Reincarnated in the game world ~ A gamer's beginning to [Dungeon job hunting recommendation]-Chapter 621Vol. 11 - - Forging Friendship with Prince Yuri. Let’s Protect Lana Together!

"Well, I guess I can speak my words now, eh?"

Just as I had finished the discussion over 2nd term's lecturer position, Yuri-senpai chimed in.

"It sounds like something serious."

"You're quick to pick. Frankly, I would like to have some straightforward discussion with you, Zephyr-kun."

"—«Information Concealment»."

Dean casted his skill quietly as Yuri-senpai continued. It wasn't apparent by visual cues, but this skill blocked off space, preventing even sounds from escaping.

It was an advanced job skill. Unsurprising, considering it's Dean. Duke could have three jobs of such a category, and I couldn't quite surely point that out, but I think I had a general gist of it.

So, the skills were also put into real life usage huh. While I was intrigued by the spell and its real-life value, Yuri-senpai expressed his gratitude to Dean.

"Thank you for the arrangement, Dean."

"It's not just for you. You really do never know when someone might be eavesdropping, even in a castle. It's just precaution from my end."

It would be his responsibility if any words leaked out from here, after all. Plus, the castle was also dubbed as his home, so better kept the precaution than distressing later.

Anyway, I was also intrigued by Yuri-senpai's choice of words, and urged him to continue.

"You said 'straightforward,' which is it?"

Was it about me? I was supposed to be the protagonist of this world, but I think I had long thrown that responsibility to the wind. I also think I might have gone overboard recently. ...Did I, or maybe not?

By the typical script, it should've been his time to ask 'Zephyr, just who in the world are you?' Hmm, that would put me in a pickle~ (can't lie, I might also be slightly happy.)

"First, I should properly express my gratitude."

"......Excuse me?"

Like, what? Thank me?

"You have managed to make Lana smile again. I really can't express how grateful I am to you."

............ Err, I really do not have any inkling?

"What are we talking about?"

"Hmm?"

For a moment, Yuri-senpai and I stared into each other's eyes. The Dean made a deliberate sound of coughing, and interjected.

"*Ahem* I think not everyone is on the same page. Your Highness, to be straightforward, I believe you ought to slightly explain the underlying situation first."

Alright, it appeared it was just a difference in our information.

"Ah, my words. You're right. I guess I should begin from the beginning—Zephyr-kun, have you heard of the slight rift between myself and Lana?"

Rift... Was there ever such a thing?

"I, well, might have heard a bit from Lana—"

"D-did she?!"

I expressed my slight recollection of the situation. Before I could complete, Yuri-senpai raised his voice as if he wasn't expecting it, and inquired immediately.

"*Cough* Then, did she mention about me anywhere?"

Uh... how should I say, I think I raised his expectations for nothing. Recalling back, it wasn't Lana per se. It was her attendants—Ester and Shizu—that informed them they're kind of in the cold war. Well, it seemed like my words gave a misunderstanding. I had to be blunt then.

"Frankly, not at all."

"S, she didn't? She didn't even show any concern when hearing about my advanced dungeon expedition?"

Unfortunately, there was nothing as he hoped for.

I tried to dig up my memories, to see if there was any hopeful information... and there was nothing. Probably, saving the occasion, she whispered 'Onii-sama' during the «King Absolute» match with «Thousand Sword Freckle». Besides that, there wasn't a single moment where she might have—.... I think she might have. Technically, it was more of rage. I believe she was mad at how she had gone through all those formalities since Yuri-senpai remained in the academy.

I heard Ester, and her other attendants, had to give her a plushie just to appease her mood. ...However, it's clear this wasn't the answer he sought. Hmm, but he did say he hoped to have a clear discussion.

"If I have to put it, she was annoyed that she had to deal with all the formality instead of your place, Yuri-senpai. Though this is the only occasion I heard her speaking about you."

".........I, see."

Suddenly, Yuri-senpai's expression felt like it paled slightly as he surrendered himself to the back of the sofa. And then, for reasons I couldn't point out, Dean was looking at him with... compassionate gaze. Haha, there's no way, right?

"In the past, Lana and I used to get along so well. I perhaps have lost the right to say it, but she's someone precious to me."

A sudden monologue strikes?! Ahem, it's my turn to quietly listen then.

"She was such a adoreball then. Her smile shone even brighter than the sun overhead, and yet never setting. She was the princess of everyone's eyes, one who would always bring joy by taking a glance at her."

Heh, so Lana used to be more honest with her emotions, unlike current hot and cold attitude. I now had this urge to see the past Lana. I was a bit envious of Yuri-senpai now.

Yuri-senpai's narration continued.

However, it was when it happened, a turn that transformed Lana into her current self. That was, the enrollment of her beloved big brother, Yuri-senpai, into the academy. While he was royalty, the rules of dormitory applied to everyone.

It was a standard routine, so I could understand. The story continued...

"I had my goal to accomplish. To become the leader of the S-rank guild, and clear advanced dungeons. A caliber of this level is must to be the next king, and to not bring shame to my esteemed father's name. With most of my time and energy spent here, I had remained at the academy unless required."

And that's what put Lana into a foul mood. The fact that he never came to visit her made her furious. Their bonds gradually drifted apart, concluding the gist of the story. I must say, the ending was quite bumpy.

But to be the next king, huh. I wasn't very privy of the royal family's situation, it appeared his father had once cleared an advanced dungeon. He then later walked to become the king by virtue of this achievement. As his son, it was clear he must surpass him.

"I had only learned about it from Lana's attendant. The ever brightening smile of Lana gradually blurred out, and soon, she even began to hate the academy. Meanwhile, I had my task to accomplish, leaving no room for leeway for her. I really did feel regret when I finally saw her at the entrance ceremony."

His eyes were as if gazing at distant scenery. He must have liked her, truly. Though... not to rain on his feelings, but was he truly speaking about Lana? I mean, she disliked the academy? It couldn't have been any far from the gung-ho Lana I was familiar with, especially when it comes to dungeons.

"However, soon, she regained that brightness of her after meeting a certain someone. And it's you, Zephyr-kun. There's no words that can express my gratitude toward you.Truly, thank you very much for bringing back Lana's smile."

......Well, was it like that? I truly couldn't find any difference from current Lana, and when I had first met her. ...But, it's the words of the crown prince. He must be right. I decided to quietly accept his words.

"It's my pleasure."

"Oh, and I am happy you helped her acquire the «Seraphic Saintess»."

Woah there, that's one hell of a sneaky shot!

"Hahaha. Though, I would be glad if you can keep her job a secret for now. I was hoping to reveal it at the right time. A prior revelation would only bring an annoying situation to her."

He said with a playful wink. The jovial smile on his lips did tell how much he was glad for her.

I guess he probably knew enough. The «Seraphic Saintess» had its place among the legends in this world's history. There had only been a record of a few handful people who acquired it. The same people had later achieved milestones one after another, carving their name in the annals of the story.

If the words spread out about her acquiring it, I could envision rows of nobles rushing to request for collaboration, then there would be a flood of marriage proposals, and even possible assasination. She might even get abducted.

"Of course, I would never let it happen."

"If you ever require my help, feel free to ask, Yuri-senpai. I will definitely do my best for that cause."

I replied with the same intensity as the Yuri-senpai expression, a maelstrom covered behind the mask. Indeed, no matter what—oops, that wasn't the main point. We just had to make sure Lana's advanced job wasn't leaked out. I think I and Yuri-senpai could get along quite well.

"Anyway, now this is the main topic. Well, it's more of a request to you, Zephyr-kun."

"Pray tell, Yuri-senpai."

A request from Senpai himself, huh. I wonder what it's about.

As I stared back at him, a tinge of red spread on Yuri-senpai's face as he answered, his tone reserved.

"*Cough* Well, you should have seen it the other day, but it's getting impossible to bridge the distance that has opened between me and Lana. Err, this is where I would like to ask for favour. Can you see anyway we can get on the same track again..."

Ah, I presume he meant when he met at the entrance of the dungeon. Neither of them had shared any words, which caused the situation to become awkward. He now wanted the help of her friend to set things straight.

"Like, if there's something that can break the ice between us for starters..."

Just as Yuri-senpai requested, Dean suddenly chimed in, keeping his silence so far.

"If I have to say my piece, the best way is indeed to let her know about «100% Mellow Apple Juice», Your Highness."

"Hmm? The apple juice?"

We had just found five units of the same juice yesterday from drops. I couldn't help but inquire reflexively as the taste-testing trial was constantly in my mind.

Yuri-senpai's expression wore an awkward look as he explained.

"That's, well, I would often have Celestine deliver the juice to appease Lana's mood."

"W-what?!"

This definitely caught me by surprise, answering the nagging hunch I had. Lana had often found herself the juice one way or another. It turned out it was all the setup of Yuri-senpai. And Celestine had been asked by Lana's father to join «Eden». Of course, they would've some connection.

He had been supporting «Eden» from the background, huh. Celestine was definitely a vital part of our guild frankly.

...Wait a minute. Yesterday, I heard they're at the intermediate dungeon entrance for «Apple Dungeon». Were they there for the same reason?

Uh, then it was probably a mistake to get so many units of juice yesterday. I mean, a gift's significance was enhanced when it was something rare, not to say absolute favourite too. This might cause Lana to not feel much about Yuri-senpai's effort then...

My thoughts must have appeared on my face, Yuri-senpai just gave his head a shake.

"It's fine, you don't have to be concerned about it. Anyway, what do you say, Zephyr-kun?"

"There's no reason to not help you, but I can't make any concrete promise if it will change anything."

"However it goes, it doesn't matter. Your help will be greatly appreciated. You're the one she trusts you most right now, after all."

Well, that's a bit embarrassing to hear. But, I also had one thing to tell him.

"You should also do your best, Yuri-senpai. It's already the second term of sophomore year for you. Take this opportunity to achieve your goal while you can still have it."

Yuri-senpai scratched his cheeks with a dejected expression at my words. In this moment, he felt like just another student.

Starting with second year, the goal was undoubtedly to aim for S-rank, as well as advanced dungeons, and that required undivided attention. It's not surprising he didn't find time to return back.

"Why ask now, though? You should have plenty of time to get in touch with her after the entrance ceremony."

I asked about the doubt that was bugging me. April was when guild battle season was at its climax, so I could see why he didn't try then, but there was also an option to invite her to the «King Absolute». And yet, it's almost half a year without much contact, and that just made me more curious.

"Haa, to be honest, I was rejected during entrance ceremony when I trie—...*cough* We're currently challenging the advanced-low dungeon «Foggy Cloud Plateau Dungeon», and are at its 31st floor. But this is the best we can give in our current situation. I was hoping for Lana, and your support in this campaign, Zephyr-kun."