Chapter 16: Dungeon Conquest Quest

After defeating the self-proclaimed executive candidate of the demon tribe, Sweat, we returned to the city of Cylindal.

The Guild Master was overjoyed and celebrated Kazuya’s and my safe return. Kazuya began recounting the events in order to complete the quest report.

This time, I had initially planned to wait at the table as usual, but Kazuya asked me to stay with him, so I listened by his side as he gave his report.

Kazuya first explained the situation—the scale, numbers, and composition of the monsters. The Guild Master and others expressed skepticism, saying that two people couldn’t possibly handle such numbers. But then Kazuya gave my back a hearty slap and loudly declared, "Miki annihilated all fifty of them!!"

The Guild Master, staff, and eavesdropping adventurers were stunned.

For some reason, Kazuya proudly continued, "Miki used explosion magic—and with insane firepower—" Everyone wore expressions of disbelief.

"Hey… is what Kazuya saying true? It’s hard to believe on the spot…"

The Guild Master turned to me directly, so I added:

"It’s accurate. To be precise, it was three spells—one at the main gate, two in the central plaza."

"...And that took out all fifty?"

"Yes, definitely wiped out… right?"

I rested a finger on my chin and glanced at Kazuya for confirmation.

"Yeah, no doubt about it—total annihilation."

He tried to throw an arm around my shoulder, so I swatted him away. "Quit it with the shoulder grabs."

Our exchange sent murmurs through the Guild staff and onlookers. Well, I guess it’s hard to grasp without seeing it firsthand.

"Calm down, everyone. The Guild will verify the site later—you can judge for yourselves then. So, what happened after that?"

The Guild Master urged Kazuya to continue. Clearing his throat, Kazuya went on.

——

Once the full report was finished and receptionist Monica had recorded everything, the Guild Master stroked his chin.

"Hmm… A demon who hates elves, huh? Come to think of it, I’ve heard one of their executives is a dark elf. Don’t know the details, but maybe there’s a connection to Sweat."

He laughed heartily.

"Anyway, good work taking down Sweat. The Guild will handle the investigation and confirmation, so feel free to take it easy for a few days."

With that, the debriefing ended—but Kazuya and I were immediately bombarded with questions from the other adventurers.

About a week later, after returning from an A-rank quest, the Guild Master summoned us. It seemed the Guild’s investigation into Sweat’s case was complete.

To cut to the chase, Sweat had indeed been defeated, and three traces of massive explosions were confirmed at the scene.

Well, duh—we were the ones who did it. But at least this officially validated Kazuya’s victory over Sweat and my use of such large-scale magic.

Next, the Adventurer’s Guild contacted the Hero Party regarding a dungeon conquest quest.

A new dungeon had been discovered near the royal capital. If monsters emerged from it, the capital could face disaster, so a reward was offered for eliminating the dungeon’s master to expedite its conquest. However, every adventurer who had attempted it so far had been wiped out.

With C-rank adventurers proving insufficient, the heroes were called upon for a swift resolution.

"Participation is optional this time. Reports say Dominick, the only S-rank hero, has already headed for the dungeon. But just in case, they’re requesting other heroes join. An unexplored dungeon usually means untold treasures… Kazuya, what’ll you do?"

Kazuya rested a hand on his chin, thinking.

"If it’s near the capital, our base of operations would shift. How would that work?"

"Hmm, is that all? Even if you operate from the capital or another city, you’ll still be Cylindal’s heroes. Plus, the lord’s willing to provide some funds, so don’t worry about money or reputation."

Hearing that, Kazuya turned to me, his eyes asking the question. I replied as always:

"I told you—we’re sticking together for life. Wherever you go, I’ll follow."

Kazuya flashed his usual pleased grin before turning back to the Guild Master.

"We’ll take it. And we’ll clear it before that S-rank adventurer does."

"...Damn, I envy you from the bottom of my heart. A beautiful elf, devoted, a grand sorceress, who says things like that… Never let her go."

He seemed to misunderstand. "For life" was just a drop in the bucket for an elf—a way to kill time, nothing serious.

…At least, that’s what I would’ve thought half a year ago.

Ever since my past-life memories returned, my sense of time has felt different. And lately, I’ve started feeling something deeper for Kazuya—something I can’t just dismiss as "killing time."

If this keeps up, losing Kazuya might leave a gaping hole in my heart.

"Anyway, back to the topic—glad you’re taking it. But don’t leave before checking in at the Guild tomorrow. I need to notify the lord."

"Got it. We’ll be here."

"Then I’ll head to the lord’s place now. Counting on you."

And so, we accepted the dungeon conquest quest.

After bidding a brief farewell to Zack the blacksmith and Fabio from the weapons shop, we ended up receiving some selected items. Feeling bad about taking them for free, Kazuya paid a reasonable amount.

Next, we went shopping for provisions for our journey to the royal capital. Shopping was easy since we didn't have to worry about quantities. We just stuffed everything into my magic bag - an item I'd taken when leaving the elf village. Despite its small size, its capacity was unimaginably vast, and it preserved all contents in their original state without spoiling or cooling. While it couldn't chill or freeze things like a refrigerator, it was incredibly useful. The power of magic is amazing. It's wonderful not having to rely on dried meat or fruit like other adventurers. Kazuya was really happy about it too.

I've seen similar items sold in high-end shops, but theirs had smaller capacities and ridiculously high prices. Since it wasn't particularly rare in our village, I felt truly grateful to be an elf.

Then we returned to our inn.

Thinking this might be our last night here, we decided to order dinner at the inn for the first time. We expected something amazing from such a high-class establishment.

The meal that arrived was indeed luxurious and extravagant. Both quality and quantity were more than satisfying... but not for Kazuya. For him, regardless of quality, the portions were absolutely insufficient. Understandable for a growing 17-year-old adventurer whose body is his capital - it must have seemed pitifully small compared to his usual intake. After dinner, Kazuya went out saying he'd eat at a nearby tavern. Since I wanted to bathe and relax in our room, I just saw him off with "Take care." Even soulmates don't need to stick together that much.

I took a bath, washed up, and soaked until thoroughly warmed... maybe too warmed. Feeling slightly lightheaded, I got out, wrapped myself in a bathrobe, and cooled down on the sofa. Kazuya still hadn't returned - probably got caught up talking while eating at the tavern. Easy to imagine, since he's so sociable. People say his social skills have worsened slightly because of me, but he's still popular.

As for me, while spacing out on the sofa, I must have fallen asleep.

"Whoa!! Wha───t───!? ──Miki!!"

A noisy, disruptive sensation brought me back to consciousness. Apparently I'd fallen asleep at some point.

But this didn't feel like the sofa. A bed...? Not quite - hard, bumpy, warm and large... Wait, this is Kazuya!

Huh!? Why!? My last memory was sitting on the sofa - if I'd slept there, I should still be there... Though if it's Kazuya, he probably carried me to bed.

I realized I was clinging to Kazuya in my usual poor sleeping posture. Well, time to wake up - first things first, morning greetings to Kazuya.

I opened my eyes, lifted my head, and gave my usual greeting:

"Morning, Kazuya."

Kazuya seemed different - avoiding eye contact, breathing heavily, visibly struggling against something. What's wrong? Normally he'd cheerfully return the greeting and even hug me.

"What's up Kazuya? You're acting weird."

Hearing this, Kazuya glanced at me briefly before looking away and closing his eyes again. He pressed a hand to his head as if restraining himself.

"Hold back... endure... don't betray Miki..."

He kept muttering incomprehensibly. Seriously, what's going on? This isn't normal. As I watched worriedly, Kazuya took deep breaths to calm himself and said without looking at me:

"Miki, please get away from me. I'm at my limit."

How unusual for Kazuya to say such a thing. What's the matter?... Though being told that just makes me want to tease him.

"What's this Kazuya~? Don't say such lonely things~"

Saying this, I stroked his abs and rubbed against his thighs. Hm? The sensation feels a bit off... but whatever.

"!? Hey! Seriously stop! I won't be responsible for what happens!!"

Kazuya warned me sharply. This seems... like I should probably stop. I made that judgment.

"Sorry sorry, no need to get so mad."

Finally separating from Kazuya...!?!? Wh-what!? My clothes... I'm naked!?

Did Kazuya...!? No, that can't be - his reaction would be strange if he'd undressed me, and it doesn't seem like acting.

"Hey Kazuya, just confirming - you just carried me from the sofa to bed, right? That's all, right?"

"...Yeah, I didn't undress you. Don't get the wrong idea."

Kazuya answered while still looking away. So it must be my sleeping habits then. I was only wearing the bathrobe - it must have come off, leaving me naked while clinging to Kazuya.

I see - that's why Kazuya's restraining himself now, keeping his rationality in check to avoid assaulting me. I really messed up here. Thinking this, I put the bathrobe back on and called to Kazuya:

"Sorry Kazuya, I'm decent now."

Hearing this, Kazuya finally turned toward me and sat up.

"Still just the bathrobe though... better than naked I guess..."

"So, what now? Still up for a hug today?"

I asked with slight mischief. Kazuya shook his head in response.

"Nah, I'll pass today. Don't want to waste successfully holding back."

...Right, it'd be troublesome if his restraint broke. Better stop here.

Still, Kazuya's properly keeping his promise. Even after noticing I was awake, he didn't take advantage. Somehow, I really feel how much he treasures me. I briefly wondered - if I'd given permission back then, saying "It's okay," what would have happened? Would I have been disappointed by Kazuya's reaction... or happy? I found myself contemplating something that might lead to regret.

Afterward, we properly changed clothes and had breakfast. Informing the inn we wouldn't return for a while, we visited the guild where the lord gave us farewell gifts, warming our pockets before departing the city.