Chapter 244: Supporting One Another
After buying proper shoes that actually fit my feet, the drain on my stamina was greatly reduced.
Thanks to that, our party’s deepest reach ended at the 45th floor.
I managed to defeat a total of fifteen monsters, and by surpassing my previous depth by a wide margin, I could really feel my own growth this year.
The other parties also posted strong results across the board, with Sheila’s party remaining at the top as usual, apparently reaching the 65th floor.
Lua and Brittany, who had been in the same party this time, seemed to have sounded her out about forming a permanent party—but it didn’t look like Sheila had changed her mind.
Personally, I think Sheila is overflowing with talent and that adventuring with Rua and the others would suit her well, but I respect her wishes.
“Haaah, that was so much fun! It really is more fun when Sato and the others are around! Even the food tastes better!”
“I’m glad to hear that. We managed to earn a solid amount again this year, and I think we’ll be back next year too, so please take care of us then.”
“Leave it to us. The dungeon city is basically our backyard. We’ll guide you again next year.”
“Yeah! You’re welcome even outside the winter season, so come visit us anytime!”
“Because of the crops, I probably can’t come outside of winter… but thank you.”
Those words made me really happy.
I could feel how much Ren and the others cared about me, and it made me want to treasure them just as much.
“Then next time, it’ll be our turn to visit you. The Christmas party is a must, and after that we’ll come hang out from time to time.”
“Donnie told us our days off would increase a bit, right? That was you negotiating for us, wasn’t it, Sato?”
“Yes. I went to negotiate right away on the first day. I’d already been crushed by hard work once, so I pushed hard on that point.”
“I appreciate it. Honestly, from the bottom of my heart, I’m glad it was you I got reincarnated with, Sato.”
“Yeah! If it hadn’t been Sato, everything would’ve definitely fallen apart!”
“Mika actually ran away once already! If it hadn’t been Sato back then, it would’ve been over!”
“When you put it like that, we really have been helped far too much. All we’ve been able to give back are magic cores… is that really okay?”
They were all expressing their gratitude, and just knowing they felt that way made me happy.
I’m supported by their very existence too, and they’ve done so much for me in so many ways.
“You handle all the arrangements for us, and more than anything, you’ve taken on the role we were meant to fulfill after being transported to this world. I’m the one who’s been helped many times over.”
“That’s absolutely not true! But it does make me happy knowing you care about us too, Sato!”
“You’re kind of like a second parent to us now. Sato, please keep looking after us.”
“Yes, likewise. I look forward to it.”
The phrase “second parent” stung a little, but I kept it off my face and returned the thanks.
I’d been trying not to think about it, but there was a high chance that Ren and the others’ parents were around the same age as me.
I felt a bit down when the fact that I was a “39-year-old single man” hit me again, but in this day and age, that isn’t all that unusual.
Telling myself that to feel better, we left the dungeon city and returned to the villa.
Back at the villa after so long.
It happens every year, so I feel like I should be used to it by now, but the sense of relief I feel when coming back is still overwhelming.
“We finally made it back. This year’s dungeon run felt really long, so I’m truly happy!”
“Is that so? Everything seemed to be going smoothly, so I thought it might’ve felt short for you.”
“It’s because I wasn’t in the same party as you, Sato. The progress was smooth, but the anxiety was worse. As a guard, it was painful not being able to protect you.”
“I’m sorry for making you worry. From today onward, I’d be glad if you could protect me again.”
“Yes! I will protect you with everything I have!”
Sheila placed her fist against her chest like a knight.
She hadn’t always been this passionate, but before I knew it, she’d become someone overflowing with loyalty.
It’s been three years since I met Sheila, and she’s become someone I can trust from the bottom of my heart.
If she feels the same way, I’d be happy—and I need to make sure I don’t betray that trust.
“Then shall we spend the next few days lazing around? Maybe play some games in the recreation room for a change?”
“That sounds great! Helena and I have gotten stronger too, so we might even beat you this time, Sato!”
“That would be interesting to see. Then let’s head to the recreation room.”
“Before that… I’ll go gather everyone. Sato, could you greet the ones who stayed behind?”
Sheila went running off to gather everyone who had already returned home.
Just as she suggested, I’ll go greet those who stayed behind.
I’m looking forward to hearing what Rozzo, Sid, and Georges have been up to.
I’m really excited about the games afterward too—it finally feels like a real break. Even though I’ve just returned, my heart is already starting to relax.