'I doubt it. Even if I did, it was my situation that I wanted to hurry.

　I thought that if I could only get to first place, the voices criticizing Fenix's decision to include [Black Mage] would stop.

　This guy didn't include me in the party because I'm his friend.

　We're equal companions who aim to reach the top together, and there's no mistaking the fact that Fenix invited me to join the party.
　I wanted to prove it.

Anyway, I wasn't able to fully repay the favor, and I almost lost the bond with you.

They returned it. This was enough for Verito.

　With her guidance, Belito's movements had become more like Mushinjin.

''It's ... insufficient. Even if you have finished returning it, it hasn't been that long since then, yet you are trying to create another debt.''

Owe?　Is this by any chance what you're asking for this time?

　Lily nodded.
　I smile brightly.

''A [hunter] as good as you is going to help with the defense. I'm grateful, but I have no intention of selling my gratitude. I don't intend to be that greedy, though?

　Lily rolled her eyes and Fenix gave a small smile.

'Or what?　I don't know if this will help you, but are you asking me to join you for the sake of your friends?　Surely that would mean you owe me one.

　After saying that much, she finally loosened her lips as well.

''No. ... no. No, Reme. No, Leme, I will be there for you. Give me a chance, and I will give you the victory.

Good. Then this is a fair trade.

　Once again, we toast.
　I offered her a wooden keg mug, and she discreetly bumped hers.

　Thus, I had another companion I could rely on, albeit only for raiding battles.

''So... why are you looking so happy?''

　I glare at Fenix.

'No, I was pleased to see Reme recognized.

That's disgusting.

'Leme, that's an exaggeration. It is true that Fenix's friendship with you is too deep, or, to be honest, I've always been curious about it, but.... However, friendship is a hard-to-find treasure. We have misunderstood it, but if it does not disturb our sober thinking, we should respect it.

　Oh, people thought that because Fenix was their best friend, they were letting the incompetent into the party.
　After that assumption disappeared, it would mean that there was nothing wrong with having feelings for a childhood friend.

'And there are things even I can understand. Leme, even you get in a good mood when you hear about the good reputation of the Phoenix.

"...Lily?　It's not like that, is it?

　That doesn't make me feel bad, though.

"Even someone as good at reading people as you are can't understand themselves.

No, so...

　As I wonder how to explain it, I notice that she giggles.
　........I think she was teasing me.

''Lily laughs like that too, doesn't she?

'I'm sorry. You're the one who doesn't get lost in battle or in the conversation we just had, but when it comes to Fenix, I'm a bit at a loss for words...

　Ggh.........
　It's complicated.

　We are childhood friends. I used to be the big brother, chasing away the bullies who were aiming at Fenix.
　But when I was ten years old, I found out my 【Position(Job)】 and my world changed.
　My friends disappeared from me, and the only fenix left was, to my surprise, a 【Brave Man】.

　Then we promised to become adventurers, and we fulfilled that promise.
　We were childhood friends, best friends, like brothers, friends, and sworn enemies.

　That's right, I'm annoyed when they make fun of me, and I'm happy when they praise me. I'll admit it.
　But if you ask me if it's simply because we're so close, I feel differently.

'I think I understand a little ... a little bit, Fenix. You save people not with righteousness, not with kindness, but with genuine feelings.

　The smile on Lily's face at that moment was so beautiful it was like a work of art, and I froze for a moment.

　It wasn't the soothing cuteness of Kash or the heart-pounding glamour of Mila.
　It was similar to when I saw a beautiful landscape. My eyes were naturally drawn to it, and a sigh of admiration flooded my mind.

''Well I don't really know...''

I'm surprised you don't know something about it.

I know you're not surprised.

　I chuckled and scratched my cheek to hide my embarrassment.

　After that, I confirmed about the demonic magic body (avatar) of Fenix, talked about when to summon the two of them and how to get them to move, and made a contract with Lily.

''Cold........what is cold? I just can't goof off for no reason........

　The one with her soft cheeks on the tabletop and her ears turning red - Lily.

　I've never seen her this drunk before.
　Maybe she was somewhat distracted by being able to spit out the matter of Suri-san, which she hadn't been able to talk to her friends about until now.

'Oh, oh yes. I think that's one of the best things about Lily.

　Lily complains about her public reputation. I won't change who I am, but that doesn't mean I won't be hurt.

I hated your affectionate smile.

Yeah, I didn't like that one either.



Lily?

　Apparently, he's fallen asleep.

'Well I'll take you home.

Don't take me anywhere.

That's a bit harsh, isn't it?

Well, that's a joke. I'll follow you. You'll be walking around town with Lily on your back, and it will lightly make the news tomorrow.

　With cognitive inhibition, you don't have to worry about that.

'Oh, that would help.

　There is a way for me to take Lily to the inn alone, but I don't think it's a good idea.

　It's a good thing that you're able to have a good time with your friends and family.

　After paying the bill, we went out of the restaurant.
　We were silent for a while.

I'm sure you've heard that. You were about to say something when we were talking about Lace.

Hmmm, oh.

　We walk side by side down the busy main street, but no one pays us any attention.

'I think he looks like someone else, but I just couldn't get out. Have you noticed anything?

　Fenix repeated my question with a series of questions.

''........Reme, where did you first hear the phrase 'the last to win is the brave one'?''

　No, it was an answer in the form of a question.