Chapter 16

"Nice to meet you. I'm Philly Carpenter. I never thought I would become a member of a hero party. I am very honored to be invited."

It has been two days since we expelled Orun from the party.

Starting today, she will join our party as Orun's replacement. This way, I can always enjoy that omnipotent feeling.

Philly was an explorer who had been active in the Western Great Labyrinth until three months ago. However, another explorer cleared the Western Great Labyrinth, and the monsters stopped appearing. Therefore, she came to this town, which is said to have the Southern Great Labyrinth, known for its higher difficulty.

There are four Great Labyrinths on the continent, but their difficulties vary. All four are said to have a hundred floors, but the Western and Eastern Labyrinths lack the deeper levels. Therefore, the Southern and Northern Labyrinths, which have deeper levels, are considered more difficult to clear.

"Even though you didn't clear the Western Great Labyrinth, you're the only Enchanter who reached the hundredth floor, right? It's an honor for us to have such an Enchanter join our party."

"Right! With this, we can make even more progress in clearing the Southern Great Labyrinth!"

"I will do my best to be of help to everyone as soon as possible!"

Since this was our first meeting today, I, the shield user, the mage, and Philly gathered in the living room of the mansion. Luna, who had some family matters to attend to, hasn't returned since the dungeon exploration the day before yesterday. Just then, the living room door opened, and Luna came in.

"I'm back. ...Are these guests? It's unusual for you to be the ones to greet them."

Until now, Orun had been the one to handle guests. Luna's reaction was natural, as she didn't know that Orun had left the party. She's not a guest but a new member.

"Well, that's fine. I'm sorry to bring this up in front of the guests, but I need to confirm something urgently. Could I have a moment?"

"Ah, it's fine. Go ahead and talk."

"Huh, but..."

She probably didn't want to discuss it in front of an outsider. However, Philly is a party member, so it's not a problem. I need to find the right moment to tell her about Orun's departure.

"It's fine."

"...Is that so? Then, I heard that Orun went into the Great Labyrinth with the members of *Silver Hare of the Night Sky* this morning. Why is she doing that? I didn't hear anything about it."

Orun and *Silver Hare of the Night Sky*?

Did she switch to them right away?

"Even after I told her to know her place, why did she go to the rabbits so quickly...!"

As I was lost in thought, Anelie, who was sitting next to me, muttered. She seemed quite angry.

"Haha, exactly. Does she think she's still an S-rank adventurer?!"

Derrick also agreed with Anelie in a mocking tone.

I didn't want them to say that here. I hadn't told Luna about Orun yet.

Of course, I had mentioned that I wanted to expel her, but Luna was against it. I had forced the decision when she wasn't around. I couldn't avoid her criticism. That's why I was waiting for the right moment to tell her...

As expected, Luna looked puzzled. I should tell her before the situation gets worse.

"Luna, you might not know, but... Orun left the party the day before yesterday."

I was about to explain, but Anelie beat me to it.

"Huh? Orun left the party? Does that mean we've been abandoned?"

Luna's voice trembled as she said this, her confusion evident.

Did her words bother him? Derrick shouted loudly.

"Hey! Why are you saying it like we were abandoned? It's the opposite! Logically speaking! We! Kicked out! That underachiever!!"

Luna turned to me, her expression gone, and asked,

"Is that true?"

Her voice was so cold it made my spine freeze.

"Y-Yeah, it's true. She's the new Enchanter joining our party."

I introduced Philly to Luna, feeling like I couldn't take it anymore.

"Hi, I'm Philly. Nice to meet you!"

"...I was against it, but why did you do this while I was away?"

Luna ignored Philly's introduction and asked me.

"Hey! The new member is saying 'nice to meet you,' so don't ignore her!"

Derrick scolded Luna's attitude.

In response, Luna glanced at Derrick and immediately turned her gaze back to me.

"Don't ignore her! Hey!"

Derrick, annoyed by her attitude, tried to stand up to grab Luna, but I quickly held him back.

"Calm down, Derrick! That's not good!"

Derrick grumbled but stayed in his seat.

"Luna, you know that Orun's skills won't cut it from now on, right?"

I tried to reason with Luna.

"......I don't understand. Orun was the backbone of this party. We've come this far because of her. And in terms of skills, she was excellent. Without her, we can't go any further!"

Luna seems to overestimate Orun. ...Love is blind, I guess. But still, what's so good about Orun?

"You've been noisy! Maybe through your rose-colored glasses, that underachiever is excellent, but she's not valued in the world! Besides, it's already done. No matter how much you complain now, it won't change. You have to accept it!"

Anelie finally exploded. She had a personal grudge against Orun and was satisfied with this outcome. It's understandable that she would be angry at Luna's denial. I also think Orun was too meddlesome.

"......You might be right... It might be too late to talk about it now..."

Luna said this in a lifeless voice and tried to leave the room.

"Luna, we have an interview coming up. I can't let you leave."

I was going to talk to the reporter about Philly's joining. Until now, Orun had handled the interviews. She was useful in that regard, but now I have to do it. I'm not used to it, so I wanted Luna to join me.

Derrick and Anelie have poor communication skills...

Luna turned to me with a cold look after hearing my words.

"An interview? About Philly, right? If I haven't been told anything, my presence won't make a difference. Please let me be alone for now."

With that, Luna left the living room. I could hear her footsteps going up the stairs, so she must have gone to her room.

"What's with that attitude! So rude!"

"Exactly! I'm sick of her Orun-loving behavior!"

These guys say too much. I wish they would be more considerate of others.

"Um... Can I get along with Luna?"

Philly seemed to think Luna was a difficult person after hearing our conversation.

"I think it will be fine. She was just upset, but she's a good person, so I'm sure you'll get along."

"I see. I'm relieved to hear that."

Although there was some confusion due to her departure, I believe Luna will return to her usual self over time, and then there will be no more worries for this party.

I am a hero. I have the duty to clear the Great Labyrinth as soon as possible. To make my name known across the continent!

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