As they sat at the dining table and were about to have breakfast, Arata noticed Ryuka pouting.
"What's wrong? Why are you pouting?" Arata asked.
"It's nothing, I'm just annoyed," Ryuka replied.
"Annoyed? Why are you annoyed? Did someone make you upset?" Arata asked.
"I'm annoyed with you," Ryuka said.
"Huh? What did I do wrong?" Arata asked.
"I don't know, think about it yourself," Ryuka replied.
Although Arata didn't understand why Ryuka was upset with him, he apologized.
"Well, if you're upset, I'm sorry. How about after we finish our mission, I buy you something?" Arata suggested.
"Really? Hmph, b-but that doesn't mean I forgive you or anything, okay? Since you went this far, I'll just accept it," Ryuka said in her typical tsundere tone.
"Yeah, yeah, I got it," Arata replied.
After that, Ryuka became cheerful again, just like usual.
A while later.
"Now that we've eaten, let's head to the guild," Arata said.
"Okay, let's go," Ryuka replied.
They quickly left the villa and headed toward the adventure guild. Before they left, Arata said goodbye to Yukari.
"We're leaving now, Yukari. Please take good care of the villa," Arata said.
"Yes, young master. I will take good care of the villa," Yukari replied.
After saying their goodbyes to Yukari, they headed to the adventure guild to take on their next mission.
Upon arriving at the guild, they saw it was very crowded. Arata asked one of the adventurers there.
"Excuse me, may I ask why the guild is so crowded?" Arata inquired.
"Oh, you're Arata, right? The S-rank adventurer? Well, it seems like someone is causing trouble again," the adventurer said.
"Causing trouble? Who's causing trouble that it's making a ruckus in the guild?" Arata asked.
"Obviously, it's Shadow Leaf. They're causing trouble with the healer they just kicked out," the adventurer replied.
"I see. Well, thank you for the information," Arata said.
Arata then entered the guild while Ryuka whispered to him.
"(Whispering) Are you sure it's okay if you run into them later?" Ryuka asked.
"Of course. I've already forgotten about them, and besides, it doesn't concern me anymore. We're here to take a mission, right?" Arata said.
"Alright then. But remember, I'm by your side. T-t-but don't misunderstand, I just don't like it if they insult you. It's not because I like you or anything," Ryuka said, her face turning slightly red.
"Alright, alright. Thanks for looking out for me, Ryuka. I'm glad to have you here," Arata said.
Ryuka's face turned even redder upon hearing Arata's compliment.
In a very quiet voice, she muttered something that Arata couldn't hear.
"(Quietly) Don't make me misunderstand, you idiot," Ryuka mumbled.
Arata quickly entered the guild while Ryuka followed him closely.
Upon entering, they saw Renji, Claire, and Dason arguing with Mira, a healer they had just kicked out.
"I told you, right? No one wants you to join their party. Just stop being stubborn and join us," Renji said.
"Tch, if you hadn't slandered me with all that nonsense to other parties, I would've found a new one by now. And now you want me to join again after kicking me out? You're out of your mind," Mira said.
"Come on, we were just telling the truth to everyone," Claire said.
"Yeah, we were just stating the facts. And they heard us. Is that wrong?" Dason said.
Arata tried to ignore them and walked to the receptionist desk to take a mission.
At the desk, he was greeted by Yuna, who seemed to have a headache from witnessing their argument.
"Ugh, how long is this going to go on?" Yuna sighed.
"Hey, Yuna, are you okay? You look like you're feeling unwell," Arata asked.
"Oh, it's you, Arata. Of course, you've seen them, right? They have no shame, threatening and slandering Mira so that no other party would take her in," Yuna explained.
"How about the teams? Shouldn't that be the best option if no party wants to accept her?" Arata asked.
"She asked every team that came here, but since they know Claire's family is nobility, they didn't even dare to touch it," Yuna said.
Ryuka, who had been listening to the conversation, asked Arata.
"Huh? You mean that sorcerer is from a noble family?" Ryuka asked.
"Yeah, she's from a noble family. What's her name again, Yuna?" Arata asked.
"Ugh, you forgot? She's from the Vortemiris clan," Yuna said.
Upon hearing the name "Vortemiris," Ryuka seemed shocked.
"Huh? Vortemiris? Did I hear that right?" Ryuka asked.
"What's wrong with that family?" Arata asked.
"That family was the one that destroyed my hometown, which is why we had to move elsewhere," Ryuka said, her voice cold.
Upon hearing this, Arata turned to Yuna and asked, "Yuna, is it true what Ryuka said about the Vortemiris family?"
"Hmm, I don't remember exactly, but I don't think they massacred the villagers. However, if they did destroy the Clover Forest, where the Dragon God race lives, that I know about. Wait... are you from the Dragon God race, Ryuka?" Yuna asked.
Hearing this, Arata reluctantly revealed the truth about Ryuka's background to Yuna.
"Alright, it can't be hidden anymore. Yes, Ryuka is from the Dragon God race, but please keep it a secret from everyone else, Yuna. The only ones who should know about this are the guild leader and you," Arata said.
"Okay, I'll keep it a secret," Yuna agreed.
"Good. Thanks, Yuna," Arata said.
Arata then looked at Ryuka, who was still upset about the Vortemiris family.
"So, do you want to get revenge on that family?" Arata asked.
"That can wait. Right now, let's focus on taking the mission," Ryuka replied.
"Good, you're not impulsive. I thought that after hearing Claire was from the Vortemiris family, you'd want to freeze her or burn her to ashes," Arata said with a chuckle.
"Hey, I'm not that kind of person, but if she starts trouble with me, maybe I will do that," Ryuka said, smirking.
"Hahaha, I know, I was just kidding. So, Yuna, do you have any missions suitable for me?" Arata asked.
While Arata was listening to Yuna explain the mission, the argument between Mira and the Shadow Leaf party members intensified.
"You're such an ungrateful woman! We were nice enough to offer you the chance to join us, and you refuse?" Renji said.
"Yeah, thank Renji for his kindness," Claire added.
(Sighing) "I've told you a thousand times, I won't join you. Even if you force me, I'll still refuse," Mira said, getting more frustrated.
"Well, if you're so stubborn, have you forgotten about your little brother? Don't you need money to buy medicine for him? A disease that even you can't cure," Renji taunted.
"I told you, don't bring up my brother," Mira snapped.
"Hahaha, still so stubborn. I can't wait until you cry because your brother dies," Renji laughed.
Both he and Claire laughed as Mira's anger boiled over.
Unable to stand their disgusting behavior any longer, Arata approached them.
What will Arata do? Will he help Mira, or will he fight back against the Shadow Leaf party? Find out in Chapter 9.
*If I made any minor mistakes that might be distracting, I sincerely apologize. I have done my best for this novel, and if you enjoy it, please consider giving it a like and sharing your feedback, suggestions, or criticism so I can learn and improve. Thank you for reading, and see you in the next chapter!*