Chapter 11 : A banquet isn’t a banquet without alcohol!

In a forest clearing—magically flattened dense trees—the perfect camp spot tonight.

No one wants suffocating rest under unseen skies.

Endless vault glittered with stars and colorful halos,

night breeze carried floral and natural scents.

Firewood crackled; stone-ringed flames scorched faces.

Sizzling meat and light ale tempted.

Lilix team sat circled, enjoying quiet rest.

Captain summarized and briefed blackout Qianyu on mission details:

While she faced bandits as bait.

Leila precisely erased two with magic.

Literal disappearance.

Her clean style—sparing them would be odd.

Qianyu saw clearly.

She muttered “missed”… better not dwell.

As the rest fled,

pre-ambushed Del chased, caught two.

Interrogated with tricks—gained intel.

Qianyu fought the leader to save the enslaved girl.

Her words: charged and exploded.

“Actually, must confess to Qianyu.”

Lilix twirled finger, rare hesitation, fidgeting.

“I could’ve acted sooner.

Wanted to see your growth—got you hurt, unconscious.

Truly captain’s misjudgment!”

Near-kneeling sincerity, fists clenched, eyes shut, head bowed.

Qianyu “No no. Thank you, Captain—

for the chance, gained precious experience.”

(Especially the gap with everyone. Already knew.)

Leila “Pfft. Said why she dropped mid-fight—thought asleep.”

Suwa “L-Leila sis, don’t mock teammate effort!”

Del “Exactly. You were there—why no help?”

Leila “Huh? I helped.”

Del “First shot aimed at her.”

Leila “Tch, slander. Doubt my aim?”

Pouting, cheeks puffed—cute bun face.

Raised glowing fingertip, bandit-killer aimed at Del.

Not cute behavior.

Del “Shoot if you dare. Think I’ll flinch?”

Confident, stared back coolly.

Palm prepped for attack.

Both magic experts.

Illusion or not—wind grew louder.

Bad—if they fought, innocents hit.

At least a kilometer radius doomed.

—

“L-Leila, Del, stop. No need fighting over me.”

Quick-thinking Qianyu half-joked to ease.

“Huh, who’s fighting over you?”

“Brain damaged. Elf girl, recheck her.”

Same meaning, unison.

Some consensus…

Anyway, stop before affecting all.

“Heh, combat aside, Qianyu’s fitting in more.”

Near hair-on-fire, Lilix watched silently.

No intent to intervene, cheek on hand, cheerful smile.

Trusted no real fight—or could stop magic maniacs.

Effortless—perfect for Lilix.

“Alright, summary done. Mission aside—continue celebration.”

“Then—”

Lilix raised bubbling wooden mug—bigger than her hand.

Qianyu “Cheers!”

Del “Cheers.”

Suwa “C-Cheers.”

Leila “Mm.”

Wooden mugs clunked heavily “bang,”

cool pale brew spilled on hands.

Except underage Tasuwa’s juice, others drank or sipped beer.

Qianyu surprised Leila and Del took alcohol.

Clashed with noble images.

Maybe beer was luxury here.

“Glug glug glug… pwaa! This taste. Addictive.”

Lilix downed near-liter.

Delicate features blissed in refreshment.

“As expected, Captain—iron stomach.”

Qianyu envied the liter down, no effect.

Wanted to chug like Earth friend gatherings—drunk or bust.

But female body—too sensitive.

Controlled intake, small sips, hugging cup.

“Ah—right, need to discuss with Qianyu.”

Lilix set sizzling skewer by fire for reheat.

Suddenly recalled, to her side.

Higher priority than meat.

“About her, right.”

Tone hinted—Qianyu guessed.

She’d planned to propose anyway.

Handle enslaved girl’s future.

Can’t just release—risk merchants or thugs.

Qianyu’s worst fear.

“Plan to take her to town, contact acquaintances.”

From equally unfamiliar Qianyu—unconvincing.

But her mess—never considered others.

They’d refuse anyway.

“About that, Qianyu. You—passed out, so don’t know.”

Lilix hand on knee, smiling:

“While unconscious, Del and I tried communicating.

She’s wary, resistant to all but you.”

“Tried magic to pry words before Captain stopped. Failed.”

Del shrugged beside.

For girl’s sake—Lilix allowed inhumane.

Lilix “No choice—left her with you.”

Qianyu “No wonder she was there waking…”

Del “Do anything?”

Qianyu “No. Rather—she sees me as master?”

Suwa “A-Adult play?”

Qianyu “No! She decided herself!”