Chapter 30.
Chapter 30. Recruiting the Demon Swordsman Sakuya
The day after the Slime Rain, the tavern attached to the Adventurer's Guild was bustling with adventurers during the day.
Following the Slime Rain, the tavern always served slime-based dishes. Thanks to that, a lively banquet was in full swing.
We decided to take a break from our quests today and join in the festivities, enjoying the cheap food.
I knew that in this world, they ate monsters, but I was still surprised they even ate slimes.
It's cheap, so I can't complain and decide to try the slime dishes.
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do," I thought. It's time to get used to monster cooking, or I won't survive in this world.
By the way, slime is like elastic water. The taste is a little sweet and light.
There were many slime dishes, all lined up in front of us.
Slime buns, slime stew, lemon stir-fried slime, and pickled slime. Do they really need so many variations for slime dishes?
Well, even in my world, people eat a variety of meats like deer and wild boar. Maybe it's a similar concept.
"I can't believe this is only 100 minas!"
"The lemon stir-fried slime is refreshing and delicious!"
From Lucia and Noelle's perspective, slime was just another food item they were used to. Unlike me, they were happily devouring their slime dishes.
Surrounded by Lucia and Noelle, a petite girl with blonde twin tails sat, looking confused.
"Oh, wow... so many dishes. What should I eat first?"
This was Sakuya, the demon swordsman who had been instrumental during the Slime Rain.
The tavern was so crowded today that finding a seat was a challenge. We had finally settled at a table when I spotted Sakuya, who couldn't find a place to sit. I invited her to join us.
"Thank you for defeating the giant slime the other day," I said, expressing my gratitude.
Sakuya looked down, embarrassed. "No, no, it's nothing like that."
Despite her impressive skills, Sakuya was shy and reserved.
She often tried to avoid attention, preferring to stay under the radar.
Because she didn't join parties and worked solo, she often struggled to find a place to sit, as was the case today.
"There were other adventurers around. I'm sure the giant slime would have been defeated even without me... I'm sorry if it seemed like I took the special reward."
"No, that's not true!" Lucia interrupted, encouragingly. "It was a great decision to take down the giant slime before it caused serious damage!"
"Oh, really?" Sakuya asked, still unsure.
"Lucia is right. No one will complain about you getting the special reward,"
Noelle added, unusually supportive.
Sakuya, still looking down, was approached by Lucia and Noelle from either side, who offered her food.
"Be confident, Demon Swordsman Sakuya. Here, try my lemon stir-fry."
"And have half of my slime bun too."
"Thank you very much... I'll take it!"
These girls were unusually kind today.
I watched as Sakuya ate her food happily, and Lucia and Noelle grinned at me before whispering.
"Akira, inviting Sakuya to our table was a good move. We might be able to recruit her."
"It's a smart decision to target Sakuya, who's talented but isolated. I'm sure it will work out."
"What do you mean?" I asked, not understanding their intent.
"Didn't you invite Sakuya to join our party?" Lucia asked.
"You plan to get close to her and add her to our team, right?" Noelle added.
"I hadn't thought about that," I admitted.
They were reading too deeply. I just felt sorry for Sakuya, who was standing and drinking slime soup because she couldn't find a seat.
I understood how hard it was to be left alone while everyone else was in groups. It's easy to feel isolated.
However, on second thought, Lucia and Noelle's idea was a good one.
Sakuya was only a D-rank because she worked solo, but her abilities were equivalent to an A-rank adventurer.
Having her join us would strengthen our party and allow us to take on more challenging quests, leading to greater rewards.
Lucia and Noelle were right. I should try to recruit Sakuya. However, I had one concern.
She was a solo adventurer, likely by choice.
If that's the case, convincing her to join us might be difficult. I needed to find out more.
"Sakuya, you seem to work solo. Have you ever considered joining a party?"
"Uh, well... I've never been in a party with anyone because I'm... shy. I'm afraid I'll be a burden. So I always work alone."
Sakuya shrugged her shoulders.
I see. She was a shy, introverted person who struggled to join parties.
This was an opportunity. If I invited her, she might join us more easily than I thought.
Above all, Sakuya seemed decent, unlike the sometimes reckless Lucia and Noelle.
I wanted a party member who wasn't an idiot.
Okay, let's invite Sakuya. It's worth a try.
"If you don't mind, we..."
"Oh, um, can I say something first?" Sakuya interrupted, looking determined.
"Sure, go ahead."
Sakuya placed her hand on her chest and looked at me seriously.
"If you don't mind, please call me Sakuya... drop the formalities! Oh, and I'm thrilled to be addressed by a man! You can call me anything, even a female pig if you want! That excites me!"
What is she talking about?
My head spun, trying to comprehend her sudden confession.
What... what does she mean?
Unlike me, Lucia and Noelle seemed to understand immediately and whispered in my ear.
"I get it now. Sakuya is a masochist who feels thrilled by being addressed by a man."
"This is your chance, Akira. Just order her into the party, and it's a done deal."
Wait a minute. Masochistic tendencies?
I thought Sakuya was a decent person, but is she just as eccentric as
these two?
I was stunned, and Sakuya hurriedly waved her hands, blushing.
"I'm sorry! I know saying this to a man might be off-putting, but it's more like a reward for me to see a disdainful look! ... Ahh, those eyes! When this perverted woman is seen with such eyes, her heart races! I'm sorry for being a masochist!"
"What...?"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! No, it's fine! Please be repulsed! - It's natural to be attracted to a masochistic tendency to want to be tormented by a man! Oh, no, if you pull away this much, I'll get... excited."
Is she getting excited on her own?
Demon Swordsman Sakuya. I thought she was cool, strong, and admirable for defeating a giant slime with a single blow...
But she's also a pervert...
This isn't good. Adding another pervert to the party would mean three oddballs.
If that happens, it's over. What can I do with a party full of eccentrics?
I decided not to recruit Sakuya.
However, before I could voice my decision, Sakuya bowed her head and spoke loudly.
"If you don't mind, please let me join your party! I'm tired of being solo! I want to adventure with you! And I want to receive contemptuous looks from Akira every day! I'll do anything, even carry luggage! Treat me roughly, it's exciting! So please, let me join you!"
Have I ever received such a strange request?
No, no, this girl...
But she's talented. If we recruit her, we might gain an advantage despite her quirks.
As I struggled with this ultimate choice, Lucia and Noelle suddenly banged on the table.
"Well said, Sakuya! Our comrade! In the name of this goddess apprentice
"I, Lucia, I allow you to join the party!"
Hey?
"Yes, everyone has their quirks. I'm sure Akira will accept a masochist girl. Show off your tendencies to the fullest. I'm a witch, and I approve."
What do you approve of without asking, Noelle!?
At Lucia and Noelle's words, Sakuya's face brightened.
"I can't thank you enough for welcoming me to the party! I'll do my best! I will dedicate myself as a masochist!"
I don't want a masochist near me.
"Come on, it's still noon, but let's make a toast to welcome our new friend!"
"I'll toast with a glass of lemon wine!" "I'm so glad to have a party with such good people as Akira and everyone... I'm so glad to have such a good party!"
The three of them raised their glasses and shouted.
"Here's to embracing our quirks!"
I scratched my head as I watched them start guzzling undiluted liquor in the middle of the day.
Is it okay to be surrounded by these perverts? How many times have I worried about this?
And thus, the demon swordsman Sakuya joined our party.