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 4 Chapter 9   Like a spoiled child…

“Um, Igami-san, could you please do me a favor?”

“…I really don’t want to hear it, but is it possible for me not to listen?”

“It’s not possible.”

“Well then, there wasn’t even a choice from the beginning, right? And there’s no point in asking either.”

“When you saw… the tears of a girl back then, don’t you think it’s okay to grant at least one request?”

“Tears? Ah, I see. Is that still bothering you? Well, I’ve already compensated for that through my training.”

I did see it for sure… but I thought that was already settled through my training.

That’s what I thought, but such reasoning didn’t work.

“But in the end, we couldn’t win.”

“Oh, speaking of which, didn’t you act all cool saying you’d let us win?”

“But in the end, we ended up losing.”

“Yeah.”

“I wanted to win.”

Upon Miyano’s words, the other three laughed cheerfully and supported Miyano.

The flow of this conversation seemed spontaneous, as if Miyano had suddenly remembered something. Why are they so coordinated in their responses?

However, it’s true that I did say I’d let them win, and it’s also true that I couldn’t actually let them win in the end.

“Well, yes, but… it can’t be helped”:

“But what about the fact that the promise wasn’t kept? Even though they saw me in such an embarrassing state…”

“Should I cry then?”

“Cut it out.”

I quickly respond to Abe’s joking suggestion. Seriously, cut it out. That would get to me.

It’s not like there are many people around since it’s after school, but it’s not like there’s nobody either.

In fact, there are still some people passing by not too far away.

Imagine crying in that situation. Rumors would spread again. And it would be quite embarrassing.

However, regardless of how good or bad their acting skills are, Abe would definitely do it, and maybe the other three would join in the nonsense as well.

There’s a possibility that they would create a situation where I can’t refuse.

Should I be happy that they trust me enough to play such pranks, or should I lament the fact that it has become troublesome?

Either way, it seems I have no choice but to listen to their request.

“Sigh… So, what is this request?”

With a hint of resistance in my voice, I deliberately let out a sigh and asked Miyano.

“Would you like to go to the beach?”

“Huh? …The beach?”

However, the unexpected ‘request’ came in response. Huh, the beach?

“Yes. It’s almost summer vacation. We talked about it a while ago, and I thought it would be nice to go to the beach instead of just the pool.”

“The beach… by the water. There’s a underwater dungeon not too far from here, about a two-hour drive.”

“What are you talking about? It’s obviously not a dungeon!”

As a precaution or for whatever reason, I tried to play along as if I didn’t know, even though I knew it wasn’t a dungeon. But my wish was futile and denied.

“It’s the beach, the actual beach! Not a dungeon.”

“Well then, have a great time.”

If you want to go, just go on your own, right? There’s really no other way to put it. Yeah.

So, have a great time. Enjoy yourself!

“You’re going too!”

…I had a feeling it would come to this.

But wait. Do I really have to go? Am I necessary in a group of four high school girls?

No, I’m not necessary.

Besides, they don’t need a guardian or anything like that, so there’s no need to invite me.

It would make sense if they were elementary or middle school students, but they’re high schoolers. They’re not at an age where they need a guardian, so I shouldn’t be needed.

…I know that they’re not actually expecting me to play the role of a guardian, and I even know why they invited me… but I don’t want to go.

I mean, it’s the beach, right? Me, with you all, at the beach?

Haha… don’t be ridiculous. If someone like me, who has no familial or guardian relationship, goes to the beach with high school girls, it would just be awkward. It would create all sorts of problematic situations. You know, socially and in terms of public perception.

So, even if I knew the outcome, I still have to ask.

“Are you serious?”

“You think I’m lying?”

“Yeah, I think it’s a joke.”

“Unfortunately, it’s neither a lie nor a joke.”

As soon as I heard that, I couldn’t help but frown deeply, and the words slipped out unconsciously.

“I don’t want to go…”

“Well, well, don’t say that.”

“Let’s go.”

“Well, um, don’t you think you need a break once in a while?”

In response to my muttered words, the words of Miyano and the others echoed, and I let out a heavy sigh.

“Sigh… Well, I guess everyone needs a break. Though I still don’t understand why I have to go with you guys.”

As I said that, I glanced briefly at Miyano, the one who came up with the idea, but she just smiled and shook her head.

And once again, I let out a sigh.

Perhaps noticing our exchange, Asada, with a displeased expression, stared at me and spoke up.

“We’ve already decided, so you’re coming! You’re definitely coming! You too!”

“Like a spoiled child…”

“Did you say something?”

Realizing that it would be pointless to say anything more, I reluctantly agreed with Miyano’s proposal, and it was decided that I would go to the beach with them during the upcoming summer vacation.