Chapter Seventeen

(Location: Wheat Manor)

Within the Wheat Manor's opulent halls, Demeter led Muichiro through a labyrinth of grand rooms and elegant corridors.

The mansion was a testament to how much Demeter's familia actually made, with every inch adorned with intricate designs that spoke of its divine owner's wealth and power.

As they walked, Cuthbert, Demeter's loyal butler, approached them with impeccable timing. "My lady, the preparations are complete," he announced in a composed tone.

Demeter's cheerful expression brightened further. "Ah, wonderful! Thank you, Cuthbert," she said before turning her attention back to Muichiro. "Muichiro, come along. You're in for a treat."

*BVVVVVVVVVV*

Curiosity piqued, Muichiro could sense that a large group of people were gathering and followed Demeter as she led him to a grand dining hall.

His eyes like an eagle took in the sight before him. The hall was adorned with rich tapestries and elaborate chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow. But it was the tables laden with sumptuous dishes that captured his attention the most.

A wide array of dishes awaited him, from savoury meats to delicate pastries. The aroma of the food wafted through the air, tantalizing his senses.

Muichiro's eyes flickered between the tables and the people gathered around them. The hall was filled with members of Demeter's familia, their faces alight with excitement and anticipation.

Some were in groups, talking about their day while others were alone, sampling the food or drinks available. Classical music played in the background, as a band of hired musicians played.

With an infectious cheerfulness, Demeter raised her arms, her voice carrying throughout the hall. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present our newest familia member, Muichiro! Let's give him a warm welcome shall we!"

The room erupted into cheers and applause, the familia members showing their support for the newcomer.

Muichiro scanned the crowd, his senses sharpened by his training, estimating the levels of the adventurers around him. Most appeared to be level one, with a few level twos peppered among them.

As the applause subsided, Demeter turned towards Muichiro with a playful smile. "Go ahead, Muichiro. Don't be shy. Walk around, introduce yourself, and get to know your new familia members."

Muichiro nodded in acknowledgement and began his rounds. He approached each person with a calm demeanour, exchanging brief greetings and acknowledging their welcome.

The interactions were cordial, though he couldn't help but notice a lot of curious glances directed his way.

*BVVVVVVVVVVVV*

What Muichiro didn't know was that, when Demeter normaly welcomes a new member, they only meet the familia executives first before slowly getting to know all the familia members over time.

So this really was a rare thing to happen, and that also showed how much worth and potential she saw in Muichiro.

After meeting a handful of familia members, Muichiro's attention shifted back to the tables laden with food. His stomach rumbled in response to the tantalizing aromas. With a subtle look, he made his way to the buffet.

The spread was a culinary delight, You could expect nothing less from the familia of Demeter when it came to food.

Muichiro's eyes glimmered as he filled his plate with an assortment of dishes, each more tempting than the last.

He sampled each creation with a focused determination, savouring the flavours that danced across his palate.

At one point, he found himself in front of a platter of pastries, his cheeks slowly filling as he indulged in the sweet treats.

He looked like an adorable chipmunk, stuffing his cheeks.

The sight drew amused chuckles and tender smiles from a few familia members who had been observing his enthusiastic feasting.

"He's quite the eater, isn't he?" one young woman whispered to her companion, a warm smile gracing her features.

"Definitely," her companion replied with a laugh. "But it's kind of adorable, isn't it?"

Muichiro remained oblivious to the soft chatter around him, his focus solely on the food before him.

His cheeks were indeed puffed, giving him an unintentionally endearing appearance that drew more than a few amused glances.

As he continued to eat, Muichiro's thoughts shifted to his surroundings. The chatter, the laughter, and the camaraderie among the familia members...it was unlike anything he had seen before.

.....

*BVVVVVVVVVV*

After his indulgent feasting, Muichiro's usually impassive demeanour wavered when he accidentally bumped into a young girl.

He apologized, his monotone voice carrying through. The girl's response was as gentle as it was understanding, her own innocence evident in her demeanour. Her voice was soft and her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she introduced herself.

"I'm Betty Salatin, I'm eleven," she said with a warm smile. "I'm part of the Demeter familia too, just like my ma and pa. I'm a trainee farmer and food seller."

Muichiro tilted his head slightly, intrigued by the notion of someone even younger than him being part of a familia.

He listened as she explained that she aspired to continue in her parent's footsteps, and Demeter had granted her a blessing, albeit in a trainee capacity for now.

Nodding in response, Muichiro found himself chatting with her for a good while. and as they talked, Betty introduced Muichiro to anyone he hadn't spoken to as of yet.

.....

As the conversation continued, Muichiro's usually reserved demeanour seemed to relax slightly in Betty's presence.

"Hey, your face is all covered in food." Betty said in an exasperated tone, she then grabbed a napkin to help him wipe.

He remained stationary as she wiped away the crumbs from his face, her touch gentle and unassuming. He didn't recoil from her actions.

As Betty spoke, Muichiro's thoughts wandered. It was fascinating to hear the varied dreams and aspirations of those within the familia.

....

After a brief exchange, Muichiro excused himself with a nod. He walked away from the lively festivities, his gaze wandering the grandeur of the manor.

His steps guided him through the corridors until he stumbled upon an intriguing sight: gates leading to a descending staircase.

Ordinarily, these gates might have barred him entry, but Muichiro's unique abilities allowed him to bypass such obstacles.

As he whispered incantations under his breath, his form turned into mist, allowing him to drift through the locked gate with ease. The mist flowed down the staircase before regaining its solidity.

In this new form, Muichiro's steps were silent as he descended the stairs. The subterranean chamber that greeted him appeared to be an underground storage warehouse, its atmosphere heavy with the scent of stored goods.

His gaze swept across the scene, taking in the arrangement of crates and barrels.

With his heightened senses, Muichiro detected the subtle pulse of energy.

He had felt it halfway through the welcoming. A strange pulse of energy that seemed to be coming from beneath the manor. He had felt it three times. Once when Betty had introduced herself, twice when he was walking around with Demeter, and lastly when he was eating.

His curiosity was piqued and so he stepped further into the warehouse, intent on investigating the intriguing pulse that had caught his attention.

...

Betty salatin( Picture and Info)