As for the other person, Serdur was quietly sipping coconut juice, his forked tongue dipped into the cup, stirring it a little, showing a satisfied yet nostalgic expression.
He seemed unconcerned about the captain Gauss’s plans.
Or perhaps he had no objections to the captain’s arrangements.
At the other end of the dining table, Ying heard what Gauss said.
Her future plans...
She shook her head.
"Well then..." Gauss was about to speak, but at that moment, Ying, who had been hesitating with her head down, also opened her mouth.
"You go ahead."
"You first."
The two exchanged looks and then tactfully insisted the other go first.
After meeting Ying’s shiny black eyes for a while, Gauss finally conceded.
"Alright, then I’ll speak first." Gauss pressed his lips together.
Though he had discussed with Aaliyah and Serdur about their thoughts on Ying, he hadn’t communicated much with Ying herself on the matter.
In fact, he wasn’t quite sure of her thoughts.
But in human relationships, if one party doesn’t take a step forward, there will be no result.
He met Ying’s gaze, speaking solemnly.
"Ying, we’ve all been very impressed with your abilities and reliability through this commission, so if you’re willing, I’d like to formally invite you to become the fourth official member of our Gauss team."
Ying instinctively widened her eyes.
Gauss paused, thinking she was processing the sudden invitation, he gathered his words and continued.
"I know you might be used to going solo, but a well-coordinated team can handle more complex commission challenges. Please consider it, we may not be the strongest team to invite you, but we are definitely the most trustworthy. We are all willing to entrust our backs to each other."
His gaze swept across Aaliyah and Serdur, Aaliyah nodded vigorously, and Serdur slightly nodded.
"Of course, this is just an invitation. Whatever your decision, we will respect..."
Gauss was about to continue, but Ying suddenly blurted out.
"I would like to join Gauss, your team."
"Eh?" Gauss froze for a moment, he was about to say.
That the other party didn’t have to rush to decide, they could go back and think about it for two days before responding.
After all, it’s understandable to think about joining a team you’ve just worked with for a while.
But before he finished speaking, Ying agreed immediately.
"Don’t you want to go back and think it over carefully?" Gauss kindly reminded.
Aaliyah was just about to applaud the addition of the fourth member, but hearing Gauss say that, she turned angrily and looked at him.
Captain, oh captain, what are you doing?
You obviously want the other person to join, but you’re still giving them time to cool off, Gauss, you...
There’s a saying called ’night dreams are many’, don’t you know?
Ying decisively shook her head.
"No need to waste time."
"Although I’m used to being alone, but..."
"Moving with you all doesn’t feel bad."
"Moreover, I originally came today for this."
"Thank you for letting me join your team."
She showed a faint smile, her gaze toward Gauss and the others gradually becoming firm, choosing to speak frankly.
She had been pondering over the past two days, wondering the right moment to ask Gauss if he would be willing to invite her to the team.
It was rare for her to feel anxious over this.
Yet before she could even ask, Gauss had already preemptively invited her.
"That’s great!" Aaliyah started clapping, having worried about Gauss possibly losing such a valuable helper, but unexpectedly, this turned into a mutually fulfilling endeavor.
Meanwhile, Serdur calmly nodded.
All of this was only natural.
The captain’s invitation, he didn’t think any adventurer wouldn’t be tempted.
Gauss, upon hearing, immediately breathed a sigh of relief, his heart finally at ease.
"Welcome to the team, Ying."
Knowing the decision was well thought out and not impulsive, he was reassured.
He broke into a radiant smile.
Recruiting such a strong, capable, and mysterious teammate made him very happy as the captain.
Moreover, he couldn’t help but feel proud.
Even now, he could vividly recall his first day in this world, holding a wooden spear and a small shield as he took his first steps into the forest, his feelings of excitement, anxiety, and tension intermingling.
That sense of solitude, facing the deep unknown, made him have to constantly pump himself up, to muster up the courage to face the battles that lie ahead as a rookie.
But now...
He turned to look at his teammates who smiled warmly at him.
He possessed teammates whom he could absolutely trust, in some ways... just like family.
Now the team continues to grow, welcoming strong new members like Ying.
The loneliness of traveling alone has vanished.
Gauss took a deep breath, suppressing the emotion stirring within him,
"Then, let’s toast to our new Gauss team."
"Cheers!" Aaliyah raised her glass excitedly.
Serdur steadily raised his glass, a gentle smile playing at his lips.
Ying watched the three who welcomed her, and slowly raised her own glass.
With the crisp sound of glasses clinking, tonight’s celebration dinner and welcome banquet formally commenced.
...
"Ah—what nice weather."
Gauss stretched lazily.
Sea breeze fluttered the curtain, and outside the sun was shining brightly, the sky and sea equally blue.
Formally recruiting Ying, expanding the team from three to four, his mood had been great since last night.