Chapter 33

Today marks two weeks... ('ω')

Encouraged by the many supporters, today I will retrieve the subtitle!

I hope you enjoy it.

"What's going on here!"

As soon as he saw me, Simon, holding what seemed to be the remains of a letter bird that had just been sent, confronted me.

In the crumpled paper, there was the red ink note that Mamal had written just a moment ago.

He really works fast.

"There's nothing to it. It's just as it is."

"It's 'The Colorless Darkness,' right? Just as you wished! Why are you refusing!?"

Why does he not listen to me at all?

Even with just the refusal of the request just now, I think it's understandable.

But, well... I was also surprised.

The fact that he remembered my dream enough to dangle 'The Colorless Darkness' as bait means something.

"Right now, my goal is a bit different. My former party challenging the kingdom's most difficult dungeon makes me proud too. Please, do your best."

"Don't talk as if it's none of your business! You're already part of the team, so you should be involved in the discussion!?"

"You're making decisions on your own... Why are you so impulsive? I don't know who you're explaining this to, but I'm not going. At least not with you guys, 'Thunderpike.'"

Simon, with a red face, confronts me.

Is he anxious or angry?

Or both. In any case, losing your cool so quickly is one of your bad traits.

"Cut it out, Yuke!"

"You're the one who needs to cut it out, Simon."

I sigh heavily and look at Simon, who glares at me.

"As I've said many times, I'm already the leader of another party."

"It's just a C-rank party. And I've even made it easy for you to leave, right?"

Simon holds out the request form, now completely trashed.

I can hardly believe it, but was this pile of poor manners actually meant as a consideration?

"Simon, can't you see? I'm not a freelance adventurer looking for work. Do you understand? Requesting a temporary addition to an active party is as bad as poaching, a terrible breach of etiquette. Besides, as a request, I have the right to refuse. Besides—..."

"Shut up!"

Simon interrupts my patient explanation and shouts.

"You left on your own! You caused us trouble! I even got the 'The Colorless Darkness' investigation request for you! Normally, if someone makes such concessions, you should come back!"

With another heavy sigh, Simon becomes even more agitated.

Is he losing his mind, or did he never have it to begin with... In any case, my childhood friend from the same hometown seems much more mentally challenged than I thought.

"Stop calling my departure a whim, Simon."

"What did you say...!"

"I did all the adventure preparations, the preliminary research for requests, and the gathering of necessary knowledge for the dungeon. You guys made me do everything except the combat, didn't you? It was quite comfortable for you, wasn't it?"

Thinking back on everything, my anger begins to boil.

"Every day, every day... I thought, 'Maybe they'll understand eventually,' 'Maybe this time they'll recognize me as a comrade.' But you betrayed me. Don't act like my comrades now!"

Simon, looking frightened by my voice, changes his expression and lowers his tone.

"H-hey... Yuke. If that's the case, come back. We are comrades pursuing the same dream, right? This time, it will work out."

"Don't be so familiar. My comrades are 'Clover,' not you guys, 'Thunderpike.'"

At my dismissive words, Simon takes a step back, then another.

"Then what about us!? We can't afford to fail anymore! If things continue like this, our rank will drop... It's a disaster!"

"–I don't care about your problems!"

My emotional outburst, a genuine cry from my heart, echoes through the guild.

It's not a good thing to have such a public argument, but I couldn't bear Simon's reckless words.

"..."

The stifled whispers and suppressed laughter from the surrounding people fill the guild's tavern.

Simon, looking shocked, stares at me.

But if I didn't say it this way, he wouldn't have understood.

This childhood friend is strangely optimistic. If I had hedged my words or used vague language, he might have interpreted it to his own convenience.

To begin with, you... You never once apologized, did you?

That alone shows how you think of me.

"I've already found a new place and truly trustworthy comrades. I will never return to 'Thunderpike.'"

"What... What is this! I thought you would come back, so I pushed for the national request!"

"Given your poor judgment, you should reconsider challenging that dungeon. It's my last advice. Let's go, Rain."

I lead Rain, who had been silently holding my hand in support, past Simon.

"If that's how you feel, then fine! I have my own plans too!"

Without responding to Simon's voice from behind, I leave the scene with Rain.

How was it? ('ω')

Due to the length, it's a bit shorter... I'm sorry.

If you found it "interesting" or "serves you right," please change the ☆☆☆☆☆ to ★★★★★ to support me!

Thank you very much.