Chapter 98

Here's the English translation:

It's an update ('ω')

"You managed to drive them off well."

"Yeah. Thanks to Yuki."

After confirming that Bran Cloude had left in the carriage, looking frightened, she let out a small sigh. Although she couldn't feel completely relieved—considering that the inn had probably been compromised as well—this was a good start.

"I was right to take action. But..."

"Don't worry. I'm satisfied too."

Even though she had Rain's permission, she had quite forcefully erased, altered, and manipulated her past. To ensure that the information about her hometown, the magic academy, and the adventurer guild didn't connect, she had asked Mamar to scramble Rain's data, which was almost illegal. Initially, Mamar was hesitant, but once she understood the situation, she agreed to help under certain conditions. The opponent was a noble, and it was uncertain where they might find evidence. It was necessary to make Rain's information ambiguous.

"Will they come again?"

"Well, who knows. If they do, we can drive them off again."

"Yeah, I guess. Phew... I'm a bit tired, maybe."

Rain, who rarely sighed so deeply, looked down. In reality, she had been tense and scared. Her legs had been trembling until she cast the "Magic Arrow."

"Let's heal in the hot spring."

"I'll do that too."

Since coming to Dunna, I've become quite fond of the hot springs. It's completely different from filling a bathtub. I even worry that I won't be able to endure just taking a shower when I return to Finis.

"Want to go together?"

".... I still have some things to do, so you go ahead."

"Hehehe."

Seeing Rain's mischievous smile, I felt relieved. Good, it's the usual Rain.

"Welcome back!"

Marina greeted us as we arrived at the "Singing Deer" inn. Marina, who had taken off her armor and changed into casual clothes, was dressed rather lightly for the season. Isn't she cold?

"How did it go?"

"The decision to add more personnel has been made. I think the importance of the speed of the operation was understood."

"That's good. We'll continue too, right?"

"Yeah."

As I answered, the issue at hand flashed through my mind again. As long as I am recognized as a "Hero," the participation of "Clover" is mandatory. I regret a little that such a situation arose so soon after the initial investigation. If we had stepped in with a different party, the outcome might have been different. For example, what if it had been "Fullbound"?

"Rain, why does Yuki look so serious?"

"Same as usual. Overthinking."

"Come on, what is it this time?"

Despite being quite serious, her tone was so light. Do I always worry this much?

"Maybe it's about monsters being human?"

"Well, yeah."

"That's okay."

Marina said this nonchalantly.

"I'm not very smart, so I can't explain it well... but I know what's important."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It's not a good feeling, but I think it's something we can't lose."

Marina took my hand and smiled.

"So, Yuki doesn't need to worry!"

"Yeah, I get it."

Marina's words, her strength, and her smile made me feel relieved. No matter what, this girl, Marina, always finds her own answers, and I can't help but admire her. When I first killed someone, I was troubled for a long time, and even now, I haven't fully come to terms with killing Simon, but she has already moved forward.

"Silk and Nene will surely feel the same! If we stop here, it will inconvenience Yuki. We can do it, no problem!"

"Got it. Thanks, Marina."

"Hehe."

I lightly patted her head and returned a smile. It's not that simple, but if they can push me forward like this, I must respond to their thoughts. For now, what I can do is organize the information and think of a detailed plan.

"Welcome back!"

"Welcome back, Yuki, Rain."

While we were talking, Nene and Silk, who had apparently heard our voices, came down the stairs.

"The meeting is over?"

"Yeah, it went as expected."

"Understood. I've prepared a few plans, so let's discuss them later. Yuki and Rain, take a break first. Nene and Marina, go shopping for supplies."

Silk, who has a supportive nature, gave clear instructions, handing Marina a shopping list and a leather bag as a wallet. It's very helpful to have someone take the lead like this.

"Alright, we'll go."

"See you later!"

With bright smiles, the two of them left through the door. I feel like everyone is being considerate of me... I need to think of a way to smooth out the wrinkles on my forehead.

"Please take a relaxing bath until dinner."

"No, I'll work on the plan first. I want to discuss it with everyone after dinner."

"Se...n...sei...?"

Silk, with her sharp, slanted eyes, gave me a stern look.

"I'm fine."

"No, you're not. I know you were up late last night."

"Well... that's true, but..."

As I tried to dodge, Silk wrapped her arm around my left arm, not in a flirtatious way, but to completely restrain me.

"Rain, let's take Yuki to the hot spring."

"Okay."

Rain, who was on the other side, firmly held my right arm with both of hers and nodded.

"Wait, wait. I get it, I'll rest. I'll rest."

"Alright, let's go."

"Fine, I'll give in."

I was dragged to the hot spring like this.

How was it? ('ω')

Is this a hot spring chapter?

It might be, or it might not be. It exists in the realm of imagination...!

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