The Matter of My Party Members Being Aware of My Desire to Be Banished - Chapter 30

“Run, now!!”

I remember pulling out a smoke bomb from my “Storage” and shouting in a desperate loud voice.

Then, while being pinned down by the head by Demon Lord’s commander Diabell, I looked towards everyone and gradually felt drowsy…

…

…

“Good morning, Rokuto-san.”

“Good, good morning…”

When I woke up, I heard Marn-san’s voice.

Looking up… I could only see half the ceiling because of breasts.

—Is this heaven?

My eyes widened, blinking rapidly.

“This is my lap.”

Saying so, Marn-san gently stroked my head.

Indeed, it was heaven after all…

I wish this could go on forever—

“But, this is not the time to be immersed in this! What happened to Diabell? What happened to the Demon Lord’s commander Diabell!!”

I shouted, abruptly sitting up.

My hazy memory was coming back.

After I fell asleep, it was the three party members who fought against Demon Lord’s commander Diabell…

Looking around… surprisingly, there was no sign of turmoil or intense battle…

But, it seems the fight was concluded.

“Ah, concerning the Demon Lord’s commander, we defeated him~”

I heard such a nonchalant postbattle report from Marn-san, who had returned to her usual smile.

◇◇

Then, when I was guided to the Alves family’s grand hall and sat on a rather luxurious sofa.

“Yurie! Yuni! Haa, haa…! It seems you saved my wife, daughter, and everyone in this residence… Thank you very much!!”

The doors of the grand hall burst open, and a man, bowing deeply, appeared next.

Judging from his words, he seemed like Yuni-san and Yurie-san’s father.

He was out of breath, seemingly having rushed here.

“””Thank you very much!”””

Following that, all the butlers and maids around deeply bowed to us.

Seeing that scene, I felt humbly astounded, going “Oh…”

“No, no. We just did what was natural for us.”

As the spokesperson, Shion, even in this scene, had a composure with a smile.

Then Shion stood up, bowing.

“It must have been very difficult until now. Having this connection and being able to help everyone made us truly happy as well.”

Shion said, and we nodded in agreement, smiling.

“How kind everyone is.”

“Dear, you’re out of breath. I understand you rushed here from official duties, but let’s sit down now. You’re in front of the people who saved us.”

“Father! Please join us in our midst!”

“Yurie…! So you’re really healed! Yuni looks healthy too… Yes, I want to talk leisurely!”

From this conversation, it was clear the family relations were very good.

Because all three were brimming with smiles.

Thinking there will be continuous days filled with smiles brings joy, doesn’t it?

“Erhm. I apologize for the late introduction. I am Orde Alves, the head of the Marquis Alves family.”

“Thank you for your politeness. My name is Shion. To my right are Marn, Honoka, and Rokuto. We are usually active as adventurers.”

Following Shion’s introduction, we all bowed.

So he’s Orde-san. Being the head of the Marquis Alves family means… he’s indeed Yuni-san’s father…

…Huh? Marquis!?

I almost blurted it out, but to avoid being rude, I forcefully covered my mouth with my hand.

The order of nobility ranks is confusing, but… I remember that a marquis is quite a high rank.

Meaning, this family isn’t just nobility but people of significant status. Being in this residence itself is an outrageous situation.

I’ve been using “san” all this while, but is that okay? Won’t I be charged with disrespect!?

“Ah, there’s no need to be so formal just because we are a Marquis family. Titles are unnecessary for us. Please feel free to address and interact with us as you like.”

He said, noticing my awkward gaze.

Then, as if reporting, we engaged in various discussions… at times the atmosphere turned solemn, at times it overflowed with smiles.

And then…

“Therefore, we would like to give you our thanks—”

Orde-san started with a serious expression.

I had somewhat expected this development.

And so…

“We cannot accept your thanks.”

Shion firmly refused before Orde-san could finish.

I had somehow expected this as well.

“…”

“…”

Orde-san and Shion remained frozen, smiles plastered on their faces.

The match that won’t yield starts now! I felt like a gong rang in my head.

“We don’t need thanks, right, everyone?”

Shion was the first to speak, seeking our agreement.

“As our leader Shion-san says, we acted simply as adventurers would, so words of thanks are more than enough for us.”

“Additionally, we received the privilege to not use honorifics and… being able to call you Yuni-chan alone made it all worthwhile for me.”

Marn-san and Honoka also stated they didn’t need any thanks.

“Then you are…?”

The gaze of everyone in the room now turned to the last person, me.

“I also… share the same opinion as everyone. We don’t need any thanks.”

Honestly, I’m slightly curious about what the thanks could be.

“Besides, I didn’t do much for this matter.”

Marn-san healed Yuni-san and Yurie-san.

The subjugation of Demon Lord’s commander Diabell was by the other three members…

Even now, I haven’t been able to achieve much—

“Don’t say you didn’t do anything significant, Rokuto-san. You also saved us.”

Such a statement came from right in front of me.

When I looked, my eyes met Yuni-san’s.

Leaning slightly forward, Yuni-san opened her mouth again.

“That time, Rokuto-san became a hostage. Yet, you still disrupted him with a smoke bomb, letting everyone at the residence, including my mother and me, remain safe like this. Not anyone can make such a sacrifice.”

Yuni-san paused for a moment—

“It’s because of you that I could save my life. It was a brave action possible only by you.”

Powerful words. Being stared at with those straight eyes… my chest warmly pulsed.

The incredible characters in the stories I’ve seen all greatly contribute with flashy abilities.

Compared to them, my “Storage” ability seemed plain, thought to be only convenient for party members and those close to us at best.

I never thought it would be so appreciated.

So… this moment feels so fresh and very happy.

“I would really like to give my thanks.”

Yuni-san’s pleading gaze was directed at me.

On the other hand…

“We don’t need thanks, right? Right?”

Sharp gazes from Shion and the others pierced through.

Ah… Is the matter of thanks falling on me…?

“Uh…”

Sweating profusely, I fumbled with my words… and made up my mind.

“Regarding the thanks… I’m sorry, but we kindly decline this time…!”

That’s what I declared.

The decision was because all the other members had refused the thanks.

There must be some reason they’re declining.

And just as everyone said, being thanked is more than enough for me.

“However…”

Everyone, including Orde-san, seemed unconvinced.

Then, an hour later… it was concluded that we would not accept the thanks this time.

◇◇

“We have definitely etched the faces of the four of you into our memories! Please stop by the Marquis Alves family’s house whenever you’re free!”

“Shion-san, Marn-san, Honoka-san, Rokuto-san! Thank you very much! Let’s meet again~!”

With such strong words from Yurie-san and Yuni-san, I smiled a little bitterly.

While being seen off by everyone in the residence, we departed.

Although we declined the thanks, it seems we have made a connection with the Marquis Alves family.

◆◆

“They’re really gone…”

As the backs of the four disappeared, Yuni softly let out words. Tears were pooling at the corners of her eyes.

“To refuse thanks after accomplishing such a feat… They are truly humble people.”

Next, the mother, Yurie, also let out words.

“I really wanted them to accept our thanks…”

“Yes. As the Marquis Alves household… No, even invoking more significant authority, I wished to fully express our gratitude.”

“Well well, both of you. Those girls might have their reasons as well… a reason for not wanting to stand out.”

Orde, embracing his wife Yurie and daughter Yuni.

“Let’s never forget about them for the rest of our lives. And also, the miracle of today.”

He gently stroked the two heads.

“And we’ll meet them again someday, won’t we?”

“Father? How do you know we’ll meet them again? And those girls? Isn’t the leader, Shion-san, a man…?”

“Dear…? Do you know something?”

Within his embracing arms, Yuni and Yurie looked puzzled. Orde chuckled, showing a soft smile.

“Well. Everything will come to light eventually. They are… talents worthy of honor in front of my brothers.”

Recalling vividly the now absent images of the four… Orde smiled confidently.