Chapter 70

It's the third night of the expedition. Despite some attacks, we've been progressing without any major issues. In terms of the distribution of monsters, they're still at a level we can handle. As long as we don't get ambushed.

For dinner tonight, we have a forest boar, a large wild boar with big tusks. Koushin demanded cutlets, so we're having boar cutlets. I asked Koushin to make the oil and Rada to prepare the breadcrumbs. I'm diligently cutting the meat into smaller pieces to cook it faster. I'll also prepare the plate that absorbs oil, which I had made at a metal shop. I toss the plate and take out a bat and an oil skimmer from my bag.

From time to time, I get progress updates from Koushin and Rada. They seem to have become even more clingy since yesterday. It's nice that they're worried, but they don't need to report every little thing.

"Isn't it a bit much, relying on Reito so much?"

Nirva-sama suddenly chimed in, as if it were casual conversation. Her usual face, her usual voice, but her words were like a blade. The two beside me immediately stopped their movements. Even Nergie-san and the others fell silent.

"What do you think, Reito?"

Only Nirva-sama and I remained calm.

"You're right."

I replied.

"Anyway, I don't really care about that."

"Is it okay?"

"As long as they don't commit any crimes, I don't really mind. Whether they're weak or not, I'm not in a position to judge."

Nirva-sama tilted her head.

"If you're telling me to be more responsible as an adult, I could say the same to you for being too meddlesome as a child. Though, in terms of age, you are an adult, but adults tend to treat others like children when it's convenient. Aren't you treating me like a child, Nirva-sama?"

"No, that's not..."

"Even if I'm a child or an adult, the fact that they rely on me doesn't change."

Next, I prepare the beaten eggs. I coat the meat in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then drop it into the oil. The sizzling sound is almost comical.

"It's easy, you know."

"Easy?"

"Mostly, we just go with the flow, but it's surprisingly easy. I'm selfish and self-centered. I'm moody and have no ambition. These two let me do as I please. Some might call it being left to do everything, but I find it easy. Sure, I get annoyed sometimes, but it's mutual."

The first batch is done. I put in the next batch and check the first one to make sure it's cooked properly. It looks good.

"If Koushin were the type to say, 'I am justice!' or if Rada were the type to say, 'I'll make the medicine, but give me money,' I would have left them alone."

"Who are they?"

Both of them chimed in.

"On the contrary, it's because they're like this that they can put up with someone like me."

The sadness that isn't visible. They're so weak that I seem normal by comparison.

"For example, in the morning, you'd go to the guild, right? But I might say, 'I'm not in the mood, so I'm going back to sleep.' How would you feel, Panta-san?"

Panta-san, who was suddenly asked, opened her eyes wide.

"You'd think, 'What are you saying?' right?"

"Right. But these two would say, 'Okay,' and go back with me without asking why. It's easy."

"Easy, huh?"

Nirva-sama tilted her head, as if she didn't understand.

Well, it's part of my personality.

I originally intended to go solo. I left town to enjoy my second life and live as I pleased. I chose to go solo so I wouldn't have to consider others' convenience.

As long as I have the final say, the current situation isn't much different from going solo.

"Then, is this fine as it is?"

The boar cutlets are piling up on the plate. I mixed some garlic powder into the breadcrumbs for a change.

I thought about Nirva-sama's words for a moment.

"Of course, it's better to be more independent as a person."

If this dependency continues, it will lead to a useless person. Or, from Nirva-sama's perspective, I'm already there. But that's fine. If there are people to rely on and people who find it easier to be relied on, it's a win-win situation.

Especially Koushin. He's a bit broken. He was originally the squad leader. Even if he was just a figurehead, he must have been competent enough to become a guard. But he lost his way and started crying like a child, and I was there. I left Koushin to his own devices mentally. It's hard to be told to 'try harder' when you're struggling. I thought he would eventually be fine, but this is the result. He learned that it's easier to rely on others and can no longer trust his own judgment. Koushin's transformation into a useless person can be attributed to me. And it's convenient, so I left it as it is.

I glanced at the two beside me. They looked dejected. I stood up and patted their heads. I could almost hear the sound of "kyu~n." Look, they're cute. What's wrong with that? Let's be three useless people and get along. The others looked at me, who seemed satisfied, with a mix of emotions.

"Well, if you can just leave us alone, that would be great. If we're a bother, I can leave this place."

"That's not what I meant. I was just wondering if you're a burden."

Nirva-sama chuckled.

"Thank you for your concern. I don't like being given orders, so I'm fine. Anyway, let's have dinner after this conversation?"

The pile of boar cutlets. Please prepare your own bread. I can provide Toki tea, which goes well with oily foods!

I spread my hands and smiled, and the atmosphere finally relaxed. Everyone started moving, bringing cups and plates, and the dinner circle began.

"Wow, this is good! The crispy part around it is interesting."

Nergie-san was enjoying it, and Panta-san was examining the cross-section of the cutlet.

"It's softer than just grilling it."

"Hmm. The aroma is also good. It makes you want to eat more."

"It's a shame we can't drink alcohol."

Kantusu-san and Kuin-san were also making progress.

"Hmm. This is quite good. Old man, did you know about this cooking method?"

"Well, well."

Nirva-sama and the driver were also eating without resistance.

Of course, I found it delicious too. It was crispy and juicy, and the smaller pieces made it easy to eat. I decided to make a sandwich with bread and eat some leaves. Yes, yes, it turned out well considering I made it while talking. I reset my mouth with Toki tea. It's delicious.

Koushin and Rada... yeah, they're eating properly.

"Reito"

When the fried food was almost gone, Koushin called out. He looked serious and sat up straight. Hmm? What is it?

"Reito, don't abandon us."

"Whoa!"

I sprayed my tea. I don't think that's something you say to party members. You were just scolded by Nirva-sama, right?

"Me too! Don't abandon me, Reito!"

Don't jump on the bandwagon, Rada. You're missing the 'see' part. The two of them sat close together. Look, Panta-san is trying not to laugh.

What's so bad is that they're being genuine.

"Okay, okay. I won't abandon you. Koushin, please take care of the oil. Rada, distribute the recovery potions."

"Okay!"

We started cleaning up. Nirva-sama watched us with a curious expression. Well, this is our daily routine. It's easy and enjoyable, even with all the quirks. It might look strange to others, and I don't know how to describe our relationship, but it's fine.

Enjoyably, deliciously, and loosely.