Chapter 1

"You're fired."

Adventurer Reta Dixon received this merciless announcement from Jear, the leader of her party, "The Jet-Black Wolves," in a bustling tavern during dinner time. Reta, a woman in her mid-twenties, was sitting across from a young man, her eyes wide with shock.

"…Why? Why so suddenly?"

Reta, at thirty, was an F-rank adventurer, one of the lowest ranks. However, she believed she contributed to the party with her ability to use healing magic and her skill, Item Box. This sudden dismissal left her speechless.

"It's not sudden. You've been a burden for a long time. Just because you can use a little healing magic, that's not enough. You're not outstanding in combat, and at best, you're just a pack mule."

"That's…"

Reta understood what Jear was saying. She wasn't particularly suited for combat. She could use offensive magic, but she wasn't specialized in any particular element, and her gentle nature didn't fit well with fighting. Despite this, she had tried hard to support the party, which made this sudden firing all the more shocking.

"Listen up. We, the Jet-Black Wolves, might be able to rank up from C to B. But with a bottom-feeder like you, we might be held back. We've been putting up with you out of pity, so be grateful and disappear quietly."

"…I see. I'm grateful to you, Jear. And to everyone. You took me in when I didn't know anything after coming from the countryside."

"If you understand, pack your things and leave. And as a favor, you're too old to start as an adventurer. We've been working hard since our teens to get where we are. Starting at your age, you're just mocking us."

"That might be true, but—"

"That's the problem. You're at the bottom rank, you're already an old man, and you can't fight. You're just a burden… go back to the countryside and till the fields."

Reta couldn't say anything in response to Jear's harsh words and just looked down. Despite his tone, Jear's words weren't entirely wrong. Reta had come to the capital five years ago, dreaming of becoming an adventurer. Despite her efforts, she remained the only F-rank member in the party, and five years had passed without any promotion.

Deep down, she couldn't help but think that this moment had finally come.

"I'll be taking back everything I've given you. I'm not trying to take your personal belongings, but we don't have the luxury to give you equipment as we aim for B-rank."

"Wait! If you take that, I won't be able to do anything as an adventurer!"

"That's why I'm telling you to quit. You're not cut out for this. Seriously, if I'm nice about it, you get the wrong idea."

Jear, irritated, chugged his beer and glared at Reta with a red face.

"Listen carefully. I'm firing you. The reason is that you're useless. If you understand, just disappear without a word. Got it?"

"…I understand."

These weren't the words she wanted to say to someone she had shared hardships with for years. She felt the words welling up in her chest but bit her lip to hold them back. To avoid a confrontation, Reta quietly stood up.

"Thank you for everything. I hope you rank up to B."

"Hah, we'll definitely rank up once you're gone!"

Reta turned away without saying another word to the leader who had never shown any concern for her. She left the bustling tavern as if fleeing.

***

"You're not an adventurer anymore, so you have no income, right? Then I have no use for you. Let's break up."

When Reta went to tell her girlfriend, Rinza, about being fired from the party, she was met not with kind words but with harsh ones. She had visited her despite the late hour, hoping for some comforting words.

They hadn't been dating for even half a year, and it might not have been a proper relationship. But she hadn't expected such a cold response.

"…What do you mean by breaking up?"

"You're so dense. If you have no money, there's no point in dating. You should have figured that out and left on your own."

Her words were cruel. Reta and Rinza had started dating after being introduced by friends. Rinza had initiated the relationship, and before Reta knew it, she was committed. Living in the capital was busy and lonely, so Reta had started dating Rinza without much thought. She hadn't realized their relationship was so superficial.

"I've been doing things for Rinza—"

"Are you talking about money?"

Reta's words were cut off, and Rinza made a displeased face.

"Sure, I've taken money from you, but it's normal for a boyfriend to help his girlfriend. Besides, just being with a beautiful woman like me is worth the money. Don't bring up petty things now."

"You're not the person I thought you were. I only wanted to help because your parents were in debt."

"Ha ha ha ha! You really believed that? I haven't seen my parents in years."

"Did you lie to me? Why?"

"…You're so dense. It's really annoying. It was all for the money! I thought you had money because you were in a good party, but you're not that great, and now you're fired. It's unbelievable! There's no point in dating you. Got it!?"

In short, she had been using him for money. Reta had been unaware of Rinza's true nature and had been giving her a small income.

"Let me make this clear. I'm not giving the money back. You said you'd give it to me."

"That's not what I meant."

That was all he could manage to say. If he said more, he might have burst into tears from his own pitiful state.

"Oh, right. I have a date now. Not with a penniless guy like you, but with a top-tier adventurer who has a lot of money. Ha ha, you can't earn money without skills, can you? Maybe you're not cut out to be an adventurer?"

Reta clenched his teeth at her mocking words. Rinza seemed to find his lack of response boring and snorted.

"Well, I don't care about you. Just don't talk to me again."

With that, she turned and left. Reta didn't watch her go, feeling the sting of rejection and embarrassment. He turned and ran, overwhelmed by a mix of frustration and shame. However, his alcohol-addled body didn't cooperate, and he tumbled to the ground. People around him asked if he was okay, but Reta felt even more embarrassed.

And so, on this day, Reta Dixon was not only fired from her adventurer party but also lost her girlfriend.

---

I'm starting a "rags-to-riches middle-aged protagonist" story. It's also a "healing cheat" story and a "daily life with a young girl" story. The heroines will increase, and there will be a bit of battle, so please look forward to it.