After the discussion, we couldn't just board the train with all our luggage, so Yoko-san, who couldn't bear to see us, offered her car.
It was a bus dedicated for the association's use.
We sat in the back seats and chatted about yesterday's events and memories of the dungeon's flower fields.
"Hmm. The flower fields were indeed beautiful, but I only remember walking through the forest."
"Uh!"
"Come on, Onee-san. But I had fun. I got to see how Shouta-san usually behaves."
"Yeah. And seeing Shouta-kun fight the new species made me think that you'll probably uncover many more secrets in the future."
"Well, that's kind of my dream."
"Is that so? Then I'll do my best to help, even if it's just a little!"
"Ah, thank you, Maki."
"What about me?"
"Aki, I hope we can continue to work together."
"Hehe."
While the bus driver watched us with a warm gaze, we spent a relaxed moment.
ββββββββ
Upon arriving at the 525th branch of the Dungeon Association, we parted ways at the front. Since they were in civilian clothes, they entered through the back door for staff. After seeing them off, I entered from the front.
It was just before evening. Adventurers who had finished their work were everywhere.
It had been a day since I was last at the 525th branch, but I still prefer the atmosphere here. The 810th branch is full of couples, which honestly makes me feel uncomfortable. It was nice and fun that Aki and Maki stuck together to match the scene, though...
While I was lost in these thoughts, someone suddenly called out to me.
"Hey, isn't that Shouta-kun!"
"Ah, Shuu-san. Hello."
It turned out to be the members of 'First-Class Star.' They must have just returned as well.
"It's been a few days. Your equipment looks completely new, making you look different."
"Indeed. But it's not just that. You even have the air of someone who has just won a fierce battle... Where did you train? Hahaha!"
"Ah, well, a lot has happened."
I could tell them, but if I said I went to the Heart Dungeon, I'd probably get a lot of envy from the people around here.
"Hmm... It seems you've had some real experiences. We can't afford to be complacent. See you, Shouta-kun. When we meet again, I hope you have some interesting stories to share!"
He left with a bright smile. They are really nice people.
Well, it's about time. I walked towards Hana-san, who was standing a bit away from the reception. She greeted me with a smile.
"Welcome back, Shouta-san. I heard you had a tough time, but I'm glad you're not seriously injured."
"Thanks, Hana-san."
Hana-san, the genuine, sisterly receptionist who guided me to the branch manager's office last time. She is a Rank 3 senior receptionist, just like Maki, with three stars on her name tag. She is apparently the right-hand person of the branch manager, something like a deputy.
"Are Aki and Maki ready? They haven't come yet."
"Actually, I'm sorry, Shouta-san. They can't come."
"Huh, why... Oh."
I got it.
"Yes. They've been called by the branch manager."
"...I'll go too."
"Hehe. Then let's go together."
"Sure, thank you."
Well, that makes sense.
If I thought they were taking a paid leave, it turned out to be a big commotion that even alarmed the branch manager of the neighboring dungeon. ...Yeah, it's all my fault. If they're angry, I should take the blame quickly.
"Branch manager, I'm coming in."
"Hana, thank you. ...Welcome, Amachi-san."
The branch manager was there, radiating even more pressure than usual. She looked really angry... Aki seemed sulky, and Maki was flustered by my arrival.
What did they get scolded for?
"Aki, Maki. You two wait outside until you're called. I will... have a thorough talk with him."
"..."
They left without arguing, which was unusual for them.
The room was left with just the branch manager and me. ...Huh?
When did Hana-san leave?
"Amachi-san, I've heard the details from my daughters. There's something I need to tell you about this."
"Um... Is it about taking the two of them around?"
"No."
"Huh? Then, showing them the battle with the rare monster up close?"
"That's not it either."
"Then, being late by a day...?"
"Close, but no."
...Huh?
If it's not about causing trouble in the dungeon, what is it?
Then, it must be something that happened outside the dungeon...?
Since I came back the day before yesterday and it's now today, the only thing that happened outside the dungeon was...
Oh.
"..."
"That look suggests you have an idea."
"...Yes."
"I did tell you, didn't I? I don't recognize your relationship with my two daughters. And right after that, you stayed at their house. Hehe... You have some nerve, don't you?"
The pressure from the branch manager swelled to an almost otherworldly level.
It was more terrifying than even the enhanced 'Golden Bug.'
"I want my daughters to be happy. When they're with you, they are the most vibrant and smiling I've ever seen them. I admit that, even though it's hard for me. But if you can't handle a rare monster on the second floor, you're not fit to take care of them."
This is it, right? She's not telling me to stop seeing the two of them. She's just saying that the relationship isn't recognized yet. It's about my lack of strength.
She wants me to get stronger so that I don't make them sad. ...Is that what she's trying to say?
"Branch manager."
"What is it?"
"I haven't told them directly yet, but I want to talk to you first."
"..."
"I want the two of them. Not just as exclusive, but truly."
"..."
"To say such things to me... I'll praise your nerve. But since you don't seem to understand, I'll be clear. If you don't have the strength..."
"Branch manager. Please re-evaluate me. Showing you this is my sincerity and determination."
I used the 'Appraisal Interference' skill and revealed everything except 'Level,' 'Level Gacha,' and 'Compression.'
"..."
"Alright. I'll see if you're worthy of entrusting them to you. ...Huh? What, what is this? In such a short time, how..."
The branch manager was stunned as she looked at my stats.
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