"You're the last of the morning. Go outside and have lunch while taking a break."
I told the last team to take a break after the fifth lap.
Only group sixteen of Irie-san, and group four of Sherry-chan are currently in the middle of their sixth lap, so after waiting for those two teams, I too will take a break.
Then, as I continued to wait for the moment the Magical Fungus spawned to insta-kill it, 30 minutes passed when team sixteen finally came.
"Good job. Go have a lunch break."
They cheerfully responded with a "YEES!", while noisily moving along. You could tell they had an easy time. I was asked "Would you like to eat together with us?", but I refused them saying I still had some work left to do.
Then, about three minutes later, team four came.
...They were the complete opposite from team sixteen, each and every member looked extremely tired.
No, actually there was one member that was different, the group's leader Sherry-chan. Alongside her fatigue, I was able to see some negative emotions such as impatience and anger.
"Go have a lunch break. And get some proper rest."
When I told them so, the faces of the members of team four lit up in relief.
At this point, I sort of had a rough idea of what happened. Most likely, Sherry-chan was rushing ahead by herself, therefore neglecting to manage the condition of the team as a whole.
Certainly, there might be a large gap between Sherry-chan and the other nine members. However, that's exactly why Sherry-chan needed to "conduct herself in a way that considered the other's abilities". This is exactly the case when a high-level player wants to clear a dungeon with lower level players. In Mobius, this was called "carry", however, common sense dictated that this wouldn't work unless the person doing the carry took into consideration the ones being carried.
Still, it's not like she will obediently pay attention and listen to what I say.
What should I do? While I worried about that, Sherry-chan was the one to open her mouth.
"We'll take a rest after another lap."
Ahh, this dumb girl...!
I was flabbergasted by this much stupidity.
"Sherry-san, we should take a break now."
"Right now, our team isn't in first place, right? I don't want to take a break until we are."
"Still, we really need a break."
"I don't particularly need one. And, on the battlefield, there's never time for a break. Well, if you really feel the need to eat something, can't you do it as we walk? "
Her team members complained about it, but Sherry-chan undauntedly stood up against them. And, because she was a high-ranking mage in the First Royal Court Magician Division, those members gradually caved in.
"But, we are, quite..."
"Quite what? First of all, the reason why I'm losing right now is because you all――"
"Second-dono! "
And then, the moment Sherry-chan was about to utter a forbidden phrase――Silvia's carrying voice wiped out her words.
Hurriedly rushing up to this place from their patrolling were Silvia and Eko.
While patting the head of Eko as she clung to my waist like she always did, I spoke to Silvia.
"Good job. It should be fine since I was about to call it for now, what happened? "
"No, nothing really happened. However."
"We rememberedー"
"Remembered? "
About what?
"That's right, we met that person! That's when I clearly remembered! "
That person? Met?
As I tilted my head in wonder, the girls from team four behind me became noisy.
Thinking it had something to do with what Silvia told me, I followed their gazes, and there...
"――Long time no see! Second! "
"It's been a while～, Second-san,"
Two people were there, a slanted-eyed young lady with brown hair and ringlet curls, and a dark-skinned female spirit with white, fluffy long hair.
With the sudden appearance of this unexpected duo, Sherry-chan's resting problem became unsettled.
On the other hand, with a celebrity like Chérie Lumberjack, a genius summoner, an Earl's daughter, and an A-ranked adventurer, there's no way she would act selfishly.
"First, let's go have lunch! We can talk afterwards! "
Chérie said those words as a matter of course. Then, suddenly, she led us to the plaza the First Court Mages were using as a place for their lunch breaks.
The square quickly became noisy. I guess this is similar to a national idol suddenly appearing in some family restaurant. Even the captain Zephyr was surprised by the unexpected appearance of this celebrity.
"Guys, don't make such a fuss. Take a proper rest as you eat."
Since it was too noisy, I gave them some instructions and then sat down in an empty space. After showing a bit of hesitation, Chérie sat down in front of me. "Not fair", "That's abuse of authority", "Damn teacher", and other similar complaints erupted from all over the place. This Chérie, to think she was this popular...
"I-It's been a while since we last met, right? "
After setting up her lunch box, she turned towards me and those were her first words.
"You said that earlier."
"I g-guess you're right, huh! ? "
"Are you alright? Your head, that is."
"How rude! I'm alright! "
She seemed to be nervous for some reason. Her retorts aren't as sharp as before.
"Is that so? Well, let's start eating for the time being."
"Sounds good."
"Itadakimasu."
"Itterasshai."
"Hey, are you sure you're alright! ? "
When I retorted at her, Chérie blushed while saying "Ahh, my bad". I wonder when she changed to being the 'boke'? In both senses. (TLN: Boke is the silly man in a comedic duo, but it's also an inflexion of Baka/idiot.)
Then, for about fifteen minutes until we finished lunch, I had to endure a weird time with Chérie, not knowing if she was doing this "boke" act knowingly or if she was just like that.
Silvia was happy everyone around her was making a fuss, so she was just taking care of her bow while proudly sticking out her chest; Eko being Eko was crazily happy about eating like usual; and the great earth spirit, Terra, was just smiling happily next to Chérie and saying nothing. Seriously, nobody helped me. Well, not like I expected their help in the first place.
"Hey, you. That thing you said earlier, I want to hear it too."
While I was enjoying some after-meal tea, Chérie beckoned Silvia before saying that. As Silvia was tilting her head in wonder, she continued with "You said you remembered something when you saw me", to which Silvia struck her open hand with a fist as she remembered.
"Umu. I saw a girl who resembled you, Chérie-dono."
"Hee, resembled me? Was it a noble? Or a beautiful girl? "
"She's there by that rock. See?"
"Hmph. My, isn't that just an ordinary person? She doesn't look like me at all."
"No, the one next to her."
"That kokeshi girl!? Moreover, a girl with that terrible expression! ? "
Ohh, it was Sherry-chan?
I see. Was it that desperate feeling like she can't afford to lose? Or that envy-ish impression she gives off? If I had to say she looked like someone, I would have to say she looks like the old Chérie. I feel somewhat refreshed now that this has been cleared.
...Ahh, that's right. This is perfect, why don't I consult with Chérie, who used to be like that?
"Hey, Chérie."
"Even I can't make such a terrible expressi――W-What is it? "
Huh? I suddenly noticed that it's not just my imagination that she's looking strange today, right? Why? Is it because we met after a long time? When I glanced at Terra, she just smiled. I don't know what that means, but it feels kind of annoying.
"You want me to bring Angolmois out? "
"Please spare me from that～"
For now, I decided to mentally attack Terra, then I turned to Chérie.
"That Sherry girl is, how to say it, you can't tell if she's got a sharp tongue or if she's just making fun of people; she's an honor student, however, she is rebellious and she doesn't listen to what you say. Earlier too, she was trying to ignore the instructions of taking a break and wanted to go for another round."
"Ohh! I know the answer～"
It wasn't Chérie, but Terra, who responded. Even though she became so docile moments ago when the name of the Great Spirit King came out, it seems she had completely recovered and was even grinning now. Chérie, on the other hand, had her cheeks dyed in red and was hitting Terra in protest.
"Her team is currently in second place, so I'm sure she's working hard to get the first place, but I think that might be impossible. Because the team leader rushed ahead without a care in the world, the other members are exhausted. If I were to try to advise her, I think she'll just ignore me... I'd like to make her understand, but, is there a good way to accomplish that? "
"Ehh. Ehhー..."
When she heard this, Chérie had a look as if she had come up with something for a moment, but then immediately her expression changed to one as if she had bitten on a bitter bug.
It was Terra, who was feeling troubled for a while, who broke the silence.
"She is similar indeed, right, Master?"
"..."
Chérie had a sour face hearing the words Terra said. Most likely, she has a bit of sympathy with Sherry-chan.
"The answer is simple～, Second-san. In order for her to understand～, she has to make a terrible mistake once～"
"Having her fail? "
"Yes～. Just like what happened, on a certain night, to Mast――"
"Don't say a word more! ! "
Chérie immediately used "Unsummon" to send Terra back.
Ahh, I remembered. Come to think of it, this girl tried to capture the Proline before me, and as a result of going in alone, she was beaten by the Mithril Golem, and she was unconscious, her nose bleeding, and she peed...
"...Ptfff."
"Seriously! Don't laugh! "
With a bright red face, Chérie was beating on my chest. Could it be that this girl has been acting strange because I saw her peeing herself? I get the feeling it's not just that, but that certainly is part of the cause.
"Second-dono. It's about time."
At this moment, the original schedule for the break time was over. Chérie reluctantly left while puffing her cheeks. Looking around by chance, I noticed the jealousy of the men was incredible. Serves you right. For now, I just showed them my middle finger.
"Alright, after five minutes for preparations, the afternoon session will start. Don't forget to eat one banana per hour."
When I gave my orders each group gathered, started with their preparations and planning their strategies without me having to say anything else. As one would expect from soldiers who practice their formations without getting tired of it every single day.
Now then, should I return to meet the boss? ――it happened just as I was turning my foot towards the Ngultrum Dungeon. Suddenly, Chérie pulled the hem of my clothes and said something.
"...Hey. I, came up with a good plan."
The method Chérie came up with. That was, an exchange of the team members.
The details were simple. Irie-san, the leader of team sixteen, who are currently ranked first, will change places with Sherry-chan, the leader of team four, which are second place.
When I talked about the team leaders being exchanged, team sixteen answered with "If' that's Second-san's order", and the team four said "By all means".
Well then.
What will happen to the two teams who had exchanged team leaders...?
"Ohh, that was fast, team four. 13th round. You're still at the first place."
"We did it. Second-san, can we keep the stamp card after we're finished? "
"Suit yourselves."
It was just as Chérie predicted.
At first, team sixteen of Sherry-chan was in first place, but their pace dropped at about the 10th lap, and then at the 11th lap, team four of Irie-san finally overtook them.
The two didn't change; the self-paced, normal girl, Irie-san, and the girl who couldn't help but to run ahead on her own, Sherry-chan. It was obvious who was the better leader.
There's a limit to one's own destructive power. And an individual's MP is also limited. Fatigue accumulates in both the body and the mind. And if an optimal solution, taking into account a number of factors in a comprehensive way can't be found, the efficiency will without doubt decline.
No matter how fast a racing car is, it can't keep going while having to tow several cars that have run out of gas. Naturally, it will even fall behind passenger busses.
Sherry-chan might've already noticed what will happen if she keeps pushing ahead on her own. Even then, I wonder if she can't no longer pull back, or...?
"Ohh, you came, team sixteen. 13th round. You're in second place right now."
"I know that! "
Having her breath rough, Sherry-chan gave me the stamp card in a desperate manner. All the other members of team sixteen continued walking unsteadily, looking completely exhausted. They might be in a worse shape than team four this morning.
Sherry-chan is certainly a top-notch racing car, a monster machine at that. Even after newly joining a team for the first time, if she can pull them this far, I can't question her ability.
But if she could just look back at the other members, and adjust her pace, she'll surely be in first place now. However, she only sees what's in front, she only pushes forward. She can't adjust herself to the bottom members because she's just aiming for the top. Is her pride getting in her way? Or does this have some other strange meaning? I can only hope this failure will bring some sort of change in her way of doing things...
Then.
Finally, the time limit came.
Team four finished in first place. They were the only team that completed seventeen laps.
And, about the team sixteen.
"...They are taking too long, right?"
Besides me, Irie-san raised her concerns. The nine other of team four were also waiting with me for the arrival of team sixteen.
Team sixteen had dropped further from the second place.
Ignoring my words that they didn't have more time, they were now in the middle of the 16th lap, and they were the last team.
Their rank was 5th. They had a strong determination. Sherry-chan is obviously good, but the other nine from team sixteen aren't bad either. I'd like to give them some sort of prize.
"Second-dono, we're back. Team sixteen is right behind us."
"We're baaackー"
And so, Silvia and Eko came a bit ahead of team sixteen. Behind them, I could also see Chérie and Terra. It seems they were going around together.
Chérie complained with an "Aren't these too a bit too tough? ", while looking completely tired. Well, aside from the number of laps they did around the dungeon being different, the amount of accumulated experiences is also different. They are the rear guard and vanguard I'm proud of after all.
"Ahh."
Irie-san raised her voice unexpectedly. Immediately after, I found the figure of Sherry-chan by the entrance of the room.
Sherry-chan's face was, yeah... one of 'anger'. I have a bad feeling about this.
"16th lap, good work. Your final standing is 5th."
When I said so before pressing the stamp, Sherry-chan clenched her fists. And the stamp card being help in her hands tightly crumpled.
"Ah..."
Someone from team sixteen said a single word. She was one of the girls who was happy to hear they could keep the stamp card as a memento after they finished.
"――! "
Sherry-chan then looked back at the team members. It's all your fault――that was the expression she had on her face.
"I can still go for one more round! Why are you so exhausted for only this much!? It's all your fault that I lost! "
All her frustrations and dissatisfactions, having accumulated this much, finally exploded. It's all your fault, she said. "It's all because you couldn't keep up with me", she continued to rant.
Certainly, Sherry-chan is more capable than them. It might be true that they were a drag for her. That's why her team members didn't say anything in return.
However...She's wrong. You're wrong, Sherry-chan.
I can't let you do this, this time. Then, I tried to step in.
However, Irie-san started walking before me, approaching Sherry-chan.
She's angry...I realized it in an instant. Turning to face Sherry-chan, she swung her right hand, and then――
Everyone in this place thought Irie-san had slapped Sherry-chan.
But that didn't happen. This was something I couldn't allow.
"..."
Irie-san then met my eyes as I held her right hand up. At that moment, she had a confused expression...which immediately turned into one of regret.
I was trying to slap a friend in a moment of emotional anger――That sort of regret.
Smiling lightly, I released Irie-san's hand and then faced Sherry-chan.
"W-What is――"
She opened her mouth to talk, but before she could finish.
Making a fist with my hand, I hit her right in the face.
Being blown back a few meters, Sherry-chan rolled on the ground and blood spilled from her nose after falling on her back and fainting.
"! ? ! ? ! ? "
Everyone was both surprised and confused.
...I tried my best at carefully holding back before actually striking her, I never thought she would fly this much distance...This is bad. It's great I didn't use a skill. I only wanted to state the fact that I was the one who hit her. But this completely turned into an injury situation.
No, no, there's nothing I can do to change what I've already done.
"Eko, heal her."
"Roーgeーr! "
Pretending to be as calm as possible, I gave Eko some instructions and then left the place.
Just as I was leaving, Chérie said "You're surprisingly good at taking care of people. Well, leave the rest to me", I wonder what's she talking about? Since I don't really understand the meaning of those words, I'll ask about it later.
And then, night came――