Chapter 105: A Serious Discussion

Well, that’s about all for recent events.

I’m a little anxious since I haven’t accumulated enough NP, but my goal in this other world is to live a slow, peaceful life.

So I just need to take it slow and steady.

Telling myself that, I finished my usual farm work and was heading back to the villa when… Joel came to see me.

He had a serious expression on his face, and it was clear he had something important to discuss.

“Joel, thank you for helping with the farm work today. So… did you have something you wanted to talk about?”

“Yes! Actually, there’s something I’d like to consult you about. Do you have a moment?”

“Of course. Where shall we talk?”

“Would it be okay at the house I’m renting? Brittany is waiting there too!”

“Understood. Let’s go together then.”

I was a little curious why Brittany was waiting too, but it seemed quicker to go straight there than ask questions.

So I headed to Joel’s house with him.

It was my first time inside, but the layout was exactly the same as Lua’s house.

It was far too big for one person to live in, and I could tell from the way things were arranged that Joel only used part of it.

Sure enough, Brittany was there waiting, sitting cross-legged, as if she’d been expecting us.

“You sure took your time. It’s uncomfortable being left waiting in someone else’s house.”

“Sorry, Brittany! I came right after asking Sato-san, but the farm work took longer than I thought!”

“I see. Well, I suppose that can’t be helped. I want to get to the point before it gets dark, so both of you—have a seat.”

Prompted by Brittany, Joel and I sat down.

Since the mood seemed serious, I decided to sit formally, in seiza.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk to me about? If it’s something I can help with, I’d be happy to. Feel free to speak openly.”

“Sato, you really are kind. But this time, only half of the request is directed at you.”

“Actually… Brittany and I have decided to form an adventurer party! That said, we plan to be active only about two weeks each month, and for the other two weeks, I’d like to continue helping with the farm work!”

“So you’re asking to only work for two weeks out of the month? That’s totally fine—actually, I’d even welcome it. Does that mean Brittany wants to work on the farm too?”

“No, I won’t be doing farm work. While Joel is working the fields, I plan to help out my older brothers.”

Being called over to the house, I expected something heavy, but it turned out to be a really positive discussion.

Even just two weeks of Joel’s help would be appreciated, and Brittany lending a hand to Rozzo and the others is great news too.

“I think that’s a great idea! Rozzo and the others have been saying they’re short on help. I’m sure they’d be happy to have Brittany.”

“Thank you for saying that! Now, this is where the main topic begins…”

Hmm. I had a hunch it wasn’t just about forming a party.

I was a little nervous to hear what it was, but I wouldn’t know unless I asked.

“So, what is this important matter? It sounds like a request of some kind?”

“Yes. Actually, there’s someone else we’d like to invite into our party, and we’d like to ask your permission to approach them!”

I see. So they’re asking for my permission before recruiting.

…This must mean they want to invite Sheila.

Honestly, losing Sheila for two weeks every month would be rough, but this place is all about freedom.

I don’t want to hold her back just because it would be inconvenient for me, so I can’t say no.

I’ll just have to hope Sheila turns them down herself—I could never ask them not to approach her.

“Of course, that’s fine. Freedom is our motto here, and as long as you’re not pressuring anyone, I have no objections.”

“Thanks. Then we’ll go ahead and ask. Don’t worry—we’ll keep helping out too.”

“You don’t have to worry about us. Once things are running smoothly, feel free to go all in as adventurers. By the way… who are you thinking of inviting?”

“Lua-san! After talking it over with Portia and Royce, we really felt that we’d like Lua to join our party!”

Not Sheila… Lua?

Sure, Lua was a former knight of the Kingdom of Lusanso, and I know from the mock battle tournament that she’s highly skilled, but I really expected them to go for Sheila, the runner-up.

…They didn’t mix up Lua and Sheila’s names, did they?

“Lua-san? I assumed you meant Sheila.”

“Well, if Sheila joined us, of course we’d be thrilled. She totally crushed us in the tournament.”

“But we’re sure Sheila would turn us down.”

“That’s right. But it’s not like we’re settling for Lua. As an adventurer, I think she’s on par with Sheila.”

The two of them hold Lua in higher regard than I do.

If experienced adventurers think so, then Lua must really have the talent for it.

…Now that I think about it, ever since Lua arrived, I’ve felt lighter, physically.

It’s not just my imagination—Sheila has felt it too. Maybe it’s connected to something deeper.

“I see. That’s a bit of a surprise. In any case, feel free to ask her. I’ll also let her know she’s welcome to do whatever she wants.”

“Thank you, Sato-san! I’ll do my best to work hard when I’m not adventuring!”

“I’ll do my part for this village too. Thank you again for letting us live here.”

“Not at all. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

After telling them that, I left Joel’s house.

I hadn’t expected them to ask Lua, but she originally aimed to be an adventurer, so I’m sure she’ll accept if I give her a little encouragement.

Well, if she doesn’t want to, I’ll ask Brittany and Joel to back off…

In the end, I just want everyone to enjoy their lives freely and happily.

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