The Matter of My Party Members Being Aware of My Desire to Be Banished - Chapter 22.5

After I left the orphanage, I saw a lot of the outside world.

For me, who had only seen the scenery inside the orphanage grounds on the outskirts of the city, the sights of the outside world, filled with buildings, people, and things, were fresh, shocking, and moving.

Since then, I’ve had various encounters and realizations.

When I helped someone in trouble, he turned out to be a blacksmith, and I received equipment.

When I was about to be attacked by monsters, I realized that my physical abilities were superior to those around me.

I also discovered that I liked talking to people.

I was able to become an adventurer to make a living.

It was said that it’s better to form a party as an adventurer, but to get used to the outside world, to enjoy the outside world, I went solo for a while.

Charmed by the changing scenery of each city, my curiosity was piqued, and I moved from one adventuring base to another.

Then, one day, I moved my base to the prosperous town of Eikan Arkan.

It was too early for dinner when I found myself sitting alone in a tavern.

“Hmm, I don’t have enough money…”

The profession of an adventurer involves various expenses… but in my case, it was the cost of food that was high.

In the orphanage, I only knew the meals prepared by the teachers.

The meals consisted of slightly dry bread and dried meat, but we were raised for free.

I never had any complaints or dissatisfaction. I didn’t want any more luxury.

But the outside world was amazing.

A rich variety of food. Fresh and hot food that you could eat anytime as long as you paid for it.

I wasn’t supposed to be interested in food, but before I knew it, food had become my reason for living, I was so captivated by it.

“It’s all because the food outside is too delicious…but really, what should I do…”

I thought.

“If I want to eat delicious things, I need to increase my income as an adventurer. But there’s a limit to how many requests I can handle on my own. There are many requests I can’t do unless I’m part of a party…”

Form a party.

Looking around, I saw a party of four adventurers… who seemed to be in an awkward situation.

“I contributed the most, right? So it’s only fair that I get the biggest share of the reward!”

“No way! The reward should be the same for everyone! We fought as a party!”

“But wouldn’t that be unfair in terms of contribution? Look, the healer didn’t have much to do this time, did he?”

“Well, my main role isn’t fighting… But I think everyone could concentrate on the battle because I was healing in the backline…”

“What? Are you trying to take credit for that?”

“Stop it, you two!”

They seemed to be arguing about money.

Their conversation heated up, and eventually they started shouting at each other.

The tavern staff intervened, and the party left the tavern with unhappy faces.

While interacting with different people in the outside world was fun, I also learned that human relationships could be problematic, especially in the business of adventurers.

Differences in skill and contributions were judged, and discrimination based on status could occur…

If I ever revealed that I was raised in an orphanage, I might be despised for that alone.

Well, I don’t plan on talking about it for a while.

“A party, huh…”

Even though it’s inevitable to have arguments when dealing with others…

I wish there was a party where I could just enjoy being an adventurer.

“Sigh…”

Oops, I sighed…

However, the sigh wasn’t mine alone. It coincided with someone else’s.

Looking up, I saw a boy sitting diagonally across from me.

He wore a chest protector over his clothes, giving the impression of a novice adventurer.

Although I was also a novice adventurer.

“Oh, sorry… Was my sigh too loud…?”

“No, no! I’m the one who should apologize for sighing so loudly!”

We both apologized to each other, but upon reflection, was it something that really warranted an apology?

The boy seemed to think so too, and we exchanged glances… then we both burst out laughing.

Then the boy spoke.

“Um, my name is Azuma Rokuto. I thought I should introduce myself.”

“Then I should too. I’m Honoka.”

“We seem to be about the same age, Honoka. I’m 16 years old.”

“Me too! Ah, should I not use formal language…?”

“If you don’t mind, can we drop the formalities? After all, we’re the same age.”

“That makes sense… I mean, that’s right. So let’s start with first names!”

“Alright, Honoka it is.”

“Yeah. And for you… Rokkun maybe?”

“Rokkun?”

“Yeah, it feels more friendly. Hehe~”

Even though we were complete strangers, Rokkun was so easy to talk to, and I felt like we hit it off right away.

“So, Rokkun, why did you sigh?”

I decided to ask this time, and Rokkun looked worried as he answered…

“I want to form a party, but… my only skill is ‘Storage’, so it’s hard to get invited to one. I mean, I can cook and stuff, but…”

Rokkun also seemed to be worried about forming a party.

Without hesitation, I blurted out my next words.

“Then, do you want to form a party with me?”

“Really? You’re okay with that?”

“Yeah. Even if we don’t get along, we can call it off. It can just be a trial party for now.”

Just like that, I quickly decided to form a party.

From then on, Rokkun and I began our activities as a party. I was in charge of the combat, and Rokkun was the porter and provided support outside of combat.

“Your move back there was amazing! Dodging that monster’s attack right over your head! You have excellent reflexes, Honoka!”

Rokkun complimented me whenever he had the chance.

His eyes sparkled and he was as happy as an innocent child.

But I guess I was the same way.

“Rokkun, that’s amazing! You can store so much stuff in an instant!”

I found Rokkun’s ‘Storage’ ability to be convenient and impressive.

And then there was Rokkun’s cooking skills.

Hamburgers, fried chicken, roast beef sandwiches, ice cream… dishes I had never seen or heard of before. And they were all delicious.

I became even more obsessed with food.

At the same time, I became fascinated with Rokkun’s cooking.

Was this what they called being won over by one’s stomach?

“Hey, Rokkun! What’s for lunch today?”

“Hold on, hold on! I’m still making it, don’t cling!”

We were both strangers, both novice adventurers.

Even though we were lost in a world we didn’t understand, every day was incredibly fun.

Before we knew it, our trial party had become a formal one.

I wanted to learn more about Rokkun.

I wanted him to know more about me.

These feelings began to arise.

Then we met Ma-san and Shi-chan and formed a party…

“This is what they call love. Ufufu.”

“You’re definitely in love.”

The two of them would say, to the point where I was hopelessly infatuated with Rokkun.

“One day, I’ll awaken my power, and with this cheat ability, I’ll kill monsters instantly! And for some reason, I’ll keep rescuing and winning over the beautiful girls who get attacked by monsters along the way! I want to be popular! I want that kind of harem!”

And now, for the first time, I’ve learned that Rokkun has such desires… If Rokkun wants a harem, then I’m okay with it.

Because I love Rokkun.

Even if it’s a harem, as long as I can be by Rokkun’s side, that’s all I need to be happy…

…but still.

“Honoka, you’re getting a little too excited, aren’t you?”

Despite being pinned down by me, Rokkun’s words still showed no sign of seeing me as a woman.

His words still treated me as just another party member.

Even though my thighs are clearly visible in these shorts, and I’ve intentionally unbuttoned my shirt to the second button so that you can see my chest…

“…Even then, you won’t notice me?”

“Eh?”

Rokkun replies with a confused expression as I lean in a bit more with my weight.

“It’s not heavy…”

Love, except…

“Oof!? Hey! Don’t move around when you’re on top of me!”

“Honoka-san, that might be interpreted as LIKE rather than LOVE…”

“It’s possible with Rokuto. After all, there’s a chance that he doesn’t even see us as women. I mean, he still hasn’t realized that I’m a girl…”

What Ma-san and Shi-chan had said began to make sense to me.

If I confessed or attacked him now, it would only have the opposite effect on Rokkun.

Love is complicated.

But since it’s just the two of us now… I won’t be shy.

“Rokkun, you said you wanted to build a harem… but did you ever think of including me in it?”

“Eh?”

“Because I’m a girl, you know.”

“Oh, right… Of course, but…”

“I’m a girl, and that means something, doesn’t it?”

Rokkun seemed a little confused.

But it seems that he still only sees me as a member of the party.

So, the next words…

Am I not good enough?

As if. I wouldn’t say something so coy and endearing.

“Include me.”

I said firmly.

Rokkun’s eyes widened, obviously surprised.

“Just consider of it for now, like when we first formed our trial party. But if you ever start to see me as a woman, even a little, then nod and agree to make me a part of your harem.”

Rokkun looked at me, his surprise turning to confusion.

I squeezed the sheets I had been holding loosely, now I held them tightly.

I was afraid, and I loved Rokkun so much that…

“Okay.”

He finally said.

Rokkun nodded, but with a confused look on his face.

Had we made some progress in our relationship?

“That’s enough for today.”

I said as I got up from the bed and sat down on the edge.

Rokkun also sat up and looked at me as if he wanted to gauge my mood.

I might have put him in a difficult situation with my bluntness, but that’s only because he was too dense, so it’s fair.

“Then Rokkun! Until it’s time for our meeting, you’re going to play with me. Come on, get the cards out of your ‘Storage’ and let’s have some fun.”

“Alright.”

Rokkun said, his confusion giving way to a smile as he produced the playing cards.

Strategies and mind games might not be my strong point.

After all, I fell for Rokkun because of his delicious cooking that conquered my stomach and the fun we have when we’re together, simple as that.

When it’s just me and Rokkun, I enjoy having him all to myself.

That’s good enough for me.

After all, it’s a harem.

I’ll leave it to Ma-san and Shi-chan, who I’m sure are better at making Rokkun aware and understanding.

I’ll leave it in their capable hands.