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

Two days after the encounter with the Trent.

Today, we are finally scheduled to arrive at Queres. It's known as a magic city, so I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like.

"Ookura-san! I can see it!"

"Oh, let me see... Whoa!"

As I was swaying behind Sisya as usual, she suddenly raised her voice. Prompted by her, I peeked out from beside her to look ahead.

There was a large white wall stretching out. Beyond that, there were several towers taller than the wall, with red and blue lights flickering in various places.

"It's a very impressive structure."

"As expected of the magic city. I'm excited to see the inside."

Even just from the outside, it looks as developed as the Capital. As the home of magic, I wonder if they use magical tools throughout the city?

Soon after, we arrived at the entrance of the magic city Queres. Egon-san talked to the gate guard, and we were smoothly let inside.

The streets of Queres don't look much different from those in the Capital. Looking towards the back of the city, there are some quite large buildings, though not as big as the royal castle in Shuting. They are made of what looks like white marble, and they are quite beautiful.

While many people walking through the city are dressed normally, there are also people wearing robes here and there. Are those the mages of this world? They glance at us and then do a double-take, looking surprised.

After moving a bit away from the gate, the carriage stopped, and Adelbert-san got out. We also stopped and dismounted from our horses. It seems the escort ends here.

"Thank you, thanks to you, we were able to reach Queres safely."

"No, we are just relieved to have completed the request."

We encountered wolves and a Trent, but we delivered Adelbert-san and his group to Queres without any injuries. If we had encountered monsters that could put us in danger, it would have been more like a major subjugation rather than an escort mission. Keeping the escort target unharmed was a concern, but aside from surprising them with our excessive actions, there were no issues. Anneli-chan seemed happy, so it was probably fine this time, but we need to be careful about that if we take on another escort request.

After thanking us, Adelbert-san handed us a certificate of completion. With this, the request was officially completed.

"I've heard that there have been many cases of carriages being attacked by monsters lately. Usually, we would ask C-rank adventurers, but this time I requested B-rank ones. I'm glad you came."

Hmm, when we went to the Capital, we were also attacked by a Minotaur, but it seems the frequency has increased since then. Kristof-san also mentioned it, and we encountered a Trent blocking the road where it shouldn't have been. With the increase in danger, it's natural for those making requests to want higher-ranked adventurers.

"Are you heading back to Shuting immediately?"

"Yes, that's the plan."

"I see... I wanted to ask for your help on the way back too, but it can't be helped."

They wanted to request us for the return trip as well. It's an honor, but we plan to leave soon. Though with the beacons placed, we can come anytime.

"If you could let us know when you'll be returning, we can come to Queres to escort you."

"Oh, that would be helpful. But we haven't decided on the exact return date yet."

"I see... Then we'll prioritize accepting the request if we find it at the adventurers' guild here."

"Thank you for the consideration."

We may not be able to come every day, but we'll check the adventurers' guild here as much as possible. Being relied on doesn't feel bad, and I'd like to let Anneli-chan meet Estel again.

"Estel!"

"Ah! W-What is it, Anneli?"

Just as I was thinking that, Anneli-chan suddenly jumped out of the carriage and hugged Estel. Surprised by the sudden hug, Estel let out a short yelp. But her face relaxed a bit, and she looked somewhat pleased.

"Thank you for escorting us!"

"Uh, well, it was a request, so of course."

"Riding in the carriage is usually boring, but this time was really fun! It's all thanks to you, Estel!"

"R-Really?"

"Yeah!"

Anneli-chan, still hugging Estel, leaned in closer. Estel, who usually does the same to me, blushed and turned her face away, embarrassed now that it was happening to her.

"Oh, sorry... Was I bothering you?"

"No, it's not like that..."

Seeing Anneli-chan's slightly troubled expression, she backed off, furrowing her brows and asking anxiously. Freed from Anneli-chan's grasp, Estel looked slightly disappointed. After a moment of silence, Anneli-chan broke it.

"Um, Estel, if you don't mind, would you come visit my house in Shuting?"

"Huh?"

"I'd like to see your magic again and chat more."

"Uh..."

The sudden invitation made Estel let out a deflated voice. She fidgeted, looking around nervously, and then looked at me, silently asking what to do.

I just looked back without saying anything. This is something Estel should decide for herself. Though, I already knew her answer.

"Is it no good?"

"...Okay. I also enjoyed talking with you, Anneli."

"Yay! I love you, Estel!"

"Mmph... W-Wait, that's... tight..."

Anneli-chan, hearing Estel's determined response, jumped and hugged her again, overjoyed.

"You're so cute, Estel."

"It feels weird to be told that by someone my age..."

Anneli-chan patted Estel's head while hugging her. The usual confident demeanor was gone, replaced by a red-faced Estel who just let it happen. I've never seen her like this. How adorable. She's like a different person from the Estel who usually approaches me.

"If you want, Anneli, you can come to my house too. There's a Fortuna Rabbit there."

"What, a F-Fortuna Rabbit!?"

Hearing about the Fortuna Rabbit, Anneli-chan's eyes sparkled with excitement. For a rich girl to be this surprised, Mofuto must be really rare. It's hard to feel that way since Mofuto is always hopping around the house or being held by Noru.

"I'll definitely come!"

"Mufufu, Mofuto is very cute, so you can look forward to it."

"If that's the case, Ru--mff! Fmmf!"

"Alright, Sisya, let's keep it down."

As soon as the topic of Mofuto came up, Noru puffed up proudly. Then Sisya, starting to say "Runa," was abruptly silenced by me. She almost mentioned Runa, didn't she? Don't compete over this! Seeing that she might go on, I kept her quiet to prevent any more outbursts.

"Oh... I have to go now. I'll ask the adventurers' guild to contact you when I return to Shuting. Thank you, Estel. And thank you too, Ookura-san and everyone!"

Realizing that the farewell was taking too long, Anneli-chan released Estel, shook her hands, and thanked us before getting back into the carriage. Adelbert-san also bowed to us before getting in.

As the carriage started to leave, Anneli-chan waved at us from the back window. Estel waved back with one hand, continuing to wave until the carriage was completely out of sight.

"They're gone..."

"Yes..."

After Estel lowered her hand, I muttered without thinking. Estel responded briefly, standing there looking in the direction the carriage went. She must be feeling the parting with Anneli-chan keenly.

"I'm glad you two became friends."

"...Yes."

Wanting to say something more, I spoke again, and after a pause, Estel nodded. She's not her usual mature self but more like a girl her age. This must have been a good experience for her. I hope she continues to enjoy her time with Anneli-chan.

"O-Okura-dono!? Sisya is about to faint!"

"What, oh no! Are you okay!?"

"Cough, cough... Phew, phew... Wh-Why did this happen to me..."

I had forgotten that I was still covering Sisya's mouth while focused on Estel. Her nose must have been covered too, as she was limp and on the verge of losing consciousness. I quickly released her, and she collapsed, leaning against me, coughing and gasping for air.

"...Anneli, let's meet again."

While Noru and I were attending to the collapsed Sisya, I heard Estel softly murmuring to herself.