"These monsters sure are persistent."
"Even during their winter hibernation, once they’re awakened by a big disturbance, they won’t go back to sleep."
"And these Giant Toads here don’t even slow down in this cold weather."
Everything was peaceful, until...
"Everyone, if you’re rested enough, let’s continue. We still have quite a few monsters to subjugate."
On a snow-white plain, the entire 『Hero』 Party had gathered. Megumin’s "Super Explosion Magic" had awakened the hibernating Giant Toads with its warmth and vibrations.
They couldn’t abandon this situation. If left unchecked, the swarm of Giant Toads would wreak havoc on Axel.
It would also enrage Sena, the royal prosecutor and Axel’s security officer. If she stormed the lord’s mansion in anger, even Adam wouldn’t be able to handle it.
So they had no choice but to resolve the problem.
As the 『Hero』 Party members grew stronger, low-level monsters — Giant Toads, Goblins, Forest Wolves, and the like — no longer posed a challenge.
Thanks to the party’s efforts, no living Giant Toads remained visible on the plain.
Of course, some still lurked beneath the snow, but such work couldn’t be completed in one go — balance between work and rest was essential.
"Well, let’s call it a day." Adam said to his tired companions, "There’s still some time until evening — use it however you like."
Everyone cheered loudly. After working hard all day, they were naturally excited for their freedom.
Darkness picked up Megumin and said to everyone, "I’ll carry Megumin back. I’m tired and want to take a hot bath."
"Hey, me too, me too!" Aqua clamored to go along.
"Um... I’ll pass... I have some shopping to do." Yunyun actually wanted to join them, but remembering the earlier bathing incident with a man, she was too embarrassed and declined.
"What about you, Kazuma-kun? What are your plans?"
"Ah, I need to visit Chris. I still haven’t received my share of the reward from our previous quest."
"I see, then it’s decided."
The 『Hero』 Party members all had their own plans, and Adam was eager to get going.
"Well then — dismissed!"
With enthusiastic cheers, everyone headed off in different directions.
Adam found himself without a destination in mind.
As he strolled down the street greeting passing villagers, he considered visiting Wiz to see her and thank Vanir, who had helped rebuild the lord’s mansion in just two months.
While lost in these thoughts, his expression shifted in surprise as he spotted a familiar Crimson Demon beauty from his party pacing before a shooting game stall.
Is that Yunyun? What is she doing here?
As the lord of Axel, he knew his territory intimately.
This was the amusement district, bustling like the night markets he remembered, filled with food stalls, drinks, games, and every form of entertainment imaginable.
Was Yunyun interested in trying the shooting game?
Unlike the toy guns with BB pellets found in amusement parks, the shooting games here used real bows and arrows.
The only modification was the arrowheads — made of wood, rounded, and harmless.
Yunyun, seemingly shy about playing alone, waited until the stall was completely empty of customers before approaching the vendor.
She picked up the bow from the counter.
She had a graceful figure and commanding presence, striking an elegant pose as she drew the bow.
But despite her impressive stance, her aim told a different story. Clearly unpracticed with a bow, she couldn’t hit her target no matter how many attempts she made.
A doll of the Winter Shogun.
After several failed attempts, and seeing other customers approach the store, she sheepishly returned the bow to the owner, paid, and turned to leave.
No — he couldn’t let Yunyun leave . As party leader, he felt responsible for helping his team members achieve their goals, regardless of his own abilities.
Whether from nervousness or uncertainty about how to address him, she stumbled over his name.
At least she hadn’t called him "Lord" — that was something, wasn’t it?
"Wait for me, Yunyun."
He approached Yunyun, who stood stiffly, handed the stall owner ξ1, and picked up the bow from the counter.
Though Adam preferred swords to bows, that didn’t mean he lacked skill with them.
The ability he’d copied from Kazuma proved perfect for this moment.
With one clean shot, he knocked the doll from its shelf, retrieved it, and held it out to Yunyun.
"You wanted this doll, right? Take it. Consider it my gift (for joining the party)."
Adam’s words were sincere — he simply wanted to help her get the doll. Knowing Yunyun might be hesitant to accept it outright, he added the excuse about it being a party-joining gift.
Though his intentions were pure, his words could have seemed rather ambiguous to others.
Yunyun’s cheeks flushed pink as she hesitated, uncertain whether to accept the gift.
Adam stood patiently, the doll still extended toward her.
Finally, Yunyun’s face lit up with a bright smile. She took the doll with both hands, hugged it to her chest, and thanked him warmly.
"Th-thank you for helping me hit Winter Shogun..."
"It’s nothing." Adam said with a dismissive wave.
"Wait! That’s not allowed, Lord!" The stall owner called out as they turned to leave, "The sign clearly states that Archers and those with the Snipe skill aren’t permitted to play. You’ve broken the rules!... Though, since you’re the lord, I’ll overlook it this time."
The stall owner regarded them with a knowing smile.
"Ah! But this must be our lord’s wife, right? You two make such a lovely couple—"
"We’re not in that kind of relationship. You’ve misunderstood, old man." Adam said quickly.
They had only just met today, and while they were party members, their relationship wasn’t close enough for such teasing.
Besides, given Yunyun’s shy nature and their future time working together, he didn’t want to make things uncomfortable between them.
Though the earlier bath incident had already created enough awkwardness.
"Hohoho — sorry, sorry, my mistake." The stall owner said, still wearing that knowing smile.
Unable to bear his meaningful look any longer, they left ξ1000 as compensation for breaking the rules.
Then, taking her hand, they fled the scene.
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