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Tl: Sam

…

“Muu. It’s not fair that it’s only Yui.”

　Saying so, Rin puffed out her cheeks.
　Watching her pout, I tried to soothe her with a troubled expression.

“Even if you say that, it can’t be helped, right? This job is supposed to be handled by the White Wolf Guild, after all.”

　The current time was evening. When I told Rin, who had just returned from work, that Hoshino and I were going to Hokkaido, it ended up like this.
　If possible, I’d want to bring Rin and Amatsuki along too. The two of them are dependable, and I think it would be a nice refresher for them since they’re buried in work in Tokyo.

　However, this exploration is to be conducted primarily by guilds, without the government.
　Me and Hoshino going is barely safe, but taking Amatsuki or Rin would be completely out. Complaints would arise from the guilds again, and it wouldn’t serve to vent their frustration.

“Besides, Dojima-san mentioned that you have a big job on that day. Either way, you wouldn’t have been able to go, Rin.”
“Then I’ll resign from the Ministry of Monster Control. That way, there shouldn’t be any problem, right?”
“No, no, don’t quit over something like that.”

　I retorted while breaking out in a cold sweat.
　Certainly, if she quits the Ministry of Monster Control, she won’t be government personnel anymore, but… if Rin leaves, the First Subjugation Division would be in utter chaos. The hole left by the departure of their young ace wouldn’t be filled so easily.

“You went through all the trouble to join the Ministry of Monster Control; what are you going to do with your future if you quit?”
“It’s fine, I’ll find permanent employment with Sensei. Peace.”

　Rin sat down next to me on the sofa, tilted her head onto my shoulder, and flashed a peace sign.
　What is this creature, she’s way too cute. When she acts so spoiled like this, I lose even the will to lecture her. However,

“What foolish things are you saying? Don’t trouble Makoto so much.”

　Amatsuki, who had approached from behind, lightly smacked Rin on the head.
　Rin puffed out her cheeks again and sent Amatsuki a protesting glare, but Amatsuki paid it no mind. Amatsuki and Rin aren’t related by blood, but they have a relationship like real sisters.

“You have an investigation of the newly emerged dungeon in Tokyo on that day, don’t you?”
“Nee-san is going, so even if I don’t…”
“Are you still being selfish?”

　A ‘pressure’ akin to killing intent was emitted from Amatsuki, giving even me goosebumps.
　Having bathed in that at point-blank range, Rin reluctantly yielded and stopped complaining any further. Even Rin, who could be surprisingly stubborn, couldn’t act tough against Amatsuki.

“Well, I won’t stay too long and will come right back, so wait for me. By the way, does your preparation seem alright, Hoshino?”

　I turned my eyes toward Hoshino, who was also sitting on the living room sofa.
　However, Hoshino was spacing out and didn’t react.

“Hoshino? Are you alright?”
“…Eh? Ah, yes! Wh-What is it!?”
“No, I just asked if your preparations were alright, but…”
“Eh, ah, preparations, right? O-Of coursh!”

　She didn’t look alright at all. She even bit her tongue.
　Ever since it was decided that we’d go to Hokkaido, Hoshino seemed spaced out somehow. What on earth was going on with her?

　She was fidgeting just like a child looking forward to a school field trip, but surely she couldn’t be like this just because she was excited. It was a mystery.

“Only Yui getting to go is unfair. I wanted to go too.”
“Ahaha, sorry, Rin-chan. I’ll buy you some souvenirs.”
“Kuh, is this the composure of a victor…!?”

　Rin said that with clear frustration.
　Of course, Hoshino had zero intention of provoking her, but right now, whatever she said would probably just frustrate Rin.

“…Somehow, I’m starting to look forward to it too.”

　For me, who had lived the life of a corporate slave until now, even though it was work, this was my first trip.
　As long as I properly did the job, divine punishment wouldn’t strike just for doing a little sightseeing. There are several explorers besides us this time, so it might finish even quicker than usual.

“Alright, guess I’ll do my best.”

　With my heart fluttering just a little over my first trip, I waited for that time.

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