Feast in the Mountains

Me in a kimono made of elven fabric, Grande in a crimson modified cheongsam and jeweled goldwork, Isla in a luxurious robe embellished with mithril thread, and Driada, who wore a dress made of elf fabric like me, and Gerda and Olivia, two beastman maids, were invited to a dinner party.

　Well, even if it's called a dinner party, it's not a formal dinner, but something like a buffet party. Or rather, in the first place, the Dragonis Mountain Kingdom doesn't seem to have a culture of formal dinners that use cutlery, so even at parties hosted by the royal family, they prepare extravagant food and plenty of alcohol to make a fuss. party. It seems that the royal family is properly learning manners so that they can handle formal dinners when visiting other countries, but they never hold such dinners in Japan.

　According to them, such ostentatious eating habits were created by lowly human races to show off their authority. It's a sacred ceremony to share life. It's a story that I don't understand, but I'm grateful that I don't have to stretch my shoulders and elbows.

　But, I also have to learn the etiquette of a high-class dinner party. By the way, Sylphy is worse than me. He spent a lot of time in the Black Forest, and it seems he spent a lot of time alone in the forest because he was on guard. I wonder if it can't be helped. I don't think I can say that anymore.

""Oh...""

　When we showed up at the dinner party, we could hear a roaring voice. This is probably because Grande is surprised. It is said that there are many nobles or celebrities of the Dragonis Mountain Kingdom in this place. Of course, there are probably some guests like us, but as expected, there's no reason for anyone other than the people of the Dragonis Mountain Kingdom to let out a surprised voice when they see us.

　By the way, Gerda and Olivia are not here because they are waiting in the waiting room for attendants.

"I wonder how I should act in such a situation. First of all, should I greet the host?

"Yes, I think it's good."

"Umu, it's important to greet the host who held this banquet."

　Since Grande also agreed, we headed to the host, His Majesty Hoscat. However, His Majesty the King seems to be in the middle of a greeting rush at the chief guest's seat, surrounded by nobles, celebrities, and guests from other countries who are waiting for greetings.

"Ah, so it's going to take some time, right?"

"No, let's go"

"Eh?"

　As Dryada steadily advances, I follow along while being perplexed. But Grande and Isla aren't confused or upset at all. Huh? You can't stand in line, can you? That's what I thought, but as soon as they saw us, the crowd of people surrounding His Majesty King Hoscat suddenly split left and right. It seems that the order can be handed over.

"Good mood, Your Majesty. Thank you for inviting me tonight."

"You too. I want you to fully enjoy the devotion of our country's proud chefs and the delicious sake ordered from all over the continent. Also, Grande-sama. Thank you for coming to the banquet I'm hosting tonight."

"Umu. I can smell the delicious smell from here.

"Hahaha, Grande. Didn't I tell you that I'll leave that matter to Dryada?"

"Hmmmm"

"I apologize for showing such an rude appearance.

"Umu... I want you to have a lot of fun with your spouse. Your mage too."

　When Isla said that while turning her gaze to His Majesty King Hoscat, she silently bowed her head in response. HM? Unlike me, who is a royal consort, Dryada, who is a royal, and Grande, who has no relationship with human status, Isla is in the position of a court mage, so I wonder if he refrained from directly answering the royal family.

"Cindriel"

"Yes.

　Sindriel, whose name was called by His Majesty the King of Hoscat--I know that he is the crown prince--dono stood up and led us to a table that seemed to have been specially prepared for us. It is a space that is separated by partitions so that the inside cannot be seen from the outside.

　Apparently he's going to be our host. Fumu, it seems that the royal castle maids will bring you food if you sit in the prepared seats. Is it a special service only for us?

　Well, since I can't move freely here, it seems that it will be difficult to interact with guests from other countries... but I don't mind if that happens later.

"What about drinks? We also have wine from the Holy Kingdom and spirits from the Empire, but--oh, forgive me for being so informal. I'm not good at speaking too politely. Ladies and gentlemen, please feel free to talk to me in your usual tone, as if you were a friend."

"Hmm... Then I'll have wine. What about everyone?"

"I will make wine too."

"me too"

"Because I want to taste the food.

"Understood"

　The maids prepare drinks with Prince Sindriel's attention. It seems that Grande was prepared with fruit juice mixed with water.

"On the edge we spun"

　Since the drink has spread, I raise the cup with the temperature of the crown prince. Well, after all wine has astringency and sourness compared to honey liquor. To be honest, I prefer honey liquor that I'm used to drinking. Maybe my tongue is just that of a child.

"First of all, let me talk about the duel on the parade ground. In theory, our country was just a witness to that duel, and it was a dispute between the Kingdom of Merinard and the Lionel Chieftains. It's about time, but... well, I'm not convinced with this kind of public appearance."

"Of course.

"I would like to ask for your forgiveness for that… I would expose my relatives to shame, but that was the work of my stupid brother. and defeated the Tigris kingdom, and it seems that he was sighing that he would peel off the monster's skin after judging that kind of story as a lie... I'm really sorry. I want you to show me mercy, as I will be tightening it up."

　Saying that, Prince Sindriel deeply lowered his head so that his forehead touched the table. Grande still looks unconvinced. Even though she's tightening it up, she doesn't really specify how she's going to tie it up, and I think she's probably right.

"What exactly does it mean to be tightened up? If I'm not good at it, Kosuke-kun's neck and torso would tear apart."

"I physically beat him up and broke one of his horns. I guess he won't be able to appear in public until he grows back in a well-balanced manner. Well, it will take at least five years."

　Will it survive? It was said that once Melty and Olivia's horns were broken, they wouldn't regrow, but... I wonder if their bodies' regenerative abilities would be different if they had dragon blood in them.

"... If you make a regenerative medicine with Grande's blood, you'll be healed in no time."

　Bosori and Isla tsukkomi, but Prince Sindriel shook his head.

"There is no way such a fool would use Grande-sama's blood. If such a story were to come up, I would beat the people involved, so please trust me."

"Hmm... well, yeah. Never again."

"Thank you for your generous judgment."

"By the way, it's far more dangerous to anger Kosuke than it is to me. Dozens of towns will disappear from this world if you release

　Prince Sindriel, who heard Grande's story, smiled vaguely as though he was joking, but Grande's face was extremely serious. And both Dryada and Isla nodded with a look of shame on their faces.

"...Really?"

"I'm a dragon, right? Even if I breathe a dragon's breath, I won't lie."

　Prince Sindriel, who heard Grande's words of affirmation, looked at me like he was a monster.

　No, in terms of whether I can do it or not, I can probably do it, but no matter how much I get angry, I have no intention of doing such a demon king-like move that destroys the world. Ah no, even if everyone including Sylphy is killed, the possibility of doing so is not zero, but it won't happen and I won't let it happen.