Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 140

 Ogre...

I feel like the boss is on edge.

Last time and this time, as soon as our eyes meet while I'm above, they become wary all at once.

When I was at a lower position, even if our eyes met, or even if I defeated those around, they didn't seem to care that much...

Especially today, after defeating five of them, it was intense.

They set up a dragon wing formation instead of crane wings... I tried to provoke them by rushing in, but they immediately shifted to surround me, leaving no opening for attack.

Fortunately, they didn't pursue when I rose and created distance, but...

For now, the goal is to reduce their numbers without fleeing to the top until the last moment.

But, do I really need to focus on the ogres?

I'm only going to the mid-levels because it's crowded, but it feels like it's not very efficient.

Maybe I should wait until there are fewer adventurers hunting in the dungeon...

As I was contemplating this, I arrived above the mansion.

It's still chilly, so let's hurry and get inside.

That was my thought, but unlike usual, the window that should open when I approach isn't open.

I came straight here, over the walls and roof of the mansion, so they should realize it's me... Are they not in the room?

Should I enter through the back door?

"Can I come in?"

I approach the door and knock, but there's no answer.

Maybe they're out, or perhaps there's a visitor.

There's no point waiting in the corridor; I'll just go inside.

"Nobody's here..."

Oh well.

If I hang my cape on the coat rack in the corner, they'll know I've returned.

"Coming in!"

I knock on the door leading further in and then activate the [hideout] just to be safe.

◇

"Huh? You're back?"

After taking a shower and finishing laundry, I leave the [hideout] and head to the reception room. Seriana is at the desk, while Elena is on the sofa reading a book.

"Yeah, I was called by Father for a bit."

"Oh, I see."

"Serah, your hair still seems a bit wet. I'll dry it for you, come here."

Elena puts down the book she was reading and beckons me over. I take advantage of her offer and sit next to her.

"Please."

Even though I had wrapped a towel around my head while doing laundry, my hair wasn't completely dry. I always end up asking Elena to help with my hair.

Although women in this country have freedom in terms of hairstyles, shorter hair isn't quite welcomed. So, while I can trim the ends of my hair, cutting it short is forbidden.

I gave up on it in the capital, but should I give the hairdryer another try after all?

"Ughhh... Huh?"

As the wind rustles my hair, I notice a sofa by Seriana's desk that could seat about three people.

"What's that for?"

The sofa Elena and I are sitting on right now is part of the furniture in the room, but this one seems a bit different. Are they going to swap it out?

"It's from your father. Is that spot okay?"

From Dad?

"Sure, but why me again?"

"Your father requested it. Is it fine there?"

He did? But why me again?

"You've been treating Father, haven't you? But... hmm."

Seriana sets down her book and stares at me.

"He mentioned back pain, but I've never seen any signs of that before. Even if he was hiding it, I can't imagine why he'd send something like this. What did you do?"

"Ah..."

I received the money through Rick, but did he give me some extra?

It's still just a few millimeters, but it worked out well...

"Kindness of a knight, you might say..."

"Neither of you are knights, though."

"That's true!"

In a way, it's Dad's own fault, so I shouldn't worry about it.

"Does the young lady keep secrets?"

"Have I ever leaked anything before?"

At least she hasn't leaked anything to me.

"No, you haven't... Oh, by the way, sir, you wear a wig, don't you?"

"...Hair?"

He looks stunned. When I glance back, Elena wears a similar expression.

He didn't realize... Dad.

"Yeah. Saw what Zig did and decided to try it myself. Seems he hasn't told Minnea either, so just pretend you don't know, okay?"

"...Right. Sure."

Seriana said it weakly... Was it better not to tell?