Chapter 47

For now, I suggested that he go to work today, and he mentioned that there was someone he wanted me to meet.

"That kid is also an adventurer. She should be at level 9 now."

... The moment he said "that kid," I sensed a faint sense of superiority in his expression.

It's that look, the one people have when introducing their husband or fiancé to someone who isn't married.

That look that says, "You're still not married? I've already got mine."

I was a bit taken aback; even Liz is a woman after all.

"She said she's currently looking for party members, so it might be a good match."

"Does she work alone?"

"Sometimes she helps out other parties, but right now she's working alone."

"By the way, what's your relationship with her?"

"Childhood friend. She's from a farming family but started adventuring for a living around age 10. We're both 15 now."

Hmm. A friend of the wife. Since she's a childhood friend, I can gauge her character. That's better than a stranger.

It all depends on her skills.

"Should I meet her?"

"I already talked to her yesterday. She should be waiting at the guild."

Whoa. Even though I left the inn early, she's already waiting. I wish you had told me earlier.

"If she's waiting, let's hurry."

"No need to rush."

To her, it's just a childhood friend, but to me, she's a complete stranger.

I have to hurry. It's already awkward not knowing what kind of person she is, and I don't want to start with a bad impression.

I walked briskly with Liz towards the guild.

On the way, I learned that she's quite a tomboy. She used to beat up boys when she was younger. She has a bad mouth but a good heart.

I just feel uneasy.

We stopped just before the guild to take a short break. I adjusted my breathing and checked my appearance.

I opened the guild door and looked around the entrance. Liz started waving, having spotted the person.

Looking in that direction, I saw a girl with dark brown hair approaching. She was wearing leather armor and carrying a shield on her back. A one-handed sword, about 70 cm long, hung from her waist.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Akihiro."

"Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Fia. Level 9. Nice to meet you."

I was surprised. She uses "boku" (a masculine pronoun).

Noticing my surprise, she gave me a puzzled look.

"My way of speaking? I come from a family of all boys. Can you cut me some slack?"

"No, it's fine."

I suddenly realized. When she looked at me, I felt like she was sizing me up. Not in terms of combat ability, but in that way you get sized up at a hostess club.

She looked at my shoes, fingers, overall appearance, clothes, and face. That's the exact way. No mistake, she's a girl despite using "boku."

"Did you keep her waiting?"

Fia frowned.

"Your way of speaking is kind of creepy. It's not natural. Just speak normally."

"Okay, sorry. Thanks."

"No problem. So, is this the person you were talking about?"

I asked, looking at Liz.

"Yep. Hiro. He just became level 9."

"Wow. Level 9, which one?"

She turned back to me.

"48 right now."

"Huh? Didn't you just start adventuring? How did you get to level 9 so quickly?"

"Because of a bonus."

Fia nodded in understanding.

"Oh, that. The Dire Wolf, right? I heard about it. That's amazing. Wasn't it a level 6 target? And you took it down alone?"

It seems the story got a bit mixed up. I explained the details of what happened.

"Still, you took it down alone, right?"

She looked at me with a smile.

Ah, this is that look. The look of a predator. This is bad.

Liz, noticing this, raised her left arm and spoke.

"Look, look."

Liz waved her bracelet.

"What? Did Liz get engaged?"

"Yesterday. You go first."

Liz smiled broadly.

"Being beaten to it by Liz. I'm starting to lose confidence."

"What do you mean by that?"

Liz pressed.

"I thought I'd definitely be first. Losing to a shy, clingy person."

Fia's shoulders drooped.

"What's that supposed to mean!?"

Ah, this conversation isn't going to end. I decided to stop the conversation and talk about the party.

"You can take down a level 6 target alone, right? I'm fine. I want to ask you for help."

Checking with the 'Recognition' skill, she had 'One-Handed Sword', 'Shield (Small)', and 'Vigilance', all above 0.5.

It must be tough for a woman to be a solo adventurer. And being level 9 means she's done some hunting.

"By the way, what kind of quests do you usually take?"

"I deal with goblins, usually two at a time."

Since I kill them like an assassin, I don't know how strong goblins are. But taking on two human-level opponents at once is impressive.

Honestly, without magic, I'd lose if two humans attacked me at once. I definitely couldn't win. But she has 'Vigilance'.

Well, if she can infiltrate a group of goblins and find her target, she's probably good. She'd be more of a guerrilla than a scout, so it should be fine.

Liz in the front, me in the middle, and Fia as the guerrilla. It could work.

"Hey, Akihiro-san."

"Hm?"

"I'd be okay being a second wife."

I choked.

"Fia!!"

Liz's face turned fierce.

"Because you can take down a level 6 target alone. You're a great catch."

Fia replied nonchalantly.

"Ah, sorry. In my birthplace, the law only allows one wife."

"Aw."

"Fia?"

"Yes."

Wow. That look in her eyes hasn't changed.

It might... work out?