I came to check if Liesel wasn’t dead from a hangover… but it was unnecessary worry.

I don’t know if he’s strong against alcohol or just didn’t drink much, but well… he was perfectly fine, just as usual.

In fact, he even showed some concern for Seriana and Elena, as if he had room to spare.

…Does this guy have no weaknesses or flaws?

As I thought this, staring at his face, it seemed like he noticed my gaze.

Well, I was in front of him, after all.

“Is something the matter?”

“It’s nothing…”

Somehow, I sat down as he suggested, sipping the tea that was prepared for me, and listened to him talk about last night’s party.

Most of the guests were people from the capital, but since it was just before the busy season preparing for the rainy period, the party was said to have been quite lively, serving also as a way to refresh everyone.

I don’t know how parties in this world get lively, but it seems Seriana’s hair was also a big part of that.

“Seria always takes care of her appearance, but I was really surprised yesterday. I think you did it, right, Sera?”

“Yeah. It was a birthday gift.”

Well, I was surprised even as the one who did her hair. The light coming through the window during the day made her hair reflect the light.

Under the bright lights in the hall, it was even more dazzling.

But, it seems like her hair was the main point of attention.

I guess that can’t be helped?

As I groaned over that, Liesel asked me how much of a burden my new method would be.

I told him it would take time, but it wouldn’t be much different… Does he want to try it, too?

I might end up doing foot reflexology, you know?

I thought that, but it seemed like that wasn’t what he meant.

“That was quite dramatic with Seria’s hair… I think in a month or two, it’ll reach Mother’s and Sister’s ears. You might be asked to do something when you head to the royal capital or the Mercenal territory… I can refuse for you if it’s too difficult, though. What do you think?”

“Ah…”

Whether I go alone or not, I’ll probably visit both places eventually.

When that time comes, will I be able to refuse a request from a woman at the top of the country?

Well, I don’t think either of them will ask anything unreasonable, but it’s nice of him to prepare in advance.

“Hair’s fine, but… the other thing is…”

“Other thing… Oh, the new massage, right?”

“Yes, that’s it. It’s painful, so I won’t be doing that.”

It seems like only her hair has been getting attention, but if she’s interested and wants to try it… During the treatment, even if the two of them don’t say anything, I wonder how the guards will react… It might get dangerous.

“…Is it painful because of your strength, Sera?”

He looked puzzled, but yeah, it’s painful.

Probably.

At any rate, he seemed to be satisfied with my explanation.

Over the next few months, we’ll be handling a lot with the royal capital and surrounding territories regarding the dungeon and divine coins, so he said he’d pass the word along when the time came.

Still… what a thoughtful guy.

We kept talking, and just as I was finishing my tea, Liesel suddenly spoke up as if he remembered something.

“Oh, also… the items submitted by Lady Fiora. The testing is done, and though it’s limited to you, I’ve decided to approve their use in the dungeon. There are a few conditions for carrying them to avoid accidents, but feel free to use them.”

“Wow! That was fast!”

I thought it would take more time, especially for such items.

It’s only for me right now, but since they were custom-made for me, there’s no problem.

Does this mean I’ll have an opportunity to challenge the dungeon soon?

“Seria asked me to hurry it up because you’d get bored. You can pick them up from the Knight Order headquarters tomorrow.”

“Ah…! Thank you!”

Tomorrow, huh. I’ll prepare a bit, and then I’ll challenge it the day after tomorrow or the day after that!

◇

Night.

In Seriana’s room, with the usual members gathered, Fiora joined us as well.

Seriana and Elena, who were suffering from hangovers in the morning, were already in perfect shape by the evening, and everything felt normal again.

However, a slightly different scene was unfolding.

I never usually comb someone’s hair.

But since Elena didn’t get her hair done for her birthday gift, unlike Seriana, I decided to do it for her since it wouldn’t take long.

Then, with some free time and the usual care I get from Teresa and Fiora, I decided to take care of their hair too.

I finished Fiora’s first and was working on Teresa’s hair when I told them that I’d received permission to use the items from Liesel.

“Ah… so the approval came through.”

“Yeah. I’m thinking of heading to the dungeon the day after tomorrow or the day after that. Is that alright?”

When I looked at Seriana, she and Elena exchanged a glance before nodding.

“It’s fine, but are you going to go alone to the lower levels again? Alec will be out patrolling the territory for a while. Don’t expect any help.”

“Ah… Is that so? Hmm… I think I’ll be fine?”

It seems like they approve, but they don’t really want me to go to the lower levels alone.

Well, even though they prepared for it, Seriana knows I’ve already given up once before.

If it comes to that, I could always use the 【Hideout】, but I guess they want me to have some insurance, just in case.

Hmm… Should I wait until Alec has some free time?

It feels like it’ll take too long, and as I hesitated, Fiora suggested something.

“Then, you should take Zighart with you.”

“…You want me to bring him as a guard?”

Zighart.

He’s our strongest fighter, capable of anything.

As insurance, he’d be more than enough… Actually, he might be overkill.

But…

“I wanted to test how the items perform in real combat, so this is perfect.”

I see.

Though the items are almost custom-made for me, they must want data from real usage.

Well, if that’s the case, I’ll gladly take her up on the offer!

…Though, Zighart isn’t here right now!

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

Sera・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind Garb】・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】・13 cards

Seriana・【Range Identification】・【】・28 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・8 cards