Volume 4 Chapter 1 Guild Reunion
Moruru and Ridge were playing a board game.
"So, here it goes like this. And then... like this, and that's it."
"Got taken?"
"That's right~desuwa"
"Then I'll get it back with this."
"Ah!"
I was absentmindedly watching their heartwarming exchange.
It was the evening, after finishing today's light quests and chores, it was free time. Everyone, whether Moruru, Ridge, were all relaxing.
"I thought it would be awkward at first, but Ridge has really fit in, huh..."
Ice said while relaxing next to me (My right side).
"Hmm, the two kids have become really close, huh."
Toxy, leaning on my left side, also agreed.
"The issue is Windy. Without anything specific, they're just been standing there the whole time."
Sandra snuggled up behind me on the sofa, resting her head on my shoulder, and brought up a topic.
Then, I said,
"Isn't everyone getting too close?"
"No, not at all" "It's not like that, right?" "Is it close?"
"I see."
It seems like it's not a problem. I feel like it is, but I can't say that in this situation.
It all started a few days ago.
I got involved with Ice. The next day, I announced it to the party promptly.
Toxy and Sandra were shocked. Seeing them both on the verge of tears and looking lost, I hurriedly explained, "It's not like I chose only Ice."
―――Through Ice, i started to face both of them. I care about both of them and, at the right time, I want to be with both of them.
However, it was Ice who made me firm in my decision, and after explaining that, I finally got temporary approval from both of them.
That was the situation the other day. Now, let's talk about the changes that happened since then.
Ice has become quite close due to various reasons, but at the same time, Toxy and Sandra have started sticking around a lot more, almost as if in competition.
Of course, it's not a bad thing. It's nice to be liked by cute girls who have a crush on me and want to be close to me.
...But, it's a bit embarrassing.
So, while making a funny face, I glance over at Clay on the other side of the desk, using an abacus and moving a quill pen for budgeting. It's a cry for help.
As expected, Clay, with his high sense of perception, quickly notices my plea for help.
I look at him with anticipation. Clay blinks rapidly, and I nod subtly.
Clay starts to move slightly. Alright, let's see. How will he help me―――
Just as I was thinking that, he gives me a big smile and a thumbs up, then goes back to work with a grin on his face.
"..."
This guy Clay...!
I close my eyes in despair. Ice, Toxy, and Sandra are sticking closer to me than ever before.
"Papa, I'm bored of playing with Ridge."
"Hey!"
Then Moruru, who has become somewhat more fluent in words, casually disses Ridge and settles on my lap.
Now I am completely surrounded by the female members from all sides.
But this is not the end.
"Excuse me..."
Ridge, who had been watching Moruru with confusion for a while, subtly glances at me while getting closer to Moruru, and sits on my lap too.
"N-no, please don't misunderstand. I just wanted to sit next to Moruru~desuwa."
"O-oh, I see..."
I am now at a loss, feeling like I'm caught between a rock and a hard place, unable to move in any direction.
"Heh..."
Clay lets out a quiet chuckle.
"It's nice when people get along well, isn't it?"
Then Windy said something that seemed to make sense.
I closed my eyes, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
"By the way, what's for dinner tonight? If it's nothing special, how about we eat at the guild for a change, it's been a while?"
Agreeing voices started to chime in. Taking advantage of that, I pushed Moruru and Ridge aside and stood up.
That's when Ice whispered to me.
"Wade-kun, you're actually shy, aren't you?"
With a half-laugh, I made a guarded gesture with a serious face.
"Don't tease me too much, Ice."
"But, Wade-kun, you're cute in these moments, you know."
Thinking that I can't compete with Ice, I briskly started getting ready.
"Well, it feels like it's been a while. Lately, we haven't all been together for quests as much."
Clay said so. Then, I said, "Yeah, some people come alone to get used to it," as I looked at Sandra.
* * *
"Ten copper coins a month isn't enough allowance. Protesting."
"But Sandra, you spend it all on snacks. Ten copper coins should be enough for snacks, right?"
"I finish it in one day."
"You're eating too many snacks."
Toxy gave Sandra a chop on the head. Sandra seemed weak to Toxy and whimpered, "Kuun."
Meanwhile, there are some newcomers with sparkling eyes.
"Wow, so many people in the guild!"
"I see, so this is the adventurer's guild...! They wouldn't bring me here because it's dangerous, so I came for the first time!"
Moruru and Ridge are excitedly jumping around. Ice warned them, "If you get too excited, the scary guys will get mad, so behave, okay...!"
I thought of leaving the two children with Windy at home, but then Ridge said, "I wanna go too!" being a bit selfish. And then Moruru chimed in with "Me too!"
Well, since we're getting paid well, we decided to bring them along thinking we can handle it ourselves. Windy was appointed as the caretaker.
"Hey... is that the Wade party? The one that hunted a dragon with mostly copper members..."
"I heard they had a dispute with the city lord, seems it's true. When was the last time we saw Windy in the guild...?"
"Bringing kids, huh? How dare they. Who do they think they are, the strongest copper-ranked party? I'll go check it out."
"Idiot! Stop! They're dangerous, rumored to have even taken down a division of Nightfather! Stay away from them!"
"Wait a minute. Isn't one of the kids the daughter of the city lord...? She seems out of place with her appearance being so good."
"Hey...? Wait a minute. So, does that mean Wade's party has even gained the support of the authorities...?"
"Hey, let's not get any closer. That's a powder keg. If you touch it carelessly, it'll go boom, you know."
"I'm scared..."
I could hear some shady characters whispering in the distance, making me feel uneasy.
For now, let's just do what we need to do. With that thought in mind, I gave instructions to everyone.
"Windy, secure a spot and watch over the kids. The ladies, stay in the same area and be on standby. Feel free to order some food. Clay, I want to gather some information, so come with me."
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