A first visit requires careful preparation.
There are many things to consider — calling cards, gifts, and how to present oneself.
Much like in official circles, one typically approaches a superior not as a colleague or subordinate, but seeks to establish a closer relationship as a student or junior.
Adam faced this very dilemma.
Being a Viscount, the Lord of Axel, and a renowned Hero of the kingdom gave him three distinct approaches.
Appearing as a Viscount would put him at a disadvantage against his rival's Duke title, though it would align with noble hierarchy. Going as a Lord might bring him closer to Lord Dustiness, but could give Lalatina's father grounds for mockery.
The Hero title offered the best option. It carried excellent reputation, freed him from complex noble etiquette, and could win Lord Dustiness's favor.
A Kingdom Hero marrying the Kingdom's Shield — how sweet it sounds!
Though some might see Adam as the one marrying into the family...
With his identity decided, he composed his calling card as a Kingdom Hero paying respects to the legendary "Shield Bearers". He emphasized admiration over flattery, focusing on his wish to meet Lord Dustiness while subtly mentioning his interest in seeing Darkness.
—Though his true intentions were likely obvious.
As for gifts... the mere thought gave him a headache.
What does one bring when meeting their future father-in-law?
The Dustiness family, as great lords with refined tastes developed over years in high positions, had surely seen everything worth seeing. Common items wouldn't suffice, and Adam felt uncomfortable offering anything ordinary.
But was finding something truly unique so difficult?
Of course not — he had access to items that didn't exist in this world!
The mysterious ore from the Demon Slayer world, magic knowledge from the Re:Zero world, and Aqua's Holy Water — each unique and extraordinary.
Yes, these would make perfect greeting gifts.
Decision made — these three items!
Thankfully, Adam had delegated Axel's affairs to Lord Dustiness, or he might have quit on the spot!
He quickly wrote and dispatched the calling card.
Before departing, he had Aqua create three bottles of Holy Water capable of removing all negative effects, commissioned Bill to forge an ornate Knight's Sword using Scarlet Ore and Adamantite, and compiled his basic magical knowledge from the Re:Zero world into a book.
Three days passed thus.
"Preparations complete."
Adam surveyed the three presentable gifts with satisfaction, then called to his eagerly waiting party members.
"Let's go, time to pick up Darkness!"
Everyone cheered loudly.
The grand mansion was even more splendid than the Hero Party's suburban villa, though it couldn't quite match the grandeur of Roswaal's 400-year-old count mansion.
"Hello, we are the Hero Party. I am the leader, Adam Carter. Could you please announce us?" He said to the guard at the gate, hoping to gain entry for his party members.
"Oh! Viscount Adam Carter! Please wait a moment!" The guard, clearly briefed by his master, hurriedly opened the gate to seek permission.
After a brief wait, he returned.
"Viscount, please come in."
The guard led them through the courtyard to the main entrance before departing.
A maid stood waiting to welcome them.
"Viscount, and your companions, please follow me." She said, leading them inside.
They arrived at the reception room.
"Please wait a moment. Lady Lalatina and the master will be here shortly." After serving red tea to each member, she withdrew.
"Oh! So this is the lord's house? Though understated, it's quite magnificent."
"Indeed, it's even grander than our residence. As expected of the kingdom's Royal Advisor — the Shield Bearers live up to their name."
"Megumin, Megumin, look at this painting — this is art!"
Soon enough, Kazuma, Megumin, and Aqua grew restless. With no outsiders present, the party let loose.
They bounded about like children with boundless energy, examining the vases on cabinets and oil paintings on walls, never still for a moment.
Though Adam considered scolding them, he knew this was simply their nature. Forcing them to behave might backfire, so he let them be. After all, this was Darkness's home — surely she wouldn't mind.
A maid appeared after the knock.
"Dear guests, Lady Lalatina and the master will be here shortly." She withdrew and closed the door, diplomatically ignoring the reception room's disarray.
This was standard etiquette — the door would reopen in a minute when the hosts arrived, giving guests time to compose themselves.
But such courtesy was lost on these troublemakers, especially Aqua and Kazuma, who had already begun quarreling!
"Stupid Kazuma, this painting is obviously just a regular scribble, where's the artistic value?!"
"You're the stupid one, useless goddess! Look here, and here, isn't the metaphor obvious?!"
The two argued with mounting excitement, and if Adam hadn't restrained them, they might have come to blows.
"Hey, what are you doing!" Darkness's voice rang from the doorway, "That's a painting from when my father was young, and that person is me. Father loves it, so he hung it here to show off... no, don't touch my portrait carelessly!"
"Sorry!" They said in unison.
After her scolding, the two quickly apologized.
Standing before them was a young lady whose appearance differed remarkably from her usual self — her golden hair elegantly tied up, she wore a refined cream-colored dress, white high heels, and delicate jewelry that caught the light.
Though modest, her outfit couldn't conceal her graceful figure.
She was worlds apart from the crusader who typically clad herself in armor!
"Darkness, long time no see."
"Long time no see, Adam."
The two exchanged greetings.
While Adam maintained his composure, Darkness's face flushed crimson as she lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze.
What could this mean?
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