—"I’ll join you. Let’s form a party," Zara declared.

I blinked, stunned.
—"W-Wait, what? Why suddenly...?"

Zara fixed me with those piercing red eyes.
—"You’re interesting. You understand my magic... and you gave me your pudding."

—"Well, that’s hardly a reason to—"

—"Also," she interrupted, "I know you want a quiet life. Frankly, so do I."

—"Huh?"

—"My dream is to eat desserts in bed all day, but the guild has a rule: if you don’t complete quests for a while, they revoke your license."

—"W-Wait... so I’d lose my registration just for not taking missions?"

Zara nodded.
—"Exactly. And as an S-Rank, you need at least one other S-Rank partner to accept quests. I’m also S-Rank, so this benefits us both."

She had a point. I couldn’t take missions solo—that’s why Maya and I had formed a temporary party.

After a long pause, I glanced at the sky. Purin’s going to hate this...

—"Alright, let’s do it. But... are you sure you want to team up with someone like me?"

—"Of course. I can’t think of anyone better."

I flushed slightly but steadied myself. If I react too much, Purin will be even angrier.

—"Good. Mind if we register the party now? I’ve got plans tomorrow and don’t want to forget."

—"Fine by me."

We headed to the guild.

Upon entering, several adventurers greeted me. I’d apparently gained some fame after the dragon incident. But something felt off—in a corner, a familiar figure was slumped over a table. Maya, face buried in her arms, muttering to herself.

The receptionist whispered to me:
—"She’s been like this all day. No one dares approach... but you can."

—"Me? But—!"

She shoved me forward mercilessly.

Maya’s murmurs: "How do I ask Ren to team up again? I missed my chance..."

—"Maya... You okay?"

—"Go away! I don’t wanna talk to any— REN?!"

Her eyes darted from me to Zara.
—"Y-You too? What are you doing here?"

—"We’re forming a party."

—"WHAAAAAT?!"

—"It’s just... I need to do missions to keep my guild registration..." I stammered.

—"And you picked THIS MIDGET?!"

—"For your information, I’m stronger than you."

—"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!"

—"STOP FIGHTING!" I wedged between them. A clash here would level the building.

The receptionist clapped with a sly smile.
—"I’ve got a proposal! Why not form a party of three? You defeated the Ice Eclipse together—that proves you work well as a team."

—"NO WAY!" Maya and Zara snapped in unison.

—"I’m not working with this arrogant brat," Maya hissed.

—"Nor I with this screeching gorilla," Zara retorted.

The receptionist winked.
—"Really? What if Ren wants the trio?"

—"Eh?" I squeaked.

Both girls glared at me. The pressure was suffocating—and I could feel Purin carving my name on a meteorite somewhere.

—"W-Well, she’s right. We beat the dragon together and know each other’s styles. I’m fine with a three-person party."

—"F-Fine. I’ll accept since you’re decent in battle," Maya grumbled.

—"Very well. If Ren wants this, so be it," Zara conceded.

—"Perfect!" The receptionist beamed. "Follow me for the paperwork."

After signing, I stepped outside for air. That was chaos.
—"I’ll wait outside while you two finish up."

Maya and Zara completed their forms.

—"All set! Your party is officially registered," the receptionist said. "Good luck... with Ren." She winked.

—"Wh-What?!" Maya turned tomato-red.

Zara side-eyed her.
—"I won’t lose to you."

—"Zara... you too?"

I returned to check on them.
—"Ready to go?"

Sparks of rivalry crackled between Maya and Zara.
—"Yes," they said simultaneously.