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

After our formal greetings with the head of the temple, we found ourselves in the temple’s courtyard, waiting for the meal preparations to finish. There, we encountered a large pond with crystal-clear water, where Dara, a massive stingray, was swimming. I’d assumed Dara stayed grounded at all times, but it seems he was actually spending his time in the temple pond. I always thought stingrays were sea creatures, but apparently, they can live in ponds too. The sight of Dara had Freesia jumping around the pond with excitement.

"Whoa! That’s Dara! So big!” 

“He looks strong. I’m surprised the temple keeps a creature like this.” 

“Dara isn’t a creature. He’s an envoy of Testudo-sama.” 

"…Oh, I see. Sorry about that." 

Irina-san leaned close to Luna, who quickly apologized, though her cheeks twitched with a hint of nervousness. To think that even Luna was intimidated… it seems that calling Dara a mere creature was a big no-no. After a little playtime with Dara, he even offered Freesia and the others a ride on his back.

"Noru, keep a close eye on Freesia to make sure she doesn’t fall off."

“You can count on me! Freesia is a good girl, so I don’t think there’s any reason to worry.” 

I’m asking because I’m worried, Noru. Anyway, I handed her a pair of Air Shoes, so even if Freesia got too rowdy and fell, she should be fine. I watched them take off, carried by Dara, as I released a sigh, feeling the tension leave me for the first time since entering the temple.

“Phew, it’s nice to be appreciated, but the way they go so over the top is exhausting.” 

“They’re really overdoing it, especially with you, don’t you think? Not just Irina-san, but the temple head as well. Are all temple folks this intense?”

“Well, we did protect their sacred shrine. I can’t say it’s surprising.” 

I never expected the head of the temple to act like that, too. I hope not everyone in this place is as fervent; I’d like to have this meal and be on my way.

“By the way, about Freesia and Luna, they’re really in the clear here, right?”

“Yes, judging by Irina-san and the temple head’s behavior, I think we’re safe.”

“Nothing seemed out of place on their end,” Sisya added. 

“Wait, Sisya, you can pick up on stuff like that?”

“Of course, I’m a priestess. No matter how much people try to hide it, certain movements give them away.”

Not only Estel but even Sisya can read people’s thoughts through body language... Noru’s random strokes of genius, Freesia’s incredible hearing… my party is terrifyingly perceptive. If I want a safe conversation, the lazy Luna is probably my best bet. 

“They asked us about our hometowns. Do you think that was just a casual question?”

“They did say something about it being fortunate. Not sure exactly what they meant, but it didn’t seem malicious.”

“With Testudo-sama and this temple, there’s a lot we don’t know. It might be pointless to speculate.”

Even Estel and Sisya couldn’t tell what the head priest meant by that. If it wasn’t malicious, then it shouldn’t be an issue, but it’s left me a bit curious.

I kept an eye on Freesia as she rode Dara through the sky, worrying she might fall, all the while chatting with Estel and Sisya. After a while, Dara brought them back down to the courtyard, and I saw Noru clutching onto Freesia tightly. Looks like she almost fell in her excitement.

“Flying was amazing! I could see so far, and the wind felt great! I want to go up again!” 

“Mm, it’s rare that I get to feel that refreshed. I’d like to try sleeping up there next time.” 

“It was close, but both of you seemed to have fun. Thank you so much for that, really!” Noru said gratefully.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank you, Dara,” Irina said, patting Dara. In response, Dara waggled his fins before gliding back into the pond.

“Now, I believe our meal is ready, so allow me to show you the way.”

With Irina-san’s guidance, we headed back inside the temple. Finally, time for food… Wait, would there be a special ritual before we eat? I remember Irina-san and the others praying before meals during the last escort mission. They’d probably tell us if there was something to do, but just in case…

“Irina-san, is there anything special we should do before eating?”

“Yes, usually we offer a prayer to Testudo-sama for the bounty he provides. But for today, you don’t need to worry about that.”

“Oh, but wouldn’t that be disrespectful to the guardian god?”

“Normally, yes… but you were our guests today. And since you were the ones to protect the shrine, we wouldn’t want to impose. Even the temple head isn’t joining us this time, so please, enjoy yourselves.”

Irina-san replied with a sheepish smile. Maybe the head priest didn’t join us for the meal to ease the pressure on us. If he were here, I’d probably be way too tense to eat properly. Still, after all they’ve done for us, it feels wrong to skip this custom entirely.

“Well, if it’s okay, would you mind if we at least offered a brief prayer? I’d feel bad just digging in without showing any gratitude. What do you say, Noru?”

“Yes! We should show our thanks to the guardian god and everyone here!”

“Dara gave us a ride, too, so I’ll say thanks, too!” 

“I agree. If they’re letting us skip it, it’d feel strange not to.” 

“Mm, I’ll show some gratitude, at least.”

“Well, Ookura, that’s unusually thoughtful of you. I was going to pray myself, anyway!” Sisya added with her usual snark.

Unusually thoughtful, huh? Some nerve she’s got! I was about to shoot back when Irina-san suddenly dashed over, grabbing my hands with a look of excitement.

“Thank you, everyone! Just as I thought, you all are truly wonderful!”

“Uh, Irina-san!”

“Oh… I-I’m so sorry!” 

Realizing herself, she quickly let go, her face turning red as she took a step back. That… surprised me. She’s quick to hold my hands at the slightest prompt. I mean, it’s not like I mind, exactly. I felt a surge of glares from behind me.

“A-anyway, please, let’s continue!”

“Y-yes. Right this way.” 

I didn’t dare turn around as I nudged Irina-san to keep guiding us. …Lately, stuff like this seems to happen more often.

After a few more steps, we were finally led to our destination. The sight before us made me gulp. In the center of the room was a long table covered in pristine white cloth, illuminated by a chandelier radiating seven colors. It was like a royal banquet setting, and the atmosphere alone was overwhelming. Even Noru and the others were stunned into silence, except for Freesia, who was running around squealing. 

We were seated, with Estel beside me and Noru and the others across from us. Soon, temple attendants began bringing in dishes, mostly fish, as expected in a port town temple. Some even glowed in a rainbow hue—though I assume they’re all edible. When the table was finally laden with food, the attendants lined up along the walls in an orderly fashion. Irina-san then moved to the head of the table and offered a formal bow.

“On behalf of the temple head, I offer you my deepest gratitude. Thank you all for coming to our temple today. It means a great deal to us who serve Testudo-sama that you have guarded his shrine.”

The other temple attendants all bowed in unison with Irina-san. …Wait, how did a simple meal get this intense? As I felt a shiver down my spine, Irina-san delivered another surprise.

“We hadn’t intended to pray before the meal, but thanks to Ookura-sama and his companions, we will. I can’t express enough how grateful we are for your kindness and generosity.”

The attendants let out a heartfelt “Ohhh!” and gazed at us with almost reverent eyes. This is… more overwhelming than I can put into words. Even Estel, sitting beside me, looked a little pale.

“So, we shall now conclude our formalities with a prayer.”

In a complete shift, everyone quietly brought their hands together. Following suit, I clasped my hands and did my best to offer some form of gratitude.

The formalities finally complete, we could begin our meal. Just eating has worn me out already, but… wow, this fish is good. It’s got a refined flavor—lighter and more delicate than the fish from the town’s eatery. As I was savoring the food, Irina-san came over to check on me.

“How is everything?”

“Oh, it’s delicious, really.”

“Yes, it’s wonderful.”

“I’m so glad! Everyone put in a lot of effort, knowing you’d be here.” 

“Everyone, you say? Earlier, the attendants seemed… well, really dedicated. Are they all always like this?”

The atmosphere during the earlier prayer was something else. It almost felt like they worshipped me. There must be some people here who aren’t quite that intense, right? Hesitantly, I asked.

“Yes

, after hearing of your deeds, everyone has been so inspired. Was it… an inconvenience?”

“Oh… no, no, not at all.”

“Truly? Thank you so much!” 

Oof. When she looks up at me like that, I can’t bring myself to say it was overwhelming… And though Irina-san looked genuinely happy, Estel, sitting beside me, seemed displeased and spoke up.

“You’re really devoted, aren’t you? Is Testudo-sama that important to you?”

“Absolutely. Most people who grew up in Sevarya revere Testudo-sama.”

“Is that because people feel the guardian god’s blessing more directly here?”

“That’s part of it, but many families have connections to the temple from a young age, so they grow up very devout. Those who’ve seen the sacred relic in person feel that Testudo-sama is always watching over us.”

So, it seems that practically everyone who grew up here has some degree of faith in Testudo-sama.

“If he’s so revered, is he still around? Has anyone seen him recently?”

“...Sadly, no one has. His last appearance was around 500 years ago, after which he withdrew from the public eye. Legends say he headed toward a small island off the coast of Sevarya.”

Five hundred years ago… wasn’t that around the time he fought the demon in this town? So, he left in that direction, never to be seen again. A deserted island where the guardian god vanished… Now I’m curious.

“Is there anything on that island?”

“It’s uninhabited, so not much, really. However, we built a shrine there to mark it as the last pilgrimage point, and we make occasional visits to pray.”

I thought there might be something more, like a dungeon or unique creatures, but I guess not.

“Ookura-san, would you like to join us for a pilgrimage? I’m sure Testudo-sama would be pleased.”

“Well, we’re pretty busy as adventurers, but if we get the chance, we’ll consider it.”

“That would be wonderful.”

Honestly, the idea of getting too involved with the temple is nerve-wracking, but with Irina-san’s sweet smile, I just couldn’t say no outright. And with Estel glaring at me from the side, I managed to get away with just a polite response. I breathed a sigh of relief as Irina-san poured a drink for me, filling a glass with a clear liquid that smelled faintly of alcohol.

“Ookura-san, would you care for a drink?”

“Is it… alcohol?”

“Yes, it’s a popular drink here in Sevarya. I’d be delighted if you gave it a try.”

I only drink occasionally with Sisya, but with her offering, I decided to have a sip. It’s light and easy to drink. In the past, it might’ve hit me harder, but drinking with Sisya has toughened me up.

“It’s easy to drink and tastes great.”

“I’m glad you like it. Please, have as much as you’d like.” 

“Oh, thank you very much.”

As soon as I finished, Irina-san refilled my glass with another pour. Being served by someone as lovely as her is enough to make anyone’s face light up. But Estel quickly interrupted with a firmer tone.

“Don’t overdo it, okay? It’ll be hard to get home if you’re too drunk.”

“Not to worry. If that happens, we have a room prepared where you can rest. You’re welcome to stay the night.”

“Oh, you’re well-prepared. But I wouldn’t want to trouble you. Right, Ookura?”

“A-ah, yeah. Thanks, but we’ll pass.”

“…I see.”

Estel smiled, but her eyes were cold. That quickly sobered me up. Okay, okay, I need to take it easy. Just because Sisya can help with a hangover doesn’t mean I should push it. While I reflected on that, I noticed Noru’s voice echoing across the room, sounding thrilled. It seemed like we were at the eatery again, as the temple attendants scurried back and forth to bring more food.

“Mmm, the temple’s food is just as delicious as the shop’s!”

“Wow, Noru! You’re amazing! I’m going to eat more, too!”

Noru happily munched her way through her dishes, even crunching down on some bones. She was practically a wild animal. Freesia was also busy stuffing her cheeks, determined to keep up. Irina-san looked on, a bit nervously.

“Um… Noru-san really does have an appetite.”

“Sorry… I told her to pace herself.”

“It’s Noru. What do you expect?” Estel sighed.

Despite our warnings, Noru seemed oblivious as she ate. Just as we were about to join her, something suddenly hugged me from behind.

“Gah?!”

The shock left me breathless, and a soft, squishy sensation pressed against my back. Huh?! What’s…?

“Ookura-san! You’re drinking too, aren’t you?” A familiar voice giggled.

Sisya?! Wait… if it’s her, then…!

“Sisya! You’re… pressing against me! Get off!” 

“Hehe, pressing what exactly, hmm?” She tightened her hold, shifting back and forth. Irina-san gasped.

“S-Sisya?! What happened?”

“She’s definitely drunk. When did she even get here?” Estel sighed, irritated.

With some effort, Sisya finally released her hold, her face flushed and mouth slightly open. Did she drink the same liquor that Irina-san offered me…? I was about to scold her when she preemptively spoke.

“Really now, Ookura-san. Talking only to Irina-san and Estel-san is unfair. Pay attention to me, too!”

“You were at another table; there’s nothing I could do about that. Sorry, Irina-san.”

“No, no, it’s fine. Sisya-san, would you like to join us here?” Irina offered.

“Oh, don’t mind me. I just came over to tease him a little,” Sisya said, waving her hands as she swayed back to her seat. 

…What was that all about?

---

Eventually, dinner ended without further incident, and we left the temple, escorted by Irina-san and several attendants who bid us farewell. 

“I ate so much~ It was delicious!” Noru declared, patting her belly.

“Oooh… I’m so full… How can you eat that much, Noru?” Freesia groaned, clutching her stomach.

“Only because you overate. Honestly, this elf is hopeless.”

Noru, satisfied, patted her belly, while Freesia looked ready to burst. Luna glanced at her, eyes narrow with annoyance. While the rest of us had conversations with Irina and the others, it seemed like Noru and Freesia had enjoyed the food to the fullest.

“Phew, that went smoothly. See, Estel? No need to worry so much.”

“Are you sure about that, big brother?”

Sisya and Estel both looked at me with exasperated expressions. Huh? There were some odd moments, but nothing serious, right?

“When Irina-san offered you that drink, it seemed a little… suspicious.”

“Indeed. The drink was mild-tasting, but quite potent. With just three glasses, Ookura-san, you’d be pretty drunk.”

“W-was it that strong?”

It tasted smooth, but I didn’t think it was that potent. Then again, if Sisya, the self-proclaimed alcohol expert, says so, it must be true. So she gave me that strong of a drink… But it’s popular here, so maybe it was just a coincidence…

“When I called over, and after Sisya’s little interruption, Irina-san seemed more cautious. Who knows what might have happened if it had just been you.”

“True, they didn’t try anything overt, but still… We should be careful around the temple folks. Especially around Irina-san.” 

Hmm, for even Sisya to say that much, maybe they did have an agenda. Was Sisya’s drunken hug really meant to divert attention? I’m not sure, but I’m relieved it ended without incident. I’ll have to stay vigilant if we ever come back here.