Chapter 52: Reward and Gratitude

Even though we weren’t in the dungeon for more than three days, the streets of Tokyo felt oddly nostalgic.

This means, of course, that I don’t really remember the way back. I progress slowly, glaring at my smartphone while battling the hellish map of train routes, trying to return to a familiar place.

When I contacted Nina, she replied that she was at the hotel.

They say you’re not really home until you reach your house. It’s not home, but I won’t let my guard down until I reach my hotel room. In modern Japan, the greatest threat is the cars running around. Next would be the mom-cycles. Humans rank at the very bottom of the strength chart.

I stay alert, but even then, I take a few wrong turns before finally arriving at the hotel.
I pass the front desk, get in the elevator, and knock on the room door.

“I’m home.”

The one who opened the door was Mitsuru. The Isshiki family has gathered in our room. Shiraishi-san isn’t around. Maybe she’s in the next room.

Everyone stands up, surrounding me. Mutsuki extends his back straight, intently staring at my face. On my way here, I hadn’t thought about what I should say. It all felt unreal, and I didn’t have the capacity to put my words together.

What should I say?

That I got caught up in trouble while exploring, but thanks to that, I managed to stand out… No, I don’t need to say that.

What everyone wants to know is the truth I brought back. That’s all.

“Number one!”

I raise my index finger and show a strong smile.

In terms of strength alone, I wasn’t the strongest among them. Yet, I was chosen. They picked me. There’s no reason to be ashamed of being chosen by adventurers stronger and more robust than myself.

One step.

Nina, Mitsuru, Sena, Seika, and Mutsuki step forward.

The next moment.
I’m embraced from all directions by the five of them.

“Amazing! Itsuki-nii, you’re amazing!”
“Ha ha, you really are something, big bro!”
“Ik-kun, congratulations!”
“Ik-kun, you’re incredible!”
“Wow!”

Nina from the front, Mitsuru from the back, Sena, Seika, and Mutsuki filling the gaps snugly.

“I can’t move…”

In the middle of them all, I can’t even budge an inch.

Well, I probably made them worry, and tense too. Until they’re satisfied, I have no choice but to stay like this.

……。

…………。

………………。

“Um, could you tell me how long this might take?”

There’s no sign of them letting go. Wait, hasn’t it already been about 5 minutes? Is time only frozen for me? No, the digital clock is moving.

“Ik-kun, you’re so warm.”
“Don’t fall asleep now. Alright, let’s go get some food.”

Sena and Seika start feeling cozy, so I call for a breakup and clap my hands.

“Where’s Shiraishi-san?”
“She’s in the next room. Seems she was being considerate. Itsuki-nii, could you call her?”

“Got it. Get ready to head out.”

I can go just like I am. I’ve got my valuables.

I knock on the next room, and Shiraishi-san appears, joining us as we head to dinner.

Having missed lunch, I’m hungry.
I stretch widely and, as if it’s nothing, say:

“How about some yakiniku?”
“””””！？”””””

The Isshiki family is shaken with fear.

◇

Yakiniku—an outing in ordinary households reserved for family celebrations like birthdays, school admissions, or graduations.

In the Isshiki household, naturally, there’s no connection to such things. Recently, having meat on the table has become normal, but they’ve never been filled with just meat. Except for the argument that grilling meat equals yakiniku, the Isshiki family doesn’t know yakiniku.

Here in the vast expanse of Tokyo, the spirit of “just step outside and a place will be there” leads us out from the hotel. There are plenty of places, too many to choose from. I’ll use my smartphone after all.

“Nina, let’s look it up together.”
“Y-yeah… Are you really fine with yakiniku?”

“Find someplace that looks tasty. Don’t worry about the price.”
“Itsuki-nii… Alright!”

Even if I say not to worry about the price, I trust Nina will manage it within a reasonable range.

Even Shiraishi-san is left speechless by my almost reckless decision. She’s been wordless since I declared it at the hotel and still has a surprised expression now.

“This is to say thanks for the past week, so please let me pay this time.”
“I-I-Isshiki-kun?”

“Please. Okay?”
“…Okay.”

Shiraishi-san closes her eyes, looking like she tasted something sour. She’s too nice, making it tough to thank her properly.

I’ve thought about giving her sweets sometime soon… but would she accept them? Also, where should I buy such sweets?

“Itsuki-nii, that place looks good. Go check if there’s space, Mitsuru.”
“Got it!”

Mitsuru heads toward the suggested eatery with a springy stride. He enters and shortly returns.

“They can take seven of us!”

Given our rather large group, being seated quickly is a relief. We enter, splitting between two tables. Seika sits next to me. Across is Shiraishi-san, with Sena beside her. The other three take the neighboring table.

For today only, I’m not looking at the numbers on the menu.
A reward for my hard work, a thank you to my family for accompanying me, and to Shiraishi-san.

In such times, you don’t worry about it. I’ve secured the top contribution rank and more funds are soon to be deposited.

Taxes are starting to scare me just a bit, so I’m thinking it might be time to consult a professional. It’s not an amount I can manage on my own. I’m grateful, but lately, looking at the bank balance is nerve-wracking.

“Ik-kun, have you ever had yakiniku before?”
“Nope. It’s my first time too.”

Seika asks me, and Sena asks Shiraishi-san:

“How about you, Haru-oneechan?”
“I have. I’ll handle everyone’s meat, so leave it to me!”

“No, no, Shiraishi-san. I can grill the meat just fine.”

“No, I must. Here, as the older sister, I’ll properly manage the meat.”
“I’m an older brother, too. I can handle cooking.”

“You’re too tired, so no!”
“Today’s just a return trip, so I’m fully ready!”

Gripping tongs for the grill, Shiraishi-san and I face off over the table.
Seeing this, the twins chime in in unison:

“Ik-kun and Haru-oneechan, you’re close!”
“Huh!?”

I turn abruptly to the side, catching the twins smiling at us.

My face heats up—no, that’s just the charcoal. The flames are intense and hot, like getting a burn. Despite having left the [Scorching Mines], it’s still this hot.

I drink the orange juice that’s been brought over. It’s filled with ice, swiftly cooling me down.

It was a close call.
…Not that there was any particular danger. I just felt some looming threat.

The taste of the meat? It melted in my mouth. It was delicious, but was that really meat?