When we returned to the mansion, Rasa-san welcomed us.
[We’re back, Rasa.] Karina
[Karina-sama… you safely returned.] Rasa
Rasa-san gently embraced Karina.
Well, if you think about it normally, of course she’s worried. That’s because a 10-year-old girl, along with some adventurers, went to a place crawling with monsters.
Seeing her being hugged like this, it felt like an older sister was very worried about her.
[Rasa, it’s painful.] Karina
[I am very sorry. I was worried and very anxious when I heard the story from the adventurers who came back a while ago.] Rasa
The adventurers who came back?
It’s probably Uragan’s party.
[It’s okay because everyone was with me.] Karina
[But there were hundreds of worms, and there was also a big worm. I almost collapse when I heard the story.] Rasa
It’s definitely Uragan’s party.
[Yup. But it’s okay because Yuna-san defeated each and every of them.] Karina
[Yes, it was okay because I heard that the adventurers cooperated and defeated them.] Rasa
[It’s mostly thanks to Yuna-chan.] Mel
Jade-san’s party members were laughing, while listening to the conversation.
Certainly, Uragan’s party worked very hard to kill the worms that I dug. And the only one in his group that kept up with me was Uragan.
Uragan’s party was also very helpful by dismantling the countless number of worms.
[Yuna-san was really cool! She killed such a big worm all by herself.] Karina
Karina tried to express the size of the big worm by holding her hands wide open.
She also stretched her arms to imitate me, casting my magic.
Do I really look like that?
[Fufu, that’s amazing.] Rasa
[A~~, Rasa. You don’t believe me? It’s true! I’m telling you. There was such a big worm!] Karina
[Fufu, I believe you. I heard from the adventurers.] Rasa
[So why are you laughing!] Karina
I think that’s because Karina’s expression was so cute.
Karina puffs her cheeks to Rasa-san who’s smiling.
Jade-san, who was watching these two, called out apologetically.
[Karina, it’s about time we report to Balima-san right?] Jade
[I am very sorry.] Rasa
[I’m sorry, Rasa, let’s talk later.] Karina
Karina and Rasa-san both apologized, after noticing that they were talking to each other for too long.
[Yes, I’m looking forward to it.] Rasa
We were guided by Rasa-san to the room where Balima-san is.
When we entered the room, Balima-san looked at us with a surprised look.
[Karina!?] Balima
[Father, I returned.] Karina
When Karina entered the room, she was immediately approached by Balima-san.
[Karina, were you hurt anywhere?] Balima
Balima-san distorted his face in pain as he tried to hold his daughter while approaching her.
[Father!] Karina
[I’m alright. The scar just hurts a little. But more importantly, I can’t help but holding my precious daughter.] Balima
[You’re injured, so don’t overdo it. Hold me when you’re fully healed.] Karina
[Then we have to hurry it up and heal it.] Balima
Balima-san gave up on holding her and just pet Karina’s head instead. Then, he turned his attention to us.
[I received a report from the adventurers who returned. I heard that you all killed a swarm of worms and a big worm in the desert. You even defeated the monsters around the pyramid, which was not in the contract. I don’t know how to thank you. Of course, I will add it separately from your reward, so please receive it.] Balima
[Do…….] Yuna
Before I open my mouth, Jade-san obediently said, [Thank you].
Toya suddenly said [Oh yeah! I can finally afford the Mithril Sword!]. Mel-san and Senia-san were both happy as well.
That would have been dangerous. I almost said, [Don’t worry about it].
Jade-san’s response is the response of a normal adventurer. It’s normal to receive a reward for what you’ve done.
If I was the only one who came here, I might have turned down the reward by saying, [Don’t worry about it] or [There was only a monster in my path] or something like that.
Anyway, I almost refused everyone’s additional reward.
[So I heard that a big scorpion appeared in the underground of the pyramid and there was something inside its body, is that true? Uragan-san and his colleagues have told me to listen to the details when you returned.] Balima
He anxiously asked us.
Uragan and his crew’s information was only to the extent of what they heard from Jade-san’s party, so he has no choice but to ask us.
[Father, it’s true. But it’s okay now. The big Scorpion was defeated by Yuna-san and the crystal plate was recovered.] Karina
Karina took the crystal plate out of the item bag and gave it to Balima-san. He looks very happy when he received the crystal plate.
[That’s good. That is really good. Thank you everyone.] Balima
[Even if you say that, it’s Yuna-chan who defeated it alone.] Mel
[We’re not very useful in that fight.] Senia
When Balima-san thanked everyone, Mel-san and the others answered honestly. You don’t have to say that. Mel-san and the others were very helpful to me.
Karina seemed to notice and gave her support.
[It’s not like that. It’s true that Yuna-san defeated the Scorpions, but Mel-san and Senia-san protected me on both sides. Toya-san protected me from behind. Jade-san defeated the monsters that appeared in the front. With everyone’s help, I was able to go to the underground of the pyramid with a peace of mind.] Karina
[Fufu, thank you Karina-chan. It made me happy when you said that.] Mel
[It’s exactly what Karina says It was because of everyone’s help. I would like to thank everyone again. Thank you. We will prepare a small feast for dinner, so please eat with us.] Balima
[Oh yeah!] Toya
Toya is very happy.
Mel-san elbowed Toya’s side.
[Thank you.] Mel
Mel-san expressed grat.i.tude on behalf of everyone.
[Then, please take a rest before the meal.] Balima
Jade-san and others left the room.
[Karina….] Balima
Finally, when Karina and I tried to leave, Balima-san stoped Karina. Then, he approached her slowly.
[Father?] Karina
[Karina, you should have this.] Balima
[But this is…..] Karina
[I’m sorry Karina, but I’ll need you to go to the Pyramid again.] Balima
Well, that’s true.
Only Karina and her mother, Ristil-san, can use the crystal plate. It’s impossible for Ristil-san, who has a baby in her stomach. So, Karina who can use the power of the crystal plate is needed.
However, what I am concerned about is the possibility that I can also use it.
When I remembered that time at the sacred tree of the Elven Village, I wonder if it could be used by me. However, I can’t give it a try just like that. If the crystal plate reacts to me and it is found that I can use it, it will be very troublesome.
Karina stared at the crystal plate.
Then slowly extend her hand to the crystal plate.
[Father… I understand. You can leave it to me.] Karina
Karina received the crystal plate with great care.
[Yuna-san, I leave my daughter to you.] Balima
Balima-san bowed a little.
We went to the designated room until it’s time for dinner.
Uragan’s party and the other adventurers were there. Each of them was either sitting on a sofa or a chair and relaxing.
One of them was kinda frightened and muttering the bear is back.
Hey, I’m not doing anything, right?
[It looks like you’re back safely.] Uragan
[I have just reported to Balima-san. So Uragan and the others are here.] Yuna
[When I returned to make my report, I was told to rest in this room. So I was asked to go and check on you if you didn’t come back.] Uragan
Certainly, he needed insurance when his daughter didn’t come home.
Uragan’s party who knew the reason were quicker to ask, than going to the Adventurer’s Guild.
[So you killed the big Scorpion that Jade’s party were talking about?] Uragan
[Of course, Yuna-chan defeated it.] Mel
Uragan asked me, but for some reason, Mel-san replied with pity in her eyes as if he had fallen to the abyss.
Well, it’s okay, though.
[Is it just as rumored?] Uragan
[As rumored?] Yuna
[A story about you.] Uragan
It’s fine that you’re telling stories to others, but I’m really worried about the content of the rumors that you’re spreading.
Well, I’m sure the rumors were just about the bears, bears, and bears.
[Oh right. It’s Yuna’s request, but can you all keep the fact that Yuna killed a big Scorpion, a secret?] Jade
Jade-san asked them for me.
[But why?] Uragan
[She doesn’t want to stand out.] Jade
Everyone’s gaze turned to me.
Yeah, I know what you mean. I really understand what you mean.
However, there is a big difference between standing out because of Bear-san’s appearance and standing out by killing a big monster.
If rumor spreads, the troublesome work will surely come.
It’ll be a pain.
It’s good to stake your neck for yourself, but it’ll a pain to be troubled by it.
[Ahahahahahaha.] Uragan
You don’t have to laugh that much.
Uragan laughed at me. Along with that, his party members also laughed.
Except for one…
Yea, that one adventurer who always gets terrified whenever he sees me.
[Everybody, stop laughing! Stop making fun of that bear!] Man
The man tried to stopped their laughing.
[Oh, yes, yes, of course. We’ll stop laughing at you as well. Even so, I wonder if you also pummeled him before… You really are one ridiculous girl. I’m fine with keep silent about it.] Uragan
[Really?] Yuna
[Oh, just show me that Scorpion. I’m an adventurer, too. I’ve never seen a Scorpion so big that made Jade’s party ran away.] Uragan
[We didn’t run away. we just followed Yuna-chan’s words.] Mel
[It’s the same thing.] Uragan
[………] Mel
[If she really defeated such a big monster, I’d love to see it as an adventurer.] Uragan
It’s a subtle deal.
If I don’t show it to him, he’ll go and tell others. (Well, most of them won’t believe it even when he says it. But if the adventurers from Crimonia knew about it, it may be recognized as true.)
But I think it’s better to show it and make him promise to shut up than to say something like .
When I look at Jade-san’s party, they don’t try to get their mouths in the way.
This seems to be up to my judgment.
[Fine then. I’ll show you, so shut up. If you talk about this to anyone, you’ll be like that guy.] Yuna
Though I don’t remember him at all, I point a finger at the adventurer who was scared of me.
The adventurer who was scared replied, more than anyone else.
Still, was he one of those whom I’ve beaten up when I first came to Crimonia?
To be clear, I don’t remember any other faces except Deborane.
[Oh, okay then. I promise. Everyone promised as well.] Uragan
When Uragan replied, the other adventurers’ nod as well.
[But where can I show it?] Yuna
The Scorpion is too big.
And I don’t want outsiders to see it.
Then, the place where the Scorpion will be put out is limited.
[In that case, the backyard is wide, so it’s okay.] Karina
Karina, who was silently listening, suggested.