It's time to party!

The sound of pomp and chatter filled the auditorium. Nobles, wealthy merchants and foreign dignitaries mixed and mingled amongst themselves. Servants shifted between the crowds serving drinks and food to the many many guests. While the common folk celebrate in the streets and taverns the aristocrats and wealthy celebrate at these fancy functions.

This particular fancy party was hosted by the King himself. Officially, as the king he excused himself pretty early on due to his advanced age. Nonetheless Robin couldn't help but feel very much out of place being amongst the upper class of the world.

"Marry me!"

"No! Marry me!"

"I have a castle!"

"You have a ruin! And I have a bigger castle!"

Least of all the crowd of noble and wealthy suitors surrounding her, each fighting amongst themselves for her hand. Despite Robin 'officially' not being part of Roland the hero's party, as his 'official' sister and last confirmed living relative of Roland the hero. There was quite a bit of prestige associated with Robin especially in regards to marriage prospects.

'The war against the Demon Lord has ended, the war for who gets to marry and bed those who defeated him has started' Robin couldn't help but remark mentally. Watching as two would be suitors tumbling to floor, in a aggressive but kinda pathetic grappling fight.

Of course it was much worse for the 'actual' members of Roland's party. Robin could spot Allisa attempting to secretly sneaking away from crowd, but utterly failing to do so. Getting caught into yet another conversation about her marriage and plans, Allisa's frustrations plain and visible on her beautiful face.

Amaya on the other hand was very much enjoying the attention. Her cat tail swaying happily, as she took liberal advantage of the free **** and snacks feed to her by her would be suitors. Making jokes and funny comments for her crowd, regaling them with all the funny stories and moment of the journey and fight against the Demon Lord. A bright smile adorned her face as she chewed on a delicious fish handed to her.

Sirene on the other hand was surrounded by members of the clergy. Before joining Roland, she was but a simple nun from a frontier backwater church. And now the most powerful and important religious figures on the continent were bending over backwards to appease this humble and honest nun. Though Robin could spot that she felt very uncomfortable with all the attention shone on her.

And lastly Jasabera was absent from the banquet hall as she was off in the courtyard. "A party without a good fight is no party at all!" She announced, willing to cross blades with any that thought themselves either skilled or lucky. Especially once the false rumor that that she would marry the first fighter to defeat her in combat spread among the crowd.

Robin couldn't help but feel relieved being here. Despite the chaos, the struggle and her now unfortunate circumstances, they succeeded.

'So you think' a dark whisper echoed in the back of her mind. Though Robin ignored that figment of her imagination.