Sharon, Laurier, Mina, Kagura-san, and Aura each sent me off with their own versions of farewell.
Sharon actually wanted to join the labyrinth exploration, but she gave up the thought since she had something else she wanted to do.
Laurier is wearing a maid uniform for some reason. Recently, she seemed to have awakened to the path of maids and even becoming Mina’s apprentice somehow. I really have no idea why.
Perhaps Sharon wanted to do a similar thing?
Mina bowed deeply with a beautiful posture and perfection, as usual.
Laurier’s path will be harsh, but do your best.
Kagura-san said that she’ll probably craft something once the magic stone supply arrives, so she’s going to prepare in advance.
As for Aura, she’ll instruct the knights alongside Yunikram.
Other than that, Kyaron has also been accepted as a church official, so she’ll be quite busy with various things from now on.
Most of that were based on Rithina’s assignment.
I’ll just leave the managing in her good hands.
[Well then, I’m going. I leave the town in your care.]
After exchanging a few more words, we finally went on our way.
=====
――――――――――
[So this is the carriage.]
After taking the request to explore the labyrinth at the adventurers guild, we were taken by Etna to the town’s entrance where our carriage is waiting.
The prepared carriage is actually much better than any other carriage I’ve seen running around here but of course, it still cannot be compared to Kurato.
The job, this time, is small-scale so we decided to not use Kurato.
It belonged to the royal family anyways.
However, as I’ve already been spoiled by Kurato’s accommodations, it’s a bit disappointing.
Not that I mind.
[Next, this is the labyrinth exploration permit.]
Saying so, Etna handed me a piece of paper.
Looks similar to the border pass paper. At least the format is.
[Yes. Thank you.]
I took the permit.
Not forgetting to make direct contact with Etna-san’s fingers in the process.
[Ah.]
When our fingers touched, Etna-san blushed a little, turning her eyes downward.
I can feel it.
Something has been achieved.
I’m steadily climbing the stairs here.
I was on track, I thought as I kept holding Etna-san’s hand.
Deheheh.
[Eh, ermm… that. Haruto-san and everyone as well. Please take care in your labyrinth exploration]
Since there is no Sharon to stop me, I’m doing as I wish with Etna-san. Etna-san continued on despite some stuttering at the beginning.
But she refrained from shaking my hand.
That simple act would be enough to raise the tension even higher.
[Oi, don’t take your own sweet time!]
Ugh.
[Ooh!?]
[Kyaah?!]
It was Tanya who jumped behind my back and kicked me.
Is it luck disguised as misfortune? I was pushed forward by that kick, and hit Etna-san. After a series of movement, the scene ended up with me holding Etna-san so as not to let her fall down.
It’s a position where I’m in such a close proximity with Etna-san.
Tanya-chan, nice assist.
Her eyes moistened a little.
Silence.
Then a sighing voice reached my ears.
This, isn’t this the right moment for kiss? Should I go for it? This!
I should! Surely this is the moment!
Not.
[Pardon me. Are you okay?]
[Ah…ye, yes. I’m okay. Thank you.]
If we were alone, then I would’ve gone all the way.
But Leon is with us now, right?
Should I act gentlemanly?
I don’t know what I’m thinking any more.
[…..are you a beast?]
Ha?
It’s not only because Leon is here.
Elcure was also looking at me like she was staring at trash.
Harsh.
I don’t mind Sharon’s cold gaze because deep down, it’s love. But Elcure’s gaze felt so much harsher, I felt like she’s about to swallow me whole.
This fellow, I should’ve just left her behind.
It’s about time, huh?
I released Etna-san from my embrace, sighed and said it once again.
[Y-yosh, let’s go.]
After loading the baggage into the carriages and with Etna-san sending us off, the five of us finally left Aria town to explore the labyrinth.