Volume 3 Chapter 62: The End of the Triadic Meeting

To begin with the conclusion: in this mysterious meeting, the person who managed to open Sierra Arlens’ heart the most was Noel Sialsa.

“Eh? So Noil’s ‘Healer-san’ and ‘Guardian-san’ Magis Gear were created just for Sierra-chan?”

“…Yes. For me.”

“Fufu, you’re so loved.”

“…Yes, nii-san loves me very much.”

Now, the two of them were chatting in an unusually warm and friendly manner. Considering how Sierra had initially radiated nothing but hostility and suspicion, her current slightly cheerful demeanor was practically a miracle.

How did it end up like this? It wasn’t as if Noel had done anything particularly impressive. She was just… normal. She didn’t overdress, make odd remarks, or show any sort of hostility toward Sierra. She simply engaged in natural conversation, bit by bit easing Sierra’s defenses.

Perhaps the timing was fortunate, too. After the previous interviews, Sierra was visibly mentally drained. Particularly after dealing with Elle and the Manager, she seemed utterly exhausted, even slightly dejected. Her mood had plummeted to its worst. Although she initially treated Noel with sharp words, Noel never wavered in her gentle approach.

By engaging with Sierra naturally, letting her speak her mind without unnecessary interruptions, Noel gradually found her way into the cracks of Sierra’s fatigued heart. She adjusted to Sierra’s unique pace, carefully avoiding anything that might upset her, and instead subtly livened the conversation. Yet, she did so without insincere flattery or forced compliments. Noel simply showed her concern for Sierra, soothing her with genuine kindness.

For Sierra, someone treating her normally might have been enough to win her favor. While it should’ve been a given, excluding Mina, the people she had dealt with so far were all extraordinarily eccentric. Naturally, her standards for evaluating people had unknowingly dropped. It was no surprise that Noel’s turn arrived at such an opportune moment.

To be honest, observing Noel lately, I had been bracing myself for her to mess things up. But, in hindsight, my fears were groundless. I had forgotten that Noel was the most sensible member of White Road. Although she’d recently veered toward some odd behaviors, at her core, she was a personable and level-headed individual. Being close in age to Sierra only made her more relatable. It was no wonder Sierra came to like her.

Seeing them get along so well genuinely relieved me. I felt it from the bottom of my heart. It was almost too perfect, and for a moment, I wondered if it was intentional. But that was just me overthinking. Doubting Noel like that was unfair, and the interview order was decided by lottery. There’s no way she could’ve predicted Sierra’s exhaustion and deliberately timed her approach to exploit it. This outcome was purely a testament to Noel’s excellent personality.

I silently reflected on the shame of having doubted her, even a little.

“Hm? What’s wrong, Noil?”

“Oh, uh… it’s nothing. Please, continue.”

Perhaps my thoughts had shown on my face, as Noel tilted her head with a smile and asked me that question. I returned her smile, careful not to interrupt their conversation.

Ah, what a serene moment this is. This is how things should be. What was the point of all those gut-wrenching interviews before this? Not just Sierra, but even my opinion of Noel had skyrocketed.

Feeling content, I reached out to pat Sierra’s head as she clung to my side.

“So… um… what was it again? My relationship with Noil, right?”

“…Yes. What are you to my brother?”

Could we stop with that question? No matter what Noel says, Sierra’s going to disapprove unless it’s absolutely perfect. It’s a trap—an insidious one at that. Depending on her answer, this tranquil mood could be shattered in an instant.

While it seemed Sierra had started to open up, she clearly wasn’t ready to completely trust Noel just yet.

I braced myself, waiting for Noel’s response. If she gave the wrong answer, I was ready to jump in and cover for her. Knowing Noel, she’d likely say “friend,” which was both the right answer and the wrong answer. My mind was spinning.

Noel brought a hand to her lips, closed her eyes briefly in thought, then looked up.

“Hmm, work partner, maybe? Like a colleague?”

Then she quickly smiled, delivering the perfect answer once again. I cheered internally.

As expected of Noel. A flawless response. Her virtuous nature wasn’t just for show. Although… perhaps that had little to do with this situation.

“…Yes.”

See? Even Sierra seemed slightly satisfied.

“…You might… be okay.”

“Fufu, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“…You might not be a woman who’ll deceive my brother.”

“Of course not—I’d never do that!”

Noel blushed faintly and waved her hands in front of her face shyly. It was an undeniably adorable gesture.

“…You’re not doing anything weird to my brother, are you?”

“Weird? Like what?”

“…Like kissing. You haven’t, right?”

“I haven’t, and I wouldn’t.”

“…Good.”

After hearing Noel’s reply, Sierra began to repeatedly kiss my cheek for some reason. Then, fixing her gaze back on Noel, she stared at her intently.

Noel, however, simply returned Sierra’s gaze with a cheerful smile.

“You two really do get along well.”

“…I want your cooperation.”

“Hmm? With what?”

“…Keeping other women away from my brother.”

“Hmm, I don’t mind… but, Noil, are you okay with that?”

Faced with Noel’s slightly troubled expression, I also struggled to answer. What was I supposed to say to a question like that? Someone, please tell me.

“Ah, um, well…”

“You’re fine with it, aren’t you, onii-san?”

“Y-Yeah…”

Sharp words whispered into my ear made me nod vigorously. Fine, whatever. I don’t know what to do anymore, so I’ll just follow my little sister’s lead. Please don’t get upset, I beg you.

Seeing my pitiful state, Noel gave me a warm smile.

“Well, if Noil says so, I guess I’ll help. I’ll support you, Sierra-chan.”

“…As long as that monster is around, onii-san can’t leave this place.”

Of course. I figured as much. I’m not leaving, huh? What a tragic story.

“Monster? Ahaha, Milis is pretty intense, though.”

“…There’s also a witch, a cat, and a stalker. The enemies are many.”

Sierra, let’s at least call them by name, okay? Also, please stop lumping Mina into that group. It’s just too sad. It makes me feel bad for her.

“It’s okay, Sierra-chan. I’ll take care of it somehow…”

“…I’ll leave it to you.”

“Mm, let’s work together on this.”

Sierra and Noel stood up and shook hands. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the conversation had taken a bizarre turn, but at least the meeting had ended peacefully. I let out a sigh of relief.

◇

Now that a new member had joined White Road, there was only one thing to do: hold a welcoming party. Or rather, the Manager insisted on it.

To be honest, I didn’t want to participate. Even if it was a welcome party for my little sister.

The reason? The group.

The Manager, Fiona, Noel, Elle, Sophie, Mina (dragged here unwillingly by Sophie), and Sierra—everyone who had participated in today’s meeting. That’s right, all of them.

What even is this?

The gender ratio is clearly skewed. I feel incredibly out of place. And why are members of Spirit Wind here for White Road’s welcoming party? How much misfortune does Mina have to endure before it’s enough? It’s a legitimate mystery.

On top of that, even though I desperately invited them, the male members of Spirit Wind, Letto-kun and Kreis-san, declined. Letto-kun bluntly told me, “Don’t be ridiculous,” while Kreis-san casually said, “I’m a man who knows how to read the room.”

My Master didn’t even bother showing up, and my last hope, Gulf-san, rejected the idea of hosting the party at Lion’s Den outright, saying, “Do you want to put my tavern out of business?” I had no comeback.

I had no such intentions, but it was a sad situation.

With Lion’s Den off the table, there was only one other tavern where we could gather: Charcoal Pavilion.

Naturally, I had no intention of wrecking their establishment, yet the owner and staff greeted our arrival with visible fear, letting out soft gasps of “Hii…” What could have caused this? I couldn’t recall any incidents that might explain their reaction. Even when I asked the Manager and the others if they’d done anything, they all denied it. Only Sophie murmured something cryptic, “Was it not enough…?” while placing a hand on her lips in thought. I had no idea what she meant.

Fortunately, we weren’t kicked out, and we managed to get seated without issue.

With a large group, we used two adjacent round tables.

Though Elle looked displeased, the members of White Road and Spirit Wind split between the two tables.

Sierra and Noel sat next to me, while Fiona and the Manager were across from us. Fiona, visibly irritated by the arrangement, was firmly overridden by my sister’s insistence. When the two of them started to argue, I reluctantly had to order Fiona to back down. While I appreciated her restraint, I wish she’d stop keeping her “Ai Lover” skill constantly active. It saved the day this time, but still.

Everyone in White Road, except Sierra and me, wore our signature dull outfits. I had even prepared one for Elle just in case, so now half the group—four out of eight—wore identical clothing, creating an awkward sight. Elle had been overjoyed when I handed it to her, but seeing everyone together, I couldn’t help but question if this was drawing even more attention.

Since I had gone this far, I figured I’d eventually give Sierra one as well. At this point, I might as well commit to the idea. I’ll make this fashion trend explode in the Capital City of Elist. If everyone wears the same clothes, even the Manager and the others will stop standing out. Hide the tree in the forest, as they say. Not that it feels entirely applicable here.

With all due respect, the group’s beauty might work in our favor—if they walked around wearing these, it could boost the trend. Please, let it catch on. These clothes aren’t even expensive. It has potential.

To make amends for dressing Elle alone, I planned to give Sophie a cute outfit as thanks for her massage. If this odd fashion catches on, I’d love for her to be my solace in the chaos of Elist. As for Mina, I thought I’d treat her to something sweet to apologize for the trouble I’d caused her. She had mentioned liking sweets before, and she’d probably never wear these clothes even if it killed her. Of course, before any of that, I’d need to start having proper conversations with her.

As these thoughts swirled, I suddenly remembered that I hadn’t thanked the Manager for her help last time. I had intended to treat her to something, but Sierra’s unexpected visit had completely derailed my plans.

The payment Elle had given me was quite generous. While I’d spent a bit on tatami mats and three sets of those plain clothes, I still had plenty left. Before I ended up wasting it on fishing gear, I decided it was better to do something for the Manager.

Holding my ale, I casually asked the Manager:

“Manager, is there anything you want me to do for you?”

“Hm? What’s this out of the blue?”

“Oh, if there’s nothing, then don’t worry about it.”

“Wait, wait. Let me think…”

The Manager placed her free hand under her chin and began to ponder. Meanwhile, I noticed the curious stares from the others—Sierra, Noel, Fiona, and Elle all looked at me with wide eyes. Mina turned away with an exasperated sigh, while Sophie, sitting on Elle’s lap, tilted her head.

The atmosphere felt strange. Finally, the Manager lifted her head with a smile and said:

“I’d like to go on a date.”

“Huh?”

Wow. That was incredible. Everyone, including me, spoke in perfect unison. Except for Sophie, that is.

A date? What kind of date did the Manager have in mind? Another dragon hunt? Please, no.

“Well… I’ll think about it.”

“Good! Then, cheers!”

Amid the unsettling atmosphere, the Manager cheerfully raised her glass. Yet, everyone wore strained expressions, and no one else moved to clink their mugs. Left with no choice, I energetically clinked my mug against hers.

At that moment, a burst of light surrounded me.

The Manager’s cheerful expression instantly sharpened, her eyes flashing dangerously. And in the next moment, she disappeared from my sight.