The teleportation left the three of us in the middle of the square, surrounded by stunned gazes. The murmurs were audible:

"I-Is that the Amber Flame?!", "And isn’t that the new S-Rank guy?!", "Who’s the red-haired girl?", "Did they just appear out of nowhere?!"

I rubbed my head, still sore from the flowerpot that fell from the sky. Purin is definitely furious. Why does this always happen to me?

—"Seems your calculations were off..." Zara said while adjusting her cape.

—"I-It was the scroll’s fault!" Maya protested.

I sighed.

—"Let’s just head to the guild before we attract more attention."

We hurried to the guild before a crowd could form.

—Lumis Guild—

Upon entering, the receptionist dropped her pen at the sight of us.

—"You’re alive!!" she shouted, running toward us. "The committee withdrew the quest when they realized it was an Ice Eclipse! I was so worried... I thought I’d sent you to your deaths!"

—"Yeah, I thought I was done for several times," I sighed.

The receptionist explained the creature’s nature and why it was so dangerous. Suddenly, she pulled out a sack overflowing with coins that made the table creak.

—"It was an impossible mission, but you completed it. The committee agreed to award you a total reward of 5,000 gold coins."

Maya turned pale.

—"F-Five thousand...?" Her voice cracked. "With that amount, I could buy two or three houses... and still have leftovers."

This is amazing! With this, I can finally live the quiet life I’ve wanted.

Zara watched us silently. She deserved a share too—we couldn’t have done it without her.

—"Let’s split the reward three ways," I proposed.

Maya nodded.

—"Agreed. It’s only fair."

Zara blinked, surprised.

—"...Thank you," she said, a fleeting glow in her red eyes. "Though it’s unnecessary."

—"Of course it is! Without you, we’d be dead," I said.

—"I hate to admit it, but you’re quite skilled. You were a big help," Maya added.

—"But—" Zara tried to protest.

Maya cut her off:

—"Plus, with your share, you could buy something other than that sad cape!"

Zara frowned at Maya’s remark but held back, offering a grateful nod instead.

—"Fine, I’ll accept it then. My thanks."

The sky was already dusk.

—"Zara," I said, "didn’t you have urgent business here in Lumis?"

—"Yes, though it’s not until tomorrow. I’ll rest today," she replied, staring intently at me. "By the way..."

Suddenly, Maya interrupted.

—"W-Well! I’m leaving!" She turned her back to me. "Ren... our temporary party’s over. If... hypothetically, you wanted to do another quest..."

What is she trying to say?

—"Forget it! Goodbye!" she yelled before running off.

Zara looked thoughtful.

—"As I was saying," she began abruptly, "you still haven’t told me how you conjured lightning like mine. I’m still curious."

—"Ahhh, I’m exhausted!" I blurted. "Well, Zara, it was nice working with you. Good luck with your important business tomorrow! See you around!"

I bolted, dodging her question entirely. I hope I didn’t upset her... but I can’t reveal the truth about my powers.

Zara stood alone in the street, stunned as both Maya and I fled in opposite directions.

Finally, I returned to my inn. How I’ve missed collapsing onto the bed like this! I was exhausted.

—"REN!" Purin’s voice boomed in my mind.

Suddenly, I appeared in her celestial space. She floated before me, cheeks puffed.

—"What was that about holding hands with those two girls?!"

—"Purin! It’s not what you think—the teleportation scroll required it!"

—"I DON’T CARE! How could you do this to me?!" Tears welled in her eyes. "And Maya’s still rude, but that other girl, Zara... she has no shame getting so close to you! She seems dangerous."

—"Zara? Dangerous?"

—"Yes! She’s a threat to our love!"

—"Our love?" I’ve been wondering... Does she really think we’re engaged?

—"Yes! I told you before, didn’t I?" Purin flushed, inching closer. "When I brought you to this world and gave you my blessing, you became my fiancé."

—"What?! When did I agree to that?!"

Purin’s expression turned sad.

—"Do you... not want to be with me?"

—"W-Well, it’s not that... It’s just sudden."

—"Yay! Ren didn’t say no!" She hugged me tightly. "Fine, I’ll forgive you for those girls. Besides, you fought really well against the dragon." She whispered, leaning in. "But I’ll be watching those two."

I sighed. This is too much.

—"Don’t worry. The temporary party with Maya is over, and Zara just helped us briefly. She has her own things to do."

—"Hmph! I hope so. Very well, my dear Ren," Purin said as the space began fading. "Our time’s up. I’m excited to see you grow and explore that world. I’ll keep supporting you from here!"

A white flash engulfed everything, and I reappeared in my inn room.

Things were more intense than expected, but it all worked out. Zara and Maya are... complicated, and Purin’s a hurricane of jealousy. But at least I have the money for the peaceful life I wanted.

Outside, the moon shone over Lumis.

—Other Inns—

In their respective rooms:

Maya counted and recounted her coins, wondering how to invite Ren on another quest.

Zara stared at the ceiling, smiling faintly as she remembered Ren’s face when he saved her from the dragon with lightning just like hers.