The room falls silent after the branch manager leaves.
Ayane is smiling, and Aira has her eyes closed, showing no intention of joining the conversation. Aki is sulking, and Maki… Is looking at me.
“What do you want to do, Shouta?”
“Sorry, I don’t really know what to do. I wanted to talk to you two about it. When I tried to push them away, they completely ignored it. I’ve never met such an aggressive girl before, but since you two know them, I figured I couldn’t just ignore them either…”
“All right. Then… Answer me honestly, Shouta.”
Says Maki while holding my hand.
“Do you hate them?”
“…No, I don’t hate them. I like how Ayane is never discouraged, and Aira’s strength is proof of her hard work. I honestly respect her for working even harder than me.”
“Then do you like them?”
“I don’t really know that.”
“Then is there a downside to them accompanying you?”
“…Not wanting them to see what I want to keep hidden. There are things I haven’t told even you and Aki. And if I’m going to tell anyone, I want it to be you first.”
I say, and her smile deepens.
And Aki leans into me from behind.
“And I’d get less experience.”
“What about advantages?”
“…First, Aira’s sneaking abilities and mobility are incredible. She can keep up with me when I’m hunting at full speed, while carrying Ayane and collecting materials. If we’re talking about a porter, like you mentioned before, she’s incredible. And Ayane can use Healing Magic.
I haven’t really been hurt so far, but that not happening in the past three years might have numbed my decision making skills for when I suffer a serious injury. Maybe I won’t be able to use a healer properly. I don’t know exactly what Healing Magic is like, but I think it would increase my ability to survive.”
“I see, both are valid points.”
“And I’m curious about whether my stats will increase if they learn the Command skill.”
“…I see, thank you. I think I understand how you feel very well.”
“Yes.”
Strange.
When Maki holds my hand, everything just comes out. I really feel safe with her.
“Then I will say what I think are the advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are, as you say, that it will make it safer across the board. If you get hurt, Aira can be an excellent wall while you are healed. And Ayane’s Healing Magic can’t be compared to a ‘healer’. It literally heals in an instant.”
“I see.”
“And Aira… Has an item so rare, that the word rare could be prefaced by the word super three times. Only a few of those bags exist in the whole world.”
“Bag? Where she puts the materials?”
Come to think of it, she kept piling on the minuscule magic stones and iron knives, but she never seemed to be running out of space.
“Yes. It has an unknown technology called ‘spatial expansion’ that allows it to store as many items as this room. It’s so rare, that it very rarely comes out of treasure chests in high ranking dungeons. Its value is immeasurable.”
“Uwa… Then when it comes to the role of collecting stuff…”
“Yes. No one is more suited than her.”
I see. She’s the best guard and porter.
“As for the disadvantages… Ayane, do you still want to marry Shouta?”
“I do! I thought he was still unattached at first, but since you’re already together and love each other, I can relinquish the position of first wife. I don’t mind being third!”
“But are you in love?”
“At first it was all about ulterior motives. He is the one I need the most to make my dream come true. But today in the dungeon, even though he doesn’t know me very well, he did his very best to protect me despite not being after anything in return. He is so different from everyone I have met thus far. So yes, I am already very much in love!”
Ah, she’s talking about the stuff with the General Goblin.
“…Ahh. I would push her aside if she said no, but she really does like you.”
“S-sorry…?”
“Don’t apologize. Of course you would save someone in trouble, even if you don’t know her. But she doesn’t listen when she gets serious. That means there is nothing we can say, and we will follow your decision. If you like them, please accept them. If not, make sure to tell them. If you really don’t like her, she will step aside.”
Says Maki while looking at Ayane.
“I would be sad if I really was disliked. But I wouldn’t still pursue you. I would step down quietly…”
“Are you all right with that, Maki?”
“Yes. You need their power when you’re out adventuring. If a new lover buys you safety… It’s a small price to pay. If you still hold me and my sister dear, I’m all right.”
“Maki…”
She really prioritizes me.
…That settles it.
“Do you have anything to say, Aki?”
Asks Maki.
“I’m not too good with that girl.”
“…Because she’s assertive and proactive, unlike you.”
“Y-yes. But… I don’t dislike her or anything. If Shouta still sees us as special, I don’t mind. But listen good, everyone. I’m not going to forgive anyone that makes Maki cry!”
“Duly noted!”
Says Ayane.
As always, Aki thinks of her sister first.
“And if you neglect me too much, I’ll cry.”
“Yes, I know that.”
I say while patting Aki’s head.
They understand me so well, and do so much for me. And I can trust them.
I’ll tell Aki too.
I’ll respond to their sincerity by telling them about Level Gacha.
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Thanks for the treat.