“We’ve arrivedー！”

The long battle against the boss in the lower floors is finally over.
As I moved down the hallway connecting to the lobby in front of the dungeon, my speed naturally increased, and although I was supposed to be in the middle of the line, I ended up crossing the finish line first without realizing it.
Well, it’s a usual occurrence…

The interior of this lobby is nearly complete.
Right now, they’re in the process of creating a special room where nobles will be able to evaluate adventurers once the dungeon is open to the public.

There are no strict regulations for the interior design here, and each adventurer guild has its own style.
In the royal capital, the design was more rugged, with no places to sit and not much space for relaxation.
Zelkis followed that style as well.

On the other hand, here, benches and tables have been set up, creating a more relaxed, café-like atmosphere.
Of course, they won’t be serving alcohol, but simple drinks are said to be available.
This was Seriana’s idea.

Although there’s nothing here yet!

“Good job.”

“Woah!?”

As I took a moment to relax while observing the lobby, Fiora called out from behind me, and I let out a surprised shout.

“…How rude.”

“Ah, sorry… It’s just that, usually, no one is behind me.”

“I see… It’s convenient, isn’t it? I’m glad you were here today.”

Saying that, she dismounted from her small ball and handed it over to me.

“Yeah. If you need it, just ask anytime.”

Although Fiora is capable of riding a horse, this small ball is much more practical for fieldwork.

“You’ll probably need to get permission from your wife first, though…”

“Maybe!”

As we laughed together, the other members also appeared from the hallway into the lobby.
It seemed like everyone had returned safely.

“Hmm… Today was pretty long, huh? I think I’ll go back to the mansion, take a bath, and nap before dinner.”

Stretching, I mentioned my plan for when we returned to the mansion.

Even though it had only been half a day, being in the dungeon for so long was exhausting.
I might end up sleeping through the night if I’m alone, but someone will probably wake me up.
And for dinner, I’ll ask for something light and refreshing.

“Well, you still have to help with carrying the materials, right?”

However, Fiora stopped me with those words.

“Ugh… That’s right…”

There was still an important task left to do… but could it wait until tomorrow…?

◇

The dry sound of slapping and a light pain on my cheek.
I’ve gotten used to it by now, as it happens every time.
I just want to stay in bed a little longer.

“He’s not waking up.”

“No, he’s just refusing to come out.”

It seems like it’s Seriana and Elena who are by my side.

As expected of Seriana… she knows exactly what’s going on.
But if she knows that, why doesn’t she just let me sleep?
I’ll just grab something to eat from the 【Hideout】 later… aaaaaaaaaaaah!?

“Aahhh!? W-Wait!? What are you doing!?”

I was pulled out of bed by my feet, turned upside down.

I protested loudly, but…

“You’re awake now, aren’t you?”

“Yes, indeed.”

It was Elena who was holding me, but it must have been Seriana who gave the orders…
Ignoring my protests, the two of them calmly started talking.

Although all I could see was their stomachs, their attire was a bit casual.
So, it seems there were no guests today.

“…Put me down.”

Even though protesting seems useless, I’ll at least glare at them for future reference.
I twisted my body and glared at their faces.

“Why are you making such a strange face? Hurry up and wash your face, and get changed.”

“I heard the head chef prepared a light menu for you.”

At Seriana’s words, Elena lifted me and placed me back on the bed.

…Although I was put down, my protests were completely ignored.
What can I say…?

“Hey, lately, aren’t you treating me a bit roughly?”

It’s not like I want to be treated like royalty, but… just a little more consideration…

“Oh, that’s actually a good thing.”

“What do you mean?”

What’s good about being treated roughly?

“You know, back then, if I treated you roughly, you’d almost die. It’s a sign you’ve grown a bit.”

“That’s true. You’ve gotten heavier, so lifting you is much harder now.”

The two of them shared a glance and laughed.

Damn it… I don’t have any allies…

“Wait… huh? Where’s Teresa?”

Speaking of allies, Teresa wasn’t here.
She usually joins us halfway through, but…

“She’s attending to the knights’ guests today. She’s acting as your proxy. Now, enough of this, your head should be clear now, right? Hurry up and get ready.”

“Alright.”

I’m doing work on the same day I return from the dungeon… and my proxy at that, it’s a little embarrassing, but I can’t do her job…
I’ll have to do my best.

In my mind, I bowed my head to Teresa while taking off my nightclothes and began preparing.

———————————————————————————————————————————————————

Seria・【Hideout】 +1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Clothing】・【Floating Orb】 +1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee’s Sting】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Snake’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・7 cards

Seriana・【Area Identification】・【】・28 cards
Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・3 cards
Alec・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・7 cards