Volume 6 Chapter 40: The Night After the Banquet
Volume 6 Chapter 40: The Night After the Banquet
When the banquet ended, I returned back to the Commercial Bastion via the Transmission Box.
It was late at night.
From the Transmission Box, overlooking the magnificent underground world, I could still see the traces left by the disaster.
However, many large construction machines had been brought out for urgent repairs.
At the banquet, the Dwarven King not only delivered a speech to stabilize the people’s hearts but also formally announced Chuck as the prince.
My own presence was made public, and yes, I have become the Prince of Mahamatra.
I suppose this banquet will be given a grand name in the history books.
Chuck’s ascension also signifies a change in the policies of this great nation.
Whether for better or worse, this banquet has significantly impacted the world’s fate.
I am honored to have participated in this historical process.
Even though it contradicts my usual principle of staying behind the scenes, as I realized before, staying hidden forever isn’t ideal.
I also want to marry the girls around me openly. Without a proper status, how could I do that?
As for the impact of this princely position, since the country’s policies will change in the future, I won’t be bound here and can leave anytime.
The only price I’ve paid is donating some redstone technology and a batch of Minecraft shovels, which I falsely claimed to be magical tools, to aid in the reconstruction.
Then there’s the Liberty Babie.
Well, since it wasn’t made from my materials, it’s fine to give it to the nation as a new guardian.
However, since it contains an Iron Golem, this guardian will mostly wander around the underground rivers.
Rather than being a mech, it’s more like a living creature.
I’ve given the highest commands to the Dwarven King using the Vassal of The Forest’s ability: “Obey the wearer of the headset” and “Do not harm any civilians of the Dying Steel Citadel,” along with the headset-like plant created from Vassal of The Forest abilities. That’s all I need to do.
Now, let’s talk about the Thermodynamic Core contamination incident.
Since the raw material for the Thermodynamic Core, "Sacred Mountain Soil," is closely related to the Elemental Guardian, and after the Elemental Guardian was tainted, the "Sacred Mountain Soil" also became contaminated.
Although I purified the Elemental Guardian, I neglected the already polluted "Sacred Mountain Soil," leading to this incident.
This is quite different from past events.
If it’s not Lori Aivett who is the culprit, who else could create such contamination?
If possible, I really want to talk to the Elemental Guardian who is still asleep.
Derisha and the female hero have tried several times, but the Elemental Guardian is still asleep in the fallen sun.
It’s troubling; we might have to wait for Zakarina to return.
Are there any important matters left unmentioned? It seems that’s all… Oh, wait, there’s one more thing.
At the end of the banquet, the Dwarven King invited me up.
After having a drink with me in front of everyone, he gave me a big hug, signifying my return to the royal family.
This would have been normal, but the key part is that he whispered in my ear:
“Kid, I don’t know what exactly you are or what race you belong to, but as long as you are never our enemy, you will always be a member of our race.”
…Hmm, doesn’t this mean he has already seen through my bluff!?
As expected of a King...
He chose to tell me this at the end of the banquet, meaning he doesn’t want to expose it…
Thinking it over, it makes sense. After all, my abilities are highly useful, and since I’ve offered them myself, there’s no need to tear the veil.
In essence, all I asked for was a status and a place to settle.
---
The gate of the Bastion opened, and I finally returned to my temporary home.
“I’m back—”
“Welcome back!” The first to greet me was Derisha, dressed only in a loose shirt and panties.
I intended to greet her with a friendly smile.
However… when she dashed towards me, the wind pressure she caused was so terrifying!
Tanaya, standing next to me, swiftly dodged with a leap, leaving me behind—Hey, wait a minute, we’re supposed to be siblings too!?
Just as I was about to be greeted by a terrifyingly enthusiastic hug, Melon quickly intervened, instantly absorbing the impact of Derisha’s leap and spinning her in the air before setting her down gracefully in front of me.
“If you want to welcome Master, please do so with the proper etiquette.”
“Hehe, I was just too excited… Welcome back, Walson, or should I say, Your Highness?” Derisha gave me a big hug.
“Don’t make fun of me. How could I not match my status up to the princess if I want to marry one?” I responded.
Seemingly caught off guard by my straightforwardness, Derisha paused, then hugged me even tighter, clearly delighted.
Entering the dining room, I was greeted by the aroma of delicious food.
I saw that Barella had pleced a plate of what looked like very tasty stew on the table. Noticing my gaze, she gave me a charming smile.
Ah, my wives are all so enchanting!
“It’s so late; haven’t you all eaten yet?” I asked, looking at the food, which was mouthwatering.
“It’s specially made for you.”
“Huh?”
“The food in this country tends to be saltier. I thought you might not be used to it… Or have you already eaten-Eh? No no no no no!”
Before she could finish her sentence, I had already rushed over and hugged her!
“You’re too good to me! I can’t understand those banquet dishes at all! I can’t handle things like roasted worms as thick as my arm!”
“Eeeeeeeeehhh! Wait! You reek of alcohol!” Barella’s face turned as red as an apple.
Uaa~ so cute!
Let me give you a kiss!
“No, don’t kiss me! At least go—Wait, are you drunk!? Melon, help me pull him away—!”
“Master, you smell of alcohol. Please change clothes first before continuing…”
“Wait, Melon!?”
---
“Master, are you drunk?”
“I’m not drunk!” I laughed heartily.
The dwarves have a strange custom: if the guest doesn’t leave lying down after entering standing up, it’s seen as the host’s failure.
But no one is getting me drunk! I’m just still affected by the banquet’s atmosphere!
“…Alright, master, please open your arms a bit.”
“Okay, I’ll behave.”
I cooperatively entered the room to let Melon help me change clothes.
The alcohol smell aside, the purple robe I’m wearing is not only stuffy but also heavy, covered in strange ornaments.
I used to handle changing clothes myself, but this attire is too troublesome to manage alone… This is one of the small downsides of being a prince.
Feeling Melon’s hands on me as she removed necklaces and headpieces, it actually feels quite nice.
“Sorry, Melon, for the trouble.”
“Please don’t mention it. I’m happy to do anything for you, master.” Melon said as she adjusted my belt, “This way, I feel needed by you.”
!!!!!
I can’t hold it in anymore!
As Melon’s hands went around my waist to unfasten the back buttons, I wrapped my arms around her.
“Master… It’s hard for me to change your clothes like this…”
“It’s fine, let’s just stay here for a while!”
“...Walson, it’s taking so long. Do you need help… help…” At this moment, the door suddenly swung open, and Grace peeked in.
What met her eyes was the scene of me being handsy with Melon.
---
In the end, I discovered a truth: “Grace’s staff is the best hangover cure,” but that’s a story for another time.