Episode 71: A Practical Tryst for the Directionally Challenged

“So, you came here on business, but the crowds were too much and you lost your way?”

“Yeah... I planned to be here much earlier, but the food was so good—before I knew it, I was lost. My phone died, too, so I couldn't even call for help.”

Saaya-san usually projected an air of absolute composure, but as she sat on that park bench, she looked utterly defeated. She took the orange juice I’d handed her, sipping it slowly as she tried to regain some semblance of calm.

She wasn’t in her standard suit today. Instead, she wore something... what was the term? Refined? Neat? It was the first time I'd seen her in glasses. I guess she has a life outside the office after all, I thought, waiting patiently for her to find her voice again.

“Ah, this orange juice is actually really good...”

“Feeling any better?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Reima-kun. Ugh... today is such an important day. Why am I such a mess?”

She seemed to have calmed down, but the spark was gone, replaced by a dreary negativity. I wasn't sure how to encourage her. Without knowing the specifics of her situation, trying to help felt like a shot in the dark. I stood there, indecisive.

“Anyway, where are you supposed to be?”

“The special stage for the idol performance. I was asked to help out with the event today...”

“You never catch a break, do you? Is this the place?”

I pulled up the map app on my phone and showed her the location I remembered. She gave a series of small, rapid nods.

“That’s it,” she said, attempting to stand up and head off on her own.

“You’re just going to get lost again,” I sighed. “Why don't I walk you there?”

“Are you sure? But... isn't this your festival too?”

“It is, but our stall already sold out. Besides, I'm lost and bored. Might as well make myself useful.”

“...I didn't realize you were directionally challenged too, Reima-kun.”

She muttered something about how unexpected that was, but she stood up and waited for me to lead the way. So, there I was, navigating the sweltering crowds of Shinjuku with a map in one hand and a high-ranking official in tow.

“Based on the way the crowd is moving, we might have to take the long way around,” I noted.

“I’ve got an hour to spare, so... that should be fine?”

“Got it. Though, I have to ask—does the Dungeon Agency usually handle idol management?”

I knew she worked for the government’s Dungeon Agency; she was my direct handler, after all. I just couldn't picture her doing anything that didn't involve Adventurers.

“Well... an acquaintance asked if I could spare some time. I'm not very good at saying no.”

“I see. I've heard the idol appearing today—Kushinada-san—is a pretty big deal.”

“Are you a fan, Reima-kun?”

“Not really. But Shiki—my best friend—is obsessed. He’s been ‘educating’ me for days.”

In the lead-up to the Dungeon Festival, Shiki had spent days on a relentless missionary campaign. By the time he was done, I was an involuntary expert on everything Kushinada. I’d been forced to memorize her discography from her debut to her latest hits. I even had the fan calls down to a science. It was exhausting.

“I'm surprised Shiki-kun is into idols,” Saaya-san said.

“It fits him, in a weird way. He's an otaku for just about everything.”

“You two really are close. And Ayane-chan too, right?”

“I suppose so.”

“Must be nice. I never really had a normal childhood friend.”

Talking to her in a private setting was surprisingly easy, considering how depressed she’d looked earlier. I was glad to see her cheering up. But the casual atmosphere shattered when the ground beneath us jolted. A heavy tremor followed immediately. Saaya-san stumbled as the world shook. I reflexively lunged forward, catching her arm and pulling her toward me to keep her upright.

“Are you okay!?”

“Ah, yeah—thanks, Reima-kun.”

I'd gripped her pretty hard; I hoped I hadn't left a bruise. The shaking stopped as quickly as it had started, but it felt different from the minor quakes we'd been having lately. It was stronger. There was no visible damage, but a cold knot of unease tightened in my gut.

Just for a second, when the ground started to move... I felt the unmistakable ripple of magic power.

“Reima-kun? You look... scary. Is everything alright?”

“Oh, sorry. My bad. We're almost at the venue. You think you can make it from here?”

“Yes, I'm fine! Thank you for the escort. Here—take these.”

She pressed something into my hand. They were front-row tickets.

“For the Kushinada concert. There are four of them, so you can bring your friends.”

“Are you sure about this?”

“Think of it as a reward for the guide service. Just keep it a secret, okay?”

“Understood. I'll see you there.”

I sent a quick message to Shiki and Ayane’s group chat letting them know I was on my way back. With the unexpected gifts in hand, I headed back to find my friends.