A few hours had passed since we subdued the hideout.

After conducting a preliminary investigation of any valuable findings, we decided to withdraw for the time being. A more thorough examination would be conducted later, and the hideout would remain under surveillance for the time being.

Well, the Arceus Salvation Party was already considered a significant threat within the kingdom. The Kingdom’s military, among others, would likely conduct a more detailed investigation.

Thus, we were currently on our way back to Rastal Village by carriage. Several senior adventurers persistently invited me to join their party, but I politely declined.

Meanwhile, Eujess was loudly boasting about his achievement in crushing the White Wolves, but no one was paying him any attention.

To be fair, his accomplishments were indeed impressive.

However, the fact that we had uncovered and subdued the Arceus Salvation Party’s hideout seemed to overshadow his feat. His shouting was, if anything, starting to annoy people.

And then—

“…You’ve followed me all the way here… Mary.”

“Of course!!”

Swaying with the motion of the carriage, Mary—formerly a maid of the Macba household—clenched her arms tightly.

“There’s no way I’d just return to the royal capital after finally reuniting with you, Arios-sama! Please let me serve you once again!”

“Well… even if you say that…”

I scratched the back of my head.

For the record, the ordinary civilians who had been imprisoned were being escorted back to their respective homes by the adventurers.

However, Mary had already left the Macba household and had no place to return to.

That’s why she had declared, “I’ll follow Arios-sama!”—which led to the current situation.

“Mary… Unlike my father, I don’t have any wealth right now. I don’t have the money to hire you.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? I don’t need money.”

“…What?”

Wait, wait.

What is she even saying?

“I’ve realized something. The days I spent serving you, Arios-sama, were the happiest of my life. Even if I were paid, I wouldn’t want to serve Dudley-sama… No, I mean Dudley.”

“Yeah, I agree with that.”

Sitting next to Mary, Ray nodded in clear disgust.

“Guarding that Dudley… No way. Absolutely no way. So I totally get how you feel.”

“Raymira-sama…”

“Arios, let her stay with us. Think of it as an act of kindness.”

“An act of kindness…?”

I wasn’t quite sure how this counted as helping someone. After all, I wasn’t actually hiring her.

But with Mary gazing at me so pleadingly, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse. Sighing, I nodded.

“…Fine. Stay as long as you like.”

“Yes!!”

Mary clenched both fists, her entire expression filled with joy.

For the record, she had an impressive figure that rivaled Ray’s.

Living together with someone like her… it was bound to be a challenge. And Ray was there too.

“Oh, that’s right.”

As if suddenly remembering something, Mary stood up and knelt before me.

“Once again… Arios Macba-sama. Thank you for saving me. I, Mary Lobart, will serve you with all my heart. Please take care of me.”

“…Yeah, I got it.”

Feeling a bit awkward, I scratched my cheek and muttered,

“Looking forward to having you, Mary.”

“Yes!!”

With that, Mary gave the brightest smile I’d ever seen—an angelic expression, to say the least.