"Time to gear up in the dungeon!"
"Well, that came out of nowhere again."
It was Wednesday, mid-week. I announced our next schedule to the leading vanguard party gathered in the classroom. The immediate response came from Sierra. But---
"More importantly, Zephyr. Words are that you helped Marie-senpai in job rank-up yesterday. Would you care to explain about it, in elaboration?"
"...Huh, ‘more importantly’? Since when were dungeons a side thought?"
For some reason, my announcement was brushed off in favour of others.
"Isn't it right, Lana?"
"As a fact, I am very curious about the rumours as well! What's going on that you're supporting Marie-senpai so much, eh?"
"Lana-sama, it might just be us here, but this is still the classroom. Please consider more decorum."
Even Lana, always so eager for dungeons adventure, appeared unbothered by my announcement.
Wait a minute, no was backing me up?!
"You, Karua?"
"Zzz-Zzz."
"Wow, and this one is sleeping?!"
My last hope, Karua, was slumped over her desk, fast asleep. That's odd, she was awake just a moment ago!
"Answer me, Zephyr. What exactly are you planning to hand over a rank-up ticket? It couldn't be that you have it for Marie-senpai......?"
"Zephyr! E-E-E-Eexplain yourself!"
Meanwhile, I could've felt an ever increasing pressure from Sierra. ...No, It must be my imagination. Please!
Lana, too, was red-faced and pressed for an answer.
The rank-up tickets were priceless, and thus their sale was prohibited. Of course, that didn't apply if the ticket was handed over for nothing and for use.
Well, it's another thing that 'for nothing' was merely in the monetary sense, and there was always a price. It was quite a standard procedure.
You might wonder how that's different from selling it, but appearances were everything. Essentially, gifting the ticket was an act of incurring a debt. So, Sierra and the others want to know what I received in return for that debt... or, that's what I presume?
"N-no, there's a proper reason, you see? It's true I made a sole contract with Marie-senpai personally, but there are reasons—"
I explained my interactions and agreements with Marie-senpai from yesterday, detailing the benefits of being able to outsource work and how crucial that would be in the future.
By the way, this isn't a contract with <Weapon Seal Sticker> guild, but a personal, exclusive contract with Marie-senpai. The ticket and advanced recipes were more of provisions. It's like, 'I'm giving this to you for free, so please repay the favor.'
The <Weapon Seal Sticker> guild were all ears for this as well, as they'll receive a portion of Marie-senpai's sales. With an advanced job among them, it'd be huge stars to their reputation.
" "Why Marie-senpai?" "
However, Sierra and Lana, who usually would have understood, echoed in unison, unyielding. The pressure almost made me believe I would be dragged from here if I lied even a single word. (Almost... probably, right?)
Fortunately, It was just then I saw my saviour. Mert and Misato had just made their way inside the classroom.
"So you were here, Zeph—looks like you're busy. Let's go, Misato."
"Ah~ Mert-sama, wait~"
...A glimpse in, and my saviour backtracked their steps in a flash. You can't do this, Mert!
I fought a lone battle, trying my best to persuade them.
"N-no. I trust Marie-senpai immensely, and besides, her guild has top-notch facilities, which I've always thought would help in the endeavour."
"...Is that really all? There are no other intentions?"
"Among the nobility, there are many examples of people giving rank-up tickets in exchange for a bride to strengthen their family ties!"
"There are also stories of unapproved engagements being sanctioned by presenting a rank-up to the other family."
"What, there’s something like 'Bride Ticket'?! I'm so jeal---I mean, no. No, Marie-senpai isn't anything like that!!"
So that's what it was. That's why Sierra and Lana were so doubtful! I somehow explained they misunderstood.
Wait, recalling back, Marie-senpai did ask if I understood what it meant to hand over the rank-up ticker. So, she was referring to this?
I mean, I wasn't a noble, so it's not the same thing for me. Still, maybe it would be for the best if I clarify this to Marie-senpai as well.
Anyway, it took some effort, but I finally calmed down Sierra and Lana.
"Good grief, you really ought to be more aware of your peculiarity. And even if Marie-senpai is now exclusive to us, she's not officially part of our guild, so what if she gets poached?"
"Huh? Is there a guild out there that's better than us?"
".........It's an example."
When I asked that with genuine surprise, Sierra looked away.
I mean, even if Marie-senpai were about to be poached, I'd just offer even better terms and poach her back. No problem at all. Ah, but then the facilities... Whatever, I'll think about when it's time to cross that bridge.
"For now, we need to lay the groundwork. Celestin is probably already on it. Zephyr, you should also talk to the Dean."
"The Dean?"
"You never know who might try to meddle from outside the academy."
"I see."
Hmm, it appears I might've underestimated the importance of advanced production jobs in this world---Wait a minute! If they're so important, they ought to get the production jobs upfront for the ticket race too! Ah, but then again, I could see why they shirk away from handing super rare rank-up tickets to productioners who had no business in dungeon exploration.
Given their value, they obviously couldn't just take any chance, I guess. Even nobles supposedly prioritize using them for talented relatives over productioners.
And Sierra, understanding this background perfectly, seems to be setting things in motion. Somehow, It's turned into quite a big deal.
"This is nothing, really. That's what Celestin is for; you just focus on your dungeons to your heart's content."
Though her words had a slight edge to them, Sierra was mostly appeased. Lana was still pouting a bit, but she just looked adorable. Look, Ester's cheeks were completely slackened.
"Mmm, is it over?"
"Were you really asleep, Karua?"
I had suspected she was faking it a little, but it seems she really was asleep. There was a drool in her mouth. Quite a character she was, eh?
"So, we were going to the dungeon, weren't we?"
"Oh, right. Since we've got an advanced <Seamstress> job on our side, I'm trying to get our equipment in motion alongside our ongoing hunt for conqueror's marks. So let's go to the dungeon!"
"What is today's target, Zephyr?"
Lana asked, still with a slightly sulky tone. Yeah, I, I guess It would be for best to get Lana and the others back in a good mood first. And for that, there's one perfect dungeon.
"We're going to continue exploring the <Apple Dungeon> we'd halted midway at 20th floor. And while we're at it, let's gather some <100% Mellow Apple Juice> too!"
"Fantastic!"
Lana's mood instantly brightened. The power of <100% Mellow Apple Juice> was terrific.
And so, our first order of business became clearing the Apple Dungeon.
