Chapter 312 - Battle Report, Once Again
—"Do you have a moment?"
A short while after that message arrived right as I logged in.
"A high-grade split-type... yeah, that's what this is."
As I examined the materials they brought, I thought, how on earth did they manage a complete victory with just a pair? In the first place, it's surprising that this rank even appeared for a party of only two.
Kagura shot them a look that was even more exasperated than usual. The familiar face puffed out his chest with a deliberately proud look, while the girl, who I still wouldn't say I've 'warmed up to,' shrank back timidly.
Our timing has been off, so this is only the second time we've met face-to-face. I'm aware that my appearance in this virtual world is quite flashy, so maybe it's inevitable that a quiet girl like her would be a bit reserved.
"—So, what'll it be? The materials are top-notch, no complaints... but it's not like you two are hurting for gear right now, are you?"
"Hmm..."
The young man folded his arms and looked on.
Lined up on the workbench were two kinds of massive metal chunks, each as large as a person could hold. These were the legitimate drop items from the [Angalta, God-Wedge Sword-King] that these two had just defeated.
Due to its nature, the stronger the opponent that armored knight faces, the higher its rank as an enemy becomes. And that 'rank' is directly tied to the quality of the rewards you can obtain.
This time's haul—these two metal chunks, 'White' and 'Blue'...
Well, I'd say they're upper-mid tier. I've handled the absolute best materials from it myself, so my evaluation is inevitably based on that standard.
"Like usual, something interesting first and foremost—"
"I don't mind that, but I won't be happy if you just end up stashing it away because 'it's a bit awkward to use.'"
At any rate, purely as materials, they were of the highest quality. On top of that, for these two, they were a memento of settling the score with what was, in a sense, a 'fated enemy.' It would be inconsiderate to prioritize my own tastes, as I usually do.
With that in mind, my reply was a bit pointed. The young man (Haru) folded his arms with a troubled expression and started to hum—I suppose it would be tactless to ask if he even intended to add more weapons to his arsenal.
"Sora, what about you? Is there anything you want?"
"Wh-Ah, um..."
Ignoring one partner, I called out to the other. The girl (Sora) gave a cute reaction and visibly began to rack her brain.
Really, how on earth did she end up partnered with this guy?
I wouldn't say they're mismatched anymore, but... well, her atmosphere is that of a 'young lady' from a completely different world.
—Well, as long as they seem happy, it's not for an outsider to comment.
Seeing the two of them, whose trust values seem to have reached some bugged-out number, I can't help but think of my junior, who has apparently started 'running wild' recently... but that's another story.
"I have my Cradle... and as for armor... it's a bit late for that now, isn't it?"
"I suppose so."
"You should be aware of it too. That thing of hers has been corrupted by you, you know."
When I shot a glare at the other partner who had so casually agreed with Sora's mumbling, the young man quickly averted his gaze and started whistling.
...What's with that? It's annoyingly skillful.
"Ah... right... In that case, Sora, is it okay if I decide?"
"That's fine. I think it would be best if you used it, Haru—"
But the young man cut off his partner with an "Actually."
"This time, let's make it equipment we can use together."
He patted the two shining chunks casually... almost intimately.
"Something that emulates them. That would be the most powerful, right?"
No one present would object to his definitive statement. The order was decided, and the fate of their spoils was safely determined.
...Still, as is always the case with him.
I wonder if he ever feels embarrassed later about the theatrical way he behaves so naturally—
Putting her own role-playing aside, Kagura accepted the order while swallowing her exasperation.
◇◆◇◆◇
"How was that [Gravidon]?"
"It was amazing. I landed a full-power uppercut with it."
"...Even with the boost, you're probably the only one who can launch it into the air like that so casually."
After seeing Sora off, who had logged out early to 'prepare dinner,' the magitech artisan and her client were back to their usual one-on-one.
Our chat, which started with hammering out the details of the order, had dragged on, and we'd somehow transitioned into a relaxed session, each holding a cup.
Usually, we'd just part ways once business was concluded—so this was honestly a rare occurrence. I never thought Kagura-san would be the one not to say, 'Alright, you can head home now.'
—Of course, that inner thought was just a clumsy attempt to hide my own bashfulness.
"...Well, anyway. You seem to have calmed down a bit. I'm relieved."
Just like that.
Of all my friends in this virtual world, I know best that she is the most considerate one of all.
"Thanks to you—no, really. Thanks to everyone."
"Hah, you're blessed with good people. Starting with that cute partner of yours."
"Again, and again, I truly am..."
She's been the 'reliable big sister' for a while now, so it's been a while since I've seen her gentle side. It's nostalgic, seeing this glimpse of the serious, proper, and polite older sister I presume she is—
"I don't know what you're thinking, but I know it's nothing good."
"I apologize."
Is everyone around me a mind reader? It's scary. Huh? Am I really that easy to read???
"Am I really that easy to read?"
"More than you think, at least. In fact, I thought you were being intentionally open about it?"
I asked her straight, and she came back with a straight 'Yes.'
Seriously...? The same me who was constantly told in high school, 'It's hard to tell what you're thinking, Kasuga-kun'...?
"While we're on the subject of getting personal, there's one thing I'd like to ask."
"Ah, yes. If it's something I can answer—"
"So, what's the deal with you and Nia?"
"That's not just getting personal, that's a blow straight to the vitals!?!"
As I faltered, Kagura-san said with a cool expression, "If you don't want to talk about it, I won't force you," in an equally cool tone. It felt like she was flaunting her adult composure, which only served to fuel my own embarrassment.
"'What's the deal'... given the way you're asking, I'm sure you've already heard all about it from her, right?"
"A little, maybe? That girl has other people to talk to, so she just gave me a simple report."
"This may be rude to ask, but is that a girl... a woman thing? Just because you're senior and junior in the same clan, do you really 'report' your love lives to each other?"
Girls' networks are scary—as I trembled at the thought that information about me could be circulating anywhere at any time, Kagura-san laughed and said, "That's not it."
"I'm the one who poked first. Nia turned bright red, like she was about to explode. It was completely obvious from the start, you know."
"You made the first move?!"
Obvious... So her feelings really were that obvious.
Well, I guess that makes sense—even a dense idiot like me was able to notice.
"It's not my place to say this, but..."
"Then please don't."
But a simple request like that wasn't about to silence her while she was smiling so mischievously—that much was clearer than day.
I threw my arms up in a defensive posture, but—
"She's adorable now that she's being honest, isn't she? Suffer in bliss, you lady-killer."
"Aaargh...!"
—the shot pierced my vitals with perfect accuracy, and I collapsed in disgrace, dead on the spot.
I'd like to write about the two artisans' pasts someday... maybe in a Nia-chan spin-off.