MTLNOVEL Volume 1 Chapter 75 - I didn't succumb to charm magic
I was invited to join Mie-san’s party.
“I’m sorry, but I prefer going solo. To be honest, I left my previous job due to interpersonal issues. I like being alone.”
I was fired, actually! Ugh… my heart hurts. I’ll get Kaede-chan to heal it later.
“I see… that must have been tough.”
Stop it! Don’t pity me! I’ll fall for you! I’ll feel compelled to do something!
“Sorry, but I’ll have to decline. It’s rude to refuse an invitation from someone who’s A-rank, but…”
There must be many adventurers who’d want to join Mie-san’s party. They’re probably ready to throw stones at me.
“How about we team up temporarily, just once in a while?”
She’s persistent… Am I going through a popular phase?
“Why are you so fixated on me? I’m just E-rank.”
“Rank doesn’t matter. Everyone starts at F-rank. You’re strong.”
I know!
“I’m not that strong.”
“You think you can beat me, don’t you?”
Of course, I do.
“Not at all.”
The moment I say that, I sense murderous intent from Mie-san and her right hand moves. I quickly reach out and grab the hilt of her sword before she can draw it.
“—Eh? Kyaa!”
Mie-san lets out a cute scream.
That’s because I swept her feet out from under her and simultaneously drew her sword, pointing it at her as she fell.
“Now, what will it be?”
In what sense? To kill? To do something else?
“You’re A-rank. You can still turn this around.”
I lower my sword and offer Mie-san a hand up.
“Well, true. I have various skills.”
Mie-san stands up, taking my hand.
“What kind of skills do you have?”
“I’m not going to reveal everything, but I can use magic.”
That’s dirty. Unfair!
“Wow, that’s cool.”
“I couldn’t beat Satsuki-san in swordsmanship, though.”
“So, how do you learn magic?”
“I’ll teach you if you team up with me.”
“Seriously, why are you so fixated on me? Your party members from Satsuki-san’s old team should be strong enough. I don’t see why you’d need me.”
“To be honest, there are two reasons. The first is the Golden Witch you might have guessed about.”
“I figured. But I’ve never met her.”
“That’s a lie. Your tone suggested you know her.”
“It’s through Kaede-chan.”
“Either way, I want a connection with that witch.”
“A recruitment drive?”
“No, Satsuki-san would never let her go.”
“Then what?”
“This is off the record, but there was supposed to be a deal between the Guild Headquarters and Elenora Ocean. It fell through and the chief wants to restore that relationship.”
“I see. So I’m your last hope.”
“Something like that. Also, I want to make amends with Satsuki-san.”
“You could just go back to the Ikebukuro Guild.”
“I can’t. I’m deeply involved with the chief.”
“Really?”
“I’m even involved in the money flows that can’t be made public.”
“Well, that’s tricky.”
“So, will you team up with me?”
“Can I think about it?”
“Sure. And you don’t have to think too hard. If our schedules align, let’s go on a quest.”
“Where do you usually operate?”
“Anywhere, depending on the requests and my mood.”
“I’m E-rank, so I won’t go to tough places.”
“I know. Are you free this afternoon? Let’s try teaming up, just the two of us.”
“Here? It’s just skeletons, no real room for teamwork.”
“Come on, it’s boring alone. I’ll be your conversation partner.”
True, I was bored. Maybe I’ll team up with Ms. Busty for today.
“Alright, let’s do it. It’s just skeleton hunting anyway.”
“What’s your level?”
“7.”
“You’re a beginner. You’ll level up quickly if you go to higher-level areas.”
“I know, but I have other ways to earn money, so I’m not pushing myself too hard. And there’s also Nanapon.”
“I see. So, 100 skeletons? Is this from Kaede or Satsuki-san?”
“The cute one.”
“Cute? Then it’s Kaede…”
I’ll snitch on you to Satsuki-san!