When the time was around noon and Sophia, who had been sent to the Silverwing Knights, was returning to the headquarters with Noir.

　As she and Garnett were tidying up the materials sent by the Adventurer's Guild, Sylvia, who was preparing in the kitchen with the other cooks, came over to call us in a good mood.

'Mr. Luke!　I'm done preparing lunch!　Please come to the dining room!
What the f*ck's wrong with you? You're in a weird mood.
Because you're all safe, of course.

　'I was really worried about you,' Sylvia added, puffing out her cheeks.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make sure that you have a place to rest when you come back ...... Even though I was aware of that, there were times when I couldn't stay or stand still. That's why I'm so terribly happy, you know?

　As she speaks in this way, a smile gradually springs up on Sylvia's face.

　Heartfelt joy. Relief from the heart. And heartfelt congratulations.

　Just by looking at her face, I could tell that she was really happy for our safety.

'...... Right!　As Luke asked, we've also invited the people we heard you fought with in the dungeon to dine with us.
'Thanks. I think I asked for ...... Sakura and Ezell, Eddie, Nagi and Melissa, and Dustin, I think. And Roy and the others are still in the dungeon.

　I counted up my fingers for the people who helped me in this fight.

But Dustin turned me down: ......
'He can't help it. He's always been a guy who doesn't get in on these things.
'Well, ......, in case I should have called on Sir Valentine as well?
'For your brother?　It's not there!

　Garnett immediately dismisses Sylvia's casual remark.

　I have little experience of having a conversation with that man either, but he's also someone I wouldn't expect to willingly participate in this kind of event in a different way than Dustin.

　I have to think that the matter of Sofia's eyes being misdirected into the dungeon alone is quite a nasty trick.

　...... but for me, it's also someone I can't help but get involved with in the future.

　After all, Valentine Argentea is a brother and sister of Garnett's blood.

''Uh, and Lord Ambrose, was it? Sir Sophia said that one of the newcomers did not attend, either. They can't show their true faces in public or something.
Well, ...... some people are like that. Hildy can't take his hood off in public either.

　In this continent where countless gods are worshipped in various places, so-called religious reasons are also very different.

　It's not that they can't show their true face.

I'm going to finish my final preparations. I hope the two of you will come to the dining room as soon as possible.

　Sylvia told him everything that needed to be told and left the place to do her part.

　It would be a shame to let the food that was cooked for us get cold.

　Me and Garnett decided to put the materials we were working on together in a corner and then head to the dining room together.

　On the way there, Garnett put his hands behind his head as he walked, straightened up and offered to chat with me in a light tone.

'Ah ...... what's that, Ole. If I had to fight Agart Ram, I would probably lose my mind and go out of control.
It's the other guy. That's the way it is.

　When it comes to avenging your immediate family, and even your mother's death, it's obvious that I can't keep my cool.

　It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what you're looking for.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work for you. It's really unexpected for me.

　Garnett slows his pace a bit as he walks forward next to me.

　I adjusted my walking speed accordingly, moving my feet a fraction of Garnett's speed.

'No, well, I was pissed, you know?　From the bottom of my heart. But I'm still calm in my head and I did what I thought would be the best thing to do.
It's a good thing you're done. ......
Well. But you can't blame them for being mysterious.

　If me and Garnett walked naturally and without thinking, the inexplicable height difference would make a difference in our strides.

　So we'll keep walking in step with each other, shoulder to shoulder.

　I'm sure we will continue to keep up that kind of pace in the future.

"So, why in the world did it happen, I kept thinking about it the whole way back to earth?
Did you get an answer?
Of course. That's the only way to know.

　Garnett unexpectedly quickened her walk, and then she turned around in front of me and stopped to face me head on.

　And then he gives me a dazzling smile.

"That's what you are, Luke. It's like I was dyed in your color before I even knew it was happening.

　--I can't help but notice the smile on his face and forget to respond.

'Don't misjudge your priorities. That's been your credo since you were an adventurer, hasn't it?　Even if you don't like him personally, even if you have a grudge against him, you can't make a mistake if you have more important things to worry about. I've been watching you behave like that for a long time now, and I've been watching you closely.

　Once again, only embarrassment comes to mind when it is put into words.

　It's true that Garnett is right.

　In the days I've been struggling to get my feet wet as a low-ranked adventurer, I've told myself not to misjudge my priorities, and I've warned myself not to be carelessly greedy or stubborn.

　That didn't change even though I took a leave of absence from adventuring, started running a weapons store, and ended up being knighted or new knights and important things.

　Even if it was the source of your pain, if it was a phase where you needed that person's abilities, you preferred to let them help you as much as they could rather than retaliate.

　Even though they are powerful enemies that I have faced many times, I did not hesitate to join forces with them in the face of our common enemy.

　Garnett continued to watch my choice in detail.

"That's why. I'm sure you're not the only one who would like to see this happen. Thanks, Luke.
'...... I don't know what you're talking about. I have a lot of things to thank you for, too.

　Once I was sure no one was looking at me, I reached out gently to Garnet's head and lightly stroked her fine golden hair.