Welcome to the Special-Grade Guild! ~ The Beloved Elf Poster Girl Soothes Everyone’s Hearts ~
Chapter 140

140. Banquet

“Done!”

“Ooh, that’s beautiful.”

“Meg-chan, you’re amazing!”

I’d been asked to teach them how to make chirashi-zushi, so I was currently helping out in the kitchen! The guild was buzzing with excitement, with Dad having announced that there would be a banquet this evening. They were setting up tables and chairs in the hall for the party. It would be hard not to be excited.

The kitchen was bustling with preparations. I was helping out with one of the main dishes, something that neither Leo-jii nor Tio-nee had ever made before. Several people had said, “How can you let the guest of honor help?” But I wanted to help, so I activated my special attack: the “I want to help!” puppy-dog eyes version. Leo-jii was the first to fall, and we decided to make it together. I’d made full use of my advantage as a toddler. Ehehe.

“Megu…”

Dad gave me an exasperated look, but I didn’t really mind being a toddler right now. I could even act like one naturally! Of course, my mind was that of Megu, so there was some calculation involved, but ever since becoming one with Meg, it seemed like I was able to accept a toddler’s way of thinking and acting. It made me realize, that I’d truly been reborn.

“Meg-chan, is this pudding okay?”

“Fuwaa, it looksh sho yummy!”

And so, I made chirashi-zushi with Leo-jii, just as I remembered. Well, it was chirashi-zushi, so it was easy. And all I did was decorate it and ask Fuu-chan to cool the vinegared rice. A simple task!

Tio-nee’s pudding was incredible! The pudding itself was simple, but it didn’t have any eggs, and was decorated with whipped cream and fruit, making it look incredibly luxurious. Pudding à la mode! Ugh, I want to eat it…!

“Hmhm, no snacking before dinner, okay?”

“Uu, I know…”

“But I saved one for you, for your snack tomorrow!”

“Tio-nee, I wuv you!”

I’m so simple. I cheered, raising both my arms.

“Sorry for the wait!”

Evening. When I returned to the guild hall, carrying the chirashi-zushi, I was greeted with cheers and various “That looks delicious!” comments. Ehehe, it made me happy. Ah, of course, I didn’t carry it! It was on a cart, but I wouldn’t have been able to see where I was going, and it would have been dangerous. I left it to Tio-nee.

“That’s amazing, Meg. It’s a beautiful dish.”

I could tell Schlie-san meant it. His eyes were sparkling. Schlie-san was a gourmet who seemed to value appearances, so I was truly happy!

“It’s… too…!”

“Carter’s saying it’s too beautiful to eat. It’s true! It’s like a jewel box, decorated with fish and egg. The rice also has a beautiful sheen. Lady Meg, you know such wonderful dishes! It’s as if it was made especially for the beautiful me.”

“E-Ehehe, thank you!”

I was grateful for Carter-san and Maille-san’s praise, but it seemed like Maille-san was about to start rambling about himself, so I quickly thanked them. Schlie-san chuckled wryly and nodded, so I guess that was the right call. Phew.

『Jiggle-nii-chan! 』

『Ooh, Homura! You worked hard too!! Good job, yeaaah!!』

“…Nii-chan? Do spirits… have genders?”

『Don’t worry about the details! You know, that thing, with humans? It’s like… a vibe!!』

Well, it’s true that I call Homura, “Homura-kun.” And the others, I use “-chan.” I guess it is a bit like a vibe, an atmosphere.

The two red monkey spirits were praising each other. They were full of energy. A bit too much. They’re the type to liven up a drinking party while sober. I hope Homura-kun doesn’t get that noisy, ahaha.

『Nephry-senpai! 』

『Ufufu, it seems that Fuu also worked hard this time!』

“S-Senpai?”

『It’s like… a vibe, right? Homura taught me!』

Ah, the light green bird spirits have also been influenced! Spirits love to have fun. If it seems fun, they’ll incorporate it. Well, I don’t mind, they’re cute!

『Senpai… I want one too!』

『Hmm, then I shall be your senpai.』

『Eh, really!? I’m so glad! I’ll call you Shizuku-senpai!』

『Mmm, not bad.』

Now the pink girl spirit was calling the large blue dog “senpai.” It’s great that they’ve all gotten closer, but I’m a bit worried about this strange group dynamic that’s forming. Well, I’m okay with anything as long as they’re cute!

“I heard that new spirit of yours was your mother’s first contracted spirit.”

“Yesh. It makes me feel wike Mama-shan’s watching over me, and it makes me happy.”

“Yes, I’m sure she is.”

Schlie-san said this, smiling gently. Ah, such a healing smile.

The fact that I’m Dad’s biological daughter was known only to the core members of the guild who had been there, plus a few others, and the Demon King and Kron-san. But it was a secret from the other guild members and outsiders. By the way, my calling Dad “Dad” was apparently considered a hobby of the Don. …What’s with that?

The reason we were keeping it a secret was to minimize the danger to me. I was already an easy target, so it wouldn’t be good for even more people to target me. Well, I figured it would be okay because I have several guardians who have that “no one lays a finger on her” aura. I felt incredibly safe with these invincible shields.

What made me happiest was that, just as Schlie-san had said, those who knew were still treating me the same. They still spoiled me, and they were still on my side.

“But I have a wot more family watching over me now, sho I’m even happier.”

When I said this, Schlie-san suddenly picked me up and gave me a dazzling smile. Ugh, how devastating! It’s truly dazzling!

“Yes, we are also very happy to have such a cute new addition to our family.”

Ehehe, the two Elves exchanged smiles. Visually, Schlie-san and I might look the most like parent and child. But now that I think about it, just how many fathers do I have?

The food had been served, and the drinks were being distributed, it seemed like the banquet was about to begin. Dad stood up, glass in hand, and everyone else picked up their glasses. I had juice, of course. Peach juice, judging from the smell. I wonder what they call peaches in this world.

“Alright, well then. Everyone, good work! I’ll skip the long speech! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourselves! Cheers!”

That was a pretty casual toast. But everyone else seemed to be eager to start the festivities. “Nice! The Don gets it!”, several voices called out. Everyone cheerfully raised their glasses and took a sip, and the hall immediately became lively.

Everyone’s faces were filled with joy. I felt a bit overwhelmed by Juma-kun, who was happily holding three mugs at once, and Miko-san, who was scattering pheromones, inviting everyone to spend the night with her.

“I’m gonna enjoy myshelf too!”

After taking a sip of my peach juice, I left Schlie-san and the others and ran over to where Gil-san was.