In this crossover anime, many ruthless and powerful figures reside in my territory.

The second group to arrive included Madara, Yahiko, and Konan. Madara pulled out a gift, and Lister saw that it was a special ninjutsu from one of the five great ninja villages, such as the Super Light-Heavy Rock Technique from the Hidden Earth Village.

The third group to arrive was Aizen, and to Lister's surprise, Aizen had brought along Koyatai Stark and Lilynette. Lister welcomed them both. Lilynette wanted some good food, while Stark, though only wanting to sleep, planned to kill some time.

The fourth group to arrive was Kanae and her companions, brought by Muzan. When the two sides met again, Kanae's gaze towards Lister seemed to show even more respect.

“Mr. Lister, as the lord said, you are a respectable leader.”

"Your people have hope in their eyes, something we rarely see in our land."

Whether it was a misperception or not, Liszt felt that Butterfly's gaze towards him no longer seemed so hateful.

“It’s nothing. I’ve always believed that since they’ve staked everything on me and followed me, I have an obligation to lead them to happiness.”

"At the very least, everyone should be able to eat their fill, wear clean clothes, and live in a warm house."

"Unity is about making life better for everyone."

Kanae smiled slightly.

“Mr. Lister, you have done very well.”

"Just a heads-up, many people I encountered while touring the town were pregnant, so please be prepared."

"Thank you for the reminder. All the doctors in Red Maple Town are on high alert."

Lister gestured for them to enter, and Kanae led the others inside.

She couldn't help but recall what she had seen in those short three hours.

Red Maple Town is small, and there aren't many people, but hope shines in everyone's eyes.

On her way back to Red Maple Castle, she could see people spontaneously gathering in the central square, praying to the statue of Liszt and celebrating the arrival of the New Year.

That sincerity was genuine.

Moreover, every townsman who sees them enthusiastically introduces everything about Red Maple Town to them, always including a thank you to Lord Lister.

The people in this world are perhaps more desperate than the people in their world.

Lister, who was able to lead them out of the abyss, was undoubtedly a very good lord.

Just ...

Isn't this castle a bit too big? It feels a bit extravagant and decadent.

……

The guests have all arrived, and the maids have put away the gifts they have given.

Other important figures from Red Maple Territory who attended the banquet included:

The head butler, half-elf Cortini, along with the maids Nadia, Elsa, Betty, Prie, and the lord's assistant, Doyane Aura;

Lena, who was promoted to captain of the Royal Guard, and the four captains Campbell, Garcia, Olhith, and Skalinka;

Commander of the Guard Regiment: Morag; Deputy Commander: Chris;

Carol, who has been promoted to hospital director, and Pauline, a special operations agent directly under the lord;

Because Lister had no wife, his sister Melphine would accompany him to the banquet as his companion. Although Muzan was very willing to do it for him, Lister was moved to refuse.

"Thank you all for coming to this banquet. There's nothing special going on here; we just wanted to invite you all to enjoy the local delicacies of Red Maple Territory and watch the fireworks."

As Liszt said this, the others naturally didn't hold back either.

For example, Shinobu Kocho and Lilyneto ate the food provided without any psychological burden.

The next second, dazzling fireworks soared into the sky, and everyone on the sixth-floor balcony could see the brilliant Milky Way and the embellishing fireworks.

After the fireworks faded, Nakime, sitting in the corner, began to play soothing music.

Lister led Melphine forward to chat with the guests, while Nadia personally led the maids, carrying wine glasses, back and forth among the crowd.

People with eloquence would naturally not miss this opportunity to communicate with people from other worlds, such as Yuri and Kanae Butterfly, the latter of whom wanted to learn more.

Yahiko and Konan were observing Lister's actions, hoping to learn as much as possible.

There are also people like Madara, Aizen, and Muzan who don't actively communicate with others.

Fortunately, Lister had a friendly relationship with the people from the other world, and everyone was willing to chat with him for a while.

Nobody talks about serious matters at this time; all you hear are New Year's greetings.

The two-hour banquet came to a successful conclusion.

Lister personally escorted all the guests to the entrance of Red Maple Castle, watching them return to their own world.

Of course, those who have clearly joined MapleStory, such as Muzan and Nakime, will stay here.

"a bit tired."

Lister felt that setting the mood at a banquet was a real skill, but it was something he had to practice.

He should thank the innocent and adorable Inoue Orihime. The undercurrents in the banquet hall were completely ruined by her slightly airheaded personality, and even someone as stern as Shinobu Kocho couldn't help but feel a sense of goodwill towards her.

And then there's Lilynette, who, though a bit too energetic, broke the silence perfectly, making the venue even more lively.

What surprised him even more was that Yuri brought Xinhe to help him lighten the atmosphere at the event.

After getting to know Yuri better, I really felt that he was a respectable elder. Perhaps, as Muzan said, Yuri was a ruthless demon to heretics, but a trustworthy elder to his fellow believers.

People are multifaceted.

"Little brother, come with me to meet our parents."

Melf casually lifted her long skirt and tied it around her waist as she approached Lister.

"Yes, we really should go back and see them today."

"You'd better put your skirt down; this isn't the image a noblewoman should have."

"Where are there any nobles anymore? I can't be bothered to care about those things anymore."

After saying that, Melf fell silent.

“Lister, what do you think will happen to all of us in the end? I never thought the United States would fall apart, nor did I ever imagine the world would become so chaotic.”

"Sister, I don't know either. Five months ago, I never imagined that I would be chatting and laughing with powerful people from other worlds... Don't think too much about it, we just need to do our best."

"Focus on the present moment."

After saying that, Lister put his hand on Melf's shoulder, and the two instantly teleported to a small villa on the edge of Red Maple Town.

The villa was brightly lit, and the two immediately saw the open door and their mother sitting by the window waiting for them.

"go in."

Lister took the first step, followed closely by Melf.

When the two entered the room, they only saw Norman Eller and Cecilia Eller warming themselves by the fireplace, waiting to have dinner together.

Who would have thought that the once-powerful Grand Duke of White Moon's family would end up with only four members? Norman, who had been a duke for most of his life, became a farmer and lived a simple pastoral life with his wife.

"Happy Chinese New Year, Dad and Mom."

Lister took his seat, as did Melphine.

The four sat around the table, with hot soup and delicious home-style dishes in front of them.

Norman, whose hair was already turning gray, snorted coldly.

"too slow!"

Cecilia smiled slightly.

"Ignore him, he was just saying he was worried about you."

“Those people from other worlds are not easy to deal with; he’s afraid you’ll get taken advantage of.”

Norman choked up.

"Don't say anything more."

"Kid, I was originally going to urge you to find a virtuous wife like your mother."

"Being a lord is difficult; once you become a leader who has to lead everyone in their struggles, you are no longer yourself."

“You face suffocating pressure every day.”

Liszt listened silently.

"At first I was worried that you would be under too much pressure and wouldn't be able to handle it."

"But it seems there's no need to worry; you're stronger than I expected."

Norman pursed his lips, then picked up his wine glass.

“I am so proud of you, son.”

Cecilia and Melphine both picked up their glasses, and Lister couldn't help but smirk as he pressed his glass against Norman's.

"Old man, you should have admitted it long ago."

"Pah! I might take that back!"

"Eat up! Your mom worked so hard to make this! Her hands are covered in calluses from all this time!"

OK OK.

Just as Lister smiled and agreed, he suddenly turned his head and looked toward the direction of Red Maple Castle.

"...I'm sorry, it seems I have to go back immediately."

“New people from another world have arrived in our territory.”

Chapter 103 Haytham Kenway

Lister, being bound to the system, was naturally able to detect the recruiter's arrival immediately.

He was quite certain that a new person had arrived this time.

The next second, he used Flying Thunder God Technique to return to the large balcony on the sixth floor of Red Maple Castle, where he saw Inoue Orihime using Twin Heaven Return Shield to heal someone, along with Nadia, Muzan, Nakime, Aura, and others surrounding her.

Um? what happened?

As Lister approached, he saw the person being treated.