hiding her presence either, and even if she could, she would likely mess up and get surrounded.
Also, both of them generally think that if they can just hit something, they’ll clear a path. They were careful to avoid traps, but they would crush anything like decoys for encirclement or ambushes in narrow passages.
…How are these two still alive?
“Could it be… are both of you just 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.”
“Not exactly something to be proud of. Anyway, let’s move on to the next person.”
“Right, let’s do that. Fon.”
“Understood. Leader, Lady.”
Next up was the male beast-folk, the one Rio referred to as her brother, a slightly larger beast-folk with a mottled black and white tail and ears.
“My name is Fon, and I’m 44 years old. I might be a rare type around here, but I’m a snow leopard beast-folk. I plan to take on a scouting role, similar to the lady. I don’t have much experience dealing with nobility, as I mostly served as a retainer and bodyguard, so I’m not familiar with how to engage with them.”
“I see. What about your combat capabilities?”
“I think I can meet expectations. If we’re talking about dragons that don’t fly, I believe I could take one on by myself.”
“Hmm, sounds promising. What will your scouting role entail?”
“Stealth and assassination. I may be big, but I can manage that.”
“Got it…”
As a combat asset, he’s acceptable, but not bad. I should train him just enough to handle any dragon, regardless of type, and then focus on honing his assassination skills. There’s no need to strip away his strengths.
…However, I need to find a way to procure throwing weapons since I don’t have any connections for that. Also, we don’t have an abundance of funds to acquire additional consumables… I need to find ways to adjust or earn more.
“Alright, last but not least.”
“Yay! I’m Lulu, and I’m 160 years old, so I’m the oldest here! My role will be as a scout for infiltration and disguise, and I’ll also use poison for prolonged battles. My combat ability isn’t very high, so I want to contribute in ways other than fighting.”
“Just to add, Lulu is a half-fox beast-folk, so her beast-folk abilities are weaker, but 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 a half of ■■■■■■ (■■■■■■■)!”
“???”
“Oh my~?”
“…Ah, I’ll add a note. Lulu’s other parent belongs to a special race, and as you can guess from her age of 160, it’s a long-lived race with a high level of secrecy. Unless you meet them directly, you can’t learn 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.”
“Ah, that guy. The mechanism of obstruction is likely the same.”
“「「「？？？」」」
“I’m sorry, but discussing details like that isn’t suitable for a meal or drinking party, so we’ll have to save it for 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?”
Lulu, the beast-folk referred to as Rio’s sister. She has a height taller than Fana, silver hair that looks almost like it shines, golden ears and tail, and an overall fluffy demeanor. Despite her appearance, she is quite capable; according to Rio, in emergencies, her demeanor changes so drastically that one might doubt their own eyes, suggesting she conserves her energy most of the time.
At 160 years old, she is the oldest here, but according to what she said, she hasn’t even lived a tenth of her lifespan yet, so I’m quite curious about her father’s race.
“Well, that should be it for now. For the time being, our overall plan is to tackle the extremely troublesome requests that the kingdom has.”
“I see… What kind of requests are we talking about?”
“Elimination of disaster-designated monsters.”
“「「「What!?」」」”
“Are there really that many?”
“Apparently so. At least the one that attacked Rio’s hometown is the first one we’re set to eliminate as part of that request.”
“「「「What!?」」」”
“!! Are we really going to fight?”
“That’s your request, and we’ve accepted the reward, so we need to eliminate them eventually. It’s just a matter of whether we do it sooner or later.”
“Right. And since it’s a request, there should be some prior information, right? That should make it a bit easier than dealing with a Demon Lord’s Army Executive.”
“Well, that’s true.”
※※※※※※※※
- Rio’s tone was different because she was putting on a front.
- Detailed appearances will be discussed next time.
- Rio’s request will be covered in the next few chapters.
- Lulu’s details will come much later.