Chapter 38

I was curious about that myself, but I figured maybe it had something to do with the close bond Elitia and Suzuna shared—that is, until I realized Suzuna had her eyes fixed on me for some reason. “What’s up, Suzuna?” “…N-nothing. I’m sorry, I know we only did it because you needed me to…” “Oh-ho-hoh? Suzu, are you thinking maybe you’re all fired up now ’cause you’ve gotten closer to Arihi—” “M-Misaki, let’s talk about this over there… Sorry, Arihito!” Suzuna hastily slapped her hand over Misaki’s mouth and led her away from the group. Was there something special about the Trust Levels between Suzuna and me that affected her morale? I didn’t think anyone really stood out from the rest of the group in that respect. “I get the feeling me and Theresia’s morale went up, too…,” said Igarashi. “……” “…It’s hard for mine to go up. Maybe I need to get more into it,” said Melissa. “Y-you think it works like that…? Arihito, how about my morale? Does it increase pretty easily?” asked Madoka. We’d seen Madoka use her Item Effects Morale Discharge before, but Melissa hadn’t yet activated hers even though she was maxed out. Morale gradually decreased once you left the labyrinth, and I was looking forward to seeing what her Morale Discharge did next time she had the chance to use it. “Oh… U-umm, it looks like Theresia’s getting a little flustered, so maybe we should talk about this some other time,” Igarashi cut in. “Fiiine. I think my morale adds up slower than yours, Kyouka. The key to a man’s Trust Levels is through his stomach, though, so I guess I should help out with dinner, too!” If that’s true, Labyrinth Country restauranteurs must be the most trusted people around. In my case, Trust Levels between my party members rose every time I supported them; I felt lucky I’d gone with Rearguard, even though the job still held quite a bit of mystery. We had those bonds to thank for getting us out of some pretty close scrapes. “…Ahem. Atobe, don’t read too much into those Trust Levels. You’ll put us all in an awkward position if you start thinking about it too deeply.” “Hm…? Obviously I think they’re very important, but what do you mean about reading too much into them?” I asked casually in response, but Igarashi just gave me a vague smile and started heading home with the others. Theresia’s complexion had taken on a lobster red tint for the past few minutes, which made it kind of awkward to walk alongside her. I wound up falling behind everyone on our walk home, a hardcore rearguard till the end. I went up to speak with Louisa at her post in Green Hall, but she was just about to clock out for the day, so we decided to handle the post-seeking report back at our place. Once we returned to the terrace house, I assuaged my guilt for leaving dinner to the rest of the gang by promising I’d help out next time and sat down across the living room table from Louisa to talk. “Let me begin by saying how glad I am to see you all come out of this most recent expedition safely and soundly. Word has it you came to the rescue of several Seekers in the Plateau of Primary Colors.” “It’s kind of a long story… Did you by any chance hear what happened?” “I understand a member of Elitia’s former party, a Ms. Shirone Kuzunoha, interfered in your affairs. Her actions represent very serious infractions against the laws of our country. I imagine she will be required to undergo reeducation after she serves her sentence.” Gray had also apparently been signed up for the reeducation program; I wondered if the rehabilitation course would have the desired effects. From what Khosrow had said about expecting Gray to become a “brand-spanking-new man,” I felt pretty certain Shirone had some rather demanding discipline waiting for her. “Before we get to this latest expedition, I’d like to go over your results from the Islet of Illusion… It’s quite rare for anyone to accumulate contribution points in this labyrinth as it is an officially designated health resort. Nonetheless, your party proved as exceptional as always, so I would like to begin by tallying the points you earned there.” ♦Previous Expedition Results♦ > Raided previously undiscovered area ISLET OF ILLUSION: 100 points > CION grew to level 6: 60 points > Captured 1 JEWELED WINGS DANCING OVER FROZEN WASTELAND: 240 points > Party members’ Trust Levels increased: 35 points > RYOUKO’s Trust Level increased: 10 points > IBUKI’s Trust Level increased: 10 points > ANNA’s Trust Level increased: 10 points > Fought alongside FOUR SEASONS: 10 points > Conducted a combined seeking expedition with a total of 12 people: 60 points Seeker Contribution: 545 points It seemed like we wouldn’t get any contribution points for defeating the ice figures Jeweled Wings had summoned into the battle. But I hadn’t expected to get any points at all, so I was happy with anything we did take away. Louisa looked troubled for some reason as she studied my license; I thought I saw some sadness in her eyes as they perused the lines of text. “…Your Trust Levels with the members of Four Seasons have increased, yet mine haven’t budged at all…” “Uh… Y-you know, I think that’s probably because we all teleported to the other island together. I used my support skills to help them recover magic, too.” “You restored their magic… I didn’t know you had such a wonderful skill at your disposal. I suppose there’s no use sighing about it. I doubt I’ll ever have an opportunity to experience that skill for myself as a Guild employee.” Louisa smiled as she spoke, but I felt a prick of guilt and the urge to apologize. I wondered if I should come up with an excuse to use Recovery Support 1 on her and try reducing the toll her office work took on her eyes, shoulders, or back. “You must get the wooorst knots in your shoulders, Louisa. Just say the word and I’d be more than happy to give you my special massage. Think of it as my own personal way of thanking you for all you’ve done for us!” Misaki offered. “M-Misaki… Thank you, but that’s really not necessary…” Misaki came out of the kitchen with her apron still on, walked around behind Louisa, and began massaging her shoulders. She had some confidence in her massage skills and showed surprising finesse—at the cost, perhaps, of a short attention span, judging by how quickly she’d abandoned her post in the kitchen. “Misaki, Melissa said she wants you to handle the pizza toppings…,” said Igarashi. “Oh, I’m on it! You won’t find anyone better in the cheese-spreading game than me!” “Just don’t go overboard. We’ve got a lot of other food coming, too.” “Stop worrying so much, Kyoukaaa! We get plenty of exercise from first thing in the morning alll the way through the night.” “D-don’t talk about that here… Take it down a few notches, Misaki; you’re walking a fine line,” Elitia chided as she brought her hand down on Misaki’s head in a gentle karate chop. Misaki took it in stride and stuck her tongue out. Their exchange left me wondering what kind of exercise they did at night. Were they having secret pillow fights or something? “…M-Misaki’s always so cheerful. She really knows how to liven up the mood, doesn’t she?” commented Louisa. “She takes it a bit too far sometimes, but I can’t imagine what we’d do without this little ray of sunshine,” I agreed. “Whoa, did Arihito just compliment me?! Do my ears deceive me?!” “Misaki, I’m gonna take over the toppings if you can’t pay attention.” “Wait, don’t put that mystery meat salami there…!” “…It’s not a mystery. It’s angry boar meat.” I’d had a sandwich with wild boar bacon not too long ago, so I gathered boar monster meat was the Labyrinth Country’s pork equivalent. “Umm… Sorry it’s so noisy,” I told Louisa. “Would you mind helping me go over the results from the Plateau of Primary Colors expedition as well?” “Hee-hee… It certainly is a bit more laid back doing this here rather than at the Guild.” ♦Expedition Results♦ > Raided 1F through 3F of PLATEAU OF PRIMARY COLORS: 30 points > ARIHITO grew to level 7: 70 points > THERESIA grew to level 7: 70 points > KYOUKA grew to level 6: 60 points > MELISSA grew to level 7: 70 points > Captured 2 SLOW SALAMANDERS: 240 points > Defeated 1 bounty CURSED TRI-MASKED CLAY GIANT: 3,600 points > Defeated 1 MERCIFUL WINGED MIRAGE MORPHO: 3,200 points > Party members’ Trust Levels increased: 25 points > Rescued RYOUKO: 100 points > Rescued KAEDE: 100 points > Rescued IBUKI: 100 points > Rescued ANNA: 100 points > Fought alongside FOUR SEASONS: 10 points > Rescued SHIRONE: 100 points > Delivered SHIRONE to Guild Saviors: 500 points Seeker Contribution: 8,375 points District Seven All Time Contribution Ranking: 1 District Six Contribution Ranking: 1,180 It looked like none of the Blue Butterflies counted toward our contribution points, but we still came out of the expedition with more than 8,000, thanks in no small part to fighting two Named Monsters one right after the other. “D-does this mean…? Mr. Atobe, do you mean to tell me you defeated two Named Monsters when you rescued the Four Seasons ladies and this woman called Shirone?” “Yes, one each on the second and third floors… One of them had captured Four Seasons, and we couldn’t free Shirone without taking the other down, either.” “Oh my… You know, I always steel myself as much as I possibly can before your reports, but it’s never enough. I almost fainted again when I saw these results. You really know how make a girl worry… Although I suppose I should know better than to worry about you by now.” Louisa removed her monocle. She pressed her hands to her lightly blushing cheeks a little sheepishly and smiled, tears glistening in her eyes. “Congratulations, Mr. Atobe. The District Six ranking you see here is merely for reference as the contribution points you earn only officially count toward your status here in District Seven… All the same, given that you’ll be 1,180 out of 8,000 Seekers, you should expect to use the Upper Guild as soon as you proceed to District Six.” We wouldn’t be starting at the bottom in the next district. Still, the competition would intensify the more Seekers were actively trying to advance to District Five—a fact that brought home just how enviable our shortcut to jump directly there really was. “…Louisa, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you later.” “Of course. The Guild headquarters have informed me of the particulars. I understand you’ve received a request to assist with a situation in District Five?” A stampede threatened to break out in town two districts above us; we’d only be tasked with helping to secure the area, but even that surely meant fighting monsters exponentially more dangerous than those in District Seven. And yet, Louisa stayed perfectly calm as I recounted what Kozelka had said. I suppose she must’ve expected the possibility we’d travel to a higher district might come about ever since we were designated Advanced Seekers. “I agree it may be more prudent to advance one step at a time toward your goal. However, you’ve always very clearly expressed your determination to reach District Five from your first days in District Eight.” “Louisa…” “I will accompany you to District Five. I cannot assist you in the actual battles, but I would like the opportunity to continue following your work as your personal caseworker.” Could we really hold our ground against the monsters up there? If so, the chance to rescue Elitia’s friend might actually be within reach—and come far sooner than any of us could have imagined. “I plan to discuss this over with everyone and then decide whether we’ll go.” “Wouldn’t you say you’re all already in agreement on the matter? Mr. Atobe, you and your party successfully defeated two Named Monsters in quick succession. I have no doubt you possess the skills necessary to fight any average monster that may appear in District Five.” Louisa’s encouragement reached everyone in the kitchen and made it clear there was no further need to confirm anything; we were all completely on the same page. “We’ve come this far. We can’t just let this chance slip through our fingers… Ellie’s friend is waiting for us. There’s not a day to waste,” said Igarashi. “…It seems like it was just yesterday. When I first met Ellie, I felt like it would take us ages before we would ever made it to District Five,” added Suzuna. “I know I’m not thaaat much help in battle, but nothing’s gonna scare me as long as I get to be with Arihito and you guys,” said Misaki. “Oh, don’t worry, Arihito, I don’t mean that in a weird way!” No leap in the dark could scare us as long as we had one another—or so I wished we could say. The truth was we all struggled to keep our nerves at bay every time we fought a monster. “…Thanks, guys.” Still, nobody understood the dangers a party on the verge of advancing to District Six would face fighting monsters in District Five better than Elitia. “Kozelka said we’d meet tomorrow morning, right?” asked Igarashi. “We’d better eat up and get a good night’s sleep.” The doorbell to the terrace house rang as soon as Igarashi had finished speaking. Madoka went to answer it and ushered the Carriers delivering our orders from Refreshing Heaven and A Taste of Leuven into the living room. Just then, Ceres and Steiner dropped by on their way home from the rental studio; meanwhile, the ladies of Four Seasons, fresh out of the hospital, and Seraphina and Adeline reached our door. “I say, you always have a party brewing every time we pop in,” said Ceres. “Don’t pretend you weren’t worried, Master. We were passing by and saw everyone gathered at the front door…,” Steiner chided playfully. Ceres, perched on their shoulder, pouted to hide her embarrassment. “…The ladies insisted on coming to see you all off, Mr. Atobe,” explained Seraphina. “Fortunately, they sustained hardly any injuries during the battle with the Clay Giant,” said Adeline. “They were adamant about wanting to see you today instead of waiting for the morning, so we tagged along. Lieutenant Seraphina warned us not to get too rowdy, though.” The members of Four Seasons stood silently for a while after they came inside. I got up from the sofa and went over to greet them, racking my brain over what to say. I’m glad we all made it out okay. We’ll be heading up to other districts, but please take good care of yourselves—not bad, though not exactly the words I was looking for. But before I could land on anything better— “…Mr. Atobe…” “Teacher…!” “Arihito…!” “Arihito…!” The four ladies rushed at me all at once—I could’ve sworn they were coming in for a hug, but they stopped at the last second and laughed shyly as they turned to face one another. “Ha-ha-ha… We’re hopeless. It’s like we’re always on the same wavelength,” Kaede said with a laugh. “I—I was only trying to say thank you. Unlike you, Kaede,” protested Ibuki. “…I do believe the urge to hug Arihito is only natural, given how he came to our rescue,” said Anna. “True, but we can’t hog Mr. Atobe all to ourselves,” added Ryouko. “Kyouka, Louisa—wouldn’t you agree?” “Oh no, don’t let us stop you. I’m sure Atobe appreciates the attention.” “If Kyouka says so, I’ll defer to her wishes. It’s lovely to see you all again.” Louisa got up and shook hands with the four women. Everyone in the kitchen finished preparing dinner and came out to join us, instantly brightening up the room. Seraphina walked over to me and nodded in greeting. Adeline stood close behind, her hands balled into fists for some reason. Maybe she was trying to offer Seraphina some encouragement? “Mr. Atobe, I shall accompany you and your party should you decide to assist in District Five. Third-Class Dragon Captain Kozelka entrusted you with this special mission…so I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to join you in battle if I might prove at all useful to you.” “Thank you very much, Seraphina. That would be a great help. I’d been trying to figure out how we would survive any initial attacks thrown at us.” Seraphina placed her hand over her heart; she was wearing her Guild Savior uniform, which I gathered was her go-to attire on the days she didn’t need to don her armor. From the looks of Adeline’s much more casual outfit, it seemed they were free to wear whatever they wanted off-duty. “I, Lieutenant Seraphina Edelbert, pledge to devote all my strength to thwarting any first blow the enemy may strike against us.” “Thank you, we’re all counting on you. I know we’re much lower in level, but we’ll do whatever we can not to get in your way.” “We’ve worked together so many times, but your humility never ceases to impress me… Wait, did that sound patronizing?” “…Adeline, poke fun at important moments such as these and it will reflect badly on your character,” warned Seraphina sternly. “Ha-ha-ha, you’re blushing. You only started showing me these sides of yourself after we met Mr. Atobe, even though I’ve known you for so much longer,” Adeline teased lightheartedly. Her face grew suddenly serious, and she put her hand on my shoulder. The whole room tensed in anticipation, wondering what she might say. “Please take good care of the lieutenant. I trust she’ll be in good hands with you.” “Wh-what are you…? You’ll trouble Mr. Atobe with such nonsense.” “Juuust kidding. Sometimes you get an instant payoff if you switch it up and try the serious look for a change. Don’t you think, Misaki?” “Huuuh? Ummm, I guess you could say that. Or maybe that’s just with Arihito…” “I tagged along today so I could say hello as our commander’s going to be in your care, and to get to know you all a little better,” said Adeline. “A little late to be asking, but you don’t mind, do you, Commander?”