Morning came to the mansion just like any other.

It was quiet and peaceful, as the only sounds that could be heard were from the feet that dragged down the stairs as brains kicked into gear in preparation for the day to come.

"Don't wanna! Don't wanna! Why do we have to go on a quest!? Don't we have money!?"

Although, it seemed one person in the mansion was reluctant to leave their chambers.

The residents cringed as Aqua's screechy voice echoed through the halls.

"We're going on a quest because I said so, Aqua! Now come on, I'm too tired to drag you down the stairs! Darkness, give me a hand…"

Kazuma growled as he tugged on the bluenette's legs, but her grip on the corner of the hallway was firm.

"Nooooo! I want to sleep in! I want to stay home and wait for Naruto to come home and make me more ramen!"

Aqua continued her defiant tantrum and even started kicking, successfully landing a heel to Kazuma's face as he was about to continue his verbal lashing.

The girls gasped as they watched their party leader fall backwards towards the stairs, just barely out of Darkness's reach.

'So… This is how I die for the third time… Please take care of me, Eris-sama… My true heroine… We shall be together soon…'

Kazuma thought with a lone tear escaping the corner of his eye as he fell.

Suddenly, a figure appeared halfway down the stairs and caught the boy.

They wore a fitted black suit and orange tie, with a pair of sleek black shoes that looked freshly shined.

"You best watch your step, my friend. Wouldn't want to add onto the Goddess Eris' plate, now would we?"

Naruto said in a tone that was unfamiliar to his fellow adventurer.

Was this actually Naruto? Or did Vanir perhaps sneak in and transform into the shinobi to stir up some trouble?

"A-are you okay, Kazuma-san?"

Yunyun asked from the top of the stairs, and Kazuma's jaw dropped. The Crimson Demon was wearing a dark pink dress lined with black laces that went down to her ankles where she stood on a pair of black heels. She shyly held her black gloved hands over her slightly exposed chest while staring down at the boys with a look of concern.

Megumin stomped up the stairs and forced her party leader's mouth shut before leveling a suspicious gaze on the nicely dressed duo.

"What are you two doing dressed up like that? Are you going on a date or something?"

"Why, yes, we are, my dear Megumin. But not in the way in which I presume you to be thinking. Yunyun and I are meeting with the fair Luna-san this afternoon for lunch. Care to join us?"

Having put Kazuma down on his feet, Naruto took Megumin's hand and placed a gentle kiss.

"E-eh…? What?"

Megumin, not having expected such a response/action, blushed furiously as she watched the shinobi walk up the stairs.

"Lady Lalatina-"

"D-d-d-d-don't call me that while speaking in such a way! E-eep!"

"-would you care to join us as well?"

Naruto asked Darkness and placed a kiss on the back of her hand as well, causing the knight's face to flare up at once.

Yunyun pouted as she watched her party member showcase the fruits of his training. Even if it was all just an act, seeing him behave in such a manner towards other women was frustrating.

On behalf of Wiz, of course.

"I-is this some new form of sexual harassment you cooked up to torment me!? B-because if it is, it's working!"

Darkness barked as she retracted her hand, her face a mixture of embarrassment and delight.

"Oh, Lalatina-"

"I said don't call me that!"

"-your antics never cease to amuse me. But I do hope you will agree to join us, for we will be attending lunch at the Golden Chalice."

Naruto revealed with a chuckle, earning a collective gasp from the group.

"Isn't that the most expensive and lavish restaurant in town!?"

"I've been hearing rumors that the place was serving a strange foreign food…"

"Why is Luna going to be there?"

As the three berated Naruto with questions, Aqua stood up and dusted herself off in a graceful fashion. It was like a switch had been flipped as she held her hand out to the ninja expectantly.

"Will we be dining on the center plateau again, Naruto-san? I think I will try ordering the Eldenberry wine this time-"

"What are you talking about, Aqua-san? Did I not just hear you wished to sleep in today? I will be borrowing your party, so they won't force you to go out. Isn't that great?"

Naruto interjected while proceeding to give the goddess the same courtesy.

"Eh?"

Aqua blinked, her expression frozen in place as the boy's words sunk in.

"So, shall we depart? It'll be my treat, of course."

Naruto continued before walking down the stairs, with Kiki and Yunyun carefully following the teen.

Megumin and Darkness looked at each other. The same thought going through their minds.

Suspicious!

"N-Naruto-san, now that I am up and about, I am feeling much better! See? I even had a dress picked out for the next time we went to that restaurant! Also, the spirit! What if they lash out again!? You'll need me there!"

Aqua, now on the verge of tears, tried her best to maintain her high-class persona as she desperately followed after the shinobi.

"How very kind of you to push yourself, Aqua-san. But I hope you are not breaking character just for my sake. As for Sylvia, Kiki has assured me that she can keep the spirit in check so long as she is concentrating on the seal. So please, feel free to indulge in your true nature and just relax today."

Naruto replied with a soft chuckle, pat the girl's shoulder affectionately, then proceeded to leave her behind. Kiki wouldn't be able to communicate while she was concentrating on the seal, which was a shame. Especially if everything went according to plan today.

'P-poor thing…'

Kazuma watched as Aqua turned around, her face contorted in a massive tear-filled pout. Naruto was definitely still upset over the fact that she couldn't help him with Sylvia after all that talk she had done.

Leaving the moping blue thing aside, he knew exactly what this all entailed. After Naruto revealed what his intentions were the other day, Kazuma was aware of the "training sessions" the shinobi was having with Luna. To think they were having said sessions at the fanciest restaurant in town.

'What's confusing me though is why Naruto's inviting all of us to lunch, especially Darkness.'

Naruto had been scared of the Crusader finding out in fear that she would stop whatever plan he had come up with.

What changed?

It seemed Kazuma wasn't the only one having such curious thoughts as he could see Darkness and Megumin conversing as they walked back up the stairs, presumably to change.

'Well, might as well tag along for a free experience at a luxurious restaurant.'

Whatever Naruto had in store for them, there was only one way to find out.


"Ah! Master Naruto! So good to see you! The kitchen has been set up just the way you requested!"

Chalice greeted as Naruto and the rest of the group entered the restaurant.

"Good day to you too, Mr. Chalice. I look forward to working with you this fine afternoon. I trust my Kitsune will be allowed entry? I can assure you that she is clean."

Naruto returned his own greeting with a slight bow before he put his fingers together in a cross shape to create a half dozen Shadow Clones.

"My word! What a rare specimen indeed! But of course, master Naruto! Knowing you, she is presumably tamed?"

Chalice replied while staring at Kiki with wide eyes. It wasn't everyday one got to see a mythical monster.

'Ah, this must be the man who offered Naruto that ridiculous amount of money to make ramen at his restaurant.'

Kazuma deduced as Chalice suddenly walked in front of Darkness and bowed his head.

"I did not know we were expecting another noble this afternoon! Forgive me for not noticing sooner, Dustiness-sama!"

"Ah, no… I am here with my party members, not as a member of the Dustiness family. Please, treat me as any other customer."

Darkness, who was wearing a lacey blue dress that nearly touched the floor, performed a perfect curtsy.

"It's still so weird seeing Darkness act this way. She's like a completely different person."

Megumin leaned over and whispered to Kazuma, causing the female knight to twitch. She was wearing her blood red dress with black fishnets and matching black fishnet gloves. Definitely fitting for the Crimson Demon, not that Kazuma would ever openly admit that.

'At least I still had my nice black suit…'

Kazuma thought while grimacing at his own tuxedo.

"Well then, if you would follow me to your table…"

A server chimed in and started making his way towards the hallway.

"Go on ahead, everyone. I am going to wait for our final member."

Naruto said and gestured for the group to follow after the server.

'So… Are you going to tell me what your grand plan is yet?'

Kurama chimed in as the shinobi watched his friends disappear down the hall.

'Hehe… I don't know if you remember, but Chris said Alderp was away on a business trip to the Royal Capital. Before we parted ways that night, she told me she found out when he was coming back.'

Naruto thought in response, suppressing the urge to smirk.

'If you were a corrupt noble, and you were returning home from a long trip, wouldn't you want everyone in your domain to know about your return?'

The ninja asked when the door behind him opened, and a pair of guards marched in and parted ways so that a round man with blonde hair and blue eyes strutted into the building.

'Ah… So this is why you chose the Golden Chalice as your location for these lessons. I thought you might have just grown a lavish taste, but now I'm honestly impressed.'

Kurama thought in amusement before quieting down to observe what else its host had in store.

"Welcome, Alderp-sama! We have eagerly awaited your return! I trust your trip home went without trouble?"

Chalice was on the noble in an instant and bowed his head politely.

"Yes, it was quite alright, James. I would like to thank you for hosting my return banquet as usual. I have been looking forward to this foreign dish you spoke of in your letters."

Alderp replied without even looking Chalice's way as he inspected the entrance hall. That was when he noticed Naruto standing by the receptionist desk, a pleasant smile on his face. The noble's eyes narrowed.

"I know you, boy… You're that recent upstart adventurer, aren't you? What do they call you again?"

"Naruto Uzumaki, sir. It is an honor to officially meet you."

Naruto replied with a bow. It was infuriating that this man didn't recognize him for the trial that had nearly gotten both him and Kazuma executed, but the ninja kept his cool. After all, one bad sentence was all it took to earn the ire of a noble.

"Yes, quite…"

Alderp's gaze fell on Kiki, who had taken a stance behind the shinobi's leg. His eyes immediately lit up with greed as he leaned forward.

"My… Is that a Kitsune? Quite a rare catch you have there, boy. How much would it take for you to be willing to part ways with this creature?"

"Her name is Kiki, Alderp-sama, and I wouldn't touch her if I were you. The last man to touch this Kitsune's fur had to retire as an adventurer, as his swordsmanship days ended at that moment. But rest assured, she listens to my command."

Naruto warned with a whimsical smile, causing the noble to quickly pull his hand back. It was a lie, but he didn't want Alderp's stubby little fingers touching Kiki.

"I-I see… Now tell me, James. What is this adventurer doing here?"

Alderp asked, his gaze finally resting on Chalice.

"T-this is the man who will be preparing that foreign dish, sir… I can assure you, I verified that master Naruto has a maxed out Cooking skill myself!"

The restaurant owner stuttered under the intense stare that was being directed towards him.

Naruto resisted the urge to sigh… This was going to be a lot harder than he thought.

"I see… Well then, adventurer, I look forward to this dish. James, show me and my servants to the plateau. I am feeling rather parched after my trip."

Alderp started walking towards the hallway, and the owner had to make haste to take the lead.

"The pleasure is all mine…"

Naruto muttered as a handful of maids followed after the noble.

'Well, now I just need to wait for Luna-cha-'

His thoughts were cut short when a servant with long pink hair walked past him. Eyes widening, Naruto subconsciously reached a hand out when he heard a voice from the entrance.

"Ah, good afternoon, Naruto-san. Did you wait for me again? How very sweet of you."

Luna, who was wearing a bright yellow dress this time around, greeted the adventurer with a polite curtsy.

Forcing the panic back down his throat, Naruto turned to face his friend with a practiced grin.

"Not at all, Luna-san. I only just arrived."

He held out his right arm, to which the receptionist readily accepted.

"Oh my…! Is that what I think it is!? A real life Kitsune…"

Luna gasped when she noticed Kiki standing on Naruto's other side. The small golden eyes, fluffy white fur that looked so soft to the touch… Luna nearly squealed at how adorable the mythical creature was.

"Yes, this is Kiki. We bonded just outside of Nuzloft, the Beast Tamer village I was telling you about. Anyways, thank you again for joining me once more. Our group is waiting for us in the dining hall."

"I-I see… Then we probably shouldn't keep them waiting, Naruto-san."

Luna replied as the teen led her down the hallway, silently cursing to herself that they wouldn't be alone again.

Not that Naruto noticed anything as the panic began to bleed through his expression.

Because the maid that had passed by him was Morrigan.


The moment Naruto entered the dining hall, he found the atmosphere to be quite heavy. The music was slow, and coupled with the dim lights and quiet diners, it was a hard contrast compared to his previous visit.

"Lalatina! What a pleasant surprise! Did you come here just to welcome me home?"

Alderp didn't seem bothered by the gloomy atmosphere as he very obviously ogled over Darkness.

"What a surprise indeed, Alderp-dono… On behalf of my family, I welcome you back from the capital. But I am actually here dining with my comrades."

Darkness greeted with a nod before gesturing towards her friends. On the outside, she appeared to be completely calm. But that couldn't be any farther from the truth, as she was panicking to high hell on the inside.

What was Alderp doing here!? Of all the rotten luck! If her party members so much as opened their mouths, they were screwed!

'At least Aqua was left back at home…'

Darkness thought with a sense of relief. That was when she noticed Naruto entering the room with Luna, and it clicked.

That man was very clearly up to something this morning, she couldn't believe she hadn't realized sooner.

'That little… Even after I asked him to distance himself from Alderp, he goes and asks Luna to teach him proper etiquette! Did he know Alderp would be here today!?'

That would certainly explain the kiss on the back of the hand. While Luna had certainly taught the shinobi well, nobles didn't go around kissing the hands of every maiden they came into contact with.

Such a trope was popular within noble-themed romance novels.

But it was too late to worry about such things now, she could berate him later. For now, they just needed to get through this lunch without offending Alderp.

"You should come join me on the plateau, Lalatina. The elevated area is much more suited for someone of your status than this simple table here with these… Comrades of yours."

Alderp suggested while glancing at the rest of the group with distasteful eyes.

Kazuma gulped. This was the bastard that nearly got him and Naruto killed!

…Yes, it was totally that corrupt noble's fault. Damn corrupt noble.

He wondered what Darkness is thinking right now… She had to have figured out what Naruto's plan was by now, right?'

Darkness's smile remained intact, in spite of her growing anger/frustration at Alderp's obvious implications. She was about to respond when someone cleared their throat.

All eyes turned to Naruto, but surprisingly, it was Luna who spoke.

"Good day to you, Lord Alderp. My name is Luna, and I represent the Adventurer's Guild in the Axel branch. On behalf of the adventurers and guild staff, I thank you for your continued support."

Luna said with a bow, causing the nobleman to blink.

"O-oh, of course… It is because of the adventurers and the hard work that they do that our peaceful town has been flourishing."

Alderp stuttered and was about to continue pressuring Darkness into joining his table when Luna spoke again.

"Actually, I am rather pleased that I have everyone here. The Adventurer's guild has received a notice from the royal family."

"!"

The entire restaurant fell silent after hearing the woman's declaration, and even Alderp seemed surprised.

Retrieving a letter from her handbag, Luna opened it and began to read.

"By the sovereign will of the Royal Family of Belzerg, it is hereby declared that the esteemed adventurer, Naruto Uzumaki, is officially recognized and appointed as a Hero Candidate. This honor is bestowed in recognition of his notable valor and dedication to humanity. May he continue to bring honor and glory to our kingdom."

Luna announced, and there was a roar of cheering throughout the previously silent restaurant.

Naruto was surprised by the turn of events, but despite the seriousness of his current predicament, he couldn't help but scratch at his whisker marks sheepishly. Recognition was always a weak point of his.

'Hey! What about me!? What about my accomplishments!? I nearly died during some of those battles with high bounty targets!'

Kazuma chewed on the tablecloth out of pure frustration, earning an empathetic pat from Megumin.

"Congratulations, Naruto Uzumaki. It seems your actions have been acknowledged by even the royal family. Now if you'll excuse me, I am now feeling rather peckish for this exotic dish of yours."

Alderp said with a hint of bitterness in his voice and turned to walk to the plateau.

"The honor is all mine, Alderp-sama."

Naruto replied with a grin. With the official Hero Candidate title, that significantly raised his social standing. To think it would be revealed right in front of Alderp too… He wasn't sure if that was a blessing or misfortune.

Either way, the man's face had been priceless.

'Now if only I could do something about Morrigan…'

The shinobi thought as he glanced up at the pink haired beauty while Alderp wasn't looking. The Succubus hadn't so much as looked his way… Was she that scared of the noble? It really made his blood boil.

'I think she might be under some sort of trance, kid… A curse, maybe? I'm sensing a different sort of demonic signature from that Succubus.'

Kurama noted, and risking a closer look, Naruto noticed Morrigan's eyes did seem a little foggy.

Perhaps the influence of the demon Alderp was in a contract with?

'Congratulations, Naruto-san!'

Yunyun thought, a bright smile on her face as she joined in on the ongoing applause.

"There is also a letter written directly to Naruto-san that I was instructed to deliver."

Luna added and placed the sealed envelope into the shinobi's hands.

Finally over her initial shock, Darkness took one look at the letter and noticed the insignia as Naruto opened it.

Her face turned ghostly white. It couldn't be…

" To the one who defeated many of the Demon King's generals, a great adventurer who made exemplary contributions to the nation, Naruto Uzumaki-dono. I've heard about your marvelous accomplishments, and hope to meet with you face to face. May I enjoy a meal together with you?"

Naruto read aloud with a growing look of confusion on his face. At the bottom of the letter wrote "Iris".

Where had he heard that name before?

Judging by the expressions on both Luna's and Darkness's faces, it had to be from someone important.

"I would be honored to have lunch with you, Iris-sama."

Naruto finally said, and the audience seemed to have lost their minds as they cheered once more.

'I see… So even the princess has taken an interest in this fellow. I guess he is Jiraiya's disciple after all.'

Alderp thought while glaring daggers at the shinobi who seemed to be reveling in the attention of the restaurant. Wasn't this supposed to be about his return to this ungrateful town?

No matter. He would enjoy his meal and go home to enjoy some more "fun time" with his newest maid.

"Your food has arrived, Alderp-sama. Naruto Special: The Food of the Gods, sir."

A servant said as they placed a tray on the table. The lid was then lifted, which allowed a cloud of steam to float into the noble's face.

'W-what heavenly scent is this!?'

Losing control of his urges, Alderp hastily snatched the provided chopsticks and was about to dig in when he took a full look at the meal.

The creamy, white broth, sent up tendrils of steam that carried a rich, savory aroma into the air. Alderp noticed how the thin, golden noodles rested in the broth, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of firmness, almost begging him to take a bite.

His eyes were drawn to the tender slices of pork belly, each piece marbled and glistening which made his mouth water. Beside the pork lay a soft-boiled egg, its yolk a vibrant, molten gold that seemed ready to spill forth at the slightest touch. The green of finely chopped scallions added a burst of color, contrasting with the deep, rich tones of the broth and pork.

Every element was carefully arranged, creating a dish that was not just a meal, but a visual and aromatic feast that one could only consider an artistic masterpiece.

Alderp carefully pinched some noodles into his chopsticks and took a bite.

'T-this is…!'

Just like that, he was hooked. Bite after bite, the nobleman couldn't stop until the contents of the bowl had vanished before he knew it.

"W-waiter! Another bowl, now!"

"Y-yes sir!"

The servant stuttered and took off running towards the kitchen.

As the scent of The Food of the Gods began to fill the restaurant, Alderp couldn't help but stare at the mysterious adventurer that was Naruto Uzumaki.

How could a low-born peasant create such a powerful meal!?

No… The boy had blonde hair and blue eyes; the signs of nobility. Was he descended from an outcasted noble family from another country, perhaps?

'Nevertheless, I must get my hands on that recipe!'

Alderp decided as he impatiently awaited his next bowl.

With the scheme he had invested in at that blasted Beast Tamer village ending in failure, he needed a new source of cash if he wanted his long term goals to succeed.

'Hm?'

While he was searching for his waiter to complain about his food taking too long, he noticed something rather peculiar.

Lalatina was leading Naruto towards the hallway, a troubled expression on her face.

Jealousy flared through the noble's veins. Even as his seconds were delivered, his bloodshot eyes never left the adventurer's back.

Were those two involved? Preposterous! Not his pure, unadulterated Lalatina! He would not have it!

Angrily lifting the lid from his new tray, Alderp gorged himself on the foreign delicacy.

There was no need to be so impatient. After all, so long as he had Maxwell, he was unstoppable!


"Is everything okay, Lalatina-sama?"

"Drop the act, Naruto! This is serious! You have to decline that invitation!"

Darkness hissed, earning a strange look from the shinobi.

"Huh? Why? You saw how good my etiquette has become. Be it the Princess, or the King of Belzerg, you better believe I'm prepared!"

Naruto boasted while sticking a thumb into his chest.

"You don't understand… This affects my family too! Also, you're still underestimating Alderp! He's pissed that you showed him up today! Just watch, he's going to invite us to his mansion to celebrate your accomplishments. But in actuality, it'll be to remind you of the difference between your statuses… Why didn't you listen to me… You're just as bad as Kazuma!"

Darkness explained before groaning into her hands.

"Hey, don't lump me in with that hopeless party leader of yours. I promise not to drag your family's name through the mud, and even put in a good word for you guys during my meeting with the Princess."

Naruto replied with a shrug and turned to walk back to the table when Darkness grabbed his hand.

"Ugh… Okay, I guess I can't really do anything to stop you. Just… Tell me if you're planning something so I can at least try and talk you out of it?"

She pleaded with a tired expression, and the shinobi blinked in surprise.

Naruto was so sure the Crusader was going to be a helluva lot angrier than this. But her support(?) put a smile on his face.

"Sure! I'll fill you in with the others later, okay?"

"Thank you… Wait, what? Others? There are others!? Hey! Wait a second! Come back here, Naruto!"

Darkness hissed as Naruto slipped out of her hold and made his way back to the table. She reluctantly followed, taking a seat next to Kazuma in a huff. The previously peeved boy seemed to be in a rather good mood, if the goofy smile on his face had anything to go off of.

"...Why are you so happy?"

"Heh… While you were off professing your love to our local Hero Candidate, Luna-san gave me a letter too. It seems the princess wants to hear about my accomplishments in person as well."

Kazuma revealed, brandishing the letter that was addressed to one "Kazuma Satou" with the royal insignia present on the now broken seal.

Darkness's jaw dropped. It was as if the whole world started spinning around her.

"You know, I always wanted a little sister. After meeting Komeko at Megumin's home, I decided that I definitely wanted one. Judging by the princess's handwriting, she must be-HEY! Give that back!"

Kazuma barked when Darkness suddenly snatched the letter from his hands, a crazed look in her teary eyes.

They were so screwed!


A/N: Next chapter: A Little Sister's Debut!

Review and let me know what you all thought of the chapter!

Spirit out!