Chapter 9: Charlotte and the Investigation Request〇

"So, what is this about?"

We were led by Mr. Pete into a small room. A three-seater bench and a desk faced each other, so we sat opposite him.

"Are you aware that unusual behavior has been observed in the dungeon recently?"

"Do you mean like what we encountered in the Catacomb Dungeon?"

Mr. Pete nodded. Apparently, what happened yesterday had also occurred elsewhere. That was serious.

"In fact, such incidents have been happening for about two weeks now. With Miss Charlotte’s case, this makes the sixth one."

"Six already!?"

Six irregularities in just two weeks—that was a major problem. They’re called irregularities precisely because they rarely happen. If they start occurring this often, it’s an entirely different matter.

"Were you keeping this information under wraps?"

"...We couldn’t spread false or unverified information and risk causing public panic. It needed to be carefully examined first."

That made sense. If news of dungeon abnormalities spread, adventurers would surely panic. Some would stop diving entirely, others might recklessly dive in hoping to profit off the information. Some suicidal fools might even try to play hero. It wasn’t hard to imagine.

"Then why tell us?"

"Since even Miss Charlotte encountered it, we concluded that it cannot simply be a large-scale prank."

How does that follow? It’s not like I have any track record that deserves that kind of trust.

"You look puzzled. But within the Guild, Miss Charlotte is actually quite well-known."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Why are you so interested? Don’t give me that face like you just hit the jackpot. What do you even think I am? But… famous? For what?

"Despite not belonging to a fixed party, you move around among the famous ones. Some say you’re the most well-connected adventurer in this town."

"No, that’s really not the case."

"In fact, many parties ask if you’ll be participating. There are even investigation requests that depend on whether you’re involved or not."

Eh…? That’s the first I’ve heard of it. So I’ve been dragged into investigations without even realizing? Those people never explain things properly. And why me anyway? I’m not that useful. Every time, I’m silently terrified they’ll call me out for leeching.

Why don’t I just refuse? Refuse? Like I could! When stronger parties invite you, they don’t take no for an answer after one refusal—they keep pushing until you give in!

"They even call you the ‘Goddess of Fortune’—"

"Waah, waah!"

Stop with that nickname! When the regulars tease me with it, I can brush it off, but hearing it from someone serious is unbearable! …Hey, is the guy next to me shaking his shoulders? Is he laughing? This guy?

"My, my. Looks like I made quite the lucky find. Didn’t think you were such a big shot."

"I’m not saying anything. Nothing at all, got it?"

"Alright, alright. Then let’s get back to the real topic. We weren’t summoned here for small talk."

Good point. If we stay serious, I won’t be humiliated. …I won’t, right?

"Ahem. My apologies."

He cleared his throat and returned to the main subject.

"We’ve been investigating, and we suspect the cause of these irregularities lies in the first dungeon where they occurred. ― Miss Charlotte. I’d like to ask you to gather a group and investigate."

"...Excuse me?"

"We came to a conclusion. If the success rate of an investigation depends on your presence, then we might as well issue the request directly to you."

… I see. I see?

"So, will you accept?"

"‘So, will you accept?’ That’s not how this works. Why would you think I’d take it?"

"You won’t?"

"Of course not! It’s not like I can just go around inviting them myself!"

We’ve only worked together a few times. They might approach me, sure, but it’s never the other way around. I know exactly how that would look. That’s something I left behind in the past. These days I’m working clean, within my limits. Please don’t drag me into this.

"Really? I’m sure they’d be delighted if you asked..."

"Absolutely not! Why would anyone be glad to drag along dead weight?"

"Because you’re the Goddess of Fortune—"

"Stop calling me that!"

Whoever came up with that nickname, I’ll never forgive them!

And so, the discussion went in circles. Mr. Pete wanted me to take the job, but I couldn’t accept something beyond my capacity. Then, cutting in, was Riven.

"Then I’ll take it."

"...What?"

"I said, I’ll take the request."

What is this man saying?

I turned to him in shock, and Riven was smirking mockingly. Every time he opens his mouth, it’s something outrageous. He’s just a fresh registrant with no trust from the Guild whatsoever, and yet—what the hell is he saying?

"You will?"

"Yeah. I will."

Pete looked just as bewildered.
Well, of course. I felt the same way.

"It's not a bad deal. If I take the request, this one here automatically comes along."

As he said this, the man placed a hand on my shoulder.

Eh? Why?

"You did say you'd ‘do anything,’ didn’t you?"

"Wha—wha—…"

"My, my. Truly, I’ve picked up a fine prize. You may really be a Goddess of Fortune after all."

While I stood speechless, Riven leaned forward slightly and addressed Pete.

"Well? You want her to accept the request, don’t you? If I take it, then she automatically takes it too. Isn’t that a simpler way than trying to coax her directly?"

"...And what do you gain from this?"

"I gain achievements. I’ve heard you need the Guild’s approval to access more dungeons. Then securing proof of ability and trust here is a clear benefit, isn’t it?"

The conversation moved on without me.
Pete pressed a hand to his mouth in thought.
Meanwhile, I just wanted to bury my head, realizing the empty promises I’d made were suddenly ballooning out of control.

Why is this guy so silver-tongued here? He always gave off that “I can’t be bothered to talk to people” vibe!

"Very well. I’ll issue the request to you."

Pete extended his hand to Riven. Riven gave the faintest of smiles and accepted.
Their firm handshake was something I could only watch in silence.

"However, there is one condition."

"What is it?"

"With just the two of you, it’s insufficient. We will assign additional members on our side."

"Oh?"

Riven smirked in anticipation. He wanted to see what kind of people the Guild deemed fit. And also, to size up the gap in strength between himself and them.

"Fine. Who are they?"

"They’ve been waiting outside the room. ― Please, come in."

Pete called toward the door, which immediately swung open.
Wait—you had them waiting already!? So you never intended to let me refuse in the first place, you bastard! The extra personnel line was just a ploy!

"Excuse me."

"Ugh!"

"Been a while, Charlotte."

The words slipped out before I could stop them. What a day for running into people I’d rather avoid!

Short blond hair gleamed under the light, his armor dyed crimson. I knew this man very well.
The leader of the town’s current top clan—Reynard.
One of my former “hosts,” back when I was a parasite. He was also the leader of the now-collapsed mid-tier party ―【Crimson Sword】.

"So, this is our first time officially in the same party since 【Crimson Sword】, isn’t it?"

"Ha ha ha… y-yeah."

"Come now, we’re old friends. No need to be so tense, is there?"

How could I not be tense!? Look at your position now! …Not that there wasn’t a huge gap even back when we were in the same party.

Reynard was famously clueless about women. That was why, when the party fell apart, he was the most bewildered of us all. When I later heard he’d bounced back and was leading the largest clan, I honestly felt relieved. He was blameless, and above all, a genuinely good man.

Which only made it harder for me, the cause of that collapse, to face him.

"...And the other one?"

"They said they’d be a little late because of an errand—ah, here they come now."

Reynard’s words earned a reaction from Riven.
I tilted my head, puzzled, until the sound of hurried footsteps outside reached even me. Louder and louder.

"Charloooootteeee! I’ve missed youuuuu!"

Of all the people I never wanted to see again in this town, this woman burst through the door.
That vivid blue hair rushing toward me forced unwelcome memories to the surface.

She was the one who had been banned from Stray Cat Inn in record time. Even now, just seeing her face gave me goosebumps.

I still remembered our first meeting clearly. A beautiful stranger had entered the tavern, so I watched warily. When she spotted me, she marched straight over and stood in front of me. Expecting to be slapped for some unknown grudge, I braced myself—only for her to grab my chest. Boldly. In front of everyone. She even licked her lips. In the middle of the tavern!

She’s the only woman who’s ever made me fear for my chastity.

"Eeeeeek! Help me! This is a contract, isn’t it!?"

"Ahhh, you’re adorable as always! And today your hair’s a lovely bright pink! It suits my sweet Charlotte so well! Makes me want to just gobble you up!"

"Don’t come any closer! I am absolutely not taking this request, you hear me!?"

I leapt from my chair, pressing myself against the wall opposite the entrance, facing her head-on. Show her my back for even a second and I’d be done for… My instincts commanded it.

"Hey now, you’re scaring her. If you pull that sort of stunt, I’ll send you back to the clan house."

"Aww, nooo… Okay, okay, I get it. Just don’t force me out."

A light tap on the head from Reynard, and she calmed down—somewhat.
That was close. No way am I ending up in the same party as her!

"...So, who are you people?"

Riven asked with a tired look. Reynard answered politely.

"I’m Reynard, leader of the clan 【Crimson Bell】. And this is…"

"Charlotte-chan Fan Club, member No. 32—Trishel! Nice to meet you!"

A former host party leader and a hardcore stalker. What a hellish combo of additional members.