The Possessor Mistook the Genre for 20 Years - Chapter 113
112 – Preparing for the Banquet
Hera usually wore traditional elf clothing. The kind woven from fabrics that one commonly imagines. Not only her, but all elves wore similar clothes.
But now, she was wearing human clothes that could be seen anywhere. Of course, the design was like that, but it wasn’t actually something you would see often. It seemed to be quite a high-end item.
‘It feels awkward, but it suits her well.’
Franz put those thoughts aside and said,
“Well, if you haven’t eaten yet, let’s eat together.”
It was just the right time for a meal, so there was no reason to refuse. Eating with others is better than eating alone.
Soon, the three of them left the magic tower and headed towards the city streets.
Although darkness had already fallen upon the world, the streets of Esther were not dark at all. As a city developed around the magic tower, it was filled with magical devices that emitted light.
As they walked through such streets, Arian spoke.
“Master of the tower, is there anything you would like to eat?”
“Not particularly.”
Franz answered and then turned his gaze to Hera.
“Hera, what about you? Is there anything you want to eat?”
“Me, me? I’m fine with anything….”
Hera’s eyes widened in surprise, and she spoke in a low voice like a scolded child.
Franz found her behavior puzzling.
‘Is something wrong?’
There must be a reason, but he couldn’t figure out what it was. Leaving it alone didn’t sit well with him as the one who brought her along.
As he pondered for a moment, Franz suddenly realized something important. Hera’s long ears were exposed.
In the great forest where only elves lived, it wouldn’t matter, but in other places, she always covered her ears with a large hood. It was certainly strange.
Her current reaction was surely because of that. Exposing her ears made her uneasy.
Realizing this, he began to notice the gazes from the surroundings.
Fortunately, there were no impure gazes, but even just curiosity could be burdensome for Hera.
Franz spoke softly.
“Hera, are you okay?”
“What do you mean?”
“Your ears. Is it okay not to cover them?”
At Franz’s words, Hera just opened her mouth slightly, unable to answer easily.
After a brief silence, Hera looked at Franz as if she had made up her mind.
“To be honest, I’m not okay. I can’t calm down.”
“If that’s the case, it’s better to just cover it up….”
“No, that’s not it.”
Before Franz could finish his sentence, Hera shook her head in denial.
She then continued in a serious tone.
“You can’t hide it forever. Someday, you’ll be living with me. Today is practice for that day.”
“Well, if you say so….”
If it were the usual Franz, he would have objected, at least in his mind, but he couldn’t do that now.
It was because she was so serious, and he wanted to support his friend who was trying to adapt to human society.
Although it was still hard to accept that the reason was because of him.
Well, he could at least cheer her on.
Of course, only in his mind.
While Franz was cheering Hera on in his mind, it happened.
“We’re here. This is the place.”
They finally arrived at the restaurant Arian recommended.
The three of them went straight into the restaurant and ordered various dishes they wanted to eat.
Before long, the table was filled with food, and the three, who were quite hungry, began to eat immediately.
The taste of the food, the service, the meal was quite satisfying. The exterior was a bit shabby, but there was a reason Arian recommended it.
After finishing their meal, the three of them came out to the street again. The cool evening breeze felt quite pleasant. It seemed that even ordinary things felt special when they were full.
Whoever came up with the saying “Even Mount Geumgang looks better after a meal” was right. It was a truth that transcended time and space.
As Franz was walking down the street lost in thought, Arian suddenly spoke.
“How was the meal for both of you?”
“It was delicious. The atmosphere was good too.”
“I liked it too. Especially the mushroom cream soup was excellent.”
With good answers from both of them, a smile naturally spread across Arian’s face.
The three of them continued to walk down the street, chatting. They talked about interesting things they had seen, rumors circulating in the world. It was not particularly important, just everyday conversation.
How much time had passed like that? Before they knew it, they arrived in front of Arian’s house. It was time to part ways.
“Master of the Tower, we’ll be going now. Take care.”
“Yes, see you tomorrow.”
Arian smiled satisfactorily and greeted them, and Franz accepted it.
It seemed like they were naturally parting ways, but Hera was hesitating as if she had something else to say.
Franz decided to wait until she spoke first. It would be troublesome if he asked first and ended up making her feel burdened.
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Did she understand his feelings? Hera soon took a short breath as if to steady herself, and then opened her tightly closed lips.
“Franz, do I look strange…?”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
Franz couldn’t understand Hera’s words. There was nothing strange about her, no matter how hard he looked. He couldn’t figure out what part was bothering her.
“Oh, never mind. That’s enough. Sorry for saying something weird.”
“Really…?”
Franz answered as if it was nothing, but of course, he couldn’t help but be concerned. For someone like him, who still had the spirit of a Korean, it was an uncomfortable situation.
But he had no intention of prying. If Hera didn’t say anything, it meant she had her reasons.
Anyway, if Hera’s business was done, there was no reason to stay any longer.
“Then I’ll be going. See you both tomorrow.”
After saying goodbye and turning to leave, Franz suddenly looked back at Hera.
“Hera, the clothes you’re wearing today suit you well.”
They say compliments can make even a whale dance. He hoped she would muster a bit more courage, as it would take a lot of effort to adapt to human society.
Although he didn’t get to hear her response and turned to leave, it didn’t really matter. He hadn’t said it expecting an answer anyway.
And so, Franz left for the magic tower.
Hera stared blankly at his retreating figure, repeating the words she had just heard over and over.
Meanwhile, Arian, who had lent her the clothes, was pouting.
* * * * *
The deep night passed, and the sun rose in the world.
In response, Franz naturally opened his eyes.
He had worried that he might not be able to sleep because of concerns about the banquet, but as soon as he lay down, he fell asleep immediately. It seemed that the battle with the cultist had been effective.
‘I can take my time getting ready…’
The banquet started in the afternoon. With teleportation, it took less than a second to reach the imperial city, so there was no need to prepare early.
Yes, that should be the case…
Franz, who had been dawdling in bed, eventually got up. Regardless of the banquet’s time, it was frustrating to just stay still.
Well, he could just do some work. After all, preparation only meant changing clothes.
So, Franz went to work as usual. Although, it was just crossing a door.
How much time had passed as he started approving the few documents that had piled up?
Suddenly, he heard a knock.
“Come in.”
With permission granted, the door opened, and someone entered.
“Ah, I knew you’d be like this.”
It was none other than Arian and Hera who entered the Tower Master’s room. And they were already prepared to attend the banquet.
‘Has the time already come?’
Franz thought so and looked at the clock, but ironically, there was still quite some time left until the banquet.
So it was puzzling. There was no reason for them to come to the Tower Master’s room so early.
“Tower Master, please change your clothes quickly. You need to get ready.”
“There’s still quite some time until the banquet, isn’t there?”
“Are you planning to just dress up and go…?”
“Yes, that’s the plan.”
At Franz’s matter-of-fact words, Arian slightly opened her mouth and showed a blank expression. As if she was too flustered to speak.
She soon regained her composure and said,
“Who is the main character of this banquet?”
“Well, is there a main character…?”
“Ah! You’re receiving the title of Duke at the banquet, aren’t you?! Then, of course, you are the main character, Tower Master!”
Is that how it works…?
Franz was flustered but couldn’t deny it. It was too true.
“If you understand, please go and change your clothes quickly. I’ll help you get ready.”
At Arian’s threat, Franz had no choice but to get up.
But what on earth does she mean by helping with the preparations…?
He had no idea what was going to happen next.