Published: September 9, 2025
Satou here. Why is it that when you meet old friends at a reunion after a long time, memories from back then come flooding back so vividly? It's strange because normally I don't think about those times at all.
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"When did you arrive at the Labyrinth City?"
"Yes, late yesterday."
Of course, I already knew, but pretending it was a coincidence to visit the base of Zena and her elite squad felt a bit stalker-like, so I held back.
At least during the parade, they had been holed up in the mansion at the base, so they probably weren’t seen.
"Excuse me for just barging in. Okay, okay, step back, step back~"
"Hey, how indecent."
Unintentionally, Zena and I were still holding each other when Arisa and Mia pushed their way between us and pulled us apart.
Zena, realizing we were still embraced, hurriedly waved her hands and stepped back.
"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to—"
"No, no, I'm just glad you're happy about our reunion."
Zena actually has a surprisingly passionate side. When we escaped from the labyrinth in Seryu City, she tackled me in a hug.
"You two seem awfully close. Won’t you introduce me as well?"
Lady Karina’s hand pressed against my shoulder from behind, teasing me.
When I turned to Karina, Princess Meteor, Lulu, and the others were watching us with great interest.
Wait, I thought Lulu already knew me?
"This is Zena from the Marienthal family, a noble house and magic soldier of the territorial army who was a great help to us in Seryu City."
I’d heard the family name once before but had never said it aloud. I usually just called her Zena.
Perhaps my introduction wasn’t the best, because Zena’s expression clouded slightly.
Maybe I should have called her a friend instead?
The crowd behind us was whispering rumors about Seryu City — things like "They survived an attack by high-rank demons unscathed" and "Even foot soldiers fight wyverns mercilessly." Despite being from the opposite side of the country, many seemed to know about it, probably because of its fame.
"Lady Zena, you may have forgotten, but I am Liza. You saved my life in Seryu City. Thanks to you, I now serve my Master and have achieved great things. No amount of gratitude is enough."
"Much appreciated~"
"Thank you very much."
Liza set her weapon on the ground, knelt on one knee, and bowed deeply to Zena.
Pochi and Tama also remembered that Zena saved their lives in Seryu City and bowed solemnly.
"Hey, Liza of the Black Spear put down her spear!"
"If she saved those three, then how strong is she?"
"So the rumor that the Seryu City soldiers treat wyverns like small fry is true."
"That girl’s plain, but isn’t she surprisingly cute?"
The crowd was noisy.
Maybe we should move to the guild’s private negotiation room, where only nobles and influential figures go?
"If there’s anything I can do to help despite my lack of talent, please don’t hesitate to ask. With the Master’s permission, I’ll rush to assist immediately."
"No need for that. Just your words of thanks are enough."
Zena looked humbled by Liza’s earnest words.
With Liza around, even if dragons are out of the question, soloing a wyvern would be easy.
"Hey, introduce me properly!"
Today, Lady Karina was unusually sociable and insisted.
Just as I opened my mouth to introduce Karina to Zena, I was interrupted.
"Ah! Arisa-chan, you’re still here!"
"Arisa, Mia, come to the stage quickly. I’ve asked the opening acts to delay, but it won’t last forever."
Jena and Ilna of the "Beautiful Wings" group, who were managing the stage, came to call Arisa and the others.
Oh right, Arisa and Mia were scheduled to perform on stage.
"Whoa, I forgot."
"Hmm."
"Hurry!"
"This is serious! Karina’s coming too! She wants to see Pochi and Tama’s brave performance up close!"
Lady Karina was grabbed by the arms by Pochi and Tama and pulled toward the stage.
Though she was being pulled away, she called my name, so maybe she had something to say — but I could ask her late tonight.
She probably came here on a whim without arranging a place to stay.
"Master, don’t just keep flirting forever, come watch the stage properly!"