c1-c20 · 011-ch11

Chapter 11: Would You Like to Go Together?

"Ah, ahh~ it was you, Negomin-san. With the sunglasses and mask, for a moment I thought you were someone else."

"Sorry, this is my disguise."

Saying that, Negomin-san hurriedly put away her sunglasses and mask.

Disguise... isn't that something a celebrity would do? ...Well, Maika-chan knew who she was, so maybe she really is famous.

"I'm glad you made it back safely after that."

"Yes, thanks to you... Thank you so much for saving me yesterday."

So she came to thank me because she spotted me. What a thoughtful girl.

"I'm glad I could help. Well then, I should get going."

"W-wait!"

Just as I was about to leave, thinking our business was done, Negomin-san called out to stop me.

"Yes?"

"Um... if you wouldn't mind, would you like to go through the dungeon together?"

Her sudden offer caught me a bit off guard.

Me, dungeon exploration?

"That's... a kind offer, but I have work to do."

"I-I'm interested in that work!"

Interested in the work? Does she mean she wants to interview me? Maybe Negomin-san is a reporter or announcer or something like that. She was recording footage yesterday too.

"Um, is this one of those interview things?"

"Eh, ah... well, something like that. I do streaming work, and... so, if you're willing, I'd like you to appear on my stream!"

Streaming... that thing Maika-chan mentioned. Though I still don't really understand what it is, to be honest.

Hmm, what should I do... how should I answer...

As I was thinking, a notification sound chimed from the incam in my ear.

'Shibasaki-san, you absolutely have to do it!!!'

"Wah!"

"Kyaa!"

Maika-chan's sudden shout violently rattled my brain. It came out of nowhere and startled me into yelling, which in turn startled Negomin-san.

How embarrassing... my ears hurt...

"M-my eardrums... What's wrong, Maika-chan?"

"Um, Maika-chan?"

"Oh, sorry about that. That was from my trainee operator. See?"

I showed the incam in my ear to Negomin-san so she could understand.

"Ah, I see, the operator..."

"...So what's wrong, Maika-chan? I was talking to someone just now."

'I heard! Go to work with that person!'

"Well, that's what you say, but..."

'Please, Shibasaki-san! Appear on Negomin's stream! If you do, cleaning businesses will get more recognition, and ultimately Shibasaki-san's workload might go down!'

"...Is that so?"

'Yes! This is serious!'

I don't follow the logic, but if it means my work might decrease, that's a different story. It's hard to believe, but it's true that a lot of people have been coming to Shinjuku Dungeon, and several people have actually approached me—mistaken identity or not.

I don't understand it myself, but she must have some basis for saying so. Besides, I haven't been able to give her much attention lately since work has been so busy. I should listen to her once in a while.

"But I still don't really understand what streaming is, and I don't know what I should do..."

'Don't call yourself ojisan! It's basically like an interview, so don't overthink it. Just do it in Shibasaki-san's favorite... what's-it-called style? Like that. Just introduce your cleaning work in a nice way!'

"Ah, I see."

'Exactly! If you do that, Shibasaki-san and dungeon cleaning will get a huge boost in recognition nationwide! Loads more people will get interested in dungeon cleaning, and the labor shortage will be solved!'

I don't think things will go that smoothly, but this could be a valuable opportunity.

Dungeon cleaning work isn't well known among the general public or even explorers, despite its importance. If I can lend a hand to Negomin-san and get more people to learn about dungeon cleaning, that would be wonderful. It's not like there's anything particularly secret about this job that needs to be hidden.

Besides, I realized I'm feeling a little fluttery inside from being approached by Negomin-san. Being needed by someone really does make you happy.

"Um, if it's not possible, that's totally fine..."

"Alright, I understand. Negomin-san."

I called out to Negomin-san, trying to sound as cheerful as possible to ease her slightly anxious expression.

"Then let's go together! To the dungeon!"