Chapter-05 · EP-074

Episode 74: Leveling Invitation

"No, that's a lot of money. I'll give you half back."

"Don't worry about it. Father is paying for it."

"I-is that so? A duke really is something else."

I bit into the crispy coating of my pork cutlet and glanced at the two across from me.

Even though we attended the same academy and sat at desks in the same building, "nobles" really had a completely different way of thinking. If it were my old man, he'd probably faint on the spot just hearing a number like two million yen.

As I thought about such things and ate my rice, the two across from me were curiously poking at their pork cutlet bowls.

"…It's surprisingly not bad. The fluffiness of this egg shows care in the cooking."

"You're right. Even though it looks common, the seasoning has a strangely addictive quality."

Had these two never eaten katsudon before?

Hikaru and Mei would pick up a piece of cutlet and cautiously put it in their mouths. They were probably used to meals prepared by top-class chefs, but the way they analyzed commoner food with such serious expressions was ironically amusing.

"Still, the amount of rice is amazing. Can commoner children really finish all of this?"

"Of course they can. Some even order extra large."

Even though both held their chopsticks perfectly, they were clearly not used to eating this way, fumbling awkwardly. Watching them felt like observing kids on a field trip, and it made me laugh.

"By the way, I couldn't ask in front of others yesterday… How did you get a Rank 3? Even nobles have few connections, yet you seem to get them easily."

"I-it's not that easy, but… well, trade secret."

There was no way I could tell the truth. The trick of casting Heal on a potion right after it dropped was something I'd keep to myself for now.

"You're right. Even if there were an easy way, it's better not to tell people."

"Yeah…"

I slurped my miso soup and agreed with Hikaru's words.

She really did think fast. The way she didn't dig too deep into dangerous topics suggested she was more than just a sheltered young lady.

"By the way, Ichinose-san, do you have any plans for Golden Week?"

"GW? Not really…"

"Is that so? Then how about coming leveling with us as thanks for the potion?"

"Leveling? You mean hiring explorers to raise your level? Sounds easy and nice!"

"Yes. We'll enter the dungeon with explorers arranged by my father and have them raise our levels. In three days, we'll quickly reach level 2, and maybe even level 3."

"Huh? Level 3?"

"What's wrong?"

"No, it's just… I'm already level 4…"

"Haa?"

Hikaru and Mei both raised their voices, their chopsticks stopping. Their faces showed genuine disbelief.

"D-don't lie! It's still April! How could you reach level 4 when you just enrolled?"

"Well, I happened to encounter and defeat an Acid Slime, which got me to level 2. Then I've been going to the Shinjuku Dungeon every weekend… and that's how."

When I explained, the two looked at each other, speechless.

"I'm amazed… Between the potion and this, you really are an exception."

"Is that a compliment?"

"Yes. But… if that's the case, I'm sorry. Our leveling trip is meant to get us from level 2 to level 3, so even if we invited you, you probably wouldn't benefit."

"No, no, don't worry about it. I got paid well, and your brother helped me out the other day."

"Brother… the Class B incident. That was the Class B students' fault. My brother is my brother, and I am me. A thank you is a thank you."

Hikaru stated firmly. Her seriousness left me no choice but to smile wryly.

"Well, if I'm ever in trouble, lend me a hand."

"Of course."

With that, Hikaru smiled slightly and wiped a piece of cutlet breading from the corner of her mouth with a handkerchief.

Her slightly flushed cheeks showed that polishing off a katsudon in the commoner cafeteria was quite a fresh experience for her.

"Speaking of which, Ichinose-san, you haven't been showing up at the club lately, have you?"

"Huh? I never joined."

"I heard you're a provisional member. Murasakimura-san apparently practices every day."

I could picture the earnest Murasakimura practicing daily.

I wish they wouldn't put me in the same category as someone like that.

"Well, I think I've had enough of swordsmanship for a while…"

"Is that so? Today, a special outside instructor is coming, though…"

"Outside instructor? What kind of person?"

"Wouldn't you like to come and find out?"

Hikaru flashed a mischievous smile, deliberately being cryptic.

Her skillful way of speaking drew me in.