"......"

A bustling city, full of people. Food stalls littter the center plaza, children are frolicking and chasing each other, people are lively and merchants and adventurers negotiating with each other.

This is the city I found a week and three days ago.

Deinaria, the White City.

This city has a duty given by the king, which is to manage the White Palace Labyrinth. It may be the reason as to why it is called the White City.

And yes, majority of the city's color is white, with blue as next.

I'm currently sitting on the ledge of a water fountain in the center plaza.

"....Isn't it... a tad lively?"

Or is it always like this?

Hm? What, you're asking me why I'm here? The reason leads back two days ago.

"Heeey!"

".....Hrm."

And also because of this girl, Senia.

********

“Uhmm… Kid, where's your parents?”

“....Like. I. Said... I'm not a lost little girl... Would you just let me in already?”

That's right! Exactly two days ago , when I arrived here I was treated like a lost kid! Outrageous!

“Uhm… even if you say that… if you don't have any kind of identification with you, you need to pay the toll, but…”

“...Gkh, curses…”

It wasn't long since I got here, so of course I don't have money. I should have taken something in that black room so I could sell it.

“Ooooi~ Gatekeeper, I'll pay this child's fee so can you let her in?”

“Hm? Oh,Senia huh. I guess... that would be fine too. Girly, please place your hand on the [Fenero Stone].”

Behind the gatekeeper was a pedestal with some weird stone tablet with engravings.

“…. What's this thing?”

“You don't know? The [Fenero Stone] tells us if a person has a criminal record. It's also used in the guild for a [Status] check.”

“….. So?”

“Ah, don't worry. The ones at the gate only tells us if you have a criminal record. Although I don't think you have, this is part of the procedures.”

“Hmm… It's okay. Here..”

I put my hand on top of the stone. It glowed with a yellow color.

"Ok. Please enter.”

“Hmm… Also, thanks lady.”

“Ahahaha~ It's fine, it's fine! Then, you can accompany me for a few days as exchange. This must be your first time here right? You also don't have money, it seems.”

“Urk… That's true…”

“So, let this Senia take care of you~ Ehuehuehuehe, to have such a cute girl accompany me, ehuehuehuehe”

“…….”

Ah, if you're wondering about my journey through here, it all went without hitch. Yes, outside the forest was a well maintained road, and there were no monsters around. Disappointed Saya is disappointed

And so, we return to the present.

**********

"Saya~, what's wrong?"

"....Listen, Senia. We've toured the city for the past two days... Can I please do what I need to do?"

"Eeeh~ but but, the deal was you'd accompany me in the city right?"

"....Like I said, I've fulfilled my part."

"Boo~"

Senia stops and thinks. I stare at her.

Jiiiiii~

"....Senia, can't I?"

Puppy eyes Saya mode!

Surrender before my cuteness!

"Hnng... No fair, Doing that..."

Senia sighs in defeat. Mwahahaha! Saya wins!

"Fine fine. I guess I've been selfish enough..."

"....There's also the part where you... spent most of your money for me...."

"If it's for a cute girl like Saya then I say it's no problem!"

Because I'm still penniless, Senia covered my expenses for the past few days. Seriously, stop.

"....That's why.... come with me to the Guild..."

"Eh, wait wait. Saya wants to become an adventurer?! Nooooo~"

"....What's your problem? I need to find some source of income... or I'll be broke forever.."

“Nooooo~ An adventurer's job doesn't suit the beautiful Saya! You can do paperwork, or any work behind the desk! You're wasting such cuteness!”

“….Being cute doesn't really help in paperwork..”

“Then be a Guild receptionist! Or a mascot!”

“….Senia, are you picking a fight with me?”

“Of course not! If you become a receptionist, then I'll accept any guild request from you or even have you as my personal receptionist! And at that private room we can… ehehehuehue”

“….Senia, drool.”

“Ehehehuehue… oops.”

*sigh* Senia, is she really that against me being an adventurer?

….Oh, Saya has come up with an idea! You sure are smart me.

“…Senia, if I become an adventurer, we can form a party you know.”

“Wha—?!”

Senia's trembling. Oh dear, I wonder what she's thinking.

“Gh… If Saya becomes an adventurer, we can travel together forever… but but she'll be dirtied! Noooo! I'm conflicted!”

“….Senia, please?”

Finishing blow, Teary puupy eyes Saya!

“KYAAAAAAA?! SO CUUUTE!”

Was it too effective?

“Don't worry Saya! I'll protect you no matter what!”

“….That's reassuring.”

“Now let's think of our party name! I think Love Birds is fine! It's decided! That will be our party name!”

“….Naturally, refused.”

“Noooo~ But it's the proof of our love~”

“….No thanks.”

We continued such exchanges while walking. Soon, I'll be an adventurer. I can't wait!

Excited Saya is excited!

I said in my mind as I did a fist pump pose.

“Saya?”

“….It's nothing.”