"Oh well... since the crisis is over, delving into his identity isn't the most urgent matter."
The young knight shook her head, pulling her thoughts back to reality. Her main purpose for this trip was to confirm the destruction of this Corrupt Abyss Cult stronghold and to recover any potential remaining Holy Remains fragments. It now seemed that the fragments had either completely vaporized under that violent attack, or were taken as spoils of war by the victor.
She once again looked towards White Thorn City, muttering to herself. "Anyway, the mission deadline is still far off... perhaps I should enter the city to rest for a bit..."
Having made her decision, she no longer lingered. As she turned, the hem of her knight's uniform cut a clean arc in the breeze, and her figure quickly merged into the vast twilight and forest shadows.
Meanwhile, White Thorn City was bustling with a different kind of excitement. The City Lord's Manor hall was brightly lit, and a small celebration banquet was underway. The long table was laden with perfectly roasted steaks, fragrant stews, freshly picked fruits, and frothing mead. Though not extremely luxurious, it was substantial and full of the unique warmth characteristic of a border city.
"Cheers! To our new friends, and to our victory!" City Lord Cecilia raised her silver goblet, a relaxed smile in her icy blue eyes. She had changed out of her formal City Lord's robe, wearing a simple light blue dress, which gave her less authority and more of the gentle beauty appropriate for her age.
"Cheers!" Everyone raised their glasses in response.
Luna Belle sipped her fruit juice, feeling the sweet taste melt on her tongue, her mood unusually relaxed since coming to this world. Ellen sat beside her, concentrating on a plate of honey-glazed roasted ribs, her huge Thiren tail wagging gently and contentedly behind the chair. Although her face still held that lazy expression, her eating speed was not slow at all.
Alice elegantly cut her food with a knife and fork, her movements as precise as an etiquette textbook. She occasionally conversed in low tones with Tineva beside her, a gentle smile in her heterochromatic eyes. Tineva was clearly still somewhat unaccustomed to such a lively occasion, but her face was also beaming with genuine joy, and Little Slime, whom she held in her arms, was making tiny "puchu" sounds, seemingly clamoring that it could eat by itself and for Tineva to put it down.
Sayu sat quietly beside Katerina, with only a glass of water and a small salad in front of her. She always ate very little, mostly just listening quietly to everyone's conversation, her violet eyes occasionally sweeping over their faces, observing their expressions.
Katerina was the most lively person at the banquet; she took a big gulp of mead heartily, patted Ellen's shoulder next to her, and laughed loudly. "Today was truly exhilarating! Especially that last strike, haha, you should have seen the priest's expression!"
Cecilia smiled, looking towards Luna Belle and Alice. "Speaking of which, this is my first time meeting Miss Alice. Sayu mentioned that your swordsmanship was a great help in the battle."
Alice put down her knife and fork, gently wiping the corner of her mouth with a napkin, and said. "You flatter me, City Lord Cecilia. Maintaining peace and eradicating filth is our duty." A (･ᴗ･) symbol appeared on the display screen at her waist. "Miss Belle and Miss Ellen also made invaluable contributions."
Cecilia's gaze turned to Luna Belle, her tone sincere as she said. "If you hadn't keenly noticed the anomaly of the Slime incident and investigated deeply, we would probably still be in the dark, unable to prevent the Corrupt Abyss Cult's conspiracy in time."
"Corrupt Abyss Cult?" Luna Belle caught the unfamiliar term.
"Yes." Cecilia's expression grew a little more serious as she explained. "This is our collective term for those cultists who worship the abyss and attempt to summon the Black Tide. They act covertly, with traces of their activities in various countries. I didn't expect them to extend their reach near White Thorn City this time. Thanks to you, a disaster was averted."
Katerina nodded, interjecting. "These rats are the most troublesome; one wave is wiped out, and another emerges. But having taken out their stronghold in the Gloomy Forest this time, it should at least give us some peace for a while."
The conversation gradually shifted from celebration to discussing follow-up matters. Cecilia stated that the City Guard and the Guild would jointly conduct continuous monitoring and purification of the Clear Water Lake area to ensure that no cult forces would resurface. At the same time, she formally invited Tineva and her Slime tribe to temporarily reside in a safe woodland under the City Lord's Manor's jurisdiction until the Clear Water Lake environment was fully restored. Tineva gratefully accepted the kind offer.
The atmosphere of the banquet was harmonious and lively. Luna Belle looked at the chatting and laughing crowd, a warm current flowing through her heart. From being inexplicably blasted to this world, to encountering danger in the wilderness, and now being able to sit here, celebrating victory with these diverse yet equally reliable companions... the experiences of these few days were more tumultuous than her past twenty years of life.
"What are you thinking about?" Ellen's muffled voice sounded beside her; she had finished the plate of ribs at some point and was now tilting her head, looking at her, her red eyes appearing somewhat hazy in the light.
"Nothing." Luna Belle smiled, picked up a glass of juice, and handed it to her, saying. "Just thinking that it's really good to have met everyone."
Ellen took the juice, took a sip, and mumbled in response. "Mm... I'm happy too." Although her voice was very soft, Luna Belle still heard it. She smiled and nodded...
The celebration banquet drew to a close in a harmonious atmosphere where both hosts and guests enjoyed themselves. Outside the window, the moonlight deepened. City Lord Cecilia and Guild Master Katerina personally escorted Luna Belle and her group to the entrance of the City Lord's Manor.
"Thank you again for your strong support..." Cecilia bowed slightly, her icy blue eyes full of sincerity, and said. "White Thorn City will always be your friend."
Katerina, on the other hand, heartily put her arm around Luna Belle and said. "If you ever need anything in the future, just come to the Guild and find your big sister! Of course, if there are any interesting missions, I'll think of you first!"
Ellen yawned lazily, the tip of her tail unconsciously swaying. Alice maintained perfect etiquette, bowing slightly in return and saying. "Thank you both for your gracious hospitality."
Tineva, holding Little Slime who was now snoring soundly in her arms, thanked everyone again before being led by a maid to their temporary residence. After bidding farewell to everyone, Luna Belle, Ellen, and Alice walked along the now quiet streets towards the Silver Oak Inn.
Back at the inn, only a dim oil lamp was lit in the lobby. The Landlady was dozing behind the counter, and only roused herself to lift her head groggily when she heard the door open...