Chapter 33

Ulrika's Perspective

"I want to go home..."

When I heard Mongrel's mutter from the other side of the door, I froze.

I had only come to put away the towel... but I ended up overhearing his thoughts.

"..."

I quickly left the changing room and closed the door.

A sense of guilt welled up inside me.

...Mongrel, when you talked to me at the Hunter's Tavern before, you said you weren't bothered by past events... but you were just putting on a brave face. You didn't want to show me your vulnerable side, so you lied... You really want to go back home.

That's right. Anyone would feel that way. But Mongrel's hometown... it's no longer there.

"Ah... I've gotten involved in his personal affairs again."

I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but now I know... I can't just pretend I didn't hear it.

"I have to cheer Mongrel up..."

To him, I'm still just an outsider... but I want him to think that there are people in this town he can get close to. I want to become closer friends, talk more, and have fun together. I want to help ease his loneliness, even a little.

"Ulrika, you took your time. ...Did Mongrel do anything strange to you? Are you okay?"

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine. I mean, strange... Captain, really."

When I returned to the fireplace, Shina was staring at Artemis's ledger by the lamp. She's so serious.

Everyone was already gathered around the low table, chatting.

I should eat the dinner Frieda made too.

"Brigette, I wonder what will happen to her."

"Hmm, you're still worried about her, Rina?"

"Of course, I am. I wonder if she'll be okay with her job in the capital..."

"It's a prestigious job for a female knight. If she quits so soon, I don't think there's much to sympathize with."

"True, but... when I talked to her, she seemed like a good person despite being a noble. That's why I felt a bit heavy-hearted about this mission..."

"I understand. I almost spoke up a few times too. ...She's a world apart from the nobles who come here on requests."

Actually, there are other nobles who aspire to be guild members, like Brigette.

But most of them are far more arrogant and problematic than Brigette.

"With her straightforward personality, she should be able to do well in the capital."

"Really, Shina-senpai?"

"Have I ever lied to you, Rina?"

"Um, I feel like you do sometimes..."

"Ahaha."

As we chatted, the door to the changing room opened.

Mongrel came out.

"He's finished."

"It feels strange to have another man in our clan house, doesn't it?"

"I know. I hardly ever have my husband over either."

"...But Captain Shina, you're planning to... let more men in, right?"

"Yes, gradually."

Another man besides me. ...I'm a bit worried, but for Artemis to continue thriving, such reforms are inevitable.

Talking to men is fine, but living under the same roof... hmm, that's scary. I'm sure everyone else feels the same.

But if it were someone as kind and interesting as Mongrel, it would be fine... I guess.

"Hey, the bath was great. Thanks."

Mongrel poked his head out from the hallway.

He always seemed clean, but after the bath, he looked even more so... I think.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. We have one more session, but you don't have to decide when to come yet."

"Sure, I'll save it for a special occasion. I'll avoid days that are inconvenient for you."

"You're considerate. Alright, I understand."

"Mongrel-senpai, how about some dinner? Frieda made some bread."

"No, that's too much. I'm not that hungry."

"Okay..."

Rina invited him to dinner, but he politely declined.

Hmm. I still feel a barrier. He's probably wary of us. Just like when Nastasha tried to recruit him.

"See you later."

"Sure, invite you again if we have something to do."

"Only for tasks that don't make my heart race. The jobs you take are too stressful."

With that, he left the clan house.

"...What does he mean by 'stressful'?"

"Ahaha. Mongrel really doesn't like nobles."

"I think he's overreacting."

"That's just the kind of person he is."

He doesn't like nobles, huh? ...It must be tough because of his past.

Conscripted by the Halperia army, his village destroyed by the Sangreal... it's no wonder he doesn't like them.

But if that's the case, does he not like Shina and Nastasha either? ...If he learns about them, will he distance himself from Artemis?

I don't want that. I'd feel a bit lonely, and most of all, Rina would be sad.

I wish we could build a closer relationship somehow.

"By the way, Shina-senpai, what about the new recruits you mentioned for the winter promotion exam?"

"Ah, the promotion exam. I'll check it out. There were a lot of Iron Class this year, so there might be some I haven't met yet."

Oh, right. The promotion exam. I'd forgotten about that.

We've been busy with Rina's training, but it might be time for her to have a junior.

Artemis needs more melee fighters, so it would be great if we could hire someone in that area. But we won't know until we see them.

"Rina, are you looking forward to having a junior?"

"No, I'm still a beginner... I only have one bow skill. I want to learn strong skills like Ulrika-senpai."

"Hehe. Ulrika's skills might be tough, but you can learn Strong Shot eventually. Practice and experience are key."

"Got it."

"What if someone with more skills than Rina comes?"

"No... that would be tough. I'd be embarrassed..."

"Ahaha."

Winter. A chilly season that's hard to get through.

But the thought of new encounters makes it quite exciting.