As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 85: The Rally at Rongrong

Chapter 85: The Rally at Rongrong

That day, Rongrong had become a microcosm of the world itself.

There was no uniformity among the guests Arius had invited to this event.

Beautiful women with considerable power, ordinary townsfolk from the market district who seemed to lack any notable traits or influence, and ugly women who couldn’t fathom why they’d been summoned.

If there was anyone who stood out, it was Nelba, the shadowy leader of the Mage Guild, leaning against the wall and surveying the attendees.

Or perhaps Rozaria, who arrived draped in a black robe despite the prohibition against wearing one.

Whether from the surface or the underworld, the beings of this world were all gathered here.

“Rozaria.”

“…Tch, still as sharp-eyed as ever, huh?”

Nelba stepped away from the wall, approaching Rozaria with a smile.

Despite the annoyance in her tone, evident even through the hood obscuring her face, Rozaria permitted the interaction.

“That’s what keeps me in business, so please forgive me. It’s been a while, Rozaria.”

“Didn’t think even you would get an invite from that guy… or so I’ll say. Long time no see.”

Nelba, the mediator of the capital’s underworld, naturally knew Rozaria. In fact, past events had even caused friction between them. The scene could’ve erupted into conflict at any moment.

“For now, let’s just say I’ve been outmaneuvered.”

“Hmph, no idea what you’re talking about.”

Tension flared for a moment but quickly dissipated.

Today, they were both merely guests—nothing more. They knew full well what would happen if they ruined this occasion with reckless actions.

“So? Do you know what this gathering is about?”

“Well… I’m not trying to dodge the question, but I genuinely don’t have a grasp on it. Besides—”

Nelba’s gaze swept across the venue.

Rongrong, a diner spacious enough to comfortably hold over eighty people, was filled to capacity.

A rough glance showed an even split of beautiful, ordinary, and ugly women, with only a handful of men—barely enough to count on both hands.

Some faces were familiar, others complete strangers.

“It’s impossible to predict.”

“…Yeah.”

If there was one thing uniting those gathered, it was that none could refuse Arius’s invitation.

To the world at large, someone capable of borrowing Rongrong—Ririeru’s establishment—was undeniably a figure of immense power.

Ririeru’s name carried such weight, in both the surface and underworld, that even those unaware of Arius couldn’t easily dismiss her influence.

In simple terms, they’d been coerced by sheer authority.

The beautiful women made no effort to hide their displeasure, yet even they refrained from loudly complaining—a testament to a power even they, as privileged figures, couldn’t challenge.

Naturally, the ordinary and ugly women stayed silent, grappling with their unease.

“Honestly… this is interesting.”

Nelba had considered every possibility, but this situation ranked among the least favorable.

If Arius announced the formation of the Arius Family here, it would likely lead to conflict with him.

Forcing acknowledgment by creating an undeniable situation was a tactic Nelba appreciated, but it didn’t differentiate Arius’s Family from others.

“Hmm?”

Rozaria didn’t see through Nelba’s thoughts, but she narrowed her eyes at the sight of Nelba slowly steeling herself for an unwanted resolve.

If Rozaria sensed anything, it was that Nelba, if given the chance, wanted to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Arius.

Without the constraints of her position, Nelba could easily be imagined smirking boldly by Arius’s side.

Which meant—

“You don’t want to fight him, do you?”

“Good grief, I must be getting old. To think someone like you could see through me.”

“That’s one word too many.”

Nelba, in turn, saw through Rozaria.

Ultimately, Rozaria hadn’t decided how she felt about Arius.

Despite her position clearly dictating what she should do, her heart yearned to resist.

Perhaps it was hope—a desire to witness a future she’d never seen, to seize the moment it opened before her.

“Either way.”

“Yeah, look. The answer’s here.”

Arius appeared, clad in what must’ve been formal attire for him—a black suit-like outfit.

As the air rippled with anticipation, he stood beside the stage used for street performers in Rongrong.

“I’m grateful you all gathered here despite your busy schedules. I’m Arius, the host.”

※

Naturally, Arius drew every attendee’s gaze.

Anxiety, curiosity… or even hatred.

Ignoring the instinct to step back, he forced a bright tone and spoke.

“I’ve gathered you here for one reason: to hear a request of mine.”

Many reacted, their brows twitching.

In their minds, Arius was already a Family boss in the underworld. Bracing themselves, they wondered how he’d wield that authority.

“Now, don’t be so on guard. First—”

As he spoke, Arius clapped twice.

At the sound, trays emerged from Rongrong’s kitchen, carried with elegant movements.

“I’ve prepared a modest meal. Yes, my first request is to share a meal with all of you.”

“—Pardon me.”

Leading the group was Luuri, offering a polite bow.

A table was set before Arius, laden with dishes likely bearing the food.

The usual tables had been temporarily removed, suggesting a standing buffet-style party.

Nelba nearly burst out laughing, while simultaneously feeling immense relief that her earlier resolve was unnecessary.

That was it.

For a standing buffet, appearances should have been uniform.

The beautiful women were already tolerating—barely—the presence of ugly women.

To ask them to dine together was beyond a joke; it was an outright insult by common standards.

Arius wasn’t ignorant of this. He understood it perfectly.

And yet, knowing this, his choice not to conform explained Nelba’s relief.

“Wh—”

“Wait. The dishes haven’t been unveiled, and neither has my explanation.”

Silencing a beautiful woman whose patience had reached its limit, Arius picked up the cover from an especially large dish.

“…What?”

“Dragon Puppy…? No, Elder Puppy steak…?”

A few food connoisseurs among the beautiful women couldn’t help but speak.

Their uncertainty was understandable. Dragon Puppy was already a high-class ingredient, but Elder Puppy was beyond that—royal-grade, rarely seen in markets.

“Fufu, not bad. Fine, I’ll play along. Hurry up and let us eat.”

It was bravado, no doubt. For a beautiful woman, posturing was second nature.

But—

“Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a bit longer. I want to introduce the people who greatly contributed to preparing this meal.”

Rozaria’s face screamed disbelief.

Nelba nearly clapped prematurely.

Then, stepping onto the stage—

“The one who hunted the Elder Puppy and gathered enough ingredients for everyone here… Serika.”

“…Yo.”

Serika gave a small bow, her attitude making it clear to anyone watching that she was only doing this because Arius asked—not out of shyness.

“The one who prepared the seasonings and drinks to complement the dishes… Mia.”

“No need for introductions, right? I’m Mia.”

Ignoring her discomfort, Mia puffed out her small chest with as much bravado as she could muster.

“The one who helped gather ingredients, assisted with cooking, and contributed in many areas… Shuri.”

“A-Ah…”

Shuri stepped onto the stage but visibly panicked, bowing deeply to mask her nerves.

“And finally, the one who cooked for everyone… Towa.”

“…”

Towa bowed gracefully, never breaking her refined demeanor.

At the sight of the four, everyone—except Nelba—was speechless.

“Let me say it again. One reason I organized this event is because I wished for us to share a meal together.”

At Arius’s words, the Rabbits removed the covers from the dishes in unison.

“…Gulp.”

The spread could only be described as opulent.

Even the ugly women, and certainly the beautiful ones, were convinced they’d never witness such a scene again in their lifetimes.

A single dish’s worth would cost an unimaginable number of gold coins.

If only.

Yes, if only the ones who’d prepared this meal weren’t ugly women.

They’d have rushed to it, or stood drooling, bewildered at whether they could truly partake.

“You’re mocking us!!”

“Mocking? Not at all.”

A proud-looking beautiful woman bristled.

Likely of dwarven descent, a line of thick, writhing hair stretched from her sideburns to her chin.

“There’s no way we can eat this!!”

“Why not? Oh, worried about poison? I swear, nothing so petty is in play. If there were, I’d personally see to any compensation you desire, immediately.”

Arius’s sincerity made doubting him feel almost rude.

“It’s a waste of ingredients! ugly women—ugly women can’t possibly cook properly!!”

“I see? That’s a fair point… Alright, let’s make this a special deal.”

As he spoke, Arius cut a slice of meat.

“Ugh, ah…”

Someone among the attendees let out an involuntary groan.

The moment the knife glided effortlessly through the meat, juices spilled out. The aroma was so rich it barely seemed like meat at all.

No matter how you looked at it, no matter what you thought—it was absolutely delicious.

“Here, say ‘ahh.’”

“!?”

The beautiful woman froze, unable to lower her raised fist.

She’d made others do this act, but never willingly experienced it herself.

“If it’s truly bad, let me know. I’ll make sure it’s improved next time.”

“N-Next time…?”

“But let me say this: whether an ugly woman or a beautiful one made it… delicious is delicious.”

“Wh—Hmph!?”

Seeing no progress, Arius half-forced the meat into her mouth.

“—”

She’d intended to spit it out.

Her reason—or pride—told her that’s what she should do. Yet—

“!?”

It was no surprise some thought it was poison.

Her knees buckled instantly, and she collapsed on the spot.

“U-Unmaaa~♡”

“H-Huh?”

The meat melted in her mouth. She hadn’t even meant to chew.

Instinct drove it to her stomach, screaming that spitting it out was unthinkable.

“H-Hey♡ One more bite, please♡”

“It’s good, right?”

“It’s the best, the best♡ C’mon, one more slice♡”

It was an indescribable scene. Truly indescribable.

A beautiful woman, praising food made by ugly women, calling it delicious—that fact alone.

“Get the rest yourself.”

“N-No way…”

Though momentarily dejected by his curt words, her eyes were already locked onto the meat.

“Now, let’s get this feast started! But no fighting! Let’s make this a free-for-all!”

At Arius’s voice—

“—!!”

Everyone lunged for the food.

“…This is where it begins.”

Utter chaos.

As always, Luuri, ever dutiful, spun in circles trying to manage the pandemonium.

Arius quietly clenched his fist.