Are you requesting an escort?

Yes, we'd really like to ask you and Mr. Okura to help us out.

　Ten or so days after we first gave the magic light stone to Chrystia.
　After proving that we had defeated Matango as usual, he asked us to provide him with an escort at the Society of Queres.
　The client was the Listeria Academy. The number of days is 4, the reward is 500,000 G. Rank nominations are 2 C-rank parties or B-rank.
　The target of the escort is about 30 students, and they want to ask for an escort to go outside of the town to collect as part of their classes.

''Honestly, if we're going to escort such a large number of people, I'm not sure we can handle it.

　Now the level is up to 73 for me and my magic stone count is over 500.
　Since then, I've also been going to Mt. Remri to say that I'm bored of Alde Forest as well, and to pick up the pace a bit.
　With this, there's a bit of leeway when the next mess comes, so I won't have to worry about accepting requests.
　However, I'm just worried about escorting more than 30 people out of nowhere........

　And when it comes to Listeria Academy, there might be a girl named Myra.
　She's reacting that way to Estelle, who I haven't even met, and I don't want to let the two of them meet in person.
　Well, if there's 30 people in the academy, there's a better chance they won't be there, and I don't think they'll ever meet.

''Isn't Okura-san and the others ranked B? Right now in this association, Okura-san and the others are adventurers who are so capable that it would be quicker to count them from the top, right?　Please don't tell me you're worried, please don't tell me you're worried!

　The receptionist asks me to take the request.
　From the report of Grandis' discovery, it seems that she's gathering information on whether there's any unusual outbreaks of torrents, but so far there's no sign of such an outbreak.
　However, they don't know if it's over yet, so they want the strongest adventurers possible to escort them.

　Hmm, we weren't appointed as the client, so it's okay to refuse, but when you're asked to do so.
　I'm worried about a large number of people being escorted, but I have plenty of time to spare, so I'll take it.

That's why we've decided to ask for an escort. Estelle will be coming with me, but please don't use too much magic this time.

'Yes, I know that without being told. More importantly, your brother is still a pushover, isn't he?

Well, in fact, we're a B-grade team, and I think it's only natural that they're counting on us.

　I immediately went home and told Estelle and the others that I was going to make an escort request.
　Since this time I'm escorting the students of Listeria Academy, I'll also ask Estelle not to use too much fancy magic.
　If she uses magic like she did with Annelie-chan's escort, there might be a big fuss.

　But there's been a lot of requests lately.
　When I think about it, I start to realize that this is a B-rank.
　A-rank doesn't even look like A-rank, but since this is B and this is what it is, there are too many requests and you don't have time to be in town?
　When I think about it, I feel like it's better to stay on B.

'Okura-san, Noll-san and Esther-san, good luck with that.

What the f*ck do you mean, you can't wait around?

''Because I'm E-rated, and I have to stay with Luna-san.

　Sisha, who was listening to what we were saying, started saying that while drinking tea with Luna on her lap.
　She said she doesn't intend to go again like before.....
　Since it's a request for an escort, I can't take Luna with me.
　It's certain that Luna will be staying at home.
　But that doesn't mean I have to have Sissiya stay at home, either.

''Luna-san also wants to stay with me, right?

Yes, but you have to go with Heihachi and the others. But you have to go with Heihachi and the others.

What?　Why, why?!

It's obvious. Abandoning your role in the process.

Ugh.....

　Before I could say anything, Luna got mad at Sisha for what she was saying.
　I've always been there for her since we made peace, but it's nice to know that she's willing to say the right thing at a time like this.
　Of all of us, Luna is still the sensible one.

I'm doing my home security, so don't worry. ....I'm going to get plenty of sleep for the first time in a long time.

I'm going to tell you what I'm thinking...

　If only it weren't for this....

●

　Then came the day of the request for an escort.

'Oh, I don't want to go. It feels like the day after the holiday is over.

That's not the kind of thing a priest would say, sir...

'Even priests are human. Sometimes I just want to spend a day without getting out of bed.

You....you're kind of a mess in a lot of ways...

It's a Sisha. You can't help it.

　Sisha is walking around, nodding and mumbling.
　Has his lazy nature been transferred to Sisha because he got along with Luna?
　How much more of a disappointing attribute do you need to add to it to make me feel better.......

　While being dismayed by such a cis-ha, we arrived at the school gate of the Lystaria Academy, our meeting place.

''Um, are you from Lystaria Academy?

　There was a middle-aged or so man with a very short haircut, dressed similarly to the Listeria Academy student I saw the other day, so I called out to him.
　I didn't want to startle him, but this time I took the helm off properly.

''Yes, but......... Are you guys........adventurers?

Yes, I'm here because the Listeria Academy asked me to come over.

'Oh, I see!　I'll take care of you this time!

　The man replied, moving his glasses around with his fingers with a quip.
　Hmmm, is this guy a teacher?

''Oh no, I didn't expect to have B-ranked people come to our school. Now you can take your students with you in peace.

''Haha I will do my best to keep the students out of harm's way.

Haha, that's very encouraging to hear!

　After a quick hello, he asked me to wait for the students to gather as it would still be some time before they gathered.
　I came early because I knew it would be bad if I was late, but I didn't expect the teacher to be there already.
　It was a good thing I came early.

''Is that young lady a mage.......?''

'Yes, I do. Is there something on your mind?

No, no, it's just that mages who are adventurers are rare.

Hmm, yeah. I hope so.

　The man noticed Esther behind me, gave me a surprised look and asked me if I was a mage.
　When Estelle smiles and asks him why, he replies, looking a little flustered.
　It's rare for a mage to be an adventurer, after all.

　A little while later, here and there, the students gathered in front of the school gate.
　They range from kids about Estelle's age to men and women who look two or three years older than her.
　I asked the male teacher about it, and he told me that there is a minimum age to enter Listeria Academy, but as long as you are over that age, there is no restriction on admission.
　For example, I can enter the school, too...I won't, though.

　As I was looking around to see if everyone had gathered by now, I somehow began to feel a strange gaze from the gathering of students.
　When I moved my gaze to that direction to see what it was, there - Myra-chan was there.

''Ugh.......Ma, there's a girl named Myra.......''

Oh, yeah? Which one?

You should keep your eyes peeled, because they're looking at you.

Oh, why do I have to sneak around?

　
　I tried to tell Estelle not to look at her and keep her out of Myra's line of sight, but on the contrary, Estelle stood on her tiptoes and stretched out her body with a pizzazz, trying to look at her.
　

'That girl who keeps looking at me?　Maybe I should wave to you.

Hey!　Don't do anything that might provoke me!

'Because you know Annelie, don't you?　It's funny that you're being so distant.

　Myra's gaze grew sharper, probably because she and Estelle met eyes.
　Still, as if nothing had happened, Estelle smiled and stared back at me with a smile.
　She tried to wave her hand in the end, so as expected, I made her stop it.
　Certainly, Esther has a point, but it's not a good idea to let her do something that would stimulate you without knowing the circumstances.

''Esther is a scary one, isn't she?

'Haha, I can't believe you're afraid of something, Esther, spear me--Hi!　I'm sorry, I'm sorry ... I was out of line...

　When Sisha laughed and said something, Esther shifted her gaze from looking at Myra-chan to Sisha and continued to watch in silence.
　Immediately Sisha bent her waist at 90 degrees and bowed her head deeply and apologized.
　

　When the place was subtly eased thanks to Sisuha, the male teacher began to confirm that all the students had finally gathered.

''I see that all of you have gathered!　Then let's get going!　Also, I've asked the adventurers over here to escort me this time, so don't be rude!

Oh, uh, hi.

　When we finished checking, they suddenly turned their hands to us and introduced us.
　And all of our gazes turned to us at once.

　Ugh, I wish I didn't get so much attention like this........
　Well, I was seen here and there even before I was introduced.

''This time we're not in a place where there are any threatening demons, so I don't know if I'll be able to ask for your help, but I'm counting on you to help me out!

Yes, I'll take care of it.

　It seems that the place we're heading to this time is not a place with strong demons.
　We're not the only demons that come out on the way there, the male teacher will also have to deal with them.
　Is it part of the class to show them what a real battle is like?

　I don't know if it's a good idea to show students that kind of thing, but it's a school in a different world, so it's not my common sense.
　In a world where there are demons, there are probably kids who will join the military in the future, so maybe this much is normal.

●

　It's been about half a day since we left the town of Queles.
　We're heading on foot to our destination with the teacher in the lead, and we're at the back of the pack.
　I'm looking at the map app with my monitor glasses as usual, watching out for any demons.

''It must be hard being a mage to go through all this.

They are strong boys, aren't they? They have more strength than Lord Okura, who just arrived in this world.

I'm sorry for my misery.

　The students all carry slightly larger bags.
　I thought that all mages are not good at moving like Esther, but apparently not so much.
　There seems to be some girls who are tired, but I also saw a smiling scene there, with a boy holding the bag instead.

　Well, they are really tough.
　At first I had trouble walking, so I asked Nole to carry me on my back, but that's a big difference!
　

''But even so, the students seem to be very interested in Esther-san. Several of them are glancing at us.

'Oh my, it seems like a lot of kids are watching Sisha?

I don't feel the eyes on me at all I feel like I'm losing.

It's not uncommon for them to cover their faces.

　The students walking in front of us glanced at us as we were walking at the back of the line.
　I think there are a lot of eyes directed at Sisha and Estelle, especially from the boys.
　Well, it's true that Estelle is quite pretty, to put it mildly, and it can't be helped but be curious.
　Cis-Ha is also pretty on the outside, and a guy his age would be attracted to her. It's what's on the inside, though.

''Do you want to go to school like those girls, Esther?''

　Looking at the students who seemed to be enjoying their conversations, I suddenly said something like that.
　If you look at these kids who are also mages and close in age, even Esther might want to attend.
　If that's what you want to do, I'd like to make it happen for you.

''It's not that I'm not interested, but I'll refrain from doing so.

Why?

'Because if you go to the school, you won't be able to spend as much time with your brothers.　I enjoy spending more time with the Nolls than I do with them.

"Not only Okura-dono, but we as well.... That's very nice of you to say, Estelle!　You must squeezing them!

"Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

　Esther said a little shyly as she put her hand on her cheek, her cheeks flushed red.
　Hearing this, Noll hugged her and patted her head.
　Normally she only says this to me, but including Noll and the others..........You really say such nice things.

'No, Esther-san really says these kinds of goofy things to my heart. I think I'm going to fall in love with you.

'I don't want to get in trouble if Sisha likes me.

Oh, it's terrible...

I'm just kidding. I'm sorry.

　Sisha was happy too, and she was wiggling her body, but when Esther said she didn't want to be liked, she put her hands on the ground and fell down.
　Seeing this, Esther laughed and apologized that she was joking.

　Even though they're in the middle of requesting an escort, there's no sense of tension as if... well, it's not a bad thing that they're close, but...