The skirmish finally subsided as dusk fell that day.
A jubilant feast ensued at the Crossroads.
Dubbed as a grand banquet, it was, in truth, a lavish heap of food and drink laid out in the citys central square, free for all to indulge.
"Well then, lets celebrate the victory weve earned by holding back those fearso armored beasts..."
I briefly proposed a toast and raised my glass high.
"Cheers!"
In unison, the soldiers raised their glasses and echoed my sentint.
"Cheers!"
"Cheeeers!"
"Now, now, eat and drink to your hearts content! Today, the tab is on !"
"Hooray~!"
"Long live our Lord!"
And so, the feast comnced. The soldiers chatted and laughed, devouring the at and guzzling down their drinks.
rely a few hours ago, the specter of death had lood over them.
Relieving such intense stress called for hearty at and potent alcohol.
Barbecues sizzled beside the blazing fire in the central square, while soldiers sang songs, reveling in their victory.
Seated in a corner of the square, I observed the scene from a distance.
"Are you alright, my Lord?"
Lucas, who had co up to , asked with concern.
"Youve been fasting all day, you should eat sothing."
"...Sure."
I replied, but I felt no hunger. I just idly swirled the drink in my hand.
The beverage in the glass caught the firelight, glimring red.
Lucas, who had taken a seat beside , offered a gentle smile.
"You dont seem very celebratory for a victorious commander, my Lord."
"..."
"Youve successfully held back a thousand Living Armors without significant damage. I think you could afford to be a bit happier."
"There was no significant damage, yes."
I slowly brought the drink to my lips.
"Cough?!"
"My Lord? Are you alright?"
"Ye, yes. Im fine. The taste of the alcohol was just a bit... surprising."
I eyed my drink with disbelief.
Wasnt this supposed to be beer? It feels like its alcohol content is at least 20%.
Since the world is different, it makes sense the alcohol would be different, too.
Awkwardly setting down my glass, I wrapped up my earlier statent.
"There was no significant damage, but we lost precious lives."
Once soone had died, discussing the extent of the damage seed pointless. Life doesnt operate on a hierarchy. All life is precious.
Of course, I knew. You cant save everyone. To think otherwise in this cruel ga would be hubris.
But the hero characters I couldnt save today, or the ordinary soldiers, they could have played a pivotal role in defending this city in the future.
Their lives were seeds of potential, each capable of blooming into sothing more.
But that potential was now lost.
"If I had been a bit more cautious... they wouldnt have died."
I reflected on todays battle.
I could have perford better. I could have been more watchful.
This wasnt like the tutorial stage. There was a clear margin for improvent. It stung even more because I recognized it myself.
"My Lord, I think you did well enough, you dont need to bla yourself... I an, saying this wont erase your regret, would it?"
Lucas uttered his words with a gentle touch.
"But Your Highness, this is a celebration of victory."
Turning to my side, the protagonist amidst the golden walls displayed a broad smile.
"If Your Highness is displeased, it wont do much for the soldiers spirits."
"..."
"Please smile. At least for now, partake in our happiness. That too is a part of being a commander."
The idea that a commanders duties included smiling seed both convincing and amusing, stirring a chuckle within .
"You speak the truth!"
With a surprising clatter, Aider popped up from behind . What in the world?
"While mourning our losses is crucial, we cant sustain morale with sadness alone. We must find ti to celebrate and revel in our victory!"
Aider, donned in a chefs attire, carried a tray of food in his hands. What was he planning now?
"Because eating just at isnt good for your health. Ive brought so vegetables as well."
"But, I havent even touched any at yet..."
To my complaint, Aider handed a tray brimming with roasted vegetables.
"Congratulations on clearing Stage 1, my Lord."
Over the rim of his glasses, Aiders grey eyes winked at .
"It was a challenging stage, but you did well."
"..."
"Looking forward to your continued efforts!"
Motivated by the ga directors words, I awkwardly plucked a roasted corn from the tray and took a bite.
But the mont I did...
"Our Prince Ash Everblack is eating vegetables!"
Suddenly, Aider let out a shout.
"Prince Ash is choosing vegetables over at!"
"What, what? What kind of nonsense is this?"
Before I could even react, soldiers who had heard the commotion gathered around like a flock of birds.
"We apologize, Your Highness! Weve been so inconsiderate!"
"To think that Prince Ash, known for his love of at, is forced to eat only vegetables!"
Was such a reputation existing? Just how had this scoundrel Ash lived his life?
"Damn it all! Bring at for His Highness, at! And all the alcohol too!"
"Your Highness! Please have this at Ive grilled!"
"You fool! His Highness is of royal blood! He only eats raw at soaked in blood!"
"Wow! The Everblack Royal Family is amazing-!"
"Stop your damn babbling, you idiots! He eats like everyone else!"
As I bellowed, each of the soldiers handed chunks of at. I couldnt resist and let out a cry.
"I can feed myself, just leave it!"
But the soldiers didnt heed my words. In a heartbeat, a banquet of alcohol ford around .
"Pour it!"
"Drink it!"
"Die!"
The soldiers were eagerly pouring drinks into each others mouths.
These wolves were lurking, their eyes gleaming fiercely, waiting for a chance to force a drink onto .
I gritted my teeth and munched on the mountain of at in front of .
How on earth did things spiral into this? My plan had been to quietly and earnestly contemplate the recent battle in solitude!
"Prince, your Highness."
"Wha-?! What now?!"
Twisting around, I spotted Lilly, her face mirroring the scarlet of her hair, making a choked sound at my side.
When did she start guzzling alcohol like a fish?
"Please, I implore you... allow to retire, your Highness..."
"Nah~ No way. Keep on working."
In such a financially strained ti, who even thinks about retirent? I provide a generous salary, mind you? Shed better appreciate it and keep working.
"I desire to, uh... resign..."
As Lilly, who appeared to have morphed into a ghost desperate to resign, began to wail, the other alchemists hauled her off, wheelchair and all. Please, lay her to rest sowhere, wont you?
"Hehehe. Your Highness."
"Damn, you scared ! Who is it this ti?!"
This ti, the slurred voice erged from the other side. I flinched in surprise, it was Damien.
"This water tastes peculiar, hehe... hic."
"Thats not water..."
Who the hell thought it wise to serve alcohol to the kid? Huh?
The offender was seated right next to . Jupiter, entirely sober, smirked mischievously.
"Hey, Jupiter! What are you thinking, handing alcohol to a kid?!"
"Hes no child, but a seasoned rcenary."
Jupiter casually puffed on a cigar, winking at with her one good eye.
"He ought to learn to drink and smoke, and even how to waste money. Hes like my grandchild, Ill instruct him properly."
"Why would you impart such skills to your grandchild, you corrupted adult?!"
Just then, my shoulder grew heavy. Damien, thoroughly intoxicated, had leaned his forehead against my shoulder.
"Hehe, your Highness... hic."
"How audacious youve beco, Damien, resting your forehead against a mber of the royal family."
From Damiens perspective as a commoner, this was unheard of. The power of alcohol indeed does wonders. Not that I would chastise him for such a thing.
I was about to instruct soone to usher him away and put him to bed when Damien slurred out sothing with considerable effort.
"...When Im alone, I see the faces of my deceased friends."
"..."
"I cant forget that day. The guilt of being the sole survivor weighs heavy on my heart."
I held my peace, heeding Damiens words. Damien continued to murmur incoherently.
"But its weird... when Im with you... I feel tranquil."
That wasnt because I was soone exceptional or remarkable. It was rely the effect of a passive skill.
It was simply the influence of the [Unyielding Commander], which staves off ntal ailnts.
But I couldnt voice that.
"So... I wish to be... by your side..."
Soon after, Damien began to nod off.
I awkwardly observed this pitiful child, his gentle breaths echoing as his forehead rested on my shoulder.
"Now that I reflect on it, I sensed my magic growing stronger while under your command."
Jupiter, who had been observing us, cocked her head.
"Was it due to Your Highnesss outstanding command?"
It wasnt because of my superb command, but rather my inherent attributes and the party synergy system.
A total buff of 25% was put into play in this battle.
However, I couldnt confess this truth. All I could do was muster a forced laugh.
"All credit goes to your noble character and your natural leadership ability, Your Highness."
This ti, a voice echoed from behind. I swiveled around to find Lucas seated there.
"I, too, feel my distractions fading away in your presence. Following your orders makes feel lighter, almost as if I could fly. If this isnt evidence of your character and talent, then what is?"
I was dumbfounded by the degree of bootlicking he managed in such a stern voice.
This wasnt like the diligent, steadfast character I knew him to be. It seed he had been imbibing quite a bit. There was a pile of empty liquor glasses next to him.
Witnessing Lucas in this state for the first ti, I couldnt help but laugh. I shot a smirk in Lucass direction.
"So, thats why youre always hovering around , Lucas?"
Lucas, who had been sipping his beer, arched an eyebrow.
"Perhaps?"
Perhaps, he states. That wasnt the usual response from a paragon of knightly virtue.
Just as I was about to probe further, other soldiers congregated around us. The soldiers boisterously traded toasts, emptying their cups with each one.
"To our fallen comrades!"
"To us, the survivors!"
"To His Highness, the prince-!"
Each one took turns drinking, and before long all eyes were on .
Startled, I looked around.
"What, what? Why are you all gawking at like that?"
"Your Highness, your glass is still full."
"Ah, Im just not feeling up to it..."
I wasnt a fan of drinking in the real world, so I was trying to dodge it.
But the soldiers all dropped to the ground, pretending to sob.
"Were sorry, Your Highness! We failed to create the right ambiance!"
"We made Prince Ash, whos been known to drink continuously for a week if he pleases, not even sip a single glass!"
What kind of reputation was that?! Just what kind of life had this damned prince led?!
"We deserve to die! Please, execute us!"
"Hey, dont overact, you idiots! Get up!"
"Then, please drink!"
"What? How did this..."
"Drink! Drink! Drink!"
The surrounding soldiers began to chant in harmony.
Drink! Drink! Drink!
"Damn it."
I couldnt exactly decline and dampen the spirits in such a scenario.
What was there to do? Eventually, I clenched my eyes shut and downed my drink in one gulp.
The potent liquid scorched a path from my esophagus down to my stomach.
"Arghhh! Are you pleased now?!"
After forcefully wiping my mouth, I brandished the empty glass above my head.
The soldiers erupted into cheers, evidently ecstatic. These knaves...
"You dared to make , the lord and commander, drink! Youd better be prepared for the aftermath! Hey! Refill everyones glasses!"
At my behest, the soldiers brought forward barrels of alcohol.
With everyones cups replenished, I announced,
"Alright, lets feast, drink, and die together!"
We indulged, imbibed, crooned, and prattled until the moon completed its celestial journey.
The victory night was growing deeper.
***
"Oh man, Im hamred..."
The feast finally concluded near daybreak.
Upon reaching my room in the mansion, I clumsily cleaned up and flopped onto the bed, cradling my spinning head.
The liquor in this world was unforgiving. Even though I had rely consud beer, the alcoholic content was on an entirely different level compared to the beer on Earth.
I yearned to slump into sleep right there, but I coerced my heavy eyelids open and accessed the system window.
I must check this before I sleep.
Reward boxes that had appeared as stage clear rewards.
Two R-grade boxes, and three N-grade boxes.
It was ti to examine their contents.
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