“Thank you for everything.”

“We truly appreciate the wonderful hospitality.”

“Hoo!”

“No, no, we should be the ones thanking you for saving Nil.”

“Mr. Masayoshi, Rurune-san, Mr. Fūsuke, thank you so much. I’ll make sure to earn money and pay you back.”

“Sure, but please don’t push yourself too hard.”

“I won’t. I never want to go through that kind of injury again. From now on, I’ll always stay vigilant. And, Brother… really, thank you. I owe my life to you and everyone else.”

“…Don’t mention it. I’ll help you earn the money, so don’t overdo it.”

“Thanks, Brother. But you should be careful too. You’ve always been the one taking reckless risks since we were kids.”

“………………”

As expected of his younger brother, he knows Alec’s personality well. Best to keep quiet about the reckless things Alec has already done.

“Well then, we’ll be off. Fūsuke.”

“Hoo!”

“See you later, Brother!”

“Yeah, stay safe.”

“What a beautiful view. This is amazing, Fūsuke!”

“Hoo!”

Unlike last night, with the sun up, I could clearly see the landscape stretching far into the distance. With no tall buildings or man-made structures in sight, the vast natural scenery was breathtaking.

“Fūsuke, this is incredible! And his fur is so fluffy—it makes for the perfect ride.”

Rurune seemed completely enchanted by Fūsuke’s fluffy fur. I could understand the feeling.

“…Are we there yet?”

“Just a little longer.”

Alec had his eyes closed ever since we took off. It seemed he couldn’t handle heights. Well, given that this world doesn’t have tall buildings like my old one, it was probably his first time looking down from such a high altitude. No wonder he was struggling.

“Ah, I can see Sylvia’s town now.”

After about two hours of flight, we successfully arrived back in Sylvia. The experience of flying was completely different from walking in the air with wind magic—it was exhilarating. I’d have to ask Fūsuke for another ride sometime.

“That was so fast! As expected of Fūsuke!”

“Hoo!”

“…Never again.”

We landed a little outside Sylvia’s town, and Fūsuke returned to his usual size, perching on my shoulder.

Alec must have been terrified of the whole flight. Such a shame, given how stunning the view was.

“Big brother!”

“Whoa!”

Nena came rushing in and threw herself at me, as usual. Her reaction speed was as quick as ever.

“Alec! Is your brother safe?”

“Yeah, thanks to Mr. Masayoshi’s healing magic, he’s completely recovered.”

“I see! That’s great news!”

“As expected of Masayoshi. I didn’t think you’d be back this quickly.”

“Brother Masayoshi, and Rurune too—I’m glad you’re both safe.”

“Yes, we’ve just returned.”

“Fūsuke’s back was so comfortable!”

As soon as we entered the town, Lilith and the rest of the Swift Thunder Party welcomed us. Soon after, we held a victory celebration for the dungeon conquest, as well as a recovery party for Alec’s brother.

Apparently, the request was officially marked as a joint achievement between the Emerald Cat Party and the Swift Thunder Party. The reward money was evenly distributed, including compensation for the overlap in requests and the materials from the boss monster.

My share included the bracelet found in the dungeon’s boss room and the payment for healing Nil. That was more than enough for me. As for the boss materials, I vehemently refused to accept them. No way was I storing those things in my magic storage!

“Cheers!!”

“Ahh, nothing beats a good drink!”

“This really hits the spot after all that exhaustion!”

Alec and the other members of the Swift Thunder Party had been completely battered, yet after a full day of rest, they were already back to full strength. Adventurers sure were tough.

“You guys sure can drink! Tonight’s on me, so drink up!”

“Thanks for the treat, Elder Sis Lilith!”

“Elder Sis, you’re the best!”

Apparently, the Swift Thunder Party members had apologized by bowing deeply to Lilith and the others while we were away, which had somewhat calmed the tensions. Now, they were all drinking together like nothing had happened.

It seemed like a lot had happened while we were gone. In any case, it was better to put aside hostilities and get along. Adventurers were certainly quick to move on from things.

“Brother Masayoshi, are you drinking?”

“Yes, I am. This is a pretty good drink.”

Wait… does this world have a legal drinking age? Back in my old world, drinking and smoking ages depended on the country’s laws, so I should be fine drinking here… probably.

The last time I had alcohol, I didn’t find it particularly tasty, but the drinks at this place were quite good. I figured I’d enjoy a little. Besides, if anything happened, I could just use detoxification magic.