In King Francois’s meeting room, after the meeting with the heroes concluded...
“Princess Christina and Princess Lilianna are coming over to the mansion after this, but you should come too, Hiroaki. Bring Rei and Kouta too. That’s okay right, Haruto?” Masato asked.
“Of course,” Rio agreed with a smile.
“Huh? Why should I?”
Hiroaki’s response wasn’t enthusiastic, but he seemed to be happy to receive the invitation. His embarrassment prevented him from reacting honestly, but he didn’t seem as displeased as he would have others believe.
“There’s gonna be some good stuff on the menu tonight. If you come back with us now, they might even make some dishes from Earth for you.”
“What? F-Fine, I guess. Those two would probably want that, so I’ll let them know.”
“Heh heh! It’s decided!” Lured by Masato’s promise of food, Hiroaki surrendered easily.
“Are you sure, Sir Amakawa?” Chrisina asked hesitantly.
“Yes. The more the merrier, so feel free to invite Roanna along as well. I’m sure Celia would be happy to see her.”
“In that case, I’ll take you up on that, Haruto,” Hiroaki said awkwardly.
“If you have any requests, feel free to suggest them.”
“R-Really? I want to eat sukiyaki! I like it even more with udon noodles afterward, but...” Hiroaki made his request hesitantly, unsure if it was possible.
“Sukiyaki with udon, right? We can do that.”
“You can?! I didn’t think udon existed...” Hiroaki was wide-eyed and ecstatic at Rio’s smooth reply.
“We have frozen udon from when I prepared a batch.”
“You have everything... I’m glad I asked.”
“We also have miso soup, pickled vegetables, and fresh eggs.”
“You have good taste.” Hiroaki grinned in satisfaction.
“Liselotte’s staying over tonight too. Why not make it a huge sleepover for everyone?” Satsuki said, inviting Christina and Lilianna. Thus, it was decided that a sleepover would be held.
✦ ✦ ✦
That evening, a large number of guests visited Rio’s mansion. First came Liselotte and Aria. Then, Lilianna arrived, followed by Christina, Flora, Roanna, Hiroaki, Rei, and Kouta. Rio welcomed them all at the entrance hall of the mansion.
“My apologies for barging in with such numbers, Sir Amakawa,” Christina greeted him on behalf of her group.
“I should be the one apologizing. I’m sorry my casual invitation caused so much trouble for you.”
“No, it’s no trouble at all. Flora’s overjoyed to be here too.”
“Yes!” Flora agreed brightly.
“That’s good, then,” Rio said with a relieved smile.
Celia stepped forward beside Rio. “Welcome, Queen Christina, Princess Flora.”
“Good evening, professor,” Christina said.
“Thanks for having us today,” Flora added.
“And Roanna as well. Welcome.”
“Hello. It’s so nice to see you again,” Roanna said with a curtsy. She then turned to Rio and watched his expression while curtsying again. “Thank you for the invitation, Sir Amakawa.”
“Yo. I’m here,” Hiroaki said with a wave, greeting Rio casually.
“Welcome, everyone. Rei and Kouta too,” Rio said with a smile as he looked over at the two.
“We’re honored you still remember us.”
“Thanks for having us over.”
The older and younger schoolmate duo, Rei and Kouta, replied to Rio happily.
“Please, come inside,” Rio said, inviting them farther into the mansion.
Gouki’s wife, Kayoko, was working as their guide. “Allow me to show you to your rooms,” she said.
“We can help carry your belongings.”
Sayo, Aoi, and Gouki’s attendants from the Yagumo region took charge of the belongings from Christina’s group.
Thus, the group headed towards their respective rooms.