I, Reincarnate as the Leader of the Villainous Knight Order - Chapter 155: The Feast of Celebration

Chapter 155: The Feast of Celebration  

I woke Jest, packed up the tent, and organized the formation for departure.  

In the middle of the group rode the Saintess, sharing a horse with Orel.  

As for us in the rear, Jeanne ended up riding with Kuro on the same horse since it wouldn’t be right to let Kuro walk alone.  

With that settled, Jest was riding in front of me.  

Once we reach the town where we left the carriage, the dragon parent and child can travel in it instead.  

By early afternoon, we emerged from the forest. And as the town came into view, the gatekeepers spotted our group and began a commotion.  

By the time we arrived, the gates were already open, and the lord came rushing out. Tears were streaming down his face in joy.  

Seeing us return safely, he was convinced we had succeeded in defeating the Evil God.  

“Lord Ernest, thank goodness you’ve returned safely! Now I can finally sleep peacefully. A feast has been prepared. So, please relax at the inn until dinner time.”  

While the lord said this, it was likely only the First Knight Order, the Saintess, and a few Holy Knights who could truly rest at the inn.  

Given the scale of this small town on the edge of the territory, there weren’t enough accommodations for everyone.  

Just like on the way here, the others knew what to do and began setting up tents in the open area near the gate.  

Their cheerful faces made it clear they were looking forward to the feast.  

“Listen up, everyone. I’m sure you know this, but don’t overdo it with the drinking. Our mission isn’t over until we return to the royal capital.”  

“Got it! But hey, isn’t this town known for its excellent wine and brandy?”  

“If you just sample them and like them, you can buy some to take back. You’ll have to ask the captain to allow time for shopping, though.”  

Despite my warning, it seemed Simon was eager to drink.  

To keep things under control, I’d have to go along with Arnault’s suggestion.  

“Fine. Since I’m sure some of the First Order will also overindulge, I’ll ask the crown prince to delay our departure tomorrow. …But don’t cause any trouble! Anyone who does will be forcibly thrown into their tent!”  

My subordinates reluctantly agreed.  

Just how much were they planning to drink?  

When dinner time arrived, the Holy Knights and my Third Order subordinates who had pitched their tents entered the town in droves.  

Meanwhile, Kuro was chatting with Jeanne.  

Jeanne was staying at the same inn as the Saintess, so perhaps she came to invite Kuro to the feast.  

However, judging by what I overheard, Kuro didn’t seem interested.  

“It wouldn’t hurt to mingle with humans once in a while.”  

“Hmph. Human food isn’t tasty. Unless there’s good liquor, which is rare, their drinks are usually filled with impurities and undrinkable.”  

“Heh, when was the last time you judged that? Humans develop quickly. Look, this is a specialty of this town.”  

Jeanne said this as she removed the cork from a bottle with a satisfying pop.  

Kuro sniffed the air intently and stared at the bottle.  

Then, with a gulp, his throat moved.  

Could it be that Kuro has a weakness for alcohol?  

“Indeed… I don’t know of such a strong spirit. To think the world would change this much after just two hundred years away from human settlements.”  

Come to think of it, Jeanne’s lair was deep in the mountains.  

If it’s been two hundred years, things like brandy and whiskey probably didn’t exist in this world back then.  

The bottle Jeanne held was likely brandy, and Kuro’s interest seemed piqued.  

“Jest, do you want to go to the feast with your dad?”  

“Yes! And I’ll share the bread Justin made with everyone!”  

Since Jest was sharing a tent with Kuro, they were part of our tent group.  

Jest’s wish to join the feast with us was something I wanted to grant.  

Guess it’s time for me to step up as well.  

“Kuro, Jest says he wants to join the feast with everyone. Besides, this town is known for its wine and brandy. If you miss this chance, who knows when you’ll get to enjoy such fine liquor again?”  

Truthfully, the liquor from this region is probably available in the royal capital. But there’s no guarantee we’ll come across it on the journey back. So I wasn’t lying.  

Kuro hesitated for a few seconds but soon took Jest and headed into the town with Jeanne.  

He is Jest’s father, after all. Maybe sharing some drinks will help him loosen up a bit.  

.

.

.

That’s what I thought two hours ago.  

Now, Kuro has his arm around my shoulder, pouring me another drink.  

“Ha! Humans aren’t so bad after all! To think they could make such excellent liquor… gulp gulp… Ahhh! Justin, you’re falling behind—drink up!”  

Having never seen my father drunk in my previous life, I couldn’t help but feel out of place witnessing Kuro’s completely inebriated state.  

When Jest shared some of my homemade bread with him earlier, his attitude seemed to soften a little.  

But after downing a few bottles of liquor, he suddenly became quite cheerful.  

“It’s probably time to drag him back to the tent. Jeanne, is Kuro always like this when he drinks?”  

“No, not quite. The dwarves didn’t start coming near my lair until after Jest was born. So before that, Kuro only drank weak fruit wines. Even then, he’d get into a good mood. …But it seems he hasn’t changed—liquor always makes him more honest.”  

Jeanne chuckled as she watched Kuro cling to me as tightly as Jest usually does.  

Perhaps, despite first impressions, Kuro doesn’t dislike me as much anymore.  

Feeling a bit awkward, I made my way back to the open area where the tents were set up.