-- Rumors spread really fast.
　Even more so if it's a topic that's never ceases to draw interest.

'I heard that, Luke!　I heard that the date for the decoration has been set!

　I was on my way back from visiting the Hollow Bottom Branch of The Sundial Forest as part of my job after finishing my lunch break at the Spring Young Leaf Pavilion.

　As I was leaving the Guild Branch building, I was stopped by Travis without warning.

'You smell like water,' he said. You could have taught me a thing or two.
It's too soon. The letter arrived this morning. Do you think I'll have time to look for you?
No!　But don't lick my intelligence network.

　Laughing in a joking tone, Travis squared his shoulders stiffly with his thick arms.

　It has always been one of Travis' strengths to be able to truly enjoy the advancement (rank advancement) of others.

　This is an element close to this man's nature, as it does not change even if he is not an adventurer but a success in another field.

''So, are you going to buy me something to celebrate?　You're an A-grade student, so I'm counting on you.
'Of course I was planning on it. Of course, I was planning to do that, but since the Spring Wakabatei is holding a celebration, I've decided to cover part of the cost of that event. We're going to bring in some good southern brew as well, so you can look forward to it.
Or, in your case, isn't that the main thing?

　After a few moments of such unassuming exchanges, one of Travis' party members came over to call the leader.

I'm sorry. We're on to the next job. We should be able to find time to attend the celebration, so don't worry.
Don't take it easy. You're the main force behind the search.

　As I look away from Travis, who is busy today with the busyness that is typical of an A-rank, Garnett, who had voluntarily taken a step back, returns to stand next to me.

　There was a wry smile on his mouth.

　It's not that I was amused or chuckled, but it was an unconscious smile that bubbled up unconsciously.

You're still good friends, as usual. I envy you.
Which one of us is jealous?
I wouldn't be happy to trade places with you.

　Garnett kicked my leg with just a light push and then began to count something on his fingers as he walked out slowly.

'You'll be inviting all the adventurers to the celebration. Melissa and Nagi, the chapter leader and his son, and ...... Roy from the Hundred Beast Plains are arriving over here too, right? Are you going to call on the Demon King hunters as well?
I'm going to call Dustin or ...... and see what I can do, but with that guy, I probably won't join in.
Of course not. I have no interest in your personal progress.

　I was unexpectedly interrupted by a conversation and turned around in surprise.

　A ghostly man carrying two spears was standing by the wall of the gate (gate) that I had just dived through earlier.

''......, but let me congratulate you on the establishment of the new Order.

　Hearing that, Garnett gave me a surprising look next to me.
　Apparently, Dustin's congratulations were unexpected.

　However, the statement that followed was hard for Garnett to believe, and for me it was a no-brainer.

It's convenient for me to explore underground without having to go through the Golden Fang. They don't tend to take the adventurer's convenience into consideration.
Hey, it's your money's worth, isn't it?
I don't think there's anyone in my life worth not caring about.

　After saying that, Dustin cut his gaze from Garnett and took another glance at me.

'I have high hopes for your Order. That's all I have to say here.

　With that, Dustin turned on his heel and ducked through the gate, disappearing into the guild branch without even pretending to look back.

　Garnett's face was twisted in exasperation, and then a thoughtful expression appeared on his face, and finally, for some reason, he became depressed and furrowed his brow.

　I'm sure you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world, and you'll be able to find out what's going on in the world.

I'm not sure what's wrong with you.
No, that ...... guy became like that after he lost his partner. If it were to happen, if the same thing were to happen to me, I'd be like that too, lately. ......

　He didn't seem to be able to put his thoughts together in his head, and the order of the words he uttered was slightly jumbled, and his voice didn't have much power in it.

　But I understand what he's trying to say.
　I put my hand gently on Garnett's head and instead of stroking her golden hair, I ruffled it, ruffling it.

'Whoa!'
There's no end to the amount of bad imaginings you can have. That's what I think every time there's a problem.

　I lightly tap Garnett on the shoulder and walk away, while maintaining an attitude of nothingness.

　Every time I fight a fearsome enemy, his small back stands like a great shield in front of me.

　If I'd just met him, he might have seemed reliable for his small stature, but now I know how thin he is. I know how soft it is.

　When I saw him hurt and maimed, I couldn't help but shelve my own weaknesses completely and be moved to the heart.

''...... Mostly, if it's a bit of a problem, I can handle it with [restoration]. Don't worry too much about things you don't need too much.
I know, I know, but I'm just going to go to ...... and wait a minute!　Hey!

　Garnett follows me as she fixes her messy hair with a hand comb.

　I will soon become a knight, and eventually I will be given a position to lead a new order of knights, unworthily.

　It's a good thing that you're able to get the most out of your time with us.

　...... No, I'm sure we can. As long as we want it to be.

　I just told you not to let your bad imagination get the better of you and not to worry about anything else, but if I were to do that, I wouldn't have a face to match Garnett's.

　Garnett rushes to catch up to me at a different stride and slows down to a faster pace, matching my pace.

　I changed my stride in small increments too, matching my feet so that I could walk shoulder to shoulder with Garnett.