Chapter 57

"......Carol, look at your companions' faces."

"Huh? -- Ah..."

In front of Carol, Sophie and Log stand there. Both of them have expressions that can't hide their confusion. Sophie, in particular, looks as if she's about to cry, her face filled with pain.

"Your favorite smiles are gone from both of them. Do you know why?"

When asked, Carol shakes her head from side to side.

"It's because you're hurting."

"But the injuries are..."

Carol starts to tremble.

"It's not the visible injuries. When you get hurt, the two of them get hurt too. If this continues, their smiles will disappear again. Is that okay with you?"

"That... That's not okay! I don't want it! What should I do!?"

Carol is shaking violently.

Clearly, not being able to make others smile is the most frightening thing for her.

"It's simple. If you're used to pain, it means you're in pain, right? So, you shouldn't do things that make you think 'it hurts.' When Carol thinks 'it hurts,' I, Sophie, and Log all feel the same level of pain. Since we're not used to pain, when we feel 'it hurts,' we can't smile."

"I understand. I understand, so I won't think 'it hurts' anymore! So, please, smile... please... don't hit me..."

She pleads, her face still showing fear, tears streaming down her cheeks.

I force a smile and pat Carol's head.

"Ah!"

A small cry of fear escapes Carol, thinking I might hit her.

I continue to gently pat her head.

"It's okay. I'm not angry. No one here will hit you, so you can relax. If anyone tries to hit you, I'll take care of them. It's okay, it's okay—"

I keep reassuring her, saying "it's okay" to help her calm down.

◇

Thanks to my continued patting, she calmed down faster than I expected.

Originally, I wanted to observe their teamwork a few more times before ending, but given the current situation, I decided to give up on that.

"Alright! We've seen the three of you fight as planned, so let's head back today."

I emphasized that the purpose was to have each of them fight individually, then called out to the three of them and decided to return to the guild headquarters.

On the way back, I used magic to eliminate the monsters before they entered the three's line of sight.

I don't know how they would react if Carol and the beasts were to meet right now.

◇

"Alright, it's early, but we don't need to rush on the first day. Let's end it here today. For future plans, we'll basically instruct you every other day. So, on the days without instruction, you can explore the Great Labyrinth together. However! When you explore, you must always go as a group of three, don't challenge the floor bosses, don't go beyond the eleventh floor until I give permission, and absolutely don't take unnecessary risks. I want you to follow these four points."

After returning to the room where we started, I briefly explained the future plans.

"Understood."

Log answered on behalf of the group.

"Also, if you explore the Great Labyrinth on the days without instruction, use the next free day for rest. You won't grow by pushing yourselves too hard. Spend your time as you like. ...If you don't have anything to do, I recommend reading. Try reading the books in the exploration department's library. They're well-organized and easy to read, and there's a lot to learn from them."

When I said to spend their time as they like, Sophie's expression stiffened.

That's why I recommended reading, but does she not have any hobbies?

After saying that, we disbanded for the day.

Carol looks the same on the surface as she did before going to the Great Labyrinth.

I don't know what's going on inside her, but I don't think she'll explode right away.

I move to go to Estella's place.

"Master! Can I have a moment of your time?"

Just as I was about to leave the room, Log stopped me.

"What's up?"

"Um..."

Log seems to be hesitating about how to start.

After waiting patiently, Log finally spoke.

"Master, I want to hear your honest opinion about my current level of skill!"

I wondered why he was asking this, but his eyes were serious.

I don't know what his intention is, but if I believe his words from this morning, he won't get overconfident even if I give him an honest opinion.

If he does, I can follow up, and it will also help me gauge whether he has really changed.

"...I think you can already handle a lower A-rank party without any problems."

"...Really? Hearing that from you gives me confidence. Thank you. --Then, can you teach me swordsmanship?"

...What?

Why swords now?

Did you think you've already mastered the Enchanter?

There's still a lot to improve on.

"...Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?"

"Seeing Carol today, I realized that it's not right to keep letting her be the Defender. She tends to charge at monsters, but in daily life, she often prioritizes others over herself. Probably because she wants them to smile. If I can be a front-liner, I think I can reduce Carol's burden. Also, I want to become an explorer like you, who can do everything. I think swordsmanship is essential for that!"

This isn't just a boast; it's a statement considering the party members.

Indeed, for a three-person party, it's better to have two front-liners.

If that's the case, it makes the most sense for Log, who already has excellent skills as an Enchanter, to take on a new role.

"Your thoughts are clear. However, what you're trying to do could potentially undermine what you've built up so far. Are you still determined to do this?"

"Yes! I have to take this level of risk to improve. I'm prepared for it!"

I start to think about the party composition if Log moves to the front line.

Even if Log moves to the front, he still needs to use support magic.

But it's impossible to manage buffs and command the party while fighting at the front.

So, the command will have to be given to Sophie.

That might be too much for the shy girl...

"I understand your feelings, but it's not something we can decide just between the two of us. Let's discuss it with the other two next time."

"That makes sense. Understood."

"......Even if Log ends up being a front-liner, I can't teach you swordsmanship. Understand that."

"Why not!? Is it because I don't have the talent for swords!?"

Log exclaims in surprise.

I can see why he would react that way if I said it suddenly.

"It's not that. I will teach you martial arts. But since you're also an Enchanter, it's better to use a weapon that can quickly create distance from the enemy. So, what I'll teach you is not swordsmanship, but—spear techniques."

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