The time has come at last.
　When I was coming back from a combat mission I was on with Regina.
　Anna greeted me at the reception desk with a smile and said.

"Dad. Congratulations. By completing this mission, you've fulfilled the requirements to reach S rank. I have a ticket to the highest rank of adventurer.

　I was still in a dreamy mood when I heard those words.
　I'm an S-ranked adventurer: .......
　I've been chasing this dream since I became an adventurer.
　Now that dream is about to come true.

Mr. Kaiser!　I heard that!　Congratulations!　It's really awesome to qualify as an S-ranked adventurer!

　There was a dry explosion.
　I looked and saw Monica, the receptionist, clinking crackers. She was smiling and buoyed by a festive exuberance.
　The adventurers around her buzzed at the sound of her voice.

''Kaizel-san is S-ranked ......!
'Seriously. I've always thought you were an amazing person who handled high-ranking missions with ease, but ....... I never thought I'd be an S-ranked person.
'Aren't you the second person from this city, after Knight Commander Elsa?

　When the adventurers approached me, they congratulated me.

"Mr. Kaiser. Congratulations!
We need to roast your claws for a while.
Ha, ha. Thank you so much.

　I can't help but feel embarrassed while responding.

No . Congratulations. Let's take a break from work today and have Kaisel-san's S-rank anniversary party!
"Monica. That's just because you want to skip school. You can't. We still have a lot of work to do.
'Oh no!　I can't believe I have to work all day, every day!　I'd love to take a day off, date a hot guy, and get one of those pick-up lines!
...... Totally. I don't blame you.
'What?　Can you give me a break?

　Monica's eyes sparkled in anticipation .
　Anna cornered Monica against the wall and blocked her escape with her right hand against the wall, lifting her little chin up.

'Anna. I'm not letting you leave today.
'Don't force me to work overtime in a pick-up line style!　I don't want that!　Whatever it takes, I'll get home on time!

　Their exchange drew laughter from the adventurers around them.
　Boss and subordinate. It's good to know they're getting along.
　...... When he said that, Monica must have said, "No, sir!　This is power harassment! But to the naked eye, it's just flirting.

"Hey. Move up the ladder.

　A numbed Regina prompted the conversation.

'There must be something you need to explain.
Oh. That's right. Dad. I wanted to talk to you about moving up to S-rank.
Hmm?
''Up to rank A, I was able to process promotions within this guild, but when it comes to rank S, I have to go to the Adventurer's Guild headquarters.
The headquarters is in the city of Atele, right?
Yes. It's only a day's ride from here in King's Landing. And you will have to attend an award ceremony at the headquarters there to get your license.
"I believe the ceremony is only held on certain days of the year. I heard it has something to do with the customs of the Adventurers' Guild.

　Regina muttered to Anna to check.

'Actually, yes. So if you miss that time, you'll have to wait a year. I'm sure it was meant to be for some reason, but nowadays there are few people at headquarters who understand its meaning correctly. The point is, it's a moot point.

　Anna cowered her shoulders in disgust.

'Really, customs are such a pain in the ass. Why don't they just do away with it now?


So it will be some time before I actually get my S-ranked certification? I guess I'll just have to wait for that particular time.
That's not really the case, is it?
What?
That time is the day after tomorrow. So if we go through King's Landing tomorrow, we should have no problem getting him to hold the award ceremony.

　The timing was almost as good as the attempt.

''I mean, ever since Dad started going for an S-rank, I've only cut my duty schedule to fit the ceremony.

　Anna seems to have been holding them back.
　That's very thorough.

Couldn't you have told me in advance?
"I didn't want to put any extra pressure on you. I didn't want you to worry about deadlines that would make you lose control of your duties.

　He says he cares about you very much.

Dad. You'll leave tomorrow, right?
Yeah. Let's see what we can do.
I'll take care of it.

　Anna winked and held up a thumbs-up.

'What about you, Regina?'
Hmm?
'You'll have met the requirements for promotion to S-rank by now.
...... Yeah. It's an opportunity. Maybe I'll move up to S-Level. Not that I'm interested in the title, mind you.
"All Regina cared about was the timing. She was really looking forward to moving up with her dad.
What do you mean? I'm looking forward to seeing you at ......
Because, you know what?　I've had the qualifications for this promotion for three years. And you were stubbornly refusing to move up.
''I just couldn't convince myself to qualify for an S-rank ahead of this guy who's as good as me - or even better!
Okay, okay. Tsundere B.

　Anna easily prompted Regina's excuses .

'It's so much cuter when you're honest about your feelings sometimes.
...... Hey. You're younger than me, aren't you?
"Younger or older, I always say what's on my mind. Miss Regina. You're one of those people, aren't you?

　Anna said as she tested Regina.

'And yet you deny me?'
It's...

　Lost for words, Regina clicked her tongue.
　I was totally f*cked.

'Hey. Ms. Regina. Don't use your tongue. Isn't that bad manners?
'You're supposed to be my protector!

　They seemed to be totally at ease with each other.
　As I watched my former companion and my beloved daughter communicating, I was deeply moved by the length of time that had passed.