Little Pink Starfish

Lunch with Yanu had been thoroughly satisfying. The chef, who had come north with a southern trade guild, managed to evoke the nostalgic flavours of the southern labyrinth for Eira—enough that he still thought about it the next day. While changing clothes, Eira spoke idly.

“Oron, a seafood place just opened in the city… Yanu really liked the food. Let’s have it served for lunch once a week.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

Though responding politely, Oron’s hands kept moving busily. A formal banquet was scheduled for lunch that day.

The outfit he dressed Eira in was, fittingly, pure white—befitting the Lord of the city of snow and ice, Solar. A robe symbolising his status as a mage flowed elegantly over it, embroidered in lavish silver and gold thread. Each index and ring finger bore finely-crafted rings—one denoting lordship, the others useful magical tools.

A golden cape of Skit silk draped over his shoulders, adorned with blue jewels at each corner. Thanks to the domain’s wealth, each piece of clothing and ornament was extravagantly valuable.

“All done, my Lord.”

“Thanks, Oron.”

Even for such a simple word of thanks, Oron’s face lit up with joy. Having learned the work from old Botello from a young age, Oron was deeply loyal—treating Eira like one would a delicate, priceless piece of glasswork.

And it wasn’t just Oron.

People’s affection translated into approval ratings, so it was good from a lord’s standpoint—but increasingly, Eira felt like people no longer saw him as a person, just an admired and distant noble figure.

His vassals were the exception—they still viewed him as human. That’s why he’d chosen to accept their children as his godchildren. He hoped the next generation would also see him as a person, not a symbol.

No, wait. I should exclude Bloom from that list…

Among both vassals and citizens, Bloom was something else entirely. Stubbornly remaining single, Eira kept an eye on Bloom’s affection level whenever he could. If someone ever caught his interest, Eira was ready to do his best to help them connect.

While thinking such things, they arrived at the banquet hall. A servant opened the doors grandly with a formal bow. Conversations among the already gathered guests ceased. Eira walked past the long marble table to its head. A servant carefully pulled out the chair, and Eira sat with a smile.

Across from him were various lords from dependent territories and envoys from domains seeking trade partnerships. The banquet table was filled to the last seat.

With a snap of his fingers, golden currents of mana flowed from Eira. The napkins the servants held flapped like wings and gently landed on guests’ laps. Bottles popped open with cheerful fizzing, releasing fragrant aromas. Glasses filled with a soft pour, and the golden current bloomed into delicate flowers near the plates, scattering sparkling light.

Those attending for the first time, and even those who’d seen it before, were mesmerised. Most mages didn’t use their magic in such ways—especially not illusion magic like this, which was rare unless you came from the labyrinth. Even nobles rarely got to witness such displays. With that flourish done, Eira raised his glass and spoke warmly.

“You’ve all come from far away. I hope you enjoy this lunch.”

The guests raised their glasses and offered thanks. As servants brought out dishes, the clatter of cutlery and delicious aromas filled the room.

Eira hosted these banquets once a month. Attendance wasn’t mandatory, even for subordinate lords. That meant most attendees were those who actively needed something from him.

“Lord Eira, congratulations on the temple expansion.”

“I saw it on the way here—it’s quite a sight. Nothing compares to Solar’s marble.”

“I’m sure Lord Morunka will be delighted as well.”

Eira listened to their flattery with a smile. The lofty pride of a labyrinth-raised mage relished this open adoration.

Well, of course!

After all, dragons had ground the previous city down like a blender, and Eira had bled his soul rebuilding it to this point. His vassals had bled too—literally—through exhaustion. The temple was a personal highlight among the new tourist landmarks. His instructions had been clear:

“Make it big! Make it beautiful! No matter the cost, it has to be so impressive people’s jaws drop the moment they see it!”

After ten years of expansion, the completed temple was so dazzling that just looking at it inspired reverence. Eira had poured equal effort into the city’s appearance as well. Realistically, building a well-planned city in a world like this was almost impossible. Settlements typically formed wherever people could avoid magical beasts, starting as haphazard villages and growing into tangled cities.

But Eira had something rare: a large population of citizens who had survived unharmed, vast cleared land, and more materials and money than he knew what to do with. With help from the little pebble, he carefully planned and built the city.

Now, Solar was a pristine white city known far and wide—a must-visit destination. Almost half the domain’s income came from tourism alone.

With a blatant smile and an aura that demanded more praise, Eira radiated satisfaction. The banquet flowed with laughter and praise for the city. The young lord who would soon rule a great domain basked in the thrill of power.

Once the lively atmosphere had settled into a warm hum, one lord carefully raised a topic.

“Lately, the price of grain in my territory has risen sharply… Might Lord Eira have any insights?”

Eira gracefully cut a piece of meat and replied,

“If prices rise because food is scarce, then reduce the number of mouths to feed.”

“But… is it really possible to reduce that? With magical beast incursions being so frequent…”

“In that case, let me help reduce them for you this year.”

“Mouths” typically referred to military forces. But reducing them carelessly was dangerous—every domain needed minimum forces to fend off beasts. The lord had been asking, indirectly, for aid. And Eira had agreed. That’s what vassalage and tribute were for.

“Come to think of it, I hear your apples are especially good this year.”

A hint. Bring apples as tribute.

“You enjoy apples, my Lord? The apples in my territory are delicious. I’ll be sure to bring some next time. They’re excellent as jam or tea.”

Such indirect negotiations continued. Some requested patrol support against magical beasts. Some had found silver mines. Some were embroiled in disputes with neighbours… Eira would listen quietly, then offer insights.

“There’s said to be a mine to the west of your domain—why not investigate?”

“In a few days, beasts will cross the river. Best be prepared.”

“Have you made enemies lately over your child? Best stay cautious for now.”

These were not things one could learn through normal means. The lords thanked him—but also shuddered at where he was getting this intel.

Such revelations were one reason they all strove to attend the monthly banquet. Many had reaped profit or even saved their lives thanks to Eira’s tips. Over time, the banquet table grew longer, and attendance rose.

And the more attendees, the more intel Eira could gather. Sitting at the head, reading their minds one by one, Eira smiled to himself.

The one who gained most from this was always the Lord of Solar.

Once the long banquet ended, the lords dispersed quickly with their new information. Eira stood from his seat and called out to Elsis, who had sat awkwardly silent the entire time. Mid-shuffle, Elsis quickly hurried over.

“Yes, Lord Eira. What is it?”

“You said you brought your adoptive children here to broaden their worldview, didn’t you? I plan to visit the temple tomorrow in preparation for the completion ceremony. If you’re free, join me.”

Elsis’s face lit up with a beaming smile. Eira smiled back, even though he’d known all along that Elsis’s real aim was to try the beauty-trap approach.

After he publicly declared his bond with the dragon, countless people had come crawling. Flattery was nothing; many did everything they could to win his favour. In just the first year alone, Eira felt like he’d met every beauty in the world. Some were bold enough to try seducing Yanu too.

Naturally… that didn’t end well.