Using Gacha to Increase My Companions and to Create the Strongest Girls' Army Corps

[TL notes: From now on it's 3 chapters a week.]

A few days after discussing buying a house in the Capital while hunting with Noru and the others...

"Ookura-san, you have a personal request."

"A personal request?"

When I arrived at the Adventurers' Guild, the receptionist told me that there was a personal request for us. If someone in Queres is requesting us, it must be Christia-san. Maybe he needs more research materials. Expecting that, I accepted the request, only to find out it was a request from Adelbert-san for a guard duty to Schting.

"Oh, looks like Adelbert-san and the others are heading back to the Capital."

"A guard duty, huh? They've been staying for quite a while."

It's been quite some time since we came to Queres to guard Adelbert-san. We did mention we could escort them back if needed, so I've been wondering when they'd be heading back. Looks like the time has finally come. Just in time for us, too, as we've been discussing heading to the Capital.

...Wait, there's something written at the bottom of the request besides the usual details.

Reading the notes section of the request, it says that before leaving Queres, Adelbert-san wants Estel to come to their house. They'll send a carriage to pick us up once we inform the guild of our availability.

"Looks like they want to see us before leaving Queres. They specifically mentioned bringing Estel."

"Oh, really? It must be that girl's request."

"Hmm, if they specifically mentioned Estel, it probably is."

It's undoubtedly a request from Anneli-chan. I wonder what she wants before the guard duty. Since it's a formal request, we should all go together. Estel mentioned that the mansion was impressive when she visited, so I'm curious to see it myself.

---

Back home, I told Estel about the request.

"Really? We're escorting Anneli?"

"Yeah, but before that, they want you to visit their house."

"I wonder what they need. Hehe, either way, I'm looking forward to it."

Estel smiled joyfully, holding her cheeks with her hands. She used to be more reserved, but now she's showing more childlike innocence. I think we should increase opportunities for her to play with Anneli-chan when we're in the Capital. It seems like setting up a base there might be a good idea.

While considering this, Runa, sitting on Sisya's lap and being petted, spoke up with a tired voice.

"Another guard duty, huh..."

"Where are we escorting them to this time?"

"From Queres to Schting. It's a return trip for Adelbert-san and the others."

"Ugh, from Queres to Schting..."

Sisya frowned deeply, clearly displeased. Don't make that face...

"Runa will be alone for about ten days again."

"It's a job, so you'll have to endure it."

"That's right. You should do the job properly."

"But..."

"Don't worry about me. I'll be here keeping an eye on things. I've got this."

Runa gave me a thumbs up with a smug look. While I appreciate her calming Sisya, it's a bit odd to be so proud of staying home.

"If Runa says so... I suppose I have no choice..."

"This is really okay with you?"

Sighing deeply, Sisya hugged Runa in resignation. Was it that easy to convince her...? Is Sisya easily swayed, or is Runa just that good...? Well, as long as she's okay with it. Still, ten days feels quite long.

"If we could use the beacon, we wouldn't have to spend so many days on guard duties."

"Oh, that's right! Why not try that this time?"

"No, we can't do that. Even if we trust them, I don't want anyone knowing about the beacon."

I'm confident Adelbert-san and the others wouldn't tell, but there's always the risk of a slip of the tongue. We could claim it as Estel's magic, but using the beacon for a regular guard duty isn't necessary. It's best if fewer people know about our quick travel capabilities. That's why we're considering a base in the Capital.

"I see... It would be great if we could use it openly, though."

"Transport jobs using it would be in high demand."

Transporting using the beacon, huh? That would indeed be popular. Instant travel between towns is like a dream. It could be very lucrative.

...Wait, we could use that to recruit people to help with our magic stone collection... No! I can't let greedy thoughts get the best of me. It would bring too many complications. It's better to keep it secret.

---

A few days later, after informing the guild, we were picked up by a carriage to Adelbert-san's mansion. Egon-san was the coachman. I accompanied Estel, along with Noru.

Noru, who was terrified at first, was now delighted, looking out the window excitedly. As expected of a rich person's carriage, it was smooth and well-made. The roads in Queres are well-maintained, making this ride much more comfortable compared to the previous ones.

After a while, the carriage came to a stop. Looking out the window, I saw a mansion much bigger than our house, with an imposing gate.

"Whoa! This is huge... As expected of a rich person's mansion."

"It's amazing! So this is a mansion?"

"The main house in the Capital is even bigger."

The garden was enormous. A white path led from the gate to the front door, surrounded by green lawns. I heard it was impressive, but seeing it in person... It's enormous. Our house would fit ten times over. Just as I was about to be overwhelmed, the carriage door opened, bringing me back to reality.

"Egon-san, thank you very much."

"No need to thank me. We called you here."

After thanking Egon-san, we were guided to the mansion.

"Wow, it's so shiny and clean! It's completely different from our house!"

"Don't gawk so much. It's embarrassing."

"But, but, it's really amazing! They even have servants!"

"Hehe, I was surprised too when I first came."

As soon as we entered, Noru looked around and excitedly swung her arms up and down. The entrance alone was incredibly spacious. The walls were spotless white and sparkling. There was a staircase leading to the second floor nearby. The ceiling was high, and a chandelier with what looked like glowing magic stones hung from it. There were obviously expensive vases and statues around. I felt completely out of place as soon as we stepped in.

Even more surprising was the blonde, beautiful maid who greeted us. Even though I'm used to seeing beautiful women like Sisya, seeing one in such an outfit was... exhilarating.

"Welcome."

"Oh, thank you. Wow, a real maid... Huh?"

While I was staring at the maid, I felt an intense gaze from the side. Glancing over, I saw Estel smiling at me.

"Ah—uh, well, we shouldn't keep them waiting. Let's go!"

"Y-yes..."

Feeling a cold sweat down my back, I quickly asked the maid to guide us, trying to cover up my nervousness. Sisya often said it was scary when Estel looked at her, and now I understand why.

"Anneli-sama, Ookura-sama and the others have arrived."

'Oh, let them in!'

Following the maid to the second floor and walking a bit further, we reached our destination. After the maid knocked and announced our arrival, Anneli-chan's cheerful response came from inside. The maid opened the door, and we stepped in. Anneli-chan immediately ran up and hugged Estel.

"Estel! You came!"

"Mmm... Anneli, you're as affectionate as ever."

Anneli-chan rubbed her cheek against Estel while hugging her. Estel petted her head and smiled. The sight of cute girls being affectionate with each other is wonderful.

"Hehe, Estel is so nice to hug."

"I totally get that."

Noru nodded in agreement with Anneli-chan. Back when we stayed at the inn, she often slept hugging Estel. Is she really that comfortable to hug?

While watching them, I noticed another girl in the room. A short-haired girl with light blue hair... Maire-chan.

"Estel, it's been a while."

"Oh, Maire, you're here too."

"Yeah, I wanted to see you before heading back to the Capital. Since you'll be coming with us, I thought it would be nice to meet here."

Looks like Maire-chan was invited too. I see, they wanted to gather before leaving Queres since it would be a while before they could meet again.

"So that's why. Hehe, that's wonderful."

"I'm also happy to see you again, Estel."

Maire-chan's response made Estel frown slightly. Huh? That seemed like a normal greeting, so what's bothering her?

"You're still using 'san'. Seriously, Maire, you're always so formal. Come on, relax a bit."

"Mmgh... W-what are you doing...?"

"Yeah, Maire is too serious all the time. Come on, smile!"

"Hey... khehe, stop... tickles..."

Estel grabbed Maire-chan's cheeks, gently squeezing and pulling them. Anneli-chan joined in, tickling Maire-chan from behind. Maire-chan struggled, trying to hold back her laughter.

Come to think of it, Estel had told her not to use 'san' before. That's why she frowned a bit. They seem to be having a lot of fun together. Maybe they played like this the last time too.

"We should probably wait outside."

"Yeah, Estel looks so carefree... I'm glad."

Not wanting to disturb their fun, Noru and I quietly left the room. As we did,

 we ran into Adelbert-san walking towards us.

"Oh, Ookura-kun."

"Oh, hello. Thank you for having us."

"Thank you for having us."

"No, no, thank you for coming on my daughter's request."

After exchanging greetings, Adelbert-san invited us for tea. We were led to another grand room and served milk tea.

"Hehe, these cookies are delicious!"

Along with the tea, we were served some cookie-like pastries. Noru was delighted, eating them enthusiastically. Whoa, easy there! You're eating too much!

"Hey, don't stuff yourself!"

"Haha, there's plenty. Feel free to eat as much as you like."

"Really? Thank you!"

"Ahaha... Sorry about that."

The maid brought more cookies, which Noru happily devoured. Adelbert-san was kind, but Noru should show some restraint...

"I'm glad we could request you again. Though the Trent issue around Queres seems to have settled, it's reassuring to have capable adventurers."

"We're grateful for your trust."

"Mmgh... Leave it to us!"

"You're a reliable young lady. We look forward to your help."

Noru, stopping her eating, thumped her chest and promised to do her best. After tasting such delicious treats, she must be full of energy. Though her face was hidden by the eye mask, I could imagine her eyes sparkling.

"We'd like to request you again when we come to this town. Probably around the time of the Magic Festival."

"Magic Festival?"

"An event involving magic? Sounds fun!"

Magic Festival... From the name, it seems to be related to magic, but...

"You didn't know? The Magic Festival is an annual event at Ristaria Academy. Students showcase their magical achievements."

"I see, an event like that."

"A festival involving magic sounds exciting! I want to go!"

"It does sound interesting, but..."

Hmm, it sounds like a cultural festival. Maire-chan would participate, so Anneli-chan would come to Queres again. We should plan so Estel can join next time.