act30side

I'm back.

Lisburn, what are you standing around for?

Nothing.

Oh yeah, I remember now. Old Turiels' daughter was cooking in the back kitchen, so you wanted some excuse to slip on over.

Look at you, acting like you're doing us a great service.

She used to work as a chef in a nearby restaurant, so it makes plenty of sense to bring her onboard.

Whatever. More importantly, why's the food not ready yet?

Hey boss, how come the food hasn't been served yet?

Sorry about that.

The main reason is that we're a bit overloaded right now. Even though we've upped the kitchen staff, it's still not enough to handle the workload.

In that case, l don't mind lending a hand!

There's no need.

Who are you...?

I am chief maid to the Saintess, Kjarr. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Hah, we're just a bunch of lowly soldiers. No need for the formalities.

Lia.

Yes, Madam?

Split the accompanying servants into teams and have them take turns helping in the kitchen.

Make sure the banquet proceeds smoothly.

Understood.

But... we couldn't possibly have you–

There's no need to worry, sir.

Though this banquet is hosted by the Lord Viscount, this land is still Kjerag, and you are all esteemed guests in the eyes of the Saintess.

As the Lord Viscount was gracious enough to extend an invitation to the Saintess, it is only natural that we servants lend our assistance as well.

Additionally... Pardon me if this may sound offensive, but it would be out of place for those whose hands wield weapons to carry plates.

Ngh...

Calm down, Lisburn. The maid's right. We'd probably end up breaking a whole bunch of crockery if we tried to help.

...I know.

But, if there's any physical labor that needs doing, you just give us a holler, alright?

Oh, come to think of it, the kitchen could use some extra hands to help them carry some groceries. I'm not sure if...

I'm on my way!

Thanks, Madam.

My pleasure.

Now that things are settled here, I won't further disturb your enjoyment of the banquet.

...I'm back.

Lia, I have one more favor to ask of you. Can you see if the kitchen has these items? If they do, I'd like them to make one additional dish.

I'd like... a fruit and cheese wrap.

Pulling out the old home cooking?

But the Saintess normally doesn't touch that stuff.

Now, now. Just listen to me.

Karlan Trade's employees seem to be arriving one after another.

That's right. The viscount invited not only the Saintess and Master Enciodes, but also the elders of the Vine-Bead Court as well as the employees of Karlan Trade.

As extravagant as one would expect of a Victorian viscount.

The man's not all show either. He even invited Turiels, head chef of the Burdenpeak Hotel.

His foul temper isn't something that can be bought with money.

It goes to show how well they've gotten on with our people during the month they've been in Kjerag.

Hmm?

Chug! Chug!

*hic*... Chug, chug!

*braaaaap*...

Not bad, not bad! You mountain folk sure know how to hold your booze!

But you still can't out-drink me! Heh... hehe.

Who's up next?

Urgh. Those men can get sloshed, even in a place like this?

Not to mention, quite a few have already ended up under the table.

Kjarr, what should we do?

Well...

Getting on well is certainly a wonderful thing, but getting on too well can be problematic.

This sort of thing, however, ends up being a headache for certain other people.

Gnosis, the Tschäggättä are in position.

I have them patrolling the front and rear entrances to prevent anyone from sneaking inside the venue.

No need to be nervous.

Valais, send one team to go help in the kitchen.

Understood.

Care for a drink? If you dare, that is.

Th-This is some crazy strong stuff. We seriously doing this?

As I said, up to you.

Haha, you got me. You've got guts, I'll give you that. Cheers!

Pour me another glass.

On it!

You're... not bad...

Do we have a hangover remedy?

Lia.

Right here.

Good.

Huh? D-Director?!

Enjoy your nap?

Uh, y-yes!

That one soldier with a stomach of iron... You managed to drink him under the table?!

Yep.

That's crazy...

Lay off the alcohol for the rest of the day. Go rest.

Th-Thank you very much.

Color me surprised. I didn't expect Karlan Trade's CTO to be such a good drinker.

I can hardly tell from your face that you just downed two bottles of strong liquor.

Just some useless tricks I picked up when I was younger.

Did you frequently attend such occasions in your youth?

Don't worry about it.

The banquet will start soon, and I'll have Karlan Trade's employees help move things along.

You're not going to join in the conversation, Master Gnosis?

Not at the moment.

It's their time now.

Umm, you two––

Why are you so taciturn today, Sir Enciodes? Is there something on your mind, or has coming to the banquet soured your mood?

Your usual quips and retorts are nowhere to be heard today.

I appreciate the Saintess's concern.

But, it's simply that sitting at the same table as the Saintess is a terrifying affair, and I can only hold my tongue in her presence.

I see. I did not think Sir Enciodes the pious type, but I stand corrected.

I dare not speak out of line.

Oh? There are things in this world that even Sir Enciodes dares not do?