“Is it true, my knight? Can we finally visit that town together?”

The lizard was overtly exited at the prospect. After what happened last time, I felt it was better not to leave her alone.

“Yes. I'll have to think of a way to introduce you, but since Calvar didn't have too much trouble you should do fine as well.”

“If that was the problem, could I not simply wear my robe as a disguise? It's what I did the last time.”

I shook my head.

“Lacerta, that innkeeper was literally blind in one eye. Anybody can tell you're not human even when wearing that robe. It's pretty obvious.”

She blushed in embarrassment.

“I see, I did not realize I was that brash. Then, let us make our way!”

We reached the town with little fuss. I decided to make my first stop at the general store, and told Lacerta to wait outside until I said otherwise.

Inside, I was surprised by the sight of an empty chair. Ferra, the shoopkeeper, always lazily sat in that chair every time I came here. A voice did ring out when I entered, and I easily recognized it as belonging to Calvar. He was still placed in the same spot I left him on the counter. I was glad to see he was still in one piece.

“Took you long enough, Eren. Look at me, I waited so long I wasted away into skin and bones!”

“Very funny, Calvar.”

“Thank you. But the point stands, kid, we were done with preparations a while ago. We should stop dillydallying and meet up with everyone. You should bring the lizard, too.”

I had no idea what Calvar was talking about. I didn't arrange anything of this sort before I left for the haunted mansion.

“What are you talking about? Preparations for what, Calvar? Did something happen while I was not here?”

The skull shook its head in disappointment.

“Eren, my boy, do you not remember? Back when you left me on this counter?”

From what I recalled, I left him in this store because he wished to talk to Ferra. Perhaps he angry because I ditched him at such an inopportune moment. It's the only explanation I could think of.

“I'm sorry for that. I did act like a bit of a jerk, just hanging you out to dry. I'm guessing it didn't go very well and you're angry at me.”

The skull looked at me with a baffled expression.

“What? No, it actually went great. Ferra and I really hit it off, and it turns out we have a lot of things in common! It was a real charm to talk to such a beauty. I'm super grateful for you being my wingman, as you are a true bro.”

The skull winked at me. Now I was beginning to get confused.

“So what are you angry about?”

“Kid, I'm not angry about anything. Did you forget? This is something you yourself arranged with Ferra. She already set up everything up and is waiting at the inn.”

I made several requests of Ferra in the past. She was quite talented in many fields, as she had to run everything in town that Toberno did not. She even served as the town unofficial mayor. What impressed me the most was her carpentry skill, as her work was on the level of a professional. If she got some more motivation, she could probably accomplish amazing things.

However, I did not recall making any requests of her recently.

“I still don't understand, what exactly are y-”

“Kid, enough time wasting. Let's go, I'll tell you when we get there.”

I shrugged and picked up the skull. It probably would be quicker to just do as he said. I left the store and found Lacerta still waiting outside.

“Oh, it's Mr. Calvar! I was wondering where he was. Where are we going now, my knight?”

“The the inn.”

“Oh, how wonderful. Is there a particular reason?”

“I need to fulfill an arrangement.”

“What kind of arrangement?”

“I don't know.”

The lizard followed along with a confused expression. I quickly reached the inn and promptly open the door. The inn looked different, with velvet decorations and a comfy looking furniture. Toberno the innkeeper was inside, staring at me with a confounded half-smile. I was holding Calvar in my hand and Lacerta was standing by my side. It was likely a sight to behold for him.

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“Ah, Eren? That's you, right?”

“Yes,” I answered.

The bald middle-aged man stroked his beard.

“Those things around you. Are they safe?”

“Yes. You could say they are my... friends?”

Lacerta happily waved at him. Toberno grimaced and rubbed his beard some more.

“Ah. I know you adventurers are rowdy and unusual folks, but that takes the ticket as the most unusual thing I've seen. If you say that kobold is of no harm, then I will believe you.”

Calvar seemed to be feeling left out.

“Don't forget about me! I may not look like much, but back in my days I was quite formidable!”

Toberno was startled and ducked down under the counter. He peeked out and finally noticed the skull I was carrying was actually an undead.

“A-an undead? And one that talks? Eren, are you trying to give me a heart attack? I'm not exactly young anymore.”

I rubbed my head in embarrassment.

“Yeah, sorry for that. He told me I should stop wasting time and get here.”

Toberno let out a relieved sigh.

“I see. I also finished the arrangement on my end, so we are ready to go. Just give the go signal and we will start.”

Even Toberno was in on this. This turned out to be far bigger than I ever imagined. It's as if the town has formed a conspiracy against me. I looked around the inn and found Ferra sitting on the couch. She was half-napping, just as usual. She should be the one behind all of this.

“Ferra, we're here,” I said.

She rubbed her eyes and looked at us.

“Eren and Calvar. You finally made it, I thought it was going to take forever. And that would be... Lacerta? Calvar told me about you. You're much cuter than I imagined.”

Lacerta blushed and shrunk away.

“Thank you. It is a pleasure to meet all of you as well.”

She bowed forward respectfully. Toberno suddenly yelled and pointed at her.

“That voice. I swear I heard that voice before.”

“Yes, we have talked before. I was the one who requested the destruction of the kobold fortress. I wore different clothing at the time, but it was really me.”

Toberno began sweating. You could tell he was embarrassed.

“Oh boy. And to think I took you for an little old lady. How did I even make that mistake? That's a real embarrassment.”

Everyone began to chat among themselves. The only one who was not particpitaing was me.

“Guys.”

Everybody kept talking.

“Guys!!”

Everybody then stopped and looked at me.

“That's nice and all, but I'm still missing something. Why are we here? What is this arrangement you talking about?”

Everybody blinked and turned their head.

“You mean you don't remember?” said Ferra.

“No, I don't. Do you mind reminding me?”

Ferra shrugged.

“It's the party!”

“...excuse me?”

“It's the party, Eren,” said the skull.

“What par-”

Memories began flashing through my mind. It did sound oddly familiar, and then I remembered why. Previously, I did casually agree for Ferra to arrange a party to celebrate my success as an adventurer. I thought it was meaningless banter, but she actually took it seriously.

“Ah. THAT party?”

The occupants of the room smiled at me.

“Yes. Now that everyone is here, do we have the go signal?” asked Ferra.

“But I-”

“Woo! Let the part begin!” yelled the skull.

Everyone rejoiced in laughter. At the time, I had no idea what I was getting myself into.