The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"Ruruk-sama, Elenora-sama, and Saaya Schreine-sama, welcome. Would you like me to take your coats or any belongings?"

"Thank you for inviting us. We have item boxes, so that won't be necessary."

"Understood. Then, please allow me to guide you to the venue."

After showing our invitations at the gate of Count Ketaaru's mansion, a servant guided us directly to the great hall where the event was being held.

Several merchants and doctors were already in the great hall, engaged in pleasant conversation. It seems that at such parties, guests are guided in order of their social status, from lowest to highest, with the nobles waiting in a separate room.

Of course, mere adventurers like us have no power, so we're treated the same as the commoners like merchants and doctors.

That's more comfortable for us, so I'm actually grateful.

"Mm... no food."

Elen looked dejected after scanning the great hall.

There are several empty tables, so the food will probably be brought out once everyone is gathered. Please be patient until then.

"Oh, Ruruk-san, you're already here."

As I was trying to comfort the dissatisfied Elen, a voice called out from behind.

Turning around, I saw a familiar intellectual-looking face with neatly styled hair. Next to him stood a woman dressed up in formal attire.

"Good evening, Branch Manager Tamerik. And who is this beautiful lady with you?"

"This is my wife. Her name is Laurel."

"Pleased to meet you, I'm Laurel, his wife. My husband is always in your care."

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ruruk, an adventurer. Behind me are my companions, Elenora and Saaya. We're the ones who are always in the Branch Manager's care, and we're deeply grateful."

What a refined and beautiful wife. I'm envious.

Well, he's the branch manager of the Adventurers' Guild, a global organization, after all. With his serious and loyal personality, of course he'd be able to get married.

Branch Manager Tamerik also exchanged greetings with Elen and Saaya behind me.

"Elenora-san and Saaya-san look even cuter than usual. I envy you, Ruruk-san, with a beauty on each arm."

"No, no, they're both quite mischievous. Branch Manager, I'm truly envious that you have such a beautiful wife-- Ouch!"

The little girls stepped on both my feet.

They're more like dangerous objects than flowers. I wish they'd allow at least some social niceties.

Branch Manager Tamerik, being an adult, graciously ignored it with a polite smile. I appreciate his kindness.

As we were making small talk, the nobles started to enter one by one.

Almost all the nobles living in this town are participating, so of course, Saaya's uncle, Viscount Karl Schreine, was among them. His first wife is with him.

Viscount Schreine noticed us and immediately came over.

"Hello, Saaya. You look well."

"Father! I'm doing great. The training is tough, though."

"Is that so. Ruruk-san, Elenora-san, thank you for taking care of my daughter. I hope she's not causing you any trouble?"

"Not at all. Since Saaya-san joined us, things have become lively and fun."

"Mm. Noisy in sleep."

"Hey, Elenora! I told you not to say that!"

"Mm, that's right. I forgot."

"You did it on purpose! Hey!"

The little girls started to quarrel.

While watching them fondly, we adults continued our small talk about nothing in particular.

By the time all the invited guests, including the nobles, had gathered, the entrance doors were closed. At the same time, small doors at the back opened, and dishes were brought out one after another.

Everyone's mouths watered at the sight of the large platters being placed on the tables. The fragrant aroma of the dishes... Oh, that mountain of huge steaks standing out like the star of the show must be the Ophiotaurus meat. It's particularly eye-catching.

As the servants distributed drinks, Count Babel took the stage.

He's in formal wear for the party, but the chest area of his jacket looks like it might burst. Don't pump up just because everyone's watching, Count. This isn't a bodybuilding venue.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for your patience! The reconstruction efforts have finally passed their peak, and the town has managed to recover. Today is a gathering to appreciate all of you who have contributed to the reconstruction. Therefore, without any stiff greetings, ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest tonight. Cheers!"

"Cheers!"

After Count Babel's short speech, the party began.

It's a standing buffet-style party with no particular formalities, so we're free to do as we please from now on. I should probably go greet Count Babel first.

"Elen, Saaya. What are you two going to--"

"Look at this, Elenora! There's meat stuffed inside meat!"

"Mm, eat next. This looks good too."

"Oh, that looks delicious. I'll have that first, and then we'll go over there later. It looks like they're grilling steaks right in front of you. Hehe, there's so much meat."

"Mm, will do."

Their earlier quarrel forgotten, they were moving together, driven by their appetite.

Well, I guess I can leave the little girls to their own devices.

I headed towards Count Babel alone.

As expected of the head of this town, many nobles were greeting him. After waiting in line for a while, I finally got a chance to speak to him.

"Good evening, Count Babel."

"Oh, Ruruk. Are you eating well? I hear you're the one who brought down the Ophiotaurus. As expected of a skilled adventurer."

"I'm honored. Thank you very much for inviting a child like myself to such an occasion."

"Of course. It's no exaggeration to say that you contributed the most. Don't worry about trivial things like age."

"I'm glad to hear you say that. I'll enjoy myself to the fullest."

"Indeed. It seems the young ladies are already enjoying themselves, hahaha!"

"...I apologize for our children."

Near a nearby table, the little girls had started arguing about which steak sauce was more delicious. The surrounding adults were watching them with indulgent eyes.

As it seemed the Count had other people to greet, I wrapped up our conversation there.

"I'm getting hungry too. First, I'll--"

"Excuse me. Might you be Ruruk-dono?"

Just as I was about to help myself to some food, I was approached by several unfamiliar nobles.

"Ah, yes. I'm Ruruk, an adventurer. And you are?"

"I am Sabaru. My rank is baron. It's an honor to meet you."

"I am Clement. I hold the title of viscount."

"Likewise, I'm Viscount Camus Delacroix. Nice to meet you."

Before I knew it, I was surrounded by quite a few of them. What's going on?

Apparently, they had all heard rumors about me defeating the demons and about having a Mystic King as a companion, and wanted to know the truth.

I dodged both topics, but the conversation expanded to include my donations for reconstruction support and bringing back the Ophiotaurus meat this time. I ended up having a long conversation with the nobles.

I thought about using my chronic illness as an excuse several times, but Saaya had told me to make connections, so I endured and went along with it.

It was an hour later when I was finally released from the nobles who kept approaching me one after another. I probably talked to every noble attending the party.

By that time, Elen and Saaya were sitting in chairs by the window with their bellies slightly protruding.

The two of them seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves without being approached by anyone other than acquaintances.

"Phew~ I'm tired."

"Good work, Ruruk. You haven't eaten yet, right?"

"Ah, the nobles were so enthusiastic..."

"I thought so. Here you go."

Saaya handed me a large plate with a well-balanced meal.

I thanked her and accepted it, sitting down to start eating.

It seems she had saved some Ophiotaurus steak for me too.

"The Ophiotaurus is delicious, just as rumored. The lean meat has a rich flavor. It goes well with this light sauce too."

"Right~? You can't tell the taste of monster meat just by looking at it."

"Yeah. Even the Star Grizzly, which looks like it might be tough, is actually high-grade meat. According to Jason-san, it has quite a lot of marbled parts."

"Like A5 rank beef? I'm looking forward to it~"

"Mm, excited."

They were already imagining the next meat despite looking uncomfortable from overeating just a moment ago.

What endless appetites.

"But even though it's called a party, it feels really casual, doesn't it? I had a more formal image in mind."

"Yeah. Well, it is hosted by Count Babel after all."

"...Maybe we should be grateful it's not the type of party where people communicate with their fists."

Saaya chuckled and nodded in agreement.

Elen pinched the skirt of her new sailor uniform and said,

"Mm, but a bit disappointed."

"What's wrong, Elenora? Did you want to dance?"

"Mm. Because it's a cute outfit."

Elen puffed her cheeks with a sidelong glance.

The sailor uniform seems to be quite popular among noble children in the empire, so it must be considered very cute by this world's aesthetic standards. For me, it reminds me of navy uniforms or school uniforms, so I feel like it might not be suitable for dancing.

"But for a party with dancing, we'd need to do proper makeup too. I have several noble dresses, so leave it to me next time there's such a party. I'll make Elenora even cuter!"

"Mm, please."

They're really like real sisters.

I'd probably start another sisterly competition if I said it out loud, so I just watch silently.

As I was enjoying the little girls' conversation, I saw a familiar face leaving the party venue.

It didn't seem like they were heading to the bathroom, so I felt a bit concerned.

"Sorry, you two. Can you wait here for a moment?"

"Where are you going?"

"Personal business."

"Okay~"

I followed after, leaving the venue.

I found the person I was looking for just as they were leaving the mansion. For some reason, they were sitting on the front steps, hugging their knees and trembling.

The atmosphere was unusual, so I hesitated a bit before calling out. Then, carried on the night breeze, I heard their monologue.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry... But, but this is the only way... I'm sorry."

Needless to say, it was Viscount Montarc.

Setting aside his default socially awkward demeanor, there was something ominous about the content of his words.

I probably shouldn't pretend I didn't see this.

"Good evening, Viscount Montarc."

"Eek!"

When I called out and approached, Viscount Montarc's shoulders jumped, and he looked at me.

"What's wrong? Why are you out here?"

"It's, it's nothing... nothing at all."

"People who have nothing wrong don't apologize to themselves."

My words might have come out a bit cold.

But more than that, I was concerned about his state.

Viscount Montarc's face grew even paler, and his lips trembled.

"Th-that's... um, well..."

"Did something happen? If you'd like, I can listen."

"That's! Th-that's... that's..."

"That's what?"

Just as I was trying to get him to talk, it happened.

Viscount Montarc, as if confessing, looked into the void and said:

"It's, it's too late... I'm sorry... But, but if I don't do this, my wife... my wife..."

What is he talking about?

The moment I felt confused, suddenly screams could be heard from inside the mansion.

A woman's scream.

And many angry male voices.

When I turned around, all the lights in the great hall where the party was being held had gone out, and only dark windows floated on the wall.