INTERLUDE: SCENE 3

—A Lonely Girl Who Was Awakened—

Previously, an unusual event finally happened— even an Axis Cultist rejected me when I offered to join their cult.

If it was the old me, I would've been depressed when something like that happened. Now, I merely stayed at my reserved spot in the corner of the Adventurer's Guild…

"In other words, do not try to solve a problem in a single move. It is better to investigate the causes of the problem and remove the obstacles one by one, right?"

"That's right, my disciple. If you desire speed too much, you won't reach your destination. Work at it steadily and things will be unexpectedly easy to resolve."

And received a lecture from someone I now regarded as a mentor.

"But, mentor. I don't even know what the reasons are…"

My mentor gave me a calming smile as I remained moody.

"Leave it to me. Let's think about it together. No problem, it'll be successful… I'm thirsty after talking so much. Can I have some beer?"

"Yes, go ahead!"

My mentor ordered a mug of beer and happily finished it in one gulp.

"…Ha— Where were we? Ah, right. You couldn't find any companions."

"Yes. I can't take the initiative to talk to strangers… How can I be like you? To be able to talk casually with anyone!?"

My mentor was rather famous in the guild, or at least a lot of people would recognize him.

"Well, you can do it while drunk. Alcohol is a good thing. Alcohol can bring delights to life, my disciple. Can I have another mug?"

"As you wish! But, mentor, I think I'm still too young to drink beer… Is there any other way?"

My mentor ordered his Nth mug of beer for today. He took a sip and breathed out.

"Other way, huh? Okay, wait a bit. I think I will have a good idea after finishing this mug."

"Mentor, have another mug!"

—An hour later.

"—I can't drink anymore…"

"Mentor, can you tell me now? How can I make friends and companions!?"

I shook my drunk mentor. He said while still sprawled on the table.

"Even if you ask me that… Right! Little girl, you look well developed. If you wear clothes that exposed more cleavage, using sexiness…"

My mentor raised his head and grinned, then his entire body suddenly shivered.

"No, no, no. It's a joke. I'm just joking! I saw that you are earnestly listening to me, so I wanted to test if you will really accept my opinion…! Of course, it's also a little joke that I will teach you if you buy me a drink! I will pay for my drinks. I will even pay for yours!"

"That doesn't matter!"

"Eh! S-Sorry! Don't be so angry. Your eyes are turning red! I was overdoing it. I'm really sorry!"

As I slammed on the table, my mentor said fearfully.

But this wasn't what I wanted to ask!

"That doesn't matter! Mentor, please tell me how I can make friends and companions! Please, I'm very frustrated. I implore you!!"

"E-E-Even if you implore me like this!"

As I was getting emotional, my eyes had already turned crimson, but I couldn't care about that now.

It was so hard to find a consultant, so I wouldn't let him escape!

"Uh… On the notice board…"

"Notice board!?"

My mentor whispered in significant shock.

"Make a post on the notice board to say, say that you are looking for friends and you will pay for your friends' expenses… or such… I-I'm joking. I will think seriously. I'm very sorry!"

Before my mentor could finish, I pulled on his sleeve causing his voice to reach a higher pitch. He was on the verge of tears.

"Thank you very much for your guidance. This is not a bad idea! I will try it out!!"

"Eh?!"

After coming up with such a good idea, my mentor cried out in surprise for some reason.