Chapter 240 – A Thousand Guests, A Million Arrivals

We began preparations the night before, heading out early in the morning to arrange dishes in the dining hall and advance the preparations for the grand opening.

That said, we had plenty of hands. This time, chefs had been dispatched from the Royal Castle, and the residents of Labyrinth Village also helped with the preparations. I was operating the Aqua Golems myself, so things went smoothly.

In the kitchen, the chefs were bustling about. White bread heaped in baskets. Platters of herb-stuffed poultry and meat pies, stew bubbling noisily in pots, fresh salads and fruit assortments. Elaborate candy sculptures… Various dishes were being prepared.

“Is this the right place to set up the Magic Tools?”

“Yes. They said if we line them up in the kitchen, they’ll handle the rest.”

The equipment for carbonated drinks, shaved ice, cotton candy, and more were also ready. Since those Magic Tools had also been delivered to the Royal Castle, the chefs were quite familiar with handling them.

So, rather than the kitchen, I focused my efforts on checking various minor details, like whether there were any deficiencies on the facility side. After all, the grounds were vast. Seraphina, Caduceus, and I split up to check everything.

“If you find any issues with structural strength, let me know immediately.”

“Okay. But everything seems fine for now.”

Seraphina smiled.

Well, then. The area around the pool drainage still required caution. This was a part prone to accidents. Using Aqua Golems, I had to meticulously check every nook and cranny. We had been repeating checks and Magic Tool operation tests for several days in a row.

The drain outlets were blocked with grates to prevent accidents… but just in case someone’s limb got sucked into a hole, I had also embedded a Magic Tool as a precaution.

If someone touching the Magic Tool embedded near the drain inlet sensed danger—it was designed to respond to that intent. The mechanism was such that the Magic Tool would activate, temporarily reversing the water flow to expel the person.

Operation check. No issues.

While I was going around checking here and there, time flew by. At the right moment, I went to the Gate to bring everyone over.

“Oh, Theodore.”

“Long time no see. I’m looking forward to enjoying myself today.”

“Hello, Theodore-san.”

From the Adventurer Guild: Guild Master Auria, Vice-Commander Oswald, and receptionist Heather.

“Theo-kun, I heard you built a hot spring town this time?”

“As always, the things you do are beyond the norm, huh?”

So said Forestbird’s Lucian and Robin. Fitz and Monica also smiled and greeted me. Along with those four, Siren Justia and Harpy Dominique had come as well.

“I’ve been looking forward to this ever since I received the invitation.”

“It was fun when we went to the sea before, too.”

“Both of you, please enjoy yourselves today.”

Irmhild was talking to Justia and Dominique.

So, just from the Adventurer Guild-related people, that was the lineup. Moreover, given the proximity, Penelope and the shrine maidens of the Moon Temple seemed to have come along as well.

“Thank you very much for inviting us today, Theodore-sama.”

At that point, I also bowed and returned the greeting.

“Likewise. Thank you for coming today.”

Marlene, with a happy expression, trotted over to Penelope, accompanied by Claudia. Penelope caught Marlene and smiled.

“It’s been a while, Claudia-sama. Marlene-sama, and everyone else, you all seem well.”

“Yes. Penelope, you look well too.”

Claudia returned a smile to Penelope.

With that, I guided them to the table for the Adventurer Guild-related personnel.

“Smells delicious, huh.”

Fitz reacted to the aroma of food wafting through the dining hall.

“Today, the Royal Castle’s chefs are showing off their skills.”

“That’s amazing.”

“Personally, I like Grace-san’s cooking too, though.”

“Indeed. I agree with that.”

Auria nodded in agreement with Monica’s comment.

Yeah, that’s right. When Grace was once invited by King Melvin, she thoroughly absorbed techniques from the Royal Castle’s cuisine.

“Today, the chefs have prepared everything so you can eat whenever you like. We’ll serve drinks first… but since there are places to swim within the grounds, if you plan to use those, it might be better to eat afterward.”

“Oh? That sounds interesting.”

Oswald reacted. Well, Oswald would be interested in that sort of thing, I suppose.

“We’ll also take time later to explain the facilities. Please enjoy conversing for now.”

With that, after a brief greeting to the Adventurer Guild members, I returned to the entrance gate to welcome the invited guests.

Next to arrive were Alfred, blacksmith Viola, Talcott and Cindy, Labyrinth Trading Company’s Miriam, and the Dwarf craftsmen employed by the company. These were the people related to the workshop and the Labyrinth Trading Company. Ophelia was also accompanying them today.

“Good work, Theo-kun.”

“Yeah. Good work. Did you sleep well last night?”

“Mm, well, sort of. I did wrap up a bit early, after all.”

Alfred gave a wry smile.

The Magic Tools for the hot springs were all assembled, but the armor wasn’t finished yet, so he was working hard. He said he wanted to finish it before we leave Termwills…

“No, even the entrance decorations are so detailed… I knew you were using Magic Construction, but… I feel your skills have improved since before.”

Miriam said this while looking around everywhere. Miriam seemed to be in quite high spirits, probably because she could see all sorts of rare things. Even though she was related to the workshop and could come see it if she wanted, it seemed she had waited patiently until completion.

Then Rosetta also peeked in.

“Hello, Theodore-kun. I hope you’re well.”

“Yes. Thanks to you.”

“Hello, Professor.”

“Ah, Ashley. Ophelia too.”

“It’s been a long time, Rosetta-sama.”

Noticing Rosetta, Ashley and Ophelia approached with smiles.

“You both look well.”

“Yes. Ashley-sama… I heard you fought a Demon again. I’m glad to see you don’t seem injured.”

“Thank you. My role isn’t one that puts me on the front lines much, though.”

“Is that so? What is it actually like, fighting a Demon?”

“Since Theodore-sama is with me.”

Ashley answered with an unburdened smile, and Ophelia giggled.

“I’ve brought them.”

“Good work, Sheila.”

Sheila also appeared at the entrance gate. She had guided Director Sandra of the West District Orphanage, then Brad and the other children, along with the staff members in charge. The orphanage folks were invited by me and King Melvin.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yes. It’s been a long time.”

Dorothy, the daughter of the former Thieves Guild Master, was also accompanying Sheila. She herself was Sheila’s friend and not a member of the Thieves Guild.

I had also reached out to Isabella, an executive of the Thieves Guild. I thought if we set aside positions and it was just personal… but she firmly declined, saying if people were coming from the Royal Castle, it would be better if she wasn’t here. Well, she laughed and said she’d go to the hot spring town privately another time, so not to worry…

“My, my… you’ve managed to gather quite the crowd, haven’t you?”

Rosemary gave a wry smile at the assembled faces.

“Indeed.”

Add to that Cecilia and Mihaela, who work at the house, the residents of Labyrinth Village, and then Spirit Tephra joining in—it’s a truly varied lineup.

I had also invited Gartner County and the Barony of Silun, but it seemed they couldn’t make it. I received a reply saying they’d come visit in early autumn.

As I ushered everyone into the dining hall and waited, timing it for when the invited guests were all assembled, King Melvin, Chancellor Howard, then Prince Josiah, Princess Stephania, and Prince Helfried appeared. Almost the entire royal family was present.

As escorts, Knight Order Commander Mildred and Court Magician Ricard. Furthermore, they were accompanied by royal guards. Mercedes and Chester were also invited from the Knight Order, but since the two were on vacation today, their participation wasn’t strictly in an official Knight Order capacity.

And on top of that, Marquis Zilbolt and his family were also accompanying them.

My, my. Even though I’m the one who invited them, this lineup… is quite something.

Everyone stood to welcome King Melvin. King Melvin, smiling, headed to the podium set up in a corner of the dining hall and began to speak.

“Everyone, well done. I am delighted that we have been able to welcome this auspicious day. I believe many of you already know, but most of this hot spring town is thanks to the blessings of Spirit Tephra, Otherworld Ambassador Theodore Gartner, and the people of Brightwelt Workshop. As you know, the Ambassador and the workshop were deeply involved in the establishment of the Boundary Theater as well. First, let us give unstinting praise and applause to these key players.”

King Melvin indicated me, Alfred, Viola, and Tephra, who were in the wings. Then, thunderous applause resounded throughout the dining hall. Alfred and I bowed properly in response. Tephra was smiling.

King Melvin said to me,

“Now then, Theodore. Let us have a word from you.”

“Thank you. Very well.”

I returned a smile to King Melvin’s informal words, bowed, and stepped onto the podium.

“Today, I have no words to express my gratitude for so many of you gathering here. I also extend my thanks to my friend, Magic Engineer Alfred, and for the cooperation of Spirit Tephra. From this day forward, I hope that the Fire Spirit Hot Spring will add modest enjoyment and color to the lives of those residing in Termwills, and that through the blessings of Spirit Tephra, daily life will become healthy and vibrant.”

After I gave my address, even louder applause erupted.

I bowed once more and passed the baton back to King Melvin.

“Indeed. If I speak too long, I will only keep everyone waiting unnecessarily. Now then, everyone, raise your glasses.”

Since it was for swimming and bathing, we avoided alcohol and made the toast with carbonated drinks. We raised our glasses in unison with King Melvin’s lead.

“Good work.”

When I returned to my seat after finishing the greetings, Grace said.

“Yeah. Well, these kinds of greetings make my shoulders a bit stiff, I guess.”

Saying that, I sat down.

“Fufu…”

Grace smiled happily.

“Hm? What is it?”

When I asked, Grace smiled somewhat shyly.

“No. How should I put it? When I think back to when we first arrived in Termwills, we only knew the Forestbird members, Rosetta-san… and then Heather-san, it feels quite poignant.”

“Ah…”

Yeah, that’s right. In the past, I think I caused Grace a lot of worry because of me, and even though we were leaving the stifling County, I’m sure she wasn’t without anxiety about starting a new life in a land where she knew no one.

But the fact that Grace is happy like that… well. It makes me happy too.

Now then. After this, I have to guide everyone through the various facilities, explain how to use them, and also explain things like bathrobes. The schedule is to have everyone actually use the place after those explanations. I hope everyone likes it.