The Sun Shines Brightly, Perfect Weather for a Nap (1)
Surprisingly, the demon-hunting mission, which they had expected to take much longer, was actually completed before dawn.
So, by the time the morning light shone through the floor-to-ceiling windows and cast soft, not-too-bright patches of light across the dining table covered with a pristine white cloth, the dining room was already filled with the aromas of toasted bread, fried eggs, and steamed meat buns.
At that moment, Frieren, Annie, Elaina, and Fern were gathered around the table, enjoying the sumptuous breakfast Fern had spent nearly an hour preparing for them. The mood was considerably more relaxed than it had been yesterday.
And that was hardly surprising!
After all, they had been delayed in Earl Granat's territory for quite some time. Now the wanted posters, the demon envoys, and the matter of "Aura the Guillotine" had all been dealt with perfectly. Next, they could happily continue their journey north through the Northern Lands.
"Lady Annie!"
"Here you are."
Fern gently set the last cup of hot soy milk in front of Annie, then returned to her seat.
She looked around at everyone, who all seemed to be in fairly good spirits—except for one troublesome little girl whose eyelids were starting to droop. After a moment's thought, she started the conversation.
"It's wonderful that everyone made it back safely."
"Why don't..."
"We each talk about how things went?"
As she spoke, she turned her gaze to Elaina, signaling that she should explain what had happened, since the two of them had gone to the castle together.
"Hmm?"
"What's there to talk about?"
Elaina was elegantly biting into a juicy meat bun. At Fern's words and the look she gave her, she couldn't help grumbling.
Then, after leisurely swallowing her bite, she waved