Women adventurers themselves are rare, and a party of four beautiful beastwomen is bound to be even rarer. And if that party happens to be A-rank adventurers, it’s no wonder they’re so popular.

“Oh, look at that! It’s the rumored A-rank adventurer party of beastwomen! Wow, they’re all so cute!”

“They’re usually stationed in Egarton City, right? Even we knights have heard of them; they’re that famous!”

“Ah, Lady Lilith. You’re as beautiful as ever! One day, I swear I’ll rise to A-rank and stand by your side!”

“Haa...haa... Nena-tan, you’re adorable today too!”

Apologies to Mr. Drain earlier, but this level of popularity is on a completely different scale. I didn’t realize Lilith and her party were this famous. Among the fans, there are even some who are...let’s just say, disturbingly fervent.

“This subjugation mission has two A-rank adventurer parties. Don’t overextend yourselves! Let’s move out!!”

“““Oooooh!!”””

The subjugation force departed Bradley City and headed for the Bradley Forest. Using my Stealth Skill, I secretly followed behind them. The A-rank adventurers might notice my skill, but since I’m keeping my distance, I should be fine.

It wouldn’t be an issue if Lilith and her team found me, but getting noticed by Gildart or Drain could lead to complications.

“We’re entering the forest! The scout team reported that the mutated monster is near the center of the forest. We’ll push through the aggressive beasts and advance. Just as planned, extend the formation into a horizontal line!”

“““Understood!”””

I see. The vertical formation they’d used so far is now shifting into a horizontal line. They’ve formed two rows, with Drain and Lilith’s group on the flanks, and the leader, Gildart, in the center.

“Oh great spear of the wind, pierce my foes! Wind Lance!”

“Grr!”

“Now! Finish it off!”

“Take this!”

Slash!

A boar-like beast was blown away by the Wind Magic of a mage in black robes. An adventurer wielding a sword then delivered the final blow to the beast’s neck.

“Phew... But there’s no end to them.”

“Yeah, no matter how many we take down, more keep coming. This must be the mutated monster’s influence.”

I observed this adventurer party’s battle from a distance. It consisted of two frontline fighters and one mage. Their strategy was simple: the two warriors engaged the beasts while the mage attacked with spells. They appeared to be a C-rank party, handling themselves competently.

Now, they were efficiently butchering the beasts they had defeated. For this mission, each party could claim the materials from the monsters they killed. However, since they could only carry so much, they buried anything beyond the essential parts. It was a shame to see so much meat wasted.

The beasts themselves were a bigger problem. Their sheer numbers were understandable, but their ferocity was abnormal. Even after taking damage, they didn’t flinch and kept attacking. They didn’t retreat, even when their comrades were killed.

It’s been two hours since we entered the forest. The subjugation force had already taken down a significant number of beasts. So far, there were no fatalities, only a few minor injuries. My Danger Detection Skill hadn’t sensed anything major, and since no one was gravely hurt, I hadn’t done anything yet. No action required on my part is a good thing, though.

“All right, so far we’ve had no serious injuries, and things are going smoothly. Stay alert and keep up the good work! We’ll take a 30-minute break here where the view is good. Rotate the watch duty and rest up!”

They decided to take a break in a clearing near the center of the forest. Each party sat down and started having an early lunch. This seemed like a good time for me to eat as well. Afterward, I’d let Lilith and her team know I was here.

Ah, there they are, eating together at the edge of the clearing. Quite a few adventurers were glancing at them from afar.

“Oh! Big brother’s here!”

“Whoa!”

As always, Nena came flying toward me, clinging to my armor with incredible force. If I didn’t have enhanced strength, I would’ve been sent flying. Wait... wasn’t my Stealth Skill still active? I didn’t think she’d notice me, even from this close.

“Oh, Masayoshi, you’re here too!”

“Masayoshi-sama, it’s been a while!”

“...Hmm. Masayoshi-bro, your presence feels faint for some reason.”

Looks like my Stealth Skill was still active after all. I deactivated it.

“Sorry about that. I was secretly following along and using my stealth abilities. Still, I’m impressed you noticed me, Nena.”

When I patted Nena’s head, she gave me a pleased, contented look. Like a small animal, she was absolutely adorable.

“I just felt your presence, big brother!”

“Ah, we beastfolk have sharper senses than humans. That’s probably why. Your presence felt faint, but it was clear someone was there. I just couldn’t tell it was you.”

I see. Beastfolk have heightened senses. I’ll make a note of that.

“With you here, Masayoshi-sama, we have nothing to worry about, even against a mutated monster.”

“About that, I was planning to focus on support this time. Since I’m neither an adventurer nor a knight, and the A-rank adventurers seem capable of handling the monster, I’ll step in only if something goes wrong.”

“I don’t fully understand, but if Masayoshi-bro’s here, I feel reassured.”

“Indeed, Masayoshi-sama must have his reasons for this decision.”

...Their unwavering trust in me remains a mystery.

“Five minutes until we move out!”

Ah, time’s almost up. I gently lifted Nena off my armor and set her on the ground.

“All right, everyone. Be careful out there.”