In the end, it's the truth that there aren't enough escorts.
As I'm closest to Chris-sama, I'll receive his escort.
The twins were unwilling till the end, they only settled down once grandfather intervened.
And now I'm heading for the venue where I'll be escorted from beginning to end by cheerful Chris-sama.
Haa, being escorted during the party by a prince of this country… I can already feel scary gazes of the ladies.
Regardless of my concerns, we arrived in front of the venue.
When the door opened and we entered…
… The king is a liar.
Where's the 'small' party?
There are too many participants.
And the hall is too big.
The moment we entered, everybody's eyes gathered on us.
What's this? Some kind of a new harassment?
As expected, for grandmother and grandfather it's business as usual.
However, Sana and Sasuke-san, for whom it's their first party, moreover Allen-kun and Ange-san, who lived as commoners for a long time, are swallowed by the venue's atmosphere just like me.
Sana and Sasuke-san quietly conversed
'Shall we head back?' 'Agreed', reaching such conclusion.
I thought I was exposed to their gazes because I was escorted by Chris-sama, but looking around, it appears that the glittering looks of ladies are directed at me for some reason.
What on earth is this all about?
As I tilted my head, several young ladies approached me.
As Chris-sama was here, it seems nobody dared to speak.
Chris-sama made a wry smile and spoke to them.
"Do you want to greet Lillina? … That's right, if I monopolize Lillina I'm likely to become an enemy of ladies. Please go ahead."
As Chris-sama said so, he separated from me a little and ladies flocked to me.
It was a little scary, since everyone came with great vigor, but as there seemed to be no hostility, I decided to only keep an eye on the situation.
Then one came in front of me.
"Nice to meet you, Lillinsama. I am Wendy of the Count Wald house."
Hm? Wendy-san of the Count Wald house?
Surely, she was Yuri-san's…
"Are you by any chance Yuri-san's mistress?"
"Yes! Thank you so much for saving my Yuri this time. If Lillina and her friends hadn't helped her, I wonder what the current situation would be like…"
Saying this, Wendy-san started trembling a little.
"No, we just happened to be present at the scene. Rather, it was Yuri-san's feelings for her mistress that saved you, Wendy-sama. You have a good maid."
"…It's just as you said, Lillinsama, Yuri is a good person. Besides, I'm not the only one you saved. Every lady here was in peril. How pleasant it is to be in this place now."
After she said that, she looked at the ladies behind her.
Those who are waiting behind Wendy-san are all expressing their gratitude with teary eyes.
Looking around, Sana, Sasuke-san, Allen-kun, and Ange-san are all surrounded as well.
It's like a grand thanksgiving party.
Apparently the story where we just happened to help out became a big deal.
The king, who entered my sight, smiled with satisfaction and nodded.
"Everyone… Now, the party the king specially prepared has started. Should we not enjoy celebrating that we are all safe? It would be a waste if you keep crying rather than enjoying the precious party. Wendy-sama, if you would like, please use this."
I handed handkerchief to Wendy-sama who started crying her eyes out.
Wendy's handkerchief has already served its purpose.
Wendy-sama upon receiving it said 'Lillinsama, you are too kind~' and started weeping even more.
"Haa, Lillina is also popular with the ladies. There really a lot of rivals."
Chris-sama came closer saying such a thing.
His face looks troubled, and I feel somehow proud.
"Moreover, your friends have also become popular in this country."
Certainly.
A little away, Sana and Sasuke-san are being invited to something.
Allen-kun and Ange-san also seem to be getting crushed by the crowd.
"… It seems so. Honestly, I'm confused by it."
"I’m sure you are. You help people with no regard for loss or profit. Is it so surprising people are so grateful? Now, shall we go to Sword God-dono?"
Chris-sama took me to my grandfather and grandmother.
The two were talking with the king.
The king, who you couldn't tell was the person who smiled in my direction a while ago, was pale.
Possibly… did grandfather say something?