Jack of All Trades, Party of None

"…Carole, look at the faces of your comrades."

"Hmm? — Ah…"

Carole’s gaze landed on Sophie and Log.

Both of them wore expressions that barely concealed their confusion.

Sophie, in particular, looked so distressed she seemed on the verge of tears.

"The smiles you love have vanished from both of them. Do you know why?"

When I asked Carole, she shook her head.

"Because you’re hurt."

"B-but the injury is…"

Carole started trembling.

"It’s not a visible wound. When you get hurt, the two of them get hurt too. If that keeps happening, their smiles will disappear again and again. Is that okay with you?"

"Th-That’s… that’s awful! No! What should I do!?"

Carole was shaking uncontrollably.

After all, not being able to receive smiles from others was the thing she feared most.

"It’s simple. Getting used to pain means it still hurts, right? So, you just have to avoid doing what makes you think ‘this hurts.’ When you feel pain, Log, Sophie, and I feel it just as much. Since we’re not used to the pain, when we feel it, we can’t smile."

"I-I understand. I understand, so I won’t do anything that makes me feel pain anymore! So please, smile… please… don’t hit me…"

She pleaded, tears streaming down her face, still seeming scared.

I forced a smile and gently patted Carole’s head.

"Eek!"

Carole let out a small scream, mistaking my gesture for a hit.

Still gently stroking her head, I said,

"It’s okay. I’m not angry. There’s no one here who would hit you, so don’t worry. Anyone who hits you, I’ll knock them out. It’s okay, it’s okay—"

I kept reassuring Carole, hoping she would feel safe.

◇

Thanks to the continued pats, she calmed down quicker than I expected.

I had wanted to watch their teamwork a few more times before ending, but given the current situation, I had to give up.

"Alright! We managed to see the three fight individually as planned, so let’s call it a day."

I emphasized the purpose was to have them fight one by one, then called to the three before heading back to clan headquarters.

On the way back, I wiped out any monsters with magic before they came into the trio’s sight.

I wasn’t sure how the three — especially Carole — would react if they encountered a demonic beast now.

◇

"Well, it’s early, but there’s no need to push ourselves on the first day. Let’s end here for today. As for the schedule, basically, I’ll be training you every other day. On the days without training, you can explore the Great Labyrinth together. However! When you explore, you must absolutely go as a trio, never challenge a floor boss, and not go beyond the eleventh floor without my permission. Also, never do anything reckless. Please follow these four rules."

Back in the original room, I briefly explained the future plans.

"Understood."

Log responded on behalf of the group.

"Also, if you go to the Great Labyrinth on a day without training, make sure to rest the next free day. Pushing yourself won’t help you grow. Spend your free time however you like… Hmm, if you don’t have anything to do, I recommend reading. Try the books in the exploration club’s library. They’re well organized, easy to read, and full of useful information."

When I said "spend your free time however you like," Sophie’s expression stiffened.

I suggested reading, but does she not have any hobbies?

With that said, we wrapped up for the day.

On the surface, Carole looked the same as before going to the Great Labyrinth.

I couldn’t tell what was going on inside her heart, but hopefully there wouldn’t be an immediate outburst.

I moved to see Ms. Estella.

"Master! Can I have a moment?"

Right as I stepped out, Log called after me.

"What’s wrong?"

"Well…"

Log seemed hesitant to speak.

I waited patiently until he finally opened his mouth.

"Master, I want to hear your honest opinion on my current level of skill!"

Why ask that? I thought, but Log’s eyes were completely serious.

I didn’t know his intentions, but if I trusted his earlier words, he wouldn’t get cocky even if I gave an honest answer.