After the meeting with the Silverwing Knights was over, we decided to leave the city of Green Hollow and head back to our respective bases.

　Mark and Sophia went to the White Wolf Knights' headquarters building.
　Garnett and I went to the White Wolf Store, which also served as our home.

　There are many things to discuss, but for now, we're going to break up and take a break.

　As I enter the store crowded with customers from the main entrance, regular customers throw greetings at me in a friendly manner, and an adventurer with an unfamiliar face looks at me with a puzzled look.

　To the people with familiar faces, I am only a rook of a weapons store.

　The fact that I'm a knight leader of the White Wolf Knights and the lord who was granted land along with it is just an afterthought, and I myself have repeatedly asked them not to change their attitude.

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

　At first I had a delicate feeling every time I was treated with such an attitude, but as expected, I was getting used to it now.

''Ah, welcome back, Luke-san.
'Sorry to bother you. I'm glad to see you're doing so well today.

　When I walked over to the checkout counter, I was greeted by the most familiar faces in Green Hollow - Sylvia and Sakura with a smile.

　These two have been treating me with the same attitude since I first met them.

　Even when they were adventurer crumblers who escaped the dungeon at the risk of their lives.

　I'm not sure if I'll ever see them again.

　And when he got involved in the Demon Lord's War for the sake of the town.

　And after I chose to become a Knight Commander to live with Garnett.

　And after Green Hollow and the surrounding area was appropriated as the budget source for the Knights of the Order as well.

　No matter how many clerks and corps members they have come to hold, Sylvia and Sakura have always remained the same.

　Even just exchanging normal interactions like this, I feel like I'm naturally feeling better.

''It feels like it's been a long time since the two of us have come together in a store.
If you ask me, I suppose that might be true.
We've seen each other in disparate places, and we've met in different places, but in the store, that's for sure.

　Sylvia and Sakura aren't clerks at the White Wolf Store or members of the White Wolf Knights, but rather the signatory daughter of the inn's Spring Wakaba-Tei and a solo adventurer.

　If it is not convenient for you, you won't see each other together, and that distance may be the source of your comfort.

I'll take care of the shop, so the manager and the others can go back and rest. You can't just stand in front of the store and talk.

　Erica had so cleverly recommended that, so I'll take your word for it here.

''Well then, I've ordered the shop.
I'll leave your food in the living room for you to eat later.

　With his back to the busy storefront, he takes Sylvia and Sakura and retreats to the back of the building, into the living room that doubles as an employee break room.

'I'll get the tea ready. Luke-san and the others can sit down.
Thanks. I can finally breathe a sigh of relief.

　When I sat down as recommended, Garnett sat down next to me and deliberately looked up at the ceiling.

I've been in a lot of meetings like this ...... and my ass and neck get sore. I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. It's a good idea to have a fight later to get your mind off of it.
'I get stiff from sitting around,'
You should unpack your body, too. You have a big day coming up and you're too weak to make excuses.
'Ha, I don't have any words to reply. I need to lightly retrain myself.

　Sakura, seated across the table, chuckled as she watched the exchange between me and Garnett.

''Sure, we'll cross blades later. And ...... since we're here, how would you like to join us, Luke-dono?　If we're just going to hit each other regardless of whether we win or lose, it won't matter.
Isn't that a fair offer in this situation?
It's over. Me and Sakura are going to rub it in for you.

　At a time when you can't say no, a critical shot comes from Sakura that couldn't have been more critical.

　Garnett seems to be totally on board, and Sylvia's back in the kitchen looks like she's holding back her laughter.

　I'm aware that I have to move my body once in a while, but to suddenly be forced to train against Garnett and Sakura is indeed unexpected.

'...... That's it. Lord Luke, may I talk to you about your next big task?

　Sakura breathed lightly and then opened up a new topic.

　Perhaps this is Sakura's main topic.
　It's the reason why he went all the way to visit the White Wolf Store.

''Go on. I just had a discussion with the Silverwing Knights about that just now.''
Thank you.

　Sakura bowed deeply with a serious demeanor, a complete change from the moderately loose atmosphere she was in earlier.

''As you know, I have designated the fourth level as my main place of activity, and under the command of A-ranked adventurer Theodore Beaufort, I am engaged in the search for the relevant level and gathering information on the third level.
'I've heard of your activities. Reports are coming up regularly, and I often get personal letters from Theodore.

　Currently, Sakura has risen to C-rank - the middle tier of the five ranks - after only a little over a year of activity, and is involved in important searches led by A-rank.

　The reason why he hasn't been promoted to B-rank yet is because in order to improve his rank further, he is required to contribute to the guild, including the training of his followers, in addition to simple strength and exploration achievements.

　In terms of combat ability alone, they are definitely at the same level as the A-ranked guys who come to Green Hollow, and if you use your trump card, it's enough to temporarily put them on a par with them.

''In the process, I was one step ahead of them and saw the scene of the third level. Although it was a long way off, I also observed what the city looked like. With that in mind, I will share with you my honest thoughts.

　Sakura breathed once again now and continued to speak while looking straight at me.

''If I don't put all the strength I can have into it, I won't be able to compete with that enemy. Therefore, I ask that you allow me to throw everything, including ...... the sword of the Total Scarlet Kinzou, the essence of God's Descent, into the battle.