Volume 2 - CH 53

Chapter 53-Work Addiction and Forced Rest

"What are you going to do?"(Rain)

"Ummm. I don't know what to do. ......"(Yuki)

I groaned as I walked side by side with Rain down the main street of Duna.

The prince of Mastoma let us go easily after that.

Maybe they have some sort of surveillance, but it's ...... creepy that they would disclose that much information and then let us out so easily.

"For now, let's go home. We're all worried about you."(Yuki)

"I'm sorry."(Rain)

"It's okay. I'm sorry too. I didn't expect it to take two weeks."(Yuki)

"Yeah. That's why I went to borrow the Seeker's Compass."(Rain)

The [Seeker's Compass] is a magical artifact that will always point you in the direction of what you are looking for.

"So it's perfect for checking for my survival."(Yuki)

"No."(Rain)

Rain elbowed me in the side and puffed out her cheeks.

I guess I chose the wrong word.

"I knew Yuki was alive, but I thought maybe he didn't know how to get out. That's why I made ...... a fixed point where we could observe."(Rain)

"You did?"(Yuki)

"Yeah. When the Seeker's Compass shows someone, it always creates a magical path. I wondered if I could use that to let Yuki know which direction the [Seeker's Compass] was located ......."(Rain)

That light ...... that we saw in that "colorless darkness"?

In other words, Rain wanted me to show the way back?

Ah, now I can't scold her for her recklessness.

I can't be so rude as to say anything about the way she  saved my life.

"Thank you for saving my life, Rain."(Yuki)

"No, I'm not. I believed in Yuki And Prince Mastoma took my bet. He's a little different from the other Salmutarians."(Rain)

"Yes, he is."(Yuki)

That prince is somewhat different from the rest of Salmutaria.

That otherness, while desirable to us, may seem like anathema to the Salmtarians.

"So ......"(Rain)

"I know. I have an idea."(Yuki)

"Hmm."(Rain)

With her reply, Rain took my hand in her.

Feeling the warmth of my hands, I go on my way, wondering how I will explain the next troublesome matter to my friends.

I went on thinking ......, and in the meantime, I arrived in front of the "Singing Fawn" pavilion.

"Hmm?"(Yuki)

In front of the "Singing Fawn" pavilion, a carriage was parked.

It had the mark of the Adventurers' Guild on it, and as I listened carefully, I could hear some voices inside the inn talking.

"I'm back."(Yuki)

I stepped into the "Singing Fawn" pavilion and was met by a familiar face.

"Mr. Yuki　Rain!"(Silk)

The first one to run up to me was Silk.

With a happy face, she hugged Rain, who was standing next to her.

Behind her, Marina looked over and smiled.

"Welcome back, you two!"(Marina)

"I'm home."(Yuki)

"I'm back. I'm sorry for worrying you."(Rain)

Marina shook her head at Rain's apology.

"I'm glad you're okay!"(Marina)

"Thanks."(Rain)

Behind this exchange, I turn to my other guests, the Marquis de Bedivere and Manuela.

"I'm bac-."(Yuki)

As I was about to bow my head, I was hit on the forehead by a blow from Manuela that shook me to the core.

"Don't make me worry.'(Manuela)

"I'm sorry. ......"(Yuki)

I bowed my head back down, my eyes rolling back and forth in pain.

"I'm glad you're okay. I'd like to get right to the point, but first you need to get some rest. Thank you for your hard work in conquering the labyrinth, brave Yuki Ferdio."(Marquis)

'We will be returning that heavy sign very shortly. The 'culling' and ...... 'Glad-Si-Im' has ceased to exist altogether."(Yuki)

The Marquis de Bedivere nodded deeply at my report.

"We will have a chance to talk about the reward and the future at a later date, along with your report."(Marquis)

"I understand. I will compile a 'record log' as soon as possible."(Yuki)

At my words, the Marquis de Bedivere and Manuela look at each other and let out a loud sigh.

" Your leader is a bit too much of a workaholic. Make sure he is well rested until the debriefing."(Marquis)

"If anything goes wrong, let the guild know. In the meantime, don't let this idiot do anything he shouldn't."(Manuela)

"leave it to me."(Silk)

At the words of the two superiors, Silk, who was standing next to them before they knew it, bowed deeply.

"I'll leave you to it. I will let you know the date of the debriefing as soon as possible."(Manuela)

The Marquis de Bedivere and Manuela got into the carriage, and I watched them leave and looked back at my friends.

"Once again, I'm home. Sorry to have worried you guys."(Yuki)

'It's all right, Mr. Yuki"(Silk)

"You came back all right!"(Marina)

"Welcome home, Yuki"(Rain)

The three girls smiled at him.

It almost reminds me of that day when I joined the party.

I wonder what happened to Nene, come to think of it.

"Where's ...... Nene?"(Yuki)

'She came back after confirming that Yuki-san was leaving the Mastoma mansion. I'm having her move to let all parties know that you two are safe."(Silk)

"I see. Well, that's a bad thing ......."(Yuki)

When I scratched my head like that, Silk's face became sharp.

This is the sub-leader's work mode.

'Well, then, ...... Rain, I'm going to give you a sermon."(Silk)

'Ugh."(Rain)

'Mr. Yuki is going to the hot springs. Marina, take him. Watch that he doesn't do his job all the time."(Silk)

"Yes, Ma'am!"(Marina)

Marina holds my arm tightly at Silk's words.

"Yes, you are coming with me."(Marina)

"Oh, oi ...... don't pull me."(Yuki)

I was literally being dragged to the bathhouse by the forceful Marina.