Everyone’s Here!
“I-It’s not what it looks like! The bear was on display and it felt like… like it was calling to me, pleading to me… and I just got drawn to it, that’s all!?”
Bridget was desperately trying to explain herself while hugging the teddy bear.
As always, her figure was impressive—gorgeous and curvy.
But right now, her beauty was overshadowed by how flustered and teary-eyed she looked.
It was cute… but leaving her like this would be too cruel.
“No, I totally get it! This bear’s ridiculously cute! I got excited too when I saw it!”
“R-Really…? Right?! Phew… good…”
“I like bears too.”
I’d seen Bridget’s collection back at her house, though she still seemed embarrassed about it.
Thanks to Aqua’s words, she finally calmed down and returned to her usual self.
Since it was closing time, we hurried outside.
It was already night. I wondered if Milfie was still asleep…
“But I’m glad I got to see you two again. You’re my dear companions, after all.”
Bridget said quietly.
Her memories hadn’t returned, but I was happy she still felt that way.
Even Aqua smiled, which was rare.
“Same here. By the way, Miss Bridget, I heard you left the capital in a hurry—was something going on?”
“An assignment. You know about high tides, right? Monsters show up more often because of them. I’ve been to Rivana a few times, so they asked me to come.”
“So it’s a monster extermination quest?”
“Exactly. I wanted to say hi to you two, but I knew you were headed to the library, so I figured we’d run into each other. Sorry.”
Classic cool adventurer Bridget, proud of her profession.
Which made her bear obsession even cuter by comparison.
“Don’t worry about it. We’re adventurers too, so we get it.”
That’s when I remembered the ancient dungeon.
As an S-rank adventurer, Bridget must have done a lot of missions, and if she’d been here before, maybe she knew something.
“Miss Bridget, about the ancient dungeon—”
“E-Everyooone! Where were youuuuuu!?”
A pair of cat ears dashed toward us.
Milfie, the gluttonous, sleepy catfolk and our precious companion.
Correction: overly sleepy.
“Huff… huff… I woke up and everyone was gone from the inn… wait… wh-why is Miss Bridget here!?”
She skidded to a stop, eyes wide in shock. Yeah, can’t blame her. Honestly, I was more shocked at how much she slept.
I explained how we’d met Bridget at the library, and Milfie let out happy meows.
“Yay, this is awesome! Everyone’s here!”
“Everyone… yeah, you’re right.”
Her words struck me.
Even without memories, we were definitely traveling together.
I felt at ease with everyone around—that was proof enough.
And with everyone here, I had an idea.
“Miss Bridget, any plans for later?”
“Not at all. I was just heading back after stopping at the library.”
“Great! How about dinner, all together? Leave the place to me.”
“Agreed! I trust Tabito with food any day!”
“I’m on board.”
Bridget happily agreed too.
As I was searching the map for a good place, I suddenly noticed a large group of moving pins.
“… Could it be monsters!?”
Maybe people were fleeing from monsters driven by the high tide.
Just as I was preparing for battle, a new review popped up.
At the same time, I spotted masked figures moving about.
—
[Rivana Masked Ball]
4.6★★★★★ (21,457 reviews)
Tourist from the Capital
★★★★★
Wearing a mask really lets you loosen up.
Came just for this festival, totally worth it.
Rivana Child
★★★★☆
A bit scary but fun.
I like the masks.
Rivana Citizen
★★★★★
This festival is peak business!
Hey, wanna try some grilled seafood!?
—
I hadn’t realized it from the library, but the whole city had transformed into a festival.
Countless stalls lined the streets, people danced in masks while munching on food through the gaps.
“This is a long-standing festival in this country. With masks on, status and race don’t matter—everyone just has fun.”
Bridget explained, and it made me think of Tia.
She’d struggled with her position as a princess—this festival must’ve been special to her.
I wondered how she was doing.
“Tabito! Let’s buy masks too!”
“Good idea, Milfie! Everyone, let’s get masks! And eat from the stalls!”
“Sounds like fun. I’m in.”
“I’ll join too.”
So we bought masks.
There were all kinds—some covered the whole face, others just the eyes.
They were all beautiful, with a variety of colors, and everyone picked their favorite.
Then we just ate, danced, and celebrated like crazy.
… Ah, I almost forgot.
“Miss Bridget.”
“What is it?”
I asked her about the ancient dungeon beneath Karina Square. Anything, even a scrap of information, would be helpful.
Her response—
“Sorry, never heard of it. Lately, there’ve been more monster sightings near the Karina Square, though.”
“Hmm… actually—wait. Are these monsters pretty tough?”
“Yeah, tough enough for them to call me.”
That confirmed it for me.
The monsters weren’t coming because of the high tide.
They were spilling out from the ancient dungeon.
If we followed them, we’d find the entrance.
No doubt about it—this was getting exciting!
… But, maybe the dungeon’s swarming with monsters.
That could be… really bad…?
—
Milfie
★★★★★
Masks, masks—so much fun!
Being with everyone makes it even better, meow!
Aqua
★★★★★
When I’m with everyone, I feel like I can be myself.
Bridget
★★★★★
These guys are the only ones I can really let my guard down around.
Tabito
★★★★★
I’ve got the best companions.
Let’s conquer that ancient dungeon!
What do you think about this chapter?
