'Ayase-kun. Will this stuff be enough for the stone?

　In front of me was a large number of neatly cut white stones.
　This is the square where the dormitory is to be built.
　The square is right next to Shamash's house.

　The stones were a gift from Shamash for his help in the quarry (most of the work was actually done by Ai and Golem).
　With this much, we could build a pretty nice dormitory.

　The work at the quarry is not so much about the value of the stones themselves, but the labor of carving and transporting them, and the degree of danger, so Shamash, who does both of these things with high efficiency on his shoulders, has become something of an idol in the quarry.
　Of course, it's not that Shamash-san usually works in the quarry, either.
　However, the combination of Ai-chan's laser cutting and the powerful Golem carrying the stones out of the quarry has a work rate equivalent to that of a hundred human beings, so it's not just a little bit of work, it's a lot of work.
　The stonemasons' job is to cut and carry the stones.
　Shamash said that the stonemasons can play for about half a month by helping him chop and carry the stones.
　Shamash-san gets free stone material (although he needs magic crystals) and the masons get half a month's worth of work on their shoulders, and both are happy.
　That's why Shamash-san was the idol of the quarry.

'What do you think, Grand Master?　Do you have enough?
There's enough for a month of work. It would take a man a month to carry it.

　The Grand Master sighed.
　'Is that an insane amount, even from a dwarf?

'Good. We were talking about building a boarding house for the knights. I got more. Of course, I've done my share of work for them, but I'm sorry to say it seemed to take the masons' work away from them.'
No, I'm sure the stonemasons are happy about it: ......

　It's like bringing heavy machinery to a world that's only human-powered. ......

Anyway, with all of this, we could probably build it out of stone. At worst, I had to build it to withstand a monster attack, so thank goodness for that.

　The grand master says.
　Well, it's close to the monster spot, and if you're thinking about the worst case scenario, it's better to have a strong structure.
　Against a powerful monster, though, a stone structure won't do the trick. In fact, Ai-chan's laser can easily cut through a stone.

Thank you, Shamash-san. I'll give you back the amount of magic crystal I spent.
'I'm just doing what I deserve to do as my resident sorcerer. ...... Well, if you're grateful, come back and join me for a drink.
Yeah, well, we'll do it again.
Are you sure?　Huh. ...... I did it.

　Shamash and I have been drinking together from time to time.
　Come to think of it, we've been so busy lately that we haven't been in touch.

But today is that. That.
'Yeah, I know. It's a welcome party for the new guys, right?　The newcomers are cute, but those ex-mercenary women are a little too bloody annoying. For some reason, they all want to fight me.

　I heard that Shamash-san was also the idol of the former mercenary group's side.
　Well, it's not like she's going to get a chance to fight a demon race. ...... I wonder if the blood of a warrior is tingling.

It's actually fine to try a mock battle. It's not fair if Shamash-san is the opponent, the magic is too powerful, and if you're serious about it, it has to include summoned magical beasts. Well, training against magic is probably a good place to start.
''Yeah. And I don't think I'd be able to go one-on-one with a warrior of the past, either. Unless you're allowed to call Ai, she's probably too powerful.

　Ai-chan lasers are shiny and sizzling! (Malina speaking).
　It would be hard for a human to avoid on first sight. Moreover, if you get hit, you'll be DEATH.
　Shamash manipulates a wide variety of magic and is strong enough to fight alone. But even so, it is only by using summoning magic that she can show her true potential.

''Well, they won't be as strong as they could be either. It's like they can sense the scent of a strong man and are tempted to fight him. You can count on Miss Shero at random.

　Sorry to Mr. Shero, but when it comes to strongmen, Mr. Shero is the one.
　Incidentally, all the former members of Hetty's mercenary group have already engaged in a mock battle with Mr. Shero.
　Mr. Shero is well known even among them. In fact, they had even fought against him in the past.
　The result, of course, was that they were all beaten back.
　Apparently, the only people who could beat Mr. Shero would be Hetty or the former number two of Hetty's mercenary group.

　Speaking of Hetty-san, Shero-san and Hetty-san did not have a mock battle.
　They say that it's okay to do it, but unless there's someone who can stop it, it's going to go on until the other guy dies. ......
　It's horrible.



　◇◆◆◆◇


'Well then, it's a party for fellowship today, so have a good time, everyone. I don't have anything else to say. That's all.

　I decided to have a drinking party in the afternoon with the newbies (including the ex-mercenary girls).
　A drinking party, or a welcome party, or a social gathering, or whatever it is, it's a party.
　The venue, as usual, was the square by Shero-san's house.

Yoohoo!　That's the owner!　Fatty!
I mean, isn't it great?　Isn't that great?　There's a lot of food I've never seen before!　Heaven!
'Oh, um, ....... Are you sure you really want to get this kind of food and drink ......?
'Wow!　Cheers!　Cheers!

　The reactions of the troops vary, but the ex-mercs are especially excited. Or rather, they're always high on tension. Is that what being a mercenary is all about?

''Then, Captain Becky!　Please!
'Taichou!　I got it!
Cheers!　Cheers!

　Rebecca was cheered by a group of ex-mercenaries to make a toast, and she accepted, laughing.
　When they are off duty, they are like this, but when they are training, they are very serious, and when they are training to form a line, they are very unexpected. I wonder if this is the result of Hetty's training.

I'll give you a brief introduction, then. As I'm sure you've all noticed, our first task will be to deal with the human crane. It's not an official job for the knightly corps, but we will be paid for it. Let's have a lot of fun today and recharge our spirits. Then, cheer up!
Kanpah! Cheers! Cheers! Kanpai!

　Everyone was flocking to the food all at once with a wahoo.
　As usual, I prepared the drinks and ingredients for the meal. I was able to spare some money in Japanese yen with the money I sold to Yumegen, so I splurged a bit. Considering the current number of knights, it's quite an expense, but this kind of expense is necessary.

　Especially for the sake, I prepared various kinds of sake.
　Sake and whisky. Various liqueurs. Wine.
　Shochu and brandy. Beer and happoshu.
　Gin and vodka, rum and tequila.
　...... Honestly, I didn't need to buy so many different kinds of liquor, but except for a few, they don't go bad easily, so in the long run, this is also a fine expense.
　...... No, we have a lot of strong drinkers in our house, so I have a feeling they'll run out sooner than I thought.

　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends.
　The number of members of the knight's squad also increased suddenly, so everyone still doesn't know each other very well. The children of the former mercenaries have their own personalities, but they seem to serve as a buffer between the old members and the new ones with their friendly nature that doesn't create barriers to their opponents.
　The newcomers tend to be put off by it, so this is helpful.

'Fuu ......'

　We enjoyed the party for a while, talking with everyone, drinking and being served.
　But the only men were me and Mr. Shero. This time we didn't invite the big masters to the party.
　I wouldn't say my shoulders are narrow, but compared to the days when we were a small group, I might have felt a little intimidated.
　Well, I'm the owner, and I should just be in a relaxed mood.

　I sat down by myself, away from the noise.
　Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves. Marina is singing along with Norilyn. Elepippi is playing with her hair with Myamiya, while Etta is discussing difficult tactics with Hetty. Rebecca seems to be reminiscing with all the ex-mercenaries, and Orica and Shamash are whispering about something with the newcomers.

''What's going on?　In a place like this, alone.

　As I was bonging and drinking alone, Ion slipped out and sat down beside me.

'Hmmm, I'm a little overwhelmed by the power of these girls,'
Hmm, you're still young and you sound like an old man.
He doesn't have much experience with women. ......

　I muttered and Aeon giggled softly.

'You have nothing to laugh about,'
'Huh, sorry. But really, that's how you feel, Ayase. ...... Well, I won't say anything wild, so good luck with that.
Aha!

　I've already told the former members of the mercenary group who know about Princess Lucreon about Aeon and how she came to be a part of it.
　In any case, we've only known each other for a short period of time, and I was a bit worried, but Hetty and Rebecca both assured me that it would be absolutely fine, so I decided to talk to them.
　I just told the newcomers not to pry into the situation.
　Well, they're "knights". They'll be fine.

'How's Aeon doing with everyone else?'
'Yes, you all care about me and have been ...... kind to me. I've been living in despair ever since that day, and I thought I had no future ....... I've been able to defeat the enemy ...... and on top of that, I've been able to live such a fulfilling life because of Ayase.

　Aeon speaks in a hushed tone. It's usually quite bright now, but sometimes there's this indescribable darkness. I wonder if this is the ground.

...... Well, I'm glad I'm getting along with everyone.

　The two of us had a rambling conversation for a while, and then we drank our drinks.
　Aeon's identity couldn't be exposed, but with so many people to protect, it wouldn't be so easy to find out.

''Ah, master!　This is where they were.
Deanna.

　I've already had a lot to drink, and Deanna, who seemed to be losing her footing, came over and sat down next to me, as opposed to Ion.
　Furthermore, she wraps her arms around me and, with the lack of strength typical of a drunkard, holds me close.

'Uh-huh. Since we have a new child, this is how we have to appeal to who the master belongs to.
It's a dark side of women's society.

　I don't think this part of Deanna's life is just spinning, but this is the cute thing about this guy. Some say he's just a drunk.
　For a virgin, I'm not that dodgy with this level of contact either.
　Well, maybe it's because I'm drunk too.

'Well, I'll be back then. Deanna-sama, take your time.
Yeah. You should talk to the new guy, too.
'Of course!　I'm a newcomer too, you know.

　Aeon returns to the circle and he and Deanna are left alone.
　Deanna's long hair was on the ground, so I lifted it up and somehow wrapped it around my own neck. Her beautiful platinum blonde hair, something I rarely see in Japan, is fluffy and shiny and makes me want to touch it forever.

'The master is so bold to do that to a woman's hair.
'My hair was too long and it was on the ground: ....... Can't you make it a little shorter?
'Hair is a woman's life. ...... Well, it's not a quack if your master insists.
I hope it's not too hard for you. You're so beautiful, after all.

　Deanna's hair is truly flattering.
　It's even more like a delicate thread made of gold than hair.

'It's only hair that's beautiful?
There it is. You're a drunk.
Hey, hey. How is it?　Master.
You're beautiful outside of your hair, too, Deanna.
Oops.
'It's not an oaf. What do you want me to say, not at all ......
...... I'm embarrassed. After the mirror was fixed, I felt like your husband became somewhat kinder to me.

　Have I become gentler?
　It seems like it was like this to begin with.

...... And yet, you're all doing well. We were going to break up when it got dark.

　I look at everyone who is still drinking and eating cheerfully.
　It's already nearing twilight, but everyone seems to have had more than enough to drink.
　They are so hazed that you'd like to wonder if they've accumulated some kind of depression. It could be all night long as it is.

'I can see the moon better when it gets dark.
You're right. But still, this is the beginning.

　As Rebecca said during the toast, as a knight squad, we'll be helping to deal with the monsters that spring up in this place.
　The newcomers will basically be the support center, but the early members and former mercenaries will be fighting the monsters as normal.

''See, the two moons are already that close. I think we'll be awesomely close tomorrow.''

　The two moons of this world, Linkle Me and Miss Mikandar. I heard that when these two overlap, it means the start of Awasezuki. It's like a lunar eclipse of the two moons.
　Apparently, when this starts, the cycle of monsters starts to spring up earlier. Or rather, the pace at which the monsters are springing up is already getting faster.
　Apparently they don't spring up in the middle of the night (it's a game originally, so that's probably why), but during the daytime they spring up at about one every two hours or so. Even so, I heard that the monsters don't spring up too often or too loosely in this area, so it's better. Maybe it's because it's so close to the city?

What's the difference between a sandhill crane and a waxy crane?
'That's right. In Awasezuki, the frequency of the monsters only increases, but in Hitotsutsuki, where the moons completely overlap, the powerful monsters keep springing up almost endlessly. It's supposed to feel almost exactly like what we experienced in Luclaera.
'The same one as that one or ....... I was pretty close to the edge that time too. I'm a little nervous, but I'm ready to go. ......

　That time, Shamash-san closed the entrance to the monster-filled tunnels, and the last monster, Algaeath, was a brainy monster, so I could manage it, but I don't know about this time.
　Well, that's what I'm preparing myself for.

'Actually, ...... this time, it's hard to tell how the stars go around, and I haven't been able to identify the type of human tsukies yet. Normally, this is about the time of year I would know .......
Kind?
There are many types of sandhill cranes, depending on the placement of the stars around the moon, my master.
'Sure, I feel like I've heard that before. What's up with the pendulum, or something like that?

　I have a vague recollection that it had a strange name.
　Someone must have named it after the way the stars were arranged.
　Or maybe it was named after the game era.

''Shit!　The types of Hitotsutsuki are Mio-tsuki (Channel), Dusk in Time (twilight), Eight Beads (brave), Fall (Fall), and Globe (Globe) Tour (-pendulum). It's five of them (trotter). I taught you that before.
...... I don't think you're going to remember that one.

　What's more, I'm not going to learn it. I'm just going to ask someone who knows.

'So it's not convenient if you don't know which one of them it is?
If it was 'Mio Tsukiushi' or 'Encounter Time', there would be no problem, but if it was a 'pendulum drop', we had to be more prepared for it.
Is that the most monstrous thing you've ever done?
'I've heard before that the Armor of the Guardian Knight sprung up here, and that the Hitozuki of that time is the Pendulum Drop.
Yeah, ...... says some people have died.

　The Dead. ....... Dead or ....... Dead people are bad.
　But it's also a fact that we have to confront it. So the country is doing some good work on it.
　For example, Shero and Rebecca don't seem to be doing much work, but that's because Shero is the resident demon hunter and is paid a decent salary by the government, and the amount of money he gets for hunting is just pocket money.

　So, of course, I've done the usual preparation for this year's Hitotsutsuki.
　I helped, but it was basically Mr. Shero and the city officials who did the work.
　After all, the Hitotsutsuki is a long one to three day event. As the monsters kept springing up, you had to take them out as soon as they emerged.
　Don't let any of them go down. It would be impossible for the battle lines to collapse.
　Therefore, they were busy preparing for the warriors and supplies to prevent that from happening.
　In addition, one Elf will be assigned to each spot from the Great Temple. There will be a limited number of spirit stones, but they are owned by the state.
　Honestly, it's pretty well prepared. We even have something like siege weapons for large monsters.
　Shero-san said that the knights are there to help us this time, but even if it's not flattering, it probably means that they're preparing for us to be able to do without the knights.

''Be that as it may, it's time to call it a day. It's getting dark.''
Okay. So we'll continue at the house.
Why would that be ...... No, well, okay.

　I went back to the guys, feeling Deanna's body heat as we snuggled up perfectly.
　And eventually the drinking continued back at the mansion, and it was almost an all-nighter.