Chapter 37

After the discussion with Hirose-san was over, I and Mido-san went to the reception to apply for the promotion procedures. It seemed that the other party had also heard the conversation, and the processing was going smoothly without any hitches.

I returned the F-class explorer certificate I had held until now and received the new E-class explorer certificate. Goodbye, F-class me; hello, E-class me.

Finally, things are settling down.

It’s Sunday, so maybe I’ll wander around somewhere. Oh, I haven’t seen a movie in a while. Since it’s such a nice day, maybe I’ll go.

As I was thinking this and about to leave the guild, Mido-san stopped me by grabbing my shoulder.

“Kouhei-kun, is there something important you’ve forgotten?”

“Huh? Something important… What was it? I’ve kind of forgotten.”

“Of course. Well, that kind of absent-mindedness is very much like a savior, isn’t it?”

Just involving religion in my forgetfulness is scary… Does this person really see the world differently from me?

Mido-san smiled happily and leaned in close. Too close! She’s too beautiful, and she smells too good!

“Um, Mido-san?”

“Kanae. We agreed to call each other by our first names after the promotion, right?”

“……Ah!”

I had forgotten. We did have that conversation around the factory dungeon!

Is that why she’s so happy? She’s radiating a joyful aura. Hey, the male explorers around us are really admiring her.

But, right. It’s a promise.

Since I made the promise, I have to keep it. But calling an older woman by her first name…

I’m more nervous about being rude than being embarrassed.

‘What are you hesitating about? Just say Kanae… My Love, and pull her into a hug. Then give her a passionate kiss, and the next scene will be a dramatic cliffhanger! I know this because I’ve seen human world dramas, Reibe!’

Reibe is being noisy in my head. The dramas you’ve seen are totally trendy dramas. That’s only acceptable because the guy is handsome.

“Kouhei-kun, repeat after me? Kanae. Ka-na-e. Please call my name with love.”

“You’re taking advantage of the situation… Scary…”

If I hesitate any longer, I might have to call her name with a heart at the end of my voice.

I steeled myself and looked Mido-san in the eye. She met my gaze with a playful, adult confidence.

“…It’s not with love.”

“Okay.”

“But, in any case, I’ve been helped a lot.”

“Hmm, not really.”

“I always get help from you.”

“On the contrary, I’m always saved by you.”

“……So, at least with gratitude.”

I took a deep breath.

My face was probably bright red, but I gathered my courage and didn’t look away.

I looked straight at her and called her name.

“Kanae-san.”

“Yes, Kouhei-kun!”

Mido-san—Kanae-san—accepted my call with a perfect smile.

‘Wow! This is青春 (youth) and ラブコメ (romantic comedy) and excitement!’

Reibe is also blushing and being unusually noisy.

Shut up! Spectators should be quiet in such moments!

‘But look at your status, Kouhei! The system is excited too, and your title has changed!’

“…Huh!?”

I hurriedly opened my status screen, glancing at Kanae-san, who was confused by my sudden action. I saw my title.

…………System-san!?

Name: Yamagata Kouhei Level: 30

Title: The One Who Warms the Newly Born Miracle

Skills:

Name: Walking Through a Wilderness Where Even the Wind Does Not Blow

Name: O Souls Seeking Salvation, the Wind Comes with Light

Name: For a World Where Everyone Can Rest

Title: The One Who Warms the Newly Born Miracle

Description: Being born, meeting, and being together. All of these are wonderful miracles that you weave.

Effect: A charm bonus is applied based on the number of bonds you have formed.

Title: The One Who Warms the Newly Born Miracle

World-first acquisition confirmed.

First acquisition bonus approved. All base abilities will be raised by one level.

……The bonds that gather to you are proof of your life. Surely, wonderful miracles await you in the future.

‘Wow! As expected of the system, being so forward and yet speaking so eloquently. Even Reibe can’t imitate this!’

No need to imitate! And System-san, are you really that forward? Scary!

The title given to me was so specific and fitting to this situation that I was more embarrassed than anything.

“What’s wrong? Kouhei-kun… Could it be! Your skills or title have changed again!?”

“Ugh… Well, that…”

The sweet atmosphere from before was gone, and Kanae-san switched to her usual fanatic mode. She approached me with glowing eyes, sensing that something had changed in my status.

I don’t want to be seen right now! I don’t want to say that the system called me out!

“I am a preacher, one who spreads the savior myth. I have the duty to record every step of the savior! Tell me, what happened this time!?”

“No! Just, not here…”

“Then let’s go somewhere! How about a date while we talk?”

‘Wow, she’s being proactive. Reibe might like this. If you go on a date, Kouhei, maybe your title will change a few more times! A chance for a power-up, a chance!’

You idiot, what kind of chance is that! You’re just finding it amusing because it’s not you!

Ah, Kanae-san is holding my hand! She’s so strong, pulling me out!

At least stop changing my title! I don’t want a power-up that feels like a tip for showing something good!

In the end, we went to the cinema and watched a movie, then had dinner at a fairly expensive and stylish restaurant.

It was fun. Period.

This is a good place to end this part of the story.

From the next part, I’ll take a slightly side-story approach, reflecting on the titles Yamagata has earned so far and moving on to the next episode.

Honestly, I never thought I would receive such high evaluations, and I’ve been surprised every day for the past few days.

I am truly grateful. Thank you very much.

The story will continue, and I want to keep writing in this tone and atmosphere.

I hope you will continue to support me.

I also hope you will continue to bookmark and rate the story.