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Ah, there she is. Jeanne-san, that was weird of you. All of a sudden. (Rifreya)

Reya, huh. (Jeanne)

Jeanne-san was curled up at a corner of the footpath between fields.

Her eyes are a bit red, so she might have been crying.

It hasnt been long since I have begun living together with her, but it is my first time seeing her like this, so it surprised me a bit. She probably hasnt seen that stubborn side of Hikaru before.

Because Hikaru was mentally stable since the time I reunited with him after all.

What about Kuro? (Jeanne)

I left him there. With Hikaru there, the horses wont be running away That said, really, what happened there? That wasnt like you. (Rifreya)

Not like mehuh. Not really. I dont know if you know, but since the time I got the Gift of Vitality Up, my mental strength has increased. The reason why I can act as if nothing fazes me is thanks to this This is my original self. (Jeanne)

I dont really get it, butI think thats good in its own way, you know -better than when you were detached and I couldnt tell what you were thinking. Cause I didnt know you were looking forward to journeying off. Thats why I was surprised. (Rifreya)

We decided on traveling as if running away from something after all. Hikaru and Jeanne-san were acting indifferent, so I didnt notice she was looking forward to it this much.

It cant be helped, right? Even though I said something big like conquering the dungeon, I was more excited about traveling Theres no way I could say that. (Jeanne)

Eeh? Whats with that? Isnt that fine? Dungeons are nerve wracking, and it isnt that fun of a place, right? (Rifreya)

No, fighting itself is fun, butright. The inside of the dungeon is dark, and it does get distressing. Kuro seems to be more lively inside a dungeon though. (Jeanne)

It is true that Hikaru isnt the type to get distressed inside a dungeon.

Explorers need mental strength that allows them to be active in the dungeon for several days, but in Hikarus case, it has nothing to do with mental strength How to say it, it is as if the dungeon fits him.

As for me, just like Jeanne-san, I dont really like the inside of a dungeon -especially the 4th Floor with its bad environment.

Well, anyways, lets go back. We are still in the middle of practicing horse riding after all. (Rifreya)

Dont wanna. I dont want him to see my face. (Jeanne)

Dont say such a childish thing. Now now. (Rifreya)

Even when I tried to pull her hand to move her, Jeanne-san was adamantly staying there while going I dont wanna, I dont wanna -like a spoiled brat.

She reminds me of my little sister when she was young

Geez, even though you are so strong when inside the dungeon Well, that goes for Hikaru too though. Is that a trait of people from that world? They are good in battle, but are bad with social stuff? (Rifreya)

No, it is simply that me and Kuro are that type Especially when I didnt have siblings No family either, or friends So I really dont know how to interact with people. (Jeanne)

But you are interacting with me and Hikaru normally though. (Rifreya)

Because I am creating a persona. (Jeanne)

This is my first time having a talk like this with Jeanne.

We are living together, so we talk normally, and theres times when we would have heated conversations, but is this the unexpected weakness of Jeanne-san? I dont know about this persona stuff she is talking about.

Because of my talented little sister, I had a pretty big inferiority complex, so I thought that an only-child must have it easier.

I havent seen the world of Hikaru and Jeanne-san, and I dont know it either.

Theres apparently a whole lot of things similar to Magic Tools, and they are living convenient lives with a power called electricity which is similar to Spirit Energy but, at its foundation, they probably live in the same way as the people of this world.

I didnt even imagine that Hikaru was from another world until he himself told me after all

In that case, theres no doubt that, even if they say it is a different world, it shouldnt be much different.

I must havebeen spoiled by Kuro unknowingly. Thats why, when I felt like the promise of going off on a journey was scrappedI ended up raging there. To think he would believe the words of a guy like him rather than me. Thinking about it a little bit, you would be able to tell that he was just spitting a load of crap, right? You think so too, right, Reya? (Jeanne)

E-Eeeh? I cant tell that. (Rifreya)

The chances of being selected as a Chosen of the 2nd group is 7.5 billion out of 300, you know? Thats way too impossible no matter how you think about it. Moreover, she is heading to this city? To think he would get caught up in such cajolery (Jeanne)

Is she vexed, or is she angry?

Jeanne-san is hiding her face, so I cant really tell.

I think that, in the end, I didnt understand their circumstances.

I dont know why he cant be believed, or why Hikaru believed in his words.

I feel like we could just act in a way that makes it fine no matter which choice we take, but is there a reason why it isnt possible to do so?

He should just believe in what I tell him (Jeanne)

Jeanne-san muttered this.

Kuro isalways kind. He never denies what I say, and he gives a sort of peace of mind that he would never betray you. (Jeanne)

N-Never betray you I guess? (Rifreya)

The monologue of Jeanne-san continued, but saying Hikaru would never betray you is a bit too much in my opinion. He is a normal man, so if you dont properly hold his reins, theres no knowing where he might disappear to.

Just like how he began living together with Jeanne-san in the short while I took my eyes off him

I got ahead of myself thinking that I am being treasured. But he treasures his childhood far more. Dont you get it? It is the same with you, right, Reya? In the end, we are merely number 2 and 3. (Jeanne)

Eeh~? Is there really any point in competing with a person thats not here? (Rifreya)

You are strong, Reya. (Jeanne)

I know that Hikaru likes me after all! (Rifreya)

Hikaru is an incredible ability user, and outstanding in battle, but he is actually the type thats frail when it comes to his human parts. I think the childhood friend matter is also a result of his weak part being pricked. He did say they were not in a romantic relationship, so I think the distress of Jeanne-san is misguided.

Before, I didnt know about this, so I was pushing pretty aggressively, butnow, I have decided to take it slowly without hurrying. AlsoI have my trump card which is the promise.

Anyways, what will happen in the end?

Will we be leaving or will it be postponed?

Honestly, I dont mind whichever.

At any rate, lets go back. (Rifreya)

I dont want to see him. (Jeanne)

You are living together, so you will see him sooner or later, you know? (Rifreya)

Then, I will stay at an inn. You keep Kuro company, Reya. (Jeanne)

Why is that your conclusion? -is what I couldnt help but think, but Jeanne-san is pretty stubborn herself.

There was no end to this, so I left Jeanne-san and returned to where Hikaru was.

Hikaru wasnt doing horse riding training and was simply looking up at the sky while spacing out.

This guy here is also a serious case.

Rifreya What about Jeanne? (Hikaru)

She said she didnt want to see you. But it looked like it would be resolved if you were to apologize. (Rifreya)

When a girl is being a spoiled brat, it is all about apologizing and soothing them.

Regardless of whether we are leaving or we continue to dive the dungeon, leaving a relationship dicey can bring trouble. It is also because it gets more difficult to fix as more time passes, so it is better to just apologize immediately before it gets more complicated.

And if you cant, just disband the party.

I have heard countless stories about parties getting into complicated relationships and wiping out in the dungeon. Theres no assurance we wont end up as one of those stories.

Jeanne is strong and has a refreshing personality, but for me, Hikaru is the priority.

I dont mind leaving on a journey, but I want to wait for a bit. I wont change that. (Hikaru)

Because your childhood friend might be coming here? (Rifreya)

Thats right. The Hell Chosen being Nanami does indeed sound crazy, butbut if the chance is thereI want to wait. (Hikaru)

Then, more of a reason to talk with Jeanne-san. (Rifreya)

Right. (Hikaru)

In the end, Hikaru does have the intention of apologizing, but he doesnt plan on folding here.

I wonder what will be the case with Jeanne-san.

Hikaru and I return to the place of Jeanne-san while bringing the horses along.

Even when on the horse, Hikaru was staring at space.

He is looking at one place with a pale white face.

Hikaru, is that the Status Board? Are you looking at it? (Rifreya)

Yeah. I told Jeanne I would open the messages after all. (Hikaru)

Then, are you reading the messages? (Rifreya)

NoI am not It looks like I cant do it yet. (Hikaru)

He said as if squeezing those words out.

I certainly heard this from Hikaru before -that he was being slandered for false charges by the messages.

At that timeno, even now, I still wonder is there a need to worry about the words of others? But it seems like he is still bothered by that.

But once the message system comes back, I will definitely read them. (Hikaru)

If it is that painful, I can read them with you. (Rifreya)

You cant see them though It is okay. I will read them. (Hikaru)

He doesnt seem okay at all though. Well, I was also scared of opening the letters of mother not that long ago, so it is not like I dont understand that feeling.

Anyways, if that so-called message system comes back, it will apparently make clear whether that childhood friend is coming here.

In that case, I really dont find any issues with postponing the journey for a few days.

Ah, there she is. (Rifreya)

Jeanne-san was sitting on the fields footpath just like before, but she stood up when she noticed us approaching.

And then, after one glance at us and a second of hesitation, she turned around and ran towards the city.

She ran! She ran away?! (Rifreya)

Seriously? Looks like I angered her quite a lot here. (Hikaru)

I will chase after her for a bit. Counting on you with the horses, Hikaru. (Rifreya)

Hikaru is still not as good as me when it comes to horse riding, but if I were to make the horse run at full speed, I might be able to catch up to her.

It will be difficult to search for her if she were to coop herself up in an inn. I have to find her before then.

I have the horse run at full speed and chase after her.

No matter how much a human tries, a horse is faster.

Or thats how it is supposed to be, but

What incredible physical strength Jeanne-san has Just how high is her Tier? (Rifreya)

In the end, I couldnt catch up to her and lost her in the city.

Well, now that it has come to this, it cant be helped.

She will most likely return once her head cools down.

Jeanne-san said she would be staying at an inn. (Rifreya)

In other wordsI can be with him all alone in a while since returning here.

Hikaru was being reserved because of Jeanne-san, and I had my promise with her, so I didnt do anything, but

All alone, huh! What shall I do! (Rifreya)

I unconsciously said that out loud.

I had decided on taking it slow, but theres times when you have to go on the offensive.

Yup.

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