Chapter 90: Five Stars 5
TL/Editor: Raei
Schedule: 5/Week Wed-Sun
Illustrations: Posted in discord.
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Han Se-ah was a gamer before she turned to streaming.
"Ah, damn! Honestly, I can't help but be curious. A side quest has appeared, and we won't know about it until someone completes it, right? If I skip this, it'll haunt me even in my dreams.
-True, ignoring it... that's the real trap.
-Do you game even in your dreams? That's quite intense.
-In the worst case, just use Roland smash.
-Romance over efficiency truly captures the spirit of RPGs.
-The rewards might be good...
The majority of her viewers seem to support her choice.
Whether Han Se-ah races to the top spot or not, as long as the viewers are entertained, its all good.
Though there are a few restless viewers concerned that it might cost her first place...
"We have a 6 Roland in our party. If we don't capitalize on this, who will? I don't think anyone can catch up to us, so shouldn't we get all the rewards we can?
And doesn't it technically say only adventurers who fully clear the floor quest receive the side quest? Players who had the last hit stolen or went with the knights probably can't enter the forest.
It feels more like a hidden quest. We should go in, let Roland carry us."
Everyone was persuaded by Han Se-ah's confident declaration.
Everyone saw how powerful 5 Antenor was, so they must hold the same expectations for a 6 Roland.
Of course, if we're talking about strength, I'm undoubtedly stronger.
I can withstand a spell cast at full force by Antenor.
But the issue is that I'm a pure tank.
I was only able to toss a goblin like a javelin; this tank class doesn't offer a way to show off to others.
I can deflect a giant's blow and withstand a dragon's breath, but how can I prove that?
It's not as if a mountain giant and a dragon will just appear before us on the 20th floor.
We just hunted an orc, so where would a giant and dragon come from?
"Let's do it. Honestly, I'm curious about the blessed forest and I also want to visit the capital."
"As a servant of the Goddess, I would love to enter the blessed Forest."
Han Se-ah convinces the viewers and then discusses it with the party.
She wants to map the capital and the blessed forest, not just complete the side quest.
The rest of our party also seems curious about the forest, nodding and agreeing with her.
It seems they value the blessed forest more than the Knight's request, but I understand that.
In fact, the Blessed Obernu Forest is a place I havent visited yet either.
A forest reserved for high nobility and royalty, graced with the blessings of the goddess.
It isn't a place for commoner adventurers.
Thanks to this request, however, it seems we have a rare opportunity.
"Should I contact the Knights Division and let them know we've accepted their request?"
"Yes, please, Ellis."
"It's not a big deal. It's part of my job. If I send the message today, a carriage should be here by tomorrow."
Ellis stood up from the table with a gentle smile.
With the carriage arriving tomorrow, they wouldn't be able to visit the tower today.
With no gate to the 20th floor yet, adventuring to the 20th floor and back in one day would be too taxing.
The gazes of the group naturally turned to Han Se-ah.
Seeing their eyes converge on her, one could tell how competently Han Se-ah had been leading as the party's leader.
However, while she was recognized as the leader, she wasn't very perceptive, especially when it came to reading the mood.
To be precise, she didn't notice the group's stares because she was busy reading chat messages from her viewers.
"Hanna, what's our plan for today? It's still early, but considering we need to leave tomorrow, going into the tower will make it tight for time."
"Ah, right. Instead of going to the tower today, it might be better to prepare for our trip to the capital. ...But what exactly should we prepare?"
At Han Se-ah's innocent question, a hint of a smirk tugged at Kaiden's lips.
Our straightforward Princess seems to be warming up to her party members.
Although I still feel a sense of distance, she's more proactive and shows a little more laughter than usual.
Grace, who came directly from the countryside to the city of adventurers, and Irene, who spent her whole life in the city's temple, both remained silent, their eyes darting around in confusion.
"There's not much to prepare. If we were heading to the countryside, we'd need to prepare supplies, but we're traveling to the capital. We can buy any missing supplies there, and we can also get support from the Knights Division if needed."
"Oh, I see...."
-What happened to her brain...?
-How naive. That's what happens when you read the chat everday
-Felt like a country bumpkin wondering about what to prepare for Seoul
-Remember to remove your shoes when boarding the carriage tomorrow
-All those making fun in the comments probably wondered the same thing, lol
Seeing Han Se-ah, Grace, and Irene nodding in agreement, Kaiden's lips finally broke into an unrestrained grin.
Three beauties nodding in unison and a cross-dressing beauty trying her best to hold back laughter.
It was such an odd and amusing sight that the chat was filled with viewers teasing Han Se-ah.
"You guys find this funny? Uh-huh, there's nothing to do, should I end the stream and start it again when we get to the forest?"
Han Se-ah, who's been streaming almost daily, counters the teasing chat by threatening not to show us exploring the capital.
She only said she'd stream four times a week, but she's a passionate streamer who goes live every day.
A glance through her stream history shows an almost continuous pattern, save for a three-day break.
I'm a little concerned about her well-being.
"Yeah, it's too late to stop me~ Now that I think about it, I didn't say I was going to stream today, right?
I've progressed the quest, shown the new side quest, mentioned the carriage coming tomorrow, and now we're just doing boring preparation stuff right? That's all for today's stream, thanks~"
Wait, she really did end it.
She closes her streaming window, paying no attention to the chat where viewers were crying out in dismay and spamming their disbelief.
With the camera drone smoothly disappearing, Han Se-ah, looking somewhat relieved, stretches out and snuggles up to Grace, with a small smile.
"We have some free time, want to check out some equipment?
Equipment shopping?
Yeah. With the rewards coming in, I figured we could buy something. You only got armor, right? How about we look for some finger guards or something?
With the camera now off, Han Se-ah wants to meander around with Grace again.
Kaiden, still maintaining a bit of distance, wouldnt join for personal shopping.
As for Irene, she's been busy caring for the children at the temple. She rarely has time to hang out.
It might also be odd to invite Kaiden, who's posing as a man, for shopping.
Guess Ill just stay in and surf the web.
"Do you want to come with us, Irene?"
No, but thanks for the offer... I have to read storybooks to the children this evening. I promised to help out.
As expected, Irene declines with her characteristic gentle smile, choosing to prioritize the children.
Had the stream been active, her soft smile would likely have been showered with "angel" emojis.
Both Grace and Han Se-ah nod, having expected her response.
Even though Irene refused this time, the three of them have grown quite close, like real sisters.
Sometimes they roam the market together or visit the temple to help out.
Definitely need to replace that old bowstring and restock arrows.
Roland, come help us out.
"...Me? But, the inventory
Oh, come on! I mean, help us choose the equipment. Neither Grace nor I know where to find the best gear.
As I eavesdropped on their chat, suddenly the spotlight was on me.
Shifting from Han Se-ahs stream to browse other streams, I was caught off guard by her direct request.
Her eyes gleamed mischievously as she asks for my assistance.
With the stream off, she seems intent on pursuing her personal whims until tomorrow.
As though she's playing a dating sim, trying to grow the relationship between Grace and me.
Ever since our visit to Grace's hometown, Han Se-ah has been making sure we had time alone.
Is it a game within a game?
She seems to be really into making these 'in-game' couples.
Players like her aren't just in 'Heroines Chronicle' but in many games.
"What about you, Kaiden...?"
"Ah, I have to repair my own equipment."
I wondered if Kaiden felt left out with the three women looking at her, but she firmly shook her head.
They look at her, curious.
She's starting to open up, but she's not there just yet.
Grace simply nods without showing any particular disappointment.
It's a bit embarrassing to admit, but for Grace, her attention isn't on the somewhat reserved Kaiden.
It's on me, the guy designated as their porter.
Though Han Se-ah's focus seems to be on Kaiden's magical armor.
"Is that the armor of your family you mentioned before? Let me see it when it's fixed."
"Of course. Naturally, I'll be wearing it."
"Ah, I see...."
At Han Se-ah's slightly awkward response, the corner of Kaiden's lips twitched upwards.
Of course, she'd wear it once it's repaired; it's not like she'd hide it away after fixing it.
Perhaps realizing what she just said, Han Se-ah gives an awkward laugh.
Kaiden, seemingly eager to leave before she bursts into laughter, leaves first.
Her hasty footsteps fading as she disappears.
"Um, ahem, I'll be heading to the temple."
"See you tomorrow, Irene...."
Unlike Kaiden, who managed to stifle her laughter, Irene couldn't hold back and let out a chuckle.
Though she tried to cover her laughter with a mock cough, the upturned corners of her mouth betrayed her amusement.
Perhaps charmed by Han Se-ah's endearing blunder, Irene's gentle eyes met hers.
Han Se-ah, unable to retort at the kind-hearted Irene, turned her ire towards me, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance.
"...Roland, aren't you laughing a bit too openly?"
"What can I do? We just think you're adorable."
"Huh?!"
It was a nice moment.
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