(The next morning)
"Ugh…"
I woke up with an uncomfortable feeling in my head.
I opened my eyes and realized I wasn't in the inn—and then everything came back to me.
Last night, I was drinking with Clare-san, and it seems I fell asleep here.
"Damn it, this is why I shouldn't drink."
I glanced to the side and saw Clare still asleep. Since things were already like this, I decided to leave the guild before she woke up.
I stood up, walked toward the exit, and stepped outside.
The sun greeted me with its warm light.
And that was when I realized—this was the first time I'd ever woken up late in this world.
It felt… new, to be honest.
I started walking toward the inn.
---
During the day, the streets of this city were always lively:
people going back and forth, carriages passing by, merchants shouting to sell their goods, and others who were just like me.
For some reason, the world I saw now looked more colorful.
I saw people buying and selling, people whose goods didn't sell, people just passing through, and people working.
And that simple sight made me realize—
all this time, I'd been looking down too often, forgetting that the world around me existed.
"Maybe… I should start paying more attention to others."
I stood still for a moment before continuing to walk.
---
Before long, I arrived at the inn.
Since it was later than usual, I hurried to my room and prepared my gear to head to the forest.
Once ready, I went downstairs for breakfast.
I sat at an empty seat and waited for the waitress to come.
"Would you like to order something, Clement-san?" she asked with a smile.
"The usual," I replied shortly.
"Alright, please wait a moment."
Not long after, she returned with my order.
"Here you go, Clement-san."
"Thanks."
I began eating. The taste was ordinary—but I didn't mind.
After all, something ordinary isn't always bad, but something special isn't always good.
After finishing my meal, I left the inn and walked toward the city gate.
---
When I arrived, there was already a long line—merchants and villagers entering the city.
I passed through the gate and continued my way.
A few moments later, a vast green field greeted me, along with a gentle breeze brushing my face.
I looked up at the sky.
What a shame—it was blue today. It would've been perfect with a few clouds.
I continued my walk toward the forest.
---
After two hours, I finally reached the outer area of the Great Jura Forest.
I sat down and took a short rest.
For some reason, this forest felt… calming.
Maybe because this was the first place I arrived at, and the one I've visited the most.
I had a small attachment to it—just a little.
Then I remembered—it's been more than two weeks since I came to this world.
And when I thought about it, I realized I'd gone through quite a lot in that short time.
Unlike in my previous world… where two weeks would probably mean nothing.
"I wonder… is this what people call change?"
If it is, then maybe the two weeks I've spent here weren't wasted after all.
---
I ended my rest and started exploring the forest again, brushing through bushes and tall grass, looking for herbs.
And just like someone once said, "effort never betrays."
After a while, I finally found what I was looking for.
I gathered enough and decided to return to the city to report the quest.
---
Nothing special happened on the way back.
Eventually, I arrived at the city and went straight to the guild.
Inside, it was as lively as ever—people laughing, eating, and drinking with their companions.
I walked to the reception counter.
"Can I help you?" the receptionist asked.
"Yes, I'm here to report a quest. Here's the proof," I said, handing over the paper and the herbs I'd collected.
"'Collect 20 medicinal herbs'... alright, please wait a moment."
After a short while, she came back holding a pouch of coins.
"Here's your reward. Thank you for your hard work."
I accepted the coins, then stood there in silence.
Now what?
Eventually, I sat at the bar counter, staring at the empty table in front of me.
Maybe I should train.
…Nah, later.
I sighed. I was bored.
Maybe I should try to make some friends.
But… how?
Damn. I have no idea.
Instead of thinking too hard, I rested my head on the table and closed my eyes.
Before long, I fell asleep.
---
"…Hey, wake up."
A faint voice reached my ears.
"Mmm…" I opened my eyes and saw a noisy crowd around me.
I was surprised that I could even sleep in such a place.
When I lifted my head, I noticed something—the once-empty table was now full of people.
And among them, I recognized two: Viola and Clare-san.
"This is for you, Clement." Clare handed me a mug of beer.
"Huh? What's this?" I stared at the drink in my hand.
"Obviously, it's beer. Can't you tell?"
"That's not what I meant!" I sighed. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh, you know, tonight's really crowded. No empty tables, so we decided to join you," she said casually.
"…Who asked you to?"
"C'mon, don't be so stiff." She grinned. "The more, the merrier! Let's drink!"
I exhaled slowly. "Is alcohol the only thing in your head?" I muttered under my breath.
"Haaah…" I gave up. "Fine. But why me? I'm not part of your party."
"Of course you are—my friend."
I froze.
Those words… somehow felt comforting.
"Well… I guess it's fine."
I ended up giving in—without really knowing why.
"Great!" someone beside me exclaimed—a man I hadn't met before. "Oh yeah, I'm Herald. You can call me Lard. Nice to meet you." He extended his hand.
I shook it. "Clement. Nice to meet you too."
Herald smiled. "Then let me introduce the rest. The girl in the witch hat is Sheila—"
"S-same here," she said nervously.
"And the guy with messy hair is Dein."
"Oi! It's not messy—it's stylish!"
Herald chuckled. "Alright, since you've met everyone—let's get this party started!"
"Cheers!" he shouted, raising his mug, followed by everyone else.
I raised mine too, though silently.
They laughed and had fun together.
And somehow… watching them made me feel left out.
Well, I was used to it.
Maybe that's why I never expected much from others.
"Hey, why do you look so gloomy?" Clare asked, her tone a bit tipsy.
"It's nothing," I replied briefly.
"She's right," Herald added. "You don't seem to be enjoying yourself. Something on your mind?"
I sighed. "Watching all of you laughing like that… it makes me feel like I don't belong here. Besides, I'm not part of your party."
"Oh, is that all?" Herald smiled. "Then why not join us?"
"Eh? What?" I looked at him, unsure if he was joking.
"Of course I'm not joking. You're interesting, Clement. I need someone like you in our party."
"What do you mean?"
"Our party's short by one member. I'm the tanker, Viola's a swordsman, Clare's an archer, Sheila's a mage, and Dein's a spearman. You'd fit as a thief—just look at your gear and daggers."
I hesitated. "But… I'm still rank-E."
"So what?" Herald smiled warmly. "Everyone starts somewhere."
I stayed silent—my thoughts caught between doubt and a strange, quiet desire.
"You don't need to answer right away," he said gently. "Just think about it. When you're ready, give me your answer."
"…Alright."
After that, I didn't talk much.
While they laughed, my mind drifted elsewhere.
Eventually, when everyone was asleep from drinking too much, I slipped out of the guild and wandered alone through the quiet streets.
---
Above, the moon hung high in the sky, its light spilling between the rooftops and illuminating the dark streets.
The night breeze was cold—but refreshing.
I looked up at the stars scattered across the sky.
They reminded me of that offer—
the one that filled me with hesitation.
It took me a while to decide.
"To join, huh… maybe I should."
I smiled faintly.
That night, even with fear and doubt still in my heart,
I made my decision—to join.
_____