NOVEL WEB Volume 1 Chapter 87 - Mireille Road
I arrived at the Mireille Highway with Yoshino-san and Rin-san, and we decided to confirm our collaboration in front of the gate.
“So, before we start the adventure, let’s decide on the important matter of rewards. Okita-kun, how do you want to split them?”
Rin-san asked the most crucial question when forming a party. The most contentious issue in a party is the distribution of rewards.
“What’s the orthodox way to divide it?”
“Firstly, equal division. Simply divide by the number of people. It’s easy, but it can cause disputes over merit.”
I get it.
In extreme cases, you could do nothing and still get a third, which would make the person who worked hard unhappy.
“Let’s not do that. Our careers are different, and I’m more like a guest.”
I’m in a position where I’m being taken to an area I’ve never been to today.
So, paying money makes me ineligible for equal shares.
“Then let’s go with the last-attack rule. Simply, whoever defeats it gets it.”
This is prone to disputes, like when high school kids got annoyed with the hyena that swooped in.
“Is that okay?”
“Well, most of the time, we can defeat them in one hit. And no large monsters appear here.”
One hit…
Then the last-attack rule might be good.
“Then, let’s go with that. I’m not familiar with the strength of the monsters here, so it’s fine.”
Today is just a scouting mission. My main activities are with Nanapon, so today is just to check if it’s doable with Nanapon.
“Understood. For cooperation… we’re all swordsmen, huh?”
Rin-san looks at me and Yoshino-san alternately.
“Both Rin-san and Yoshino-san can use magic, right?”
“We can, but we hardly use it. Only against a Great Eagle, maybe.”
So the main weapon is the sword.
“Why not take turns? The two watching can be on the lookout for ambushes from monsters, including the Great Eagle.”
Yoshino-san suggests.
“I’m fine with that. If it seems too difficult, I’ll call for help.”
“Let’s do it that way then. I’ll go first since I suggested it.”
It seems Yoshino-san will go first.
“Please do.”
We decided on various aspects of today’s adventure and started walking down the highway with Yoshino-san leading.
The highway is paved with stones, making it easy to walk on. The weather is good, and it’s warm and comfortable.
“Rin-san, by the way, what happened to the other members? Weren’t there other members in Satsuki-san’s former party?”
I was curious as only two were here.
“Are you dissatisfied with just us? Want more women?”
I’m not seeking a harem.
“No, it was just the two of you during the newbie training, so I was wondering.”
“We don’t usually operate in party units. There are 7 official members, but that’s too many.”
“Indeed, 7 is a lot.”
If we have to divide the rewards into seven parts, it’s not profitable.
“To be precise, there are over 20 unofficial members like you. We team up with them randomly. Someone posts a recruitment notice, and whoever wants to go, goes.”
“Is the relationship bad?”
“No, we’re all veterans around 26 to 30 years old. Some are married. We’re not at an age to be adventuring passionately. We occasionally go with juniors to show off as seniors.”
“It sounds like a club or a circle.”
“In reality, it’s like that. Yoshino is the leader in name, but everyone does as they please.”
“So it’s pretty lax…”
“Yeah, so don’t be too nervous. We’re classmates, so let’s just go with the flow.”
“Are you thinking of retiring, Rin-san?”
“I’ll probably go on a bit longer. Until about 30?”
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
“I have a husband.”
“…You’re married? Your husband actually allows this?”
“He agreed to these conditions when he proposed.”
“Wow, you’re married. So adult.”
“I’m 26, not particularly young.”
“True, it’s an age when people start getting married.”
“That’s right. Ah, so I don’t join in the evenings and on weekends.”
“I don’t go on weekends and evenings either unless Kaede-chan has a night shift.”
“You’re like Kaede’s stalker.”
“I wish you’d just call us a lovey-dovey couple!”
“Ha… the two of you behind me are lowering my morale.”
Yoshino-san, who was in front, sighed.
“Don’t you have a teen idol? Was she a middle schooler?”
“You mean the mistress of a big-shot host?”
We tried to console Yoshino-san.
“Both are obviously lies… I’m all about vtubers.”
So she’s like her cousin…
As we were casually talking and walking, I suddenly saw a black mass in the plains deviating to the left from the highway. Upon closer inspection, it looked like a dog.
“That looks like a High Wolf.”
I stopped and pointed in the direction where the dog was.
“Correct. Yoshino, it’s just one.”
Rin-san also stopped and called out to Yoshino-san.
“I know.”
Yoshino-san drew her sword from her waist and took her stance. After a while, the High Wolf came much closer.
The High Wolf was about the size of a large dog and was running toward Yoshino-san. It obviously didn’t want to be petted. Its eyes were filled with killing intent, and it was sprinting with all its might.
When the High Wolf came close enough that its rough breathing could be heard, it kicked the ground and leapt toward Yoshino-san. Without showing any signs of disturbance, Yoshino-san moved her body sideways, dodging the High Wolf’s leap while holding her sword in the upper stance. Then, she swung her sword down at the High Wolf’s exposed body.
“―Gyan!”
The High Wolf let out a cry as its body was cut, and it turned into smoke and disappeared.
“That’s how it is.”
Yoshino-san said, picking up a white fang-like item about 20 cm long that the High Wolf had dropped.
“They’re not that strong. It feels like the wolves in Eden Forest just got bigger.”
“In reality, that’s about it. But it’s really dangerous if they bite, especially for you in your jersey.”
“I am wearing an inner suit.”
“Then you’re fine. You won’t get an arm bitten off, just injured.”
“Injury is serious, you know.”
“Well, you have healing potions. At least Nanapon won’t cry.”
“How much is that drop item worth?”
“About 8000 yen? I don’t remember.”
“Seems fair since they’re stronger than skeletons.”
“High Wolves usually appear alone, but they can form packs at night, so be careful.”
“I can’t handle packs.”
“That’s wise. It’s dark and dangerous at night.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“So what will you do? Will you go next, or shall we leave it to Rin?”
“Could you go first, Rin-san? I can learn just by watching.”
“Sure, I’ll go next.”
Rin-san happily agreed and took the front position, replacing Yoshino-san.
“Have you ever seen Rin swing a sword?”
Yoshino-san, who had come next to me, asked.
“No, this is the first time. She’s a B-rank, so she must be strong.”
“She is strong. She’s just B-rank because she hasn’t been active.”
“So she’s a housewife swordsman.”
“Let’s stop calling her that…”
Oh well.
It’s a fact.
Jersey swordsman.
Booby swordsman.
Housewife swordsman.
Wow, they sound weak…