The World's Ego (Book 2)

Celebrating Good Times

Third Person POV

The banquet party had started in full blast, as skilled chefs cooked food and waiters and waitresses served it to the tables of each guest. Rimuru had taken her seat with the Octagram members this time, with only Diablo serving her for the time being.

"Jeez, I knew there would be many people but..." Dino glanced at the crowd around them nonchalantly, "... I never thought it would be this many."

"Mm..." Dagruel agreed with a small nod, "... Usually, the Octagram gathers in a private setting, and this is the first time we are gathering in such a public event."

"Oh, come on!" Rimuru complained immediately, "Of course I would invite everyone from the Octagram! You did your absolute best in the Great Tenma War, so why wouldn't I? That would be disrespectful of your efforts!"

Guy nodded in agreement, "As expected of Rimuru. Well, the infant is here, but where's the other one?"

"At least call them by names here, Guy." Rimuru reminded him, "If you're talking about Iris, then she already informed me beforehand that she didn't want to attend the event. She's not as keen to join since she has the choice to refuse."

Luminas huffed, setting her wine glass down, "I guess she hates being seen in public a lot. Wasn't she one of the labyrinth researchers before this?"

"Yeah!" Rimuru huffed proudly, "One of the best here!"

She was given a blank stare from Luminas in return, "Could you not talk like you're recounting a fond story of your precious daughter...?"

Leon looked over Milim's shoulder, noticing Mei and the others, "... Who are they?"

"Oh, them?" Dino turned back for a moment to confirm the group's presence before continuing, "They helped us out before. From the other world."

"So they are the ones, eh?" Guy grinned behind his wine chalice, "I should go poke at them for a bit."

"No way!" Rimuru interjected, "You are not going to disturb them during a celebration, Guy! You know how you get with interesting people! It would be terrible if you caused a commotion during a banquet!"

"Fine, fine." Guy leaned back on his chair, "I'll leave them alone... for now."

"Guy!"

Guy put his hands up in surrender at Rimuru's reproaching look while Leon looked satisfied at the side but hid it before Guy could catch the smirk on his face.

"The food is delicious as always!" Milim exclaimed happily, missing the entire conversation because of her intense concentration on her food, "Your chefs have my praises as always, Rimuru!"

Rimuru giggled, "Thank you, Milim!"

"So Rimuru, when will we be discussing about those two?" Guy questioned

"We can talk about them in the private rooms." Rimuru stated, motioning to the private rooms in the back, "Let's finish our dinner first. It would be rude for us to leave our table early with so many eyes on us."

"Right, right." Guy muttered, "I can sense their presence in the city, so you are still accommodating them."

"Of course." Rimuru said, "I invited them, and I will keep my promise on that. However..."

"I have heard the rumors." Luminas said, sipping her wine again, "They have been paying a lot of visits and not spending the time of freedom you gave them wisely."

"What can we do about that?" Rimuru sighed, "It is still their choice but sincerity was another thing entirely."

Ramiris nodded along, "I dunno what they are up to right now but they better not be causing trouble while we're here."