Chapter 22

### Saintess.

It is a unique class that reigns at the pinnacle of support jobs, one that only a single player can attain.

The method to achieve it remains a mystery, and it was announced that the number of players in Japan alone exceeded 120,000. Despite such a large number, no information had ever surfaced.

...I never thought I would get a lead in such a way.

I take a deep breath quietly to calm myself, trying not to let Frey and the others notice. It was a bit unexpected.

...But I'm purely happy that the Saintess class change quest has finally appeared. I want to show up as a Saintess and say to Princess Ignatia, who used to mock me, "Is your fiancé still just a Healer? Hmph." —or something like that.

"Sharon, what's wrong?"

"Huh? Oh, nothing."

While I was lost in thought, Frey and the others had already stood up. They were heading back to the first floor, as the settlement was already done.

This party is now解散. Although it was only for two days, I had a lot of fun and was very well taken care of. If possible, I would like to form a party with them again—hmm?

Then I remember that I had been invited to Ketsuki's village by Torte. I really want to go, so I can't just say goodbye here.

I follow Frey and the others as they start to go down the stairs.

"What are you all going to do next?"

"We have a place we need to take the herbs we collected."

Frey's hesitant words were followed by Torte's question, "Can Sharon come with us, nya?"

"Sharon? I don't mind... but, is it okay? Torte's village doesn't welcome outsiders, you know?"

"..."

My joy was short-lived as Torte's face clouded over. It seems that even if I go to Ketsuki's village, I won't be welcomed.

I recall the village I visited during a quest in the game. It was about protecting a lost Ketsuki child.

...Right, I was accused of being a kidnapper by the child's parents, who said, "You must have taken them!" Indeed, it's hard to be welcomed under such circumstances.

"Torte, I'm happy to be invited, but if I'll be a bother, I'll wait for another opportunity, okay?"

I want to go, but it doesn't have to be right now. However, I want to make it clear that it's not that I won't go, but that I will go at another time. I definitely want to go someday and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Ketsuki's village.

But Torte's expression darkened at my words.

"I asked you to come for a reason, nya..."

Then, Torte started to explain the situation bit by bit.

"I have a younger sister named Tart, nya."

Tart was born with a weak body and often fell ill. Torte joined Frey's party to find healing herbs and potions to help her sister.

However, Tart's condition was more serious than expected, and her life was in danger. That's when Torte heard about the legendary herbs in the "Paradise of Erngore" and decided to embark on the quest to find them.

...It's a really good story.

I also have a family—though I can't see my family from my past life, Mutsuki—I cherish my current family as Charlotte.

"I thought maybe Sharon, who knows a lot about herbs, might be able to understand Tart's symptoms, nya. ...I'm sorry for using you, nya."

I shake my head at Torte, who bowed in apology.

"I've been treated to delicious meals by Torte, so I'll do my best to help. ...But I'm not a doctor, so I can't guarantee I'll understand her symptoms..."

"That's enough, nya. Thank you, nya."

Seeing Torte's happy smile, I felt my own cheeks relax.

Since it would be inconvenient for me to leave immediately, we agreed to meet at the city gate in three hours. I have to report the completion of the guide quest and do some shopping before then.

When I went down to the first floor of the guild, Kent and Cocoa were looking at the request board. They waved at me with smiles when I called out to them.

I explained that I would join the hero party and meet them in three hours.

"What, it's not just a guide job!?"

When I told them I was going to Torte's village, Kent was surprised. He probably never imagined I would join the hero party.

"But that's amazing, right? You're part of the hero party now."

"Yeah, but—"

"No, no."

It seems I had caused a misunderstanding, so I hurried to correct them. I'm only going to meet Torte's sister, not joining the hero party. It's important to clarify this point.

"I don't think it will take that long, so I'll be back soon."

"That's what I thought! I thought you were going to become some high and mighty person!"

Frey and the others seemed very approachable, but it seems that from the outside, I am seen as someone far out of reach.

...But, indeed, adventurers of that level are rare. Most of the adventurers in the guild have beginner equipment, and even if they have intermediate equipment, it's not much. The "Paradise of Erngore" hasn't been cleared yet, and the dungeons aren't well-known, perhaps?

It might be interesting to check out the world's scenery and such while I'm at it.

As I was thinking, Cocoa raised her hand hesitantly.

"Will you form a party with us again when you come back?"

"Of course. But I have other plans, so it might be difficult to form a fixed party. I'm sorry, Nana introduced us, but—"

"That's not something you need to worry about, Sharon. A fixed party should only be formed after hunting together multiple times, and it's natural to prioritize your own interests."

"Kent is saying something sensible for once...!"

Cocoa's words made me very happy, and I was also surprised to see that Kent was thinking a lot. I shouldn't think of him as just a younger child.

"I've been studying since I became an adventurer against my parents' wishes!"

"Oh, right, you were talking to a lot of adventurers."

Cocoa listed the things Kent had been doing at the "Adventurer's Guild." He had been asking experienced adventurers about hunting techniques and why they formed parties.

He must have been trying hard to protect Cocoa, who followed him when he ran away from home. Wow, that's really cool!

So, I was relieved that we had made a promise to form a party again when I return. My level is still low at 17, even though I defeated the "Erngore Ghost," and there aren't many people I can form a party with. I don't know what level Frey and the others are, but I can't form a party with them because we can't share experience points.

"By the way, are you two taking on any quests?"

Since they were looking at the board, I asked, and they nodded immediately. Kent took a request form and said, "I want to properly master the basics."

"Of course, it would be bad if I confused 'herbs' and 'poisonous plants.' I'll probably encounter 'Flower Rabbits' while gathering, so I'll use them to train myself."

"Then I shouldn't keep you. I'll come back to the guild when I return. If you're not there, I'll leave a message with Nana. See you later!"

"Okay! See you!"

"Take care on your journey, Sharon!"

I watched them head to the reception desk and was about to leave the guild when I remembered something. I noticed a request posted in the corner of the board.

It was the delivery request for the "Gem of Lament" that I had seen before going to the "Paradise of Erngore." It had a high reward of 3 million Liz, but no one had been able to obtain the item... until it dropped when I defeated the "Erngore Ghost."

I recognized the item, but I had forgotten which monster it dropped from and had pushed the request to the back of my mind.

...Hmm, what should I do?

The request form I picked up was a bit old, indicating it had been posted for a long time. The requester must be eager to have the quest completed.

"But I only have three hours until the meeting..."

I need to prepare and also go to the "Flordia Cathedral" to look for clues about the Saintess quest. In short, I don't have time. It would be fine if I could just deliver the item and be done with it, but it might be a bit troublesome if I get a lot of questions.

...Okay, I'll report it after I return from Ketsuki's village. That's what I'll do. So, I turned to leave the board—

"Sharon, did you... get that item?"

"Wow..."

Nana was standing there.