#*event story

-Devil's Palace, your room-

-One evening-

(knock knock)

Muu: Master, I think there's someone at the door!

>Come in >Who could it be...

(door opens)

Lamli: Pardon me~! Lamli: Good evening, Master!

>It's late, did something happen? >Is there something you need to attend to?

Lamli: Sir Lucas asked me to call for you, Master! Lamli: Do you mind coming with me for a bit?

>Okay, I understand >What could Lucas need me for...

-Devil's Palace, dining room-

Lamli: Sir Lucas, Sir Lucas! I've brought the Master over~! Lucas: Thank you, Lamli. Lucas: Good evening, Master. Nac: Hello, and good evening, Master. You are looking sublime today as well, I see. Muu: It's Lucas and Nac! The third floor butlers are all assembled here today, huh. Lucas: Master, I'm terribly sorry for calling you all of a sudden. Lucas: It so happens that a new commission addressed to you has arrived today...

>A new commission for me? >Yet another commission...?

Lucas: That's right. Lucas: Our destination for this commission is the Portrair House. Muu: Uh, what's the Portrair House...? Nac: The Portrair family are the nobility that rule over the Southern Land. Muu: Oh, yeah, that's right! I remember now! Muu: Wow, so the commission this time is from the Portrair family!

>What are the details of the commission?

Nac: Two weeks from now, an annual festival is going to take place in a major city of the Southern Land. Nac: We have been asked to guard said festival.

>To guard the festival? What do you mean?

Nac: To put it in simple terms, we have to protect the members of the Portair family from Angels throughout the festival. Lamli: So basically, we'll be doing our usual Angel Hunting. Nac: Precisely. Nac: Apparently, the festival is an event of sacred significance for the Portrair family. Nac: They can't afford to have Angels interrupt it. Muu: A festival treasured by the Portair family... Muu: I'm curious what kind of festival it is, Master!

>Maybe it's some grand celebration >I am a bit interested...

Muu: There'll likely be some delicious food for us to eat there, right? Muu: Hehe! I'm so excited now!

Lamli: Man, Buu, you really like to eat, don't you? Lucas: So, with that said, we third floor butlers, Muu, and the Master will be heading out to complete this commission. Lucas: The plan is to leave tomorrow morning. Lucas: The Portrair House is located quite a ways away, the trip will likely be a long one. Nac: I should also mention that there will be desert areas on our journey.

>Huh...? >D-Desert....?!

Muu: What's a "desert"...? Nac: A desert is an area covered with sand, as far as the eye can see. Muu: Wow! There are places like that? Muu: I've never seen a desert before, so I'm looking forward to it! Nac: Muu, deserts are harsh, unforgiving environments. Nac: I have heard that, in the day, the ground's surface temperature can even reach up to 40 degrees... Muu: W-What?! Lamli: And you're already so short as it is, Buu... Lamli: Try to walk across the desert and the heat just might drive you insane! Muu: Don't say that with a smile on your face, Lamli!

>Is it really that severe of a place? >It's starting to sound kind of scary...

Lucas: Come now, Lamli. Don't make the Master feel any more anxious than necessary. Lucas: By the way, we'll be using camels to travel, so there won't be any trekking through the desert for us. Lucas: We'll also be sure to bring plenty of water, food, and a tent for the trip. Lucas: You have no need to worry, Master. Muu: Hmm...I don't know, I still feel a bit uneasy... Nac: You are a worrywart, Muu... Nac: But fear not. I will calculate every possible situation and make thorough preparations for all of them. Nac: So long as we don't encounter any disaster in the desert, our lives are not in peril. Muu: I see, then....Well, if you say so, Nac... Lucas: Well then, we leave tomorrow morning. Lucas: Master, I hope you can cooperate with us to that end.

>I'll be sure to get ready >(How will our trip turn out, I wonder...)

* * *

Servant: Esteemed guests of the Portrair family, I have brought you your supper for tonight.

No sooner had the servant uttered those words than they began to bring in giant plates of food into the room.

In an instant, a large selection of food was arranged in front of us.

Nac: The sight of all these dishes is making me dizzy... Lucas: They all look absolutely delectable. Servant: For tonight's supper, we have prepared for you some traditional Portrair cuisine. Servant: Firstly, we have soupeh jo, a soup made from chicken and barley. Servant: Next, we have gheimeh stew, consisting of mutton meat, tomato, and beans simmered in spices such as saffron and cumin... Servant: And finally, we have naan, which is a staple in the diet of the Southern Land. Servant: Tonight, you have two different types of naan to chose from: lavash, a thinner bread, and barbari, a thicker flatbread.

>There's a whole lot more food apart from this, too... >They all look so amazing...

Servant: To continue, there is also... Nac: Y-You don't need to explain any further. Nac: But, may we really partake in this generous amount of food? Servant: Lord Shakir has instructed us to provide you all with the utmost hospitality. Servant: Should you find yourself in need of something, we are at your service. Servant: Now then, please enjoy your meal.

With that said, the servant then quietly left the room.

Nac: Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be treated to such a feast. Lucas: Just being able to eat this cuisine makes crossing the desert worth it. Lucas: Master, please do start eating ahead of us.

>Why don't we all eat together?

Nac: No, Master, it wouldn't be right for us butlers to eat together with you...

>But then the food's gonna get all cold! >But I want all of us to enjoy the food...

Nac: Yes, I understand, but... Lucas: Thank you, Master. That's very kind of you. Well, then, please don't mind we do. Nac: L-Lucas?! Lucas: The Master is so kindly inviting us to join them. Don't you think it would rude for us to decline? Nac: Y-You make a good point, but... Lucas: I heard that you it's customary to sit down on the floor as you eat here in the Southern Land. Lucas: Here, Master. Have a seat.

>Thank you >Alright, guess I'll sit here

Lucas: You, too, Nac. Come now... Nac: Ah, please, wait a moment, Lucas--! Lucas: Hehehe. Getting to sit at a dinner table along with the Master is such a novel feeling. Nac: I can't quiet get used to it...

>Relax a bit, Nac >No need to be so tense...

Nac: I doubt there is a butler who wouldn't tense up at the thought of sitting beside their Master... Lucas: Well then, Master, let's start eating. Lucas: Before that ravenous little Muu comes back...

(footsteps)

Muu: Wahh! Muu: I thought I smelled something delicious coming from this room! Seems like my nose didn't fail me!

>Muu?! >We've been found!

Lucas: Ah, speak of the devil... Muu: Why are you the two sitting around the table with the Master? Lucas: The Master said they wanted to have dinner together. Lucas: Our Master is so kind, aren't they? Lucas: Where's Lamli, by the way? Lamli: Here I am~! Did you call for me, Sir Lucas? Lucas: Oh good, you made it back safely. Lucas: But, what's that you've got in your arms, Lamli? Nac: It looks like a bottle...Could it be a bottle of wine? Lamli: Mm-hmm! I found it while I was exploring the palace! Lamli: There were so many wines that I thought you'd enjoy, Sir Lucas, so I got one for us! Nac: Lamli, don't tell me you stole this bottle of wine! Lamli: "Stealing" is such an ugly word! C'mon, I didn't steal anything. Lamli: I'll have you know I made sure to check with a servant before I took it. Muu: But, Lamli, in the beginning you took it without asking at all... Muu: You "checked" with a servant after you caught, didn't you? Lamli: I mean, I got their approval in the end, so we don't need to sweat all the small details! Lucas: Lamli, haven't I warned you not to act on impulse? Lamli: Y-Yes, you have, and I'm aware... Lamli: But it was a wine I knew you were going to love, so I just had to bring it to you! Nac: Goodness...Lamli's loyalty to Lucas is truly remarkable. Nac: However, Lamli... Lamli: Ugh, what is it now? Still got something you wanna complain about? Nac: Tell me, what exactly do you plan to do with this sheer amount wine you've brought over? Lamli: Isn't it obvious? Lamli: We're gonna have a feast tonight!

* * *

The Devil's Palace. A large mansion located in the Central Land.

In this mansion live 13 butlers, known as the Devil Butlers.

Their mission is to defeat the Angels, nemeses of humankind.

Although they may as well be called the saviours of humankind, they are for some reason abhorred by the public.

Even the nobles that employ them regard them as nothing but "handymen," and work them like dogs.

And, today too, a "certain commission" has made its way to them.

* * *

Berrien: Master. A new commission from the Grosvenor family has arrived.

>A new commission? >A commission addressed to me?

Berrien: Indeed. The commission this time is to infiltrate and investigate the Black Tea Party. Muu: The Black Tea Party...? What's that? Berrien: The Black Tea Party is a traditional tea party that is held to mourn our ancestors. Berrien: For ages, humankind was menaced by the Angels, and many people lost their lives. Berrien: It is customary for the people who attend the Black Tea Party to dress in black, in mourning of those who passed away. Muu: Black clothes, you say... Berrien: Additionally, this tea party is held at night. Muu: The more I hear about it, the creepier it sounds.

>Sounds like a pretty gloomy event

Berrien: Actually, from what I've heard, it's not actually all that sombre. Berrien: Those who attend enjoy delicious treats and tea, and dance along to music... Berrien: It sounds like quite the entertaining event. Muu: Delicious treats?! Now I want to go to one, too! Muu: Ah, by the way, you said that the commission this time was to infiltrate and investigate the tea party, right? Muu: Just what are we investigating? Berrien: Actually... Berrien: There have been rumours going around saying that there have been some "shady deals" taking place at the Black Tea Party. Berrien: On top of that, it would also seem to involve the Angels and their existence...

>Angels...? >What could that mean...?

Berrien: Any commission related to the Angels means that we butlers must take action. Berrien: Master, you may find yourself involved in danger...but please, lend us your strength.

>Of course >If I can be of help...

Berrien: Thank you, Master. Berrien: Let's being preparing at once, then.

【Second floor, butlers' room】

Berrien: Now then, the second floor butlers will attend the tea party this time. Haures: Understood. We will be sure to successfully complete this mission. Berrien: I'm counting on you, Haures. Fennesz: The Black Tea Party...it's a traditional event that's been held for ages now. Fennesz: I always knew about it, but it'll be my first time attending one. Boschi: (sigh)...a new commission, huh. How many have we had just this month? Ammon: There's really been a lotta commission recently, huh~ They've surged ever since the Master came. Haures: Thanks to the Master, we've been able to hunt Angels more effectively. Haures: I'm sure the sharp increase in commissions is proof that our reputation has gone up, too. Haures: I know it's tough, but all of this will lead to more people trusting and relying on us. Haures: We have to do what we can, while being grateful to the Master. Boschi: Tch, no wonder you're so uptight...Who cares what people think of us? Haures: What was that, Boschi? Fennesz: Come on you two, stop fighting. You're around the Master, remember? Fennesz: Also, we don't have the luxury of time to be wasting it on things like that. We should hurry up and start getting ready... Muu: Getting ready?

So, in preparation for the tea party, the butlers began their lessons for dining etiquette and dance in the dining room.

It started with Miyaji teaching Boschi and Ammon table manners.

And Lato teaching Haures and Fennesz dance.

Muu: Om-nom...These pastries are so delicious! Miyaji: Come now, Muu. Didn't I teach you that you should speak after you've swallowed your food? Muu: Oh, sorry. Boschi: Hah, Muu. Your table manners still suck. Muu: Ohh....Boschi, don't laugh at me!

With that, Boschi smiled arrogantly, and made a show of eating the treats in front of Muu.

His mannerisms were dripping with elegance and grace.

>I can't imagine the usual Boschi behaving like this... >The gap between this Boschi and normal Boschi is huge...

Miyaji: Well done, Boschi. I see you've been able to take in everything I taught you. Boschi: This is what you call differences in experience, Muu. Muu: How could someone like Boschi be able to... Boschi: Hey, Muu? Mind saying that again? "Someone" like me? What do you mean "someone"...? Ammon: C'mon, Boschi, what are you getting all heated up about? Ammon: Look, y'got some scone crumbs on your clothes. Man, what are you doin'? Boschi: Hm? Ah, sorry 'bout that. Miyaji: ...Boschi, Ammon. Ammon: Hmm? What is it, Mister Miyaji? Miyaji: You two have known each other for a long time, so I'm sure it's just become habit between you two, but... Miyaji: You can't have that kind of exchange at a tea party. People will surely give you weird looks. Ammon: Really? No one's said anything to us outside the mansion so far... Miyaji: You've been doing it up until now...That's not good. Ammon: What's not good, Mister Miyaji? Miyaji: I'm not concerned about your table manners, but I think there might be a bigger problem here. Boschi: Hmm? Flure: Mister Miyaji's having a hard time with something unexpected, huh.

>Yeah, he is

-Meanwhile-

Lato: Haures, you've messed up the move again. Haures: S-Sorry. Uhh...one, two, three... Lato: Now you're too tense and stiff. Make your movements larger, more elegant. Lato: The waltz is the most basic of ballroom dancing. Lato: Flure, may I ask you for some piano accompaniment? Flure: Huh? Uh, sure... Lato: A passionate and graceful piece, if you please.

With that, Flure began to play the piano.

Lato: Particularly in high society, dancing the waltz is commonplace. Lato: The waltz is danced to a slow three-beat rhythm. Lato: In terms of movements, there's "spinning." There's also "rise and lower," as well as "rise and fall." Lato: In other words, gentle vertical movements. If you can manage that, then there should be no issue. Lato: Then, you just relax and dance along to the music; there's nothing difficult about it. Haures: That's easier said than done...Ah, this is tricky... Lato: Tricky? I never thought I'd hear that coming from you, Haures. Lato: When you're in battle, your moves are so refined and elegant... Lato: But they're certain not elegant right now. Lato: They're actually...a little unsightly. Flure: Lato, that's enough! Lato: Oh, my apologies. Haures: No, it's fine, I don't mind. Continue the dance lesson. Fennesz: Haures can dance, but he's never really danced these kind of ballroom dances.

>Ahh, so that's what it was

Fennesz: Strictly speaking, it might be better to say he "wasn't able" to dance them. Haures: H-Hey, Fennesz! You don't have to bring that up right now. Fennesz: Hehe. Sorry, sorry!

>(Haures isn't good at ballroom dances...) >(Ballroom dancing looks hard...)

Lato: Oh, Master? Are you also interested in the dance practice? Lato: By the way, have you ever done ballroom dancing before?

>Yes, I have >No, never

Lato: I see. Lato: Hmm. Lato: I know! Master, dance with me now!

>Huh?! Right now? >No, no, I can't dance to save my life!

Lato: Hehe. The fastest way to learn dancing is by actually doing it. Lato: Don't worry. I'll be sure to lead you.

And with that, the butlers' began their week-long lessons.

* * *

-That night-

It was likely because of all the excitement from the party with the butlers earlier that evening...

But, I couldn't fall asleep, so I went with Muu to the kitchen to grab some water to drink.

Muu: Are you feeling alright, Master?

>I'm not sure, I can't seem to relax...

Muu: Well, that makes sense, we did have a lot of fun today!

>You're right, we did

Muu: And yet, the butlers still managed to prepare such a big surprise despite their busy schedules.

>I really appreciate it >I want to return the favour somehow

Muu: Ah, this, this is...

>What's up, Muu?

Muu: Sniff, sniff! Muu: I smell something good!

>You're right... >Where is it coming from?

Muu: It's this!

Muu then picked up a paper bag that was on the floor.

Muu: These are the left overs from when Lono was baking the sweets earlier!

>I see... >No wonder it smelled so nice

Muu: With this much left over, we still have enough to make lots of other sweets.

>Maybe I'll make some as a way to say thank you...

Muu: That's a great idea! Muu: I'm sure the butlers will love it!

>I hope so...

Muu: Mmm....but.... Muu: I wonder if we have enough ingredients to make for thirteen people...

Just like Muu said, the amount of ingredients inside the bag didn't seem like it would be enough to make thirteen portions.

Muu: Is there any else we can use around here...? Muu: Oh yes, there's some here, Master! There's some sugar candies used for decoration on the floor!

>Huh, would you look at that >But why are they on the floor?

Muu: There's some over there, too! And on the floor there, as well! Muu: Mmm...there's even some by the corridor.

>Did someone ransack the kitchen or something? >This many is a bit strange

Muu: Lono never wastes any food, so I don't think it was him who did this... Muu: Hmm? There's a crumpled up note on the floor, too.

>What does it say?

"Lamli! Remember, no snacking!! -From Lono"

Muu: Hmm, I understand now...So, the culprit is...

>Lamli

Muu: Master, I know this will be tedious but... Muu: If we want to make sweets for all thirteen butlers, we need to pick up all these ingredients that Lamli left lying around.

>Y-Yeah, looks like it...

Muu: I'll lend you a hand, of course! I can't wait to see the butlers faces when they see your baked sweets, Master!

>I'll do my best!

* * *

The Devil’s Palace. A large mansion located in the Central Land.

In this mansion live 13 butlers, known as the Devil Butlers.

Their mission is to defeat the Angels, nemeses of humankind.

Although they may as well be called the saviours of humankind, they are, for some reason, abhorred by the public.

Even the nobles that employ them regard them as nothing but “handymen,” and work them like dogs.

* * *

-February 14-

(knock, knock...)

(door creaks open)

Berrien: Pardon me, Master. Muu: Wow, Berrien! You're dressed so well today! Muu: Is there a party going on somewhere? Berrien: Hehe...Valentine's starts today. Berrien: That's why I'm in this formal wear.

>And you have to go out of your way to dress this formally?

Berrien: Yes, that's correct. Berrien: Valentine's is a big event for the nobles. Berrien: The butlers have all been rounded up to help out as part of it. Muu: Doing all sorts of work, as usual. Berrien: Hmm...yes, I suppose so. Berrien: Social events are held everywhere during the Valentine's season. Berrien: The nobles look for partners to socialize with at those events.

>I see... >That does sound a lot like Valentine's

Berrien: That being said, that's just the social parties for the high noble class. Berrien: Those parties are rife with all sorts of cunning tactics and greed, like political relations or marriages. Muu: So, it's not only some romantic event. Berrien: Yes, that's right.... Berrien: However, the parties themselves have a spectacular and lively atmosphere. Berrien: You can find all sorts of chocolate and sweets, like you would expect during Valentine's. Muu: Really?! That sounds delicious! Berrien: Muu, remember, no stealing bites of the food? Muu: Y-Yes, I know! Muu: Actually, now that you mention it, I think I do smell the aroma of chocolate! Berrien: It's our job to make all preparations for the events. This happens every year. Berrien: Right now, Lono's in the kitchen slaving over a hot oven, making some sweets. Muu: Master, let's go have a look!

>Yes, let's! >Sounds exciting

-Devil's Palace, kitchen-

Lono: Ahh! Busy, busy, busy! Lono: Bastien! How's that cake over there coming along? Lono: It's gonna burn to a crisp if you bake it for too long! Bastien: Hmm...I'm not sure... Bastien: I mean, chocolate cakes are dark to begin with, so... Bastien: I can't tell if it's burnt or not... Lono: What? You can tell just by the smell, can't ya? Muu: Sniff, sniff....sniff, sniff... Muu: It smells great! Bastien, you can take it out now! It's baked to perfection! Bastien: Really, Muu? Hmm. Thanks. Berrien: I see you two are hard at work. Lono: Oh, it's the Master and Berrien! Lono: Sorry, my hands are a bit full here...

>Don't worry about it >It's alright!

Muu: Lono, your cooking is as scrumptious as ever! Muu: I didn't know you were so good at baking, too! Lono: They're pretty good, aren't they? That's 'cuz there ain't nothing I can't make! Lono: Oh, that's right!

Lono: Master, do you wanna try some of this chocolate fudge cake? Lono: I made it for Valentine's!

>Are you sure?

Lono: I'm pretty sure it's gonna taste fine, since I made it. But still, I wanted you to try it and tell me what you think about it, Master. Lono: Bastien doesn't like sweet things, so he's of no help there... Bastien: Hmm...that cake looks especially sweet.... Lono: Hah...no one asked for your preferences, Bastien. Lono: Ah, sorry, Master. Lono: I just wanted you to be the first person to try it out.

>S-Sure... >I don't mind, I guess...

Following Lono's demands, I took a bite of the cake.

My mouth was then filled with chocolate and caramel taste, a taste blended to perfection.

The cake was fairly sweet, but the taste was decadent and very delicious.

Lono: H-How is it?

>It's very rich >It's delicious

Lono: R-Really? Thank you, Master! Lono: I was really confident in how it turned out, and I really wanted you to try it! Lono: So I'm really happy to hear you say it's delicious, hehehe! Berrien: Lono, your passion for cooking is truly astounding. Bastien: Master...try out the sweets I made, too.

* * *

-A few hours later-

After listening to Lord Shakir's explanation of our mission, we spent the rest of our night at the palace.

Nac: Phew...Finally, some peace and quiet. Lamli: Hey, hey, Sir Lucas! Do you wanna go exploring around the palace together a bit later? Lucas: Later? Hmm, I'm not sure... Muu: Exploring?! Oh, I want to go! Let me go with you, Lamli! Lamli: Oohh, Muu, I love that energy! Alright, you can come too! Nac: No, Lamli, you should stay. We should go over the details of our commission one more time--

(running footsteps)

Lamli: Master, Sir Lucas! I'm off~ See you later! Muu: Ahh! Lamli, don't pull my arm all of a sudden!

(dashes off)

Nac: Ah! L-lamli, Muu!

......

>Going, going, gone... >Lamli likes to do things his own way, huh

Nac: Oh, that Lamli...He's way too free-spirited. Lucas: Ahaha, I don't see the problem, though? Lucas: We third floor butlers all act of our free will and initiative. Lucas: "Freedom" would the motto for our floor, don't you think? Nac: Yes, you'd be correct... Nac: In theory, I don't disagree. Nac: I am just always worried that Lamli is going to cause trouble again... Lucas: You're really considerate, you know that, Nac? Lucas: It's not often you see someone who thinks of others as earnestly as you do. Nac: Hmm...I do wish Lamli would work harder to become a proper butler... Lucas: Haha! How many more decades will that take, I wonder? Nac: Hah...It's about as unimaginable as finding an oasis in the middle of the desert. Lucas: Master, I'm sorry to disturb you while you're resting from the lengthy trip... Lucas: But, I'd like to take a moment to look back at our commission a little.

>Sure, take it away >Sounds like a good idea

Nac: Our commission is to guard the festival from Angels... Nac: And guard it throughout the entire festival period. Lucas: It's not much different from our usual Angel Hunting. Nac: Correct. However, I heard something interesting from Lord Shakir earlier.

>Something interesting? >Something Lord Shakir said?

Nac: It seems that Angels don't attack the Southern Land very much. Lucas: It was my first time hearing that, too. Lucas: Maybe Angels aren't fond of the heat either? Nac: Frankly, Angels don't strike me as the type to be sensitive to those kinds of things... Lucas: You're not wrong there... Lucas: But, as a fact, Angels don't come often to the Southern Land. Lucas: How curious. Nac: Ah, that reminds me! Lord Shakir also mentioned the following. Nac: "Believe in God, and no Angels will come your way." Lucas: Believe in God, huh... Lucas: I actually did quite a bit of research on the Portrair family. Lucas: Their religion, Malakhism, states that... Lucas: "Our God resides in Heaven, above the clouds." Lucas: "He protects always the people of the land." Lucas: "However, should man stray from His will..." Lucas: "He rages, and sends Angels to exact His retribution." Lucas: These are the beliefs of Malakhism, it seems. Nac: Interesting. Lucas: By the way, this festival we're guarding... Lucas: It's apparently a festival to demonstrate the people's devotion to their deity. Lucas: On the day of the festival, the people dance and sing from dawn to dusk... Lucas: And end the festival by presenting an offering to their deity, and then offering a prayer. Lucas: In this festival, by presenting their devotion to God, Angels will not come attack them. Lucas: Their belief in that is steadfast. Nac: I see...Fascinating. Nac: So, in other words, this festival is very important for the Portrair family. Nac: In the event that an Angel appears, we eradicate them... Nac: And ensure that the festival finishes without incident. Nac: Those are the conditions of our commission.

>We've been assigned a pretty important task, huh... >I'm starting to get worried...

Lucas: Hehe. You have no need to feel uneasy, Master. Lucas: We will protect you, whatever the circumstances.

>Thank you. I really appreciate that.

(knocking on the door)

Lucas: Oh? It looks like someone's at the door. Nac: And just who could it be...?

(door opens)

Servant: Please excuse me for intruding. Servant: Esteemed guests of the Portrair family, I have brought you your supper for tonight.

* * *