Chương 92: Chapter XXIV Verse I — The Reunion Party & Discussion of the Future

The party began. Pan lifted his flute, weaving a lively melody of open fields and running rivers. Filippo flew up to a ceiling beam for a better view, beating a rhythmic cadence on his drum. Below, the twin centaurs settled onto their custom-made wheel-benches, specialized seats designed to support their unique forms. Galan turned his attention to the steak. He sliced through the charred exterior, revealing a deep, hot red center. Juice pooled on the plate, mixing with olive oil and rosemary.

He speared a large piece and brought it to his mouth. The taste was primal and refined, the smokiness of the char clashing beautifully with the raw tenderness of the meat. He washed it down with a sip of the Virgin's Blood, the iron-heavy wine binding with the steak's juices.

"Mmh," Galan grunted in approval.

"Chubby, you've outdone yourself. This is better than the ones in Florence."

"Thank you, Master!" Filippo beamed from his perch.

"I used the magma stones Meredith brought back to sear it!" Across the table, Meredith held the roasted boar shank by the bone, tearing into it with a ferocity that would make an oni proud.

"Aye," she said, her voice a low growl.

"The lad knows his way around a fire." She took a swig of her heavy, dark ale.

"Pass the potatoes, Lisandra." Lisandra passed over the bowl of mashed potatoes.

"I'm just glad we finally get to eat together again, Gal," she said, biting into an apple slice from her own bowl of roasted grains and greens.

"Our lives have been very quiet since you last visited," Aletheia added while chewing, her bowl's content the same as her sister's.

"I was busy expanding the Imperium," Galan said, smiling.

"Sorry I couldn't be there for you and our kids."

"You are here now," Lisandra said.

"That's all that matters."

"And we promise to never let you out of our sight!" Aletheia declared, holding a spoonful of carrots up to his mouth.

"Now open up." He took the bite. The fresh, crisp taste cut through the heavy iron of his own meal. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Meanwhile, Pheidon was mixing a cocktail at the bar. He muddled fresh mint, then poured in a generous measure of a strong, clear spirit, followed by a splash of golden honey and a squeeze of lime. He shook it with ice, the copper shaker frosting over, and poured a small amount for himself.

He shivered as the potent mixture hit his system.

"This is it," he grunted, and poured a full glass for Pan. Once he gave it to the satyr, Pan took a sip.

"Baah!" the satyr bleated, his eyes bulging after a sip.

"By Dionysus! That kicks harder than a mule!"

"Thought you might need some inspiration," Pheidon chuckled.

"Inspiration? That's flying ship fuel!" Pan took another sip, his teeth clenched.

"And I love it." He turned to Galan as Pheidon returned to the counter.

"So, Gal! Tell us about the local magical beings! Are they as good-looking as the ones sleeping on my bed right now?" Galan's mindcast confirmed the two goat-women were indeed in Pan's quarters and, thankfully, protected from any unwanted consequences.

"Some are prettier, some deadlier, and the rest a bit of both," he said, cutting another piece of steak.

"Ooh, my favorite combination," Pan grinned. Meredith threw a chunk of potato at him.

"Focus on the music, goat-boy!" Pan caught it, popping it into his mouth and swallowing it before rejoining Filippo's rhythm. Galan raised his glass, catching Meredith's eye. She gave him a soft, knowing smile and raised her shank in return.

"To us, Bloodsucker," she said.

"To us," he replied. A few minutes later, Filippo finished his song.

"So what are you going to do tomorrow, Master Galenaios?"

"I don't know." Galan leaned back.

"Maybe meet the guy in charge of Tsushima and start fixing the place."

"But you have just arrived," Aletheia said.

"I know. But when the ghosts strike again, I'll need his help to create a search party. I'm not wasting my mana blasting the forest to find some dead losers."

"The two of us signed up for a centaur race in three days," Lisandra chuckled.

"I'm wondering if you can come watch."

"Sure, no problem." Galan nodded.

"Oh, that reminds me. Hey, Chubby, when's the next local Heaven's Conqueror match?"

"Two days from now," Filippo replied.

"I can get you tickets."

"Great." Galan turned to Meredith, who was slumped behind a pile of empty plates.

"Wanna come along?"

"Sure…" she slurred.

"I can get a day off…"

"Wow, didn't know plates could speak in this land," Galan smirked.

"Watch it, Bloodsucker!" she slammed the table.

"You know what happens when a drunk dwarf gets angry." Galan chuckled.

"Alright, sorry." He looked back up to the putto.

"That'd be two more tickets, Chubby. And bring some food for Pan's girlfriends to go." After another minute, Galan finally finished his meal.

"Phew. That was amazing." He stood up.

"I'll be taking a shower. See ya, guys," Galan smiled, waving to the room as they all called out their good nights.