I’m Rooting For You.

And that night.

Including the likelihood that overnight adventures would increase from now on, Kikori talked with Aria about the new companion.

“I see, an alchemist… that might be good.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Alchemists excel in herbal knowledge, and a proper one also possesses survival techniques that make use of that knowledge. For long expeditions, I think they’ll be quite reliable.”

“I see…”

Sure enough, even during the herb search afterward, Eil had found herbs faster than anyone else.

She had talked about vegetation and such, so she definitely had that kind of knowledge.

It was something both Kikori and Kuon lacked, and it was surely important.

“That Eil-kun, was it? I’d like to meet him too.”

“Huh?”

“Hm?”

Kikori raised his voice when he noticed Aria’s misunderstanding, but quickly realized it was better if she stayed mistaken.

“Kikori, just now—”

“No. Yes, I’ll introduce you next time.”

“Could it be Eil-chan instead of Eil-kun?”

Aria stood up and moved behind Kikori, and he answered, “…Well, yes.”

He could dodge the question here, but what came after being found out would be scary.

No, he hadn’t done anything wrong, yet the pressure already felt frightening.

“I see. A girl, huh.”

“…”

“Is she cute?”

“By general standards, I guess.”

Terrifying.

Why exactly was he being subjected to this pressure?

However, Kikori didn’t have the courage to call it unreasonable to her face.

After a silent moment, Aria smiled brightly at him.

“Just kidding! Adventurers aren’t divided by men and women, and things like that happen, right?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. I think you’re right.”

“From what I hear, she sounds capable. But alchemists rely on tools, so don’t think of them in the usual front-line or back-line roles, okay?”

“Yes. From what I saw, I thought so too. If we expect firepower from her, she’ll run out of tricks quickly, right?”

“There are limits to both carrying capacity and material costs. It’s best to think of her more as support.”

Kikori thought that way of thinking was probably correct.

In the end, that meant Kikori would be the sole attacker… but in situations where that wasn’t enough, or when Kuon’s mana ran out and recovery was needed, the right image would be having her help.

“Thank you. I feel like I can picture it now.”

“Is that so? I’m glad.”

“We’ll head a bit farther out starting tomorrow and do our best.”

“Yes, I’m rooting for you, Kikori.”

With a straightforward heart determined to do his best, Kikori smiled at Aria.

Aria returned the smile as well.