Published: September 9, 2025
Corrected typos on 5/19.
Partial revisions made on 5/19.
This is Satou. I don’t remember where I saw it, but I have a vivid memory of a scene at the plaza where an airship had docked, and crowds of onlookers had gathered, turning it into a lively festival.
In that scene, the handmade ice cream looked incredibly delicious.
◇
“Is it big~?”
“It’s amazing, really amazing!”
Pochi and Tama leaned out from the windows on both sides, excitedly looking up at the giant airship floating in the sky.
Tama’s fine, but Pochi’s tail kept thumping against me and it hurt.
“Hmph.”
Mia, who had been pushed out of both windows, opened the small window by the coachman’s seat to peek outside with a dissatisfied look.
Arisa, Lulu, and Nana lost the seat-taking rock-paper-scissors and had to sit in the front carriage.
For some reason, Liza was sitting on the coachman’s seat holding a spear. She surprisingly likes high places.
Outside the window, a dense crowd of send-offs and onlookers was visible.
From those who noticed our carriage, cheers reminiscent of a parade kept erupting.
Since Liza was sitting on the coachman’s seat, she seemed to be receiving the most cheers.
◇
“Mr. Satou, please eat this on the airship.”
“Thank you very much, Ms. Zena.”
I received the package handed over by Ms. Zena.
A warm sensation radiated through my hands. Could this be handmade by Ms. Zena?
“Did you make this, Ms. Zena?”
“...Well, that is... um...”
At my casual question, Ms. Zena found herself in an awkward spot.
I needed to change the subject quickly—
“Unfortunately, the ones who made it were the cook lady from the barracks and me.”
“Hey, Lirio! You said keep it a secret! And I did properly arrange the presentation!”
Before I could offer a follow-up, Lirio blurted out the truth.
I’ll ask Ms. Zena to show me the fruits of her hard work later.
“That’s right, making the presentation colorful is rather difficult.”
“Y-yes... that’s right... it’s important.”
Ms. Zena averted her gaze and muttered softly.
Damn, maybe I should have just ignored that instead of trying to support her.
Fail, fail. If this were a dating sim, the sound effect for lowering affection would have played.
“Sir Pendragon, we apologize for this impudent request relying on Magic Soldier Zena’s connection—”
A female bureaucrat who was with Ms. Zena and Lirio gave a long-winded thank you.
I had hired her as a temporary staff member at the Explorer Training Academy at Ms. Zena’s request, so this was their gratitude.
She was a bureaucrat serving Count Seryu, accompanying Ms. Zena and her party—the labyrinth selection squad.
Her role seemed to be learning the Explorer’s Guild know-how in Labyrinth City Selbira and applying it to labyrinth management in Seryu City.
In addition, four—high-level magic soldiers including Ms. Zena and scout soldiers including Lirio—were arranged to participate in training with owner status at the Explorer Training Academy.
Ms. Zena and the others looked humbled, but having experienced scouts and high-level magicians together would benefit both students and teachers. A win-win deal.
The remaining knights and soldiers waiting for equipment repairs were learning public security maintenance by blending with guards and dealing with explorers, thanks to the prefect’s wife’s help.
—With this, there’s no chance Ms. Zena will fall into trouble while away from the labyrinth city.
It might be a bit overprotective, but it’s normal to worry that your friend might do something reckless.
“...Mr. Satou, do you like Zena?”
“That’s sudden, Miss Karina.”
I turned toward Karina, who spoke from behind, and felt drained.
...I want to ask why she’s wearing armor instead of a dress.
“What’s with that outfit? I thought I asked you to prepare wearing the dress I gave you since you’ll be sitting with his grace the duke today.”
I stepped closer to Karina with a smile.
Since we were going to be with a powerful noble, I had her prepare a stunning dress with an impact that would make marriage proposals come easier.