Published: January 24, 2026
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We left Darane the other day and arrived at a town called Lintes to stay overnight.
While having dinner at the tavern attached to the inn where we were staying,
“Ah, this is delicious~”
Carole’s face broke into a happy smile after drinking the fruit wine that Big Sister had recommended.
“Right? Right? The owner here is a huge fan of alcohol. Every drink he picks is delicious.”
Seeing Carole’s delighted expression, Big Sister nodded proudly.
The reason Big Sister knows so much about this town, which is far from Tsutolairu, is that the lord here has visited several times for clan business as a sponsor of the silver rabbits of the night sky.
(Oh, it really is. This fruit wine is delicious.)
It’s a sweet drink and very easy to drink.
We chatted happily while enjoying the delicious food and drinks.
“Eh, really? As an explorer, when you go higher up, do you end up operating outside of Tsutolairu more often?”
Log, who had been listening to Big Sister, spoke with surprise.
“Well, yeah. If you become famous as an explorer, lots of people will know your name. Luna, weren’t you quite busy when you were in the hero party?”
Big Sister turned to Sister Ru.
“Yes, we were the ‘hero party’ after all. Between power struggles among the nobles and all sorts of things, I was called to many places and nearly got dragged into problems.”
Sister Ru nodded with a wry smile.
Since it’s wartime now and everyone is united, we don’t get caught up in such issues, but when the war is over, we’ll probably have advanced further into the Great Labyrinth, and maybe we’ll get caught up in that kind of thing too?
I really don’t want that…
“Ugh, just hearing about nobles’ power struggles makes me sick…”
Carole seemed to share my thoughts and looked fed up.
“But it’s not all bad, you know?”
“Hmm? Like what?”
“The best part is getting support from everyone. Even strangers cheer us on, saying things like ‘Good luck with the quest.’ It surprisingly lifts your spirits and boosts motivation.”
“Yeah, that’s true. I can’t count how many times I’ve realized how valuable encouragement is.”
Big Sister nodded repeatedly in agreement with Sister Ru’s words.
We’ve reached the lower levels and joined the ranks of advanced explorers, but there’s still so much we don’t know.
Someday, I want to have such talks with Big Sister.
◇
Late that night, I suddenly woke up.
“...Sister Ru?”
Turning over, I noticed that the bed where Sister Ru should have been sleeping was empty.
Looking out the window, I saw Sister Ru’s figure outside.
I quietly slipped out so as not to wake anyone.
“Sophie? What are you doing out so late?”
When I approached Sister Ru, she looked surprised to notice me.
“I woke up earlier. Then I noticed you weren’t there.”
“I see. Sorry to have worried you.”
“No, it’s okay… Were you looking at the moon?”
I sat next to Sister Ru and asked.
“…Yes. I was thinking about something.”
“Thinking about something?”
“Yes… This may sound strange, but do you ever feel like you’ve forgotten something important?”
“Huh? Forgotten something important...?”
Her unexpected question left me puzzled.
“Yes. I feel like I’ve forgotten something. Even though I don’t know what it is, just thinking about it tightens my heart.”
“Hm, sorry. I don’t think I have that feeling.”
“I see. Maybe I’m just being a little sentimental. Please don’t mind me.”
Sister Ru smiled gently, showing concern for me.
“Is something bothering you?”
“No, it’s not anything as serious as a problem.”
“If something’s on your mind, tell me. I’m always being helped by you, Sister Ru. I might not be strong enough, but I want to help as much as I can!”
“…Thank you. Then, if you don’t mind, I’ll share a little. But it’s really not a problem or anything, just… it’s almost the time for the thanksgiving festival.”
“Thanksgiving festival…? …Ah…”
Hearing the word from Sister Ru, I realized she was thinking about what happened around this time last year.