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Chapter 136 – Interlude Rebecca Part 1

It’s Rebecca’s point of view.

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Meeting a magic spear user, my life…completely changed.

Ah, there’s also Rollo-chan.

But, I think Shuuya is great.

He’s the first man I fell in love with.

Our beginning was in front of the guild boards.

I still remember it as if it happened yesterday.

Hair so black it absorbs light, black eyes that suck you in, and a face that’s flat1 yet well-featured.

Since he had only just arrived in the labyrinth city, I met with him to offer various assistance.

Of course, I acknowledged that the real reason I offered my help was my own selfish interest; I wanted to form a party with him.

But in the end, I told him about other adventurers avoiding me and the nickname they gave me.

He didn’t even look grossed out after hearing the nickname I hate so much.

Moreover, he said that I’m cute or something like that

Those words were really surprising.

After all, it’s been quite a while since someone complimented my looks with such honest eyes…

But as I tried to listen to him while staring into his eyes…

They pierced me in a mysterious way. For some reason, they penetrated into my heart.

Those black eyes are unfair. They’re beautiful and look as if they are going to suck you in.

I think that I only imagined them shining a bit reddish, but I became unable to separate my eyes from his.

After shaking off my daze, I hear him mentioning that he wouldn’t have come along if I wasn’t a woman, making it quite clear that he’s a lecher. It was the first time in my life that I met such pure, or rather, such an upfront man.

There were no men like Shuuya at the academy.

Just as I promised him at the guild, I led him to the magic shop I’m always using; it has good bargains.

Here, I got surprised in a different way.

I saw him buying many absurdly expensive magic scrolls, each of which would make me drool with desire, and he just picked them up as if buying candy. They cost more money than I have ever seen before, namely platinum coins…

I received a shock as if my head was struck with a hammer.

He might be the son of a high-ranking noble who had a personal teacher instructing him on advanced magic.

And even his ability to quickly read and learn the magic scrolls made me feel dumbfounded.

I unintentionally vented my anger at him.

Yes, I hurled rude remarks at Shuuya as I was jealous of him; he not only had a large amount of mana and mental strength but also he has the attitude of a rich man who doesn’t know poverty.

Normally you learn mana manipulation at the Magic Academy…no, looking at him from a normal standpoint bears absolutely no meaning. Rin-sensei said so as well, that talent surpasses hard work.

Even I’m not normal. Possessing <Divine Protection of Fire> and <Eyes of the Blue Flame>, I hold the rare combat occupation called Blue Flame Painter.

<Divine Protection of Fire> is a blessing from the Fire God Enfreet-sama and the fire spirit Ilness-sama. It’s a unique skill that doubles the effect of fire magic.

<Eyes of the Blue Flame> are said to be useless as they only light a blue fire in one’s eyes occasionally. It’s a skill I don’t get at all.

I was happy when I class-upped to the rare occupation of Blue Flame Painter, but when I wondered whether I could use picture frame magic tools like Magic Painters, I found out I couldn’t…

It was a big shock that my class wasn’t much different from a magician who’s only good with fire magic.

…After I complained and recalled my life at the academy, his mood turned sour as if it was a matter of course.

With a grim face, he scolded me saying that he earned the money as an adventurer and not as a noble.

Although I apologized right away, it was my blunder.

However, it seemed like he guessed my feelings, and followed up with a smile.

Even though I was in the wrong… Shuuya is surprisingly kind and attentive to others.

After that, the conversation flowed naturally, it seemed like we had reconciled.

It might be fun to talk to him more.

Maybe because it’s been a while since my last party?

As we were about to enter the labyrinth, the members of 【Blue Arm Treasure PartyBlue Arm Jewelers】 appeared.

They’re members of the sixth-ranked top clan.

I gave Shuuya a bit of an explanation about them.

Their activities are really amazing.

One day, I will also become an adventurer that surpasses both them and my father.

I will aim for a combat occupation like one of the great wizards and discover many treasures.

Full of enthusiasm, I always strove towards adventuring after graduating from Ronbelge’s Magic Academy, but since I couldn’t join any parties recently, it had remained a mere goal.

That’s why I was planning to do my best that day.

If I went steadily at it starting with the small things, I will raise my magic skills.

In particular, it’s been quite a while since a party battle.

I embarked into the labyrinth, taking Shuuya along with the intention to coach as a kouhai2.

But, thinking of him as a kouhai was stupid of me…

Now that I look back, it was obvious that he’s not normal when he learned a large number of spells without any trouble, but I was too happy about having joined a party.

He and the cat-chan were warriors who exceeded my wildest fantasies.

Even though I heard and learned about them at the Academy, they actually do exist.

My confidence crumbled apart, like a sandcastle in front of the tide.

“In the end, rank is nothing more than rank… Beings with transcendent abilities and those who surpass first-class also exist at lower ranks.”

I recalled the words of Rin-sensei.

We advanced while easily defeating the monsters of the first floor with the force of a giant crushing them underfoot.

He’s so strong he doesn’t need party members.

After I told him that it would have been fine if we had accepted a lot more requests, with him being so strong and all, it resulted in us going to the rare monster room.

And then…when we passed through the open space in front of the room, a little incident occurred.

Abuse was hurled at me from adventurers who knew about my nickname.

But Shuuya got angry over them bad mouthing me, so he defeated those guys with overwhelming spear techniques and martial arts for making fun of me.

Rollo-can’s tentacles were amazing too, but being charmed by Shuuya’s movements, my heart throbbed violently and I melted away due to his cool figure.

…Such amazing men exist as well, don’t they?

But since it’s embarrassing I’d never be able to say that out loud.

The party occupying the room left in low spirits.

Watching them file out with heads bowed gave me a refreshing feeling.

Fufu, honestly though, it felt nice.

Shuuya fussed over it and apologized, but once I told him I was very happy, he let out an awkward laugh while looking embarrassed.

And then we were able to enter the rare monster room.

We breezed through defeating the medium-sized goblin that spawned inside while cooperating with each other.

Moreover, moreover, a treasure box appeared! A treasure box, what good luck.

We found a bracelet in the wooden box.

I was in a state of tension from my delight.

We safely returned to the surface and had the shopkeeper of 【Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop】 appraise the bracelet.

The bracelet turned out to be a rare magic item with two magic effects.

Being all hyper, I got carried away and ran my mouth to the shopkeeper.

I was really, really happy that we got a magic item.

Once we left the shop, Shuuya, reading my gaze at the bracelet, said that he would give it to me, though with his tone like he was soothing a child, his words felt a bit like he was making fun of me.

I felt slightly offended, but it’s a treasure and I was in a good mood, so I gratefully accepted it.

But Rollo-chan played a trick on me and stole the bracelet.

Shuuya guffawed watching Rollo-chan’s and my antics.

I ended up getting irritated by his laughter and complaining.

“Mu, it’s because you don’t make Rollo-chan behave, right~? Shuuya, you idiooooot.” (Rebecca)

I shouted. But, in front of the guild, cat-chan allowed me to hug her.

I buried my face in her far too cute, soft belly.

At this time I had the fleeting hope that I might be able to join his party from now on as well.

However, when we left the guild after handing in the requests,

“Rebecca, what are you going to do afterward?” (Shuuya)

“I think I will go back home now. What about you, Shuuya?” (Rebecca)

“I will return to my inn after checking out the city a bit.” (Shuuya)

Aww, I guess our test period as a party has come to an end.

Let’s join up again, such strong words didn’t come out of my mouth.

But, I understood. Although Shuuya had little experience in labyrinths, he’s a remarkable lancer who can use magic as well as being a top-notch master of martial arts.

Although I had confidence in my magic, it fell apart like a pyramid of goblets.

A superior person such as him has no reason to join up with me, who can’t do anything besides magic, after all.

It can’t be helped. Though it’s regrettable.

“…I see. Then…the test party ends here, doesn’t it?” (Rebecca)

“That’s right.” (Shuuya)

“Alright. I would be happy if we could join up again in the future.” (Rebecca)

I said diplomatically while revealing a forced smile.

I have also the job of selling black tea at Betty-san’s house, so it will be fine even if we don’t form a party.

“Yeah, that’s fine. I will rely on you again next time.” (Shuuya)

“… Got it. See you then.” (Rebecca)

I might have earned some money in the labyrinth that day, but Betty-san was already old, so I had to do my best at selling tea.

The party with all its fun ended at that point.

I dropped my shoulders and went back home through the free market.

My home is inside a small alley right before the free market.

It’s a small place.

But, it’s something my mum and dad left behind.

My dad’s name is Hito Ibhin.

He was a survivor of the Great Belfaritz Empire, an excellent wizard, and an elven adventurer.

But, he became someone who didn’t return home after diving into the labyrinth.

My mum’s name is Popla. She was a human adventurer who had a magician occupation that was strong with fire magic, but…she passed away due to sickness.

That’s why I’m currently living by myself.

But, I’m not too lonely.

I was allowed to work as a tea seller at Betty-san’s shop from when I was a child, it’s right next to my home, at the edge of the free market, but it gets a lot of clients.

I dropped my knapsack and took off the labyrinth equipment.

I changed into a body-suit with a frilly v-neck and a ruffled skirt, and headed to Betty-san’s store.

“—Rebecca, did you come back already?” (Betty)

Betty-san, who was tending the store inside, called out to me after noticing my presence.

“Yeah. Today, you know, I really managed to join a party, okay? It was with a strong lancer!” (Rebecca)

I chirp while raising my index finger in excitement.

“Ooh, that’s nice, that’s nice. I was getting worried. All this time you were diving into the labyrinth by yourself…” (Betty)

“Fufu, I told you it’s okay. Even though I might look like this, I passed the Magic Academy as the runner-up.” (Rebecca)

“Yeah, yeah, I know all that. You didn’t become the top student due to discrimination against halfs, right? Now, now, I know that already, so will you tend the store today as well?” (Betty)

Betty-san laughed in her usual way and moved inside the store.

Recently she goes to rest in her room almost as soon as I get here.

Given that she’s a granny, her body is becoming weaker. I’m worried.

That’s why I have to do my best at tending the store!

And then after running the store for a while,

“Yo, Rebecca. You’re not in the labyrinth again today, tending the store instead, eh?”

This guy again, huh? I thought. The man with the frog face.

These days he comes in to the store every day…

“Shut up. Are you going to buy something or not?” (Rebecca)

“I wonder what I should do…?”

Rebecca sighs, “…Go somewhere else, you’re just hindering business here!”

I wave my arm, making it obvious that he should get out of here.

“If I get you to accept a date with me, I guess I can even buy the most expensive black tea, Rebecca.”

…There’s no freaking way that I will go on a date with someone like you; I hate you.

Though, yeah, if it was Shuuya, I would gladly accompany him…

Whaa… Huh? I just thought about Shuuya there…

“… Shut your trap. It’s not like you’re going to buy anything anyway. Just quit it or do you want me to burn you?” (Rebecca)

Due to the rift between my ideal and reality, I shot venom at him after getting irritated.

“Man, how scary. Time for me to run away then.”

The frog-faced man left.

The way he looked at my feet…it was slightly scary.

But, since he’s gone away obediently, I feel relieved. Oh, it’s another client.

“Please give me three bags of this intermediate breakfast black tea .”

“Okay. Rad Tea with lower quality, the first flush. Here you go. It’s three large copper coins.” (Rebecca)

I close the shop after selling one of Inbetween, First Flush, and Second Flush, all of which are high-classed tea leaves cultivated on the Rad Pass of the Lightning Spirit.

I might get praised by Betty-san. I wonder whether I will be given a rise in my wages.

“Betty-san, I’m going to leave the sales of the shop here.” (Rebecca)

“… Yeah, I’m sorry. Oh, it looks like you did sell a lot today. Thanks. You know, you are a beauty if you don’t open your mouth, Rebecca. As a shop assistant, you are the best.” (Betty)

… I feel like there’s a lot I want to comment on there, but I can’t complain to you, Betty-san.

“No, that’s not true. They sell because your stock of tea is high quality, Betty-san.” (Rebecca)

“Kakaka, aren’t you saying something nice there? I think I will raise your wages for this month.” (Betty)

Whoopee!

“Yaaay, thanks, Betty-san!” (Rebecca)

“Ah, that’s dangerous. Your clothes will get stuck at the edge of a shelf—” (Betty)

“—Kyaaa, ouch!” (Rebecca)

I fell down.

“Geeze, I told you so. What a scatterbrain you are. You have to properly pick up my valuable potted plants. Well, I guess it’s alright since no bags with tea leaves were dropped. If they had, the talk about a rise in your wages would have been a thing of the past.” (Betty)

Uuh, it huuurt. So these dead potted plants and black tea are more important than me, eh…?

“Ahaha…great. They didn’t fall down…” (Rebecca)

“Now then, I will eat something. Rebecca, are you going to eat with me?” (Betty)

“Ah, yeah.” (Rebecca)

She gets angry easily, but Betty-obaachan3 is kind.

Since I had been wondering about it for a long time, I tried asking her about this fallen, old plant.

“Betty-san, why are you still decorating the potted plants with dead wood?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, that’s also important for you, Rebecca.” (Betty)

“For me? That’s odd, Betty-san. Just how does this dead wood connect to me?” (Rebecca)

I got slightly angry.

“Fufun, I see, you don’t understand? That planted tree is old, but it still hasn’t died. Take a good look at the roots.” (Betty)

Betty-san revealed her peculiar, deep smile.

It’s annoying, but just as I was told, I move the dry leaves of the planted tree aside and look at the roots.

Ah, she’s right.

There are small, green leaves there.

Is she saying that this is her?

“There are leaves…” (Rebecca)

“Correct. If you pour your love into them, even old trees will bloom.” (Betty)

Love, huh?

“Yeah…” (Rebecca)

“Just like this old-looking tree, there are many wounded humans, elves, and half-elves. There are all sorts of unfortunate people out there: War orphans, children without limbs, children who can’t use their mouth, unfortunate children who loiter around due to hunger, youths who have fallen into banditry without any hope, children who have been turned into slaves. There are also greedy slave traders who try various rationalizations for spending their time like dried wood. Among those hurt people, there are some who might choose death, unable to bear life. But, the Rebecca in front of me has overcome the early death of both of her parents and continues to live energetically, beautifully, happily, joyfully, cheerfully and brightly while even overcoming the sadness of parting with those stunning leaves that are growing on the branches. That’s what makes you Rebecca. You are my important guardian deity and my blessing. As long as the gods make use of you, Rebecca, I cannot help but stay alive to make the life given to me worthwhile, so…” (Betty)

I cried after hearing Betty-san’s feelings.

“…I’m sorry, Betty-san…” (Rebecca)

“Haha, you are so foolish. Now, don’t cry and come here so that we can eat together.” (Betty)