Chapter 52

Chapter 52: Celebration & Welcome Party on My Own Dime!

After participating in arm wrestling, the attendees began chatting with each other. Some of them approached me in a friendly manner.

"Everyone, great job today. As of today, it's my guild debut. As a gesture of introduction and thanks, I'll treat you all tonight, so feel free to enjoy food and drinks at the tavern below!"

The guild building had a tavern attached, allowing us to have meals during waiting times.

The guild members were overjoyed at the prospect of free meals and drinks. Forgetting their fatigue, they all rushed to the tavern.

Amidst the crowd of people rushing away, there was one figure standing still. It was Toguru!

He was staring at me with an intense expression. Hmm, this could be a problem.

When I sent him a glance, he averted his eyes and disappeared into the crowd.

Shikibu and Murasaki approached me.

"Sorry, he's not a bad guy, but..."

"No worries, I'm not bothered. It's tough to be liked by everyone. Are you both worried about Toguru?"

Their concern was evident just from looking at their faces.

When you've been making efforts and then a genius appears before your eyes, it's like all your hard work gets invalidated. At that point, you might either fall into decadence or realize that your efforts weren't enough and strive even harder. It's a clear contrast.

"Well, we're both oni, so we understand the struggles of being single-horned. But, you know, forget I said anything."

Murasaki seemed like he wanted to say something, but he stopped himself.

"Are you saying oni are the closest to becoming demons among the human tribes?"

Murasaki was surprised.

"Yeah, some oni, after falling into darkness, end up becoming full-fledged demons..."

Oni sometimes transform into demons due to negative emotions, though it's rare. Once they undergo this transformation, there's no turning back, and they become outcasts, shunned by both humans and demons.

"Oni have it tough, huh!"

"Everyone faces their own challenges, regardless of their race."

"That's true!"

Every race has its own set of problems they deal with in their daily lives.

"But seeing your worried faces about Toguru, it looks like you both would make great parents."

At my words, Shikibu and Murasaki blushed and averted their gazes to different places.

Finding it amusing, I teased them a little.

"I can't wait to see your cute babies."

"Uhm, cute babies? I-I mean, it's still too early for that..."

Shikibu wriggled his body and poked Murasaki's side.

"If it's a girl, she'll be a beauty like you, Shikibu."

"Oh, come on!"

As I continued poking Murasaki's side, my finger went as far as the second knuckle, and blood started oozing...

Murasaki was desperately trying to endure the pain.

...Sorry, Murasaki!

"Shall we head to the tavern soon?"

"Yeah, since it's Takuto's treat, I'm going to drink until I'm bankrupt!"

"Please spare me from that!"