Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Raising the Lowest-Ranked Adventurer, the Heroic Girl – Wasn’t I Just a Substitute Old Man?

Volume 2  Chapter 9    Albino girl

“Welcome back!”

Upon reaching a certain room, I received a serious warning from Saeki-san, and I responded with equal seriousness, understanding the importance of today’s task.

“Thank you. I’ll do my best to ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s partly my fault to begin with, and it’s also for my own safety.”

After taking a deep breath in front of the room, I entered, and as soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by a girl with long, black hair, pale skin, and striking red and blue eyes, resembling a beautiful doll. She welcomed me with a bright smile.

“I always say this, but I didn’t come back here; I came as a guest.”

This girl is Nina. Although her hair is black now due to dyeing, its original color is pure white. With a facial structure that clearly indicates she isn’t Japanese, she is being protected and monitored in this place.

“However, indeed, you came as a guest here, but it’s not just that for me. If you dislike my words, I can change them, so please listen to my request instead.”

She cutely pleaded with fluent Japanese, but if I nod without caution, my life would be in danger.

Even if there wasn’t a threat to my life, it would undoubtedly become troublesome.

After all, the reason I had to come here today was the result of my request for a substitute for my “amulet.”

The amulet refers to the woven bracelet I used when encountering a special-class being last time.

It was crafted using Nina’s hair and can activate the magic she uses when infused with mana.

Having it or not makes a significant difference in the survival rate in case of an emergency, so it’s an indispensable item.

In exchange for fulfilling her request to provide me with another one after using it, I had to come here today to fulfill her wish.

Therefore, it’s better not to make any wishes unless absolutely necessary.

If possible, I wouldn’t want to come here often.

“…Then, let’s save that conversation for another time. Today, we’re here to fulfill the original promise, not for a new wish.”

“Ah, yes, you’re right.”

Nina’s eyes widened for a moment, then she nodded and took hold of my hand.

“Well then, shall we go?”

And so, we left the research facility for an outing – or as Nina called it, a date.

──◆◇◆◇──

“Then let’s wait for the day we can meet again!”

“Sure. Take care not to catch a cold or get sick. Listen to the people here and make sure to rest properly.”

“Yes!”

She nodded cutely, but if she obediently follows these instructions, there wouldn’t be a need for me to come here in the first place.

“Good work, Igami-kun.”

“Ah, Saeki-san… Well, it was my fault, so I’m glad everything ended without any issues.”

It was only about three hours, but Nina seemed satisfied, which was a relief. Today’s mission was successfully completed.

Not only me, but Saeki-san and the other staff members around us also breathed a sigh of relief.

By the way, one hour was spent on transportation, and another thirty minutes on necessary procedures to go outside, so the actual time for activities was only about an hour and a half.

However, there was no possibility of extending it further.

Various circumstances converged, limiting her outdoor time to just that.

And it wasn’t our decision but an order from above—the government.

“Once again, I’ll rely on you when the time comes.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“But seriously, you’re amazing. I’m impressed by how you can go on ‘dates’ with ‘that’.”

“Well, it’s a matter of life and death for me too.”

Failing would lead to serious consequences.

It’s not just about the hassle of cleaning up or trying to appease someone. It becomes a truly “serious matter.”

“First of all, I think it’s impressive to be liked enough to be asked out on a date in the first place.”

“I didn’t really want to be liked in that way.”

“I know. But look at her, she’s exceptionally beautiful. With the distinctive white hair and pale skin of an albino. And those red and blue heterochromatic eyes. Plus, she can nullify all the disadvantages of being an albino thanks to her powerful awakening. If we only consider her appearance, she’s like a perfect doll, don’t you think?”

“Well, I agree that she has a good appearance.”

Today, she dyed her hair black to avoid drawing attention, but her original hair color is white. It’s safe to say that she looks like a doll, as Saeki-san mentioned.

“In addition, she learned words and acquired knowledge for the sake of her beloved. She trained in household chores, both without electricity and with it, to be able to do them skillfully. Her cooking is now on par with professionals, and she can make dishes that receive compliments. I think she meets all the requirements to be the perfect lover or wife, don’t you?”

“So, Saeki-san, do you want to marry ‘that’?”

“Oh, no thank you. If I were to be with ‘that,’ I would turn to ashes in less than a minute… No, I wouldn’t even turn to ashes.”

He laughs as if it’s a joke, but it’s not a laughing matter from my perspective.

“I agree that making efforts for someone you like is admirable, and I appreciate that those efforts are directed towards me… But everything else is in shambles. You could even say it’s devastating.”

“Devastating and in shambles, huh? Indeed, both assessments are fitting words when it comes to ‘that’.”

It might not be the most suitable description when it comes to women in general, but in the case of Nina, that assessment is not wrong.

It’s truly ‘devastating’ and ‘dead.’ If possible, I wouldn’t want to get close to someone like that.

Yet, I have to get along with her, and it’s giving me stomachaches. Seriously, why me…

“…Anyway, after one more outing, she’ll probably stay quiet for a while.”

“Probably. But be careful, alright? Thinking that if this time was fine, the next time will be fine too is dangerous.”

“I understand. Even though I’m more sensitive to ‘death’ than others.”

.”..That’s right. Well, that’s the situation. I’ll rely on you for the next ‘date’ as well.”

“Yes.”

A date, huh…

Ignoring the slight accumulation of ‘unnecessary things’ in my heart, I left the research facility.