Chapter 31: Morning of Departure
"On my goodness, I slept well. The morning bath was fantastic, breakfast was delicious, and the guild is nearby. It's amazing, Kakeru," said Aaron, the sub-leader with rabbit ears, also known as Usamimi. He kept patting my back energetically. Aaron was about 170 cm tall, with short purple hair neatly cut. He didn't look very strong, but he was indeed a Class A adventurer. With excellent scouting abilities and thief skills, as well as high levels in combat and magic, he was truly a versatile warrior.
"Just because you like it here doesn't mean you have to be here all the time."
"I know that. But anyway, I apologize for causing trouble."
"It's not a problem. If Katarina enjoyed it, I'm happy too."
"But I still can't believe our sister is so comfortable around guys. Kakeru, you're amazing."
"Maybe it's thanks to Rabi? Katarina really loves rabbits, doesn't she?"
"Oh, that's already a sickness. Do you know how embarrassed we've been with the party name?"
While saying that, the Usamimi members all loved Katarina. I could somehow understand their feelings. However, I couldn't bring myself to wear those Usamimi party accessories. Maybe it's because I'm from another world? I wanted to say, "Who even wants fierce warriors to fight with rabbit ears?" It just seemed ridiculous.
Speaking of Katarina, she had a terrible time getting up in the morning. She looked so happy buried under Lavi that I couldn't bring myself to wake her up.
She seemed so happy that I thought of giving her a rabbit summoning creature as a gift, but the party members vehemently stopped me, saying it would make their job impossible. Well, they had a point.
On the other hand, Cecilia, leading the Nekomimi (cat ears) party, was equally demanding. Of course, she had to wear the cat ears equipment, and it might be even more challenging because she had to attach the tail as well.
I haven't encountered any cats in this world yet, but Cecilia's love for cats is said to surpass Katarina's. It's terrifying, so I pray that I won't encounter any cats from now on.
According to the sub-leader Daniel, even though Cecilia was a Class A adventurer, she would take on requests to find lost pet cats on her own, causing trouble for everyone. But since she's a cat lover, I hope you can forgive her.
"Good morning, Kakeru! Did you sleep well yesterday?"
Cecilia returned from her morning training. Large droplets of sweat rolled down from her forehead, where she casually tied her light pink hair, and sweat had accumulated in the valley of her ample chest.
"Good morning, Cecilia-san. I heard the bath is ready, so if you'd like, please go ahead."
"Oh, great! Sorry, but let's take a bath together, Kakeru."
"I'm really sorry, but I just entered a little while ago."
"I see, well, then maybe next time."
Why did I end up taking a bath? Damn it, if only I hadn't accepted Aaron-san's invitation...
That's the kind of person Cecilia-san is—very straightforward and refreshing.
She's renowned as a skilled rapier user and a magic swordsman who excels in magic.
By the way, both Catalina-san and Cecilia-san seem to have no interest in beastmen for some reason.
It's not that they dislike them, but they seem to dislike anything that feels like a knockoff. Honestly, I don't really understand.
Speaking of beastmen, I'd like to meet a cat beastman.
I wonder if there really are beastmen who add "~nya" to the end of their sentences. If I don't confirm that, then coming to another world would be meaningless!
"Good morning, Master, who seems to be determined to do something trivial since morning."
Chloe-san... Your skill in identifying scents is amazing. Unfortunately, it's a unique skill, so I couldn't remember it.
By the way, among skills, unique skills are manifestations of one's soul, so they cannot be remembered. Species-specific skills like succubi and vampires possess the charm ability can be remembered.
"I don't know what you're talking about, but good morning, Chloe."
"Hehe, Master, let's do our best on today's quest!"
"You seem to be in a good mood. Is it because the expedition has been decided?"
"...Yes. I can't hide it from you, Master."
"Hey, Chloe."
"Yes."
"What I said to Celestina yesterday, of course, includes you as well. You don't have to hold back in front of me, and you can use me more and more. Granting the maid's wishes is the duty of the master, right?"
"M-Master... I..."
After that, Chloe couldn't speak due to tears.
I knew from the appraisal that Chloe was a princess, just like Celestina and Claudia.
I don't know the exact circumstances, but Chloe must have been looking for a way to help her country and family in her own way.
Because she's serious and clumsy, she probably couldn't ask me for help, causing her trouble.
It feels like I'm surrounded by too many princesses, but in the end, what I have to do doesn't change.
I'll make everyone happy together.
"...Kakeru-kun, I'm sorry for interrupting your time with Chloe-chan, but everyone is waiting."
Called by Catalina-san, I snap out of it. Chloe's face is also flushed, and she's flustered. How adorable.
"I apologize for the wait. Now, let's go in search of happiness!"
"? We're going to the guild, but it's wonderful that you're motivated! Let's do our best."
***
At the Adventurer's Guild
"I feel like I'm the only one running late..."
Claudia seemed to be agonizing over something or another.