Chapter 572 - Episode 510: Welcome Party for the White Dragon Princess
Thursday
Another smooth day of album recording wrapped up. Afterward, I logged into IRO and headed back from the port to the mansion.
Mion immediately asked Atto to start cultivating cumin, and with carmerie and shanci now also secured, we’re finally getting close to making real curry...
"Ba-wass!"
"Good evening to you!"
『Shou-kun, Seth-chan』
Evening arrived. As always, Mion was waiting for me in the Virtual Club Room—but no Bell-senpai around.
Noticing it too, Mion said,
『The club president’s visiting relatives, so she’ll be about an hour late. She said Seth-chan should go ahead without her.』
"Indeed! Then let us be off!"
And with that, I waved off Seth as she logged into IRO.
I already knew from dinner that things were going well on the southern island.
A row of stall-like buildings now stood on the plaza in front of the Kijimunaa village, all enclosed by sturdy stone walls—the handiwork of Bell-senpai’s magic, apparently.
"Then let’s head in ourselves."
"Right!"
*
"Shou-kun, the transfer box has a message."
"Oh? Maybe they’ve set the date for the White Dragon Princess’s arrival?"
Argenta-san could’ve contacted us directly via guild card, but she’s such a stickler for formality.
I opened the box. Just a letter. Let’s see…
"Looks like if we’re free today, the White Dragon Princess and El-san will come. That okay?"
"Yes!"
We’d already agreed to reply via guild call, so I called right away.
"Argenta-san, is now okay?"
『Shou-sama. Thank you for contacting me.』
"Not at all. Yeah, they’re welcome anytime today. We’re all ready this side."
They’d arrive in about an hour, so I figured I’d make a welcoming meal with Mion while we waited.
We had a good amount of ratiola fish from last time, so I’d make white fish with cumin seasoning.
"Shall I prepare something as well?"
"We still have a bit of time. I’ll go call over Shal and Paan."
"I’ll bring Kuro and the others."
"Thanks, please do."
True and the others had given us so much fish, a big party would be more fun.
For Sweee and the rest, maybe rumorella tarts? I should invite the other carbuncles too, and don’t forget Rigel.
After waving off Mion and the others as they left for the forest, I headed toward the church.
I greeted the Cait Sith who were cleaning the church entrance, then went over to the stables.
"Burru~"
"Waf~" "Kururu~"
Rigel noticed me and trotted over, greeting Lupi and Raz. Then he walked up to me, pressing his cheek against mine, and Raz hopped from my shoulder right onto Rigel’s back.
"Meow~" "Ryuryu"
"Shal, Paan—thanks for everything. We’re throwing a welcome party for the White Dragon Princess today. Could you gather everyone at the mansion? Oh, and the other carbuncles too."
"Meow !?" "Ryu!" "Kururu~♪"
Then Raz hopped again—this time from Rigel’s back to Paan’s head.
Paan then effortlessly scrambled up the cliffside without using the steps, and though both of them balanced like pros, seeing Raz leap between them still made my heart skip a beat.
"Well then, let’s head out first."
"Waf," "Burru"
...
...
...
Lupi and I are in the large underground transfer room. Since they’re coming via teleportation circle instead of a dragon basket, I’d come to greet them.
I sat down and idly petted Lupi while we waited...
"Waf."
"Ah. They’re here."
The transfer circle began to glow faintly. When the light faded, Argenta-san, El-san, and the White Dragon Princess stood before us.
"Hi there~!"
"Good evening."
"Wafun!"
The White Dragon Princess gave her cheerful greeting and patted Lupi on the head.
Behind her, Argenta-san and El-san watched with warm smiles.
"Shou-sama. For the near future, we entrust Her Highness (Hii-sama) to your care."
"On the contrary. Mion and I are often away, so she’s free to do as she pleases while here."
"Leave the security and all routine guild affairs to us during your absence."
"Thank you. Honestly, this relieves a great deal of worry."
Apparently, they’ll be helping out with future guild commissions, support, and item distribution—already sounds like a godsend.
On the way to the mansion, I reported what Bell-senpai had told me yesterday about the southern island developments.
It didn’t directly affect us, but since a linked teleportation circle was being placed in the Necropolis, I felt I should mention it.
"I see. We’ll remain vigilant."
"Argenta-sama, regarding the demons…"
"Yes. The group that headed into the Demon Kingdom—they’ve apparently each infiltrated the territory individually."
Seems the minor skirmishes in the northern Demon Kingdom aren’t unusual, but the demons slipped in unnoticed amid that chaos.
"You’ve investigated deeply."
"The northern border of the Demon Kingdom has close connections with beastfolk under the protection of the Dragonfolk."
Apparently, some beastfolk settlements were actually closer than the Demon Kingdom’s capital, leading to stronger emotional ties to the Dragonfolk.
But to avoid causing any political friction, they keep it strictly at a civilian level.
"Mion. The White Dragon Princess has arrived."
"Yes! Welcome! Dinner’s ready."
"Waai!"
Dinner was the main event. Since we had so many people, we moved to the rear garden.
We’d recently added a new table for al fresco tea times on nice days.
I’d even made small chairs for kids, but since Mion clearly loved having the White Dragon Princess on her lap, those could stay put for now.
"My, what an array…"
A spread of open-faced sandwiches, ecryu milk stew, roast boar, cumin-seared ratiola, and oranjack escabeche.
And for Sweee and the others: red marth tarts, camlus compote, and ice cream topped with rumorella jam…
El-san looked impressed.
"Well, it’s a welcome party after all."
"Exactly."
Not just the White Dragon Princess, but Sweee, Shal, Paan, and everyone else practically vibrated with anticipation.
So without further ado,
"Let’s eat while it’s still warm."
"Let’s dig in!" "〜〜〜♪"