We finished the request and headed back to town.

　After receiving the reward for completing the request at the guild, the three of us headed home.

　Today, we completed our mission without a hitch, but our expressions were not good. In particular, Myl's expression was lackluster.

　Today--.

　In the afternoon as well, Myl made a series of mistakes.

　It's not as bad as when he fought the Inokuma.

　But it's undeniable that minor mistakes piled up in the middle of the battle, and each time they were in danger.

　Meir takes it very seriously and gets fired up to do well next time, but.......................but he's too enthusiastic about it.

　Because of that, the more you work hard, the more dangerous it becomes, which is approximately the worst vicious circle.

''I'm sorry.......both of you.''

Shit. That's all you're doing today, Mr. Mill, isn't it?

Oh yes, and I'm sorry about that too.

'Well...'

　Mei Fan was also speechless because of the unbelievable sneer from Meil so far.

''Well, some days are bad. Let's stop messing around and thinking about it today.''

'Yeah...'

　I called out to her like that, but she still looked like she wasn't fully convinced.

　........Well, this is not a problem that can be solved by the outside world saying this and that.

　We can give you advice, but basically all we can do is watch.

　It's a very good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to do.

　I returned to the mansion with a deflated Meir.

''Ah........brother....

　As I walked through the gate, my sister Sierra was sweeping the yard with her broom.

'Welcome back brother!'

　Sierra runs up to me, talking to just me (...).

　I give her a pat on the head.

'Hey. I'm glad you're here to greet me but you shouldn't ignore Meiru and Mei Fan.

　When I scolded her lightly, Sierra made a subtle, awkward face.

''Ugh I'm sorry. What can I say, I only had eyes for my brother.''

I don't need those excuses. Look, what do you say in these situations?

I'm sorry...?

'No. And why is it a question mark?

　I let out a disgusted laugh.

Oh. Didn't you just say something to me, brother!

''It's because you say dumb things. In a situation like this, you'd say 'welcome back' to both Myl and Mei Fan.

　With that admonition, Sierra turned to Meir and Mei Fan.

I'm out.

　I uttered.

　Well, he looked at Meir with a terribly disgusted look in his eyes. I'm still troubled as always.

　Mei Fan chuckled looking at me and Sierra's situation.

''The two of you are quite close siblings, aren't you?

Do I look like that?

Yes. Very well. Well then, I'll change my gear.

　Me, Meil and Sierra, in that order, Mei Fan bowed politely and left for the doorway.

''By the way, brother,''

Huh?

I said welcome back to my brother before...

　For some reason, he looks at me with resentment.

　I have no idea why, but I can only nod my head.

'Yeah?　What does it matter?

Do you know what you should say to me, brother?

Oh.

　I was inadvertent on my part too.

　You know, I think Sierra just blew a gasket on this one.

I'm home, Sierra. Thanks for meeting me.

Yeah.

　Sierra smiled happily.

'Oh, by the way, brother. I'm already ready for dinner.''

　When the exchange was over, Sierra said as if she remembered.

I was on duty for the evening meal today, so I made a lot of your favorite dishes.　Eat a lot of food!

'Oh, I'm looking forward to it. I'll also have to see how much Sierra's cooking skills have improved.

You'll be surprised, won't you, brother?　My mom taught me a lot of things, like, 'Make that one, make that one, make that one,'

　Sierra squeezes her fist in my direction.

So stay tuned for more!

I hope I'm not going to disappoint you. Come on, then. Let's get inside, Myles. I've had enough of this shit.

'Oh, even thieving cats eat...?　Well, I don't mind, but....

　I ignore Sierra's words and turn around. There's Meir standing there without a trace.

"Hey, Meir,

　When I called out to him, Meir looked up with a lazy gesture.

　She turns her eyes towards me.

''Uh ... yeah.''

　Her reaction was slow.

　Her expression was still the same as it was when she was depressed, and the supremacy, motivation, and energy was missing from her eyes.

　Even now, rather than understanding my words, it was more like she reacted because she was called my name.

''Eh........Thief cat, is there something wrong with you?''

　Sierra gives me a quizzical look too.

'Did you hear me, dude? He said it's time for dinner.

Dinner...?

Yeah. You've spent all day in the sealing site, and you're hungry. Let's go.

Dinner.....

　Meir repeats the same words.

　And.

'Good.'

What?

No more. I don't want it.

　She shook her head as if she didn't need dinner.

'No need ... you, you need to eat or you won't have the strength.

No, I'm fine. I need to go work on my game.

What?　Is it now that you're training?

Yeah. I have to be strong. I'll never be a burden to you.

　Meir stepped out towards the dojo.

　However, she must be tired after working as an adventurer all day long. Her footsteps are faltering.

　I couldn't help but grab Meir's arm and hold her back.

'Hey, don't do that. Pushing yourself too hard is bad for you.

Shut up!　Gerald doesn't understand anyway!

　The arm that grabbed me with an unexpectedly strong grip was unhooked.

　Meir glares at me with tears in the corners of his eyes.

　But he immediately looks guilty and looks away.

　It was so sudden that I couldn't even say a word.

''I'm sorry, I ... I ... I just took it out on you. That's not good, isn't it?

No, I don't mind but what's going on, man?

'No, I'm fine. And anyway, I dragged my feet today and I have to go for it!

　With a mended expression, Meir uttered that.

''Well that's fine, brother. Just leave it alone.''

No, but Sierra. It doesn't work that way.

"Because,

　Sierra giggled and puckered her cheeks.

'You don't like eating my food, anyway.

　When she said that, she pouted and turned away.

　It seemed that she was completely sulking about Sierra.

''Well then, I'm sorry Gerald. It's just the way it is.

Hey, hey, hey, Meir!

　Meir had already turned his back on me.

　There are plenty of words I want to say to that back.

　Don't think about it.

　Don't try too hard.

　Don't push yourself too hard.

　Talk to me. Talk to me. Don't take on too much by yourself.

　But.....

　I don't know what words I should say to stop Meir, so in the end I could only keep my mouth shut.