Chapter 31

Zek is a new character.

Zek Streitas is a human who became a guild-affiliated adventurer, possessing top-tier skills even in the capital.

He studied under the top-tier warrior Ronaldo and, in just a few years, rose to become a first-class talent.

And Zek was also my friend.

That's why when I heard his voice, I immediately recognized the masked warrior and called out to him...

"...Zek? Who are you talking about? I am... S, Seek."

...However, for some reason, Zek was desperately trying to hide his true identity.

At his behavior, I was at a loss for words.

It's really bad.

I can tell he's trying to change his voice, but it's going up and down, and it's honestly painful to listen to.

Moreover, I can't help but be exasperated that he thinks he can fool me with this.

"Then, the capital is really safe, so it's better to go there than here."

"Why!?"

"......Huh?"

...But, mistaking my silence for acceptance, Zek tried to leave the scene.

I can't help but hold my head at the thought of how he could have thought he could fool me.

However, this is just going in circles.

It seems that Zek is determined to hide his true identity no matter what.

So, I decided to use a different approach.

"By the way, Zek."

"I don't have such a name..."

At his words, I ignored him and continued.

"That magic sword, it's Ronaldo's, right?"

"!"

At my words, Zek's face showed signs of agitation.

"Did you steal it?"

"No!"

However, Zek reacted with anger to my further words.

Zek is proud of being Ronaldo's disciple, so he reacts sensitively to words that tarnish his pride.

"This was formally passed down to me by my master! If you ask my master, he will tell you that he properly passed it down to Zek... Ah."

...However, halfway through, Zek realized his slip of the tongue, stopped speaking, and his face turned pale.

I smiled at such a Zek.

"Well, do you have anything to say?"

In response to my words, Zek hung his head in resignation.

It seems he finally gave up trying to talk his way out of it.

"...At that incident, I couldn't help you at all, so I didn't have the right to show my face to you. I intended to leave as soon as things were over."

When Zek spoke, his words were filled with regret.

...From his demeanor, I instantly understood what he was talking about.

I was once part of a top-tier party in the capital but was expelled.

It started when I was almost attacked by a party member.

I managed to escape from the attacking party member, but the adventurer, who was rejected even after attacking me, held a grudge and spread rumors to my disadvantage in the capital.

As a result, the capital became an uncomfortable place for me, and I had to leave. That's how I ended up leaving the capital.

...And at that time, Zek, a guild-affiliated adventurer, was not in the capital due to work.

"I demoted the party that tried to attack you using my authority. But it didn't benefit you at all. ...I'm sorry. I didn't realize my friend was in danger."

Seeing Zek bow his head in regret, I understood his feelings.

However, I didn't really hold any grudge against Zek.

I do want to punch those who expelled me, but that's about it.

However, even if I say that, Zek won't stop blaming himself.

...Because he didn't realize it, Zek feels even more responsible.

"...Then, can you do me one favor? If you say anything more, I'll punch you with all my strength."

So, I decided to set a condition to help Zek forgive himself.

Zek's face showed surprise at my words.

It seems he didn't expect me to make such a request, as I rarely ask him for anything.

"Tell me anything."

But the next moment, Zek nodded with a serious look, having made up his mind.

"!"

At that moment, I couldn't help but gasp.

I was thinking about the words I was about to say, and I felt nervous, as if it were someone else's problem.

But, I decided to take this unprecedented opportunity and opened my mouth.

"Make me your partner."

"......Huh?"

Hearing Zek's surprised voice, I felt heat rising to my face.

My heart was pounding, and I was on the verge of exploding with embarrassment.

I thought my words were roundabout, but that was my limit.

I couldn't bring myself to whisper direct words of love because I felt too embarrassed.

Even while harboring romantic feelings, the long time I spent as friends with Zek made me feel even more embarrassed about expressing my feelings.

"...No, I was really willing to do anything. Is your wish really to join the party, just that?"

"......Huh?"

...But, my feelings didn't reach Zek at all.

Zek looked at me with a puzzled expression, and I felt a sense of frustration at how things had turned out.

...No, it was my fault for using roundabout words with such an insensitive person.

But, even knowing that, I couldn't suppress my anger.

No, it's definitely the fault of this man's insensitivity.

Zek doesn't understand why I kept rejecting the party members' invitations.

It was because I had someone in my heart.

"S, So! You're going to hunt the Phoenix anyway! Then, I'll go with you!"

...But, I couldn't confess now, so I shouted in a fit of frustration.

Really, why did it turn out like this...

However, unaware of my feelings, Zek laughed.

"Maybe you're being considerate again? I'm sorry... But, it's reassuring to have Laila around."

"...!"

Zek's words showed that he still felt guilty towards me.

And because of that, his words about being reassuring were genuine, and I understood that.

I felt my face turn slightly red at his words.

"...Huh. You're too straightforward."

After muttering that, I decided to suppress my complaints about Zek's insensitivity for now.

First, I need to think about the Phoenix.

After all, the Phoenix, a super-difficult monster, can undergo a phenomenon called mutation, where it changes after living for a certain period.

I decided to finish this matter and then talk to Zek.

So, I made a proposal.

"Then, there's a mage I want to add to this party..."

Thank you for always pointing out typos and other issues!

Even after reviewing, typos still appear, which makes me realize my immaturity.

However, since I'm in the middle of the climax of Chapter 1, I plan to finish Chapter 1 and then correct the typos.

I am truly grateful to those who give me encouraging comments and point out typos!

Thank you very much!