kscans

Chapter 61 - The True Clan

Around six in the evening, the clan members had all gathered at the base.

In the dining hall on the first floor, Hayato sat at the head of a long table.

To Hayato's right were Ash, Ren, and Mist. To his left were Diite, Maris, and Lunaria. Esha stood behind him to his right, and Relic to his left.

Including Hayato, there were nine people. This was the full roster of the clan "Daedalus."

There were supposed to be ten, but one spot was being kept open for Maris's pet. Usually, the Elder Griffon, Lancelot, filled that spot, and he was currently on standby outside.

Hayato looked at everyone once before speaking slowly.

"Um, why is everyone arranged like this? You can just act normally, you know?"

Hayato had indeed called everyone to the base to introduce Lunaria to the members. But when he did, Esha, for some reason, had started directing everything.

"Master, on occasions like this, it's important to observe formalities. The 'Daedalus' of the past was borrowing from Ash-sama's mercenary group, so while we weren't weak, we were incomplete, you could say. But today, we have finally become a true clan. I think we should do things properly at the beginning."

Everyone nodded in agreement with Esha's words.

He thought they were getting into it a little too much, but to be honest, Hayato didn't dislike it either. That said, he wasn't free enough to keep up this mood.

"Alright then, I'll make the introduction. This is Lunaria-san, who joined the clan today."

As Hayato introduced her, Lunaria stood up.

"Lunaria Freire. I'm good at making cookies. I'm also the Demon Lord. I look forward to working with you all."

(Her social anxiety seems to have improved quite a lot. Maybe she gained confidence from her fight with the Hero. But why did she mention being the Demon Lord like it was an afterthought?)

Hayato's question went unanswered as Lunaria sat down. Then, everyone else began introducing themselves. It was probably for Lunaria's benefit.

Diite had joined recently, but she had been hanging around the base so much before that she hadn't formally introduced herself. When it was her turn, she stood up and began.

"I am Diite. I am a sister. There is nothing I particularly like, but recently, Hayato-kun has caught my interest."

Don't say weird things, he thought, but it was too late. Ren's eyes were sparkling. She shot her right hand up into the air.

"Question! I have a question! What part of him interests you!?"

"All of him, I'd say. To think he would let the Demon Lord into the clan. Hayato-kun always keeps me entertained."

"Oh, is that what you meant? Personally, I was hoping for one of those love triangle situations."

Ren's excitement deflated palpably as she glanced at Hayato and Esha before sighing.

(Ever since that incident, Ren-chan has had the wrong idea about me and Esha. Hasn't Esha explained it to her? Oh well, what's important right now is winning the next Clan War.)

"Um, alright, that's it for the introductions. Is there anything anyone wants to say or do?"

Various pieces of information flew around at Hayato's words. It was mostly about their future combat styles.

First, there were the three who specialized in close-range attacks, Ash, Mist, and Lunaria.

They decided to go hunting together for a while before the next Clan War to practice their coordination.

Next were Relic and Maris, as well as Lancelot, who were more like skirmishers than mid-range fighters.

Relic could instantly go anywhere on the battlefield as long as there was an enemy, thanks to Shukuchi. And Maris had incredible mobility when riding Lancelot. It depended on the field conditions, but being able to fly was undoubtedly a powerful advantage. They decided to focus on polishing their individual strengths rather than coordination.

And then there was the rear support, Esha, Ren, and Diite.

Ren and Diite decided to train their coordination with Ash and the others at the hunting grounds. As for Esha, it seemed coordination with anyone other than Relic was impossible, so it was decided from the start that she wouldn't train.

"Those who have mastered strength are not lonely, they are sublime."

"I don't know what you're suddenly talking about, but I think I get what you mean. Well, last is me. It seems everyone's equipment is in order, but if you need anything, let me know. I can basically make anything. For now, it's Maris's equipment, I guess. I just need to make a lance and a shield, right?"

"Yes, please! The armor is too heavy, and I feel sorry for Lancelot! Please make the shield light, too!"

In terms of game mechanics, heavy weight didn't make you slower or anything. But since Maris thought that way, Hayato had no intention of forcing heavy equipment on her against her wishes.

"Got it. Also, if you need anything other than weapons and armor, just say the word. I'll make it for you."

Esha raised her hand. It wasn't a hesitant gesture, but a very assertive one.

"I would like a large quantity of Melon Juice, please."

"There's plenty of that, so don't worry. Just to check, you haven't taken any from the storage before the Clan War, have you?"

Esha averted her gaze, but he decided to ignore it.

Next, Ren raised her hand. It was just as assertive.

"I'll have the Bucket Pudding!"

"Ren-chan, this isn't about preparing your favorite food, okay? It's about things we need for the Clan War."

This time, Maris raised her hand and said, "Yes, yes!"

"I'd like some 'Nekomanma Deluxe,' please! My pet gets stronger when he eats it!"

"Is that so? Then I'll make some, but, why are Ash and Ren-chan looking at me? Do you want some?"

"I've heard it's good."

"I've heard it's so delicious it's to die for!"

"Well, I'll make some. Try it out before the Clan War to see how effective it is."

(Is it really so good that even a dragon would be satisfied... ?)

Next, Mist elegantly raised her hand.

"I would like tomato juice and sunscreen, please. And Dragon Blood, if possible."

"Those three for you, Mist-san. I'll get them ready."

"You made me something wonderful last time, so I don't need anything more."

"Understood. Relic-san, if you think of anything, let me know."

"Chocolate parfait...!"

Lunaria's eyes were incredibly intense. As expected of the Demon Lord, but he couldn't imagine that was really necessary. If anything, meat dishes would be more useful.

"I told you, this is about things we can use in the Clan War, not things you want to eat, okay?"

"Chocolate parfait..."

This time, her eyes were pleading. He wondered if she really was the Demon Lord, but he felt a little sorry for her, so he decided to make it for her.

"Alright, I'll give you a chocolate parfait, so do your best in the Clan War, okay? Ah, yes, I'll give one to all the ladies, so please don't glare at me so fiercely."

This was also a gathering to deepen their fellowship, so Hayato decided to turn it into a party.

That's when Hayato noticed. Diite hadn't made any requests. She hadn't reacted to the chocolate parfait either.

"Do you have anything, Diite-chan? At this point, I'll make whatever you like."

"I don't have anything I particularly like, so I will leave that to everyone else. The same goes for the Clan War. Please prepare whatever you think is necessary, Hayato-kun."

"Huh? Really? You don't have a favorite food or anything?"

"Let's see, not particularly... No, I suppose I do like the coffee Hayato-kun brews. I am fine with just that."

Hayato was happy to hear that. This was a game, so it would taste the same no matter who made it, but it didn't feel bad to be told that.

"Got it, I'll brew some coffee then. Alright, let's have a party. I'll get the food ready, so eat as much as you like."

Everyone was delighted by Hayato's words.

This will be worth making, Hayato thought, and began preparing the food with renewed vigor.