Chapter 103 The Handsome Adventurer’s “Harem Party”
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Kanata and Mirei were standing before the guild’s notice board, discussing what request to take next, when the guild’s door creaked open with a soft sound. The air in the room seemed to shift slightly the moment Kanata looked toward it.
In walked a young man, followed closely by two girls who stayed right behind him.
The man looked to be around twenty. His skin still held a trace of sun, his silver hair shimmered with each step, and a bright, confident smile rested on his lips. A well-kept sword hung across his back. Every motion he made was calm, smooth, and efficient—the kind of presence only an experienced swordsman had. His face was so striking that anyone who met his eyes would probably pause for a moment. He was, without a doubt, what people would call handsome.
”…Is that Reis?” Mirei whispered.
She seemed to recognize him.
Beside Reis stood two girls with contrasting atmospheres.
The first wore a deep black robe and a hat so large it hid half her face. She held something that looked like a magic book in her arms and watched the room with quiet, sharp eyes. Even the faint shimmer of mana seemed to hang around her. She looked every bit the black mage her outfit suggested. Her name, Mirei murmured, was Lilim—no older than twelve. Maybe even ten.
The second girl was the complete opposite. Dressed in pure white, she had a tiny bell at her chest that chimed softly when she walked. Her golden hair swayed gently as she followed behind Reis with shy, careful steps. She looked like a young white mage, the kind who carried a sense of peace and healing around her. Her name was Lurua, and she too seemed to be about ten years old.
The three of them moved through the guild together in an oddly balanced way that caught everyone’s attention.
It felt as if the curtain had lifted on a stage play.
After a quick look around, Reis walked straight to the counter. He stood tall, his voice calm and pleasant as he spoke with the receptionist.
”Is there any new information about the dungeon found near here?”
The receptionist blinked in surprise, then hurried to pull out some documents. Reis’s manner was polite, but there was something unusual about his presence—something that drew people’s eyes without effort.
From a short distance away, Kanata crossed his arms and tilted his head.
”…A dungeon diver, huh?”
Mirei glanced at him. “Yeah. Reis is pretty famous. He explores uncharted dungeons—doesn’t wait for a job posting. He’s not after the reward; he’s chasing the adventure itself.”
”Serious type for someone who looks like that,” Kanata murmured.
Still, his gaze moved toward Reis’s companions. Lilim and Lurua—two very young girls. They looked far too small to be part of a fighting team. Even if they were talented mages, bringing children into a dungeon was risky at best.
(Is it really safe for them to go with him?)
Unease stirred quietly in Kanata’s chest. Their party looked dangerously unbalanced. Was it carefully planned, or just reckless? He couldn’t tell yet. He decided to keep watching.
Then, as if sensing his thoughts, both Lilim and Lurua turned their eyes toward him. Their expressions were impossible to read—neither cold nor curious.
(No… maybe they aren’t just ordinary kids after all.)
Kanata’s instincts told him to stay alert. He watched silently as Reis turned from the counter, catching sight of them.
Reis gave a slight nod, signaling the girls. Lilim dipped her head once, and Lurua’s lips tightened in response.
Then he walked straight toward Kanata and Mirei.
”Hey, you two,” Reis said easily. “Our eyes met earlier—were you maybe interested in us?”
His tone was light, his smile natural, and yet he kept just enough distance not to intrude.
Mirei stepped forward before Kanata could reply. “Not really. We were just talking.”
Her polite smile was practiced—friendly, but cautious. The perfect balance for two adventurers meeting for the first time.
”Ah, I see. Sorry about that,” Reis said, raising a hand in mock apology. “I’m Reis. The one in black is Lilim, and the one in white is Lurua. As you can tell, we’re a bit of an unusual party.”
He smiled again, introducing the girls.
Lilim stayed silent, her eyes steady. Lurua bowed shyly.
”We’re gathering info on the local dungeons,” Reis continued. “It’s our first time in this region. Are you two regulars around here?”
”More or less,” Mirei replied vaguely.
Kanata said nothing, still studying him. Up close, Reis’s presence felt even stranger—friendly, almost casual, but hiding something deep beneath. And behind him, those two girls… Kanata’s instincts whispered: don’t take them lightly.
”That’s good,” Reis said warmly. “I’m glad we can talk like this. I hate it when people start fights in the guild.”
He smiled again—but his eyes didn’t waver. They stayed fixed on Kanata.
The air between them softened, yet underneath, a quiet tension rippled like the surface of still water.
Kanata took a slow breath, steadying himself.
”So,” Kanata said at last, “you mentioned a dungeon, right? In that case… I might have some information.”
Mirei gave a small gasp beside him, but Kanata ignored it, keeping his eyes on Reis.
Reis lifted an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? That’s great news. Let’s hear it.”
Kanata nodded and pointed toward the map hanging on the guild’s wall.
”There’s a forest to the southeast,” Kanata said, pointing at the map. “Deep inside it, there’s an old shrine ruin. It was just rubble a few years ago, but lately people have sensed mana inside. No records of anyone going in or out, and the seals are ancient. Chances are—it’s an unexplored dungeon.”
Reis leaned closer, studying the spot Kanata indicated. Behind him, Lilim and Lurua followed his gaze silently, their faces calm and unreadable.
Watching them, Kanata’s thoughts began to stir.
(I was planning to enter a dungeon soon anyway. That shrine might be the perfect place to test my strength. And besides…)
He glanced sideways. Mirei was watching him with a faint look of worry. He hadn’t told her much about his true reasons for adventuring, but he knew that sooner or later, he’d have to explain.
(Maybe now’s the right time.)
Reis and his two young companions—there was something too deliberate about them to be mere eccentrics. It felt as though they were moving with purpose, guided by something they already knew.
(If I share this information and travel with them, maybe I’ll get a glimpse of what they’re really after.)
It was risky, yes. But Kanata’s instincts told him it was worth it.
”We were actually talking about heading there next,” Kanata said. “If you’re interested, why don’t we go together?”
Reis’s lips curved into a bright, easy smile.
”Sounds good. Let’s team up. Exploring an unknown dungeon’s more fun with company, right?”
Mirei turned to Kanata, her eyes filled with surprise—and a hint of unease. Kanata only nodded, calm and sure.
And just like that, a strange joint party was born—Kanata and Mirei, together with Reis and his mysterious girls.
*
”Then let’s meet tomorrow morning in front of the guild,” Reis said, waving lightly.
Lilim and Lurua bowed politely before the three of them stepped out into the street. As the door closed behind them, the tension inside the guild eased like a breath released.
But before Kanata could relax, he felt Mirei’s sharp gaze beside him.
”…Kanata?”
Her voice was quiet but heavy with the demand for answers.
Kanata sighed and sank into a chair. “Yeah, I know. I’ll explain.”
Mirei sat across from him, eyes steady and searching.
Meeting her gaze, Kanata began to speak.
”Not long ago, I had teammates. A small party, but they were skilled—and more than that, I trusted them.”
His voice carried a trace of sorrow, tempered by a firm resolve.
”But after one dungeon, they never came back. No survivors, no bodies. The guild investigated, but the trail went cold.”
Mirei’s expression darkened slightly, though she said nothing, simply listening.
”I followed what clues I could find. That’s what brought me here. But their trail fades around this region… so I figured I’d dive in myself. That’s when I met you.”
”…So that’s why,” Mirei began, but Kanata continued.
”I meant to tell you, but I wasn’t sure when. Then today happened. Reis and his group—they seem lighthearted, but I don’t think they’re just oddballs. That dungeon might hold answers… or secrets they don’t want known. Either way—”
”So you want to go with them and see for yourself,” Mirei finished for him.
She exhaled softly, her eyes narrowing—not in anger, but in understanding.
Seeing that, Kanata felt a faint pang of guilt.
What he’d told her wasn’t the truth. Not completely. Not a lie, but far from real. He hated how much it felt like deceiving her.
”Honestly…” Mirei crossed her arms. “You could’ve told me earlier.”
”Sorry. I didn’t want you worrying too much.”
”As if I’d worry,” she said, rolling her eyes. “But… I’m glad you told me now.”
She stood, hands on her hips, smiling down at him.
”Tomorrow we head to the dungeon. Let’s find what we can—about the ruins, and about Reis too.”
”I’ll count on you,” Kanata said.
”You’d better. I expect you to give it your all, okay?” she replied with a playful grin.
Kanata couldn’t help but smile back.
”Also,” he added, voice lower now, “if I decide Reis and his group are trustworthy, I plan to explore the dungeon where my team disappeared. When that time comes… I want you to come with me. Will you?”
Mirei blinked, then smiled softly. “Of course. You idiot, like I’d say no? Something that important—you should’ve told me sooner. Dungeon, underworld, wherever it is, I’ll go with you.”
Her cheeks flushed faintly as she spoke, and Kanata felt genuine gratitude rise within him.
*
The next morning…
Gentle sunlight began to touch the town streets when Kanata and Mirei met Reis and his party in front of the guild.
”Morning. You’re early,” Reis greeted them with the same bright smile, though his eyes now held the sharp focus of a seasoned adventurer. Behind him, Lilim and Lurua stood ready in their black and white outfits, equipment in perfect order, backs straight.
”Everyone ready? Then let’s move out.”
After a quick briefing, the group set off toward the southeastern forest.
The woods were deeper than expected, and sunlight struggled to break through the dense leaves. The ground was damp even though it hadn’t rained, slippery with moss and mud. Roots jutted from the soil, and narrow animal paths disappeared into thickets. Even for experienced adventurers, the terrain was tough—and for the small figures of Lilim and Lurua, it was nearly punishing.
”Ah—slipping…” Lurua gasped as her foot sank into the mud.
Reis caught her hand just in time, steadying her gently.
”Careful,” he said. “You don’t have to do everything on your own.”
He helped her across the patch of muck, then placed a light hand on Lilim’s back as well, making sure she didn’t fall.
”I’m fine. Go ahead,” Lilim murmured.
Reis shook his head with a smile. “When someone’s not fine, that’s when teammates help. That’s what it means to be a party.”
Lilim didn’t answer, but Kanata caught it—the faint blush coloring her cheeks.
He walked a few paces behind with Mirei, watching the scene unfold.
”…Didn’t expect that,” Kanata murmured. “He’s actually pretty decent.”
Mirei gave a small laugh. “Right? I thought he’d be more careless. But no—he’s the kind who’d never leave his teammates behind.”
”Guess it’s too early to judge by looks or party setup,” Kanata replied.
The road stayed rough, yet Reis never slowed his pace. Still, he constantly checked on the girls, guiding them without smothering them. His movements flowed with easy grace, natural and unforced—the kind of rhythm only people who’d spent a long time together could share.
(So that’s how it is…)
Kanata’s view of them began to shift.
Soon, faint outlines of old stone walls appeared through the trees—the ruins of an ancient shrine. Their destination was near.
*
The ancient shrine emerged from the fog, worn by countless years of wind and rain. Its stone walls were thick with moss and vines, but the great doors remained sealed shut, radiating a strange, heavy aura.
”So this is it…” Mirei whispered.
But before the silence could settle, Kanata’s sharp voice cut through the air.
”Get ready—something’s coming!”
The grass rustled. Low growls echoed from all directions.
From the shadows, a pack of wolves with glowing red eyes crept forward—Banish Wolves, savage beasts that ruled these woods. Around twenty of them.
”We’re surrounded! Everyone, prepare for battle!” Reis shouted, stepping boldly to the front. His stance was steady, fearless.
”Come on—this way!” he called, drawing the wolves’ attention with a daring grin.
As several lunged toward him, Lilim began her chant in a quiet, steady tone.
”Flame Burst.”
Fiery orbs spun into existence, streaking through the air. Explosions roared, heat surged, and several wolves howled in pain as fire consumed them.
”Regen! Haste!”
Lurua’s clear voice followed, casting support spells that wrapped Reis in light. His movements grew faster, his sword flashing like flowing silver. Each strike landed true; each wound closed beneath Lurua’s healing glow.
Their coordination was flawless.
(Impressive…) Kanata thought, stepping in to guard their flank.
His blade cut down one wolf in a single arc. Mirei’s spear pierced another’s throat.
One by one, the beasts fell, until only one remained.
Reis moved to finish it—when a sudden roar erupted.
The last wolf, half-dead but still defiant, leapt at him.
Reis turned too late—its fangs sank deep into his shoulder, tearing through to his chest.
”Ghh—!”
He slashed back, killing the beast, but blood poured from his wound, bright and heavy.
”Reis!” Lurua screamed, trying to cast a healing spell—but her voice broke, panicked.
”Papa!!”
She stumbled forward, small hands reaching out as she ran to him.
Papa?
Kanata and Mirei froze, staring at each other in shock.
”…What did she just say?”
”Did she… call him Papa?”
Reis, pale and bleeding, still managed a faint smile, lifting his trembling hand to pat Lurua’s head—before collapsing.
”It’s okay… I’ll heal you, Papa! Don’t move!”
Tears streamed down her face as she pressed her hands to his chest, chanting desperately.
Soft light bloomed under her palms, her mana trembling but pure. Every word, every breath, carried the simple wish to save someone precious.
Beside her, Lilim stood frozen, face drained of color. Her usual calm mask was gone—what remained was fear, raw and human. She stared at Reis and Lurua, unable to speak.
”…She’s completely panicking,” Kanata muttered quietly.
Mirei nodded, but neither moved closer. They could see the wound clearly—bad, but not fatal. It hadn’t hit any vital organs. Both Kanata and Mirei realized that at a glance.
”It’s not as bad as it looks,” Mirei said softly. “Still… that reaction—”
”Yeah,” Kanata replied. “Feels like something only real family would show.”
”Come on,” she said with a faint smirk. “You really think he’s her father?”
”Hey, I’m just saying,” Kanata muttered, scratching his head. “But if he is, that raises a lot of questions. Like—why are two little mages traveling with him? And if they’re really family, wouldn’t the guild know?”
His thoughts spun in confused circles until his mouth acted on its own.
”…Officer, it’s this guy right here…”
Mirei turned to him, shoulders shaking. “Don’t say things like that with a straight face.”
”I mean, come on! You can’t blame me. After hearing that, how else are we supposed to take it?”
They fell silent again, watching as the faint glow of Lurua’s spell pulsed. Slowly, the bleeding stopped, and color returned to Reis’s face.
(At least one thing’s certain, Kanata thought. To those girls, Reis isn’t just a leader.)
That truth settled deep within him, quiet and unshakable.
Notes:
• Mirei – An energetic adventurer joining Kanata’s party in Chapter 108. Appears in dungeon prep. Brave, impulsive, admires Kanata’s leadership. Female.
• Reis – A stoic swordsman and Kanata’s comrade. Prominent in dungeon arc, leads combat. Reliable fighter trusted by the team. Female.
• Lilim – A magic user in Kanata’s party. Appears during dungeon exploration casting lightning and dark spells. Loyal teammate, thoughtful in battle. Female.
• May – Blonde, soft-eyed shrine girl. ch14–15. Gentle and pleading (“Please… just let us go…”), timid but loyal, relies on Mina’s strength. Came with Mina to save Sara, but was disarmed and bound by Kanata as his captive maid.
• Lurua – A healer in Kanata’s dungeon party. Supports allies with healing spells. Calm, dependable, close companion to Lilim. Female.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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