Volume 5 Chapter 55 It's A Party, But...
Before long, Reed and I were able to receive the official approval of our full recovery. We were advised to refrain from engaging in combat, but it was okay to move somewhat vigorously in other ways.
And so,
"You kept us waiting, you guys! It's the long-awaited feast!!"
--Woooooahhh!!
Accompanied by Nikyou's grand lead, everyone present raised their cups filled with alcohol and cheered loudly. The volume of their voices was so loud that the windows of the tavern shook, indicating how much everyone had been looking forward to this moment.
The theme of the feast was, of course, a celebration of the Jingin Family's victory in the conflict with the Kahlua Family, once again establishing the Jingin Family at the top of Eubarest's underworld.
The people of Jingin were eager to get started right away, but Nikyou put a stop to it. There was no good reason to be drinking and having a party, ignoring the most deserving person in this conflict. Furthermore, up to this moment today, he had ordered all his subordinates to abstain from alcohol. Following suit, the members of the mercenary group also refrained from drinking with a heavy heart.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating the start of the feast from the bottom of their hearts, which was evident from the opening scene. Without exception, they all drank their cups of booze in one gulp. It seemed like they just wanted to drink, didn't it?
'Feasts are mostly just an excuse to drink, right?'
"Yeah, that's true..." I sat on a high-quality, fluffy sofa surrounded by rowdy companions, tilting my cup. I was seated in the best spot as the guest of honor, with the finest alcohol lined up on the table.
"Everyone, things were more tense than during the conflict yesterday."
"It was a grim atmosphere, almost to the point of being hesitant to call it outrageous to have a drinking party without Yukina-sama."
Aina and Mikage murmured to each other as they sat together on the same sofa. While I couldn't move, it seemed like they had been busy with various things in the aftermath. Whenever I tried to do something in return, I always ended up relying on them for help. Sometimes I feel really sorry about that.
"It is an honor to be of use to my lord. Please don't worry."
"I always know that Yukina-san values you dearly."
Mikage and Aina are still too good, it almost brings tears to my eyes. I strongly felt that I need to continue to improve and become a man worthy of them.
"But, I finally feel like we've put an end to the commotion in Eubarest with this."
Kyunei sat next to me and poured alcohol into my empty cup. Despite being given approval, she was acting as a watchdog to make sure I, still recovering from illness, didn't drink an endless amount of alcohol. For this gathering, I left all my drinking management to her. Both Mikage and Aina readily agreed to this.
"Hey, bro, are you drinking?"
Nikyou, who was already getting tipsy, approached me with a big laugh. He, known as a heavy drinker so much that Gram calls him a monkey, wouldn't get drunk in the early stages of the party. In reality, he was probably just intoxicated by the atmosphere.
"I won't join you in a drinking contest. I'm still recovering from illness."
"Although it's usually said at celebratory occasions, he will follow the doctor's orders."
Faced with Kyunei's smile, Nikyou obediently backed down. He probably didn't intend to push too hard in the first place, but he seemed a bit overwhelmed by her presence.
"By the way, bro. Have you thought about that matter we discussed?"
"Here we go again. You're persistent, huh."
Setting aside the offer of alcohol, Nikyou leaned forward on the table.
The 'usual topic' refers to the matter of the brothers that Nikyou is currently discussing.
"It's not just persistence. When I see something like that, I can't help but want to share a cup no matter what."
Initially brought up in the heat of the moment at a previous drinking session, Nikyou expressed a desire to formally exchange the 'brothers' cup', not just as a joke or for fun.
Even when I couldn't get out of bed, every time he visited, Nikyou would bring up this topic with a serious look in his eyes.
Moreover,
'Nikyou is not just asking for an equal exchange, partner. He's actually lowering himself, so you might hesitate a bit.'
In the world of the mafia, it is said that they exchange these "cups" when forming relationships. By exchanging these cups, a hierarchy is established based on the agreed-upon "portion," creating a bond as strong as blood ties, or even stronger. While the details are more complex, Gram summarized this part for me.
Initially, I thought the discussion would be on equal terms with a "5/5" split, but Nikyou proposed a "4/6" split. What surprised me was that Nikyou took 4 and I took 6, meaning I am in the position of the big brother.
"I fell head over heels for Bro Yukina's manliness. When one man falls for another, there's no need to discuss who's superior."
"It's only natural to be captivated by Yukina-sama's gallant figure up close. Nikyou, you certainly have good judgment in recognizing that."
While sipping on alcohol little by little, Mikage casually interjected. Nikyou's insistence on sharing a cup might be akin to his desire to become my subordinate.
"I don't want to give the wrong impression, but even if we share a cup, I'm not stingy enough to help my bro for support. If my bro, rely on us, the Jingin Family, I'll help them without hesitation, regardless of sharing a cup. No, let me help."
The strength emanating from his words revealed how serious Nikyou was.
Looking to Aina for her opinion, she silently shook her head. She had silently conveyed that it was my decision to make. Kyunei also seemed uninterested in interfering, simply smiling and pouring sake.
'Partner, it's about time you give in.'
Gram's smirking voice made me scratch my head.
Honestly, I had started to like this cool guy with a good sense of manliness. He's tough and good at fighting. Even though our time together is short, it's clear that he's deeply admired by everyone in the group, regardless of his position.
Being confronted so directly by someone like that, I didn't think I could brush it off so easily.
As Nikyou stared straight at me, I took a breath and swirled the drink in my glass. I felt a bit embarrassed to drink it sober from this point on.
"...It makes me itch when older guys call me 'bro (aniki).' Can you at least keep calling me 'buddy (kyoudai)'?"
"--Y-yeah!"
At my implied agreement, Nikyou joyfully clenched both fists. He stood up energetically and shouted loudly into the noisy tavern.
"Listen up, you guyyyys!!"
In the rowdy tavern where Nikyou's voice rang out, the place fell silent in an instant. Once he confirmed all eyes were on him, he continued speaking.
"I, Nikyou Jingin, have received permission to share a cup with Black Blade Yukina! As of this moment, the Jingin Family will come under the umbrella of Yukina and his group! Anyone with complaints, speak up now! I'll personally toughen you up!!"
In the tense silence that followed, I couldn't help but swallow nervously. Right after that, every member of the Jingin Family knelt down, placing their hands on their knees and bowing their heads.
"""Please take care of us, Great Boss Yukina!"""
"Oh, of course. Please take care of me."
Overwhelmed by the unified movements and voices, I reflexively responded.
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