Chapter 293: An Unexpected Team
Upon accepting Andrew’s proposal, Rest found himself entering a cave to hunt down the centipede. However, the thought of going in alone filled him with unease; accidents could happen, after all. It was not uncommon for adventurers to underestimate weaker monsters and suffer defeat. Thus, having companions was essential.
“…I understand that, but why this particular combination?”
“L-Long time no see… Rest-kun.”
The one who appeared, blushing for some reason, was a tall woman dressed in masculine attire. She was none other than Isis Carbelt, a senior at the academy and the leader of the Student Council Executive Committee. It had been a while since Rest last saw her, and she seemed unusually fidgety, as if she were embarrassed about something.
“Carbelt-senpai… what brings you here?”
“W-Well… I happened to have some business with Prince Andrew. While I was here, I overheard the conversation about the monsters in the mine and thought I might be able to help. There’s no ulterior motive, I assure you.”
“I see…”
“Thanks to you maintaining the roads, traveling to and from the territory I received from the King has become much easier. So, I thought I’d express my gratitude by offering my assistance, if you don’t mind?”
Isis spoke quickly, her words tumbling out in a rush. She had also made significant contributions during the liberation of Subnock Plain and had been granted a territory by the King. Rest’s road maintenance in Andrew’s territory had made it easier for Isis to travel to her own.
“Well, if it’s you, Carbelt-senpai, I have no objections…”
As the leader of the Executive Committee, she was an exceptionally skilled magician. Although Rest was more highly regarded due to his Infinite Magic Power, when it came to combat experience and achievements, Isis might very well have the upper hand.
“Also… you’re here too, Lady Ula Lavender.”
And then there was another companion. For some reason, Ula Lavender, the daughter of the Lavender Barony, was there as well. Dressed in a cute purple dress, she looked up at Rest with sleepy eyes.
“Ula.”
“Hmm?”
“Ula… I’m Ula.”
“…I know that, though?”
Rest tilted his head in confusion. It shouldn’t be necessary to reintroduce themselves at this point.
“Rest-kun, I think Ula-chan wants you to call her by her first name.”
“Ah… now that you mention it…”
He recalled that she had asked him to call her by her first name before. Clearing his throat, Rest adjusted his tone.
“Then, Ula, why are you here?”
“Prince Andrew came.”
“…You came to see Prince Andrew?”
“I heard. Rainbow Crystal.”
“…So you happened to hear about the Rainbow Crystal and decided to join in?”
“Forgotten.”
“Forgotten… huh? What do you mean by that?”
As Rest tried to piece together Ula’s fragmented words, he found himself unable to grasp their meaning.
“Um… so, to summarize, you overheard something about the Rainbow Crystal and wanted to join because you thought it sounded interesting… is that right?”
“No.”
“Eh?”
“No.”
It seemed he was mistaken. Ula stated this with surprising clarity, gazing up at Rest with her sleepy eyes. Despite her drowsy demeanor, her gaze was piercing, making him feel as though he were being scrutinized.
(If only Yuri were here, she might have understood what Ula was trying to say…)
Rest scratched his head in frustration. He hadn’t mentioned to Yuri or the Rosemary Sisters that he was entering the mine to hunt the centipede. He intended to acquire the Rainbow Crystal as a surprise gift for them, keeping it a secret from the three of them. Bringing them along would defeat the purpose.
“Anyway… if you’re willing to help, I’d be grateful. Just make sure not to overexert yourselves.”
“Of course. But… I expect a reward in return, you know?”
“A reward? A present?”
“Got it, got it… how about I make accessories for both of you using the Rainbow Crystal?”
Rest suggested casually. For some reason, both Isis and Ula’s eyes lit up simultaneously.
“Are you really going to give me one!?”
“I want one…!”
“Wah!”
The two of them closed in on Rest, their enthusiasm overwhelming. He leaned back, surprised by their intense reactions. What had struck a chord with them so deeply?
“W-Well, if I manage to get the Rainbow Crystal, I’ll make something for both of you as a thank you…”
“Make it a ring! Yes, a ring would be perfect!”
“Yeah, definitely a ring!”
“W-What!?”
Rest was swept away by their fervor and nodded vigorously, unable to resist their excitement.