Chapter 553 To the Great Labyrinth
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Early the next morning… or rather, at a time that could still be considered nighttime, I wake up to Gieze’s oral skills.
It seems I was sleeping in the large bedroom, sandwiched between Liz and Lilith, while Asuka and Simona were pushed to the edge (likely due to Liz’s sleeping habits).
Today, since the Liz team is setting out to explore the Great Labyrinth, Gieze must have come earlier than usual.
Lilith, who had been clinging to me, quickly jumped up and entered Gieze.
* * *
After an easy climax thanks to Gieze, I wake Asuka and head lightly toward our morning training.
Since we’re exploring from today, let’s keep it really light.
”What did you do when you felt flustered during the exploration? This time, feel free to embrace me anytime♡”
”W-What, Ms. Asuka!?”
Even if it’s light, I have to take it seriously.
Is Gieze being cautious with Asuka because she doesn’t want to be outdone?
Seriously, could you stop coming at me like that during practice, Ms. Asuka?
”Even if you’re quite skilled, if you challenge me with such a lackadaisical attitude, you might get hurt, you know?”
”Violet… I’m always serious, you know?”
”Asuka, I appreciate your concern, but… there’s no flustered moment during exploration, okay?”
Well, it’s not exactly flustered, but I did embrace Martina during an exploration once.
…And it happened twice.
”Is that so? But I heard that recently you’ve been unleashing ‘Hiroya’s power’ to fight against floor bosses… doesn’t that get Liz and Kazumi excited?”
”I wonder… I’m not really sure.”
”You mean the ‘male allure’ that fills the battlefield, right? Just by Hiroya fighting, all the women get all hot and bothered♡”
I watch as Lilith laughs uncontrollably while observing Asuka, Gieze, and Violet practicing.
”Well, it’s clear they were undoubtedly excited… but everyone seems to be holding back♡”
”Is that so… then I guess I have to hold back too.”
”During the exploration… let’s stay focused, okay?”
I made sure to give Asuka a heads-up.
* * *
And so, the members of Famière, along with those departing to explore the Great Labyrinth today, finished an early breakfast, prepared themselves, and gathered at the mansion’s entrance before dawn.
Today’s departing members are…
As part of Liz’s team: Liz, Kazumi, Rena, Martina, Dorothy, Asuka, Simona, Aluda, Meluda, Noo, and me.
As part of Gargantua’s party: Gargantua, Hernando, Esperanza, Principal Milia, the rookie Thief Mira, and the Porter Maya.
As part of Ares’s party: Ares, Garm, the heavily armored female Fighter Olga, Tank Willem, the magician Geoff, and the rookie Thief Ema.
”That’s quite a number of people.”
”Olga, Willem, Geoff…and Mira and Ema are also adventurers under Famière’s care.”
Kazumi spoke, and Liz crossed her arms in response.
”Even though they are under our care, they are like our companions. I hope they do their best without overexerting themselves.”
Dorothy placed her hand on her chest, closing her eyes as if in prayer.
”Are Ares and his team going to the guild first?”
I asked Ares while checking the luggage tied to Haya.
”Yes. It would be good if there’s a free Porter.”
After finding a Porter at the guild, they seem to plan on taking a shared carriage to the ‘Great Labyrinth garrison’.
So, Ares’s party members set off first.
It was memorable how Martina encouraged the slightly anxious Ema as they sent her off.
”Well, shall we set off too?”
At Liz’s call, everyone cheered.
”We will depart tomorrow. Everyone, take care!”
Gieze spoke on behalf of everyone, and the members of Gieze’s team behind him bowed their heads.
Sister Karina, Gorge, Eluda, Noriss, Romy, Gunilla, Charlotte, and…
”Leave the Gieze team to me. You can carry out your duties with peace of mind.”
Violet still has that arrogant attitude, but despite her small stature… her confidence is somehow reassuring.
”Yeah, I’m counting on you, Violet.”
Did she smile happily because I relied on her, snapping her fist up.
”Everyone, don’t push yourselves… just stay safe…”
Ms. Sasha looks worried as she watches us.
Ms. Hanna, Ms. Carla, and Sandra also look concerned.
”We’ll be fine! Our motto is ‘Don’t overdo it’!”
Kazumi replied energetically to them.
”Yeah, yeah. I’m more worried about you guys leaving us behind.”
Simona is right.
Tomorrow, the Gieze team will leave, and this Clan house will be quite understaffed.
”I’m here too. And Lord Mitsuyoshi, who stayed with the lord last night, will be staying here for a while.”
”Suu will guard the house properly!”
”Uu will be here toooo!”
”Me too!”
Shinobu, Suu, Uu, and Lotta are here.
…We’ll be okay.
”Don’t make too much noise at the entrance, it’s still before dawn and we don’t want to disturb the neighbors. See you later.”
We each mount our beloved horses.
Aluda, Meluda, and Noo get into Simona’s carriage.
Gargantua and the others mount their horses, and Mira and Maya get into the carriage Principal Milia arrived in.
And then, waving to the Clan house family members… we set off towards the ‘Great Labyrinth Garrison’.
* * *
”Hiroya… facing the floor boss on the 19th floor right away… are you okay?”
Kazumi speaks to me worriedly from behind.
The hand around my waist is filled with strength.
”This time, it’s not just Asuka who has joined us. It seems she has also reached rank S, and so has Simona. There’s really no need to worry at all.”
”I see… that’s true. Hiroya is getting stronger, too.”
I wasn’t trying to discourage her.
Our party has definitely become stronger.
Liz, Martina, and Dorothy all have the potential to reach rank S if given the right opportunity.
Aluda and Meluda also possess enough strength to hold their own in the Deep Floor.”
”And besides, Rena and Kazumi… it’s rare to find a party with both an S and an A rank magician.”
”Yeah! I’ll do my best!”
Kazumi, striking a small fist pump with one hand, is incredibly cute.
’After receiving the lord’s essence this morning, I’m full of energy! With this team, we’ll reach the Light God Freyja in no time at all!’
”Yeah. I’m counting on you, Lilith.”
Kazumi playfully tapped the Yamikirimaru tucked into my waist.
Liz, riding Kage and leading the charge, shouted out.
”It’s the sunrise!”
Our backs, racing towards the Goblin Forest, are growing brighter.
”Let’s aim to be the first to enter the Great Labyrinth today!”
”What do you mean! Lady Asuka! That’s ours for the taking!”
”Exactly! After you!”
At Asuka’s declaration, Hernando and Esperanza protested and spurred their horses onward.
”Hey Hernando! Esperanza! Don’t just take off on your own! …Honestly, they act like children…”
Gargantua scratched her head in exasperation.
The long red hair I had carefully tied back for the labyrinth exploration was already starting to come loose.
”GarGar… once we get there, let’s redo my hair.”
”Ah… sorry about that. I’m just not used to it.”
”When diving into a labyrinth, it’s better to keep long hair secured.”
Martina was jogging alongside Gargantua, smiling as she spoke to her.
So that’s it; Martina helped her tidy up.
And as we saw the ‘Goblin Forest’ coming into view, we picked up our pace a bit.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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