He bowed slightly.
"You have my personal guarantee they'll be treated as guests."
Hazuki groaned again, eyes dead.
"Haaa…"
Hansim added smoothly, with just a hint of cheek.
"Ah—and please do wear formal clothes. If possible."
Hazuki twitched.
"…Fine."
And then—
"YAAAAAAY!!!"
The kids erupted into cheering, jumping, spinning in place, hugging each other.
"We're going to a noble party!!"
"Do they have fireworks!?"
"I want to wear a bowtie!"
"Can I ride a goat there!?"
"No, stupid, it's a carriage!"
Hazuki flopped back onto the couch like a dying man.
"I feel like I just got scammed by a bunch of tiny con artists…"
Ridan floated above, smug as ever.
"You did. But they're adorable, so it's okay."
Hansim reached into his coat and pulled out a slim leather pouch.
He handed it to Hazuki without a word.
It made a satisfying clink—definitely more than a few silver inside.
"Don't worry, Mister Hazuki. Here's some money for the children's outfits."
Hansim smiled calmly.
