Let's be an Adventurer! ~Defeating Dungeons with a Skill Board~

Chapter 124.3

124 Part 3

Well How am I going to ask him about that?

As Haruki stared at his hands, which rested on his knees, Kagemitsu broke the ice.

Sorry if that was just too abrupt. The truth is, Im interested in you and in your future.

I have no interest in men.

Thats not what I meant!

Kagemitsu slammed on the table with his open palm.

Kyaa!

A young ladys shrill voice echoed in excitement from somewhere.

Thats not what I mean. Im interested in how much of the dungeon can you defeat in the near future.

Ah, I see. You should have said so earlier. Its easy to misunderstand what you just said.

Dont get me wrong!

A tsundere? Kyaa!

The young ladies seemed to be very excited about something.

They were very well trained in skillfully refilling their empty glasses.

No matter how strong you become in the future, its entirely possible that you dont end up standing out at all.

B-But Ill get strong enough to be noticeable one day!

Im just saying that its possible that you wont stand out either way, thats all.

Kagemitsus words were like a sharp lance that threatened to burst Harukis bubble.

Those words pierced into his soft heart as if it were butter.

Then, Kagemitsu changed to a more flattering tone of voice.

Thats where cooperating with me comes in.

Huh?

The tide had turned.

Haruki sensed the change in the mood and corrected his posture.

This is just a draft for now, but The idea is that you act on my behalf, and in return, I advertise on your behalf. You become the front face, while I work behind the scenes.

That way, youll be able to gain a stronger presence by taking the front stage, and Ill be able to fade into the shadows of the backstage.

Ah, like an entertainment agency.

Yeah, something like that I guess?

Ill be the entertainer and youll be the manager.

Hmm Yeah, exactly.

Kagemitsu nodded vaguely at Harukis analogy.

He seemed like he had something he wanted to say, but didnt have the heart to.

Haruki thought his reaction was adorable, so he let it slide.

But still, this is just an idea for now. We still need to think hard about how to make you stand out, and very much so.

Why do you say that?

Kagemitsu looked away while sipping on his mizuwari.

His face had No comment written all over it.

So, by joining forces with you, you dont mean Ill be a formal member of Team Aerial, right?

Thats the idea. If you become part of our team, I think youll have a hard time standing out on your own.

Guh I cant say youre wrong.

Supposing Haruki became a member of Team Aerial, and produced many great results.

In that case, peoples reaction to that would be more likely to be Aerial is amazing rather than Haruki is amazing.

Haruki couldnt deny that fact.

When it came to increasing ones presence, it still would be more effective to work with a well-known team than to belong to a well-known team.

Ill do my best working behind the scenes. You do your best on the front stage. Thats the kind of relationship Id like for us to have.

I see. It sounds interesting, but is it really okay for you, Kagemitsu?

What do you mean?

If this goes like you say, I might end up taking some of your credit. Are you really okay with that?

Of course. Rather than fame, what I really want is peace of mind

Huh

Haruki couldnt understand how going behind the scenes would give someone peace of mind.

However, he could see that there was something in for Kagemitsu as well.

This proposition was beneficial for both Kagemitsu and Haruki alike.

However

What does the rest of your team say about this?

I havent told them anything yet.

Thats no good

Thats why Im saying this is just an idea for now.

Kagemitsu smiled and drank the rest of his mizuwari in one gulp.

When I was working on this idea, I thought I had to ask you about it first. I wanted to ease it out on you before talking to my team.

Yeah But that

Thats still no good? Well, that may be the case. But I want to work with you.

I want to work with you.

Those words hit Haruki as if he had been grabbed by the collar.

Back when he was working for a printing company, he would often be told I  would like to work with your company.

However, he had never been told I wanted to work with you.

How many working people in the world have had the experience of being told that?

It was a very rare thing to hear, something he ought to be thankful for. Something people normally wouldnt get no matter how much they wished for it.

Haruki trembled with excitement, slid his mask to the side so as to hide his emotions, and drank his mizuwari in one gulp.

Got it. Let me think about it.

Sure. Once I have something more solid, Ill discuss it with the rest of my team. If theyre okay with it, then I hope youll be joining me in this.

Haruki and Kagemitsu smiled and lightly clinked each others glasses and said cheers.