“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Philly Carpenter. I never dreamed I’d actually become a member of the Hero Party. I’m truly honored you reached out to me.”
Two days had passed since I’d kicked Orun out of the party.
As Orun’s successor, she would be joining our ranks starting today. Finally, I would be able to experience that sense of omnipotence at all times.
Until three months ago, Philly had been an Explorer active in the Great Labyrinth of the West. However, a different group had already conquered it, which meant Magic Beasts no longer appeared there. That was why she had come to this city; the Great Labyrinth of the South was said to be far more difficult. There were four Great Labyrinths on the continent, all supposedly consisting of one hundred floors, but only the South and North contained "Deep Floors." That was why they were considered the true challenge.
“Even if you didn't manage to clear the West Labyrinth, you were the only Enchanter to reach the hundredth floor, right? We're the ones who are honored to have someone like you join us.”
“Damn right! Now we can finally make some real progress in the South Labyrinth!”
“I will do my absolute best to be of help to everyone as soon as possible!”
Since today was our first official meeting, I, the Shield (Derrick), the Mage (Anneri), and Philly were gathered in the mansion's living room. Luna hadn't returned since our exploration ended two days ago, claiming she had business at her family home. Or so I thought, until the living room door opened and she stepped inside.
“I’ve returned. ...Do we have a guest? It’s rare for you three to handle the reception.”
Until now, Orun had always been the one to handle guests. Luna didn't know he was gone yet, so her reaction was only natural. Though, Philly was a comrade now, not a guest.
“Well, that’s fine. I apologize for bringing this up in front of company, but there is something I need to confirm immediately. Do you have a moment?”
“Yeah, it’s fine. Go ahead and speak here.”
“Wait, but...”
She likely didn’t want to talk in front of an outsider. However, Philly was a party member now, so it didn't matter if she heard. I just had to find the right moment to tell Luna that Orun was gone.
“It’s no problem.”
“...I see. Well then, I heard a rumor this morning that Orun-san entered the Great Labyrinth with members of the ‘Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky.’ Why would he be doing that? I haven't heard anything about this.”
Orun was with the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky? Did he crawl over to them already?
“I told him to know his place, so why did he go running to the Rabbits so fast...!” Anneri, sitting next to me, muttered under her breath. She seemed genuinely incensed.
“Hahaha! No kidding. Does he actually think he can still cut it as an S-Rank?” Derrick added in a mocking tone.
I really didn't want them making those comments right now. I hadn't told Luna about the situation with Orun yet. I’d mentioned before that I wanted to expel him, but she had been firmly opposed to the idea. I’d forced the matter through while she was away, so a confrontation was inevitable. I had intended to wait for the right timing, but...
Sure enough, Luna’s expression turned suspicious. I figured I should probably speak up before things got more complicated.
“Luna, you probably don't know, but that Jack of—I mean, Orun left the party two days ago,” Anneri blurted out before I could.
“What? Orun-san left the party? Does that mean... he finally gave up on us?” Luna’s voice trembled, her face a mask of confusion.
Whether it was the implication of her words or something else, Derrick snapped.
“Hey! Why are you making it sound like he abandoned us? It’s the other way around! Think logically! We kicked that Jack of all Trades out!”
Luna’s expression went blank. She turned toward me.
“Is that the truth?”
Her voice was so bone-chillingly cold that it made my spine freeze.
“Y-Yeah. It’s true. And she’s the Enchanter who’s newly joining the party.” Becoming desperate, I introduced Philly.
“N-Nice to meet you. My name is Philly. It’s a pleasure!”
“...I believe I made my opposition clear. Why did this happen the moment I was gone?” Luna ignored Philly’s introduction entirely, keeping her eyes locked on me.
“Hey! A new comrade is saying hello! Don't ignore her!” Derrick barked.
Luna spared him a single glance before returning her gaze to me.
“Don't you dare ignore me! Listen!” Enraged by her attitude, Derrick started to lung across his seat to grab her, but I reflexively shoved him back by the shoulder.
“Calm down, Derrick! Not now!”
Derrick clicked his tongue but remained in his seat.
“You understand, don't you, Luna? With Orun's level of ability, he wouldn't be able to keep up with us from here on out,” I said, trying to sound reasonable.
“............I don't understand at all. Orun-san was the core of this party. We only made it this far because he was here. Besides, his skills were beyond reproach. If anything, we won't be able to advance any further without him!”
Luna seemed to have a habit of overestimating Orun. They say love is blind, so I suppose it couldn't be helped. Still, what did she even see in him?
“You’ve been noisy enough!” Anneri finally exploded. “Maybe through your rose-tinted glasses that Jack of all Trades looks like a genius, but the public doesn't value him at all! Besides, it’s already over! Whining about it now won't change a thing! Just swallow it, whether you like it or not!”
Anneri had a personal grudge against Orun, so she was clearly satisfied with this outcome. Since Luna was denying her reality, it was no wonder she was angry. Personally, I felt Orun had been far too meddlesome anyway.
“............I suppose it is far too late for this conversation...” Luna muttered in a lifeless voice as she turned to leave the room.
“Luna, wait. We have an interview scheduled. I need you to stay.”
We were supposed to talk to a reporter about Philly joining. Usually, Orun was the one who handled the press. He’d been useful for that much, at least, but he wasn't here now. That meant I’d have to do it, and since I wasn't used to it, I wanted Luna there to help. Derrick and Anneri both had... social difficulties, to put it mildly.
Luna turned her freezing eyes back toward me.
“An interview? It’s about Philly-san, isn't it? Since I haven't been told a single thing, my presence won't make a bit of difference. Please leave me alone for now.”
With that, Luna walked out of the living room. Based on the footsteps, she’d headed straight to her room.
“What is with her! That attitude is unbelievable!”
“Seriously! I’m sick of her acting like she’s head over heels for that loser!”
These guys really needed to learn to keep their thoughts to themselves. I wished they’d pay more attention to their surroundings.
“U-Um... will I be able to get along with Luna-san?” Philly asked, clearly worried that Luna was a difficult person.
“Don't worry about it. She’s just a bit worked up right now, but she’s a good person. I’m sure you’ll become friends.”
“Is that so? I’m relieved to hear that.”
There was a bit of chaos following his departure, but Luna would eventually get back to her usual self. Once she did, this party would have no more uncertainties.
I am the Hero.
I have an obligation to conquer the Great Labyrinth as quickly as possible. And I’ll do it to make my name resound across the entire continent!
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