“…Ahem, Miss Yuika.”

“Hmm, is there anything, Darling.”

“That nickname, are you already settled on it?”

“Of course.”

　Yuika affirmed as they walked hand in hand on the cobblestone road.

　It might be a bit better if he could be called that with a slightly sweeter voice, Yuika’s voice was somewhat low for a woman and had a calm tone. Moreover, because her facial expressions didn’t really change, it felt somewhat unnatural.

he could be called with a slightly sweeter voice, for a woman, Yuika’s voice was slightly low and had a calm tone. Moreover, because she didn’t really move her facial expressions, it felt somehow unnatural. 

“Tae said.”

　That was a veteran maid who worked in Yuika’s residence, although she was already over the age of 40 and her children already adults, the passion between her and her husband was unchanged from when they were newlyweds. 

“’To be lovers, is when you talk with each other, or when you walk down a street together, or even when you’re just beside each other, you trust in your partner and share everything with each other. Like that, both people will feel joy and happiness together. It’s impossible to create something out of nothing – that’s a big lie, if two hearts come together, infinite love will endlessly overflow’… it seems.”

　He couldn’t quite get the meaning, but for the time being Rowe nodded. 

“The important thing here is, how we should both call each other. Tae called her husband ‘Darling’.”

　Conversely, she seemed to have missed out hearing what Tae was called.

“Anyway, Tae’s love talk pretty much went in one ear and out the other. To be honest, I even thought it was annoying.”

　Rowe agreed, he felt that he could understand that feeling.

“And never did I even dream I would have a lover. Seriously — if this was going to happen, I should have listened more seriously to Tae’s stories.”

　Yuika groaned regretfully, but inwardly Rowe was relieved.

　As expected, I don’t have the courage to call Yuika “Honey” in public.

　Less than half a month had passed since he met his lover Yuika, but it was apparent she had been raised in rather special circumstances. She thought about things from an extremely theoretical perspective, and was always calm, cool and collected. However, it could be seen that her knowledge and experience of certain things were exceedingly lacking.

“Alright, Darling. Next, let’s try linking arms.”

　Therefore, these kinds of strange words and actions occurred.

　But Rowe didn’t see this as a shortcoming.

　A thousand pairs of lovers would have a thousand types of relationships. No matter what others might think, it was good as long as they enjoyed each other’s company, and even just looking at Yuika, who seemed to be trying her best to figure things out through trial and error, was enough for the corners of his mouth to raise, such kinds of tickling feelings were welling up within him. 

　While passers-by were directing curious looks at them, the two of them entered a liquor store and bought a bottle of strong alcohol before heading to the clinic on foot. 

　A dilapidated building in a back alley with rarely any visitors. Locals knew very well that you got treatment here at prices higher than the market value. 

“Teacher, it’s Rowe.”

　There was no reply, but Rowe entered anyway. 

　On the sofa in a room that looked to be the director’s, a bald old man with an eyepatch – Canop was slovenly snoring. 

　This was probably the result of the gold received from Yuika’s treatment. Many expensive bottles of alcohol that wouldn’t normally be there were lying under the sofa. 

　Rowe opened the window and let out the air that smelt of alcohol

“Teacher, please wake up.”

　No matter how many times he tried shaking his body, there was not the slightest sign of him waking. 

“I give up. Apologies Yuika, but could you use ‘Dark Drops’ for me?”

“Well, sure.”

　Dark-type magic that could cure all abnormal conditions. Yuika pointed her fingertips at the old man, and drew an oval magic formation. 

“–Nnnga… aah?”

　This time, when Rowe shook his body again, he woke up quickly.

“…What? Rowe are you.”

　He raised his upper body and rubbed his head confusedly. 

“Mmm, my head is really clear.”

“Is that so?”

“Expensive drinks are different after all. Don’t get sick.”

　To the old man who nodded with satisfaction, Rowe feigned ignorance by saying “I’m glad that’s so”.

“Over there, is that the lady from before?”

“I was taken care of by you back then.”

“Enough with the gratitude.”

　As he spat, Canop stood up. 

　Immediately, he opened the alcohol that Rowe had brought to clear his hangover – or so he thought it would – and drank it deliciously. 

“Teacher. Did you manage an antidote for that poison?”

“Ah, the one that got this lady. No way I couldn’t, wait a bit.”

　Acting as though it was a bother, Canop took out paper, ink and a quill from the drawer of a desk and wrote smoothly.

“Here, recipe. If it sells, get drinks again.”

“Thank you very much.”

　Rowe left the clinic with Yuika as the old man waved them away. 

　While walking in the back alley, Rowe explained to the bewildered-looking Yuika. 

　Tyros Labyrinth 48th floor. The variant species of Cannon Vine that inhabited the Dungeon Oasis – now named Bomb Vine and registered in the Monster Book – exploded everywhere, but Rowe had recovered some of the thorns that were the source of the poison. 

　He gave them to Canop and asked him to make a recipe for an antidote.

“Isn’t it not very easy to just make things like antidotes?”

“The teacher has the Gift [Analysis]. As long as he has an actual sample, he can make most antidotes.”

“Hou, that’s a big deal.”

　He planned to mix some antidote samples and sell them to the Adventurer’s Guild, Rowe said. 

“That poison isn’t known to anyone yet. So until the next expedition, they should be willing to buy it at the price we set.”

“Were you thinking of that while rescuing me?”

“…Does it bother you?”

“No, I’m impressed.”

　Yuika had a look in her eyes as though she was about undertake some challenge.

“As expected of Darling. Thanks to that, the next time we dive into Tyros Labyrinth, we’ll be able to bring along an antidote.”

　In the end, she still had some feelings of shame from their previous failure. 

　Rowe bought some ingredients with Yuika who was in a good mood, and when they returned home in the evening, Mariete welcomed them. 

“Sister. Welcome.”

　With a quick bow.

“I will be indebted to you again.”

　For a souvenir, Yuika gave Mariete an illustrated fairy tale book. 

　A costly thing that she spent a few silver coins on. Mariete loved fairy tales, so her big eyes shined brightly. She wanted to quickly read the book, but she also had to help out with the cooking. This was a serious conflict she worried about. 

“I will be preparing dinner, so if it’s alright with you, could you read the book to Marin?”

“Alright, leave it to me.”

　That was more of something like a reward to Yuika. 

　Joyfully sitting on the living room sofa, she put Mariete on her lap, and they started reading the book together. 

　While lighting the stove, Rowe thought about his future plans.

　It had been decided that the next time for “Twilight’s Sword” to enter the labyrinth would be in four days.

　The policy of “Twilight’s Sword” seemed to be ‘continue diving while their battle senses remained fresh’. The fortunate thing was that their equipment had not been unrepairably lost, so they only needed to finish replenishing their consumables. 

　The next labyrinth exploration was scheduled for the untraversed layers. Although he did inevitably end up trying to anticipate all the possible dangers and difficulties, Rowe tried his best not to think too much about it while at home. In the first place, this was still only a job, so if all he did was think about these things, he wouldn’t be able to live a normal life. 

　Therefore, he concentrated himself entirely on making delicious food and enjoying their food together. 

　They didn’t talk about work during the meal, and they livened up about shopping and picnics. Afterwards, they drank tea and had some fruits. For Rowe’s household, it had become a luxurious dinner. 

　After being full from eating sweet things, Mariete rubbed her hands. 

“SIster, sleep together…”

　As one might think, going back only the next morning would be bad. 

“Marin. Sister has to go home.”

“Nnn~”

“Guuu…”

　Rowe placated Marin, and Yuika’s face conterted bitterly.

“Oi, Darling. I don’t want to go.”

“That’s no good.”

　The last time, because Yuika was dead drunk and had to stay overnight, Berii who he had met after that was on the verge of murdering Rowe.

“The relationship of trust between Adventurers and Sherpas is important. I can’t let everyone else distrust me.”

“…”

　Yuika couldn’t argue against his sound reasoning. 

　At least let her stay by Mariete’s side until she fell asleep, she had insisted, but unfortunately Mariete was a good sleeper. She had fallen asleep even before Yuika could get into bed with her. 

“Yuika. Thanks for the wonderful book. Marin seemed very pleased.”

“……Nn.”

“I’ll walk you to the inn.”

“No. It’s better to not leave Mariete alone. I’m an advanced Adventurer. I can repel any attacks.”

“Understood. Then, Yuika. See you tomorrow.”

“…”

　At the front door entrance, Yuika stared at Rowe.

　This was a face that had something to say. 

“Tae was saying.”

“…”

“‘Lovers, day or night, must make proper farewells’.”

　’Then, see you tomorrow’ – that didn’t seem like the right thing to say in this situation. 

　As Rowe stepped forward, Yuika tilted her face slightly upwards.

　The angle was perfect, but it was very hard for him to do since she was staring right at him.

“Ahem, if you’d close your eyes for me…”

“G, got it.”

　She appeared to be using a fair bit of strength, so even with her eyes closed, her long eyelashes were twitching. Her lips were tightly pressed together, so they looked a bit stiff. 

　The mischievous spirit of him wanting to observe her for a while like that was born, but she would probably get angry if he took too much time. 

“Good night, Yuika.”

“—-“

　With that, Rowe properly sent her off.

–

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