Reborn as an Evolving Space Monster: Harem Of Otherworldly Beauties

The music was subtle. Just loud enough to drown the chatter of Wor's elite echoing across the Banquet's halls. Big players from all major industries were gathering. Multiple deals and alliances would be made during the Banquet, so it was necessary to drown out the chatter. Privacy was necessary, even during big gatherings. Dressed in glimmering gowns and sharp suits, the guests gathered around polished statues and holographic projections, giving the illusion that their discussions were about those statues and projections.

More and more guests were starting to step onto the spaceship.

Cero stood by one of the tall crystalline columns at the edge of the ballroom. For a security guard, this position was a dream. Since the ballroom was located at the center of it all, it meant that trouble was unlikely to reach there. Therefore, it was unlikely for Cero to actually need to do any work at all

'Not planning on doing any work anyways. I'm not getting paid for this after all.'

His posture was relaxed, standing with his hands in his pockets. Whether he would remain this relaxed through it all was something that the Prime Minister wondered.

Liz was standing beside him, not too far nor too close. With a drink in her hand, her gaze went from right to left lazily. Acting like strangers was necessary.

"Think you'll make it through this?" She asked with a light chuckle, holding the fan in her hand inches away from her mouth.

"I've dealt with Giganto Zillas and Graniliths, but politicians and rich assholes might turn out too much for me." He answered. "We'll see though."

Thanks to the mask over his face, he didn't need to hide his mouth.

Using a mask that hid the whole lower portion of the face for pretty much communication purposes alone felt like a bit much. Cero had overheard some of the security guards complain about this very fact. They felt that showing their pretty faces to the women of Wor was important after all.

'Shrewd old man.' Cero chuckled to himself.

One additional benefit of the mask was that Cero could talk and converse without making it obvious.

Presently, the two looked like they had nothing to do with one another. A bored guest standing steps away from a foreigner standing guard.

'He keeps doing things to make my life easier without mentioning them or telling me about them.' Cero stretched his neck. 'I wonder if he has someone who does that for him, or if he simply has an eye for detail.'

Cero moved his gaze slightly to the side. Her dress shimmered as she leaned back.

"Is the security guard checking me out?" Liz chuckled, holding the fan to her face. "Unbelievable. Keep your eyes to yourself, sir."

"I apologize, ma'am. Your beauty pulls my gaze with more force than Zana's gravitational field."

"Are you saying that it's my fault that you can't take your eyes away from me? Men really can never take accountability."

"Well, I am but a man." Cero answered, causing Liz to chuckle.

"First of all, what do you mean Zana's gravitational field? We were the ones struggling to run or jump. I don't remember it being a problem for you!"

"You weren't struggling either."

"Yeah, I guess that's true."

Liz turned slightly, seemingly observing the artwork that hung behind Cero.

"Do you think we'll be able to have one dance at least?" She muttered under her breath, lips barely moving.

"Even a Giganto Zilla couldn't keep us from getting close. An old man certainly won't manage."

"Pfft. The Prime Minister can be scary, you know?"

"We're getting that dance." Cero answered with a nod.

"Good." Liz said, her gaze going back to the ballroom, which was slowly starting to fill. "Though I have to tell you, it might not be the best dance ever."

"Perfect. I can't dance either." Cero muttered. "Though Kris sent me a bunch of dancing videos."

"He what?"

"He wanted me to learn and practice."

"No way. Did you?"

"Hell no."

"Phew…" Liz sighed. "If it turned out-"

"I did watch the videos though. I think I might have a knack for Wor's dancing style."

"I swear if you turn out to be a better dancer than me…"

"That's fine. I can lead."

"Hell no! The woman leads on Wor!"

"Can you lead if you can't dance though?"

"..." Liz scratched her nose, slightly embarrassed. "I'll figure it out! The music and dances will change depending on where we are anyways. Our dance will just have to be… Whenever it doesn't match the videos you've watched."

"Hah." Cero chuckled. "You really think Kris didn't send every possible dance?"

"He did?! Of course he freaking did!"

"Well, he mostly sent stuff from where he's from."

"And I assume he really wants to dance with you!"

"Yeah…"

"..."

"I'll make some time for you though."

"Oh, that is so incredibly kind of you, sir. I cannot express my gratitude with words alone."

Cero slowly turned towards her.

"How else do you want to express your gratitude?"

"Don't do that! Not now!" Liz shook her head as the fan started working overtime to cool her blushing face.

"Fine, fine-"

"Elizabeth."

A strong voice pierced through, causing Liz to flinch.

Approaching with confident steps, imposing posture, and a mean face,

"M-Mom."

"Come with me. I have people who want to meet you."

"Um, I'm kind of-"

"Come with me." She repeated. "Don't stand at the edge alone. They're old military friends, and they want to see you."

"A-Alright." Liz didn't have it in her to refuse.

She almost turned towards Cero, but managed to keep herself from doing so.

Liz walked past her mother when,

"What are you looking at?"

"Nothing, ma'am. I'm sorry." He muttered.

Elizabeth Vinacci's mother, Luciana Vinacci. A former Soldier who rose through the ranks swiftly and effectively, presently serving on Wor's war council. Elizabeth spent most of her life seeing her mother a couple of times a year, something which led her to enroll in the army at a young age.

Her military career was always Luciana Vinacci's priority. With her daughter having followed in her footsteps, she couldn't be prouder. Unfortunately, making her mother proud did not, unlike what Liz had hoped, gain her her mother's affection.

Her military career was and always will be the priority.

Even now, Luciana Vinacci attended the Banquet wearing her former Sergeant General uniform, proudly showcasing the numerous medals she had accumulated.

Even now, Luciana Vinacci attended the Banquet as a Councilwoman, and not as the parent of the Hero being celebrated through the Banquet.

"What's your name?" Luciana Vinacci asked.

Cero cursed internally. His gaze had lingered a bit too long on the scars she wore. Or perhaps on her empty right sleeve that flowed with each of her steps.

Meeting Liz's mother wasn't something he had expected to happen tonight.

Should he present himself as a security guard, or as her daughter's husband?

Did she even know about him?

His gaze moved towards Liz for help. Seeing her face would be enough for him to know what kind of interaction this was to be.

The moment that he looked away from Luciana, however, she turned around and walked away.

"Elizabeth."

"Y-Yes, mom!" Liz nodded, and walked by her side.

'...' Cero scratched his nape.

The next second, the quiet chatter turned a bit louder.

The guests started turning towards the ballroom's entry.

She was stunning. Absolutely beautiful.

Cameras were aimed at her. Flashing lights blinded her.

'Oh, come on.' Cero chuckled internally. 'Raise your chin a bit. Walk with more confidence.'

She was blushing heavily and smiling awkwardly.

"Ma'am! Could we please get an interview?! Please?!" The boldest journalist shouted, extending a microphone.

"Hm… I-" She raised her hands, but the journalist wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Roka Ramirez, you have enrolled alongside Elizabeth Vinacci as Soldiers. When things took a bad turn, you took over the leadership of the remaining troops. Could we know what led to that choice? Why were you made Commander and not Elizabeth Vinacci? Elizabeth Vinacci seemingly has a better military track record, more experience, and…"

'Shit. How am I supposed to answer this? Keep it light and casual? Tell the truth?' Roka clenched her teeth. 'There's no way I can be honest without killing the mood. And I don't want to make Liz look bad either… Wait, is he trying to make it seem like if Liz had been in charge, things would've gone better?! Is that the line of questioning he's going with?!'

"Well? Could we get an answer? Roka Ramirez? Would you like to give an explanation as to-"

"Roka Ramirez." A voice cut the interviewer's incessant questioning short. The guests surrounding them turned towards him. "The Prime Minister would like to see you." Cero lied.

Roka stared for a moment. Her lips slowly curled upwards.

"A-Alright." She nodded, before turning back towards the interviewer. "I won't be able to answer your questions right now."

"B-But-"

Before the interviewer could say anything further,

"You can ask me."

"...!"

"Go on." Elizabeth Vinacci added. "Ask me why I wasn't made into the leader."

"Hm… Well… That's a bit…"

Luciana Vinacci massaged her forehead.

"I apologize for my daughter's rude behavior. I just introduced her and she goes running..."

"Haha, it's alright. I can't blame her for helping a friend and comrade. They've fought side by side and put their lives on the line together for every single one of us."

"Right. Nothing more detestable than journalists like that anyway. To scrutinize people who put their lives on the line..."

"Hmph." Lucianna Vinacci raised her glass. "You got that right."

Clink. Clink. Clink. Their glasses hummed as they collided.

"Thanks." Roka muttered, following Cero.

"Why thank me?" He asked, pointing at the mask. "The Prime Minister really wants to see you."

"Wait, really?"

"No."

"..."