How to get on the protagonist’s flower path

“No!”

I believe that too much overwhelming kindness can lead to trouble.

“This is a reward for introducing you to a good person today. Can’t you accept it?”

“I’m only introducing you because you comforted me before. Don’t feel burdened!”

I thought I had repaid enough for the comfort I received.

He looked a bit disappointed, but soon nodded and suggested we head back to the academy.

“Huh? Aren’t you buying anything?”

“I use various kinds of weapons, so I usually keep a variety on hand.”

Ah, that’s right. One of Dum Dum’s skills is a top-tier ability that allows him to use all kinds of weapons proficiently. So, I only needed to buy mine.

Meanwhile, by the time we arrived at the academy’s weapon shop, Dum Dum’s persistence was still in full swing.

“I’ll pay with this card—”

“Hold it right there!”

Thus began a battle of wills between Dum Dum, who was trying to pay for my gun, and me, but ultimately, I emerged victorious.

“I won!”

“……”

“You really don’t need to repay me! Instead, let’s do this: next time something happens, you tell me first. How does that sound?”

“That’s something I should be telling you.”

As I walked with Dum Dum down the street at sunset, I said, “Tomorrow, the application period for the battle tournament finally begins.”

“Is that so?”

“We need to find one more member to add to our club, since we have to form a team of at least seven. Do you think it’s possible?”

“I think we can do it.”

Dum Dum smiled faintly as we walked together.

Is he really that happy? That’s good. After all, it’s best when the gift brings joy to the receiver.

Before long, a smile appeared on my face as well.

***

The next day.

Finally, the application period for the battle tournament had arrived.

I had previously mentioned that the battle tournament was similar to a sports festival for the Guardian Academy, but it was actually closer to a sports festival specifically for aspiring hunters.

It serves as an activity for building experience points and as a stage prepared by the school for hunters to showcase themselves.

Thus, many aspiring researchers often do not participate. Anyway, this meant that most aspiring hunters took part.

However, this event had a problem: it required team play.

If students wanted to participate in the battle tournament, they had to form teams of seven to ten members among themselves and apply.

Therefore, above all, meeting good team members was crucial; it was treated like a group project within the academy.

“Hmm! We have exactly seven people! Everyone, go ahead!”

However, we had no choice in the matter.

I thought as I formed a team with our club members and Shin Baran for the application.

Yggdrasil is a tyrant!

I said this, but Shin Baran is an outstanding archer.

So, I had no particular complaints, but it seemed Shin Baran felt differently. She kept giving me a piercing glare throughout.

After applying for the team in the morning, during the training session.

Shin Baran sneered at my temporary weapon.

“Is that really the best weapon you could get? Just that mass-produced piece? Of course, being near Lady Yoori—”

“—Enough.”

At that moment, Nayuri interjected her low voice to stop her.

“I could only stand by because Nahyun asked me to, but this can’t go on.”

It felt like sparks were flying from Nayuri’s eyes. Oh, is she angry?

“Shin Baran, don’t insult my friend. That’s just a way of undermining yourself.”

With a calm demeanor, but a voice like ice laced with clear anger, Nayuri continued.

“It does not reflect well on you, either.”

Having opened the floodgates, Nayuri continued with her thoughts.

“Why is Shin Baran the one judging whether my friend is qualified? I decide who my friends are. Honestly, it’s unpleasant.”

As Nayuri came out much sharper and firmer than expected, Shin Baran appeared quite taken aback.

“T-That’s…”

Eventually, tears welled up in Shin Baran’s eyes.

“Someone as wonderful as Lady Yoori needs someone equally wonderful beside her…”

“Nahyun is even more wonderful and kind than I am!”

Receiving such direct praise in front of everyone was quite embarrassing. I blushed and rubbed my cheeks with the back of my hand.

“Ugh…!”

It seemed that being directly denied her thoughts by Nayuri was a considerable shock for Shin Baran. She trembled all over and looked ready to cry.

Nayuri watched her with a cold gaze.

…Let’s mediate for now. It wouldn’t be good for team cohesion to crack like this.

“Baran, is the reason you dislike me because you think I’m unworthy of hanging out with Yoori?”

“Y-Yeah! Honestly, you’re from class F and you don’t have any other qualifications, right? So why can’t Lady Yoori understand my feelings…!”

The reason Shin Baran, despite her admiration for Nayuri, could not become friends with her was solely that she devalued herself as someone unworthy, merely a follower.

This was partly due to the environment she grew up in…

I spoke calmly.

“…So, Baran, if being Yoori’s friend doesn’t require qualifications, do you want to be friends with Yoori?”

Shin Baran hesitated at my words, and after a brief silence, she lowered her head slightly.

“Yes. But that can’t be true. Someone like me with Lady Yoori…!”

“That’s what she said, Yoori.”

When I glanced over, Nayuri was holding her head in her hands. It seemed she had also figured out what the issue was.

I quietly stepped back. This was a problem for the two of them to resolve.

“Baran.”

“Y-Yes!”

“I don’t want to put qualifications on friendship.”

With a sigh, Nayuri spoke.

“So if you want to be friends with me, we can be friends right now.”

“I can be friends with you…?”

“Yes. It’s true! Shin Baran, you’re being foolish.”

Standing confidently with her hands on her hips, Nayuri spoke.

“So if you want to be friends with me, say it right now!”

It was a bold and beautiful display, truly a quintessential Nayuri moment.

“Let’s be friends!”

And then Shin Baran… started to cry when she heard that. What’s going on? Don’t cry.

Through her tears, Shin Baran managed to utter the words with great difficulty.

“Please be my friend, Yoori…”

Hearing those words made Nayuri smile brightly.

“Okay. Then first, give me your number.”

It seemed like everything had wrapped up for now.

“Let’s exchange numbers too.”

I slipped in, wanting to make my presence known. Excellent connections are always welcome.

Only then did Shin Baran notice me and start fiddling with her fingers. Whether it was due to her tears or embarrassment, her cheeks were flushed as she wiped them with the back of her hand.

She glanced at me and said in a voice as small as a mosquito’s buzz, “I-I’m sorry…”

Yeah, I figured you’d apologize.

I’ve known for a while that you could apologize properly.

“It’s okay. Just don’t do it again. Right, Yoori?”

“You’re too soft-hearted, Nahyun…”

Nayuri sighed but accepted my sentiment.

As a result, starting the next day, Shin Baran’s provocations ceased.

Instead, scenes of Nayuri and Shin Baran chatting together were frequently observed.

“Please don’t put the honorifics on me!”

“Uh, okay!”

Both of them were a bit clumsy with relationships, but they seemed to be slowly adjusting to each other.

Meanwhile, the distance between Shin Baran and the other team members also grew closer. Would there be no major issues with teamwork during the battle tournament?

I was relieved. I watched them with a smile.

Oh, and it was also a relief for Nayuri. She had made another friend.

With the problems resolved, days of smooth training passed.

Before the tournament, the teams from Class A had sparring matches among themselves. We won all of them.

“…Haven’t we already won?”

When I said this, everyone nodded.

“Don’t let your guard down! Today’s stakes are doubled!”

As we passed by…