The aggressive old man, or rather, president Genichirou Honda, took me to a teppanyaki on the top floor of an expensive hotel.
I thought I’d dress casual to go out and eat, but I changed my mind and wore a suit because I was going with the president of a company. And I made the right choice.
There was no dress code, but I wouldn’t sit right in that high class place with a parka and jeans.
I’d cause problems for the old man too, and feel embarrassed.
Nice job me, for noticing that.
We sat down, picked our drinks, and our multi-course meal was brought to us. The meat was grilled in front of us, and the marbled meat practically melted in my mouth.
The strong beef taste and the dripping juices were unlike anything I’ve tasted before.
I thanked President Honda and told him it was tasty, and he told me it was cheap compared to what I’ve done.
I was sure he was talking about healing him with Healing Magic, but I’ve already been paid a lot for that, so being thanked made me feel bad.
No no, it’s okay. I said it before, but I’ve already been thanked
Yes, Ai has been helping me.
I’m very thankful for the work she gives me.
Friendly? I don’t know about that, but I think we get along fine.
Yes, my exploration is going well.
A contract?
It looked like President Honda wanted me to join Honto. That would mean I’d get their backing, I’d get to use their products freely, and I’d be unrestricted from the point of view of my daily life.
And they’d get me partners if I wanted.
I rejected the offer. I think it’d make my life easier, and if it was offered to me before, I’d jump on it, but I feel like things are different now.
I’m planning to join Toufu’s party, so I don’t intend to join up with strangers.
He looked disappointed, but didn’t insist. It felt like he expected that to be my answer.
Then he started talking about his granddaughter, how his son living abroad never comes here, and bragged about his new girlfriend.
Then, his expression turned serious, and he said that he managed to survive, but he’s not going to live forever.
“If something happens to Ai, please be by her side.”
This tough guy in his seventies who trekked through this modern society all these years didn’t hesitate to bow in front of me.
Seeing this overpowered me, and I could only say yes.
He raised his head, and grinned like a kid that pulled a prank.
◇ ◇ ◇
Remembering what happened yesterday makes me feel frustrated, like he got me. From his point of view, I’m probably just a kid in diapers.
He caught me off guard, but I still agreed to his demands, so I can’t just back out.
Also, I don’t think he was lying, and Ai really has helped me, so I intend to help if she needs it.
Well, I assume people from her company would help her first.
◇ ◇ ◇
I have a late breakfast, get ready, and head to the shopping mall.
And Chisato is here again for some reason.
Why are you here?
Yeah, I guess you could ask the same.
Are you waiting for a friend again? No? You’re going shopping with your party?
I see, you’re preparing to leave in three days.
Eh… I guess preparing to go to the dungeon as a party is tough.
Me? I’m here to pick up my greatsword from the weapons store.
As we talk, Toufu and the others come through the ticket gate.
I say good morning, and they laugh and say it’s noon.
It’s fine, it’s morning to me.
They’re going shopping as a party, but Chisato’s older brother Hajime is going to the guild alone to gather information.
The other five are going shopping, but they’re splitting into two groups. One goes to order food, and the other goes to the weapons store.
Toufu and Chisato are going to the weapons store, while the Asanos and Ruri are in charge of the food.
And so, I’m here at the weapons store with Toufu and Chisato. They get equipment, Chisato picks her bullets, and I ask if my greatsword of fortitude is ready.
Eh? Not yet?
It’s been three days.
I’m here because it took three days last time, but he says it’s going to take longer because the greatsword of fortitude was in a terrible state.
And he gets mad at me again for pushing it too far.
Yes yes, I say dismissively, and I go back to Toufu and Chisato.
They have serious expressions on their faces, with Toufu asking Chisato about this and that, and the performance of this and that.
It feels like it’s hard to approach them, so I decide to sit and wait on a bench near the entrance to the weapons store.
And I find Hino looking dejected there.
Why is Hino here?
The rest of the harem party isn’t here?
It’s rare to see him alone. I feel like he’s always with someone.
I start talking to Hino without much in mind.
It’s not like it’s odd. It’s normal to speak to an acquaintance. But this time, I regret not paying more attention.
Well, I feel like it might’ve been okay if Toufu or Chisato were here.
Hey Hino, what are you doing here?
U-uo. Your eyes are dead.
Seriously, what’s up? Aren’t the others around?
Hn? Rejected?
…Eh? The party is breaking up!?
Hino hangs his head, saying he’s alone.
Looking at him, I can’t really understand what’s going on.
Wasn’t everyone in his harem party in love with him?
What happened? You’re not telling me it was NTR!?
Seriously? That’s pretty awful for high schoolers.
I’d think it was funny if it was just some random person, but not when it’s someone I know. But since it’s Hino… It’s a little funny.
No no, kidding kidding. I did think it was a little funny, but I was joking, it’s okay.
I try my best to cheer him up, and Toufu and Chisato come out of the weapons store. I immediately catch them, say we should head somewhere else, and move to the food court.
Sorry, I can’t handle this alone.
Neither person forced into this situation can get a read on it, and they’re both confused.
They’re just looking at Hino and wondering who he is.
We sit down, and everyone introduces themselves.
Both open their eyes wide when I explain that Hino was the leader of a harem party. Actually, Hino is surprised too.
He says harem party with surprise, like he doesn’t know why I’m calling it that.
I tell them Hino’s party is on the verge of breaking up, and their expressions turn serious.
Sounds like a party breaking up is a subject they can’t ignore.
Toufu tells Hino to explain further, with a serious expression, going all in on giving advice.
Chisato has a smile on her face as she says that a harem breaking up is interesting.
Both are reliable. I couldn’t do it alone…?
I feel like I heard something really worrying. No, it should be fine. Look at these confident faces. I feel like their mouths are twitching, but their serious eyes are real.
I need to face Hino too, or it’d be a disservice to them.
I sit down heavily, and prompt Hino to talk.
“…Are you enjoying this?”
Hino says something, but we’re not listening.
After all, it’s because we care about Hino and want young people to have a bright future that it sounds like this will go well with drinks tonight.
Hino sighs, and starts talking.
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