Chapter 37

Today is also three chapters, but from tomorrow, it will return to two chapters (1/3)

When I returned to the ground and passed through the association's door, as usual, Maki wasn't waiting for me. Neither was Aki. Instead, I was greeted by a lively atmosphere.

The association's interior was overflowing with adventurers who had just finished hunting. General adventurers without dedicated staff were forming a line in front of the appraisal counter. I glanced over, but neither Maki nor Aki was at the appraisal counter.

Are they on a break?

Thinking so, I headed towards the dedicated counter. Normally, thanks to Maki, I didn't have much chance to use it, but this was a special window for calling dedicated receptionists, located a bit away from the appraisal counter.

"Excuse me."

"Yes, how may I assist you... Oh, you're Shota, right? Welcome back. I sincerely congratulate you on your safe return today. However, you're back earlier than those two expected."

"Hehe, I didn't want to worry them. So, where are the two of them?"

"Well, you two are close, aren't you? They should be in the branch manager's office right now."

After saying that, the lady at the counter beckoned me and whispered in my ear.

"I heard directly that they were riled up about something concerning you, mainly Aki."

"Ah... I see. I can guess what it's about. I want to join in, so is it okay if I go in?"

"Yes, I'll guide you. Shota, please take good care of Maki."

"Leave it to me."

Maki is charming, works hard, and is a hard worker.

No wonder she's loved by the other receptionists.

◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇

Led by Hana, the receptionist who could be described as the true "big sister" type, I arrived at the branch manager's office.

The association's rooms are supposed to be soundproof, but I could hear a rough voice, presumably Aki's, leaking out. Hana and I exchanged glances, nodded, and then knocked.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but a customer has arrived to see the branch manager, so I've brought them in."

Opening the door, I saw the branch manager and the sisters facing each other, each glaring at the other without looking at me.

"Alright, thank you. You two, the conversation is over. Get back to work."

"Wait, we're not done talking!"

The branch manager waved them off as if to dismiss them, but Aki seemed unsatisfied and was snapping back. I need to leave early here.

"Aki, calm down."

"...Oh, Shota?"

"Shota, welcome back!"

Maki ran over and thoroughly checked my body.

"I'm fine, no injuries."

She smiled in relief.

I can only guess what Aki and the branch manager were arguing about, but first, I need to take care of my business.

"Aki, can you leave this to me?"

"...Alright."

"Amachi, what do you need? I'm busy, you know. If it's not important, take the two with you."

"What are you talking about, branch manager? Have you forgotten our agreement from yesterday?"

"Huh, what are you talking about... You can't be serious."

I placed the 'Swift' skill orb in front of the surprised branch manager.

"It's the agreed item."

Turning around, I met Maki's eyes. She nodded, and I could see she was happy.

Next to her, Aki was giving me a thumbs up.

"Then, as agreed, I'll take Maki. I promise to make her happy, so you don't need to worry."

"Sh, Shota...!?"

"Wh, wh, what about me!?"

"Huh?"

"What do you mean, that surprised look?!!"

"...Do you want Aki to come with you?"

"Of course! I'll cry if you leave me behind!"

"Then, I have no choice."

With that, Aki clung to my arm. Her face was red up to her ears, and I could see her desperation.

"That's not fair, big sister!"

The other arm was claimed by Maki. Her face was also red, but she was smiling happily. With such a look, I couldn't shake her off.

"Alright, then."

"Wait a moment."

I tried to leave quickly, but was stopped. ...No luck.

I thought I could slip out in this sweet atmosphere, but the branch manager wasn't that easy.

The branch manager folded her hands in front of her face and looked at me thoughtfully, as if trying to confirm something.

"Amachi, you know I had Maki under surveillance, right?"

"Yes."

"She once broke down to the point where it was difficult for her to continue working. She recovered and stood up again with the help of me, her friends, and Aki, but the risk of a relapse was always present. Therefore, I constantly monitored her condition and put up thorough barriers to prevent her from being drawn into the same situation by weaker adventurers."

"..."

Indeed, as both a mother and a branch manager, I probably looked like a demon trying to drag her daughter into the abyss. She must have come to push me away first, to prevent me from potentially breaking her again.

"When we first met, you tried to interfere, but I managed to see part of your status. I had hoped you had the strength to obtain the 'Super Strength' skill, but the other visible stats were truly disastrous, despite your outstanding 'Luck'. I was amazed you could win with such a level."

After defeating the 'Hobgoblin'. At that time, thanks to the gacha, I was only a little stronger than before the gacha. ...Well, without 'Body Reinforcement', I probably wouldn't have won.

"Even if you won this time by sheer 'Luck', I judged that it would be impossible to obtain an equivalent skill again. Defeating rare monsters is something that can't be achieved with 'Luck' alone. Yet, you..."

She rolled the skill orb with her finger.

"I've heard the report. You defeated the rare monster 'Murder Rabbit', which was unconfirmed in the second layer of this dungeon. The 'Murder Rabbit' has been defeated by other associations, and the drop of 'Swift' has been confirmed. You defeated it yesterday and again today, obtaining the skill orb."

"Yes."

"...I see. It seems I misjudged you. As agreed, I recognize your strength and officially allow Maki to be your dedicated partner."

"!!!"

Yes!!

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