kscans

Chapter 75 - It's Not Like I Yielded to a Charm Spell

I'm being invited to join Saegusa-san's party.

"I'm sorry, but I really prefer to go solo. To be honest, I quit my last job because of interpersonal issues. I like being alone."

I was fired, though! Ugh... my heart aches. I'll have Kaede-chan soothe me later.

"I see... That must have been tough."

Stop it! Don't pity me! I'll fall for you! I'll want to bury you!

"So for that reason, I'm sorry, but I must decline. It's rude of me to refuse, especially when someone of A-rank has invited me..."

There are probably tons of adventurers who would love to join Saegusa-san's party. I feel like they're going to start throwing stones at me.

"Hmm, well then, how about just joining us temporarily from time to time?"

This person is persistent... This might seriously be my hot streak.

"Why are you so insistent on having me? I'm only E-rank."

"Rank doesn't matter. Everyone starts at F-rank. You're strong."

I know!

"That's not true."

"You think you can beat me, don't you?"

Of course I do.

"That's not true."

The moment I said that, a murderous intent leaked from Saegusa-san, and her right hand moved.

I immediately reached out and pressed down on the hilt of her sword before her hand could reach it.

"—Huh? Kyah!"

Saegusa-san let out a cute yelp.

That's because I swept her legs out from under her with my own. At the same time, I drew the sword I had been holding down and pointed it at the fallen Saegusa-san.

Now Saegusa-san was on her butt, had lost her weapon, and I had a one-sided advantage.

"Amazing. Wanna go for it?"

I wonder what she means by that. Kill me? Ravish me?

"You're A-rank, right? You could probably turn this around from here."

I said, lowering the sword and extending a hand to Saegusa-san.

"Well, that's true. I have all sorts of skills, you know."

Saegusa-san replied as she took my hand and stood up.

"Just out of curiosity, what kind of skills do you have?"

I asked while handing the sword back to Saegusa-san, who was brushing off her butt.

"I'm not about to reveal my hand, but well, I can use magic too."

Dirty. That's cheating, so unfair!

"Huh... I'm jealous."

"I'm just a jack-of-all-trades. I couldn't beat Satsuki-san in swordsmanship."

Satsuki-san's swordsmanship level is 5, so hers is probably 4. Hmph, I win.

"How do you learn magic?"

"I'll teach you things like that, so let's team up."

Hmm, she's a tough one. In that respect, she's just like her cousin.

"Um, really, why are you so fixated on me? I might be reasonably strong, but you're A-rank. That Lin-san from earlier was strong too, and if your other members were in Satsuki-san's party, then they must be plenty strong. I don't see why you'd need me."

Just tell me the truth.

"I should probably be honest here. There are two reasons. The first, as I'm sure you've guessed, is the Golden Witch."

Figured as much.

"I get that. But I've never even met her."

"That's a lie. The way you talk, it's clear you're acquaintances."

Well, yeah, because I am her...

"It's through Kaede-chan."

"Well, that's fine too. Anyway, I want a connection to that witch."

I already told you I'd sell you an Item Bag.

"Are you trying to recruit her?"

"No, I know that's impossible. Besides, Satsuki-nee-san would never let her go."

She's a money-grubber, after all.

"Hmm... Then why?"

"I need you to keep this off the record, but there was supposed to be a deal between Guild Headquarters and Eleanor Ocean. But some interference caused it to fall through. The Headquarters Director wants to somehow repair the relationship."

Ah... that thing. But I was planning to sell to the director anyway after my deal with Claire is finished.

"I see. So you're clutching at straws."

So I was the straw.

"Well, something like that... I don't have any other acquaintances at the Ikebukuro Guild. It's always been full of beginners, both now and in the past."

"Hmm, and the other reason?"

"...This is a very personal matter, but I want to make up with Satsuki-nee-san. Or rather, I want her to forgive me."

Come to think of it, Satsuki-san did say Saegusa-san used to be attached to her.

"That's easy. Just go back to the Ikebukuro Guild."

"Transferring is impossible. I'm in deep with the Headquarters Director."

Don't talk like you're his mistress...

"Is it that deep?"

"I'm involved in off-the-books money flows."

Well, that's a no-go then. What a dirty adult.

"I see."

"I know it's selfish of me to say this after leaving on my own, but she's like a sister to me."

She really does admire her.

"So that's why..."

"Well, this is a personal matter, not work. Anyway, for reasons like that, I'm inviting you to join me. I'll teach you all sorts of things."

What should I do? Maybe I'll consult Satsuki-san.

"Can I have some time to think about it?"

"Sure. And you don't have to think about it so seriously. I'm just saying we should go together when we have time, and you can prioritize your own schedule."

"Where do you usually operate, Saegusa-san?"

"I don't really have a set place. If there's a request, I go there, otherwise I just go where I feel like it."

Doesn't seem like a hardcore player.

"I'm only E-rank, so I won't be going to any tough places, okay?"

"I know that. Hey, are you free this afternoon? Let's give it a try, just the two of us."

"Here? There are only Skeletons, and no matter how many appear, there's no need for coordination or anything."

"Come on, being alone is boring, right? I'll be your conversation partner."

It's true that I was thinking it was boring... I guess I'll team up with Miss Tits for today.

"Alright, let's do it. We're just going to be hunting Skeletons anyway."

"What level are you?"

I guess I can tell her my level...

"Seven."

"A beginner, huh. You'll level up fast if you go to a higher level area."

I know that, but I can earn money through other means, so I have no intention of pushing myself. And I have Nanapon, too.

"For now, I've been told to hunt about a hundred Skeletons. Apparently, they'll make me D-rank after that."

"Huh... Kaede? Or Satsuki-nee-san?"

"The cute one."

"Cute? Then it must be Kaede..."

I'm so telling on you to Satsuki-nee-san!