/
In the building of Shikuro Dungeon’s Association, the Guild Chief’s room.
Finishing the investigation of Sulphur rather early, I came here to report my findings.
Clint who came to meet up with me then listened to every last details, stood up and raised his hands forward.
[As I expect from Satou. To be able to finish the investigation so much earlier than I’d expected.] (Clint)
[I’m just lucky, and I’m blessed with having such reliable friends.] (Ryouta)
[No no, I would think that if Satou wasn’t there, this would’ve been impossible. Based on your story, the restriction of the level would be detrimental for any high level adventurers. So if a party of veteran adventurers were to venture inside that dungeon, wouldn’t it be bad?] (Clint)
[Even those with weapons would have a hard time.] (Ryouta)
[Yeap yeap.] (Clint)
Even though they’ll level up when inside the dungeon, Emily, Celeste, and Eve reported that by the end of the 3rd round, they’ll be around Level 5. Either way, whenever you enter the dungeon, everyone would be sent to the middle of a ring and they’ll have to solo fight the entire round.
The drop was low too—–For example, the Final F Celeste would also earn the same, truly a dungeon that pretty much chooses people.
[Hence why I’m grateful towards you. With this amount of information, I think I’ll be able to announce the new dungeon to the adventurers as of tomorrow.] (Clint)
Though he didn’t say it but the words [And tax would increase] showed on his expression, as he was in a good mood.
The secretary that brought the black tea and the mountain of sugar cubes, was pierced with a toothpick and thrown into the mouth of Clint.
As always, just looking at it gives me diabetes.
[For Shikuro, Satou is considered a Lucky Boy.] (Clint)
[Nn?] (Ryouta)
What’s with that all of a sudden?
[After Satou stayed in Shikuro, the days for Shikuro has been sailing smoothly. We’ve gotten Selen, we’re affiliated with Aurum, and now Sulphur which would attract even more adventurers. Everything happened because Satou is here, and it all happened because Satou was the one who helped us.] (Clint)
[I just did what I was told, that’s all.] (Ryouta)
[I wonder about that. By the way, will you accept the annual award this year?] (Clint)
[The annual award?] (Ryouta)
It was my first time hearing such words.
Though based on the words, I could sort of guess what it would be.
[Yes. Various Dungeon Association Chiefs from various cities would also come and attend. This event is to publicize and honor the achievements of people who contributed each year for their respected city.] (Clint)
[I don’t really mind not

.] (Ryouta)
[I would appreciate it if you would come and receive it.] (Clint)
With a serious expression, he looked at me.
It was strange that the person to give the award would come and ask me.
[If someone were to be honoured by this award, then the adventurers would be excited to see such person. And if that happens—–] (Clint)
[—–Then taxpayers would increase, I see whatcha mean.] (Ryouta)
In short, to raise the motivations of hard workers. I see, I see.
[Thus why I would appreciate it if you could receive it.] (Clint)
[If that’s the case, then I’ll take your offer and receive it.] (Ryouta)
[Thanks! I know Satou would always help us. I know, there are cash to be received during the award, though in a form of a pension. This would also be a source for others to be excited about.] (Clint)
[I got it, I’ll receive it too.] (Ryouta)
[Also.] (Clint)
There’s still more? I thought as I was surprised.
[The mansion that Satou is staying right now, we the Dungeon Association would like to buy over your mansion. Then, Satou would no longer have to pay for any rental or other fees anymore.] (Clint)
[No wait, it is rather a high price to pay though. I’ve already broke the curse and am living there normally, so the property is mine.] (Ryouta)
[And also.] (Clint)
[There’s more! ?] (Ryouta)
Not paying any mind to my remark, Clint continued to speak, basically giving me preferential treatment.
☆
Heading out of the Dungeon Association building, I joined with Alice who was waiting in front of the building.
Crouching beside the building, she was having fun with her 4 friendly monsters.
She looked like a little girl who was playing with her dolls and was invisible to everyone, truly a somber sight.
[Sorry for the wait.] (Ryouta)
[Done with the report?] (Alice)
[Yeah
..] (Ryouta)
[What’s wrong? You’re showing a complex face right now?] (Alice)
[U-un.] (Ryouta)
I crossed my arms and tilted my head.
To be honest, I’m troubled right now.
There was 1 thing that bothered me which I don’t understand when Clint was giving me extra preferential treatment.
While walking side by side with Alice, I talked about what had happened inside.
[Well, that’s because he wants Ryouta to forever stay at Shikuro.] (Alice)
[He wants me to stay here?] (Ryouta)
[Yes! I too consulted with various village heads about various things like that.] (Alice)
Village head. Ah, the village heads at Indole where Alice grew up from.
With Aurum born over there, I was tasked to help out with the village too.
[Prepare a place to live, and many more things to give. Did he not introduce any women?] (Alice)
[
..He did.] (Ryouta)
Towards the end, Clint decided to close the story.
Introducing me to a good woman, even mentioning some from the store.
That’s what happened.
Obviously I rejected all of it. I don’t think their personality matches with mine.
[That’s why he wants to cage you, and wants you to stay in this city forever.] (Alice)
[But why.] (Ryouta)
[About that
..Aah.] (Alice)
Alice suddenly stopped walking.
For some reason, she had a sweet smile while looking forward.
The town of Shikuro, an avenue where various people were walking around.
And amongst the crowd, there were some ‘cool’ looking boys.
There looked similar to when I first met Alice who leave her village, the looks, even the atmosphere around them.
All of them looked like it’s their first time in a city like Tokyo.
[So this is the agricultural city of Shikuro
..]
[Let’s do our best!]
[Yeah, Let’s go.]
It was a pleasant atmosphere to see them cheering for each other.
Though, that wasn’t all.
[I, want to be someone like Ryouta・Satou!]
[Me too.]
[Me three~]

..Heh?
What did they just? They want to be like me?
I looked at Alice from the side, and she was smiling exactly the same as before.
[That’s the first reason.] (Alice)
[Don’t tell me
..] (Ryouta)
[Yes! Every new adventurers respect and idolizes Ryouta. If they come here, then their aspiration to be a great adventurer would be higher.] (Alice)
I can’t believe something like this happened
..I didn’t even know about it.
[ [ [Let’s aim for it! Ryouta!] ] ]
The boys were looking at me, making me embarrassed instead.
On top of that, when people around them said things like [Go for it], it made me twice as embarrassed.