Chapter 432: When the Banquet Ends
The raucous energy of the victory banquet slowly ebbed away, leaving behind a comfortable, heavy warmth in the grand hall. Venti plucked the final string of his lyre, letting the improvised, lazy melody hang in the air for a fleeting second before it faded completely. What remained was a scene of glorious, chaotic aftermath.
The epicenter of this culinary destruction lay squarely in the corner claimed by Paimon and Soukaku. Empty plates, bowls, and polished platters were stacked into precarious, towering mountains, standing as a proud monument to the sheer, terrifying gluttony of the two pint-sized terrors.
Paimon sprawled star-shaped across a massive velvet sofa. Her usually floating form was entirely grounded by the weight of her bulging, perfectly round belly. A thick smear of chocolate sauce painted the corner of her mouth, and soft, rhythmic snores whistled from her lips. Right beside her, Soukaku mirrored the uninhibited posture, dead to the world. One of the Oni girl's hands rested heavily over Paimon's leg, her fingers twitching occasionally as if fiercely guarding their culinary spoils in the world of dreams.
The joyous festivities had stretched long into the late hours of the night. Whether it was the multiversal members of the Chat Group, their newly acquainted local friends from New Eridu, or the four freshly manifested Bangboos, everyone had completely let their guard down. They had drowned their exhaustion in rich food, vintage wine, cheerful music, and endless conversation.
Now, fatigue wrapped around the room like a thick, heavy blanket, pulling everyone into a gentle lull.
"Ah... I didn't realize it had gotten so late." Lumine blinked heavily, rubbing her slightly sore eyes. Beside her, Furina's round, newly acquired Bangboo body was finally showing signs of a low-power standby state. The hydro archon's usually energetic mechanical form drooped, and her signature top hat sat comically crooked on her metallic head.
"Pom-Pom is getting a bit sleepy, Pom..." The Conductor-boo tried valiantly to stand at attention, but the round, plush-like body couldn't help but sway dangerously from side to side, fighting a losing battle against gravity.
Zhongli set his porcelain teacup down with a soft, definitive clink. His steady, amber gaze swept across the drowsy room before he offered a slight, approving nod. "The hosts and guests have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, and the hour grows late. Let us retire for the night."
Just as the group began to gather their bearings and exchange quiet goodbyes, a Z-Type Bangboo—sporting a gleaming golden gear badge pinned to its chest—waddled briskly into the center of the hall.
"Ehn-na-na, ehn-na! [Detected that all distinguished activity participants are exhibiting elevated signs of physical fatigue. The Base's residential wing has pre-prepared comfortable, climate-controlled temporary quarters tailored to each individual's preferences and habits. Would you like me to guide you there? Adequate sleep significantly aids in energy recovery and consciousness stability!]"
This sudden, highly considerate service immediately caught the New Eridu locals off guard.
"Wow! You guys even have high-end accommodations prepared?" Nicole's eyes practically sparkled with Mora signs. She glanced at Anby and Nekomata, both of whom were swaying on their feet and barely keeping their eyes open, before looking down at her own dust-covered clothes.
"Speaking of which, after tossing about in the Outer Ring and braving the Hollows for so long today, followed by partying all night... my legs feel like lead," Nicole admitted, stretching her arms. "Being able to crash right here is absolutely perfect! Why don't we just stay the night?"
Anby and Nekomata offered tired, synchronized nods, naturally having zero objections to a free, comfortable bed.
Caesar, Burnice, and Piper were even more straightforward. Hailing from the rugged environment of the Outer Ring, the Sons of Calydon were never particularly picky about where they slept. Being offered a pristine, high-tech room was a luxury they certainly weren't going to pass up.
"Haha, then we'll gladly take you up on that hospitality! Lead the way, little Z-Type!" Caesar declared, offering a grand, sweeping wave of her hand.
However, not everyone in the room was prepared to simply drift off to sleep with absolute peace of mind.
Deputy Chief Yanagi of Section 6 and Lycaon of Victoria Housekeeping both wore the same relaxed, post-banquet expressions as the others on the surface. Yet, deep within their eyes, a sharp, professional clarity remained entirely undulled.
Earlier in the evening, when the banquet's atmosphere had reached its absolute peak and the music was at its loudest, the two professionals had quietly pulled Wise and Belle aside for a brief, highly classified conversation.
Standing under the heavy shadow of a secluded pillar, away from prying ears, Lycaon had bowed slightly. His posture remained impeccable, but his tone carried a heavy, solemn weight.
"Lords Rope Masters," the wolf therian murmured, his voice smooth but serious. "Please forgive my presumption and overstepping. However, given the foundation of cooperation and trust we have established, there is certain intelligence I am obligated to share with you both in absolute honesty."
He lowered his voice further, ensuring the ambient noise masked his words. "On the surface, Victoria Housekeeping presents itself as an elite, complete service organization. Yet, our true allegiance—and the benefactor operating behind the curtain—is the Mayor of New Eridu. Ultimately, every action we take must answer to the one standing at the absolute pinnacle of this city's power structure."
Wise and Belle exchanged a brief, knowing glance. Neither sibling showed a flicker of surprise. They had long suspected as much; an organization wielding the sheer influence, resources, and combat prowess of Victoria Housekeeping couldn't possibly exist in New Eridu without the backing of a colossal political titan.
Yanagi crossed her arms, her expression shifting into sharp, unyielding professionalism. "Rope Masters, as you are well aware, Section 6 reports directly to H.A.N.D. The events that transpired tonight—the stabilization of two massive interdimensional rifts, the arrival of multiversal visitors, and the sudden manifestation of these new 'Bangboos' wielding otherworldly power..."
She paused, her pink eyes reflecting the sheer gravity of the situation. "The extreme sensitivity and strategic importance of this data far exceed my personal jurisdiction, or even that of Section 6. I am duty-bound to report this to my superiors at the highest echelons of H.A.N.D."
Wise nodded slowly, his expression calm and analytical. "We understand. Tonight's gathering quickly escalated far beyond the scope of a simple 'private party among friends.' We know you both have your respective duties and chains of command."
Belle stepped forward, her tone sincere but carrying an obvious edge of authority. "Yes, we agree to let you report this upward. However, my brother and I have a request. Or rather... a strict condition."
She looked directly into the eyes of their two trustworthy partners. "We trust you, Yanagi, and we trust you, Mr. Lycaon. We've fought side-by-side in the Hollows; we consider you friends."
Belle's gaze hardened. "But we absolutely refuse to let this cross-world friendship, or this special Base, devolve into a 'resource'to be exploited, or a'problem' to be scrutinized by countless strange eyes and calculated by greedy factions."
"If the people pulling your strings, or any other major figures in New Eridu, want to know something about us or our guests, we demand that you two act as the exclusive intermediaries for all communication," Belle stated firmly. "You know this place. You know us. We are only willing to discuss these matters with friends."
Wise adjusted his posture, backing his sister's play perfectly. "Exactly. This is our one and only condition. We will not tolerate being harassed by irrelevant bureaucrats or corporate spies. If your superiors have questions, or if they wish to propose future cooperation, they must convey it solely through you. This is how we protect our friends, and how we protect the wonderful fate that brought us all together."
Hearing this absolute declaration, both Yanagi and Lycaon felt a deep wave of relief wash over them. A genuine warmth blossomed in their chests.
Wise and Belle's honesty, and the sheer weight of the trust placed upon them, seemed to instantly lighten the heavy burden on their shoulders., being officially granted the authority as the "sole communication channel" to a multiversal faction was, in itself, an unimaginably valuable political advantage for their respective organizations.
"You have nothing to worry about," Yanagi smiled, the rigid professionalism melting into genuine brightness. "I fully understand the weight of this responsibility. I will do everything in my power to ensure the decision-makers understand the situation through the most appropriate, secure channels. I will not allow your peace to be disturbed."
"On behalf of myself and Victoria Housekeeping, I thank you both deeply for your unwavering trust," Lycaon said, executing a flawless, deep bow. "I shall strictly adhere to my duty. I will convey everything properly, mediate thoroughly, and ensure that neither you nor our esteemed friends from other worlds ever fall into unnecessary political turmoil."
With the heavy burden of their respective duties settled, the two professionals had felt entirely at ease rejoining the party.
Now, in the present, as the banquet finally drew to a close, Yanagi and Lycaon prepared to quietly slip out of the Base. They needed to return to New Eridu to begin drafting the highly classified reports that were destined to send shockwaves through the city's underworld.
However, just as they reached the exit, they found their path blocked by a rather unexpected, minor "problem."
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