Night quickly slipped to eleven. Stars glittered overhead.
Around the bonfire lay utter chaos—hundreds of empty cups scattered everywhere, each still holding a trace of crystalline liquid along its walls.
The air was thick with sweet fruity fragrance mixed with a faint woody alcohol scent.
Everyone chatted and laughed, lively and bright.
Stories flew around: Caesar and Lucy's daily bickering, Burnice's ridiculous luck with lotteries, Billy's newly learned "Big Sister Monica–style" strange singing…
Accompanied by these hilarious tales, the feast laid out on the tablecloth was completely wiped clean, leaving only a few lonely crumbs behind.
Except for Sol and Billy, everyone sported swollen, round bellies—as if each carried a three-month baby.
There had been too much food tonight, and all of it was too delicious. Combined with all those funny stories, overeating became inevitable.
Even Lighter—who always carried a massive idol's burden—could not escape reality.
Only Sol and Billy looked normal: one had a powerful energy digestion system; the other was a robot.
"Not only did we become the new Overlords today—we even got such a satisfying feast. Truly a day to remember!"
Caesar patted her round belly, thoroughly pleased.
"..."
Lucy, however, did not share Caesar's carefree spirit—she hid in a corner, trying to make herself smaller.
She looked at her own bulging tummy, face filled with despair.
This was it. She had embarrassed herself in front of everyone. And eating this much—she'd definitely gain weight by tomorrow, right?
Seriously, why were those dishes that delicious? Even a former noble lady like her couldn't control herself!
"Sol, how do you feel?"
Burnice scooted up next to Sol, wrapping an arm around his neck.
"Feeling great. Having a feast like this before heading out for travel—it's perfect."
Sol narrowed his eyes comfortably as he spoke.
"Huh? You're going traveling?"
Burnice sounded surprised.
The rest of the Sons of Calydon turned to look as well.
"That's right. I'm going to see the world beyond."
Sol stretched an arm toward the sky, opening his hand as though trying to grasp the stars.
The desire to explore is endless—curiosity fuels progress.
"Big Daddy always said young people need to travel more. Or else they'll regret it when they're old."
Caesar nodded, gaze distant. "If one day I get to travel everywhere with a gentle, handsome boy while gathering inspiration—that would be so romantic."
How she longed for a sweet romance.
But because of her body and responsibilities, it felt like she might never have that chance.
What gentle, handsome boy would fall for a fierce, overly strong leftover woman like her?
Carried by drunkenness, her nose stung. She nearly shed pearls—she had a bad feeling she'd spend her whole life with Lucy… so tragic~
"Didn't expect this from you, Caesar—you're quite the romance brain."
Sol looked at her, surprised.
"Eh!?" Caesar sobered instantly, scrambling. "No no no, you misheard! I said I'm going to travel around the Outer Ring to defend the dignity of the Overlord!"
"Yes yes yes, that's exactly what she said."
Nicole and Belle covered their smiles instead of exposing her.
This idiot…
Lucy covered her forehead in helpless despair.
Hic—
She immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, turning away in panic.
Great. Now she was an idiot too.
By then, Caesar had regained her composure. She raised the last cup of Fuel Drink toward Sol.
"May your journey be safe, and the road ahead smooth!"
"Safe travels—come back soon!"
Everyone raised their glasses toward Sol, sincerely wishing him well.
"Thanks. I'll bring gifts for you all when I return."
Sol smiled lightly, raising his cup in return.
Downing the final Fuel Drink marked the end of the feast.
Everyone prepared to head back to rest. The mess would wait for morning cleanup.
The four sisters of the Sons of Calydon hung onto each other's shoulders—rare teamwork—as they waddled away with their round bellies.
Lighter struggled to get up, trying very hard to maintain maximum coolness on his way back.
Wise stood shakily, wanting to help walk Belle—who looked drunk—back to her room.
But Belle, despite looking drunk, demonstrated impressive movement, pushing Wise straight into Billy's arms, leaving Billy to escort her.
Belle simply tilted her head and collapsed sideways—right onto Sol's shoulder.
"Drank too much?"
Sol touched her head—it felt hot.
"Hehe… Fuel Drinks are so good…" Belle murmured, dazed and foolish-looking. "Sol… take me back to my room…"
"Ah! I'm sooo sleepy—I'm going to bed!"
Nicole tugged Anby away, sounding very sour.
She was jealous, yes—but Nicole was a man of her word! She would not go back on it!
"Boss, are we still sleeping together tonight?"
Nekomata reached out to grab Belle, cluelessly asking.
These past days she had shared a bed with Belle and had grown quite attached.
"No, Nekomata. It's hot tonight. I don't want to sleep with you."
Belle's sentence was surprisingly logical though slurred—cleverly dodging Nekomata.
As if she'd let today collapse after all her preparation.
She had finally built up the courage—no way she'd let Nekomata ruin it.
"Nya…?"
Nekomata was bewildered.
What was happening? Weren't they supportive sisters just yesterday?
She could only wander off to join Baal again.
Meanwhile—
Belle half-leaned on Sol, guiding the two of them step by step toward her room.
You're not actually drunk, are you?
Sol really wanted to tease her with that, but wisely held back.
Her heartbeat now was like a V8 engine—if he startled her, she might bolt.
Right now, was a moment for the smaller brain to control the big one
In silence, they reached Belle's room.
Sitting on the bed's edge, the two stared at each other—neither making the first move.
It wasn't that Sol was nervous—this was simply the first time he'd encountered such a situation. Respect was important.
Then Belle took the lead, grabbing Sol with surprising authority.
"Beloved consort, assist Us in disrobing!"
Her face was red, but her eyes sparkled with excitement.
So, thrilling—turns out that letting loose under alcohol felt amazing!
Everyone knows—alcohol doesn't destroy reason.
It simply removes inhibitions.
"..."
Sol was stunned for a moment—but then found it absolutely unsurprising.
This chaotic Belle?
Very familiar indeed.
"All right."
He complied obediently, undressing Lady Belle.
Time flowed softly like water, and night passed into morning.