After accepting Andrew's proposal, Rest was set to enter the mine shaft to deal with the centipede.
That said... he was nervous about going in alone in case something went wrong.
Even experienced adventurers could end up underestimating weaker monsters and being defeated. For safety's sake, he needed companions.
"...I understand that, but why this particular combination?"
"H-Hey... long time no see, Rest."
The person who appeared with a flushed face was a tall, cross-dressing woman.
An old acquaintance of Rest's — Isis Carbelt, a senior at the academy and the leader of the student council enforcement.
Isis, seeing Rest for the first time in a while, was acting oddly fidgety, fidgeting and making gestures as though she were embarrassed about something.
"Carbelt... why are you here of all places?"
"W-Well... it's just that, by pure chance, I happened to be visiting His Highness Andrew on some business. While I was there, I heard about the monsters in the mine shaft, and I thought maybe there was something I could help with. It's not like I have any ulterior motive or anything. Really."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Y-You helped build the highway, you know. Thanks to that, traveling between here and my domain became a lot easier. So I wanted to express my gratitude! If it wouldn't be a bother, I'd like to help out."
Isis rattled off her explanation in a single rapid breath.
Isis, too, had distinguished herself during the liberation of the Sabnock Plains and had been granted domain by the king. With Rest having improved the highway through Andrew's domain in the center of the plains, travel to and from Isis's domain had become far more convenient.
"Well, if it's Carbelt, I have no objections..."
She was a supremely talented magician, befitting her role as leader of the enforcement. While Rest received more recognition thanks to his infinite mana, when it came to combat experience and actual accomplishments, Isis might well have the edge.
"Besides... you're here too, aren't you, young lady of House Lavender."
And then — the third companion. The one who happened to be there was Urla Lavender, the young lady of the Margrave Lavender household.
She was dressed in a lovely purple dress, gazing up at Rest with her drowsy eyes.
"Urla."
"Hmm?"
"Urla... I'm Urla."
"...I know that?"
Rest tilted his head, puzzled. They weren't exactly strangers who needed to re-introduce themselves.
"Rest, I think Urla is asking you to call her by her first name."
"Oh... come to think of it...?"
Come to think of it, he had been asked to do this before, too.
Rest cleared his throat with a cough and adjusted his tone.
"Then, Urla. What are you doing here?"
"Saw His Highness Andrew."
"You... came to see His Highness Andrew?"
"Heard about it. Iridescent Crystals."
"...You happened to overhear something about the Iridescent Crystals and decided to join?"
"Forgot."
"Forgot... hmm? What do you mean by that?"
Rest pieced together Urla's fragmented words, but he couldn't quite grasp the meaning behind them.
"So... in other words, you happened to hear about the Iridescent Crystals, and you wanted some too, so you asked to come along... is that about right?"
"Wrong."
"Huh?"
"Wrong."
Apparently not.
Urla stated this with surprising clarity, staring up at Rest with those sleepy eyes. Though her gaze was distant, there was an intense sharpness to it. He almost felt like he was being accused of something.
(If only Yuri were here, maybe she'd be able to understand what Urla's trying to say...)
Rest scratched his head, troubled.
He hadn't told Yuri or the Rosemary sisters about entering the mine shaft to deal with the centipede. He was trying to obtain the Iridescent Crystals as gifts for them. He'd kept it a secret as a surprise for the three of them — bringing them along would defeat the whole purpose.
"At any rate... if you're willing to help, I'm grateful. Just please don't push yourselves too hard."
"Of course. But... I will be expecting a thank-you, you know?"
"A thank-you. A present."
"Got it, got it... How about this — I make accessories from the Iridescent Crystals for the two of you as well?"
He made the offer without thinking too deeply about it. Yet, for some reason, both Isis and Urla's eyes lit up at the same time.
"You really mean it!? You'll give some to me too!?"
"I want some...!"
"Wah!"
The two of them crowded in on Rest.
Pressed by their overwhelming intensity, Rest leaned back involuntarily.
What on earth had struck a chord with both of them? He certainly hadn't expected this level of reaction.
"I-If that's the case, then once I get my hands on the Iridescent Crystals, I'll make something for the two of you as well..."
"Make it a ring! Yes, a ring would be perfect!"
"Mm, ring. Only option."
"Wh-What?"
Rest simply nodded along, swept up by the force of their enthusiasm.