Chapter 1024 - Happy New Round Table
Well, that being said.
"Oh, there you are, Crown."
"Making a late entrance, are we? Quite the privileged position, Crown."
"Hey there, big brother Crown!"
Until the new name settles in, I'll have to deal with this unavoidable awkwardness... and so, time passed from my friend's birthday party into the night.
"...Could you all please stop with the relentless teasing?"
Back in the world side, the virtual world. Following a plan that had been set over the first three days of the New Year, I made my way to Istia's wartime base, the Subterranean Castle of a Different Layer - Ruvalest, and to the Eastern Round Table.
The moment I teleported in, I was met with a chorus of 'Crown,' to which I gave them a deadpan look. However, that was exactly the reaction they wanted, and it only seemed to delight my seniors.
I mean, come on.
"You too, don't get in on this. Dammit, the system should've put a ruby reading on your [Peerless] title..."
"Hah."
"What did you just scoff at?"
I could barely forgive Goldow and Mi-na, given their personalities, but the Blonde Samurai sandwiched between them was unforgivable. He should have ended up with something like [Peerless (Sword Master)]—
...or something like that.
As I engaged in a stare-down with the ridiculously refreshing, handsome, two-sword-wielding training idiot—whose laugh, despite being a scoff, was annoyingly cool—a battle whose outcome was decided before it even began...
"—Yo, Crown."
"...Oh? What's this? You want some attention, senpai?"
In front of me, a total of seven figures filled the seats of the Round Table.
The three who were engrossed in teasing their junior, plus my aloof junior No. 1 (Tetra) who merely glanced my way, and Hinayo-san who gave me a cheerful wave.
Then there was Gen-san, meditating energetically as always. Finally, from the number one throne, my master, who greeted me with a sublime, gentle, and radiant smile.
And as for the other one, that would be my bratty little sister (Ri-na) who had charged into my stomach the moment I arrived...
"Huh? I'll kill you."
"You're in top form for the new year."
My 'New Year's greeting' with [Screen], who was leaning against the wall in a super cool pose instead of taking a seat, was carried out in an extremely peaceful manner.
Anyway, putting the top-form Yura-choro aside.
"Heave-ho."
"...Listen, kid. It's good that you've gained some dignity, but..."
"Being too unfazed, what's up with that?"
I sat down in the unfamiliar seat next to Irori and Goldow, dragging my 'luggage' with me, and received comments of exasperation from both sides.
In response, I had only one thing to say.
"As if she'd listen to reason??"
""...I see.""
And silence. As for the luggage (my sister) that had naturally settled onto my lap, I'd learned by now that the best course of action was to just leave her there until she was satisfied.
Best course of action (resignation)—and so...
"Alright... well, let's get started."
The rankings may have changed, but the head of the Eastern Faction (us) remains the same. With the call to order from our General Commander from the fourth seat, the 'Istia New Year's Greeting' officially began.
◇◆◇◆◇
"—And with that, those are all the announcements. That's about it."
"So basically, there was nothing."
"Shut up. You're making it look like I talked for a good ten minutes for nothing."
And so, after roughly ten minutes, the first meeting that started with a 'Happy New Year' after the New Year's party was pretty much summed up by Mi-na's single comment.
In other words, from beginning to end, it was all just another round of 'Happy New Year' and 'Let's have another great year together.' Yes, likewise.
"Well, yeah, that's basically it. Aside from the second New Year's party (shenanigans) on the tenth, there's nothing on the immediate schedule. As for the 'Key Tree'... well, you know."
"How's that going, anyway?"
And the topic shifted to none other than that.
"Seriously, we're just a tiny bit away... but it looks like it'll take a little longer."
The current primary objective—the door on the 100th layer of the Key Tree.
According to initial predictions, the gauge should have been full right around now... but well, that was just Ashe's hopeful observation of 'if things continue as they are.'
Progress started to gradually slow down around the Christmas season, and as a result, the 'door' of the endless tower has yet to be completely filled with light.
She said it would probably be the end of January at this rate—
"Ah, but there's one thing. We've reached a conclusion regarding the member selection."
"Hold on, Papa. There is an announcement."
And just like that, a new piece of information suddenly dropped into our relaxed meeting. Naturally, the 'Papa' who was called out by the lively girl scratched his cheek and said,
"Shut it. I won't give you your New Year's money."
"I've never gotten any from you before!"
He responded in a way that suggested he had probably just forgotten. Our old man is as full of charm as ever this year, which is great.
"So, Goldow? Who is it?"
After watching the Eastern Ten Seats' famous grandfather-granddaughter comedy routine for a few seconds, a question came from Hina-san, everyone's big sister figure. The member selection... in other words, the six people who will venture beyond the 'door.'
Three slots were already confirmed for Ashe, me, and Sora. That left three more.
"Ah—from the North, it's Tiger. And from the West, it's the aquamarine girl."
The General Commander announced two of the slots.
At that...
"That's reasonable."
"Well, that's a safe bet."
"A solid choice."
Words of agreement came from Irori, Mi-na, and Hina-san, and Genkotsu-san nodded along while still meditating. It seems he was actually awake today.
The quiet pair, Tetra and Yura... the latter seemed to have no intention of participating in the meeting, but she didn't seem to object either. Of course, I had no complaints either, as it was what I had expected.
My master remained on her throne, smiling gently. She's the type who enjoys watching the lively atmosphere, so it was normal for her not to speak unless necessary.
She seemed to be in a good mood, which was wonderful—as for the remaining bratty sister, she had the nerve to start dozing off on my lap with a happy look on her face. Should I give this one a flick on the forehead?
"And the NPC?"
"That's been decided too. We haven't confirmed the request with the person himself yet, but..."
As I was glaring down, Goldow's gaze, responding to Tetra's question, turned towards me. Ah, right, I get it. Understood.
"My knight?"
"Yep. Not only do you have a foundation of trust and coordination with him, but he's a pure tank specializing in defense, which is convenient. The four of you will handle direct combat, so..."
"Ah, a bodyguard role."
"That's the idea."
So that's how it is. A straightforward and solid... or rather, a decision that ensures a certain level of security.
To be honest, having an NPC join a player party for a raid expected to be of the highest difficulty is an unavoidable element of uncertainty. Since we have no information about what will happen, it's better to have them move as a single unit rather than integrating them into our tight-knit coordination.
At the very least, thinking that way beforehand makes it easier to deal with unforeseen circumstances.
If he can protect the artisan slot... poor Nia-chan, who probably hasn't been officially notified yet, then the rest of us can fight without holding back.
Well, I don't know for sure. Whether 'battle' awaits us beyond the 'door.'
...But anyway, setting that aside for now—
"Big brother."
"Huh? What is it? You're awake?"
—A voice from below. I looked down to see a pair of light blue eyes staring up at my face. Well now, what should I do? As I contemplated giving her a flick on the forehead after all...
"...Are you excited?"
She tilted her head slightly with a faint smile, a motion that showed she knew exactly how cute she was. And in those clear, upturned eyes...
"Well, yeah."
It's still a little while away. But as I eagerly awaited the conquest (fun) that was steadily approaching...
There I was, with a cheeky smile on my face.