Chapter 165.1

Chapter 165.1 \n<h1>Chapter 165 White Sword Gathering ⑤ </h1>\n\n“Cry-san…… What are you going to do about her?” (Eva)

“Yeah, since way back, she always wanted to follow me everywhere.” (Cry)

“!? T-This isn’t the problem here, and I don’t think that’s the point.” (Eva)

　Even if you say that it isn’t my fault if she followed me. It was not like I told her to come with me, and she isn’t a child anymore, so she will figure something out on her own. The only thing I can do is…… To help her if she gets found out. 

　Just in case, I checked if no other members came, but I couldn’t see any of my friends except for Sytry. Anthem was huge and conspicuous, and although it wasn’t like there was no way to make him smaller, he was still easily recognizable, so he probably didn’t come to the party. Lucia didn’t seem to be here either. As expected even I won’t get my “Imouto (Sister’s)” face wrong.

　Ah, I found Gark-san. As usual, he doesn’t look good in a suit……

　Eva didn’t seem to care, but my tension was fading a little bit.

　The Emperor seemed to be very popular. He was surrounded by Nobles and Hunters and showed no signs of looking at us.

　Most of the people were probably just there to socialize, and most of them hadn’t touched the food, even if the tables were crammed with high-class-looking dishes. Time seems to fly by when you’re only eating and drinking.\n

　Maybe because Eva noticed that I was looking at the Emperor, she asked me in a whisper.

“When will you go and greet His Majesty?” (Eva)

“Eh? I don’t plan to do that though.” (Cry)

“!? Y-You can’t do that! What are you thinking?” (Eva)

　Well…… Of course, I am thinking about not wanting to go there. I don’t want him to remember my face or my name, and I am sure he has heard the infamy that Luke and Liz have spread over the last five years.  If everyone has to greet him in turn, I will, but if I don’t have to, I would rather secretly go back. And with how it looks, it seems like I can get away with it if I just keep quiet.

“Listen carefully, Eva. Look at all the gorgeous food and desserts on the table.” (Cry)

“? Hmmm…… Well, it is a nice line-up.” (Eva)

　Thanks to all the “Ossan (old men)” who came one after another, I was able to drink, but not touch any food or dessert.

“I was thinking of conquering every dish and booze.” (Cry)

“???? Why ?” (Eva)\n“Of course, that’s because…… I want to. I am not that hungry because I am nervous, but aren’t you curious about it?” (Cry)

“………… You are definitely not nervous, are you?” (Eva)

 

　Yes, I am. However, not many people would go to someone who is eating food, you know.

　When I met Sytry’s gaze, I waved lightly. Sytry was quiet for a moment, but she immediately smiled and waved back. The man next to her was a well-dressed old gentleman.

“He is the principal of Primus, the Magic Sciences Institution. Sytry-san’s old working place.” (Eva)

　It was one of the most important research institutions in Zebrudia. If we are talking about the head of the institution, he must be a noble then. With that information in mind, when you look closely at the face of the old gentleman with the long beard, you can see a hint of dignity.　As expected of an Alchemist, she has a large network…… However, I hadn’t heard that she would participate in the Gathering so far, but maybe she did it to look after me.

　I picked up some food, drank some alcohol, and *urouro* wandered around places where there were no people. Of course, without being conspicuous.

\n　While having a banter with Eva, I tasted each of the expensive alcohol in turn without really knowing what it was.

　And then, at the moment when I took one of the glasses, I opened my eyes widely.

　I don’t know the brand, but it was a glass of red wine. I *kyorokyoro* looked around and approached the nearest table. Maybe because she sensed me approaching, a brown arm appeared, so I gave her the glass and took the empty one.

　…… I wonder how Liz moves around.

“What is wrong?” (Eva)

“Well…… It is just that there was something mixed in it.” (Cry)

“…… Eh?” (Eva)

“They were testing the Hunters’ strength, probably. It happens all the time.” (Cry)

“Ah-Aaaah……” (Eva)