落とし穴１５６堀：こちらもメンバー集め (Part2)
"No, why on earth would you ask me that? Don't you worry that I might betray you again?"
"Honestly? There's no reason for me to cut you down now. Besides, that whole incident was caused by mental manipulation; I don't hold any grudges."
I never imagined she was holding back because of something like that.
"Ah, so that’s why you were so distant when we reunited..."
"Well, obviously. After I’d taken a blade to Comet-san, what kind of face was I supposed to show you?"
"I see. Well, I suppose I can understand that feeling. I couldn't bring myself to face Hifi for days after her head exploded during a failed tool experiment."
"That’s only natural! And wait, you were the culprit behind Hifi-sister’s head exploding?! And you didn't just 'avoid' her, you were running away!"
"Was I?"
Well, I ended up getting caught and scolded thoroughly by Hifi anyway.
"Anyway, putting aside old stories, how about it? Why not help me out? If you want, I can even gather the other Holy Sword Users like Sia, Nina, and Difes to act as support."
"Ah, I’d love to help, really, but you know... we’re running this shop. Plus, I have duties monitoring the situation on the If Continent."
Kishua shrugged as she said this.
"I don't mean to be rude, but this shop isn't exactly thriving, is it? It’s just a toy store Ratz built as a hobby. It’s basically a stuffed animal specialty shop now."
In the back, a doll I had made once upon a time was displayed with great care.
Honestly, I didn't know whether to be happy or embarrassed.
I decided to address the other reason as well.
"Monitoring the If Continent is important, sure, but it’s not like you’re in a pinch, right? You’re just standing here minding the shop."
"Maybe so. But I’ve been entrusted with both, so I can't just abandon the shop on a whim—even if it is a request from you, Comet-san—without Ratz’s permission."
"Hmm. For someone who talks so roughly, you’re surprisingly meticulous, Kishua."
"Don't you dare say that to me!?"
"Well, I get it. Just wait a second."
"?"
I opened my call screen and made a connection.
*“Yes? What is it, Comet?”*
*“This is Difes. Do you need something, Comet-san?”*
"Oh, I just have a small favor to ask."
"Wha—?!"
Kishua was panicking behind me, but I ignored her.
It was simple: if I didn't have permission, I’d just get it.
After all, I’d exchanged contact information with Yuki’s wives so I could speak with them directly!
I quickly explained the situation...
*“Ah, I see. So Kishua is going to be the pilot. That’s perfectly fine; I’ll adjust the shifts.”*
*“I don't mind either. I’ll be there to cheer you on that day, so do your best, Kishua.”*
"Gah—?! You just settled it on your own?! Nina! You do it instead!"
"Eh? Are you stupid? No way. I’ll be there with Sia and Alfin to cheer you on, too."
Nina, who had been working the register at the counter, chimed in.
I almost asked if she had been there the whole time, but I managed to hold my tongue. I’m a woman who knows how to read the room.
"There! Permission granted! Let’s practice to our heart's content! Kishua, you’re a Holy Sword User, so you’re sturdy and can handle the rough stuff!"
"You said 'rough stuff'! Comet-san, the fact that you need a Holy Sword User for this is already a red flag! Nina, seriously, help me!"
"Kishua. Yuki is there, so you don't have to worry about your life. And even if you die, Hifi is there, so it’ll be fine."
"That’s not fine! That’s not fine at all!"
"Yes, yes. Once you fly, you’ll find it fun. Now, let’s soar into the infinite sky! Kishua, that is!"
I’m the one who builds them, after all!
"Noooooo!?"
"Oh, Kishua’s girly scream. Rare."
"Niiiiiinaaaaa!?"
Now, the members were gathered.
All that was left was to repeat the experiments and refine the precision!
Oh, vast sky, just you wait!
And thus, Comet had obtained her comrades!
Not "added to her party."
She had *obtained* them.