Chapter 106.2

Chapter 106.2

The Quinths still wanted to help, so I asked them to carry the dishes.

As they bustled about, Elliot, Nails, and Jonas arrived.

I had asked Elliot to handle heavy dishes like soup.

We splurged this year and ordered from a high-end restaurant.

Even though it wasnt as heavy as last year, Ted, Jema, and Nails still had their hands full.

Of course, I couldnt handle it either. It wouldnt be appropriate for a noblemans son to personally handle it.

So, I had no choice but to ask Elliot.

As Elliot was surprised by the increasing number of children, Quinths and Kyle began introducing Emily and the others side by side.

Its a heartwarming scene.

By the way, Jonas dashed off to the kitchen without even glancing, saying.

Lily-san, Ill help!

No, its cooking.

If its [Mixing], Im good at it!

Its cooking.

He was expertly brushed off.

You can imagine the scene just from the conversation. Its like hes being completely ignored.

Still, he persisted, but Elliot grabbed him by the collar and escorted him out.

Though theyre saying similar things to the Quinths, theres no cuteness lacking in their stubbornness.

And just as the preparations were almost complete, the remaining guests arrived.

As usual, Ted led the way.

Lolas demeanor remained the same, but she was surprised by the little children who accompanied them, especially Emily and Ginny, missing the chance to escape. Or rather, not noticing.

Elphimia greeted me with a smile and then gave me a look of disbelief.

There are more again. Who are these children?

Theyre friends!

Quinths and Kyle responded cheerfully instead.

Lets discuss the details later.

For now, I welcomed everyone in.

Following last years pattern, Elliots arrangements were made, Nails and Jonas sat next to Elliot, and since Quinths volunteered to take care of Dana, they were seated around her.

And then I, as the host, gave welcoming words, and the second New Years celebration began.

Everyone enjoyed the ready-made dishes, smoked gifts, pie wraps, and Dana and Lilys homemade dishes while chatting freely.

But unlike last year when Ted and the others eagerly dug in, Quinths were hesitant.

Facing unfamiliar people, especially noble and knights sons, they were intimidated.

Still, they couldnt resist their appetites, and when Dana served the dishes, they began eating absentmindedly but stopped moving when their plates were empty.

No need to hold back. Which dish do you like?

I poured fruit water while asking Quinths.

Somehow I found out that Quinths and Ginny liked meat dishes, while Kyle and Emily preferred lighter soups, so I served those and arranged them on their plates.

I wondered how to handle the cooking trends this year, but Dana decided to join early, so Lily and I discussed and divided the dishes ordered from the restaurant and the homemade dishes to avoid overlap.

What Kyle and Emily were eating was Danas homemade dish.

Since Dana gestured, I left it to her and returned to my seat.

Oh, youve reached rank E.

Just a while ago. The guild folks said the real deal starts now.

Still, thats impressive. Congratulations.

Meanwhile, Ted was reporting to Lambert.

Lambert raised his glass lightly, congratulating Ted and the others on their promotion.

At first, there were various things, but they became friendly.

Though not quite friends, they were closer than mere acquaintances.

Afterward, Lambert and Felix talked about adventures and tactics with the adventurers, while Elphimia, Lola, and Lily discussed age-appropriate topics, debating about magic and alchemy.

I asked Lola because she seemed to be concentrating on the taste, not the effect.

But when she raised her face, her cheeks were slightly red, and she shook her head.

No, its just strange. I never thought Id see the day when Tejiril grass would become like this.

That was a real reaction.

She never thought it could be this delicious.

Ah, really? Its quite delicious.

Its certainly better than the Tejiril grass I had before.

Elliot, who took another sip, nodded in agreement.

Indeed, its an unexpected discovery.

Lola seemed somewhat relieved at our reaction, but then she muttered.

I wonder

Whats wrong?

Im not sure. I tested it on myself, but nothing happened.

The first thing I did when I got it was to test its efficacy.

Of course, it had no effect.

What do you mean?

Even if it had an effect, it wouldnt be easy to tell from just one drink.

Theres nothing strange happening in your body, is there?

Elphimia asked as if worried, but she was a bit out of character.

Its strange for her to be concerned about others.

I have a pretty good understanding of my body, so I dont think theres anything wrong.

In order to avoid misunderstandings, I explained in detail about the merchant and the traveler, as well as my experiences and experiments with it.

Thats a relief. Its too much to ask, but would it be okay to research it a little more?

Lola looked at me, half-nervous and half-pleading.

Of course. Its the first request from you, after all.

I appreciate it. Ill leave it to you.

It might not be successful, though.

I half-joked, but Lola shook her head.

Thats okay. Even if the research fails, its better to know than to not know.

Yeah, thats true.

Its been a while since I last heard such serious words from Lola.

Its not like I dont want to know, but Im just not that interested in studying.

Even if there was a hint of hope, I would have left it to Lily or someone else to study.

As we finished our conversation, I heard Nails voice.

Hey, you havent said anything yet!

He seemed anxious, looking at the faces of the others.

Im sure he wanted to taste it but was waiting for the right time.

Its quite touching.

He wasnt nervous about drinking the unknown drink in front of people he just met, but about whether or not it would be okay.

Seeing his sincere concern, I encouraged him.

Its okay, you can drink it.

When I said that, everyone else nodded in agreement.

Everyone seemed to understand that it was a strange drink, but there was nothing wrong with it.

As I looked around, I saw Nails take a sip, and then everyone else followed suit.

As soon as the initial doubts were dispelled, they began to feel a sense of reassurance, and their movements became more relaxed.

The atmosphere in the room became more cheerful.