CH 254

Episode 254 – First Party Interview

About one week had passed after we first defeated the Elemental Golem. Since then, we had gone on another two Dungeon expeditions, and in total, we had now managed to defeat the Elemental Golem six times.

In the meantime, the Laudungeon Company had released a new special feature article on us, and I now felt like our popularity was nearly on the same level as some of the top adventurers. It was at the point where I was now a little scared of what the reactions would be once we had finished clearing the 30th layer and disbanded.

Of course, I felt it would be for the best for the six of us to all continue together as one party, and I intended to negotiate for this. But that could all fall apart just with a brief comment from Ahmed. The sight of Ahmed’s back in my mind gave me that kind of exaggerated impression as I hurried my way to the Laudungeon Company.

“You’re late. I was tired of waiting.” (Aruna)

“Sorry… I thought I arrived quite a bit earlier than planned.” (Lewin)

“Anyway, this building sure is rundown. Is this really a newspaper company?” (Aruna)

“Y-Yeah, it certainly can’t be compared to the Dungeon Pendant Company, the place we went to for pancakes last time. I didn’t even know that there was a newspaper company here.” (Rosalie)

“The Dungeon Pendant Company is one of the industry leaders, but the Laudungeon Company is a small to mid-sized company. However, the employees here are good people, so don’t worry.” (Lewin)

“I’m only going along with it because you insisted, but I’m against the article being published since I don’t want to stand out,” Aruna said with a sulky pout. Certainly, I didn’t want to have it be like getting on stage every time we were in front of the Dungeon entrance either, nor did I want to stand out if I could help it. But above all, I owed a lot to Tobias, and without him providing information, it would’ve been hard to say if we be able to clear the Dungeon. No matter what happened, I couldn’t pull out of this.

“Please bear with it. It was because of this person at Laudungeon Company that we were able to get to know each other and have such a smooth experience clearing the Dungeon so far.” (Lewin)

“In t-that case, we can’t really refuse. I also r-read the article, and it was clearly well-researched and aptly written in such a way that even though I’m one of the involved parties, i-it was an interesting read. I already have a pretty good impression of this person.” (Rosalie)

“……..Okay. I did say I would go along with it.” (Aruna)

Aruna reluctantly agreed as her cheeks puffed up into a pout. With that, I led the way up to the 2nd floor in a familiar fashion. When I opened the door leading to the office, all of the reporters were lined up there as if to greet us.

“Sorry to make you come here on your day off. I’m Tobias, the one that’s been writing articles about your party, [Sun Strelka]. I’m looking forward to working with you today.”

Tobias, who was dressed neatly, stepped forward from among the reporters and greeted us while bowing at ninety degrees. All year round, Tobias was always dressed sloppily, so the gap from his current appearance was so dramatic that I had to rub my eyes to make sure I wasn’t seeing things.

“L-Likewise, I’m looking forward to it. My n-name is Rosalie.”

“…Jeez. It was the president that told me to dress neatly. Your guys’ party, [Sun Strelka], is a hero-like existence to the Laudungeon Company. I was finally starting to feel comfortable in this, but Lewin went and ruined it.” (Tobias)

“Hey, don’t blame Lewin.” (Laudungeon Reporter)

“She’s right. It’s your problem for having such a sloppy appearance all the time. Come on, hurry and show them in.” (Laudungeon Reporter)

Under the barrage of criticism from his fellow reporters, Tobias scratched his head, seemingly at a loss, and led us into the reception room. Probably because of what happened just now, Tobias stopped trying to keep up appearances and went back to his usual demeanor.

“It’s easier this way.” (Lewin)

“It’s easier for me, too. Those damned higher-ups. If I was an upright human being, I wouldn’t be a reporter for the Laudungeon Company.” (Tobias)

As Tobias grumbled complaints while preparing the tea and snacks, we took a seat in the reception room, which had finally been completely tidied up. Today, Aruna and Rosalie would be included in the interview, and we would also be having a face-to-face meeting with someone who had said they wanted to sponsor us. Tobias was the one that found the sponsor for us, and I took him up on it after taking his advice that we should be taking advantage of our popularity to earn more money.

“Just to introduce myself again, I’m the one who has been writing for your party, [Sun Strelka], and my name is Tobias. I’m not very good at being all formal and stuff, so I would appreciate it if you could forgive me for that.” (Tobias)

“That’s totally fine. I don’t think these two would mind.” (Lewin)

“Yeah, I’m fine with it.” (Rosalie)

“Mhm, no problem.” (Aruna)

“In that case, sorry to cut to the chase, but let’s quickly get on with the interview. Thanks for your cooperation today.” (Tobias)

And thus, under Tobias’s initiative, the party interview for the article began.