NOVEL NEXT Chapter 11
The Brigade of Akatsuki set up camp, surrounding a massive bonfire that resembled something out of a campfire festival.
Although the campsite was used by a variety of people, there was a hierarchy even among the users. Merchants had access to the larger areas, and higher-ranking adventurers could secure better spots.
The campsite was square-shaped, and the brigade occupied a corner near the entrance. Though there were eight tents set up, each accommodating four people, the leader Saioji slept alone in a particularly large tent.
Since all the members of the brigade were women, and I was the only man, I felt out of place. Therefore, on this first night of the journey, I volunteered for the night watch.
“While we were walking today, I came up with a new spell, and I just tried using it, but I completely failed!”
“So, you’re the one responsible for the explosion during dinner cleanup!!”
Five of us, including myself, took on the night watch to keep the bonfire used during dinner from going out. The team consisted of two warriors, one scout, and one mage.
Originally, there should have been two scouts, but since I was there, the arrangement was two warriors, one scout, and one mage.
Other adventurer teams in the campsite also posted night watchmen, though the merchant groups didn’t, as it was ineffective to have someone without combat experience on watch. As a result, the merchants all slept through the night.
The lights of other adventurers on night watch glimmered faintly in the surroundings.
“Hmm? What’s up, Allen?”
“…No, I just thought I’d be more disliked, so I’m surprised to be included in the night watch conversation like this.”
As I murmured, the members around the bonfire all let out a collective “ahh” as if they understood.
Honestly, Saioji had made the decision to include me without the members’ consent. There might have been people who found value in an all-female adventurer team, and some might have even joined the Brigade of Akatsuki because they disliked men.
In that context, I initially thought I wouldn’t be welcomed. Being the only man in a team of over 30 women, I assumed I’d at least be avoided, even if not outright rejected.
While listening to the crackling of the firewood, I wanted to hear the opinions of the members. Although there wasn’t much I could do about how they viewed me, I figured it was better than forcing a confrontation, so I asked them honestly.
“It doesn’t really matter, right? Whether you’re a man or a woman, if you can contribute to the brigade, I’m all for it.”
“Indeed, there are rumors about men being disliked, but the Brigade of Akatsuki isn’t that kind of group.”
Across from the bonfire sat two women: Ryuka, with her short, deep-red hair and a notably well-armored chest, and Razuri, a slender woman with long, blue hair who served as a scout.
The two of them, who reminded me of fire and water, joined the brigade around the same time. Ryuka wielded a massive sword almost as large as herself, while Razuri used a large, simple bow that resembled a Japanese longbow.
Both were excellent adventurers. Although there are many people in this world with superior physical abilities, just like on Earth, there are still differences in physical strength between men and women. Despite that, Ryuka and Razuri had become veterans in fields where physical prowess was crucial.
“The deputy leader, Raffin, is one thing, but among the veteran members, I don’t think there are many who dislike men. Some of the newer members might feel that way, though.”
“Raffin…?”
Ryuka’s words brought to mind the image of a woman named Raffin.
Unlike the brigade leader Saioji, who had beautiful jet-black hair that blended into the darkness, Raffin had strikingly white-silver hair, like moonlight. When I first saw them, I couldn’t help but think, albeit a bit crudely, that they were the kind of women who would be popular among other women—more beautiful or cool than cute.
“But even though Raffin dislikes men, she doesn’t mindlessly antagonize them. Besides, she’s mostly attached to the leader, so I don’t think it’s a problem.”
“I think it’s the same for the others too. It’s more like they’re just competitive with the opposite sex rather than disliking them.”
“Is that so?”
Hearing this, I felt somewhat reassured.
“Hey, hey, I’ve been dying to ask… how did you manage to win over the leader’s heart, Allen?”
“Win over her heart…? It wasn’t anything special. I just showed her something interesting I happened to have.”
“What was it? I want to see!”
The one excitedly making a fuss was Camille, the mage who had earlier caused the massive crater just outside the campsite with her failed spell. Her sky-blue hair matched her innocent and playful demeanor, and her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Even the normally silent and imposing Ada, the only other woman in the group with a build similar to mine, kept glancing at me, showing that everyone present was intrigued.
(…Is it okay to show them?)
Although Camille was the only one literally leaning forward and shaking my shoulders in excitement, it was clear that everyone else around the bonfire was equally curious.
(I was thinking of selling it in the capital anyway. I might as well see how they react.)
During the day, Saioji had warned me that once it was taken, I wouldn’t get it back, but I was considering selling manga and novels like “Yumekoi” in the capital, so I decided to gauge their reaction.
“Alright, but keep this a secret, okay?”
“Got it!!”
Not wanting the commotion to get too loud, I put my finger to my lips, signaling them to stay quiet. Once everyone nodded in agreement, I pulled out a volume of “Yumekoi” from my bag.