*

　When Mako and the others - Mako, Yuka, Liv, Laura and Fujika - returned to the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion, Shelly was wiping the table with a rag.

'Ta--'
Oh, mister. Welcome home.

　Quicker than Mako could say she was home, Shelly turned and said, "I'm back.
　She said she couldn't see well, but she wondered if her other senses were developing.
　She rested her hand on the table wiping it before she opened her mouth.
　He had been hiding in the basement when the undead had attacked.
　Maybe by having a relationship with Makoto, he had acquired some kind of ability like Fene and Liv.

''What's wrong with you, Fene?''
I'm still at Christine's.

　My brother may be dead - it will take me a while to recover from the shock.

''I see...''
He'll be fine.
Yeah, right.

　Shelley smiled weakly, realizing it was comforting.

'Oh, by the way, the Rogers Chamber of Commerce was there.
Rogers and Company?
Yeah, whatever equipment you brought with you.......just give me a minute.

　Shelly took the rag and disappeared behind the counter.
　Perhaps she was taking a deposit from the Rogers Chamber of Commerce.

'How long are you going to stand there?'
I'll be sitting down in a minute.

　She answers Yuka with a sigh and takes a seat at the center table.
　Yuka, Liv and Fujika are seated face to face, while Laura takes a seat next to Mako.

''For now, we've strengthened our forces.
Yeah.

　Yuka nodded at Makoto's words.
　The one propped up on her shoulder is a wooden staff reinforced with metal.
　The shape is the same as the one I used before, but it's so white that it's hard to believe it's wood.
　I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about it.
　After appraising it, I found that it possessed magic enhancement and magic enhancement skills.
　The ring of magic bullets (Ring of Britt) shining on the middle finger of my right hand - it has the effect of being able to use magic bullets without chanting instead of consuming more magic power than normal.

''Come to think of it, Yuka's ring is...''
What?
Can't you compete with the recitation (repeat)?
What?

　Yuka nodded her head lightly.

''Well, dude...''
It's okay. It's beautiful.
It's not good.
'Yes, sir. Master Chris has given us the equipment to protect the city.

　When Makoto prodded, Laura agreed.
　What I'm saying isn't wrong - but.

'I don't want you to say that to me.
Why?
That's because you have all new equipment.

　Yuka said in a sarcastic tone, and Makoto glanced next to her.
　The basic equipment - chest armor, basket hand that goes up to two arms, leg armor that goes up to thighs, sword, and shield - remains the same.
　But unlike the previous ones, they are elaborately crafted.

'Poor thing, she was in tears.
You're going to need this.

　Laura argued back, stagnantly.

'Yuka's putting too much of herself on the shelf, and...'
It's annoying.

　Yuka frowned uncomfortably, her expression softening unexpectedly.

''Speaking of which, were you guys glad you didn't have to renew your equipment?''
I just got a brand-new set-up.
I have the same gear.
Why?

　When Yuka gave her a quizzical look, Fujika lovingly stroked the finger ring bracelet.
　It's a good idea to have a bad premonition, but Yuka shook herself with a shudder.

''Because this is a precious gift from Makoto-san--''
'Sand!

　Yuka's shout drowned out Fujica's voice.

'More like strawberry than sugar?
I don't listen to your strawberry talk. I'm not going to be able to get the best out of it. I'm sure you're aware of the fact that Makoto bought you the equipment to increase your strength, but I don't have any more feelings for you than that.
Yuka's about to pick my love.
I know you think so too, don't you, Makoto?
Don't dump it on me.
Why would you hate it?　'I bought you the equipment to increase your strength. You just have to be honest and say, 'I have no more feelings than that.'
You're not just being honest, you're forcing it.
I didn't force you to do anything. But, well, yeah, if Makoto hadn't been honest with me about his feelings...
What if you don't tell me?
I'm going to assume they're planning an assisted living.

　Yuka said with a blush on her cheeks, perhaps in shame.

'That's it now.'
What?　Doesn't Mako have any sense of honor?
No, you have to respect it.
Tsk, that's why I'm a sucker for Araphora.
'Don't blame everything on your age. In general, if you start talking about ulterior motives, what about the fact that you gave Yuka 25,000A?
'Don't say anything inappropriate!　That was a just reward!

　Yuka shouted and glared at Fujika with a snap.

'I haven't even said anything yet,'
Good call. If I said another word, I'd be dead.
I know.

　Fujika's lips twitched in a sultry manner.

'You're as close as ever, aren't you?

　Shelley muttered sullenly, wondering when she'd come back, and placed three crates on the table.

'What's this?'
He said it was a piece of armor.
Okay.

　Makoto stared at the crate sullenly.
　In terms of size, two of them would be clothes and one would be a leg armor.
　Well, it could also be a basket hand - but--''

''Nevertheless, it's careless.
What?
You don't normally leave your luggage at the front desk of a diner/hostel, do you?
Really?

　It was not uncommon for me to keep them at the front desk of a business hotel or capsule hotel, or to call the front desk and have them call me up.

'Really?'
It really happened a lot. Other times, they'd keep it at the station, or keep it in the office.
Stationed?　Office storage?

　Yuka tilts her head in wonder.
　The post office storage is to be kept at the post office and the business office storage is to be kept at the business office for delivery.

''Well, it doesn't affect me if I don't know much about it.

　Even Makoto could have ended his life without knowing it if he hadn't worked for a factory-based temp agency.

I don't know if you can keep your luggage at the station or at the office, but it's not uncommon for people to leave their luggage at an inn. There are many adventurers who are rootless, you know.
Does that mean you're in Japan too?
That's a lot of people.

　Many factory temp agencies have dormitories, and even manufacturers have dormitories for their employees and temporary workers.
　Some of the part-time workers are moving from one dormitory to another.

The Showa Era.
That would have been nice.

　Unfortunately, it's the present day.

Some of them stick around after their contracts are up. Well, they're not as bad as they were when I started, but...
It's a lot better.

　Yuka frowned unpleasantly.

It's a very good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. It's a good thing that you're not a good fit, because as far as I'm concerned, there were some bad guys as far as the employees were concerned, and maybe that's what the industry with momentum is all about.
What do you think I should do?
What do you mean?
I mean, how do I know I won't have to deal with people like that?

　When Makoto asked him back, Yuka said miffed.

'If you study and get into a good company, you can reduce the odds, right? Well, as far as I'm concerned, even in a good company there are people who are not good enough.
'Huh, I'm starting to get scared to go out in the world.
'Do your best to work hard, get out of a good university and get a good job at a good company. Getting a part-time job might not be a bad idea.
At best, it's superfluous. At best.

　Yuka turns away as if in a huff and glances at you.

'You won't open it?'
Okay, okay.

　Makoto opened the box that he thought contained the leg armor and patted his chest.
　The reason being that the leg armor was inside was a leggings.
　No, or should I say boots integrated with the leg armor.

''What's the rest?''
I'll open it.

　He opened the rest of the boxes, smiling at Yuka as he leaned forward.
　There was a coat in one and chainmail in the other.

''What, it's the same equipment as before, isn't it?''
Wait. There's a note in there.

　Mako picked up the note and followed the text with her eyes.

'What did it say?'
'A coat made of demon bear (Evil Grizzly) leather, chainmail made of adamantine alloy, and boots that have been given agility-enhancing magic.
Only Makoto cheats.
'Would you like to try getting scraped by the tail of a kudzu leaf too?　I can see hell.
No!　You're going to die after what happened to you!
What the hell did I get...

　Mako moaned softly.

'But for now, we're ready for a rematch.
I haven't refilled my potion yet.
You don't need water pills and I'm here.
Since you're going to be the axis of this mission, you're going to replenish your water pills.
Hey, when did this happen?

　Yuka said in disgust, and Fujika's eyes widened in surprise.

'What kind of role am I like?'
"Just keep turning and undead. The profit is in the form of blocking Kuzuha's movement. It's like a sashimi knob.
...a sashimi snack.

　Fujica muttered shabbily, but there was a note of relief in her voice.
　Perhaps she was relieved that it wasn't a very important role.

'It's a simple job, just repeat the ascension,'
Hmm?　But if I can keep you from moving, I'll take a shot at you...
Tsk, he's awake.
It's a terrible idea!

　Fujika's face is pale.

'It was Mako who stood up.
Miss Makoto!
Don't worry. We'll protect you.
Yes. Don't worry.

　As Fujica shouted with tears in her eyes, Liv and Laura called out to her.

'We'll be fine if Frank and the others take care of Fujica's guard.
Frank?

　Fujika nodded her head at Makoto's words.

'She's one of mine. He's good at what he does, so don't worry.
Okay, then.
'Oh, I can see it. I can see the mercenaries clattering down to protect you.
It's not a good omen!

　Just as she was about to let out a breath of relief, Yuka said something unnecessary and Fujica's voice broke out.

'Well, that's how important the position is,'
Uggh, I know that, but it's like I don't know what's going on.

　Fujica grunted and looked at Laura with a huff.

'What is it?'
By the way, is that chest armor the right size?
Yeah, well...

　Laura tilted her head curiously.

'Fujica says Laura's breasts are too small.
No, you didn't say that.

　Fujika turned away at Yuka's words.

''........small, right?''

　Laura flattened and touched the chest armor - right on the chest.
　The question of who this armor belonged to passes through my mind.
　I hope it's a woman - no, let's not.
　Thinking about this won't make anyone happy.

'It's not small, is it?'
Yeah, yeah...?

　At Liv's words, Laura looked up and turned over with a swoon.
　It was because Liv was slumped back in her chair to flaunt her breasts.
　Of course, she had no intention of doing so.

'You're down ten percent,'
What do you want to see?
It's Laura's 'cover-up' activation rate.
You just said that!

　Fujica's eyes widened in astonishment.

'You've publicly stated that you're after Makoto, and from what I've seen, you're getting less than fifty percent.
There's more than a 50% chance of being hit!
No, I'm not going to cut corners for personal reasons.
I hope so.
"I will protect you, Mr. Fujica, with all my knightly pride.
"....a knight's pride.
Why do you feel down there?

　Laura muttered divinely as Fujica parroted and disappointedly slumped her shoulders.

'Wait a minute,'

　Yuka's eyes narrowed--

'Knight?'

　He snickered.

'Wow, what's with my status?'
'Yeah, well, that is. I suggest you go to the church and check your status. Uh, theft--
Thieves?　When did you make the job change?

　Laura said, looking flustered.

'Of course it's Yuka's joke. 'Right?'
What?

　Yuka looks at me with a pouting face.

'Wow, my job!　The result of a lifetime of work!
No, I'm just kidding.
Yo, I think there are good jokes and bad jokes in the world!
Wow, I'm sorry.
It's a rare sight.

　Laura said with tears in her eyes, and Yuka apologized with a rare candor.
　Fujika blurted out as she watched them.

'Well, anyway, we're almost ready to go.
There's still some things you can do.
Anything else?

　Mako asked, and Liv smiled like a mischievous child.

'It's Laura's power up, power up. Let's take a shot at it and power it up properly.'
Well, not in that way...

　Laura grunted.

'You're going to f*ck her anyway, so just go ahead and do it. It's a hassle. Makoto said he's going to fall off if you go too fast.
I want to focus on the process, because I've taken such good care of it to this day.

　It's assumed that Mako is going to attack Laura - well, I have a feeling that she will, so I don't say it.
　At that moment, Yuka opens her mouth.

'Shelly, small plate.'
'Oh, yes, yes. Are you sure you want one?
Yeah, that's fine.

　Sherry went to the counter and returned with a small plate in her hand.

'Here you go,'
Thank you.

　Yuka took the small plate from Shelly and offered it to Makoto.

'What is it all of a sudden?'
'Can you spit in there?　Or sputum, if you want.
What are you talking about?
I wanted to test what would happen if Laura licked Makoto's spit.
Experiment?

　Laura looks at Yuka with a giggle.

'I've found that having a relationship with Mako makes you more powerful.
Fene was a kiss, though.
That's it!

　Liv blurted out, and Yuka's voice broke out.

'I think we should be sure of where the power-up borders from,'
'No, I mean, licking the spit that's been spit into a small plate...'
Would you prefer sputum?
I hate it more!

　As far as Yuka's question was concerned, Laura's voice cracked up.

'I'm more, you know, a bit more romantic...'
Romantic...

　Saying that, Yuka frowned.

''How old do you think you are, Anta?''
Twenty....

　Laura giggled.

'Yuka, like a girl at any age,'
Ugh!

　Laura grunted at Fujica's words.

'You're a genius at catching up. Well, you have a point.'

　Yuka placed the dagger on the table.

'What are you doing?'
If it's not saliva and phlegm, it has to be blood.
Do you have to?
I suggest you slit your wrists longitudinally.
I'm not suicidal. Just use your finger. Use your finger.

　Makoto picked up the dagger and pulled it from its scabbard.

'What, are you scared of?
It's not like that.

　Makoto lightly placed the blade against his index finger.
　He meant to, but the blood flooded and dripped down.
　Pretty deep.

''Whoa!''
So this dagger can get past Makoto's defenses?
This dagger?
It's a magic item with enhanced sharpness. By the way, it's custom made.
You are the worst!

　Mako shouted and sheathed her dagger.

'd*mn it!　Why do you have to be such an a**h*le!
Of course I'm prepared for an attack from Makoto.
I'll say it again. You're the worst.
'Shut up about the worst of it!　Of course you're prepared!
'What a natural preparation!　Oh, shit, my fingers are starting to hurt!
Just as well.
You'll learn later.

　Mako spat and dripped blood onto a small plate.

'See?'
'You're going to lick the small plates?

　Laura muttered with a sigh as she placed the small plate in front of her.

''...Okay. Turn up.
'Master Makoto, isn't that too callous?'
You want to lick the blood off your face?
No, if anything, I'd rather have my fingers...
Well, it's okay.

　Mako held out a finger and Laura sucked it into her mouth without hesitation.
　The way she wriggled her tongue and looked ecstatic is truly erotic.
　It's erotic, but I have the strong impression that it's something.
　To be honest, I'd rather not have this kind of abnormal play.

'Is that enough?　We're done, right?
No.

　When Mako tried to pull away, Laura grabbed her wrist.
　Surprisingly strong.
　In terms of status, Mako should have been overwhelmed.

''Isn't that enough?''
No, not yet.
Okay.

　Losing the energy to resist and relaxing, Laura began to lick her fingers again.
　The way she licked the wound with her tongue, sucking her fingers in and out of her mouth - quite scary.
　What in the world is driving her to do this?
　Just when she thought her fingers were going to blister, Laura stopped licking them.

'It's like this, I feel like my stomach is getting hot. This is ... power up.
Are you sure you're not delusional?
Yeah, go ahead.
Thank you.

　Laura looked unhappy as she wiped her fingers with the hand towel Sherry offered her.

'Sir, how are your fingers?'
Yeah, I'm fine.

　Mako stared at her fingers.
　There was a thin layer of skin at the point of the cut.
　For this amount of time, it wouldn't bother him as much as it would soon.

'It's the power of love!
It's the power of skill.
Yes.

　Laura was dumbfounded by Yuka's calm prodding.

'So what do you think?'
I feel like I'm full of energy.

　When Liv asked, Laura clenched her fists.


I'm pretty sure that's true.

　Yuka narrowed her eyes and looked at Liv.

'So Liv didn't have a second job added.
Oh, I'm a fighter.
Hmm, I wonder if he has a condition.
Why are you ignoring it?
I'm not ignoring you.

　Yuka looked at Laura and narrowed her eyes.

''You're ... the Dark Knight.
'Yuka-san, I don't like jokes like that.
It's not a joke.
Yuka-san!
So you're not kidding!　It's really turning Job into a dark knight!

　Laura yelled at her, and Yuka yelled back.

'Well, again, oh, you're a dark knight,'

　Laura touched the earring.
　Speaking of which, thanks to the magic item, she was able to use healing magic.
　Considering the foreshadowing of being able to use healing magic, it wouldn't be surprising if he became a holy knight.

''But I'm a dark knight. I know it's going to be hard for you, but you have to accept the reality.
Oh, the Dark Knight I did.

　Laura's shoulders slumped disappointedly.

'You've gone into a senior position with nothing to get excited about.
Yeah.

　When Makoto blurted out, Yuka agreed.
　However, if she thought about it, Laura had repeatedly acted in a way that was unbecoming of a knight.
　Perhaps she had become a dark knight because her attributes were tilted towards evil.
　Still, it's a job change that's very unexciting.

''Well,''

　Makoto stood up and put his coat on.

'Where are you going?'
I was thinking of going to Rogers Trading Company to get some water pills.
Good luck with your share.
Hey, this is where I said I'm going.
Say...
Bye!　I'll go and do it!

　Fujika interrupted Yuka's words and stood up.

'What?　Why do you have to go?
It's not like I have to follow you around shopping.
....

　Thinking she was going to say it back, Yuka fell silent.
　Silence descended. The voices and sounds echoing from the outside world felt like something from another world.

'Hey, why, like you're silent?'
'Ha!　I know!　If I say I'm coming with you, it's only because you insist!　And you're going to make a story out of it, like I knew Yuka was.........　I know all about it, to me!
No, I wasn't thinking about that.
So how far have you been thinking?
I mean, it was a snake.
I'll go by myself.

　Mako let out a deep sigh and left the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion.
　After a while, Mako-san~!　I thought I heard a scream, "I'm sorry.

*

　Evening--When Mako returned to the 'Golden Sheep' pavilion, Sherry was working on the water work inside the counter.

'Welcome home, mister,'
I'm home.

　I return the greeting to Sherry and sit in my assigned seat - at the end of the counter - while returning the greeting to Sherry.

'Did you get the water pills?'
I was in business.

　Shelly placed the lemon water on the counter and Mako took a sip before answering.
　He was a little worried that the city might be closed with the state of the city like this, but the Rogers Chamber of Commerce was open for business, I should say.

'At any rate, I only bought ten bottles.
Ten?
It's a heartbreaking experience.

　Shelly returns with a wry smile as her eyes widen in surprise.
　'Kuzuha is the strongest enemy I've ever fought.

''Well, I can't just put it all in the pouch.
Why?
'I'm the vanguard, you know. If you slam me into a wall, I'll break everything.

　And I'm afraid of the tail attack. If you get hit by that one, the entire pouch will be destroyed by the water potion.

You're going up against that?
Don't worry about it so much. I'm gonna take it easy on the team.
Okay.

　Shelley exhaled in relief.

''Well I won't lose next time.
"Mister?
Where's everybody else?
'I finished my meal and went back to my room. What about your husband?
Of course I'll eat.

　Her stomach rumbled at the right time and Shelly chuckled.

'I'll re-warm you, so you'll just have to be patient for a bit.
Yes, please.

　I wonder if it's OK today, Makoto wondered as he waited for his food to come out.



Good night, sir.
Good night.

　Mako went upstairs and let out a deep sigh.
　I tried to talk to him to see if he was OK today or not, but he didn't respond.

"Well, well, I'm still tired from yesterday. Hmm?''

　He took out the key to his room and opened his eyes lightly.
　The door was slightly open.
　I remind myself that I must have closed it properly.
　I think I closed it, but I'm not sure I did it now.
　It's something I do out of habit, Makoto said, opening the door and stopping in his tracks.
　The lights are on. There are more signs of people.
　Is it Liv?　With a tilt of his head, he closed the door and the lock, and as he passed through the narrow passage, I should say still, Liv was lying on the bed.

'Yo!　I'm tired of waiting!
'Well, I can see that, but...'

　Liv sat up and sat on the edge of the bed.

'Your chainmail and boots are on the desk.
I'm sorry.

　Mako took off her coat and stacked it on the wooden box on her desk.

'Okay, let's do it.'
I'm not very good at this kind of thing.
I don't care if it's heavy and painful.
I see.

　Makoto let out a small sigh.

'Are you unhappy with me?'
It's not like that, but...

　I can't help but feel uncomfortable with the idea of ribbing Shelly because she wasn't good enough.
　Wait, I remind myself.
　Why was Liv lying in bed waiting for them?
　If you don't anticipate the actions of Makoto and the others, you can't wait for them.
　More importantly, the key to the room.
　Who has opened the door to the room?
　Since Shelley is the one in charge of the key, the answer comes naturally.

'Could it be........'
'Oh!　Guru!

　Liv said in a matter-of-fact tone.
　Yes, Liv and Shelly were a guru.
　Mako let out a sigh and sat down on the bed.

'What, are you mad at me?'
No, but I am very tired.
Well, then I'll just make you do it.
All right, well, good luck with that.
Oh, I'm on it.

　Liv grinned and put her hands on her jacket.