Sorry, I'm a little under the weather today.

I'm sorry. I've got a special lecture on heroism today that's taking up all my after-school time.

　After school at the school.
　Gran and Elysia said apologetically.

"Oh, I see. ......

　Mize looks dejected and backs off.
　After school that day, Mize wanted the four of us to take on the guild's request again. However, it seemed that Gran and Elysia were not available today.

How about you, Toate?

Yes, .......

　In truth, I want Mize to stay in the dormitory as quietly as possible, but I don't want her to be the only one to go out of the capital if I say no here.

Just out of curiosity, what kind of request is Mize planning to accept today?

"Since I only have a short amount of time available after school today, I'm thinking of taking on a collection request. In the event that you've got a lot of time, you'll be able to take a look at the most effective way to get the most out of your time.

　It seems that Mize is heading to the guild alone.
　If that's the case, I should probably go with her.

"Can I help?

Yes, yes!　Yes, please!

Oz should be able to make it. I'll call you later.

　I'll call you later." I told Mize, who shook her head several times with happiness, that I would call Oz.
　As I watched Mize pack his bag, I contacted Oz via the "news paper". I decided to meet him at the guild.

　--Two hours later.

　Two hours later, me, Mize, and Oz were in the first layer of the labyrinth, the Tomb of the Deep Sea.

We don't have much time to spare, so let's get this done quickly.

Ah!

Okay!

　Oz and I nodded at Mize's instructions.
　The sun was already starting to set outside. It would probably be dinner time on the way back, so we had bought some portable food from the guild and left it in the carriage.

　We would not be able to enjoy the labyrinth because we would have to move without a break, but Mize was still very active. For the current Mize, working as an adventurer was a pleasure in itself. He is carefully gathering medicinal herbs that grow near his feet.

"...... Oz. What do you think?

　I ask Oz in a whisper so that Mize will not hear.
　The question was intended to be, "Do you think there are any enemies lurking nearby? No.

"No, right?　Did you find any Twights?

"No, I haven't found any either. ...... Probably not being tracked this time.

　As we confirm to each other that the enemy is not tracking us, I think back to the exchange I had with Oz the other day.
　Last night the two sides were not on the same page, and Oz seemed irritated, but ...... now he's back to his normal self.

　When I met him at the guild before accepting the request, I was surprised by his attitude, but I didn't mention it because it would have been a snake. If he's still acting like he did yesterday, it's not good for me at least.

I'll go check the area just in case.

"...... Oh. Please.

　Nodding in Oz's favor, she announced loudly.

I'm going to the bathroom!

　I'm going to the bathroom!

I'm going to the bathroom! It's best not to talk about that stuff too much. ......

What? Why?　I don't mind it.

　Mize looked at me with a complicated expression.
　I shrug my shoulders silently. It's no use expecting Oz to have that kind of common sense.

　After seeing off Oz, who seemed to have gone to the bathroom, Mize and I resumed gathering herbs.
　The herbs specified in the request are probably food for the demons that live in the labyrinth. The herbs grew everywhere. However, you need to pay attention to the area in order to avoid fighting with demons. It is not possible to gather them freely from everywhere.

　You put a lot of herbs in the basket provided by the guild.
　At that time, the "news paper" reported an incoming call.

"Mize, can I trust you to collect the herbs in that area?　I'll look elsewhere.

"Okay.

　After saying no to Mize, I left for a while and activated the communication paper.

Oz, what's up?

I'm not sure if I need to tell you this, but I've been in touch with .......

......In the meantime, let me ask you something.

　I'm not sure if this is a good idea or not.

I don't know. I've been trying to find out what's going on.

"The same clothes as Elysia are ...... white school uniforms?

Yes, yes.

　So it's a student of the hero department.



I'm not sure what to do about this. It doesn't seem to have anything to do with the mission. ......

Yeah, .......

　You may have gotten into trouble. I'll think about it.

"Is that a 'newsletter' by any chance?

　As I was struggling with my response to Oz, I was approached from behind by Mize.
　Mize's gaze is fixed on the "communication paper" I'm holding.
　This tool itself is commercially available, so there is no need to hide it.

"Do you know it?

Yes, it's a kind of magic tool!　It's used to keep in touch with people who are far away!

　Perhaps he was also interested in magic tools, Mize was looking at the "communication paper" with curious eyes.
　I can't lend this to you right now, but I'd like to discuss it with you.

I just got a call from Oz, ...... and it looks like the heroes are in distress.

　I'm not sure if he foresaw the seriousness of the situation or not, but Mize became serious.

I'm not sure what to do. This has nothing to do with the request, but Mize--

"I'll help you.

　Mize said firmly.

"If you don't help her now, you'll regret it.

　Her eyes never wavered as she said this.
　We normal students are sometimes harassed by the heroic department in our daily school life. Even so, she chose to help us without any hesitation.

　I think we should respect her strength.
　This is typical of a princess. She was generous and dignified.

"All right. I'll be right there.