Chapter 37

CHAPTER 3 From Solo to Partied Part I: Reporting Back We picked up the two Slow Salamanders we’d tamed on our way back through the second floor then used the Return Scroll to exit the labyrinth. Shirone was taken away to the Guild Saviors headquarters. Kozelka raised a salute in our direction and left with Khosrow at her side. “Arihito! You guys… I’m so glad you’re all okay…!” cried Madoka as she ran toward us. She must have been waiting for us to arrive. Igarashi smiled warmly as she approached our friend, who looked just about ready to burst into tears. “Well, good thing that’s settled… No rest for the wicked, though. In any case, we should take a little break for the time being,” said Igarashi. “Of course. What would you like to do for dinner?” asked Madoka. “I’ll call for it right away!” Dusk had begun to fall, and the enticing smells of dinners being prepared wafted over from the neighboring houses. It felt like we’d been in the Plateau of Primary Colors for just a few hours, but I suddenly realized how famished I was—and it looked like the others were in exactly the same boat. “How about we get some takeout and eat in tonight?” I suggested. “There are some other restaurants I’d like to check out, but we might end up moving tomorrow.” “Takeout—I haven’t heard that word in a long time,” said Igarashi. “Madoka, do you think you could get food delivered to our apartment?” “Sure, I can arrange for a Carrier to bring it to us. I think I’ll try ordering from three different restaurants to get a little variety.” “Ooh, then let’s get something from that Refreshing Heaven place that was so good last time! And something from A Taste of Leuven and some kind of pasta or pizza!” said Misaki, pulling out a notebook she must’ve picked up at some point. She started reading off a list she’d kept of all the restaurants we’d visited. There appeared to be no objections, but then Melissa raised her hand. “…We shouldn’t eat only takeout. I’ll make the pasta and pizza. My dad taught me how.” “I bet even I could help you out with a dish like that,” Igarashi said. “I’ll be your sous-chef again if you don’t mind. Everything goes so smoothly with you at the helm in the kitchen, Melissa.” “Please let me help as well. I did nothing but wait outside the labyrinth today.” “Suzu, you’re making me look extra bad! I didn’t do a single thing… Wait, how did your morale get so full, Suzu?”