Chapter 7

I'll do my best today too ('ω')!

I plan to update three times today!

I hope you enjoy it!

"Wow, we really hit the jackpot."

On the way back to Finis in the carriage, I smiled with a sense of accomplishment.

After all, the treasure chest that appeared from the floor boss was packed with a large amount of ores and ingots, including magic iron ore.

The treasure chest is one of the strange phenomena known as the "Blessing of the Labyrinth."

It appears mysteriously, as if it has always been there, and is filled with various items, from gold, silver, and jewels to junk. Occasionally, valuable magic items are also found.

It's not an exaggeration to say that it's the essence of the romance of dungeon attacks.

While the contents of this chest might be a miss for adventurers seeking valuable magic items, it was a great help for "Clover," who had been hesitant to descend to the sixth floor.

Next time, if we fight together with four people, we can dive into the sixth floor without hesitation or worry.

"Well, seniors, how was the work of the newbie?"

"It was... out of this world..."

"I was so surprised by how amazing it was."

"The food was delicious."

While Rain's evaluation is a bit questionable, I guess it's generally good.

"I'm glad if I was of help. Wouldn't it be difficult for you to have someone like me suddenly join the party?"

Actually, I might have been a bit too proud and acted too much like a senior... I'm reflecting on that.

There's a way for beginners to do things. It's a time for trial and error and gaining experience. Having someone of a different rank like me around would surely make it difficult.

If the reaction was too negative, it would be better for them if I left here.

"I'm totally fine. It was super fun!"

"You're overthinking it, Yuki. On the contrary, I feel like I relied on you too much, and I'm sorry."

"I like being with Yuki. You know a lot and are interesting."

"R-really...?"

Rain tugged at my shirt, flustered.

"Yuki, you were trying to leave just now, right? That's not okay."

"Huh? Really? Why?"

"Did we do something to offend you?"

As my shirt was tugged one after another, I shuddered.

Please don't look at me like that.

"No, it's just that if you guys don't mind..."

I was just worried that suddenly joining a party of all-female beginners, as a former instructor with a different rank and age, might hurt their pride or adventurous spirit.

Silk, as if reading my thoughts, clapped her hands and made a terrifying suggestion.

"Then, let's make Yuki the party leader."

"Huh?"

"I've been acting as a temporary leader, but we didn't have a proper leader. We didn't even have a party name."

"But... why me?"

The dark elf took my trembling hand and smiled beautifully.

"Because, Yuki is still our teacher. I was surprised when Marina suddenly suggested bringing the teacher into the party, but it must be the guidance of the spirits."

Those spirits must be the spirits of recklessness and arrogance.

I think it's a bit too much to make me, who just joined today, the party leader!

"I'm also in favor! Yuki will be fine!"

"Yeah, you have a lot of experience."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa..."

"‘Clover’ only came up with a name because Yuki joined. It's like we formed the party today."

Marina's words were echoed by Silk and Rain with nods.

It seems I can't escape.

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"Of course! With Yuki, we feel safe!"

Marina, don't trust men so easily.

However, to cover for these girls' vulnerabilities, the position of leader might be appropriate. I might be able to keep them a bit safer from the dangers they will face.

"...Alright. But if you think I'm lacking as a leader, tell me anytime."

The three girls clapped their hands in joy at my reluctant answer.

***

We returned to Finis about two hours later.

We registered the party name at the guild and completed the quest.

The reward wasn't much, but the steel crab we brought in was in good condition, so it sold for a good price, and I was satisfied.

"Good job!"

Marina, now in casual clothes, downed a mug of beer in one go.

She has a good drinking style.

"Good job. I'm glad we completed the quest safely."

"It's thanks to you, Yuki."

"Yeah, that chain spell was amazing...!"

Rain shyly moved a plate of fried shrimp in front of me.

"Huh?"

"This is delicious. Try it."

...I almost teared up.

I've had my food taken away before, but I've never had it shared with me.

"Thank you."

"Isn't it delicious?"

"Yeah."

I thanked the smiling Rain and, while I still remembered, took out a small bag on the table. It contained the quest reward and the money from selling the steel crab and other items.

"Silk, how did you handle the reward distribution?"

"I managed it all."

"Huh?"

That was unexpected.

It's not a common system among adventurers, who tend to be individualistic.

"It's an allowance system! But now that Yuki is here, should we change it?"

"Yes. Since you're the leader now, I'll leave it to you. If you want to manage it all, I can withdraw the full amount from my account?"

"No, I was just surprised... What do you think? Is there a reason you do it this way?"

Silk nodded at my question.

"I plan to buy a base eventually. Living in an inn all the time is tiring."

"Ah, I see..."

So you're consciously saving money.

"In that case, let's continue with the lump sum management. How about putting it in a party treasury?"

"Yes, that makes sense. Since we've officially registered the party, let's do that. But is it okay?"

"It's not necessary to change everything just because I joined."

In fact, we hardly used any items on this quest. If I make them in my free time and sell the surplus, we won't go into debt like before.

"Then, let's start over."

Just as I raised my mug, a shouting voice came from the entrance of the tavern.

There must be some trouble.

"I can't do this! I'm leaving!"

A familiar line echoed through the tavern.

How was it ('ω')!

I hope you enjoyed it!

If you found it "interesting" and are "curious about the next part," I'd be happy if you could give it a ★★★★★!

The next update is scheduled for 8 PM!