Chapter 68

"Mimosa, Blitz! I'm so glad you're safe."

"Princess Titiya!!"

Titiya and Roi immediately rushed to the two, checking if they were injured. Roi was using 'Heal,' so it seemed they had some minor injuries, but they looked fine. I'm glad.

I called out, "Good job, everyone!" and cast another support spell. Although it didn't go as planned, I'm glad we managed to defeat the Wyvern.

The Wyvern dropped 'Dragon Scales' and a 'Torn Dragon Wing.' These two items drop with high probability and should be materials for some equipment or item crafting. The Wyvern also drops an accessory called 'Roar Brooch,' which I would like to get. It boosts fire attack power by 3%, which is very helpful for beginners. I think it would be perfect for Cocoa.

"Phew, that was a close one... But we really did defeat the Wyvern... I can't believe it..."

Kent stared at his hands and then clenched them tightly. They seemed to be trembling slightly, but not out of fear.

"I'm glad everyone is safe, nya."

"Without Tarte's 'Fire Flask,' it would have been a disaster..."

"I'm glad I could be of help, nya~"

Although I felt bad interrupting their relief, I clapped my hands. We needed to return to the base and regroup. I also wanted to hear Mimosa and Blitz's story.

"We'll attract monsters if we stay here, so let's head back to the base."

"Yes, thank you, Sharon."

Roi nodded and called out to Mimosa and Blitz, "This way."

The 'Paladins' are the direct subordinates of the Pope, Titiya. Their main job is to protect Titiya.

Although they look battered now, the two of them, dressed in the proud armor of knights, look impressive. However, they seem to regret not being able to protect Titiya, feeling that they were inadequate.

"We failed to protect Princess Titiya... We are willing to accept any punishment."

"Despite our status as Paladins, we could only manage to help Princess Titiya escape. I am ashamed..."

As soon as we arrived at the base, Mimosa and Blitz knelt and bowed to Titiya. However, Titiya slowly shook her head.

"No. You protected me. ...Mimosa, Blitz, thank you for coming back to me alive."

"Princess Titiya...!"

Tears welled up in Mimosa and Blitz's eyes as they repeatedly thanked Titiya for her safety.

"Master, the tea is ready, nya."

"Thank you."

There's a lot we need to talk about, but it's important to calm down first. I took out some snacks from my 'Bag' and encouraged everyone to sit down. We started with a brief introduction.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sharon, the 'Healer.' Starting from my left—"

"I'm Tarte, the 'Alchemist,' nya."

"I'm Kent, the 'Swordsman.'"

"I'm Cocoa, the 'Mage.'"

Everyone introduced themselves.

"I'm Mimosa, the 'Paladin.'"

"I'm Blitz, also a 'Paladin' serving Princess Titiya."

We exchanged pleasantries and I got straight to the point. We don't have time to waste.

"We believe Rodney Harbus is currently in the Crystal Cathedral. Is that the same for both of you?"

Mimosa nodded in agreement.

"Yes. Rodney tried to usurp Princess Titiya's position as Pope and took over the Crystal Cathedral. The 'Cathedral Knights' who support Princess Titiya have mostly been captured and imprisoned in the dungeons."

"I see..."

Considering that most of Titiya's supporters are captured, we need to rescue them. Whether to do it before or after retaking the Crystal Cathedral is a tough decision...

As I was thinking, Blitz spoke up.

"Are you adventurers? The situation at the cathedral is not simple. Even so, will you support Princess Titiya...?"

Blitz's question is valid. Titiya was betrayed by her subordinates. It's hard to trust us, who have no prior connection, as allies. We could even be spies for Rodney.

But my words alone might not be enough. Roi then spoke up.

"I asked Sharon for help. She is a trustworthy adventurer."

"Yes. Sharon and Tarte, Kent and Cocoa, are all very strong and reliable adventurers."

Titiya smiled and praised us. Although she turned pale when mentioning the 'Fire Flask' incident, both of them nodded, saying, "They are wonderful people."

...It's a bit embarrassing.

"Anyway, we will retake the cathedral from Rodney!"

"Yes!"

Mimosa and Blitz nodded with determination at my words.

***

The next day.

With Mimosa and Blitz joining us, our hunting became dramatically more stable.

"Kent, lower your stance and hold your sword properly. Move with your whole body, not just your legs!"

"Yes, sir!"

Of course, having two more front-liners helps, but Blitz is also providing guidance to Kent. He's teaching him sword techniques and how to handle himself as a front-liner. I can give general instructions, but teaching body mechanics and awareness is difficult.

...Kent will definitely improve a lot from this experience.

Mimosa also teaches us back-liners how to handle ourselves from a front-liner's perspective. For example, how to avoid attacks from behind and when to attack. Tarte and Cocoa are asking many questions, eager to learn.

Then, Mimosa looked at me.

"Sharon, your tactics and support are perfect... I don't think I have anything to teach you."

What a surprise.

"Are you really a 'Healer'?"

"I'm really, really a 'Healer'! 'Heal'! See?"

"Indeed, that is a Healer's skill."

Still not convinced, Mimosa grumbled, "Mmm..."

Tarte and Cocoa chuckled.

"Master, it's only natural to think that, nya."

"I've been surprised by Sharon since we met."

"Hey, you two!"

"Sharon is amazing."

"Describing Sharon in words is difficult."

"Even Titiya and Roi!?"

Their perception of me is terrible!

...I know the knowledge in this world is far behind the game, but still.

"Look! Two 'Golgorons' are coming!"

"Ah! Right, nya!"

"Let's go! 'Fire Arrow'!"

We hunted relentlessly, and eventually, everyone reached level 40.