Chapter 1024: Chapter 1023: The Prelude to the Banquet
Nightfall.
Finally, the day has arrived.
Looking at the colorful city lights outside the window, Fang Zheng nodded with satisfaction. This invitation went smoothly, not only did all members of the Dark Moon Sword Guild attend, but even the Red Knight Order and Dark Nebula accepted the invitation. Although some keen-eared media wanted to apply for an interview for this banquet, after careful consideration, Fang Zheng rejected their requests. This is a very private gathering, and the Death Game event has passed, so he doesn’t want the media to stir up any news.
"Mr. Fang Zheng, everything is ready."
Upon hearing this voice, Fang Zheng turned his head and saw Asuna in her gown, waving at him as she approached. Beside her was Kurumi, dressed as usual in black attire.
"Thanks for your hard work, Kurumi."
Fang Zheng first nodded to Kurumi, then looked toward Asuna.
"So Asuna, I’ll leave the guest reception to you, as the Vice-President of the Dark Moon Sword. No problem, right?"
"Of course, leave it to me."
Upon hearing Fang Zheng’s instructions, Asuna nodded and walked towards the elevator.
This banquet is held at the top-level banquet hall of the newly established CC Club. Fang Zheng put in a lot of effort for this event, spending a significant amount of money to decorate the entire hall in the shape of the restaurant where everyone often gathered in the game. Even the lighting, tables, chairs, and food are roughly based on the victory banquets in the game.
In Fang Zheng’s view, this is the best place for everyone to celebrate victory together.
And right now in the banquet hall, besides Asuna and Kurumi, there are some other little girls.
"Soon, we will see those who fought alongside MASTER, I feel a bit excited."
Illya, wearing a white gown, poked her head from a corner, curiously looking in the direction of the elevator. Beside her, Little Hei chuckled softly.
"I’m curious too, but it’s a pity big brother couldn’t bring us along this time, otherwise I’d want to play a little bit."
"I just hope they’re not too scary..."
Yoshino, wearing a hat, hid behind the two and hugged a small kitten, secretly praying.
On the other side, Natsuse, Nobiru, and others in maid outfits were busy placing decorations and furniture. For the Cursed Children, this kind of physical work is nothing.
Not only Natsuse and Nobiru, but even Farron Xiuxiu’s group arrived at the venue, waiting backstage for their performance. This time, Fang Zheng brought everyone from the Heavenly Dao Palace... including Nymph, Black Katie, and Tilia.
Furthermore, upstairs were Iona and the Vampire along with other Fleet Girls handling security... well, just in case.
"Is this the place..."
Looking at the illuminated, futuristic building ahead, Black Cat took a deep breath. She checked the invitation and then consulted her phone for the address before bringing her two sisters into the lobby. Soon, a voice reached Black Cat’s ears.
"Ah, Black Cat, you’re here."
"Asuna..."
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Black Cat relaxed somewhat and turned around to see Asuna in a gown, standing by the door, smiling and waving.
"Good evening, Black Cat."
"Good evening, Asuna. What are you doing here?"
"Mr. Fang Zheng asked me to oversee guest reception, so I’m waiting here... Are these your sisters?"
As she spoke, Asuna curiously glanced at the two cute little ones behind Black Cat.
"Yes, these are my sisters, Hinata and Shuki... This is Asuna, the Vice-President of our Dark Moon Sword Guild."
Upon hearing Black Cat’s introduction, the two little girls stepped forward and politely greeted Asuna.
"Hello, Sister Asuna, I’m Kirigaya Hinata."
"I’m Kirigaya Shuki..."
"Hello to you both, I’m Yuki Asuna, you can call me Asuna."
Seeing the two adorable ones, Asuna cheerfully greeted them and turned back to Black Cat.
"Just go to the end, take the elevator to the top floor, that’s where the banquet hall is."
"Hmm...I understand."
After listening to Asuna’s explanation, Black Cat nodded. But just as she was about to leave with her sisters, suddenly, a figure wearing a black cloak and carrying a parasol walked in, wobbling like an elderly lady.
"Ha...ha...is this the banquet hall..."
"Sophie?"
Seeing the tightly wrapped silver-haired girl ahead, both Asuna and Black Cat were momentarily surprised. Sophie took off her cloak, letting out a breath.
"Good thing it’s dark...otherwise, I wouldn’t be able to go out... Hello, Asuna, Black Cat."
"By the way, wearing this...aren’t you hot?"
Greeting Sophie, Asuna looked at the girl’s heavy "armor" in surprise. It’s still summer here, and even though it’s night, it’s somewhat sultry outside... Sophie is dressed completely for autumn and winter...
"It’s okay, I don’t feel hot."
Sophie shook her head, stood up straight, and glanced around at the empty lobby.
"There’s nothing here?"
"The banquet’s on the top floor, you can go up with Black Cat and the others... By the way, you can leave your coat at the counter when you go up, just collect it when you’re leaving."
"Alright."
Sophie sighed with relief and was about to greet Black Cat when suddenly several voices came from the entrance.
"Oh...I haven’t arrived yet? I’m exhausted."
"What are you exhausted for, Little Jia, hurry up, we’re here... You said you wanted Mr. Fang Zheng to be impressed with you! If you keep stalling, your precious gown will be ruined!"
Along with the voices, three girls walked in. Leading them was a girl with lovely blond hair wearing a pure white gown, accompanied by a short-haired girl in black attire. Behind them, a red-haired girl wearing a Gothic dress similar to Black Cat’s showed a disdainful hohoho smile.
"So weak, Gabriel, do you still want to be my rival with this?"
"Who wants to be your rival..."
Gabriel reluctantly complained as she entered the lobby, then comfortably squinted her eyes.
"Ah...air conditioning is truly heaven..."
"Hello, Gabriel."
Seeing Gabriel, Asuna was a bit surprised but greeted her. Upon hearing Asuna’s voice, Gabriel looked over and waved at her.
"Yo, Asuna, I’m here. These are my friends...Huh?"
As she spoke, Gabriel’s eyes suddenly focused on Sophie.
Seeing Gabriel and others appear, Sophie stood there pale, like a wax figure, motionless.
"Ha..."
Watching the two facing each other, Black Cat sighed. In fact, upon entering, she had already noticed the auras of Sophie and Gabriel. If it had been before, Black Cat might have been shocked; but now she’s a Magic Apprentice, familiar with Angels and Vampires, so she wasn’t that surprised.
But now... judging by their expressions, they shouldn’t start a fight... right?