Chapter 9, Welcome Party

Translator: Kazumi

Editor: Silavin

 

Roman and his friends entered the city without any problems, passing through the checkpoint. They had teleported outside the city to approach it properly, following the usual procedures.

 

Once inside, the group headed straight for the guild base. Even though they had already visited the city before, everyone looked curious as Eku led them toward the outskirts where the Tower stood. When they arrived in front of the base and she explained its purpose, their expressions cleared with understanding.

 

“This building will serve as our base of operations,” Eku explained. “You’re free to stay at an inn in the city, but you can use the rooms here at no cost. Please make yourselves comfortable either way.”

 

The highest expense for Adventurers was, without question, accommodation. Whether staying at inns or renting rooms, it represented a considerable burden. Having access to the guild base for lodging would greatly reduce that cost. The building before them had more than enough rooms to accommodate everyone present—Eku had ordered it built like this precisely in anticipation of this situation.

 

As Eku and the others entered the building, they found Kousuke already relaxing inside. The area just inside the entrance normally served as a space for guild members to receive requests. However, since the guild did not have many members to begin with, it now functioned simply as a place for small gatherings and meals.

 

Kousuke was waiting there for Eku to bring the current members.

 

“Oh, you’ve arrived,” he said.

 

Lirica was the first to respond. “Kou…sama!”

 

She had almost said Kousuke’s real name but caught herself at the last moment. She was still somewhat careless, much like before. Of course, Lirica only revealed this side of herself in front of a select few.

 

While Roman and the others looked confused by Lirica’s enthusiasm, Cecil and Arisa also stepped forward to greet him.

 

“Kou-sama, you look well,” Cecil said.

 

“I never thought we’d have the chance to work together again.” Added Arisa.

 

Kousuke smiled and nodded to the three who had greeted him. “It’s been a while, everyone. I’ll be relying on you again. Though this is actually the first time I’m working with Lirica.”

 

“Yes,” Lirica responded with a polite nod.

 

Everyone was surprised by Lirica’s deferential attitude, but something even more unexpected happened next. A door further back opened, and two strikingly beautiful women appeared. Their presence immediately captured the attention of everyone present, regardless of gender.

 

The two beautiful women were Kouhi and Mitsuki.

 

“It’s wonderful to see everyone reunited,” Kouhi said, “but for now, could you please help me bring out the food?”

 

Upon hearing this, Cecil and Arisa immediately responded, perhaps from habit developed in their past work together.

 

“Of course,” Cecil said promptly.

 

“I’ll help,” Arisa added.

 

They followed Kouhi toward the back room. Roman and the others hurriedly tried to join them, but Mitsuki gestured for them to stop.

 

“Cecil and Arisa are enough,” she said. “Please, take a seat and wait.”

 

Whether overwhelmed by her commanding presence or simply inclined to follow the beautiful woman’s instructions, Roman and the others obediently sat in the chairs provided. It seemed only natural that the party members grouped together, sitting with their respective teams.

 

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Everyone stared in amazement as Cecil and Arisa brought out dish after dish. The food was impressive not only in quantity but in quality—each plate looked worthy of a first-class chef’s signature.

 

After all the dishes were served, Cecil and Arisa, having fulfilled their roles as servers, joined the table.

 

Kousuke looked around at the gathering and addressed the group.

 

“I’ve prepared this small feast to celebrate the beginning of your activities here,” he said. “Such meals won’t be frequent, but I hope you enjoy it today. I’ll explain what each party will be responsible for later, but first, please restore your energy with these dishes.”

 

He paused, lifting a glass from the table. “To the success of this request! Cheers!”

 

Everyone raised their glasses in response. Though the drinks were not alcoholic, the sentiment was appreciated. With the toast complete, the meal began in earnest.

 

Exclamations of delight arose with every bite, and Kousuke felt pleased that he had arranged for the meal—though Mitsuki had been the one who prepared it all.

 

As the welcome party drew to a close, Eku stood to announce their assignments. Even those who had been animated during the celebration now listened with serious expressions.

 

However, the roles were not particularly remarkable. Roman’s group was tasked with conquering Gazenran Tower. The party that had been stationed at the base would complete requests from the official guilds. The remaining party would venture into the field to fulfill other assignments.

 

It was nothing extraordinary. They were simply instructed to continue their normal activities as Adventurers in this city. The only restriction was that they would act as guild members, but otherwise, there was little difference from their usual work. They were even free to disband at any time.

 

Everyone looked disappointed when they heard this explanation. Since Lirica had joined alongside Cecil and Arisa, they had anticipated something more significant. Their surprised expressions revealed how unexpectedly ordinary the request seemed.

 

While the Adventurers were still processing this information, Kousuke called Cecil, Arisa, and Lirica aside to speak privately. Though their basic duties would be similar to the other Adventurers, he had specific roles in mind for each of them.

 

“First, Lirica…” he began.

 

“Y-Yes!” Lirica straightened her posture immediately.

 

Kousuke gave a wry smile as he noticed how stiff she became now that the other Adventurers were not watching.

 

“Can you do something about that rigid demeanor of yours?” He gently asked.

 

“Hmmmm, that’s impossible!” she replied earnestly.

 

When Roman and the others were present, Lirica acted somewhat superior, but when they were gone, she revered Kousuke like a deity. At this point, Kousuke thought her ability to switch personas was too skillful.

 

“I see. Well, it can’t be helped, but please try to relax while we’re conquering the Tower.”

 

He knew that constant tension, even inside the Tower, could lead to problems.

 

“Yes! …Eh? Conquer?” Lirica’s eyes widened.

 

“That’s right. I want you to work with us to conquer the Tower.”

 

“What?! Together with Kousuke-sama?!” Her voice rose to a pitch that suggested she might faint from excitement.

 

Kousuke wondered if she was going to be fine but pressed on regardless. “Something bothered me when we were exploring the lower Floors. I’ll have quite a few questions for you.”

 

Lirica tilted her head thoughtfully, regaining some composure. “What would you like to ask? Is it related to the other Gods?”

 

It was the most logical assumption from her perspective, given why she had been called.

 

“Yes, that’s correct,” Kousuke confirmed.

 

“I understand. But is it really necessary for us to conquer the Tower together? Couldn’t we just discuss it now?”

 

Kousuke shook his head. “There are some things I need to confirm on-site. It can’t be helped.”

 

“I understand,” Lirica nodded with complete acceptance.

 

After settling this matter, Kousuke turned his attention to Cecil and Arisa, ready to discuss their assignments next.