Ah, you see, Ive become C-Rank with my current party!

Karen mentioned cheerfully, getting our talk back on track in an obvious attempt to expel the awkward atmosphere.

Hoh, then youve cleared the dungeon exam, huh?

Yep! Well, Im still no match for you who cleared the capitals dungeon, am I? Hehe, she smiled wryly.

For me alone itd have been impossible. Especially the last part. Id have never managed if not for Indra.

Karen looked surprised, Is that kid strong?

If we fought, shed win, so yeah.

She stared at me, speechless.

Shes above me in swordsmanship and magic. On top of that, she can build magic tools. A genuine Allrounder, Id say. But even a genius like her said that I can do stuff she cant, you know? Thats why we can support each other. I can do the stuff she desires. For this reason, Im the ideal partner for her.

Of course, shes the ideal partner for me as well. Shes quite the diligent busybody, so Ill do my best to let her enjoy her care-taking. Ill enjoy all the food and booze she makes, and Ill gleefully play with the toys she creates. Ill even happily wear the clothes made out of bugs because theyre made by her.

Yep, thatll definitely round up our relationship perfectly!

A hollow laugh escaped Karens lips, Somehow, it all sounds like youre speaking fondly of a lover.

No, we dont have such a relationship.

Shes a woman, but her body is awfully close to that of a guy. Shes yappin bout havin small breasts, but in reality shes as flat as a board. Theres no bulgin to be found there. None at all. Cant think of her as nythin but a guy whos missin somethin below.

I know. The rumors are saying that Thunderclap Whitefang has woken up to homosexuality, though. Havent you heard? She laughed impishly.

Such rumors were circulatin? Still, thats fine, butno, it aint fine at all. Itd be a major pain in the ass if guys started to make passes at me as well.

I dont have any interest in men or women. Or rather, well, I guess your right No matter how you look at her, she sure doesnt look like a woman

Eh?

No, Indra is a woman, you see. She totally looks like a guy for sure, but shes a woman.

Eh?

Karens face became gloomy again. I held her back with a hand.

No, dont say it. I mean, shes started to worry bout it as well, apparently. Shes been goin on about havin some chest and legs bein the match winner, but I think only idiots would fancy a brats legs. Still, since it seems to weigh on her mind, Ive decided to not mention nythin.

She herself believes that shes sexy, but the word sex appeal is completely lost on her. No, its even worse. Her total lack of any sexiness is actually pitiable.

A-Ahahahawhat, so she was a girl

Its easier to assume the opposite. Even though shes insistin on bein a woman, everyone thinks of her as a man, so I can associate with her without any romantic feelings bein involved.

Oh! So thats how it is!

Suddenly her voice bounced and got lively again.

However, then I suddenly noticed and, while scratchin my head, I said, Sorry. Ive been only talkin bout me all this time. How are things on your end? Have you been long in your current party?

Huh? Ah, yeah. Lets see, I think you could call it long, answered Karen evasively.

Are things not going smoothly for her? But if shes C-Rank now, it shouldnt be that bad, I think.

If you consider her age, shes a bit of a late bloomer, but on the other hand, if she managed to reach C-Rank at her age, it means shes in a stable party.

Things arent bad now that your a C-Rank, are they? Its proof of a stable party. I also understood for the first time after formin a party. Its fun and gives you a peace of mind if you complete requests and dungeons while supportin and bein supported by your peers!

Mmh, thats true.

Right. I was finally able to experience it personally and that made me quite happy.