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

About ten days had passed since the last gacha draw. Today, Noru and I stopped by Sevarya's guild to check on any developments, but no noteworthy reports had come in, so we left the guild.

“So, still no sightings of Diabolos, huh?”

Since the disturbance at the shrine, not a single report of Diabolos had surfaced. We’d kept up our investigation but had nothing to show for it. We’ve checked the hunting grounds for any anomalies, but other than in Cancer’s Cave, nothing unusual has appeared. The trouble seems to have subsided, but Estel’s prediction leaves me uneasy.

The other adventurers seem to be continuing their investigations, so I plan to wait and see how things unfold. I also have plans to visit the temple as per my promise to Irina-san, so I’ll likely focus on activities around Sevarya for a while.

“Were all of Diabolos’s appearances limited to Sevarya?”

“Hard to say. If they were, and the trouble is over, I’d be glad, though… not even sure we’ll get any rewards for this.”

“It always comes back to that, doesn’t it…? Ookura-dono, you should establish a more respectable motivation.”

“You fool! There’s no way I’d face danger just for the sake of justice!”

I’m driven to resolve this because there’s a chance of earning rewards. Honor and justice alone aren’t enough! Taking down Grandoris without any rewards… really leaves a bitter taste. Well, I’m glad we prevented the crisis that would’ve resulted if Sevarya’s barrier had failed. And I’ll admit it was nice, though embarrassing, to receive Irina-san’s gratitude. …It was a bit scary with those odd looks Sisya and Estel kept giving me, though.

As I was mulling over these thoughts, Noru, walking beside me, started mumbling to herself.

“I didn’t do anything helpful this time, did I…”

“Wh-what brought that on?”

“I mean, I didn’t discover anything in our investigation, and during the shrine fight, all I did was run… It feels like I came to Sevarya just to collect crabs. Ookura-dono risked himself, and even Estel and the others fought bravely…”

What’s this? She’s even saying it felt like she came here just to gather crabs? Sure, she was gleeful about gathering crabs, and maybe she didn’t stand out as much as Estel and the others, but I wouldn’t say she was unhelpful.

“Ah, well, don’t worry about it. We all have different roles to play. And sure, you ran, but keeping Irina-san and the others safe was thanks to you, right?”

“That wasn’t really my doing… Besides, no monsters came after us.”

“That’s just how it turned out. If Diabolos had been lying in wait outside, it would’ve been dangerous without you. That’s why I entrusted you with leading the escape. That way, I could focus on getting thrashed with peace of mind!”

“Uh, focusing on getting thrashed doesn’t sound ideal… but I’m truly glad you’re okay.”

The reason we could retreat immediately was because Noru was there. Without her, we might not have all escaped safely. Sure, the monsters didn’t pursue us, but there was no way to know that beforehand. Even after I explained this, Noru still looked pouty, clearly dissatisfied.

“Well, like I said, don’t sweat it. You’ll be a huge asset when the real fight comes, so give it your all then.”

“…Understood. When the time comes, I’ll do my best.”

“I’ll be counting on you.”

She replied, but her tone was still a bit restrained. She’s gotten better, but she’s still quite the perfectionist. Alright, time to lift her spirits a bit.

“How about the two of us go grab a bite to eat? My treat today.”

“Huh, just the two of us? What about Estel and the others…”

“Oh, they’ll be fine for once. Lately, I’ve been relying on you for a lot of things. Consider this a little break.”

With Freesia, I’ve depended on Noru a lot, and although we help out, she’s mostly been the one cooking. Noru used to be more easygoing, but she’s gradually become more considerate as the group has grown. …Honestly, it’s probably more due to our increasingly carefree companions. I might be part of that problem myself, and I do feel a bit guilty. So as a token of gratitude, I offered to treat her, though she seemed hesitant to go alone.

“Eat to your heart’s content. Unless you’d rather not—”

“I’ll go! I’ll go!”

That was quick! Maybe “eat to your heart’s content” wasn’t the right phrase… but surely a meal would be fine, right? With that thought, I casually led us to a nearby eatery, albeit with a touch of concern.

“Mmm, this is delicious! Oh, another round, please!”

Raising her hand cheerfully, Noru called for more food. Our table was packed with empty dishes as the staff hurried to clear the table and bring fresh plates. Other patrons stared at our table, some even betting on how much Noru would eat. Yeah, I underestimated her. By the time I’d finished one bowl of soup, she’d already polished off six or seven plates. Does her stomach have no bottom? I should sign her up for an eating competition.

There were only a few patrons around due to the time, but the kitchen was busy as if the place were packed.

“I said ‘to your heart’s content,’ but this much… Well, I did offer.”

“Rather, Ookura-dono, you’re eating too little! If you don’t eat enough, you won’t build a strong body!”

“I’m not aiming for a strong body… and this much is enough for me.”

Shaking my head, I picked at my grilled fish. If I tried to keep up with Noru, my stomach would give out long before I gained any muscle. She’s eaten enough for twenty people already. I can afford it, but I wonder how much more she’ll consume. Well, it’s impressive to watch her eat so heartily.

“Port towns really do have great seafood dishes. Very inspiring!”

Given we’re in a port town, most of the menu is seafood. There’s everything from clams to fish, as well as shrimp and squid, either grilled or stewed in soups. I was hoping for some sashimi, but unfortunately, this place didn’t offer it… a bit of a letdown. This isn’t a fancy place, so the flavors are pretty straightforward. But for me, it’s comforting. I’ve grown fond of this kind of food over the fancy gacha-sourced meals. At first, I worried about the food quality in this world, but the cuisine is surprisingly consistent. Occasionally, monster ingredients sneak in, though. Still, I think I like Noru’s cooking more than anything.

“I do like the flavors here, but I enjoy your cooking at home even more.”

“Eh… Oh, come on, Ookura-dono! You’re such a smooth talker! I’ll add an extra side dish tonight!”

Noru waved a hand dismissively, probably to hide her embarrassment. Yes! Another side dish added with every compliment.

“Come to think of it, it’s been a while since it’s just been the two of us eating together.”

“Yeah. Probably not since we stayed at the inn together. That feels like ages ago.”

“It’s been quite a journey since then. Becoming an adventurer, summoning Estel and the others, getting a house… brings back memories. Even being knocked out of a tree feels nostalgic now.”

“For that, I deeply apologize…”

“Hehe, I was just kidding. I don’t mind anymore.”

As I bowed apologetically, Noru laughed. Even if it was an accident, I do feel bad about dropping her out of that tree. If that’s what she considers a fond memory, I’m truly sorry.

After a few more laughs and stories, I let Noru enjoy her meal to her heart’s content.

“Mmm, I’m full! Ookura-dono, thank you for the meal!”

“Glad to see you enjoyed it.”

As we left, Noru happily patted her slightly rounded belly. The bill had risen to almost 400,000 G—not even a high-end place, yet that much! Noru’s appetite is incredible; who knows how many portions she ate? The relief on the staff’s faces was evident as we left. At the rate she ate, they were probably worried about running out of ingredients. Since I’d offered to pay, I covered it from my personal stash.

“It feels a bit wrong to have such a treat just for myself… Estel and the others might feel left out.”

“You always cook for us, so it’s only fair you get a treat once in a while. Estel and the others won’t mind.”

After all, we only grabbed a bite after visiting the guild, so I doubt Estel and the others would care… probably. When she’s the one cooking, Noru certainly doesn’t have time to prepare this much food.

“So, feeling a bit better now?”

“…Yes, my worries have completely cleared up.”

“That’s good to hear. We’ll have to go out together again sometime.”

“Yes, we should! Ookura-dono, thank you very much.”

Gone was the clouded look from before dinner, replaced with a bright smile. I’d say this turned out to be a success. I wouldn’t mind sharing more meals like this in the future.