arc2 · 043-ch43

Chapter 43: Family Conference

"I'm tellin' ya, I'm gonna quit this place right after I get the necessary credits, and start working seriously as an explorer!"

I looked toward where the voice came from, and sure enough, Ohsaki was there eating with his lackeys.

"Satoru-san! When that time comes, please absolutely let me join your party too!"

One of the lackeys is sucking up to Ohsaki. Hmm, is Ohsaki that amazing? I think he was a One-Handed Swordsman at F-rank? Compared to the Twin Swordsman Himehana acquired, he's nothing special, but since it's a combat job, maybe he'll become decent if he trains.

"Hah? Your job is 'Runner,' right? You only have the 'Fleet-footed' skill, so how are you going to defeat monsters?"

Oh, that lackey doesn't have a combat job. I can't believe he was able to laugh at me. No, rather, it means there's no one below him to look down on except me, who's thought to be an unawakened person.

"Well, if Satoru-san makes a name for himself and gets dungeon-made weapons..."

As that lackey said, if you have dungeon-made weapons, it's possible for awakened individuals to deal damage to monsters. However, there's a world of difference compared to combat job holders, so I don't think there's any point in giving one to a non-combat job guy. Above all, dungeon-made weapons are extremely few in number. Even if you pay a fortune, you might not get one. And if by some miracle you do get such a precious weapon, would you give it to someone who just runs fast?

"Hah! I'll use the first weapon I get. I'll think about it after that, if you want!"

Is this guy an idiot? Even if you have someone make a weapon from dungeon-made ore, items that even A-rank explorers sometimes spend years trying to acquire—you seriously think you're going to easily get two or three of them?

"So, is Satoru-san's party name decided yet?"

One of the lackeys started trying to curry favor.

"Oh, you're asking the right questions! I'm thinking of calling my party 'Sword Emperor'!"

Pfft. I almost spat out my katsu don. Sword Emperor, seriously? That's way too much name-dropping!

"That's wonderful! A name that perfectly suits Satoru-san's abilities!"

The lackey is flattering him even more, but you looked like you were about to spit it out too.

"Someday I'll make this name resound throughout the world! To start with, I'm planning to have that SS film our dungeon conquest video! I'm planning to send him a DM as soon as his website reopens!"

Are you an idiot?! I'm never going to accept your request! Sword Emperor, huh. I'll remember that. I'll block any DM that comes with that name right away!

Well, I got to see an interesting comedy routine, and the timing's just right, so I'll head to the hospital. I caught a taxi on the road and headed for the hospital.

▽▽▽

"All tests are clear. The illness is completely cured. You're fine to be discharged now, but please take better care of your body from now on."

I was listening to the doctor along with Mom, and thank goodness, it seems Mom's illness is completely cured. I wasn't doubting the power of the high-grade potion, but hearing the exam results again put me at ease.

"Yes, thank you, Doctor."

Mom bowed and thanked the doctor. Of course, I bowed along with her. Then we packed our things and left the hospital.

▽▽▽

"Mom, welcome back!"

When Mom and I got home, Umi greeted us at the entrance. Umi seems happy about Mom coming home too. Good.

"Umi, I worried you! And you even made meals, did laundry, and cleaned! Thank you!"

Mom hugged Umi. Gh, sweat is coming out of my eyes and I can't see well.

Mom tried to start making food as soon as she got back, so Umi and I desperately stopped her. We told her to take it easy just for today.

"Let's eat!"

The three of us ate the fried rice Umi and I made. Mom also seems happy to eat food other than hospital food for the first time in a while.

After enjoying the meal, it was time for our first family meeting in a long time.

(So, where should I start talking?)

Too many things happened while Mom was away, and I didn't know where to start. There were also things I hadn't told Umi either, so I wasn't sure what to do.

First I decided to talk about what Umi already knew. That my drone operation is effective from outside dungeons, that I started working as a cameraman for dungeon streaming using this, and that it became a huge hit and I earned a large amount of money.

"I can't believe you started working... Mom, just that makes me happy."

After I finished talking about everything, Mom started crying. Seeing that, Umi also shed tears. This is awkward. Extremely awkward.

For now I waited for her to stop crying, then brought up the next topic.

"So, I was able to earn quite a bit of money, so I'm thinking of buying a house first."

"Huh? A house? What are you saying?"

Mom was surprised by my proposal.

"Onii-chan, you're buying a house?"

Umi was surprised too. Well, I hadn't told them.

I quietly slid my savings passbook over. Mom opened the passbook on the table with trembling hands.

"One, ten, hundred, thousand... hih!?"

It's no wonder Mom was surprised. The passbook had the rewards from Hyakka Ryouran and Kokushi Musou deposited. Five million yen from Hyakka Ryouran, five hundred fifty million yen from Kokushi Musou, and an additional two hundred million was transferred after that. Since the view count is still increasing, there's still ongoing revenue.

"On-Onii-chan?"

My little sister also has her eyes wide open at that amount.

"Well, I was able to earn money skillfully, so Mom doesn't have to work hard anymore. Plus, with this much money, we can buy a house. I'll work hard to earn, so let's enjoy a little luxury."

At my cheesy line, Mom held the passbook to her chest and shed tears again. Umi... was already researching houses and apartments for sale in this area on my phone she'd somehow gotten hold of. My sister, you switch gears too fast, don't you?

After that, the three of us gathered around one phone and happily chose a house, chatting away. We found some nice houses and apartments, so I think I'll contact a real estate agent tomorrow to decide on a day to see them.

Also, on Mom's advice, I decided to keep half of the savings. If I can't become an explorer, next year's taxes might be high, after all.

Then I took a bath, checked tomorrow's schedule, and crawled into bed. Tomorrow Hayate finally returns. I was excited that I might be able to verify Hayate, and before I knew it, I'd fallen asleep.