A grand feast was held to banquet was held in the castle, it was in in full swing as the castle's modest great hall are packed with nobles, knights, and servants all taking part in the feast. The air was thick with the smell of roasted meats, stewed vegetables, and the unmistakable tang of overly fermented alcohol. Laughter and chatter echoed off the stone walls of the castle.

Atlest that was the atmosphere Rimuru and Rudeus had envisioned when they first thought of a royal banquet, yet how fate have a mysterious ways to disappoint our 2 boy yet again as the spectrum here was lack of a better world felt more rustic than the grand events.

Sat at a long table near the middle of the hall, Rimuru and Rudeus plates filled with what could generously be described as medieval cuisine as it includes meat, beard, vegetables soup and a cup of mead.

poked at a piece of tough, overcooked meat with his fork, Rimuru face an unreadable mask of calm as his innerself is questioning what kind of meat is this?

"So," he said dryly, glancing at Rudeus, who was grimacing at a slice of bread that looked and felt more like a brick. "This is... authentic food, huh? Feeling nostalgic yet, Rudeus?"

Rudeus groaned, taking a bite of the bread and struggling to chew it feeling the toughnes of the bread. "Not at all" he mumble swallow hard while his body creep out from the sour tast alone. "The meat’s like leather, and this bread..." he pause.

Lifting up the pieces of bread, Rudeus knockes it on the table which make a noise thay sound like he knocking a rock "it’s more weapon than food to be honest..."

Rimuru chuckled softly at Rudeus world while managing to swallow a spoon of the questionable stew in front of him. "I’ve eaten some strange things in my time, but this is a whole new level. And don’t even get me started on the beer."

He lifted his wooden mug and took a sip as he frowning at the bitter, watery brew when it hit his tongue. "And how is this considered a celebratory drink?" Rimuru ask, putting the mug down and wipe his mouth

Rudeus sighed, then downing his own mug of ale in one go not caring for the tast. "I don’t know, but it’s the only thing helping me get this stuff down."

Meanwhile Rory who sitting sitting beside Rimuru, is cradling her own mug of the low-quality beer as her cheeks flushed. Unlike the boys, tried their best to tolerate the food and drink. Rory seemed to be enjoying herself far more than either of them. Her tipsy state was becoming increasingly obvious as she leaned closer to Rimuru, her crimson eyes sparkling mischievously.

“You know~” she began, her voice sound teasingly and also tipsy as she traced a finger along the edge of her mug, “For someone so calm and composed, you’re kind of cute when you’re struggling with something as simple as food.” she said giving both Rimuru and Rudeus a mischievous and taunting glances.

Rimuru glanced back at her, while raising an eyebrow. “Struggling? I’m not struggling.” He gestured to his nearly empty plate with a faint smile as he defending himself. “See? I’m handling it just fine.”

Rory smirked, leaning even closer, her shoulder brushing against his. “Sure you are~ But..maybe you should loosen up a little. Why—So—Serious?.” again with the taunting voice and now her head swifted towards Rimuru, making to him feel as uncomfortable as possible.

Rimuru gave her a sidelong glance and through his tone light but still fill cautious. “I think you’ve had enough fun for both of us tonight, Rory.”

She laughed, her voice a bit louder than usual. “Oh, come on. I’m just getting started.” Her gaze softened, and she tilted her head slightly, her expression turning unexpectedly affectionate. “though... you’re not so bad to have around. Even if you are a little stiff.”

A bit supprise appear on Rimuru face not knowing where this affection come from. But before Rimuru could respond, a loud, high-pitched laugh drew their attention to Rudeus, who was looking increasingly uncomfortable.

Across the table from him sat two noblewomen, their appearances unfortunate enough to make even the low candlelight unflattering. Both had pale, blotchy skin, crooked teeth, and overly powdered faces that did little to hide their features. Their lavish dresses were slightly ill-fitting, and their giggles grated on the ears.

One of them leaned forward, fluttering her heavily mascaraed eyelashes at Rudeus. “Oh, Sir Rudeus,” she cooed, her voice like nails on a chalkboard, screaking to the naked eat. “You’re such a brave and handsome hero. Surely someone as gallant as you would enjoy some private company~?”

The other woman chimed in, her smile revealing uneven, yellowed and crooked teeth. “Yes, you must have so many stories to tell. We’d love to hear them... in a more intimate setting.”

Rudeus’s face was now mixture of horror and forced politeness as he laughed awkwardly, leaning back slightly while the two women leaned uncomfortablely closer. “Ah, well, you know, I’m, uh, really tired from the journey and—”

Before he could finish, the first woman grabbed his arm and her grip was surprisingly strong even for someone who do exercise everyday like Rudeus. “Oh, don’t be shy! We insist!”

Rimuru, watching the scene unfold, He tried best to suppress a laugh but failed, as he giggle and leaned over to Rory, who was grinning wickedly. “Looks like someone is having the time of their life~.”

Rory snorted at her own word and her tipsiness just make her laugh louder than she intended not that she care.

Rudeus shot at them both with desperate look, mouthing quietly at them to help him.

But reply to Rudeus depressed attempt, Rimuru just smile and waved his hand casually. “You’re on your own, buddy.” he said while trying not to bust out of laugh again while the 2 noble womans drag Rudeus to a more private place

Rory, still laughing, raised her mug in a mock like toast before Rudeus was pull out the hall and of sight of everone here. “Good luck, Rudeus. You’re a real hero tonight!”

As the two noblewomen continued to fawn over Rudeus, he began plotting his escape, his mind racing for any excuse to get away. Meanwhile, Rimuru and Rory returned to their own conversation, their laughter mingling with the noise of the feast.

Despite the awkwardness, discomfort, and questionable food, there was a strange camaraderie among the three of them. In a world so far from their own, they found humor and solidarity in each other’s misfortunes, making the challenges of their journey just a little more bearable.