"U-Um..."
I had been stroking her head without thinking, but by the time I noticed, her tears had dried. Her moist eyes were fixed on me.
"Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to just start patting your head like that."
I pulled my hand away, and a small, lonely sound escaped her lips.
"T-Thank you so much for saving me...!"
She bowed her head deeply.
"You're very welcome."
"I thought I was finished... I’d already given up. That’s why, um... when you came to save me, I was r-really happy!"
The girl smiled at me, even as her face flushed a bright crimson. With her refined features—still holding a trace of childhood innocence—and that radiant smile, she was incredibly adorable.
Wait... I feel magic beasts approaching. A pack of goblins? She’s just been through a traumatic attack; the last thing she needs is more combat. We should avoid a fight for now.
Having sensed their presence, I immediately decided on our next move.
"It was a stroke of luck that I happened across you, but I'm glad I could help. Come on, let's get out of here."
"Y-Yes."
I stood up and offered her my hand. She took it with a shy "T-Thank you."
I pulled her to her feet and did a quick assessment of her condition. I had already cast 【Heal】, so she seemed fit enough to walk. With the girl following close behind, I headed for the exit.
By the time we reached the entrance to the 7th Floor, the party that had abandoned her was long gone.
They really are heartless through and through. Then again, if they’d stayed, it probably would have just led to a headache. Maybe it’s for the best.
We tapped our Guild Cards against the crystal and teleported back to the Labyrinth entrance.
◇
Now that we were safely back on the surface, my job as an unofficial bodyguard was over. The sun hadn't quite finished setting yet; she would be safe enough on her own from here.
"Well, now that we’re back, you can head home on your—"
"U-Um!"
I was about to suggest we part ways when her loud voice cut me off.
"I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to shout so suddenly..."
"No, it's fine. Is something wrong?"
"I just wanted to say thank you again for saving me!"
She bowed deeply once more, offering her gratitude for the third time.
Wait... I didn't notice it until now, but those clothes... and that crest on her cloak...
The girl was dressed as a Mage, wearing a blue dress with black knee-high socks and a dark cloak draped over her shoulders. Embossed on that cloak was a crest reminiscent of a crescent moon.
"—Ah! C-Come to think of it, I haven't introduced myself. My name is Sophia Claudel."
That outfit, that scarlet hair, and the name "Claudel"...
"My apologies for not giving mine either. I'm Orun Doura."
"Orun... That's a lovely name," Sophia whispered.
She likely intended it as a private thought, but I heard her loud and clear. Personally, I thought it was a fairly plain name, but it didn't feel bad to be complimented.
"S-So, Orun-san! I’m sorry that I can’t think of a proper reward, but..."
"I didn't save you because I wanted a reward. You’ve already thanked me plenty; that’s enough."
"I can't let it end like that! Please, at least let me treat you to dinner. I-It's not home-cooked, but..."
...I suppose dinner wouldn't hurt. If I were in her shoes, I’d probably feel restless if I didn't show some form of gratitude. Of course, I couldn't exactly let a girl younger than me pay for the whole thing, so I’d have to find a way to foot the bill in the end.
"Alright. I'll take you up on that. When were you thinking? My schedule is clear for a while, so anytime is fine."
"T-Then, if it's not too sudden, how about today? Um, starting tomorrow, I might not be able to clear my schedule for a bit..."
"Sure. Shall we go now? Do you have a place in mind? If not, I can recommend somewhere."
"I-I've already decided! It’s a bit of a budget restaurant, but... b-but the food is truly delicious!"
"I don't care about the price. If the food is good, I’m looking forward to it."
◇
We walked through the city for a while after leaving the Labyrinth entrance.
"W-We're here!"
I knew it. She’s part of the Rabbit’s circle.
The place she led me to was a popular tavern managed by the "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky"—one of the major Clans.
In short, a Clan is an organization that houses Explorers. Policies vary, but the basic model involves the Clan processing and selling materials brought back from the Labyrinth. They use those profits to maintain their members' gear, allowing them to push into deeper floors for even better loot—a self-sustaining cycle. Some Clans also branch out into restaurants like this one or general stores. Consequently, a Clan consists of more than just Explorers; they employ Blacksmiths, Magic Artificers, and Merchants as well.
There are several Clans in this country, but the "Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky" stands head and shoulders above the rest. The primary reason is that they host one of the only three S-Rank parties in existence.
But that’s not all. Their total membership is several times larger than the average Clan, and they’ve expanded into various business ventures—all of which have been remarkably successful. I’d heard there was some internal friction last year that led to a massive reorganization, but the fact that their public reputation hasn't wavered suggests their executives are incredibly capable.
I already knew Sophia was an Explorer for the Silver Rabbit because of the crest on her cloak. But if that was the case, why was she in a pick-up party with strangers instead of a party within her own Clan?
I suppose there was no point in dwelling on questions I couldn't answer.
I followed Sophia inside. The interior was stylish, and the clientele seemed mostly young. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere wasn't rowdy; it felt like a comfortable place to relax.
"Huh...? Sis, what are you doing here?"
Sophia scanned the room and spotted someone she knew. Wait—her sister?
Startled, I followed her gaze. There, just as I’d feared, sat a woman I knew quite well, dining alone.
"Hmm? Sophia? I had a meeting nearby today. It finished at the perfect time, so I decided to grab dinner here. More importantly, Sophia... have you gone and found a boyfriend already? I think it’s a bit too early for—"
The woman turned around, clearly intending to tease her sister about the man she was with. But the moment she locked eyes with me, her playful aura vanished, replaced by a sharp, piercing tension.
"It’s not like that! He saved me today, and I’m just trying to thank him... Oh, let me introduce you. This is... Huh? Sis?"
Sophia took the teasing to heart and tried to deny it, but she trailed off when she realized her sister's expression had completely changed.
"It’s been a long time, Orun Doura."
"Yes, it has, Selma Claudel-san."
I knew this woman well. After all, she was, in a sense, the very reason I’d been kicked out of the Hero Party.
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