"Ah. That's right. Rutina, you've been inside a Labyrinth before, haven't you?"
"I'm sorry. I haven't."
"Oh? Really?"
Rutina was a Villager Lv 1. She also held the Explorer Lv 1 job. Theoretically, that meant she had to have set foot in a Labyrinth at least once, but maybe she didn't remember it, or had entered without even realizing. Or perhaps she’d just briefly passed through one while traveling. I suppose I was the only one weird enough to use them for shortcuts like that. You couldn't enter a Labyrinth directly using Field Walk, after all.
"My father said the Labyrinth was far too dangerous," she explained.
Well, it certainly was dangerous. But as a Villager Lv 1, she really hadn't done anything at all. I’d heard that children of the nobility usually formed parties with guards; the guards would enter the Labyrinth to do the fighting while the children reaped the experience to level up. To think she hadn’t even done that much. No wonder they’d managed to stage a coup against her family.
"I see."
"From this moment on, I intend to turn over a new leaf and devote myself to my duties," she said firmly.
Well, if it weren't for the coup, Rutina never would have ended up with me. Looking at it that way, her lack of Labyrinth experience was acceptable. She would grow quickly enough anyway.
"There's no need to be so tense. While you're still getting used to things, don't overextend yourself. Just focus on observing the enemies carefully. You can worry about swinging your spear after you've found your footing."
"Yes, I understand. I apologize for being of no use to you yet."
"Don't worry about it. It's all in good time."
Since she would level up fast, she’d be able to join the fray soon enough.
"It will be fine. As long as she has the will to fight, no problems should arise in combat," Roxanne declared.
Roxanne certainly had a way of making bold claims.
"For now, I'll have her observe us on the 44th Floor."
"Yes. That would be for the best."
In the past, when a newcomer joined the party, we would start them off from the first floor, but I didn't think we needed to go that far anymore. Was I being overconfident? Probably not. In reality, we were fine. I could even apply plating with my Alchemist job for extra protection. I couldn't imagine us running into a life-threatening crisis here. If we were just going for a demonstration, the 44th Floor was as good a place as any. With Roxanne’s agreement, we warped to the 44th Floor of the Quratar Labyrinth.
I proceeded to dispatch the monsters there, mostly white caterpillars, with a steady combination of Thunder and Water Magic. I made it look easy, but "easy" was relative. It was only simple in the sense that I just had to think of the spells to cast them. The ones who really had it rough were those on the front line.
"Amazing... so this is how you fight," Rutina whispered, looking impressed once the battle was over.
"Something like that."
"Even though it was supposed to be Water Magic, it was glowing somehow."
"Ah, right."
I hadn't told Rutina yet that I could cast multiple types of magic simultaneously. She might not have noticed me using Water and Fire Magic together in the bath last night.
"No... wait. The monster stopped moving halfway through. I’ve heard that happens when a Wizard uses Thunder Magic. Was that actually Thunder Magic and not Water Magic? No... it was definitely Water Magic, I'm sure of it."
She’d almost reached the correct answer on her own. She was sharp.
"It is only natural, since he is our Master," Roxanne chimed in.
"W-Well, just think of it as a special case for me."
Because Roxanne jumped in with that strange remark, it became awkward to explain. Not that it mattered much.
We continued toward the Boss Room, clearing out monsters along the way. Rutina eventually joined in with her spear. It seemed she could fight properly after all; her parents had simply spoiled her and kept her from the front lines. There was nothing wrong with her technique. Even during the Boss Battle, she was vigorously thrusting her spear into the enemy. Even if she was just poking at it from the rear, it took guts. After all, even from the back, an attack could fly your way at any moment.
"I did it!" Miria cheered.
If we took things at a relaxed pace, Miria would usually finish the Boss Battle for us.
"I'm glad to see you can hold your own, Rutina."
"Thank you very much. I will do my absolute best not to be a burden."
She really needed to stop being so formal.
"Rutina is certainly doing well. There is no need for concern," Roxanne-sensei said, giving her seal of approval.
"Right now, we're training on the 44th Floor. As we move up, the battles will only get tougher, so I intend to stay on this floor for a while. I want you to focus on getting used to the rhythm of combat, Rutina."
"Yes. I want to gain strength so I can be truly useful in conquering the Labyrinth."
She was still so high-strung. I wished she’d just relax her shoulders a bit.
"Well, there's no rush."
"You're right," Rutina replied. "I thought the 44th Floor would be as harsh as hell itself, but even the Boss Battle ended quite easily. At this rate, I feel I can get used to it quickly."
"O-Oh."
I wasn't sure what to make of that impression. She was relaxing, sure, but maybe a bit too much?
"Yes. Because he is our Master, we can progress through Boss Battles with ease. We will likely move up to the higher floors soon," Roxanne said, her eyes shining with motivation.
See? Now Roxanne-sensei was getting fired up.
"Umm. I do think we're progressing quite easily compared to most," Sherry added.
Even Sherry was agreeing with her. We weren't moving up yet, okay? Though, it was a fact that combat had become significantly easier after I obtained the Wizard job. Even my Libertine skill had become the equivalent of a Wizard's Thunder Magic. In my case, things were much smoother than they would be for a normal Wizard. Before long, once my Wizard level rose enough, I would probably be forced to move to higher floors anyway. There were people in this party who were very eager to advance.
"Will do, desu," Miria chirped.
"I think it will be fine," Vesta agreed.
I assumed that "will do" meant continuing to fight on the 44th Floor. We were staying on the 44th Floor, right?
"Yes. I would like to do my best as well," Rutina said.
No. Please, really, let's take it slow. Seriously. For real. I'm begging you all.
In the end, we didn't move to the 45th floor but spent the time making rounds on the 44th. It was the only way to keep everyone’s growth steady. Rutina soon reached Villager Lv 5 and obtained the Mage job.
"Hmm. What should we do? Should you start fighting as a Mage immediately, or would you rather get more comfortable with the spear first? Which would you prefer, Rutina?"
"No, um... I'm sorry."
When I asked, she gave me a look of deep apology. I only wanted to know her preference, but I suppose it was a difficult choice for a beginner.
"As for how to proceed..."
Even if I eventually wanted her to be a Mage, I felt it might be wrong to force it before she was well-acquainted with the Labyrinth. Levels rose quickly at first, after all.
"No, it's not that," she interrupted. "As I mentioned earlier, my father told me I would never enter a Labyrinth, so I have done almost nothing. I should be able to become a Mage, but I think it will take a very long time to learn. I'm worried I will be a burden to you."
She was being way too humble.
"Well, you're already a Mage."
"Huh?"
"As a test, try thinking the words 'Fire Wall' in your mind."
After setting Rutina's job to Mage, I had her try it out.
"Eh... Eh? ...Ehh?!"
It was like a three-stage conjugation of shock. By thinking of Fire Wall, the incantation must have flooded her mind. That was the moment she realized she truly had become a Mage.
"That's how it works here."
"Eh... but how..."
"It is a simple matter for Master," Roxanne explained, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Well, if she says so. Let's just go with that.
"E-Eh..." Rutina looked a bit overwhelmed.
"Once you're a bit more used to things, I'll have you fight as a Mage. Maybe after we've taken a break. Until then, just keep observing."
"Y-Yes."
Postponing her debut as a caster was fine. I wondered if there was any point in having Rutina—whose future as a Mage was practically guaranteed—beat monsters down with her bare hands, but I decided to have her do it anyway. Having multiple jobs might be useful in some small way. At the very least, reaching Libertine would be beneficial. Though, the Libertine was a difficult job to use on its own, given it only had one effect and one skill. It was a job best suited for those who already had a wide repertoire.
Still, every member of this party had gone through the process of defeating monsters with their bare hands or with poison. I didn't want to give her special treatment; it might be interpreted as favoritism.
"Um... would it be alright if I tried using magic now?" Rutina suggested as we walked.
Magic, huh? She probably just wanted to try it out. I knew the feeling well. It wasn't because I was a Chuunibyou Earthling or anything, of course. My apologies.
"Sure. Why not? Try using Breeze Storm."
"Breeze Storm...!"
Rutina's expression shifted as she repeated the name. By holding the job and having the skill, the necessary incantation was now clear to her.
"Don't worry about attribute weaknesses for now. Just give it a try."
"Yes!"
On the off-chance of an accidental discharge, I recommended Breeze Storm. Fire Storm was always a bit nerve-wracking. Playing with fire is dangerous, after all. With Breeze Storm, even if she messed up and it went out of control, it would just be a gust of wind. Worst case, it might become a vacuum blade, but that was still better than an inferno.
"So Rutina is finally going to use magic? In that case, we should find a group with many opponents," Roxanne suggested.
Roxanne, that's what we call a bit of an "unreasonable demand" for a beginner. Though, I couldn't deny the suspicion that I had only been taking them to fight large groups lately anyway. Looking at how casually she said it, maybe she hadn't even noticed? Had she been holding back because it was Rutina's first time? I doubted it. A group of six monsters might have been fewer than our recent battles, but it wasn't "few."
Because it's Rutina's first time using magic, let's go where there are many monsters. Because it's Rutina's first time in the Labyrinth, let's go where there are many monsters. Because it's summer, let's go where there are many monsters. This was Roxanne's logic. There was no doubt about it.
Following Roxanne's lead, we found a group of six monsters. Just as I expected. The four vanguards dashed out, and I followed after casting two preliminary spells.
"O wind that travels on the scent, carry the martial might to repel the foe—Jet Stream! Breeze Storm!"
Rutina chanted her magic. So those were the words. I had never actually used the full incantation for Breeze Storm myself. Rutina seemed to have no trouble with the Brahim language; as an Earl's Daughter, her speech was refined. It seemed that among the nobility, Brahim was the standard for conversation. Chant Resonance didn't become an issue either, likely because I omitted my chants entirely. I was relieved to see her succeed on the first try. After releasing her magic once, Rutina overtook me and charged at the monsters with her spear.
Wait, only once? If she had fired a lot and run out of MP, I could have comforted her while she was dejected. How foolish of me. I am here for you. ...Yeah, no. My bad. I shouldn't try to manipulate situations like that. I'm sorry. Heh heh heh. This humble one is here to serve.
"I did it!" Miria cheered.
Since there were six monsters, I had used Thunder Magic to keep them off-balance, and Miria had picked them off one by one. We managed it easily enough.
"Thanks to Rutina's magic, that went smoothly."
"No, no. I hardly contributed anything significant."
"That is not true. As expected, opponents of this level were no match for us with you here," Roxanne said.
"O-Oh." Rutina was being humble, yet Roxanne was already trying to convince her we were ready for more. We aren't going to higher floors, Roxanne!
"Now that Rutina can cast magic, the party's combat strength has increased even further. It's wonderful," Roxanne continued.
"Yes. Having a dedicated Mage not only boosts our power but allows for much more flexible and strategic battles. It's all thanks to Rutina," Sherry added.
"As expected, desu!" Miria chirped.
"I think it's amazing," Vesta said warmly.
The four of them showered Rutina with praise.
"Thank you very much."
"It's tough at first, so don't push yourself," I told her. "Just fire off a spell whenever you feel like it. It'll take a few days for your magic to stabilize anyway."
"Yes. I’ve heard that using too much magic can make you feel ill. I will be careful not to cause you any trouble, Master."
On that note, I'd actually prefer it if you used too much and had to rely on me. You should cause trouble without holding back. Be bold about it. The great Noble is here to look after you.
"Well, there's no need to worry. Once you're more stable, we'll discuss your role in the party's strategy again."
"I understand."
We spent the rest of the time until breakfast making rounds on the 44th Floor. Since Rutina only used magic occasionally, she showed no signs of MP exhaustion. We could handle the 44th Floor without her anyway, so there was no pressure. She wasn't a burden, and having a sixth person didn't complicate things. It was going perfectly.
Initially, Rutina had been a bit timid with her spear, but by the end of the session, she was swinging it naturally. She was a quick learner. It seemed her sheltered upbringing hadn't dulled her instincts. She clearly felt the weight of her "noble duty" to be useful. In fact, because the threat of monsters was a constant reality, people in this world generally didn't have an aversion to fighting. Sherry, Miria, Vesta... they were all the same. Well, except for Roxanne, who was in a class of her own. I wasn't even sure if she fit into the normal category of "this world."
"I think that's enough for now. Shall we get some breakfast?" I suggested to the girl who transcended common sense. If I didn't say anything, she’d probably fight until the sun went down.
We’d been up late last night, so we’d started late this morning; the usual time for breakfast had long since passed. We warped to the Adventurer Guild's wall and did some shopping in Quratar. I walked through the city with my beautiful new party member at a later hour than usual. Anyone with half a brain could probably guess why. In fact, I felt like the shopkeeper’s eyes were saying, "You had a lot of fun last night, didn't you?"
That smirk. That knowing gaze. Yes, we did have fun. Thank you for asking.
Under the bright morning sun, Rutina was even more radiant. She looked like she was about to glow. Even seeing her up close, there wasn't a single flaw to be found. Not a blemish, not a shadow. Her skin, in particular, was breathtaking. Smooth, radiant, and lovely. It felt fundamentally different from anyone else’s. Was it the luster? The firmness? Whatever it was, she was intensely, purely beautiful. Maybe this was what people meant by "translucency," even if she wasn't actually see-through. It was incredible. Was it because she was an Elf? An Earl’s Daughter? Or just Rutina? I felt like I was being pulled into the depths of that perfect skin.
"By the way, Rutina, have you ever cooked a meal?"
"No. I haven't."
"In this house, we all help out. Eventually, I'll have you take a turn. I’d like you to learn how to make at least one dish."
"I understand."
I wondered if her bewitching skin was so perfect because she’d never had to do a day of kitchen work in her life. Well, once winter hit, I could just use a Fireball to heat up some water for her, so she wouldn't have to worry about chapped hands or frostbite.
"For now, just help the others while they're cooking."
"Yes."
"But before that... come here a moment."
I couldn't help it. Her skin was just too alluring.
"Yes?"
"Your misanga isn't wrapped quite right. I'll fix it for you."
Once we were back home, I called her over and knelt to re-wrap the Substitution Misanga around her ankle. I did it slowly. Carefully. Letting my fingers brush against her skin. I was well and truly mesmerized. I was enchanted by her radiance, seduced by her grace. I justified it to myself: the Substitution Misanga was her lifeline. It had to be wrapped perfectly so it wouldn't come undone. I wanted to wrap myself around her, too.
Well, I couldn't exactly do that right now. Could I? No, no. If I started that now, it would become a habit I couldn't break. I had to refrain. But that’s just how seductive she was. Fighting back the temptation, I finally headed to the kitchen.
"Vesta, Rutina, could you help me with this?" Roxanne asked.
"I think it will be fine," Vesta said.
"Understood!" Rutina replied.
It looked like they were getting started on breakfast. I decided to make a dish as well—scrambled eggs. Just whisk eggs with some milk and heat them lightly. Easy and fast.
"My father was always wearing misangas, and I used to think he was such a cowardly man. I didn't realize Adventurers actually used them too," Rutina remarked.
"Well, it's for peace of mind," I said.
I hated to hear the Substitution Misanga described as cowardice. Even Duke Harz wore one. Poor father, being criticized by his daughter like that. Was it because of his usual behavior?
"Is that just a common thing for Adventurers, then?" she asked.
"It really is a comfort in the Labyrinth."
"I see..."
"Um, excuse me. I feel like your conversation is missing each other," Sherry interrupted.
I thought we were doing fine.
"We're talking about misangas, right?" I asked.
"Yes, misangas," Rutina agreed.
See? We were on the same page.
"No," Sherry sighed. "Even if they're both misangas, aren't we talking about Substitution Misangas?"
"That's what I said. Misangas."
"Eh?..."
Wait. We weren't on the same page. Rutina froze in surprise at Sherry's words.
"It’s reassuring to wear a Substitution Misanga, isn't it?" I repeated.
"Y-Yes... then, um, is this one too?" Rutina looked down at the one on her ankle.
"Of course."
"...Is it not just an ordinary misanga?"
"Why would I wrap an ordinary misanga on you? Those are the weakest accessories. They have almost no effect at all."
Seriously, they were the bottom of the barrel. So far, I’d seen misangas, rings, earrings, and amulets. There were probably more, but misangas were the entry-level stuff.
"My father said that because Substitution Misangas are so precious, he would usually wear an ordinary one to pretend he was protected," Rutina explained.
So that's why she thought he was a coward. When he didn't have a real one, he wore a fake to trick assassins into thinking he had a second life. Would an assassin really give up just because of a misanga? I doubted it, but it might make them hesitate.
"I suppose it's not entirely ineffective as a bluff. I see."
"So I thought this was just a normal one as well..."
"I see."
"To think you would give me something so valuable. I am so sorry for my ignorance," Rutina apologized.
I felt a bit awkward. After all, my primary motivation had been an ulterior one. I just wanted an excuse to touch her. I just wanted to stroke that beautiful, glowing skin.
"This is simply how Master treats us," Roxanne said softly.
Yes. Just as Roxanne said, this is how I treat them.
Darn it. I overcooked the scrambled eggs while I was distracted.
"Thank you very much. Also... um..."
"Hmm?"
"Please, take this."
While I was wallowing in my culinary failure, Rutina hesitantly pulled something out of her pocket.
"A Gold Coin?"