Chapter 1: Turning Point
Pov Darkness
Location Royal Castle
Victory Party
Lalatina Dustiness Ford was not enjoying the party at Princess Iris's castle
Sure, she enjoyed having Iris around, she was like a sister to her
However, she always felt bad having to live with other nobles again, she always had to
have a fake smile on her face and on top of everything she always had to be careful withwhat she said
That's why she loved being with her team in Axel
Always trouble
Everyone shouting what they wanted without caring what others said about them
She really loved that city
She felt like she was free…
Another reason to be uncomfortable at this party
After all she had a debt with Alderp for all the damage to the city, her team paid what was owed, but she as a noble of that city had to pay the rest
It wasn't a small amount
She was really anxious
After all she knew she could solve it with her team, they always found a way to achieve the impossible
But that was her responsibility
Only hers, not her team's
She didn't want Megumin to blow up the Alderp Mansion until she left her alone
She didn't want Aqua to try to turn Alderp into a faithful follower of the Axis cult and force him to forgive her
And above all she didn't want Kazuma to fight to get more money, not at this very moment...
After all he had just died by a pack of Kobolds
It wasn't even close to a glorious death
But she knew that he actually tried very hard in every battle
The last time she saw him she was really sad for letting the princess down
There were plans for him to return to Axel and have to pay taxes
It wasn't something nice, but it was her duty
She has never abused her power as a noble and she won't do it now, although...
Maybe after her team pays the taxes she could put exclusive jobs for her team, with an anonymous identity in which there would be a high reward for something simple...
Thinking this, Lalatina looked for Kazuma with her eyes...
She saw him being scolded by Claire
He seemed to be about to cry
Claire, noticing her gaze, greeted her, walked towards her and left Kazuma
—Lady Dustiness, excuse me, could I speak with you for a moment?
The few nobles beside me politely said goodbye to me and left
Nodding, she led me to a corner of the hall
Rain, who was nearby, observed us and, sensing something, also accompanied us
—Lady Dustiness, your team has proven to be really efficient, and that is why we wanted to request that you join Mitsurugi-dono to complete high-difficulty missions
This is surprising, after all, it is not for nothing that we are called the worst adventurer team in the city of beginners… not without good reason
—Are you sure about this, Claire? Kazuma does not seem to hold Mitsurugi in high regard…
Darkness responded somewhat unsure of the proposal
—Oh, the commoner— Claire said with disgust — He would not be included in the group, after all, has he proven to be nothing more than a hindrance…?
Darkness quickly waved her hand to silence her
—Well, it seems like a wonderful offer, however we currently have no intention of splitting up the team or leaving anyone out, much less Kazuma, he is the leader of our team, so if you'll excuse me I have to go
Rain who had not spoken at that moment stopped Darkness
—Lady Dustiness, this wouldn't be permanent, it would only be a few missions, plus the pay is quite large…
This made Darkness stand still, so Rain continued
—We just want a group of powerful adventurers to help clean up dangerous monsters, it shouldn't be a problem for you who have defeated the demon king's generals, plus Satou-dono seems to be comfortable with the idea of not working for a while…
Darkness thought about this for a moment…
After all, maybe there would be a way to settle his debts with Alderp…
Kazuma had already expressed his affection for being what Aqua called a NEET and not leaving home to work
The proposal didn't sound so bad when Rain mentioned it
—Let me think about it a bit…
Darkness decided that maybe a little wine would help him think better