I Became the Porter of a Somewhat Strange Hero Party

7 – An Unusual Adventurer Party (7)

I detached the logs used as support for the Lizardman lair’s tent and set up a bonfire. I also hollowed out some of the logs that were scattered in the corner of the lair to create a seating area.

And he arranged Erin and the party members around him.

“It feels different from usual, like something new!”

“Allen is such a fool that even if we set the mood, he’s not scared at all. How refreshing ♡”

They kept interrupting each other as they tried to have a serious conversation. Oh, these lunatics.

“I’ve always been in a safe zone, so I didn’t know until now, but I see it. You guys are fighting so inefficiently.”

“Huh?”

“…I think I know what you’re talking about.”

Unlike the puzzled Ser-Aria, Leticia had a somewhat understanding reaction. It seemed like Frey also noticed a few things when I asked earlier… He just remained silent.

However, Erin’s reaction was less satisfactory.

“Woah, that’s amazing ♡ How can such words come from a noob like her?”

“What’s so amazing?”

“The noob who doesn’t even know the principles of combat is talking about the efficiency of battle, isn’t that amazing~♡”

“…Even if you’re not skilled in combat, you can still see that it’s inefficient to attack enemies that can be dealt with from the rear by the frontlines.”

Just a moment ago, Erin’s face, which had been smiling, became slightly tense. Of course, it’s understandable. It’s obvious she wouldn’t be happy receiving advice on combat from a worker who can’t do any fighting… it’s only normal.

So, first of all, I went on to say one thing for sure.

“Erin, there’s no problem with your skill.”

“Mm.”

There was clearly no issue with her skills. But the reason that efficient combat wasn’t happening was that she made too many unnecessary movements. As a result, the party’s cooperative attacks were not efficient.

“But you don’t trust your party members enough. You often attack the same targets that Aria could have dealt with. You knew that the dagger thrown by the thief… only had a similar trajectory and wouldn’t hit you, right?”

Erin listened quietly without denying my story.

“I don’t think it’s because of a lack of trust… Why are you saying that?”

“Well, you’re unexpectedly making rational comments about a trivial subject~♡”

Am I wasting my time talking nonsense then?

“So why are you saying that?”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Don’t you trust your party members?”

“No, I do. They’re the party members I gathered. Of course, Allen, I can’t trust~♡”

“Not me…”

By the way, the setting seems to be that the warrior gathered the party members himself.

“… It was a party created by calling one mentally ill person after another, right?”

“Then trust the party members a little more and act. You can do it, right?”

Erin said then.

“Well, will it work?”

“Why wouldn’t it?”

“You dummy ♡ You should know that. Did you forget everything? Your memory is like that of a goldfish~♡”

“What?”

… Is there some old situation that I don’t know about?

In fact, while possessing this world’s common sense during the possession, I couldn’t recall any memories entangled with people before the possession.

As if she didn’t know me, Erin stared at me sharply. Her gaze felt strangely serious, making me feel a little sorry for no reason. I, who had taken over this body, couldn’t remember anything.

Then Erin chuckled and said, “Well, it’s okay. A fool like you wouldn’t remember anyway~♡”

“…… Anyway, if we fix that part, the battle will be much more efficient.”

“Hmm, it doesn’t seem like it will be fixed right away….”

Erin said, “With that inadequate head of yours, have you even thought about a good strategy?”

“…. Then let’s start with just one thing.”

“Watch? Watch what?”

“Yeah.”

“I said, thinking of Erin, who was aiming for the target of Sera-Aria’s arrow just a moment ago, “Don’t make unnecessary movements to take down enemies who are far away from the reach of the sword’s reach, “Heh, it seems like you’ve watched quite well with that poor vision~?” “Got it? Let’s just keep an eye on that.” “Okay~.” Surprisingly, he gave a positive answer easily. Since Erin had set one rule, he had to tell other party members so they could help her. “Rogue, don’t throw smoke bombs behind Erin anymore.” “….. Yeah, sorry.” “No need to apologize. Aria, do as you were doing now since Erin has heard you. You don’t have to aim for enemies that Erin can handle sufficiently.” “Okay, I’ll remember it clearly!”

Serr-Aria responded energetically and pulled out a bottle of alcohol, drinking it quickly. This liquor is the real deal…

“What about us?”

“Is there nothing to discuss separately?”

Leticia and Frey asked Serr-Aria, wanting to finish their conversation as well. Even if Serr-Aria wanted to say something, they had never witnessed Erin and the collaboration firsthand…

“I haven’t directly witnessed any problems with those two yet, so I can’t say anything. As long as we handle things similarly to what I told the thief and Aria…”

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

Let’s leave it at that for now. There might be background information unknown to me, and it will be difficult to fix everything immediately.

“Then I’ll personally take care of today’s patrol.”

“Allen will handle it alone?”

“Uh… We were planning to do that. We all have to fight tomorrow.”

“That won’t work. Allen alone will have a hard time dealing with the situation.”

“Ah.”

That’s right. I was an incompetent burden.

“It’s true that it’s usually better for two people to watch the night shift.”

Then who will stand night watch with me?

“…I’ll do it.”

Surprisingly, it was Dot who volunteered.

“Are you okay with that, thief?”

“…Okay.”

It’s reassuring when he says it’s alright and steps forward to help. But what if I suddenly start crying in the middle of the night for no reason…?

At that moment, Dodgeo glanced at me sneakily.

“…You don’t like it?”

“Huh?…Ah, no! That won’t happen.”

“…I’ll count on you.”

“Uh…?”

Dodgeo hasn’t spoken to me like this ever since we switched bodies. It makes me wonder if the compliments I gave earlier are having a good effect.

“In that case, I’ll ask the two of them. Please wake me up after about four hours.”

This is the inside of the dungeon, so it was impossible to fall into a deep sleep. The only way to sleep inside the dungeon was to close your eyes for a bit and get up again.

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“……Sweet dreams, everyone.”

Tap, tap.

It’s a quiet night with only the sound of crackling fire.

I watched the bonfire burn as if hypnotized. Then, the scarecrow on the opposite side quietly got up from his seat.

“…Thief? Why?”

“…Allen.”

“Huh?”

Dogeoneun stood in front of me. And he looked at me intently. There was a gaze that seemed to expect something…

“Oh.”

I remembered. I got up from my seat and headed towards where I had put the food bag. Then Dogeoneun followed closely behind me, trotting.

I opened the food bag and took out what I had put inside the inner pocket, then quickly handed it to Dogeoneun.

“Here, is this it?”

“Yeah.”

What was given to Dudgeo was nothing but a chocolate cookie. There was a pastry shop in the village where Dudgeo stayed before coming to the dungeon, and he had asked me to bring him one if he saw cookies that looked delicious there.

Dudgeo’s mood seemed to have improved after receiving the cookie, and he slightly lifted the corner of his mouth. He’s so quiet and cute when he behaves like this… It’s always been his excessive delusions that were a problem.

I gave the cookie to Dudgeo and returned to my seat. But for some reason, Dudgeo didn’t go back to his own seat and sat down next to me.

Do you have something you want to say?

“…Allen.”

“Yes?”

As soon as I answered Dudgeo calling me, there was a light sound of a cookie breaking.

Dudgeo broke the chocolate cookie in half and handed me one of them.

“When you eat it during the night, it’s nice.”

“Um…”

That’s true. If you eat sweet treats like chocolate during a sleepless night or in the middle of a busy task, the effect is remarkably good.

But what I’m curious about is why you suddenly give me this. With a puzzled look in my eyes, Dukgeo spoke with a slightly melancholic voice.

“Do… you dislike it?”

“Oh, no. Thank you.”

Since you handed it to me, I should accept it. As I accepted half of it, Dukgeo seemed satisfied and smiled slightly.

“Why are you suddenly giving me this?”

“…It’s not a poison.”

“…That’s not what I meant.”

I brought it, so of course there must be poison.

…Even if I have enough skill to add it while no one is looking, there is no reason to do so.

“It’s something you wanted to eat.”

“…Just because.”

Ah, so she’s just giving it to me.

I didn’t have anything to say. What could I do if I simply wanted to give it? I casually took a bite out of the cookie that Docugae gave me.

It’s quite delicious. The sweetness is just right, and the crispiness is satisfying.

Docugae also obediently bit into the crunchy cookie. As she chewed the gooey cookie, she slyly glanced at me again.

There’s no need to stare at me like that…

As I was thinking that, Doggeo cautiously spoke to me.

“Erin… will be able to handle it well.”

“Huh?”

“I’m not sure about Allen, but Erin has her reasons for acting that way… so if you just wait, she’ll do well.”

I had never seen him talk this much before.

I understand that Doggeo wanted to say something. It seemed like I was pressuring Erin. While that wasn’t my intention, I didn’t plan on backing down either.

“I wasn’t pressuring her. I just felt like what she was doing was a waste compared to her strength.”

“…Do you really not remember Allen?”

“Okay?”

“…With Erin…”

“Hmm.”

It’s a truly regrettable thing, but I have no way of knowing what happened in the past. As the person I possessed, there is no method for me to find out.

“I don’t know.”

“…Yeah, I understand.”

“…?”

Understand? That was something strange.

It didn’t feel like understanding because it could be something from the past that I may not remember.

The only brave hero in my childhood friend, Erin, and the other party members, it’s only been a few months since we met.

Knowing about that incident refers to Erin’s situation after the party was formed. But isn’t it strange that I can’t remember it?

…Isn’t that supposed to be strange?

Feeling perplexed, I glanced at the incident for a moment.

“I’m… sorry.”

“Huh?”

“…I’m sorry for interfering again… really sorry…”

“Oh, no. I didn’t mean to look at it that way.”

“…No?”

Fortunately, I didn’t cry. If I had woken the children while everyone was sleeping, I would have been scolded again.

“I understand. I’m curious about what you’re saying.”

“……Ah.”

Dokgeo slightly lowered his head.

“…No, it’s nothing.”

Dokgeo only denied and kept his mouth shut. It wasn’t a particularly important story.

Since Dokgeo was not good with words, there might have been mistakes in expression. Considering that, it’s better to just let it go, thinking it wasn’t a big deal.

What if I ask too much and end up crying for no

When their lips met again, silence lingered. It was less awkward when they were sitting across from each other, but now, sitting side by side and not saying anything made it awkward.

I want to talk about something, but… I worry that I might make things awkward or upset you with unnecessary conversation. Is there any fitting topic to discuss?

“…Ah, right.”

“…Huh?”

“Thief, aren’t you uncomfortable without a name? Of course, it’s not that having no name is an issue, but don’t you need one?”

“Do I need that?”

Seemingly living a life without a name, she didn’t seem to feel the need for a name. I simply explained to her.

“If you take me as an example, if I didn’t have a name, then instead of being called Allen, wouldn’t I have to be called ‘Jimmy’?”

“…Yes.”

“Then wouldn’t it feel off?”

He seemed to ponder for a moment, then let out a sound from his mouth.

“…porter.”

“Does something feel strange?”

“…strange.”

“Yeah?”

I asked.

“Before… Were you called by any other name before entering the party?”

“…No Name.”

…No Name. So when I looked at his status, it must have displayed ‘No Name’.

Thinking that he was called that because he was an orphan without a name, even more sympathy arose within me.

Of course, I won’t foolishly show sympathy for no reason. I don’t know how the other person will react.

“Shouldn’t you have a memorable name that both the person who hears it and the person who calls it remembers, rather than a meaningless name?”

“……I’ve never thought about a name, so I don’t know.”

“Then… want to think about it together?”

“…Together?”

Dokkeoga looked at me with round eyes. I nodded my head to her and said, “Uh, of course, your desired name takes priority.”

There was a reason why I wanted to do well for her. Not only was she already timid with extremely low self-esteem, but she was also someone who was very unfamiliar with men… If we didn’t become closer, it would be even more difficult for her in the future.

At least during our time together, I hoped she wouldn’t be stressed. To do that, we need to build some friendship.

“How about it?”

I cautiously asked, and he nodded slightly.

“…Yes, I’ll think about it.”

“Okay, then let’s talk about it after we finish this dungeon.”

He nodded and his head moved. Thankfully, it seemed like he liked my suggestion. Perhaps this helped build some familiarity?

I saw the other four people sleeping soundly in their sleeping bags.

…The journey ahead is really long, so far away.

The next morning, around dawn.

“Is everyone ready?”

“Sigh… Yes…”

“Yes, fragile commander~♡”

Damn that annoying little brat, his complaints since the morning…

‘This is f*cking ridiculous.’

I really want to grab one good night’s sleep.

“Nothing happened yesterday?”

“…No, nothing happened.”

Frei was asking Doko whether anything had happened last night.

There’s no need to worry like that. The atmosphere yesterday wasn’t too bad.

“So, let’s go…”

“Wait!”

“Hmm?”

“I need to replenish my alcohol!”

“Hey…we’re about to fight the strongest guy and you want to drink?!”

“Right, Arya. We agreed not to drink when we confront the boss.”

Surprisingly, Frei supported me. Even among people with the same mental illness, it seemed intolerable to drink in this situation.

As soon as Ser-Aria pushed out her lips, she put down the bottle of alcohol.

“Fine…I get it.”

“Then before we go in, the briefing…”

“Ha! Just one sip won’t hurt, Allen. I feel like I’m gonna die!”

How should they deal with this insane alcoholic?

“…Then let’s do it this way.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Because you drank, every time you fail to hit the boss with an arrow in the next dungeon, you won’t be able to drink a bottle of alcohol. I’m in charge of supplies, so you know that I’m also responsible for managing the alcohol, right?”

“T-That’s too much, Allen!!”

“If you don’t like it, then don’t drink it now. Or drink it and accept all the consequences.”

I thought I had to accept the proposal from Ser-Aria no matter what.

Of course, I thought I would choose the first one. Because it will be more painful not being able to drink a few bottles later than not being able to drink a few cups now.

“……Yes, I got it.”

As expected, she chose. Then…

“I’ll show you! Just drink and get everything right!!”

“……What?”

At that moment, when I asked in surprise, Ser-Aria had already chugged down the bottle of alcohol.

“You… Are you crazy? Confiscate one bottle of alcohol every time you miss an arrow!? No joke!?”

He’s not an ordinary mob, but a boss from now on. Of course, unlike the low-level mobs who just take the arrows willingly, he will block and avoid them… I wonder how well he moves.

Even if he is called “Sera-Aria,” known as an expert archer, he could still be grazed by a few shots if he drinks alcohol. In that case, he would lose that much alcohol…

“Ugh, I know. But listen, Allen.”

However, Sera-Aria smiled faintly as if she had no worries.

“I’m telling you, for someone like me who loves to drink, a single drop of alcohol right now is more important than the pain of the future that hasn’t even come yet.”

“……”

What does she mean by someone who loves to drink?

“……Do as you please.”

“You’re just a crazy alcoholic.”