As the town of Pars bustled with activity, inns and taverns naturally thrived. This was no exception for the Spirit Song Inn, which was actually quite bustling compared to other establishments.
“Seriously, everywhere you go, everyone’s talking about Kelvin.”
“He’s getting married to Efil-chan and Sera-jou, right? And Ange-chan too… *grunt* I’m so envious…!”
“Y-yeah…”
“Hm? Molotoi, you seem a bit down. Are you okay? You’ve been working non-stop lately. But thanks to that, we made it through safely today. Good work, everyone!”
“Even after finishing work, the leader still seems so energetic. Honestly, just because you became an A-Rank adventurer, you’re taking on too much work, aren’t you?”
“Exactly! Taking on requests is good, but you should also take care of your family once in a while!”
“Well, we’re still single as ever…”
It was during such a bustling time that a party arrived at the Spirit Song Inn, led by Uldo—the next most representative adventurer of Pars after Kelvin. Having passed the Promotion Exam and become a successful A-Rank adventurer, they had been in excellent condition and full of motivation lately. These factors had translated into actual achievements; they had been completing many high-difficulty requests and showing remarkable success.
“You guys are moping around about that again… You finally became A-Rank adventurers. Let’s try to be more proactive.”
“Easier said than done, but leader, you’re *too* proactive.”
“Exactly! He suddenly declared, ‘Instead of Kelvin and his group, who are traveling the world, we’ll take on the high-difficulty requests around Pars!’ I thought he’d lost his mind.”
“Yeah, I was honestly scared at the time. Well, other than Kelvin, we’re the top adventurers in Pars, so he’s probably just pure-heartedly trying to fulfill that responsibility.”
“Truly, the leader is a good man. Kelvin trusts him, and he’s the only one among us with a wife, and frankly, even kids… *sob* I’m suddenly feeling sad…”
“Even after becoming A-Rank adventurers, our tragic charm remains unchanged…”
“………”
While two of Uldo’s companions were sunken in despair, for some reason, another companion remained silent, averting his gaze in an odd direction.
“Hm? Hey, Molotoi? Didn’t you just turn your face away really hard?”
“N-no, I didn’t? Yeah, not at all.”
“…Something’s suspicious? You were also hesitant when we were talking about Kelvin’s marriage earlier— Aha! You found someone good before us, didn’t you!?”
“W-what!? When, where, and how did you meet them!? I can’t forgive you!”
As if betrayed, his companions raised their voices, tears welling up. Was this a tense situation…? It was questionable, but Uldo stepped between them, desperately trying to stop them.
“H-hey, calm down, you guys! This is a moment to celebrate as comrades, not to fight—”
“You damn bastard! Congratulations! Don’t ever let her go!”
“You betrayer! I’ll treat you today! Eat and drink whatever you want!”
“Y-yes, thank you, thank you, everyone…! I’ll work hard to make her happy…!”
“—No way, you’re right, that’s how it should be, I was just surprised…!”
However, the companions reconciled with astonishing speed. Their reaction was so sudden that it inadvertently revealed Uldo’s surprise.
“Leader, why are you making such a silly face? We’re already A-Rank adventurers, so be more conscious of your demeanor.”
“O-oh, sorry…”
“Pull yourself together, leader. Ah, since you have a wife and child, leave the treating to us! For that, maybe give Claire-san a present once in a while?”
“R-right…?”
“Leader, it might be a bit early, but I’ll ask you to give a speech at my wedding. You’re not that much older than me, but you’re my role model, after all!”
“…Understood.”
Uldo thought. Despite their muscular appearance, the three of them had alarmingly weak mental fortitude. Now, however, there were many times when Uldo was the one being taught. People grow up considerably without them even realizing it… he thought. It was a moment overflowing with immeasurable joy for a party leader.
“How long are you planning to stand around the entrance of the shop!? Get out of the way! We’re busy enough as it is, right now!”
““““GWOOOOH!?”””
However, no matter how moving the exchange, standing around the entrance of the shop was nothing but a nuisance to the staff. Claire, the proprietress of the Spirit Song Inn, unleashed her perfected smack, sending all four of them—Uldo and his party—flying through the air.
“Ah!? Uldo-san’s party just got blown away all at once!”
“The proprietress is strong!”
“Oh, huh? Weren’t those guys A-Rank adventurers…?”
“One slap-like hit managed to take down A-Rank adventurers in one go…”
“Hey, hey, just how much power did that have?”
“Hmph, I’ve been using this inn for years, so I know. The proprietress is stronger than any adventurer who stays here.”
“O-oh, the proprietress is amazing!”
Perhaps because the scene was so shocking, the tavern patrons still seemed to be in a state of astonishment.
“Ow ow ow… Claire, we just came back from work. Couldn’t you have gone a little easier on us?”
““““We agree with the leader’s opinion…”””
However, Uldo and his party, who had been blown away, seemed surprisingly fine. They had been sent several meters with gaps between the customers’ tables, but they didn’t seem injured.
“What are you talking about? I went easy on you. If you have time to complain, then get up already! And start serving!”
““““S-serving!?”””
As soon as they stood up, all the members of the “Ibu Gin” (Silver Age) party spoke in unison.
“As you can see, it’s full right now. We could use adventurers’ hands, not just cat’s paws. You said you need to take care of your families sometimes, right? I’ll take care of all four of you, so work without worry.”
“H-hey, I might be one thing, but these guys are going to work too!?”
“Leader, we’ve lost. Let’s just work obediently. Either way, there are no seats available.”
““Agreed.””
Donning the aprons handed to them by Claire, the men immediately began to work with efficiency. While their appearance in aprons was somewhat indescribable, their work—from taking orders to cleaning and dealing with drunkards—was skilled.
“You guys are still so obedient to Claire’s words even after becoming A-Rank… *sigh* Alright, alright. But later, let them have a staff meal, okay?”
“I was planning on it from the start, you don’t have to tell me. Well, look forward to it. After all, today’s staff meal is… *Fufu*”
“…?”
Uldo tilted his head at Claire’s cryptic expression.
“Yes, please take this plate to table three. And these two as well.”
Suddenly, a voice echoed from the kitchen, and delicious-looking dishes began to emerge from the serving counter one after another.
“““Understood!”””
To deliver the dishes to the customers as quickly as possible, the men utilized their impressive muscles to their fullest, hurrying towards the serving counter. However, a question arose.
“Wait, huh…? Hold on a moment, that’s odd. Claire-san, you’re right there, aren’t you? Who’s cooking in the kitchen?”
“Y-yeah? I thought the same thing.”
“W-wait, that lovely voice… I recognize it. If my memory serves me correctly, that voice is—Efil-chan!?”
“Yes?”
Efil, dressed as a maid, peeked out from the kitchen entrance. At that moment, the men rejoiced at seeing Efil up close after so long and let out a cry—only to be blown away by Claire once again.
