Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 47: Guild Quest

Following Day

Waking up, as had become routine for the past two months, we were getting ready to head into the Dungeon, much to Wiene’s mild protest who grumbled about losing her pillow, when we spotted a sleepy Hestia shuffling out of her room, rubbing her eyes.

“Yaaawn~ Good, I caught you guys before you left,” she mumbled, shaking her head as she approached. She held out a folded envelope and handed it to me. “Someone from the Guild dropped this off yesterday. But, uh… since we were so busy, I kinda forgot until late last night. Teehee~” she added, sticking out her tongue and tilting her head innocently.

“The Guild, huh?” I asked, taking the letter and quickly scanning its contents. After a brief read, I nodded. “Alright. I’ll go see what they want.”

Turning to the others, who were already dressed and geared for our usual expedition, I gave a small smile.

“Get some rest, everyone. I have a feeling we won’t be heading into the Dungeon today after all.”

“Sounds good. Yawn See you when you get back, Rein-kun~” Hestia mumbled before pulling on my shirt, giving me a quick kiss on the lips, and stumbling back toward her room.

The others weren’t far behind. Est, Rem, and Ram each gave me their own soft morning kisses before returning to their rooms, with the exception of Rem, who immediately began her maid duties like clockwork. Naaza followed next, her cheeks tinted a soft pink as she gave me a shy kiss on the cheek before quickly retreating.

That left just one.

Lili stood there glaring at the hallway the others had disappeared down, her small face burning red as she grumbled.

“Enemy of all women,” she muttered with a cute little pout before turning and stomping off.

I chuckled to myself. “Oh, and please look after Wiene for me,” I called after them.

A few half-asleep responses drifted back in acknowledgment.

Just as I reached the front door, a slim arm grabbed my sleeve and pulled me down, straight into another soft pair of lips.

I didn’t resist.

The kiss lingered for a few blissful moments before parting, and I found myself looking into Artemis’s calm eyes, though her expression carried a subtle smugness.

She was still wearing her nightgown and, to be honest, it was just revealing enough that I was starting to question if that wasn’t on purpose. That smile certainly suggested it.

“Morning, Rein,” she said softly. “I just wanted to get my morning kiss before you left. Good luck~”

With one more kiss, a smaller one this time, she turned and walked back to her room, giving a small wave as she disappeared around the corner. Of course, as she turned, her nightgown rode up slightly… just enough to flash her pink lace panties.

I stood there in the hallway for a moment, stunned, trying to reassemble my scrambled thoughts.

Eventually, I shook my head and sighed, finally stepping out of the house.

‘These girls… they’re seriously testing my restraint. They do realize I’m a man, right? There’s only so much I can take…’

I let out another sigh as I made my way toward the Guild.

Passing by the Hostess of Fertility, I barely had time to register a blur of silver hair before a familiar weight launched itself into my arms and wrapped tightly around my head.

“Reinhard-kun~! Good morning!” came Syr’s cheerful voice as she pulled back, treating me to one of her special smiles, that she seemed to reserve only for me from what I had seen.

“Good morning, Syr,” I greeted warmly, smiling back at her.

“Are you heading into the Dungeon alone today?” she asked, tilting her head when she noticed I wasn’t flanked by the usual entourage.

“Actually, no,” I replied, shaking my head. “I’m heading to the Guild. They apparently want to speak with us.”

Her eyes lit up with curiosity. “The Guild? Oh! Maybe they have a special request for you! I heard they sometimes give those to certain Familias,” she added, sounding genuinely excited for me.

“That’s what I’m thinking too,” I nodded.

Syr’s smile turned a little flirty. “Your Familia’s really becoming popular, huh? I bet it’s all thanks to you~ You’re amazing, after all.”

“Thanks,” I said with a sheepish smile, “but everyone contributes equally. It’s never just me.”

That only seemed to amuse her more. But then, to my surprise, her confidence faltered. She began poking her fingers together, a blush rising to her cheeks.

“A-Actually, Reinhard-kun… I was wondering…”

Noticing her sudden nervousness, I softened my tone and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.

“What is it, Syr? Whatever it is, I promise to listen without judgment.”

That seemed to fluster her even more. She turned red all the way to her ears, her lips trembling slightly.

“You really aren’t fair, Reinhard-kun…” she murmured, pouting adorably.

I started to pull my hand away, concerned, but she caught it with both of hers and held it gently, her fingers trembling just a little.

“A-As I was saying… Monster Feria is coming up soon, and I was wondering…” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment before looking up at me with hopeful eyes. “C-Could we go? Y-You know… like, together?”

I blinked, surprised at the sudden invitation. But she was right, it had been over two months since I’d arrived in this world, and Monster Feria would be happening in less than a month from now.

Time sure flies… I thought absently before focusing back on Syr, who was still waiting anxiously for my response.

Seeing no harm in it, and admittedly touched by how sincere she looked, I smiled and nodded.

“I’d love to, Syr. I’ll look forward to it.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief. “R-Really!?” she exclaimed, and when I nodded again, she let out a joyful squeal before throwing her arms around me in a tight hug.

“Thank you so much, Reinhard-kun!~ I promise you won’t regret it! We’re going to have so much fun!~”

“I’m sure we will,” I said, patting her back, though inside, a quiet realization was beginning to sink in.

…This totally sounds like a typical date.

And if that was true, I had a feeling hell was waiting for me once the other girls found out. Suddenly, going home didn’t seem so relaxing anymore.

Syr, of course, didn’t notice my rising panic. She giggled happily, eyes glowing and began talking excitedly about the upcoming event, only stopping when Mia’s gruff voice called her back inside.

Still glowing with happiness, Syr leaned up and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek, just shy of my lips, then skipped back toward the tavern.

“Bye, Reinhard-kun~! I can’t wait for our date! Don’t forget to visit me, okay?” she called out with the brightest smile I’d seen on her yet before disappearing inside.

I stood there for a beat, stunned.

Yeah… she definitely sees that as a date.

Sighing to myself, I turned back toward the street and resumed my walk to the Guild, doing my best to ignore the bloodlust directed my way. I had a good feeling Freya’s Familia was responsible for it since from what I remember they were quite obsessed with her.

‘Why do I have the feeling my free time is about to involve a lot more dates?’

=====

Several minutes later, I arrived at the Guild and immediately scanned the room, searching for the familiar long red hair and signature wolf ears of my advisor, Rose.

Before I could spot her, however, an unfamiliar voice called out hesitantly.

“E-Excuse me… um, Sword Saint? Can I help you with something?”

I turned toward the voice and was met with the sight of a brown-haired half-elf with soft green eyes. She looked a bit nervous, clearly unsure how to approach me.

Smiling reassuringly, I kept my tone gentle. “Yes, I’m actually looking for Rose Fannett. Is she working today? Also, you don’t have to call me that, Reinhard is just fine.”

She visibly relaxed at my response, her posture easing slightly.

“Reinhard-san, then,” she said with a nod, a polite smile spreading across her face. “I’m Eina Tulle. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Rose has mentioned you before, which is rare, honestly. She usually doesn’t get along too well with adventurers. It’s nice to finally put a face to the name I’ve heard so much about.”

She extended her hand.

“Likewise, Eina-san,” I said, accepting the handshake. “I didn’t know that about Rose, but I’m really grateful for her help. She’s been nothing but supportive since I arrived.”

‘Interesting,’ I mused inwardly. ‘So half-elves don’t mind physical contact? Or maybe that’s just an Eina thing.’

“I’m glad to hear that,” Eina replied, starting to lead me further into the Guild building. “Keep being good to her, alright? I’ve seen her smiling more often lately… and I have a feeling that has something to do with you.”

“I’ll certainly do my best,” I said with a chuckle.

A moment later, Rose stepped out from one of the backrooms, apparently finishing a meeting. She spotted me immediately and began making her way over, a faint but genuine smile playing on her lips.

“I’ll take it from here, Eina. Thanks,” Rose said once she reached us.

“This is where I leave you, Reinhard-san. You’re in capable hands.” Eina gave me a polite smile, then added with a small wink, “If you ever need anything and Rose isn’t around, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

With that, she excused herself, leaving Rose and me alone.

“Morning, Reinhard,” Rose greeted, her smile softening as she turned and motioned for me to follow. “Come with me. There’s something I need to discuss with you, officially, on behalf of the Guild.”

“Morning, Rose. It’s good to see you’re doing alright,” I replied as I followed her into a nearby private room.

“I’m not the one running headfirst into the Dungeon every day,” she said, rolling her eyes as she sat down across from me, though the slight worry in her voice didn’t go unnoticed.

Once we were both seated, Rose slid an unopened envelope across the table toward me.

“Here. This is for you. As it’s your first official request from the Guild… I’m afraid you don’t have the option to refuse.”

I opened the letter and skimmed its contents. As expected, it was a formal quest, a request to collect items and monster drops from the 25th Floor.

“A quest to the 25th floor, huh…” I muttered, folding the letter. “I figured something like this would come sooner or later. Our Familia has made a lot of waves lately with how quickly we’ve grown.”

When I looked up, I noticed that Rose hadn’t relaxed, if anything, her expression had grown more tense, her gaze lowered.

“…I told you this would happen,” she said softly. “You haven’t even been an adventurer for two months, and already the Guild is keeping a close eye on you. Now they’re sending you to the Lower Floors, where the death rate is multiple times higher than the upper floors.”

There was genuine worry in her voice. Her usual professional tone was still there, but it cracked slightly under the weight of emotion she was trying to suppress.

Seeing her like that, a frown tugged at my lips. I leaned forward and gently took her hands in mine.

“Thank you for always worrying about me, Rose. It really means a lot.” My voice lowered as I continued. “I know it’s probably pointless and unfair to ask you not to worry, but please… believe me when I say I’m much stronger than I look. We’ll be prepared. And if I sense any real danger to my Familia, I won’t hesitate to turn back.”

Rose stared at me in silence, her amber eyes searching mine. Her gaze lingered for a few seconds before she turned her head away with a faint blush dusting her cheeks, though she didn’t pull her hands away.

“…Hmph. Everyone always says that line, you know,” she muttered quietly, still looking away. “So don’t think it’ll work on me.”

But her grip on my hands remained firm.

With the mood lightened slightly, Rose slipped back into her usual role as my Guild advisor, serious, thorough, and relentless.

She spent the next few hours reviewing the known threats up until the 25th Floor, monster types, environmental hazards, and supply recommendations. She even started quizzing me halfway through to make sure I was paying attention.

By the time she was finally satisfied, lunch hour had arrived. Just as I was finishing another page of notes, the quiet rumble of a stomach interrupted the silence.

Rose froze, then immediately grabbed her abdomen, a fierce blush coloring her cheeks.

“Hungry, huh?” I asked with a chuckle, setting the book down and flashing her a reassuring smile. She looked away again, muttering something under her breath.

“How about we stop here and grab some lunch? My treat, as thanks for all your help,” I offered, rising from my seat and stretching.

Rose perked up slightly at the mention of lunch, her ears twitching subtly as she looked at me with a hint of excitement, only for it to vanish a second later when she slumped forward with a sigh.

“Thank you for the offer… but I’m afraid I can’t,” she muttered, sounding genuinely regretful. “The Guild only gives us a short break, and it’s not enough time to go out and eat. Maybe next time.”

“I see,” I said, already pulling a solution from my bag. “Then how about this?”

I pulled out two neatly wrapped bentos, disguised as if they’d come from my satchel but, in reality, summoned from my inventory. “I usually make a few every morning for the group, but since we’re not going into the Dungeon today, they’d just go to waste.”

I held one out to her while keeping the other for myself.

Rose blinked, surprised, as she accepted the box. Her head tilted slightly in curiosity, and her ears gave a small, involuntary twitch, honestly kind of adorable.

“You can cook?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as she examined the bento.

“I do,” I nodded with a small smile. “I’m no master chef, but I can at least promise it won’t taste bad.”

She eyed the box with suspicion for a second longer before letting out a soft sigh and nodding. “Well… if it was going to go to waste anyway, I suppose I don’t mind taking it. Thank you for the food.”

“You’re welcome,” I said simply, settling beside her and opening my own.

The moment she cracked open the lid, the fragrant aroma of freshly cooked food hit her, and her eyes widened. She stared at it in stunned silence for a moment before lifting her chopsticks and hesitantly taking a bite.

The effect was instant.

“…Delicious~” she murmured with a small, involuntary moan, her eyes fluttering closed. Then they snapped open again, and her face flushed the moment she remembered I was still sitting next to her.

“I-I thought you said you were just ‘alright’?” she said with a small pout, cheeks still pink. “This is the most delicious food I’ve ever tasted!”

“Hehe, that’s what everyone always says,” I replied, scratching the back of my head in embarrassment. “But I still think I’ve got room to improve.”

Rose shook her head and muttered under her breath, “I’m honestly scared what your cooking will taste like once you do improve.”

Despite her words, her tail was now wagging slowly behind her, a rare sign of visible happiness, as she returned to eating with a soft smile on her face.

I relaxed beside her, enjoying the peaceful moment as we ate together. It was rare to get downtime like this, and I appreciated the quiet.

Still, as I chewed through another bite, my thoughts drifted.

We had a serious expedition coming up, and there were preparations to make. I’d need to start crafting gear and tools to ease the burden on the others, especially those not quite as strong as me, Est, or the Oni twins.

I also recalled hearing about a Monster Rex on the 27th Floor. If we were passing close enough, I might take the opportunity to defeat it, a chance to level up again would be useful, especially with the growing number of eyes on us. The higher my level, the less I would have to hide my real strength from normal eyes.

But one thought kept echoing louder than the rest.

Wiene.

‘I wonder if we’ll meet others like her…?’ I mused, watching the sunlight stream in through the window.

‘There has to be more like her.’ I refused to believe Wiene was the only one of her kind.