-- The next morning, I sluggishly got out of bed with a bit of weariness.

　It's partly due to the fact that I put too much alcohol (alcohol) into my system last night, but it's also partly due to the fact that I've stayed up even later since then.

　I know it's not a good thing for my body, but from a different perspective, this is not a bad thing.

　After all, there was no way I could have had such a carefree morning while I was exploring the fourth level and working in the fifth labyrinth.

　The only reason I can have a deep drink and stay up late is because Green Hollow Town is a peaceful and safe place.

'...... Well. It's time to get ready.

　He left the room and headed for the living room.

　Garnett hadn't woken up yet, and the living room was filled with fresh morning sunshine and cool air.

　It's another comforting feeling because it's a town on earth.

　It's not uncommon for large dungeons, including the Ark of the Elements that we've been facing for a long time, to have the ceiling of the underground space shine like the sky, but there's still a big difference compared to the actual sky.

　The fourth level, moreover, did not even have a ceiling that was emitting light, and was lit by the light emitted by the ores buried not only on the ceiling, but also on the walls and the ground, as well as by the flames and lava spewing from everywhere.

　After working in such a place for many days in a row, one would feel a tremendous sense of comfort when they returned to the ground.

''Well, it's an adventurer who still wants to dive again.

　The guys who pulled up to the ground with us are probably resting their bodies and minds in Green Hollow after a long time now, but I'm sure they'll soon start gleefully preparing for their next exploration.

　I'm sure that's what would happen in a mere dungeon, but this time it's a dungeon that is sure to contain the secrets of an ancient magical civilization, so it's bound to fuel their desire to explore in a way that's more than usual.

　...... With that in mind, I quickly get ready for the morning.

　First, I wash my face with cold water to shake off the sleepiness, then I start making breakfast for both me and Garnett.

　Garnett is probably even more depressed than I am, so it would be better to avoid fatty foods that might upset his stomach, and finish with something light and high in vegetables.

　In the seaside town, some kind of shellfish is said to help with hangovers, but I have never heard of any effect of river and lake shells from around Green Hollow, and it's impossible to find local products now.

　And don't forget Erica's homemade medicine.

　It's never good because of the ingredients, but they say that good medicine is bitter to the mouth, and most of all, the worse it tastes, the more you'll be able to reflect on 'Let's not do this kind of recklessness anymore'.

　Well, most of the time, such reflection is forgotten in a few days.

'...... woooo ...... I feel bad ......'
'Good morning, Garnett. I've got the pills out there, but you'll have to wait until you've had something to eat.
I know what you're talking about: ...... Thank you. ......

　Erica had also told her not to drink on an empty stomach if possible, but the taste was too bitter for her to drink before the meal.

　Garnett walked unsteadily to the table and sat down in a chair with a thud as if he was going to fall on his butt.

　I sat down on the other side of the table and decided to have my breakfast.

　Garnett is munching on a sketchy salad with a mind-numbing stupor from the combined effects of the alcohol and sleep deprivation.

　He looks like a rabbit that's out of bed or something, and I can't seem to get enough of watching him.

　In the meantime, breakfast is over, and after taking a proper dose of Erika's medication, the two of us take a break in the living room for a while.

'It's a good thing today is a regular day off. Well, ...... that's why I was able to ruffle some feathers.

　I boil water in the kitchen and prepare today's leftover herb tea and take two cups of it back to the table as freshly brewed.

　I couldn't possibly make such a fuss if I had to work the next day.

　It's the first regular day off since returning to earth, so it might be a good idea to just relax today.

"...... ah ...... nah, Luke.

　Garnett just looks up as he plops down on the table.

'Do you remember ...... last night?'
"You know, the night you met with everyone at ...... for a drink at Wakaba-Tei in Spring.
'After that, after that. If you've forgotten, that's fine, but ...... or rather, forget it.

　He laid down one arm to cover his mouth and held his head with the other, ruffling his golden hair as he held his head with the other arm.

'You're a thing when you get home. You barged into the bathroom, and we got in the hot tub together for some reason, and then .......
'Ah!　Ah!　You don't have to tell me!　I knew you'd remember that!　I mean, it wasn't a dream, dammit!

　Garnett flaps his legs under the table while propped up.

　I'm sorry, but I'm not the type of person who skips memory with alcohol - or rather, I can adjust my pace based on my understanding of my limitations, so I remember last night properly.

　Last night I confided in Garnett about the weaknesses he had been hiding from me, and afterwards I soaked in the bathtub to relax and unwind.

　I had had the tub made larger so that it didn't feel cramped with both of us in it at the same time, but still, as expected, it wasn't wide enough for us to touch each other.

　And then I'll keep the rest of it to myself, since I felt like I'd be kicked off the whole table if I said the words.

　As I was looking at the writhing garnet to my heart's content - I suddenly heard a familiar voice from the doorway.

''Good morning. Luke-kun, are you awake?