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  2   Year-end plans

“Despite complaining, aren’t you eating it after all?”

“Well, if you came, of course you’ll eat something.”

In the end, my resistance was in vain, and I ended up entering a charming café that didn’t seem like a place frequented by guys. Rather than a café, it was more like a confectionery shop.

“Igami-san, do you like sweets?”

“Well, that’s quite a big portion, isn’t it?”

“…Is that a problem?”

I didn’t intend to come to a place like this, but since I reluctantly came, it would be irritating to do nothing. So, I decided to place an order, but the result was not so much exasperating as it was accompanied by slightly amused looks and words from Mizuki Miyano.

By the way, what I ordered was the “Jumbo Honey Berry Parfait,” a sizable parfait made with honey and berries from the dungeon, which was priced reasonably high.

It’s probably a portion that most women wouldn’t order… but now that I think about it, isn’t this something that should be shared between men and women?

“It’s not bad, but… it’s surprising, I guess.”

“Well, there’s a common image that men don’t eat sweets much.”

“If it’s cream, this one is also recommended.”

Well, I understand that perception. But just like how there are women who like spicy or bitter things, there are men who crave sweets or actually quite enjoy them, you know?

“Oh, and Abe, even if you offer him a spoon like that, he won’t eat it.”

“—The Savior’s Army in England has caused significant damage…”

As I push away the spoon offered by Abe, my attention is suddenly caught by the news playing on the TV hanging on the wall of the café, and I furrow my brow.

“? Igami-san, is something wrong?”

“Hm? Oh, it’s nothing.”

Saying that, I immediately avert my gaze and try to brush it off. But I can’t completely hide my concern, and Mizuki Miyano and the others all turn their attention to the TV news.

“The Savior’s Army?”

“I’ve been hearing that name quite often lately.”

“Yeah, you might be right… But in the end, what’s their purpose with such an exaggerated name like ‘savior’? Going against the will of the world by opening the Gates is considered a sin. They’re saying humanity should be purified, right?”

The Savior’s Army, as Abe just mentioned, is more like an anti-establishment organization or filled with self-destructive tendencies.

They do various things like obstructing the destruction of the Gates in different places, attacking adventurer facilities, and so on.

Personally, I couldn’t care less if they want to die. In fact, I feel annoyed that they involve others and cause trouble.

But what caught my attention or rather concerned me wasn’t about that.

“Oh, well, that too. But personally, it reminded me or rather brought back memories of England…”

“Did something happen?”

“I’ve been there once. It’s a memory I’d rather not recall.”

That time was really dangerous. No, it was “also” dangerous, to be precise.

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go on a trip abroad, and at that time, for some reason, a Gate manifested nearby, and monsters poured out from there.

To deal with the situation, all the nearby adventurers were forcibly mobilized, but I ended up encountering a high-level monster at that time.

Fortunately, the “Dragon Slayer Hero” happened to be nearby, so the damage wasn’t too severe… sigh. I don’t want to remember it.

…Wait a minute? Now that I think about it, during my five years as an adventurer, haven’t I encountered a high-level monster almost every year?

Could I be cursed or something? I mean, I’ve even gone through purification rituals just in case…

“Instead of dwelling on such dark stories, let’s talk about our year-end plans.”

“Year-end, huh? It’s already that time, huh. It feels both late and early…”

With the ranking battles over and the students finished with exams, we have entered December according to the calendar. Just one more month, and this year will come to an end.

“What about everyone else?”

“During the year-end, is it more about Christmas or New Year’s?”

Asada’s question makes Abe tilt her head.

When it comes to the year-end, it’s New Year’s, but well, Christmas can also be considered as part of the year-end events.

“Obviously both. I was thinking of saying that if we don’t have any plans, we could gather as a group… But wait, does anyone here have a significant other?”

Asada looks around at the team members with a mix of curiosity and… perhaps anxiety?

Curiosity is a natural trait for a girl her age, but the anxiety part might be more like a feeling of “What if someone else has a significant other?”

Nevertheless, having a significant other, huh…

“I don’t have one. It’s not like I don’t want one, though.”

“I don’t either.”

“Same here.”

…However, all three of them respond negatively to Asada’s question.

These guys don’t look bad, their personalities are decent, and they have the abilities of adventurers. I would think there are some people who would want to be in a romantic relationship with them.

“But seriously, how are we supposed to meet someone? I mean, it’s not like there’s no chance to meet people at school, but we’ve been pretty busy lately, right?”

“That’s true. Well, considering it’s that school, I guess it can’t be helped.”

“Yeah, exactly. There’s this strong sense of rivalry or hostility. It’s not like everyone is an enemy, but there’s an atmosphere that makes it hard to get close to others.”

Ah, I see. That’s also a factor.

Indeed, if there’s a ranking battle to determine positions and rewards for the top-ranked individuals, it’s not as simple as being all friendly and getting along.

Moreover, their school life revolves around their achievements and grades, which directly impact their future, even their lives. So, it’s only natural.

That’s why it can’t be like a regular high school experience, I suppose.

“Yeah, I totally get it. If it weren’t for Kana-chan and the others reaching out to me, I’d probably be alone…”

“Oh yeah, you were all by yourself back then.”

“Y-Yeah…”

“But you know, now we’re all comrades, so it’s fine. Let’s not worry about the past and focus on moving forward, right?”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

…As always, despite her appearance and occasional behavior, Asada is quite caring. At the very least, she’s much more likable than those who only care about appearances and discard others.

“So, in that kind of situation where we can’t even meet someone even if there are opportunities… I think that place is not suitable for finding a romantic partner.”

“Well, Kana, don’t you have someone you’re interested in lately?”

“N-No, it’s not like that. It’s not like I’m interested in that way! I mean, it’s not like that!”

“Oh, so you are interested.”

“That’s not it!”

Miyano teasingly laughs while Asada tries to deny it, but I think Asada’s attitude is more affirming than she realizes.

I listened to their conversation while taking a bite of the parfait in front of me.

Or rather…

“Why am I being subjected to this kind of conversation?”

I spoke to Abe, who was quietly eating cake in front of me, wondering if she wasn’t interested in romantic talk. After a moment of contemplation, Abe tilted her head slightly and then responded.

“…Is it part of my role as an instructor?”

“As if this is part of an instructor’s duty.”

Upon hearing Abe’s reply, I let out a sigh and returned to the task of enjoying my parfait while casually ignoring the conversation happening right next to me. Ah, it’s so sweet.

“Anyway! In the end, it’s fine if everyone doesn’t have any plans, right!?”

It seems that Asada, judging her own disadvantage, forcefully decided to change the topic.

…What should I have for dinner tonight? I’ve been indulging in sweets, so maybe I should go for something refreshing?

“Are you coming too?”

“…What did you say?”

“I’m saying, you should come too. You don’t have any plans anyway, right?”

As I was contemplating about dinner, I suddenly found myself being drawn into the conversation and asked for a response. However, the repeated request left me at a loss for words.

“…Or do you have something planned?”

As I struggled to come up with an answer, Asada’s expression seemed somewhat delicate.

Perhaps she invited me to strengthen team camaraderie, and it would seem impolite to decline without considering the atmosphere. However, I did have plans for that day.

…But being met with this kind of reaction makes it difficult to refuse. It’s really challenging to say no.