Maybe That Would Be Better.

Kikori and Kuon were reporting what had happened today to Irene at the Adventurers’ Guild.

“I see… so it was Kikori-san’s magic…”

“Yes. But I ended up getting suspected.”

When Kuon said it was awful, Irene’s expression turned troubled.

“Still… that might be a bit problematic.”

“Does that mean our subjugation won’t be acknowledged?”

When Kikori asked that, Irene answered,

“Yes. Um… you two are the ones who carried the Big Goblin’s corpse here. So your achievement will definitely be recognized.”

“But the kill might not be recognized. Because there aren’t any external wounds.”

“Exactly. Kikori-san… honestly, I’m not sure I should say this, but couldn’t you have killed it a little more dramatically?”

“I would’ve if I could… but it’s a mana issue.”

“…I see.”

Irene nodded, then spoke up as if remembering something.

“By the way, it was clever of you to think of damaging the head directly.”

“Yeah, well.”

“But…”

“I shouldn’t say too much, right? I don’t want to say it either.”

“I’m sorry. But in this case, we need it to confirm the facts.”

“But it still might not be accepted—”

“…Yes.”

Kikori thought it was unbelievably unfair.

In other words, it might end with nothing but spreading the suspicion that “Kikori might have magic that can kill an enemy without leaving external wounds.”

“…Maybe I should learn a different spell.”

“I think that spell was good… but yeah, maybe that would be better.”

But even if he learned a different spell, what should he pick?

More than that, Kikori also thought it might be better to get a stronger weapon—something that could leave “an excuse-worthy wound.”

“As for the reward related to this report, we’ll also be measuring your actual contribution… so, yes, I think you should come back in two days.”

“Understood.”

With that, Kikori and Kuon left the counter.

They definitely didn’t have the energy to head out adventuring again after this, so it would be fine to split up, but…

“Kuon. I’m going downstairs to look at weapons. What about you?”

“Oh, then I’ll go too. I want to look around at different things.”

When they went down the stairs, Aria spotted Kikori, her face lighting up as she ran over.

“Kikori! What’s wrong? Did you come to pick me up?”

“W-whoa!?”

Kikori panicked as she hugged him, but Aria narrowed her eyes when she noticed Kuon behind him going, “Waaao.”

“…What are you staring at? This is a show.”

“Shouldn’t you be saying it’s not a show!?”

“Since we have the chance. What is it, Kikori—are you not happy?”

“I’m happy, that’s why it’s a problem…”

“Then we’re good!”

After Aria finally let go, looking satisfied, Kikori staggered and braced a hand against the wall.

“…Nothing about this is good…”

“Wasn’t the feeling when she hugged you kind of nice?”

“I’m going to get mad, Kuon…”