Chapter 34

"No, I'm really sorry. But Estelle, don't use your skill just because you're angry."

"Yes... I got carried away. I'm sorry."

"Estelle, are you okay?"

"I'm fine. But I'd like to get back to the inn as soon as possible."

After finishing the Asterios hunt, we returned to Shuting. On the way back, it was instantaneous because we had set up a beacon. After that, we collected the drop items from Asterios.

When we arrived at the impact site, there was an enormous crater... In the center, along with the horns of the Minotaur that got caught up in it, there was a slightly red Asterios horn. The axe had also fallen and was recovered.

As expected, Estelle also experienced a backlash similar to Noelle's. It wasn't as bad as Noelle's muscle pain, but she seemed to have trouble handling her magic and felt unwell.

So today, I want to update our plates and get back to the inn quickly.

"Sorry."

"Oh, it's Ohtsuka-san. You've finished the C-rank promotion request? As usual, you're quick."

"Yes, and I also have the proof of another monster's hunt. Can you check it?"

We arrived at the Adventurer's Guild and went to Widge as usual. I handed over 10 Minotaur horns and the Asterios horn.

Since it's such a strong monster, the hunt reward must be high. But I wish they had told us about it beforehand.

"Sure. Let's see, 10 Minotaurs and... what... is this?"

Widge, who was checking the drop items, suddenly froze when she saw the Asterios horn.

"Did you really encounter this monster there?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Asterios is a B-rank monster recommended for multiple parties. I've never heard of this monster being in that hunting ground."

Huh? B-rank multiple parties... That explains why it was so strong. But the fact that it shouldn't be in that hunting ground is more concerning.

"Is it usually not found there?"

"Yes, that's right. Recently, there have been multiple reports of monsters appearing in places where they shouldn't be. It seems that monsters are escaping from their territories more often."

What's going on?

Now that I think about it, when the Cyclops appeared, Grin said something like, 'Why is it here?' And the Minotaur we encountered on the way to the capital was in an unusual location.

Is this related to the recent events?

"I'm very sorry about this. We will formally apologize for this matter later."

"Understood."

It's a good thing it was us, but if it had been other adventurers, it could have been a disaster. Widge, who is usually relaxed, has become serious.

It feels like this is going to be a big deal, and I have a bad feeling about it... Actually, I've been having bad feelings a lot lately.

After that, I had my plate replaced with the copper plate, which is the proof of C-rank. The reward for hunting Asterios was quite high, 50,000G per monster, but I don't want to hunt it again if it means rolling on the ground again...

●

I sent Noelle and Estelle back to the inn first and went to the general store alone to sell the drop items. Recently, I've been selling the items I've been collecting little by little every day.

If I bring them all at once, they won't buy them...

After finishing today's share, I decided to head back to the inn. Today was a rough day... I'm grateful for the pot lid that didn't even deform when hit by that attack.

When I opened the door to the room I was renting at the inn, a silver-haired woman I didn't recognize was lying on the bed. She was holding two creepy round dolls and gazing at them with a dreamy look.

Who is this person?

"Hmm~ They're so cute~"

Ah... This is Noelle's real form.

Why is she out? I thought she said it was embarrassing to show her face...

I don't want to see her cry again if she sees me, so I'll just close the door and pretend I didn't see her.

I'd be embarrassed if someone saw my face too. I understand how she feels.

"Ah..."

"Hey... hey..."

When I tried to close the door, Noelle suddenly looked over. Our eyes met.

"Ah... Ah... Ah! Why are you back already!?"

"It's not my fault! Why aren't you wearing your blindfold!?"

She froze, her mouth opening and closing, and then she let out a scream.

I wish I hadn't come back... From now on, I'll knock and say 'hello' before entering the room.

"Ugh, w-well... Sometimes I just want to be normal!"

"Is that so? Are you okay with me seeing your face?"

Hmm, it feels strange without the 'desu' at the end of her sentences.

Noelle got up from the bed and sat back down, looking at me. Unlike last time, she didn't panic when I saw her face, but her cheeks were slightly red.

"Hehe, I've been training to get used to it with Estelle!"

"Hmm... Where is Estelle?"

"She's in the bath."

She said this proudly, slightly exaggerating.

I was wondering where Estelle was. She must have been in the bath.

So they were doing this when I wasn't around. For us, it might be normal, but for Noelle, it's a big step.

I hope she can keep her face uncovered even when she's being normal.

"So, what were you doing?"

"Hehe~ Isn't it obvious? I was admiring the plushies I got!"

She thrust the palm-sized plushies in her hands towards me.

Well, I don't know what to say to 'isn't it obvious?'

She really likes these things.

"Do you have any others? I have a bunch of them stored up."

"Really!?"

I took out my smartphone, opened the item list, and released the stored plushies.

Various plushies came out, like a pink, round body with a bird's beak and a green, caterpillar-shaped one. There were also several that were large enough to hug.

... Seriously, why are these in the gacha? They have a use because of Noelle, but otherwise, they would be complete misses.

The only reason they might be useful is if they increase affection... But that's probably not the case.

"Hehe, thank you."

"Y-You're welcome."

She hugged the plushies and looked at me with a shy smile.

Ugh, even though I feel a bit jealous, she's really cute. I wish she would take off her blindfold permanently.

"Mm, it seems to be time to stop."

Suddenly, she let out a sound and shuddered. Then she took out her blindfold and put it on as usual.

"Phew, it was nice to enjoy it for a while."

"... What's wrong with you?"

Seeing Noelle back to her usual self, the excitement from seeing her smile faded. I want that excitement back.

Is there a time limit? It's like she's a warrior of the stars...