kscans

Chapter 215 - From Third-rate to Second-rate

The day after the exploration ended, the airship Angra Mainyu, carrying Hayato and the others, returned to the surface.

The place they returned to was the same place they had departed from, the Spirit Country.

Though the Bandit clan also had an airship, they were still undoubtedly a rare mode of transport. To avoid attracting unnecessary attention, they landed in a place with no people.

And here, the members of this exploration party disbanded.

"I'm going back to the Demon Lord's Castle. I got a message yesterday saying sorry for making me bake too many cookies. I think I will generously forgive them."

"Huh? That's what they're sorry for? Not the confinement part?"

"Yeah. Besides, it seems they've run out of the cookies I make. There might be a riot in the Demon Country."

"You didn't put anything weird in the cookies, did you?"

He never got an answer to that, but he decided not to press the issue, as some things are better left unknown. There is a saying that ignorance is bliss. Hayato thought it was a wonderful piece of wisdom.

"Well then, Rosalie-san and everyone, thank you for your cooperation. You helped us with everything from the salvage to gathering materials for the airship."

"It's of no concern. We merely lent a hand because it was necessary for Lunaria-sama's rescue. But if you feel indebted, I will send you the dough and chocolate Lunaria-sama made later, so you will make a large quantity of eclairs with them."

"Well, if it's just that. Take care, then."

Lunaria and the Black Rose members gave a brief farewell to the others and headed towards the Demon Country.

"Alright, I guess we'll head back to the Empire too. We've been away for quite a while, so the boss is gonna be mad."

"Didn't you get permission to come?"

"I got permission, but I didn't send any regular updates. I'll try to get on his good side by giving him some treasure from the island. Not giving him the swords, though."

The members of the Dragon Busters looked disappointed at those words, but they probably learned this time that leaving such matters to Cecil was the problem.

They had been together for quite a while, but Cecil just said, "See ya later," and the other members were much the same. It was likely that due to Cecil's personality and the members being former mercenaries, they weren't the type to linger on farewells.

The ones left were the members of Kokuryu and the Treasure Hunter Guild.

"Well then, shall we return using the Rings of Teleportation? We have enough for everyone in the Treasure Hunter Guild as well."

"That's a great help. In that case, I'll head back to the guild first and then go to Hayato's base. I'll be bringing your share of the treasure, so wait for me a bit."

"Understood. Please do."

Hayato's group's share was quite large, and unfortunately, it didn't all fit into the members' item bags. The members of the Treasure Hunter Guild were to carry it back in parts and then deliver it to Hayato's base.

Sonia and the Treasure Hunter Guild members teleported to their guild using the rings Hayato gave them.

"Alright, we'll head back to our base for now too. Hayato, I have something I want to discuss with you later, is that alright?"

"Discuss? Sure, but not now?"

"I'll make it quick then. We earned a lot of money from this exploration. I want to build a new base, and I'd like you to help."

Ney and her group were still living in the base Hayato had built when he left the clan. But that place was quite small and in a remote area. It was likely she wanted to move to a better location.

"That's fine, but I think it'll be difficult to find a spot near the Royal or Imperial Capitals. I don't think anyone would be willing to let go of their land."

"No, I just want to make the log house at our current location bigger, so land isn't an issue. The nearby town is pretty convenient, too."

"I see. Got it. Just let me know whenever."

"Mhm. Then, I'll give you the details later. This was fun! Let's go exploring again!"

After Ney said that, the members of Kokuryu each said their goodbyes and used their Rings of Teleportation.

Only Hayato, Esha, Relic, and Diite remained.

Esha put on a Ring of Teleportation.

"Well then, shall we go home as well? It feels like it's been a very long time."

"We were on the island for so long. And a lot happened. Rose-san contacted me saying the shop's products are gone too, so I'll have to make a bunch of things at the base for a while."

"You made all that equipment on the island, and now you're going to make more?"

"I don't want to fall behind the Bandit clan."

The Bandit clan had stayed on that island for only about a day. Even so, they took back dinosaur materials. Given that clan's nature, they would likely conceal the information, but it would be frustrating if they started selling items first.

Since they were the first ones to go to that island, Hayato was fired up to be the first to sell things too.

Hayato's group used their Rings of Teleportation and returned to their base near the Royal Capital.

It hadn't been long enough to call it a long-lost home, but since they had been away for a while, a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

Hayato's group stepped into the base not from the shop side, but from the dining hall entrance.

It was their usual base. A nostalgic scent hung in the air, which made Hayato happy.

And there was the furniture he had so painstakingly chosen.

Rose must have been cleaning. Not a single piece was dusty, and they looked brand new. If he had left it to Esha, it wouldn't be like this.

"Master, are you thinking of something that picks a fight with me?"

"No, not at all. Now, I wonder if Rose-san is on the shop side. I should probably go say hello."

Just as he thought that, Rose came out from the shop-side door. She was holding a bucket and mop, and she smiled when she saw them.

"Welcome back, everyone."

"We're home, Rose-san. Looks like you've been cleaning. Thank you."

"Not at all, it is my job. By the way, we have a customer, or rather, the Maid Chief is here."

"Huh? Why?"

"I believe it's because Esha contacted her. She has been here since the shop's opening time. I will call her now."

Rose leaned her cleaning tools against the wall and moved to the shop side.

"Did you report to her, Esha?"

"For some reason, she was pestering me every day, asking when we would be back. So yesterday, I told her we would be back tomorrow. Did she want to see me that badly? I haven't been to the Maid Guild, so I haven't eaten the Maid Chief's pudding."

(She probably wanted to see Relic-san...)

Hayato looked at Relic.

He hadn't asked him what he planned to do since their talk yesterday. It wasn't something to rush, so he didn't intend to press him, but Hayato was quite curious. As he wondered what to do, Rose and the Maid Chief arrived.

"Welcome back, everyone. I am glad you are all safe. Did Esha behave properly?"

"I was told I am a paragon of maids."

"By whom?"

Esha had basically done nothing but eat and drink except during combat. Since she was working hard at the cafe in reality, he wouldn't point it out, but Hayato thought calling her a paragon of maids was a bit of an exaggeration.

The Maid Chief elegantly ignored Esha's comment, which may or may not have been a joke. She was probably used to it.

The Maid Chief's gaze shifted to Relic.

"Relic-sama, I am so glad you are safe as well."

"Yes. Thanks to everyone, I was able to return safely. Thank you for your concern."

The atmosphere was good.

But Relic had his memories back. It was unlikely anything would happen with the Maid Chief, who believed this world was real.

And there was the matter of Anneliese.

How had Relic processed the story of Anneliese? Hayato didn't know. Relic might decide that for the sake of Anneliese, who remained single her whole life, he too would not be with anyone. There was also the age issue. He could come to that conclusion.

In this place, only Hayato and Diite knew the full situation. Rose understood that the Maid Chief had feelings for Relic, but she didn't know about the reality and virtual reality aspect.

Though the circumstances were slightly different, the three of them watched the situation with bated breath.

"What's with you two? Staring at each other when you're not even lovers."

Esha had a reputation for deliberately not reading the room, but this time, it seemed less like she wasn't reading it and more like she was completely unaware.

The Maid Chief, known for her composure, blushed slightly. Then, with a look of determination, she opened her mouth.

"R-Relic-sama..."

"I've brought the treasure. Let's get it in storage right away... hm?"

Just then, Sonia opened the door from outside and came in.

Even though it was a virtual reality, Hayato's stomach started to hurt. This situation was quite painful.

Sonia didn't seem to have any romantic feelings for Relic. And she had been supportive of Relic and Anneliese.

But Hayato, who was learning about the female heart from Ren in reality, reconsidered that it was highly likely a lie. He conjectured that she was acting that way to hide her true feelings.

It might have been Hayato's imagination, but the air had become a little heavy.

And as expected of Sonia, upon seeing a woman blushing with determination in front of Relic, she must have grasped the situation immediately. The corners of her mouth lifted, and she looked at Relic.

"Well now, Relic. If you have such a lovely girl here, you should introduce me. But before that, introductions are in order. I'm Sonia Welart, the guild master of the Treasure Hunter Guild. A pleasure to meet you, um..."

"A pleasure to meet you. I am Silva Clavley, the guild master of the Maid Guild. I look forward to knowing you."

They looked to be around the same age, but that was just their appearance. And the Maid Chief didn't know Sonia's real age. It wasn't an explosive situation, but their womanly intuition likely recognized each other in various ways.

Hayato's stomach hurt even more. All he could do was pray they would take it outside, which was a sad state of affairs.

Just as he considered forcing a logout, Sonia spoke.

"If you're planning on clearing your third-rate name, you shouldn't make her wait too long this time. Any problems you have, you two can just overcome them together from now on."

"...You're right."

Sonia was probably telling him not to keep the Maid Chief, who was right in front of him, waiting.

And the various problems. That would be the reality and virtual reality, and the age difference. It was her way of cheering them on, telling them to do their best together, even if the Maid Chief didn't have her memories of the real world.

Relic gave Sonia a small smile. Then he turned his gaze to the Maid Chief.

"Maid Chief-sama."

"Y-yes...!"

"It seems Sonia's self-introduction was insufficient. Actually, Sonia is my partner, and she takes care of me in both my public and private life. I'm the kind of guy who can't do anything on his own."

Everyone present must have been shocked.

Partner. It could be taken as a companion, but it could also have other meanings. Everyone except Esha understood what he meant.

The Maid Chief should have been the most shocked, but she was the first to recover. She smiled softly at Relic.

"Is that so? You have a wonderful partner, Relic-sama."

"Yes, she is more than I deserve. And she is skilled at chess as well. Recently, I've been on the verge of losing. Actually, I had promised to have a meal with her after this..."

"I apologize for stopping you. Then I mustn't keep you. Let us meet again another time. At that time, please do tell me about Sonia-san."

"Yes, I will, without fail. Well then, Hayato-sama, I shall take my leave for today."

"Uh, ah, yes. Thank you for your hard work on the exploration..."

Relic gave Hayato a slight bow and then turned his body towards Sonia.

"Now then, Sonia... I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Sonia, who had been in a daze, snapped out of it for a moment, then pulled the ten-gallon hat on her head down with her right hand until it covered her eyes.

"You kept me waiting too long, but you're just barely on time. Well, I'll acknowledge that you've graduated from third-rate to second-rate."

Sonia immediately turned her back and went outside. Relic followed after her.

Hayato didn't know what Relic had processed from yesterday's story. But perhaps he had cleared away various things. That probably wasn't a bad thing.

And his feelings for Sonia and his attitude towards the Maid Chief. He must have acted this way because he felt he couldn't leave either matter ambiguous.

That was fine, but the problem was the remaining members. He didn't know what to do with this atmosphere. If there was anyone who knew, Hayato felt he would pay them to tell him.

Rose was gradually moving towards the shop-side door, Diite was frozen as if her functions had ceased, and Esha was tilting her head in confusion.

Hayato decided that a forced logout was his only option and was about to press the button in the system menu.

"Hayato-sama."

"Y-yes!"

The Maid Chief's deep, heavy voice called Hayato's name. She wasn't looking at him, but Hayato felt like his lifespan had just shortened.

"Is Sonia-sama... a good person?"

"Y-yes, I have no doubt. She is a woman who has supported Relic-san for a long time."

"I see... Hayato-sama, I have a request for you."

"W-what is it?"

"I will pay you, so could you use every ingredient you have to make a massive amount of sweet food for me? I am sorry to ask this when you have just returned from an exploration."

"...I will make as much as you want. Even if I run out of ingredients, I will buy more in the Royal Capital, so please ask for anything."

"I appreciate it. And Esha, Rose."

Rose's body flinched. Esha just had a puzzled look on her face.

"I will be holding a Sweets Festival now, so you will accompany me. You have no right to refuse."

"Y-yes!"

"Why now? But if it's on you, I'll join you as much as you like."

"Diite-sama, if you would be so kind as to join us as well."

"...Actually, I have work to do... no, I don't. Yes, I don't. I'll take you up on your offer, but please be gentle, will you?"

That day, a large quantity of ingredients was purchased in the Royal Capital, and it's said that many food stores closed for the day in the morning.