Volume 9 Chapter 16 Declaration of Intent
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Originally, the “First Blood” party¹ consisted of Liese, Camilla, and Ilse, but Nicola and Grete recently joined.
With a five-person party, their stability had increased, and the number of close calls in combat had plummeted.
On the other hand, since this was a world where levels were everything, power-leveling continued for the sake of safety. Experience efficiency dropped quite a bit, but there was no helping it.
”I just can’t get used to the Eleventh Floor…” Nicola muttered.
”Right?” Grete replied.
”Yeah, yeah, I totally get the feeling,” Ilse said, agreeing with the new recruits whose faces were tight with tension.
”As long as Master is here, there won’t be any problems, Nicola, Grete,” Liese said.
”Thank you, Master!” Nicola exclaimed.
”Thanks,” Grete added.
In contrast to the newcomers, Liese and Camilla weren’t nervous at all. Even on the Eleventh Floor, it was business as usual for them. Still, Liese stayed vigilant, keeping a sharp eye on their surroundings. As for Camilla? During power-leveling, she only had eyes for me.
It had only been a few days since the two new members arrived on the Eleventh Floor, so their nerves were understandable. They had shown flashes of power, but the common sense they had built up over years as adventurers wouldn’t vanish overnight. They were staying on the side of caution, which was fine by me.
”Phew… killing that Orc in an instant… B-Rank adventurers really are amazing,” Nicola said.
”They are, but I think only Daisuke could lead us this safely,” Grete said with a smile.
”Exactly. You understand well, Grete²,” Liese replied.
”No, no, Liese is praising him too much! …Or so I’d like to say, but it is Daisuke, after all,” Ilse said.
”As expected of you, Master!” Camilla chirped.
Camilla was clinging to me tightly, in a great mood. (Maybe pay a little more attention to the surroundings?)
While the leveling for the five of them was going well, I also continued the separate power-leveling for Liese, since she belonged to a long-lived species. Thanks to that, Liese had reached Level 21. For context, Nicola was around the same level as Liese’s group, while Grete was Level 25. Grete was technically at a level where she could head to the seventh floor, but she had apparently chosen to stop at the sixth.
In her previous party, the “Wyvern Slayers”³, they lacked a Scout-type, making them a poor match for the Parrots on the seventh floor who used tricky skills like Surprise Attack and Vocal Mimicry⁴. It really showed the cautious nature of their leader, Franziska.
Additionally, Grete had already risen to D-rank, while the other four were still E-rank. Since their levels were high enough, it was about time they took the promotion exam. The D-rank promotion exam⁵ was an Escort Quest. I had taken mine a little over a year ago, and that was when I met Ilse. Because so much has happened, it felt like a lifetime ago.
”Nicola and Liese, do you want to take the promotion exam soon?” I asked.
”Yes,” Nicola replied.
”I would be very grateful for the opportunity,” Liese said.
Both answered with serious expressions. Joining First Blood was part of Nicola’s plan to rank up, and Liese wanted to get stronger as fast as possible. Despite having the levels, Liese was still treated as a Porter and couldn’t accept requests for monster materials on the Fifth Floor.
”What about Camilla and Ilse?” I asked.
”I want to take it too,” Camilla said.
”I don’t really care either way, but if Liese, Camilla, and Nicola are taking it, I’m in,” Ilse replied.
Camilla didn’t have Liese’s hunger for power, but she had been frustrated about being left behind as a house-sitter during a previous Designated Request. She gave a determined huff, her face full of spirit. Ilse lacked the drive of the others, so her motivation was moderate. She gave a wry smile—was she remembering the time I had completely dominated her?
”Alright, let’s take it soon. Sorry for making you tag along, Grete,” I said.
”It’s fine! We’re a five-person party, after all,” Grete said, beaming.
With her higher level and experience, she would be reliable during an Escort Quest where bandits might appear. (I wonder if Liese and the others can actually kill bandits? The three slaves should be fine, but I’m a little worried about Nicola’s mindset.)
* * *
Since First Blood had grown to five members, they could now handle the Fourth Floor even while Liese was away for her own power-leveling. Liese’s leadership and combat power were high, but the other four could manage the Fourth Floor on their own.
I had given them those specific accessories, so safety wasn’t an issue. That meant I didn’t strictly need to leave them with the “Yamato Nadeshiko Party”⁶ anymore. However, since I was the one who asked for the favor, I couldn’t just cancel it without a word. I needed to hear their opinions, so I called a meeting with Liese’s group included.
”…And that’s why there’s no longer a forced need for you to look after them,” I explained.
”No,” Rin said, flatly refusing.
She was mid-embrace with Camilla, who was currently buried in Rin’s cleavage. (Damn, I wish I could trade places…!)
”Well, the four of them seem like they’ll be fine—” I started.
”Still worried,” Rin interrupted.
”It’s just that I don’t want to keep troubling your party—”
”No problem,” Rin snapped back.
She was cutting me off before I could even finish. Usually, she was a beat behind in conversation, but not today. I didn’t mind leaving them there, but it felt wrong to treat the four of them—who were about to become D-ranks—like children. Especially since Grete was already a D-rank. I also felt bad about tying up the Yamato Nadeshiko Party every week if it wasn’t necessary.
”I understand Rin’s feelings… but what about the rest of you, Yumiko?” I asked.
”Rin is being so insistent that it would be a pity to refuse. Besides, I enjoy the time we spend together, so I don’t mind,” Yumiko said.
”I agree with Yumiko!” Misaki exclaimed.
”Me too~” Mai added.
The older group didn’t seem to have any objections. It was rare for Rin to be this assertive, and Yumiko looked at her with a gentle gaze.
”You can’t take Camilla away from Rin, okay?” Nanami teased.
”That’s not what I meant… what about Hina?” I asked.
”I’m fine with it. I want to hear more from Nicola, and Grete too,” Nanami said.
”I appreciate having more acquaintances my age, and since Grete and I are already friends, it’s no trouble at all,” Hina replied.
I hadn’t realized Hina and Grete were already friends. With Grete’s social skills, I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise. Nanami was her usual self. When I had left Ilse with them, she had teased me relentlessly afterward, but her attitude hadn’t actually changed.
”Nicola, Grete, what do you think?” I asked.
”I like talking with Hina and the girls. It’s a nice half-rest day for me,” Grete said.
”I’m fine with it too. Actually, I’d like to talk more to high-level parties, especially a Scout-type⁷ like Nanami,” Nicola added.
”Alright, I get it,” I said.
Grete and Nicola weren’t just okay with it; they were enthusiastic. Since Nanami was a Stealth-class Scout, there was a lot to learn from her. (I just hope serious Nicola doesn’t get corrupted by Nanami’s nonsense. Well, Nanami shouldn’t joke around when lives are at stake.)
”Then I’ll leave Camilla and the others in your hands,” I said.
”Naturally,” Rin replied.
Rin answered faster than anyone, earning a wry smile from Yumiko. As Rin puffed out her chest in pride, her massive peaks swayed and jiggled violently. The support of her bra was clearly insufficient for such a “Great Mountain Range,” but there was no helping it.
”Must be nice, Rin,” Grete whispered.
”What is it, Grete?” I asked.
”Oh, nothing. Just that you seem to have a very clear… preference. I’m a bit jealous,” Grete said with a smirk.
”Heh, you can tell?” Nanami asked.
”Pretty much,” Grete replied.
”It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it?” Nanami added.
”?” Hina looked confused.
Hina didn’t seem very sensitive to where my eyes were wandering. Grete and Nanami had clearly noticed what I was looking at and were sending me meaningful glances. I didn’t answer, and I certainly didn’t meet their eyes.
* * *
After finishing my routine of earning money and leveling up, I went to the Guild to report and deliver materials. Lately, I had been speaking with the receptionist, Dietlinde, in a private room. It was partly special treatment because I handled so many requests, but mostly because I wanted to avoid Henriette.
”Good work today,” Dietlinde said.
”Thank you,” I replied.
Dietlinde looked exhausted, and I noticed she had an injury on her leg. She claimed she had simply tripped, and while I healed her, something felt off. My Insight⁸ skill was reacting, telling me she was lying.
However, prying felt like it would be insensitive to her feelings, and I didn’t want to explain why I had a skill that was so specialized for social cues rather than combat.
”…Daisuke, is it really alright for me to remain your contact?” Dietlinde asked.
”Yes, of course. I trust your work—you’re thorough and never make mistakes. Plus, I like your personality. Even if the Guild tries to swap you out, I’m under no obligation to agree,” I said.
”…Thank you,” she whispered.
Henriette had been trying to pitch herself to me, but I had no intention of switching. For the usually stoic Dietlinde to bring this up with such a troubled air, she must be under serious pressure from above. It was important to make my stance clear.
Dietlinde looked both relieved and tense after hearing my answer. If those higher-ups were actually harassing her, I think a “little chat” might be necessary. Still, Henriette was the favorite of the Request Mediation Department Head, Randolph. Since they seemed so close, they should just stick to each other.
* * *
Later, when I asked Grete about it, she gave me some unexpected information.
”Apparently, Henriette turned down the offer to be Department Head Randolph’s secretary,” Grete said.
”Really? That’s surprising,” I replied.
It wasn’t strange that Randolph would want her as a secretary, but I didn’t understand why she’d refuse. Maybe she was only sucking up to him because he was her boss and wasn’t actually interested? It was possible.
”How do you know that?” I asked.
”Hehe, it’s a secret!” Grete teased.
She probably heard it from a friend at the Guild, but her social circle was so wide I couldn’t guess who. Maybe the Black Gyaru Trio? Or maybe even from Henriette herself. Someone as confident as her would probably brag about turning down a promotion just to flex on others.
—
Summary:
Daisuke facilitates a meeting between his primary party and the Yamato Nadeshiko Party to discuss future logistics. The group dynamics shift as Rin firmly rejects the idea of separating from Camilla. A brewing conflict at the Guild involves Dietlinde suffering from workplace harassment or pressure
—
Trivia:
- The exact function of the accessories Daisuke gave the girls to ensure their safety on the 4th floor
- The specific sub-skills under the Scout-type class that Nicola hopes to learn from Nanami
- The mechanical disadvantage of lacking a Scout when facing Parrots on the 7th floo
—
Character Insight:
Rin demonstrates unprecedented assertiveness, indicating her attachment to Camilla is overriding her usual passive nature. Dietlinde shows vulnerability, revealing the high-pressure environment of the Guild management.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Camilla – A beastman of the fox-type who has become Daisuke’s lover. She is known for her affectionate and somewhat possessive nature, often clinging to Daisuke during their outings.
• Nicola – Nicola is a petite, 160cm rookie adventurer with blue-green side-tail hair. A shy, stuttering member of the First Blood party, she trains under Vanessa to grow stronger. Despite her timid nature, she is a closet pervert who shares a deep, lover-like bond with Daisuke, becoming remarkably proactive and vocal during their intimate encounters.
• Grete – Bright‑orange‑haired D‑rank spearwoman in a girly checkered skirt and long‑sleeved blouse, cheerful and playful with a hint of diabolical charm. Level‑25 adventurer, former Wyvern Slayer, rescued Daisuke on the Fifth Floor, proposed to him and often scores free items from stall owners. Recently moved into the household, her sunny, extroverted communication quickly befriends the other residents.
• Liese – Standing 170 cm, she is a grey‑blue‑haired dragonewt spearman with thick horns and grey scales on neck and limbs—daughter of a red and a blue dragonewt. At Level 21 her loyalty is recognized even by Meta, making her a pillar of strength and leader of the First Blood party. As Daisuke’s disciplined vanguard and first slave (Level 19), she is earnest, hardworking, polite, and leads the other girls with quiet authority; her tail thumps subtly to betray emotion, yet she remains composed. Happiest when Daisuke returns, she serves him loyally and unwaveringly.
• Ilse – 17‑year‑old tiger‑kin archer with petite, boyish build, medium‑short gold‑and‑black hair, pointed ears and a thick, expressive tail that wags when happy. Former slave‑bandit, now level‑18 member of Daisuke’s party and Beunemünde Guild. Tomboyish, cheeky, teases Daisuke like a close friend, flirts for sweets, mixes sharp common sense with perverted humor, hates Sheep, loves candy. Possesses Faint Resistance and Mind skill; her antics hide deep devotion to her found family, speaking casually and directly, fiercely loyal despite a rebellious past. A tiger‑type beastman and the group’s rare straight‑man, once defeated by Daisuke, now shares a stable, slightly wry bond with him.
• Daisuke – A Japanese reincarnate in his 40s, this lean, youthful-faced B-Rank adventurer leads the Gale Party with high DEX, alchemy, and healing magic. A cautious analyst hiding his dragon-slaying feats, he manages a complex harem (including Gerta, Elisa, and others) with clinical affection and intimate expertise. Possessing ‘Minus’ and ‘Insight’ skills, he balances his role as a mentor and lover while navigating life in a dangerous world.
• Franziska – Leopard‑kin Beastman swordsman and leader of the Wyvern Slayers. Tall, dignified, with an elder‑sister aura, she’s reliable and steady. Inexperienced in romance, she occasionally indulges in self‑comfort while listening to her party.
• Rin – A tall, long-haired B-rank adventurer and brilliant ice-magic healer, she hides a passionate heart behind a stoic, blunt façade. As the assertive leader of Yamato Nadeshiko, she dominates Daisuke’s group and is fiercely protective of the beast-man Camilla. She shares a flirtatious, evolving bond with Daisuke and intends to move in with him to remain close to Camilla.
• Yumiko – At 155 cm and 17, the Bow Saint—eldest Transferee and former corporate worker, Kyudo enthusiast—serves as the Yamato Nadeshiko Party’s maternal anchor. Overprotective, emotionally grounded, and the moral compass, she coordinates the girls, plans their rented house move, hosts monthly Girls’ Night Outs, runs a gossip hub, and nurtures Daisuke, the veteran cook. Strict yet kind, she mediates disputes and offers a steady, motherly refuge.
• Misaki – 165 cm tall, standard build, semi‑long hair, thick chest armor; calm, kind older‑sister aura. Priest of the Working Women Party, former nurse and Leemans member who cared for elders and does physical labor. In combat she surprises with fierce mace strikes. Laid‑back transferee with a large chest, relaxed demeanor, and as a kind, mature member of the Yamato Nadeshiko party.
• Mai – Standing 175cm with a toned, athletic build and a “super-class” chest, this War Saint Vanguard and former gym instructor sports a single ponytail and a refreshing, masculine-leaning beauty. A battle-hungry tactician with a 10x EXP cheat, she leads the Yamato Nadeshiko Party and is a Leemans member. Despite her intensity, she maintains a cheerful, composed demeanor even in defeat and is a companion of Gerta.
• Nanami – 165 cm slender high‑school girl with short hair and modest chest armor, nicknamed “Mermaid” for her underwater skill. Reincarnated swim‑club member, now a stealth‑class transferee in the all‑female JK Party and member of Yamato Nadeshiko. Playful “little‑devil” who teases Daisuke, flirts with Hina, gathers intel, kisses him on the cheek, gives fashion/romantic advice to Grete, rewards herself with sweets, and slips into school life with mischievous charm.
• Hina – A 160 cm athletic transferee with a toned build and self-conscious thick legs, once a basketball player turned instant swordswoman, she wears a ponytail beneath light chest armor—quietly dignified, shy, and pure-hearted, easily flustered and homesick, haunted by family loss. A former knight now the level-headed straight-man to Nanami’s antics, she’s fiercely protective of Mizuki, has zero romantic experience, and values her growing circle of friends in the adventuring community, especially her acquaintance Grete.
• Dietlinde – Slender sheep‑beastwoman with fluffy white curls, tiny spiraling horns and subtle ears, wears a crisp Adventurer’s Guild receptionist uniform and low heels in Maultasche Royal Capital. Cool‑headed and professional despite ailments, she uses Water Magic, hides a sweet tooth, is drawn to Daisuke’s fatigue‑recovery magic, calming scents and gentle gestures, nurturing secret affection and dreams of cosmetics.
• Henriette – A dog‑like beastman receptionist and guild clerk, ~160 cm tall with long grey‑white hair, favored by the department head who lets her off‑load tasks. She has a dual personality, is pursued by Thomas’s unwanted advances, and is interested in Daisuke.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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