Chapter 52

When I entered the room that Ester had told me about, it was a room that was slightly smaller than the operation room where we had gathered yesterday.

Sure enough, the three members of the 10th squad were sitting in chairs.

They had been chatting among themselves until I entered, but the moment I stepped in, they stopped talking and looked at me with tense expressions.

Logan, who used to look down on me, didn't seem to have the same attitude as before, perhaps because he had seen me defeat the black dragon with his own eyes. Instead, he seemed to harbor a sense of awe.

"…It's been four days. How have you been? I assume you've heard, but from today, I'll be your instructor. Please treat me well."

I tried to speak in a bright voice.

After I finished my greeting, the three of them stood up.

"I apologize for my disrespectful attitude the other day! I'm truly sorry!"

"「We're very sorry!」"

Logan apologized for his attitude and bowed, followed by Sophia and Caroline.

No, Sophia, you didn't have to do that.

You really are a serious kid.

"Even though it might be a pain to deal with someone like us, please, will you teach us? We beg you!"

Logan asked me to teach them.

I was a bit taken aback...

I thought we were starting from a negative point, whether he looked down on me or was afraid of me.

But, this way is easier to work with.

...Well, what should I say in response?

"I don't really mind. There's a huge gap in skill between us, so I only thought of it as a puppy barking."

I deliberately said it in a mean way.

"Ugh... Yes, that's true. There is indeed such a gap..."

Logan's face looked pained, as if my words had hit him hard.

"During the previous exploration, our relationship was only temporary. So, I gave you some advice but let you do as you pleased to a certain extent. —But from now on, it's different. As a fellow clan member and as someone who will teach you, I will take you seriously. I might be harsh, and I might push you away at times. But I will always be on your side. I want you to come at me with all you've got."

This is a pledge.

By saying it out loud, I felt even more determined.

My teacher is my grandpa.

I want to be like him—warm and supportive, strict when needed, and always there to give advice when you're struggling.

I want to be the kind of ideal teacher who is always there for you, no matter what.

After confirming that the three of them nodded, I continued.

"From now on, I will teach you everything I've learned, including knowledge and skills. However, there's one thing I want you to keep in mind. ...No, two things. First, always think critically. There are many ways to solve a problem. Don't get stuck on one way of doing things. Casual conversations and everyday scenes can sometimes lead to unexpected solutions. Second, don't assume that what I say is always right."

The first point was understood by all three, but the second point seemed to confuse them, as question marks appeared on their faces.

"I'm not omniscient. Don't assume that everything I say is absolutely correct. I've made mistakes and errors many times. Don't take my words at face value; digest them and make them your own knowledge and experience. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Got it?"

"「「「Yes!」」"

I received a heartfelt response from all three.

◇

"So, the first thing I'm going to do is—give a lecture."

"Ugh..."

Logan reacted to the word "lecture."

"I know it might be hard to hear, but listen. The three of you are talented and have the potential to become representatives of this clan. However, your attitude the other day was unacceptable. Not only towards your fellow clan members, but if you continue to act that way towards outsiders, it will reflect poorly on the Silver Hare of the Night itself. Realize that each of you carries the reputation of the clan."

That attitude was indeed rude.

If you continue to act that way, you'll end up isolated.

Being alone is lonely and hard.

There's no need to deliberately isolate yourself when you can avoid it.

"Even if you become an S-rank party, if you continue to act that way, no one will be there to help you. Also, I believe that people who look down on others have a narrow perspective. Those who can respect others and accept different opinions will naturally attract people and succeed. Don't you think?"

Would anyone want to follow someone who looks down on others and acts arrogantly?

People can't survive alone; to work together with others, it's important to take the initiative to reach out.

"‘Never forget your初心 (beginner's mind).’ Why did you become explorers? Was it to show off your strength and feel pleased with yourself? If that's what you say, I'd be worried, but I don't think that's the case. I want you to reconsider whether your past attitudes and actions are suitable for achieving your goals."

I've conveyed what I wanted to say.

Unlike the other day, it seems my words have resonated with them to some extent.

The three of them looked down with dejected expressions.

I relaxed my expression and spoke in a gentle voice,

"I'm relieved that my words seem to have resonated with you this time. If that's the case, there's still hope. If you start to reflect on your actions from now on, I believe your evaluations will improve. After all, you're starting from a negative point. There's only one way to go from here—up."

"Hehe... Yeah, that's true."

Logan nodded with a wry smile.

"By the way, since it's a good opportunity, can I hear why you became explorers? I'd like to hear your dreams and goals. Let's start with Sophia."

"Y-Yes! Well, I want to be like my older sister—Selma Claudel. I don't want to just do what I'm told; I want to decide what I want to do on my own! I haven't decided what that is yet, but since I joined this clan, I've had more opportunities to meet different people, and I've realized how narrow my world was. So, I became an explorer to find my goals and dreams."

I have one question about Sophia.

She is Selma's younger sister.

That means she is the daughter of a baron.

If that's the case, why isn't she attending the Noble Academy?

The Noble Academy is a place where noble children between the ages of ten and fifteen receive education.

Selma must have graduated from the Noble Academy before becoming an explorer.

All the other noble explorers I know also graduated from the Noble Academy before becoming explorers.

The reason nobles become explorers is that the depth they reach in the Great Labyrinth is a status symbol in noble society.

I don't know the details, but it seems the Claudel family has some complicated circumstances.

"That's a good goal. As an explorer, especially as a member of a clan, you'll have the opportunity to learn many things. I'll help you, so let's find Sophia's dream together."

"Y-Yes... T-Thank you very much..."

Sophia's face turned bright red.

Maybe I was a bit too cool...

Thank you for reading to the end.

For readers who were expecting a different kind of development, I apologize.

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