“A rare monster on the second floor… The crab you reported?”
“Hermit crab.”
“Yes yes, hermit crab… Scissor Crabs were hermit crabs, but can you call that giant Death Crab a hermit crab?”
“Geez Youko, of course it is. It has that stupidly big shell.”
“Yes… Nevermind that, what did you want to report in such a hurry?”
“Yes…”
Then I report about the Rare Monster Hunter nickname I was called on that hunting area.
“Ah, the message board one. Our dungeon’s thread used to be quiet, but it’s become more active because you come here.”
“I’m sorry for the mess.”
“It’s fine. Nothing major has happened so far, and morale is solid. Most people who go there hunt from the fourth floor below, and only come up to have fun. And since this dungeon is an actual dungeon from the fourth floor down, they’re all B or C rank, and trustworthy.”
“I see.”
“And it makes sense for people to suspect something is here, since someone like you with a nickname like that frequents this dungeon. Yes… I was worried when I was told about the Golden Worms, but Death Crabs won’t be a problem for us.”
“Thank you. So, while we’re at it, I want to publish the video data too. Is that okay?”
“Are you sure Amachi? We would be thankful for it, and your name is still only known to some people on the boards, but if you publish that, it’s just going to spread further.”
“It’s fine. It should help other adventurers and prevent accidents.”
That should make association employees worry less… Especially Maki.
“Thank you Amachi, I won’t forget this. I want to talk to Miki too, so can you tell her tomorrow?”
“No problem. And can I present information and a video about Shell Knights too?”
“Eh? That too!?”
“A regular adventurer would probably never come across it, but… They could if they’re very ‘unlucky’. Knowing about them could be the difference between life and death. Thankfully, the second floor has a safe area, so I’m counting on the fact that they’ll be all right if they can run there.”
“Yes… I received a definite report about the safe area from Aki and Maki the other day, so we have also been testing it. After we closed, we went to the eastern and western beaches, attracted different numbers of scissor crabs from a few to a few dozens, and ran to the northern area to see what would happen. They’re slow, so different things happened if they were far away or super close.”
Ooh, sounds like an interesting experiment.
“But no matter the case, all monsters lost sight of us and returned to their starting positions.”
“Eh…”
“We don’t know if rare monsters work the same way, but at least in the high rank dungeon managed by Ryuu, there are records of the same thing happening.
We in the association believe the same rules apply in every dungeon, so I don’t think that will be an issue.”
“I’ll let you handle it then.”
Then Youko looks at the girls in turn, with a troubled expression.
“…Are you okay with saying this much?”
“It’s okay if it’s Shouta.”
“Please let him do as he wants.”
“Darling can solve any problem!”
“We will support master no matter what trouble comes.”
“…You really have a solid relationship, to the point of making me jealous.”
“They’re too good and efficient for me.”
No, seriously.
I really am lucky to have met such understanding and lovely girls.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
Then we share what we got from the Death Crab with Youko, and decide to send the footage later after my exclusives edit it.
The next auction will be in two days, and they’ll do it in pauses during their work, but it’s plenty of time.
We leave the 810 branch, get in the new car that was in the basement of the holiday house, and Aira drives us home. Incidentally, she also put all the plant pots and stuff in her bag this morning.
Honestly, we’ve been spending as much time in the holiday house as we have at home, but my true base is the beginner dungeon, so give me a break.
…Wait, who am I asking to give me a break?
I sit down and relax on the sofa when we get home for the first time in a while, but Ayane comes running while I talk to Aira.
“Darling, darling. There’s a letter for you!”
“Hn? A letter?”
For me…?
Aki and Maki are supposed to handle contracts or documents like that, so I can’t think of anything that might be addressed to me…
“It’s from my mother. I think it’s most likely an invitation about that thing…”
“So… A welcome party?”
“I haven’t opened it, so most likely…”
Then let’s read. Aira, is there anything dangerous inside?”
“No, I already checked.”
I open the envelope, and see a letter accompanied by a written invitation.
It starts with a polite greeting, and the kind of hard words make my head hurt, but I keep reading, and find the part that’s important.
“Hum, a week from now. The day after the auction, a welcome party for Mister Amachi in their mansion. Hum, it’s okay to bring all the girls. I see.”
I raise my head, and notice everyone’s gathered here. I let the others check the letter, but none of them find anything suspicious.
“An invitation to Sakuya’s house… What are you gonna do, Shouta?”
“It looks like you want to go, Aki.”
“W-well…! I look up to her. But it’s up to you.”
“Sakuya is such a beautiful and splendid person that we… No, receptionists in general look up to her. However, she is also so harsh, that her own daughter fears her.
I understand wanting to meet her, but I will trust your judgment, Shouta.”
I feel like the letter was written assuming I would go, but typically people respond when a branch manager calls. But judging by what Aki and Maki are saying, can I assume A ranks can refuse?
Well, it’s not like I’m working according to a plan or anything, so I guess I’m always free. I appreciate their concern, but I don’t get a bad feeling about this, and I want to go.
Also, Sakuya isn’t just an important person in the association, she’s Ayane’s mother. One of my future mother-in-laws.
I’d be embarrassed to say that to her face. And it’d be even more embarrassing saying to Miki.
“Darling…”
“Ayane, are you scared of seeing your mother?”
“A little. But I have grown since I started going to dungeons with you! So I’m all right!”
“Yes, let’s show her your growth!”
I pat her head, and she looks happy.
“Yes, let’s show her!!”
Join my patreon to support me and read ahead.
Thanks for the treat.