Zaefal looked straight at Fyar. "As we know, Fyar is still level zero and has no magic power whatsoever."
"In short, the kid’s a burden, huh," Rasie interjected with a smirk.
I know, I know! Fyar could only bite his lower lip, restraining himself from retorting to Rasie’s jibe.
Zaefal continued, ignoring Rasie. "Our previous formation was Rasie as the main attacker, Illya as the healer and buffer, and myself as the strategist. This time, I’m handing over the role of strategist to Fyar." Zaefal then drew an inverted triangle in the air with his finger. "Rasie and I will be at the front as the main attackers. Illya will be in the middle as the healer. And Fyar, you will be behind Illya." He looked at each of his party members in turn. "Any objections?"
Illya and Rasie nodded in agreement.
A logical formation, Fyar thought, frowning. Well, I have to be realistic about my current situation and level. This is the best position for me right now.
Zaefal looked at Fyar again. "If a situation arises where we can’t protect you, then you must be able to handle it yourself."
Fyar nodded firmly. "Yes, you can count on me." He then glanced at the thick, leather-bound book in front of him. "So, the reason you asked Illya to borrow this book is for me to study?"
"You have to learn all of it, tonight," Zaefal replied.
Crazy person. Fyar answered, his tone a little forced, "Alright, I have no objection."
Illya smiled gently at him. "Do your best, Fyar."
After the discussion about the dungeon was over, their conversation topic shifted to more casual things. They shared stories and complaints with each other. Illya complained about how tiring it was to always have to pretend to be graceful in noble circles. Rasie angrily recounted how she was once scammed into buying a fake sword by an old merchant. Meanwhile Zaefal, his face slightly red, told his embarrassing story of when he was called a pervert for accidentally seeing an elf woman bathing in a river.
They all roared with laughter at each other’s stories. Fyar was mostly an observer, but he also laughed along softly, feeling a little closer to these strange people.
At ten o’clock at night, they all finally dispersed. Fyar looked around. The other patrons had already gone home or up to their respective rooms. The only ones left in the room were himself, Laura, and a few cooks who were cleaning up the kitchen.
He saw Laura in her maid uniform, cleaning a table while humming softly. "Laura, what time do you close?"
Laura turned. "Probably now, Master Fyar." She went back to her work, wiping the table with a cheerful motion.
"Would it be alright if I study here after you close?" Fyar asked. He felt that if he studied in his room, he wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation to just fall asleep!
Laura gave a small laugh. "Of course, Master Fyar. You don’t need to ask for permission for something like that." Her eyes then glanced at the thick book on Fyar’s table. "If I may ask, what are you studying?"
Fyar sighed. "The Southern Dungeon. I have to study it tonight for tomorrow’s exploration."
"Dungeon," Laura repeated the word softly. She stopped wiping the table, then walked closer to Fyar. A wide smile adorned her face. "Would you like me to keep you company while you study, Fyar?"
Eh? Fyar was silent, confused by the sudden offer. "Y-you don’t have to. It’s already late, I don’t want to interrupt your wonderful night."
Laura shook her head firmly. "It’s no interruption at all. In fact, my night will be even more wonderful if I can study with you, Fyar!!!"
What does this woman mean? Is she hitting on me?! Why so suddenly?! Did she fall in love with me just because I gave her a tip?! Fyar tried his best to calm himself, confused by Laura’s reason for wanting to accompany him.
Laura continued, her tone even more enthusiastic. "Besides!! And besides!! It’ll be faster and more fun if you study with someone!! You’ll understand things quicker too! And, and you won’t be lonely! I’m also planning on staying the night here, so the timing is perfect!"
What’s so perfect about it?! Fyar placed a hand over his mouth, thinking hard. Wait. Wait, maybe she’s just interested in the dungeon?
Well, there’s no harm if someone keeps me company. Fyar then smiled gently at Laura. "Alright, if it’s no trouble for you."
Laura’s eyes immediately sparkled. "Really?! Alright! Wait a moment, I’ll just mop the floor, then I’ll join you to study!"
"Don’t rush," Fyar replied with a nod.
After Laura finished her work, she made two cups of hot chocolate for them. Throughout the night, the two of them were engrossed in the book, studying the ins and outs of the Southern Dungeon. Just as Fyar had suspected, Laura was indeed very interested in the topic of dungeons. She was incredibly enthusiastic as they discussed it, her eyes sparkling every time they found new information about monsters or treasure.