“...There are some really amazing people here, but are we really allowed to join?”

“Yeah, I mean, the Guild Master and Vice Guild Master are one thing, but even B-rank adventurer Lange and an A-rank adventurer are here...”

“Well, most of them are my shop’s employees or people who have helped me, so there’s no need to worry. We received a lot of food, so this is just a gathering for everyone to enjoy a meal together. There’s no need to be so formal.”

Roya and his group, who had recently been promoted to D-rank adventurers, also came. The ones they might not know were Lady Berna, Lady Ferry, Fia’s mother, Rea, and the blacksmith, Gregor.

“W-why are Lady Berna, the ‘Scorching Emperor,’ and Lady Ferry, the ‘Verdant Storm,’ both here?! T-Tetsuya, how do you know those two?!”

“When Lilia was in the royal capital, she partied with them for a while. That’s how we first met, and now they help transport goods from our shop to the royal capital and other towns. So, you know them too, Nicole?”

“Of course! They’re famous A-rank adventurers in the royal capital! Among the few female A-rank adventurers, Lady Berna is a swordswoman who rivals even men, and Lady Ferry graduated at the top of the Royal Magic Academy. Every female adventurer around here admires them!”

“I-I see...”

Since Nicole was addressing them with honorifics, it seemed she deeply respected them. Considering how rare female adventurers were, it made sense that many would look up to these two.

“Mr. Tetsuya, who are these people...?”

“They’re adventurers and my friends. Actually, when I first arrived in this town, these three saved my life. Ever since then, they’ve given me advice on my shop’s products, and we’ve had meals together as friends.”

“So, they’re your lifesavers! Nice to meet you, I am Berna. I look forward to today’s event!”

“...Ferry. Nice to meet you.”

“N-nice to meet you! I’m Roya!”

“I-I’m Fal! It’s an honor to meet such famous A-rank adventurers!”

Both Roya and Fal seemed very nervous. As fellow adventurers, they must have had a special reverence for A-rank adventurers.

Or maybe it was just because Lady Berna was incredibly beautiful and Lady Ferry was adorably cute.

“I-I’m Nicole! It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Berna, Lady Ferry!”

It was rare to see the usually cheerful Nicole this nervous. She must truly admire them.

“Nicole looks up to both of you, so I’d appreciate it if you could get along.”

“H-hey, Tetsuya!”

“Oh my, I’m honored. Nice to meet you, Nicole.”

“...Nice to meet you, Nicole.”

“H-hyaa!!”

Nicole was still stiff with nervousness. It seemed that for her, Lady Ferry was more of a role model than someone she found cute.

...I was relieved she didn’t react like she did with Fia. In that state, Nicole might have been too overwhelming for Miss Ferry.

Miss Ferry, though usually shy, looked a little pleased to be admired. It seemed like everyone would get along just fine.

“Tetsuya, thanks for inviting me today.”

“Mr. Gregor, I’m happy you could make it.”

Gregor, the dwarven blacksmith who helped with making storage packs, had also arrived.

“I’ve prepared a lot, so please enjoy yourself.”

“Aye, I’m looking forward to it. Here, this is my favorite drink. It’s quite strong, so drink it carefully.”

“Thank you very much. We’ll all enjoy it together.”

So this was Gregor’s recommended dwarven liquor. I was curious about how it would taste.

“Big brother Tetsuya, thank you for inviting me today!”

“Welcome, Albera. Have fun today.”

Just then, Lange, who had been in charge of escorting everyone, arrived along with Dolph, Angel, Fia, Rea, and Albera from the inn.

We had also invited the innkeeper and his wife, but they couldn’t take a break from their work. Albera, however, managed to come, escorted by Lange and Dolph.

Alright, now that everyone was here, it was time for the toast!