From RE0, Sato Kazuma decided to cheat on food and drink

Just leave before he finishes eating and pays!

With that thought in mind, Kazuma Sato then put the wallet he had just received back into his pocket.

"You two must be Lady Aqua and Lady Sato Kazuma!"

McCrotoff walked right up to them and said with a smile.

"?!"

Kazuma Sato immediately turned his head and glared at the other person.

Is this guy really after me?!

Kazuma Sato's sudden look startled Mycroft, who involuntarily took a step back, and Rikert, who was with him, quickly helped him up.

"Um, have I been too presumptuous? I'm very sorry."

After regaining his balance, McCrotoff quickly apologized to the two men.

"No, no, I meant to ask, how are you so sure I'm Kazuma Sato, and this guy..."

Kazuma Sato turned to look at Aqua, who was still drinking heavily beside him, a slight smile playing on his lips. He could only turn his gaze back to McCrotoff.

"This guy is Aqua."

"I've heard that Lady Aqua has long blue hair and an angelic face—as well as a unique personality. This Lady Aqua clearly displays a unique personality, and since a friend of mine heard someone calling out Lady Aqua's name over here, I've confirmed her identity."

"Good taste! Want to have a drink?"

Upon hearing McCrotov's words, Aqua raised her glass high, her voice slightly slurred from drunkenness.

Rickert's expression was visibly contorted, while McCrotoff beside him politely waved.

"I'm sorry, I'm getting old and can't hold my liquor."

"Tch, he's barely lived to be a hundred—"

Before Aqua could finish speaking, Kazuma Sato covered her mouth.

Although he didn't know the other person's identity, there was no doubt that the old man must be of very high status.

Since the other party already knows my name and Aqua's name, they are very likely someone connected to the Tomorrow King Selection Tournament, so I can't afford to offend them rashly.

"Um, I'd like to ask, how did you know my name?"

Kazuma Sato slightly raised his chin, also preparing to receive McCrotoff's praise.

"Um....."

McCrotov hesitated for a moment.

Hey, hey, hey, what do you mean by "hmm"?

You were able to describe Aqua's characteristics, but when it comes to me, you become hesitant.

"Because you are by Lady Aqua's side, I have guessed your identity."

Kazuma Sato wore an awkward yet polite smile.

Ok?

So, the only thing I remember about her is that she's this useless goddess's follower?

Don't think I won't beat you up just because you're an old man... I really wouldn't dare.

Kazuma Sato took a deep breath, then asked with a smile:

"May I ask what your name is?"

"Oh?"

A hint of surprise flashed across McCrotoff's face; there were actually people in this country who didn't recognize him. However, his expression quickly returned to a polite smile.

"My apologies for my rudeness, I haven't introduced myself yet. I am Mycroft McMahon, and I am now a member of the Wise Men's Society—"

"The Gathering of Wise Men?"

Kazuma Sato remembered that Emilia had told him about the existence of the Sage Society.

After the complete annihilation of the royal family of Lugnica, the Council of Wise Men took over the administration of state affairs.

In other words... the old man in front of me is the most powerful person in this country.

Did I just steal this guy's wallet?

Kazuma Sato felt himself sweating profusely again, and put his hands in his pockets, gripping the wallet tightly.

We absolutely cannot be discovered!!!

“I am the civil servant Celtic Hoffmann.”

Rikert briefly introduced himself, his gaze seemingly still carrying a hint of wariness towards Sato Kazuma and the others.

Behind them were Lugnica's officials, both high and low.

Kazuma Sato could sense a hint of hostility in Rikert's gaze, so he asked:

"Hey, you're not a member of the Sages' Society, are you?"

"Me? No, the Sages' Society consists only of..."

"Oh, so that's not the case."

The veins on Rickert's forehead bulged instantly.

Oh? What does this 'oh' mean?

Why do I feel so uncomfortable?

Rickert's face flushed slightly, but he could only suppress his emotions in this situation.

"Lady Aqua, Lady Kazuma, why have you come here?"

"I asked curiously."

"Because, because we've also recruited a few decent talents..."

Although Sato Kazuma said this, he turned his gaze to the distance, where the three thugs were already drunk and staggering.

Rickert also looked over, but for a fleeting moment, an expression of utter astonishment appeared on his face:

Why is he here?

"Who?"

"nothing."

Rickert shook his head, but his tone seemed a little gentler than before.

Kazuma Sato narrowed his eyes slightly, taking in all of Rikert's reaction.

"Yes, you people are such a hassle! You never stop babbling on and on!"

Beatrice crossed her arms and said somewhat impatiently, as if she were trying to get back at Kazuma Sato.

"Who is this?"

"She is Beatrice, the elf who made a pact with me."

"A contracted spirit? I've only seen a spirit user once before."

McCrotoff exclaimed in surprise.

"Don't compare Betty to those lower-class elves. Betty is a great elf!"

"Big Elf?!"

The officials behind McCrotoff were whispering amongst themselves.

They were all very clear that almost every great elf was an existence far beyond that of ordinary people, and some great elves even possessed power that was close to destroying the world.

Do Aqua and Kazuma Sato actually have a secret weapon—a Great Spirit?

"Could it be that you are the archetype who oversees the forbidden library?"

McCrotov, being well-informed, had naturally heard about Beatrice and the Forbidden Library, and his tone was full of respect.

"As a human being, it seems you have some experience."

Beatrice held her head high, her words and actions revealing a touch of endearing arrogance.

However, Sato Kazuma, who was standing next to him, was on tenterhooks.

Aqua's mouth has been shut up, but there's still the sharp-tongued Beatrice here!

You two are not human, so of course you're not afraid, but this old man is one of the highest leaders of a human nation!

I don't want to end up being an enemy of an entire country for no reason.

"Um, Kazuma-sama, Aqua-sama's face seems a little red... Doesn't that look a bit off?"

At that moment, McCrotov asked with some concern, pointing to Aqua next to Kazuma Sato.

"Oh? Oh, oh, oh!"

Kazuma Sato then released his grip, having just blocked Aqua's nose as well, nearly causing her to suffocate.

But she truly lives up to her goddess reputation; she was able to hold her breath for so long.

If she's the goddess of water, she probably wouldn't drown if thrown into the water.

"I am deeply honored to meet Lady Aqua, the fifth candidate. Please accept this meal as a small token of my appreciation."

Although the situation was somewhat beyond expectations, McCrotoff still smiled and reached into his pocket.

"wait wait wait!"

Kazuma Sato realized something was terribly wrong and hurriedly tried to stop the social tragedy that was about to unfold.

The air fell silent for a moment, and the smile on Mycroft's face gradually froze, his hand reaching for his pocket stopping.

He also discovered that his wallet was missing.

An awkward atmosphere instantly filled the room.

In this situation, Aqua and I have already politely indicated that we don't need each other's kindness.

But now, if I take out my wallet, I'll be immediately exposed!

All we can do now is...

Wait in silence.

An eerie silence spread among the crowd.

McCrotoff pursed his lips somewhat awkwardly and turned to look at Rickert beside him.

The latter, being a seasoned veteran in politics, quickly understood McCrotoff's meaning and approached the owner privately, giving him enough gold coins to buy the entire restaurant.

McCrotoff nodded, turning his gaze back to Sato Kazuma and the others, his expression gradually becoming serious.

"Lady Aqua, if it's alright, could you please touch the badge again? I'd like to confirm it once more, as this matter is of great importance."

As McCrotov finished speaking, an official behind him cautiously stepped forward and took out a delicate little box.

A small badge lies quietly inside.

Although the color is different from Emilia's, Kazuma Sato could tell at a glance that it was made of the same material.

Kazuma Sato immediately understood that McCrotov's purpose in coming here was to further confirm Aqua's identity as a candidate.

"Aqua, the rest is up to you!"

Kazuma Sato pinched Aqua's thigh hard, and the pain brought Aqua back to her senses a little.

"give it to me!"

Aqua nodded vigorously and then patted her chest.

"Merry, Betty, close your eyes later."

Kazuma Sato issued a warning.

"I suggest the rest of you do the same."

"Huh? Why?"

"It's hard to explain now, wait a minute—"