Chapter 10: Charlotte and the Party Members◇

My request to refuse the job didn’t go through. Everyone else was fired up about it, and the matter was too big for me to decide on my own.

"Man, it’s good to see your face again after so long."

"I’m glad to see you looking well too."

"I heard you’re working at the Stray Cat Inn? It’s outside our usual range, so I haven’t gone there much, but… would it be alright if I stopped by sometime?"

"…Sure, go ahead."

One handsome guy on each side of me. If Hannah saw me like this, she’d probably have something to say again, but right now I had bigger problems.

"Then how about I come along as your escort!?"

"You are not allowed. You’re banned."

"What!? But even that frightened look of yours is so cute, I can’t help forgiving you!"

Her energy is way too much. Seriously, who the hell brought her here? She’s terrifying—honestly the scariest thing in this room. More frightening than the dungeon we’re supposed to investigate. She’s a danger way too close for comfort. Pete, why did you pick this person?

"But you two knew each other, huh? I was told to bring along two people from our clan… when Trishel insisted on joining, I wondered what was going on. She usually doesn’t show much motivation."

So you’re the one who picked her! Give me a break! I can’t even push back properly since she’s got dirt on me!

"…So, it’ll be the four of us diving into the dungeon. That sound right?"

"Yes. As long as you prove your strength, we’ll acknowledge you as well. Um, your name was?"

"Riven."

"Riven. I think this will also bring you closer to your goal."

They were carrying on the discussion without me. I didn’t have a place here at all. All I could do was make myself small and hope time would wash everything away.

"Charlotte, look this way!"

Shut up!

"How about we hold the strategy meeting at our clan’s base after this?"

After finishing the basic talks with Pete, we were dismissed. I made sure to always keep Riven positioned between me and Trishel, managing to slip away from her clutches. For now, she hasn’t managed to lay a hand on me.

"Hm. I can see the need for a meeting. You two are familiar with the dungeon we’re about to enter, aren’t you?"

"That’s right. Our clan has gone deep many times. We’re so used to it that we’ve even stayed inside overnight."

"I figured. Otherwise, the one who called you here would’ve been incompetent."

Hey, we’re still inside the Guild building. You never know who’s listening, so could you not say things like that? Not that I’ll say it out loud… he’s scary. And I have to keep an eye on Trishel too.

"…I’ve got one question, if I may."

"Hm? What is it? We’re going into the dungeon together, so ask me anything."

"What’s your relationship with her?"

It seems Riven noticed how I kept glancing at the two of them. Reynard thought for a moment before giving his answer.

"She and I used to be in the same party."

"Oh? Is that so."

"Yeah. We broke up after some disputes, but I was pretty close with her."

Riven glanced at me for confirmation. I nodded. It was true that I’d been close with Reynard. That closeness was also what triggered the party’s collapse, but… it doesn’t matter anymore. It was bound to happen eventually, that’s the conclusion I’ve come to.

"And you, Trishel?"

"Me? I… um…"

"Um?"

I’ve got a bad feeling. Don’t you dare say something weird.

"I guess you could call it… love at first sight."

"She’s my stalker. I’ve been her victim in the past."

"Wait a second?"

"I see. So that’s why you considered her a dangerous person."

"Wait a second?"

"Trishel, you need permission before doing that sort of thing."

"Wait a second!?"

Wasn’t that last one completely wrong? This isn’t a matter of permission or not! I couldn’t help but react to that one. It hurts… you’re really not going to protect me, are you?

"Well, whatever."

No, not "whatever"! Riven, didn’t you promise you’d protect me!?

"Anyway, we’re going into the dungeon, so let’s at least get along for now. Of course, Trishel, you need to stop doing things the other person doesn’t like."

"Okaay. If the leader says so, I’ll hold back~"

"Charlotte, Trishel’s agreed, so could you overlook it just this once?"

Reynard turned his pure, innocent gaze toward me.

Ugh. He’s too handsome.

"…If Reynard says so, then fine."

At least let me sigh once. But the reality is, once the decision’s been made, I can’t keep complaining forever. Even if Reynard hadn’t said anything, I would have had to accept it eventually.

I forced myself to swallow my frustration. I had nothing but complaints about the member selection, but that’s all they were—complaints. The one who’s overwhelmingly lacking in ability here is me. Reynard and Riven, of course, but even Trishel is part of the top ranks of the largest clan, her ability undeniable. What right do I have to speak up like I matter?

Another sigh slipped out.

"So, where is your clan base located?"

"Not too far from here. Though it’s in the opposite direction from the Stray Cat Inn."

"We’re not diving into the dungeon today, are we? In that case, a bit of distance won’t be an issue."

"True. The earliest would be the day after tomorrow. Even so, we don’t know how long the investigation will take, so I’d like to prepare thoroughly."

A sound argument. As expected of the leader of the largest clan, he understands dungeons well. You can’t be too prepared—especially when it comes to dungeons. One single misstep, and even a seasoned veteran can be killed by a monster far beneath their level.

Always preparing carefully for potential fatal mistakes—excellent. I can’t count how many times I’ve been argued with by rookies when I tried to explain that. Such an important lesson, and yet.

"Fair enough. I’ll listen to you."

"Thanks. Can I think of myself as a provisional leader, then?"

"I don’t mind. I’m the newcomer here. It makes more sense for someone familiar with the situation to steer the ship."

Oh? Looks like Reynard passed Riven’s test. For him to hand over command like that—that’s quite a concession. I thought he was the type who hated taking orders.

"What’s with that look? Surprised I can follow someone else’s lead?"

"N-no, not at all…"

Crap, he noticed. He’s ridiculously perceptive—almost like he can read minds. I’d better watch my thoughts from now on.

"…I’m not so narrow-minded that I’d complain about someone saying something reasonable."

"Uh, right…"

"So if you have something to say, speak up. If it’s worth considering, I’ll hear it."

…Wait, what? Did I just hear that right? He’s telling me to speak up? This guy? To me? It took a while to even process what I’d been told. Could it be… he really was picking up on my dissatisfaction?

"What, do you have a problem with that?"

"N-no, no! Not at all!"

"If not, then fine."

Apparently, my hesitation annoyed him; a wrinkle formed on his brow. Someone chuckled at our exchange—Reynard.

"You two sure get along well."

"We do not. We only met yesterday."

"Really? Doesn’t seem that way to me. You’re paying a lot of attention to each other."

No way. I didn’t say it out loud, but that’s what I thought. The only reason I’m watching him is so I don’t get killed, and the only reason he’s watching me is to make use of me. That’s all we are. Reynard makes it sound like something beautiful, but it isn’t.

My eyes met Riven’s. He seemed to be thinking the same thing. This time, he was the one who looked away.

"Enough. Lead the way. I need time to prepare as well."

"Wow, impatient much? A man who can’t even keep his cool when he’s just shown up—pathetic."

And here comes Trishel, provoking Riven. She even covered her mouth with her hand like she was mocking him. Hey, seriously?

"What did you say?"

"That’s what newcomers are like. Pushing everyone else to make allowances for their own shortcomings, when we haven’t done a single thing wrong?"

Wh-whoa, whoa! Why are you picking a fight!? There’s no need to stir things up here! What exactly rubbed you the wrong way!? Didn’t Reynard just say we should get along? Did I mishear?

"Oh? You’ve got some nerve."

"Damn right I do. Someone’s gotta spell it out for the clueless."

The two of them glared at each other. You weren’t supposed to be this type, Trishel. What the hell happened? Reynard was the one who stepped in between them.

"Let’s stop there. We don’t have time to waste on this. Let’s move."

"…Fine. I’ll comply."

"Hmph! But just so you know, Charlotte is not yours!"

"She is not yours either, you know?"

With that hair-trigger atmosphere still hanging over us, Reynard took the lead, guiding us toward the Scarlet Bell clan house.

…Wait, did she just grab my ass!? Dammit, Trishel! She went and did it when no one was looking! You didn’t even give off that vibe just now! But you still went and pulled it off, huh!? You piece of work—you’re a woman, but still!