Chapter 5


    The hum of conversation and the clinking of utensils filled the cozy family restaurant as Yuriko-san and I settled into a booth near the window. The scent of freshly grilled meat and simmering sauces wafted through the air, mixing with the subtle aroma of brewed tea. Outside, the midday sun bathed the streets of Nagoya City in a warm glow, casting soft shadows as pedestrians bustled along the sidewalks.


    A waitress in a neatly pressed uniform placed two menus before us with a polite smile before stepping away to give us time to decide. Around us, families chatted over steaming bowls of ramen, and office workers enjoyed their lunch breaks, their briefcases resting beside them.


    Despite the lively atmosphere, a heavy silence hung between Yuriko-san and me. The meeting at the Seikishi-dan Guild still lingered in my mind, the weight of unanswered questions pressing down like an anchor.


    I exhaled quietly, picking up the menu. "Well," I said, forcing some lightness into my tone, "we might as well eat something good while we''re here."


    Yuriko-san flipped through the menu, her eyes scanning the selection with careful consideration. A small smirk played on her lips as she mused, "Meir-sama, you have an inner talent for riling up people, huh."


    I let out a short chuckle, leaning back against the cushioned seat. "I guess I was lucky you didn’t get angry when I was recruiting you, then."


    Yuriko-san paused, glancing at me over the menu. "Well, I never had a reason to doubt you back then. I just never saw you as that kind of person, Meir-sama." Her warm smile widened slightly before she turned her attention back to her choices. But after a brief pause, she added, "Still… I can’t help but wonder. What exactly is this so-called ‘simple’ artifact, the Dream Pearl?"


    Her gaze lingered on me, carrying an unspoken message—she wanted to help. "Is it something important for our domain’s growth?"


    I hesitated, my fingers idly tapping against the table. How much should I reveal? How much should I keep to myself?


    And more importantly—how much is enough?


    Yuriko-san was different from others. She wasn’t just another recruit; she was the person actively helping me build my domain from the ground up. If there was anyone I could trust with even a sliver of my mission, it was her.


    But even then, caution was necessary. In this world, trust was a fragile thing. You never know who is truly on your side.


    I exhaled lightly, then met her expectant gaze. "Sorry, Yuriko-san, but I can’t divulge any more information." I said, my tone firm but not unkind. "Not unless you take the Oath and Pledge of Loyalty."


    The Oath and Pledge of Loyalty was no simple contract. It was a binding domain magic—one that tethered a person’s very soul to the current Domain Lord they served. Once sworn, their devotion to the domain became absolute. Any act of betrayal, any attempt to endanger the domain or its ruler… and the magic would take its toll. The curse would seize their heart, ending their life instantly.


    Moreover, if she cannot leave the current domain she was in. It''s either she stay or she die. There is no option of leaving the domain.


    Would Yuriko-san be willing to take that step?


    I watched her closely, waiting for her answer.


    Yuriko-san remained silent for a moment, her fingers lightly tracing the edge of the menu. Then, with a small nod, she looked up at me. “Okay, let’s do it.”


    I blinked. “Do what?”


    Her expression was steady, unwavering. “The Oath and Pledge of Loyalty.”


    For a second, I thought she was joking. But there was no hesitation in her voice, no sign of doubt in her eyes. She was serious.


    I leaned back slightly. “Are you sure, Yuriko-san? This isn’t something you can undo. Once the oath is made, you’re bound to the domain. There’s no leaving—only staying… or dying.”


    She gave a small chuckle, shaking her head. “I know what it entails, Meir-sama. I wouldn’t have said it otherwise.” Her gaze softened. “Besides, I was planning to spend the rest of my life in our domain anyway.”


    I frowned slightly. “Why? You still have other options. You don’t have to tie yourself down like this.”


    Yuriko-san let out a quiet sigh before resting her arms on the table. “And go where?” She met my eyes. “In what other domain would I ever get to hold a position as high as I do now?”


    She wasn’t wrong. In most domains, positions of power were locked behind noble lineages or decades of service. Even the most competent individuals were rarely given real authority.


    “My family’s future is already secured inside our domain,” she continued. “We don’t have to worry about whether some Domain Lord will change their mind and stop supporting free immigrants. We don’t have to live in fear that, one day, we’ll be cast out with nowhere to go.”


    She gave me a small smile—one that carried both certainty and conviction. “I’d rather devote myself to building something stable. Something... permanent.”


    I studied her carefully. She had already made up her mind.


    Yuriko-san gave a small, teasing smile. "Besides, I guess I''m just that curious about what the Dream Pearl is…" She leaned forward slightly, her gaze steady. "And, I suppose, I''m also that curious to know more about you, Meir-sama."


    Her words caught me off guard for a moment. She wasn''t saying them lightly. It wasn''t just about the artifact anymore.


    I hesitated, glancing around the restaurant. The warm chatter of families, the occasional clink of cutlery, and the soft hum of background music hardly made for the kind of setting where one would take an unbreakable oath.


    "...Here?" I asked, lowering my voice. "Are we really doing this in a family restaurant?"


    Yuriko-san raised an eyebrow, amused. "Why not? It''s not like the spell will make a scene, right?"


    "That’s not the point," I muttered. "This isn’t some simple work contract. Once the oath is made, it can’t be undone." I studied her, searching for any hint of doubt. "Are you absolutely sure about this?"


    "Meir-sama," she looked and smiled at me warmthly, "Do it."


    Her words caught me off guard. She wasn’t saying them lightly. It wasn’t just about the artifact anymore.


    I let out a slow breath, still feeling the weight of the decision. But if she was this certain…


    "...Alright," I finally said. "If you''re truly sure, then let''s begin."


    Summoning my Domain Lord system, I navigated to the Domain Followers tab. At the top of the list, Yamamoto Yuriko''s name was displayed. Her name was displayed with the status as "Recruit Member".


    I tapped on her name and lead me to her specific details window. Below it, an option stood out with a green button: < Bind as Domain Follower >.


    I glanced first at Yuriko-san, waiting for last minute hesitation, but she seems really sure so I clicked it. Immediately, a system prompt appeared, instructing me to place my hand on the recruit''s head to establish the bond.


    Before proceeding, I materialized my odd grimoire, List of Interesting Spells. The moment it appeared, the pages fluttered open on their own, stopping at the exact spell I needed—Oath and Pledge of Loyalty. The elegant script shimmered faintly on the page, waiting to be invoked.


    I glanced at Yuriko-san. "Can you please lower your head?" I asked, gesturing with my right hand.


    "O-Oh, right." She immediately lowered her head. A quiet murmur escaped her lips. "This is it... finally. I''ve been dreaming of this for years."


    For years, huh… Just how long had Yuriko-san and her family lived as a free immigrant under other domain lords, never truly belonging to any domain? Does she looks forward that much to be officially being tied down to a domain and finally being secured that she will not be thrown away easily?


    I placed my palm just above her, facing downward. As I focused, mana gathered at my fingertips, a faint glow illuminating my hand.


    Yuriko-san let out a small, amused giggle. "Feels like I''m a pet dog getting blessed."


    I sighed. "Please don’t joke around. This is a serious spell, Yuriko-san."


    Her laughter softened, but a playful smile lingered. "I know, I know. Just trying to lighten the mood, Meir-sama."


    I shook my head slightly, but I couldn''t help the faint smirk tugging at my lips as I prepared to begin the oath. At this family restaurant. I can even see the family beside me watching us do this sacred spell.


    “Repeat after me.”


    Yuriko-san hesitated only briefly slightly nodding.


    “I, Yamamoto Yuriko, swear upon my name and soul,” I began.


    “I, Yamamoto Yuriko, swear upon my name and soul,” she repeated, her voice steady.


    “To serve and protect the domain under Nashchor Meir''s rule.”


    “To serve and protect the domain under Naschor Meir-sama’s rule.”


    “To act with loyalty and devotion, so long as I shall reside within its borders.”


    “To act with loyalty and devotion, so long as I shall reside within its borders.”


    “Should I betray this oath, may my soul bear the consequences.”


    “Should I betray this oath, may my soul bear the consequences.”


    A faint glow surrounded my hands and Yuriko-san as the spell took effect. I inhaled sharply as my <Mana Sense> skill activated on its own. I saw the accumulation of holy mana settle deep within her. A binding warmth wrapped around her heart—gentle, yet unbreakable, like unseen chains wrapping around, linking her to the domain and me as her domain lord.


    She lifted her gaze to me, and for the first time, I could feel it—a connection. It was as if my very presence resonated within her, filling the space where uncertainty used to be.


    This is my domain. She is now one of my official "Domain Followers". This was where she belongs now.


    I pulled my hand back, watching her carefully. "It''s done."


    Yuriko-san flexed her fingers, pressing a hand to her chest where the warmth lingered. Then, she gave me a small smile. "That felt… different."


    I raised an eyebrow. "Good different or bad different?"


    She chuckled. "Good different. I feel warmer… and somehow, safer."


    I nodded, satisfied. "Then welcome, officially, to my domain, Yuriko-san."


    A brief silence settled between us, the weight of what had just transpired lingering in the air. Then, as if snapping back to the present, Yuriko-san glanced at the menu still in her hands.


    "So… should we order now?" she asked with a small laugh. "I think we need to celebrate this sacred oath."


    "Right, that''s a good idea." Somehow I felt like a huge portion of my mana was taken out of my mana reserves. It made me feel hungry more. I glanced around for a staff member, and soon enough, a young waitress approached our table with a polite smile.


    "Are you ready to order?" she asked, pulling out a small notepad.


    Yuriko-san tapped a finger against the menu, her eyes scanning the options. "Hmm… how about a pizza?" she suggested, then turned to me. "What do you think, Meir-sama?"


    "That''s fine. I also wanted to eat a pizza," I said. "I''ll order the ''All Meat Texas BBQ'', thin crust. How about yours, Yuriko-san? What toppings do you want?"


    She hummed in thought before grinning slightly. "I''ll take the Margherita. Classic and safe."


    I nodded. "And drinks?"


    "I''ll take iced tea," Yuriko-san said.


    I turned to the waitress. "Same for me."


    The waitress scribbled down our orders, "Anything else?"


    I glanced at the menu again. "What appetizer do you want?"


    Yuriko-san looked dumbfoundly at me, "Oh, I''m good with just the pizza, Meir-sama."


    I frowned at her reply, "I''m not. So what do you want? French fries or potato wedges?"


    "Really, Meir-sama, I''m fine-"


    "Ah, miss, and let''s add a serving of potato wedges." I asked the waiter.


    Yuriko-san blinked. "Wait, that''s already—"


    "Do you want a fruit shake?" I interjected.


    "N-No, that''s-"


    "And a four seasons fruit shake," I continued to the waiter, "Two orders."


    She fidgeted slightly. "Meir-sama, that''s more than enough, really—"


    I ignored her hesitation and turned to the waitress pointing something at the menu. "Also can you give us this plate of watermelon slices."


    "Is that all, sir?" The waitress smiled at what she just witnessed.


    "Yep, that''s all." I answered. The waitress then left us and went back to the register.


    Yuriko-san let out a soft sigh, looking both amused and flustered. "You really didn’t hold back, did you?"


    "Why did you hesitated to order more?" I pointed out. "It''s better to eat properly than regret not ordering enough. Especially on an occasion like this."


    She pursed her lips but eventually relented with a small smile. "You''re really treating this like an occasion."


    "It is one," I said simply. "It''s your first meal and our celebreation for you being my official domain follower."


    Her expression softened for a moment before she chuckled. "I suppose that’s one way to put it. Though what we will pay are funds that we loaned."


    "Hahaha. Then we will just need to work to pay it off." I chuckled.


    Yuriko-san leaned back in her seat, exhaling softly. "It''s been a while since I last ate at a place like this," she mused, absentmindedly tracing a pattern on the table with her finger. "Not including the other day where you interviewed me, of course."


    I raised an eyebrow. "You don''t go out to eat much?"


    As Yuriko-san lift up her glass of water she glanced at me with a thoughtful expression. "Meir-sama, how many members can you recruit into our domain using the system?"


    I considered it for a moment before answering. "For now, since I''m a low-level Domain Lord, I can recruit up to 99 members."


    She nodded, as if expecting that answer. "As expected. But did you know that when a Domain Lord reaches their first awakening, their recruitment limit expands to 249 members. Then, upon their second awakening, it jumps to 549." She paused, tapping a finger against the table. "That’s the highest recorded limit so far, at least officially."


    I leaned back slightly, listening as she continued.


    "And speaking of records, did you know that since the Domain System and monsters first appeared 75 years ago, about ten million Domain Lords have emerged worldwide?" She tilted her head slightly, watching for my reaction before pressing on. "Out of those, there is a ratio of roughly one in every three domain lords have reached their first awakening. And from that group, only one in three ever make it to their second awakening."


    She let that sink in for a moment before giving a small, wry smile. "So when you do the math, the numbers boil down to this—of the five billion people currently on Earth, only about two billion can safely live inside domains under a Domain Lord. That means a two-in-five chance of having real security."


    I frowned slightly. "That’s… lower than I expected."


    Yuriko-san nodded. "It is. And those odds are even more skewed when you consider that people born into domains—especially those whose parents are already official members—have a much higher chance of securing a spot. The system naturally favors existing domain followers over outsiders." She exhaled, twirling her straw in her drink. "That’s just how things are. If you’re born outside, you have to fight for a place."


    Her words lingered between us, settling like an unspoken truth neither of us needed to say out loud.


    "So what I''m trying to say here, Meir-sama, is that yes, we don''t go out that much to eat food," she admitted while smiling wryly. "For us, eating out always felt like a luxury. When you''re a free immigrant living inside a domain under another Domain Lord, you never know if you''ll still have the means to afford a meal tomorrow."


    She idly traced the rim of her glass before continuing, her voice calm but edged with something heavier. "As free immigrants, we don’t have access to Domain Points or the Domain Shop like official members working under a domain lord do. The DP we earn through work isn’t something we can use freely. It’s what they call ‘invisible DP’—we earn it, but we never actually handle it ourselves. Once a week, we’re allowed to purchase foods and necessities from an official merchant, with access to domain shop, affiliated with the company we work for, and that''s it."


    She let out a quiet sigh, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "So, for my family, going to a restaurant like this was almost impossible—unless it was one owned by the company itself. Even then, we had to be careful. Free immigrants don’t have job security, and we don’t have a guaranteed place in the domain. One wrong move, and you could be fired or kicked out. The only thing we could do was be frugal, save what we could, and stretch our food supplies for as long as possible."


    Yuriko-san glanced up at me, her expression unreadable. "That’s just how it was. Survival meant being careful."


    I listened quietly. How many years had she lived that way—always cautious, always uncertain?


    She smiled wryly, as if sensing my thoughts. "But now, I guess I don’t have to worry as much. Your domain provides everything we need, after all. My family can access the domain shop anytime we need it."


    "That''s good then." I leaned back and tried to absorb her story gently. "If you ever need any assistance or anything, please don''t hesitate to consult me."


    She chuckled. "We will."


    A comfortable silence settled between us before Yuriko-san tilted her head, her eyes glinting with curiosity.


    Yuriko-san stretched slightly before resting her elbows on the table. "Alright," she said, tone light but expectant. "You heard my story, Meir-sama. So, what''s the story about the Dream Pearl, Meir-sama?"


    The waitress came back with two glasses of iced tea and a serving of potato wedges. After serving our food down the table, she smiled and went off again.


    I took a sip of my iced tea, letting the coolness settle in my throat as I mulled over everything she had shared. The weight of her words lingered, painting a clearer picture of the struggles free immigrants faced—of the uncertainty, the limitations, the quiet battle for stability. It wasn’t something that could be fixed overnight, but at the very least, she and her family wouldn’t have to worry about that anymore.


    As I set my glass down, I exhaled, gathering my thoughts.


    "I have a master, back in Europe," the Europe continent in the future. "My master''s parents is a disciple of the Golden Holy Saint, Mikhail-sama and the great mage of the Hoshigetsu Grand Order, Aiyehssa Hoshigetsu-sama," which is true as the professor told me though I don''t know the finest details. It was all bedtime stories she used to tell when she is feeling nostalgic.


    "My master sent me and my co-disciples for a mission," back to the past, that is, "I was supposed to be sent to Korea but I was instead sent here in Japan. Then I was told to secure the Dream Pearl instead."


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    "And your mission is to get this Dream Pearl, Meir-sama?"


    "Not really, but I need the Dream Pearl to do my mission."


    "You need the dream pearl for your mission that is....?" Yuriko-san looked at me curiosly as she nibbled her potato wedges.


    I pondered for a bit. Since she is already under the spell of Oath And Pledge of Loyalty, there is no way she will do something that will harm me or the domain, right? I hesitated a bit before typing the something on my phone.


    "My mission is..." I said as I slid my phone to show my screen to Yuriko-san.


    ''To find the third Great Holy Saintess.''


    Then I signalled Yuriko-san to be quiet and not say anything.


    Yuriko-san’s gaze lingered on the screen, her fingers tightening slightly around her glass. The ice inside clinked as she shifted in her seat, her expression unreadable. Slowly, she looked up at me, her lips parting as if to say something, but then she stopped herself.


    Instead, she raised her hands, forming air quotes with her fingers. "As in—" her voice was barely above a whisper, her brows subtly lifted in question.


    I understood immediately. The word she left unsaid hung between us, unspoken yet deafening.


    I met her eyes and gave the smallest nod. "Yes," I murmured, my voice low enough that only she could hear. "As in like Mikhail-sama."


    A slow exhale escaped her lips. She leaned back slightly, one hand pressing lightly against the table as if grounding herself. Her expression wavered between awe and calculation, as if trying to gauge the weight of what I had just confirmed.


    She picked up a potato wedge but didn''t eat it right away, absently turning it between her fingers. "That''s…" she trailed off, shaking her head slightly before giving a soft chuckle, more out of disbelief than amusement. "That''s not something you just drop over a meal, Meir-sama."


    "I know, right?" I let out a quiet chuckle of my own. "But what can I do? You are so determined to know that you even did the Oath and Pledge of Loyalty."


    Her eyes flicked back to the screen for a brief moment before she set the potato wedge down. "You’re serious about this?"


    I tilted my head. "Would I joke about something like this?"


    She huffed, rubbing her temple. "Fair point." Another beat of silence stretched between us before she spoke again, softer this time. "This… changes things."


    I didn’t answer, letting her process it on her own. After all, I had done the same when I first learned the truth.


    I leaned back slightly, fingers tapping idly against the side of my glass. "Be that as it may," I said, my voice calm but firm, "I''m serious about building my domain as a domain lord."


    Yuriko-san blinked, her gaze still carrying traces of quiet astonishment from our previous exchange. I met her eyes, unwavering. "It’s been my dream to build one," I admitted, letting the words settle naturally between us.


    She studied me for a moment, perhaps searching for hesitation, but there was none. Then, with a thoughtful hum, she rested her chin on her hand. "I see..."


    "So what I''m trying to say is," I lifted up a potato wedge and pointed at her, "that I''m commited about my domain lord duties as I''m committed to what my master has tasked me to do."


    Yuriko-san’s lips curled into the barest hint of a smile. “I get it,” she said, nodding slightly. “You’re not the type to neglect one thing for the sake of another. Both what your master asked you to do and your domain matter to you.”


    I inclined my head in agreement, taking a bite of my potato wedge. She leaned back, exhaling softly, as if processing everything.


    Then, after a moment, she straightened. “Alright,” she said, tapping a finger against the table. “Then let’s go back to that artifact. I now understand how important it is. But what''s our plan now, Meir-sama? Should we just wait just like what Himura-san said?”


    I glanced at her, noting the shift in her tone—steady, businesslike, yet laced with underlying concern.


    “You heard them earlier,” I continued, lowering my voice slightly. “Ten monster domains have spawned at the shrine where it’s hidden.” My fingers traced the rim of my glass absentmindedly. “Doesn''t that sound... ”


    I lifted my gaze to meet her equally ''pieceing-it-together'' gaze, "Abnormal?"


    Her eyes lowered down again, her pointing finger fidgeting at the table, drawing a circle.


    "Just yesterday, I met a ''bizarre'' group of monsters." I added just before the waitress came with our ordered foods.


    Yuriko-san’s fidgeting stopped as the waitress approached, expertly balancing a tray with their orders. She quietly set down two steaming pizzas, their rich aroma wafting through the air, followed by a tall, vibrant fruit shake. The condensation on the glass glistened under the warm lights of the restaurant.


    “Enjoy your meal,” the waitress said with a polite bow before stepping away.


    For a moment, neither of us spoke. The conversation we’d been having still lingered between us, unspoken yet heavy. I reached for my glass of iced tea, taking a slow sip as I mulled over my own words. Across from me, Yuriko-san picked up a slice of Margherita pizza but didn’t take a bite right away. Instead, she stared at it as if it held the answer to our predicament.


    Our surroundings inside the restaurant carried on as usual. The low hum of distant conversations, the occasional clatter of utensils, and the soft background music all contrasted with the weighty discussion hanging over our table. It was a strange juxtaposition—two people planning around monster domains and retrieving an ancient artifact while sharing a meal to celebrate a what supposed to be a sacred oath and pledge.


    This is not what I''m expecting the least when I started planning how to build my domain while juggling it with my mission.


    I hesitated, then picked up my own slice of pizza, letting the thought settle before continuing.


    Finally, Yuriko-san exhaled, setting her pizza slice back onto the plate. “Now that I think about it…” she prompted, tilting her head. "The territories where Seikishi-dan Guild is responsible, and where Hoshimizu Guild is also..."


    Yuriko-san trailed off, then reached into her bag and pulled out her tablet. With a few quick taps, she opened a website with a sleek blue-and-white interface. The header read JNHA – Japan National Hunter Association, and after navigating through a few menus, she brought up a map.


    The screen displayed a detailed topographical map of central Japan, overlaid with several red circular areas of responsibility, each labeled with different names. Some territories were small and densely packed, while others stretched across mountain ranges and rural regions.


    She zoomed in on an area where two large circles overlapped. “Here,” she said, pointing at the northern part of Aichi Prefecture. “This is Seikishi-dan’s assigned territory.” Her finger then slid slightly upward and to the right. “And this,” she continued, “is where Hoshimizu Guild operates—the southeastern part of Gifu Prefecture, bordering Aichi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture.”


    I studied the map as she highlighted the overlapping region. “They’re covering a significant range,” I muttered, noting how the colored boundaries stretched along the mountain ridges.


    If I recall correctly, Yuriko-san mentioned yesterday that each domain lord is responsible for any monster domains that spawn within a ten-kilometer radius of their domain. Thanks to the goddess’s blessing through the domain cores, no monster domain can appear within three kilometers of a domain core. However, beyond that protected zone, domain lords are still obligated to manage and respond to any emerging threats within their designated ten-kilometer range.


    “Right,” Yuriko-san nodded. “That place isn’t exactly close to where you encountered those monsters, but look at this—” She tapped a feature on the map, highlighting the mountain ranges and their winding pathways. “If those monsters were freely roaming along these ridges… the range eventually leads straight to this area.”


    I frowned, my gaze lingering on the screen. Yuriko-san pointed to an overlapping section of the two guilds’ territories at the end of the mountain range. The path led to a single, secluded village with a shrine—Onose Shrine.


    She shifted slightly in her seat, fingers hovering over the screen before tapping another menu. A list of reports appeared, displaying the latest updates on monster domain activity. “Just as you said, Meir-sama, it’s definitely not normal,” she murmured, scrolling through the data. “Look here.”


    The map updated, marking ten separate monster domains that had spawned around the village. A few more taps, and another detail emerged. Each of them had already been assigned a raid schedule for tomorrow under Seikishi-dan and Hoshimizu Guild.


    Her voice lowered, her brows furrowing. “Monster domains don’t usually spawn near each other like this. Not unless—” She hesitated, then looked up at me.


    I glanced at her, catching the sharp focus in her eyes as she finally asked,


    “What if those monster domains aren’t naturally spawning domains, but something that was…?”


    The thought lingered between us, heavy with implications.


    I leaned back slightly, exhaling through my nose as I mulled over the implications. The logical part of me wanted to believe this was just an unfortunate anomaly—a rare but natural occurrence. But another part, the one honed by my cautious nature and my master''s warnings, whispered otherwise.


    “If someone—or something—is forcing those monster domains to appear,” I said slowly, “then it changes everything.” My fingers tapped idly against the table, thoughts racing. “We can’t afford to just sit back and hope things go smoothly.”


    Yuriko-san nodded, her expression unusually grave. “The timing is too convenient. The dream pearl is there, the shrine is isolated, and suddenly ten monster domains spawn right after the higher ups flew to Europe?” She shook her head. “It almost feels like someone is setting the stage.”


    A chill ran through me at the thought. “And if that’s the case… then just waiting like Himura-san suggested might be the worst thing we could do.”


    We fell into a brief silence, the distant hum of the restaurant around us feeling strangely muted against the weight of our conversation.


    I exhaled, steadying my thoughts. “Actually, it’s one of our final chances to locate the ''hiding sheep'',” I admitted, my voice quieter but firm. “Losing it would mean gambling on an uncertain future. I don’t like gambling when something this crucial is within reach.”


    Yuriko-san’s brows furrowed in thought, her fingers resting against her chin. Then, as if something clicked in her mind, she straightened.


    “Wait a minute,” Yuriko-san muttered, her brows drawing together as realization struck. Her lips moved unconsciously, repeating the name under her breath. “Hoshimizu Guild… Hoshi...mizu… Hoshimizu?”


    I glanced at her, waiting for her to finish the thought.


    Then, her eyes widened slightly, and she turned to me. “Aiya Hoshimizu,” she said with certainty. “The investor we met last night—the one interested in funding your domain.”


    I blinked, processing the connection. “She’s part of Hoshimizu Guild?” My voice carried a hint of intrigue, though a part of me was already anticipating the answer.


    Yuriko-san nodded, exhaling as she gathered her thoughts. “Meir-sama… you didn’t really pay attention to the finer details last night, did you?” She gave me a knowing look before continuing. “Aiya-chan’s father—the man looking to invest in your domain—is the domain lord of Hoshimizu Guild.”


    I frowned slightly, recalling the conversation from the previous night. I had focused more on studying the case of Dream Pearl and Seikishi-dan Guild rather than paying attention to the finer details of the talk.


    Yuriko-san tapped her fingers lightly against the table, her voice dropping slightly. “And Aiya-chan isn’t just some ordinary guild member. She has plans to form her own raid squad that will be active in Southern Gifu Prefecture. That is, after her evaluation of on-the-raid trainee hunter. Well, that is what his father wants her to achieve.”


    I raised an eyebrow. “I see. So that is how her case was.”


    “She just graduated from hunter studies,” Yuriko-san explained. “But because of her family name—and her own ambitions—she’s being treated as an executive within the guild. She has a high-ranking position as a raid squad leader though her raid squad is not yet finalize and despite her lack of field experience.”


    That was an interesting piece of information. Hoshimizu-san had struck me as confident, but not overly assertive. Still, if she had the backing of her guild and was forming a new squad, she’d be eager to prove herself.


    I leaned back slightly, my mind shifting gears, my mouth eating pizza.


    “So what you are suggesting is that we ask Hoshimizu-san for help,” I asked. “If she’s trying to establish her own team, she won’t want to miss an opportunity to secure a successful raid.”


    “Exactly, Meir-sama. We can use her as a pretense to join their raids at the Onose Shrine as a support raid squad,” Yuriko-san said, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips. “And since we already have a contract with her, she has every reason to work with us.”


    I nodded slowly. This was more than just a connection—it was an opportunity. If Aiya Hoshimizu-san had influence in her guild, then bringing her into our plans wouldn’t just give us an insider—it might give us a direct means to act before it was too late.


    “We need to contact her immediately,” I said decisively. “


    Yuriko-san was already one step ahead, pulling out her phone. “I’ll message her now. Let’s see if she’s free to meet.”


    As she typed, I exhaled, already considering how to approach Aiya. She needed experience. We needed access. If we played this right, we could turn this into a win for both sides.


    And with something as critical as the dream pearl at stake, we couldn’t afford to waste time.


    Yuriko-san''s phone buzzed just as she finished typing her message. She glanced at the screen, then blinked in surprise.


    “Oh, she’s calling already,” she murmured before quickly answering. “Aiah-chan?”


    Her tone shifted, lighter, almost familial. It was a stark contrast to the serious conversation we had just moments ago. She leaned back slightly in her chair, holding the phone to her ear.


    “Hey, sorry for the sudden message,” Yuriko-san continued. “Are you free right now?”


    There was a short pause as Aiya responded on the other end. I could faintly hear her voice, though not enough to make out the words.


    Yuriko-san hummed, glancing at me before nodding slightly to herself. “Perfect. Actually, I wanted to ask you something in person. Can you come to Nagoya Bistro Sora? It’s not far from where you are, right?”


    She listened intently, her expression softening. “I promise it won’t take long. It’s about your first monster domain raid.”


    Another pause. Yuriko-san’s lips quirked up. “Great. See you soon, then.”


    She ended the call with a satisfied sigh, slipping her phone back onto the table. “She’s on her way. Shouldn’t take her more than fifteen minutes.”


    I nodded, glancing at the entrance of the bistro. The air was thick with the scent of freshly baked bread and simmering broth, a deceptively calm backdrop to the quiet urgency pressing against my thoughts.


    Fifteen minutes. Just enough time to plan how we’d steer this conversation.


    First, Yuriko-san and I changed clothes. Wearing suits felt too formal—this was supposed to be a friendly conversation, not a business negotiation but we are indeed subtly negotiating something.


    I switched to a plain black T-shirt paired with denim pants, simple and casual. Yuriko-san changed into a white blouse layered under a brown vest, matched with black trousers. It struck the right balance—relaxed but still refined.


    We went over our approach for the conversation while waiting for Hoshimizu-san. Exactly fifteen minutes later, she arrived.


    The first thing I noticed was her disheveled state—her expression was slightly frantic, and her jeans were torn.


    I immediately frowned. "Are you okay?"


    Despite looking a little flustered, she still greeted Yuriko-san with her usual energy, sliding into the seat beside her. "Hello, Yuri-chan~" she chimed, brushing a hand through her platinum ponytail. "Sorry, there was an accident on the way. Did I make you wait?"


    Did she just ignore me? By the way, an accident? That didn’t sound good.


    "Really?" I asked, leaning forward slightly. "You’re not hurt, are you?"


    She turned to me with a deep frown, as if I had just said something utterly ridiculous. "Of course, I’m fine." Her tone was sharp. "Why wouldn’t I be?"


    "You just said there was an accident," I pointed out.


    She gave me a blank look before casually waving a hand. "Oh, that? It wasn’t my accident. A truck in front of us hit some pedestrian."


    I blinked. "…Oh. I thought you got caught up in it because your pants were torn—"


    "What?!" She looked first at her pants and then glared back at me. "Don''t you know ripped jeans?!"


    I glanced at Yuriko-san for confirmation, clearly confused. "She’s wearing damaged clothes on purpose?"


    Yuriko-san chuckled. "It’s a fashion statement, Meir-sama. Designers intentionally rip parts of the fabric to give a more ‘stylish’ look."


    That explanation didn’t really help. "So people pay more for… already ruined pants?"


    "You just don’t get it." Hoshimizu-san rolled her eyes before narrowing them at me.


    Then she suddenly leaned forward, scrutinizing my outfit.


    Her expression twisted. "Wait a minute… can you please stand up?"


    I raised a brow. "What? Are you planning to insult my clothes in retaliation?" I grumbled, but I stood up anyway.


    Her eyes widened before she dramatically pointed at me. "Are you kidding me?! Did you copy my style?!"


    I looked down at myself—plain black shirt, denim pants—then back at her. She was wearing a black tank top and ripped jeans. Her ponytailed was tied up and she was wearing shades.


    Okay, I kind of saw the resemblance.


    "Why are we wearing the same fashion?!" she demanded. "It looks like we’re a couple and Yuri-chan is the third wheel who got dragged into this!"


    I groaned. "What are you even saying…?" Keeping up with this girl was exhausting.


    Yuriko-san, meanwhile, just covered her mouth, shoulders shaking as she tried (and failed) to stifle a laugh.


    "Alright, alright," Yuriko-san said, clapping her hands lightly to break the tension. "Before anything else, let’s order first."


    She gestured towards the menu on the table, subtly shifting the conversation away from whatever chaos Hoshimizu-san was trying to start.


    "We already had lunch," she added, looking at me for confirmation.


    Hoshimizu-san sighed dramatically, leaning back in her chair. "Same. I had a late lunch before heading out. Almost regretting it, though. That truck accident made me crave something sweet."


    "Then, let’s go for something light. How about strawberry shortcake?" Yuriko-san suggested.


    "That works." Hoshimizu-san gave a lazy nod. "And tea. Nothing too heavy."


    Yuriko-san flagged down a waitress, a young woman with a bright, polite smile, and placed their order.


    A few minutes later, the waitress returned, carefully placing their plates on the table.


    "Strawberry shortcake for you," she said sweetly as she set one in front of Yuriko-san, then another in front of Hoshimizu-san.


    When she reached me, I noticed a small detail—my shortcake had two strawberries, while theirs only had one.


    Before I could even process that, Hoshimizu-san was already snapping a picture of her dessert. "Presentation’s nice," she mumbled, adjusting the angle.


    Then, she turned slightly, lifting her phone for a selfie with Yuriko-san.


    "Smile, Yuri-chan~" she chimed.


    Yuriko-san, ever composed, gave a soft smile as they posed together.


    I waited.


    And waited.


    But the camera never once pointed in my direction.


    Hoshimizu-san lowered her phone with a satisfied nod. "Perfect."


    I raised a brow. "You didn’t even consider including me?"


    She shot me a flat look. "And why would I?"


    "I’m literally right here."


    "Exactly," she said with a smirk. "Which means you’d ruin the aesthetic."


    Yuriko-san let out a small laugh, covering her mouth politely.


    I sighed softly and picked up my fork. "Whatever. Let’s just eat and start."


    But just as I was about to take a bite, I noticed Hoshimizu-san suddenly narrowing her eyes at my plate. "Did you order extra strawberry?" She asked.


    "Huh?" I took a bite already. "Didn''t you guys order for my share also?"


    Then, without a word, she turned her head and glanced over her shoulder—towards the counter.


    Curious, I instinctively followed her gaze.


    There, standing behind the counter, was the waitress who had served us. She was staring directly at me, a small blush dusting her cheeks.


    When our eyes met, she hesitated—then gave a shy wave and a soft smile.


    I blinked.


    Hoshimizu-san exhaled sharply and rolled her eyes, turning back to me with a look of pure exasperation.


    "Favoritism?" she scoffed, motioning towards my double-strawberry shortcake. "This guy’s not even that handsome."


    I sighed, rubbing my temple. "What is even happening right now?"


    Yuriko-san simply sipped her tea, wisely choosing to stay out of it.


    Hoshimizu-san let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing her temples. "Ugh... why do problems keep popping up?"


    Yuriko-san tilted her head slightly. "Problems?" She glanced at me just as she asks. I paid attention to what Hoshimizu-san will say.


    "Nothing," Hoshimizu-san muttered, waving a hand dismissively. "Just guild matters. A bunch of new monster domains appeared at the same time. It’s a nightmare to manage while my dad and other higher ups is off in Europe. My mother’s the acting head of the guild right now, but even she’s struggling with the sudden problem."


    I stiffened. New monster domains appearing simultaneously. It was the same matter with the Seikishi-dan Guild.


    Across from me, Yuriko-san’s fingers lightly tapped against the table, her brows knitting together in thought.Our eyes met, silent understanding passing between us.


    Breaking the momentary silence, I started what we planned. "Have you found the Dream Pearl yet?" I asked, keeping my voice neutral.


    Hoshimizu-san’s entire body tensed. Her head snapped toward me, eyes widening in pure shock. "What?!" Her voice came out sharper than expected. "Where did you hear about that?"


    Yuriko-san held up a calming hand. "Wait, calm down, Aiya-chan. It’s not what you’re thinking."


    Silence filled us as Hoshimizu-san’s gaze flickered between us, still rattled, but now more wary than hostile. She was demanding an explanation, even if she hadn’t said the words outright.


    "Mikhail-sama entrusted this task to Meir-sama," Yuriko-san said evenly. "Securing the Dream Pearl was something Mikhail-sama has entrusted Meir-sama to do."


    It was not entirely true but in a roundabout way, considering the matters of the future, it all boils down to that anyway. In any way Hoshimizu-san’s expression shifted—her sharp skepticism now laced with uncertainty.


    Yuriko-san kept our explanation brief, summarizing what we had planned earlier on things to tell to Hoshimizu-san. We didn’t reveal too much, only that retrieving the artifact, dream pearl, was something Mikhail-sama has phropecized me to do.


    For a moment, Hoshimizu-san didn’t say anything. Then, her eyes suddenly locked onto the phone Yuriko was holding, staring at the image on the screen. It was the image of the token of the holy goddess. Her pupils dilated.


    "...Wait." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "That token..."


    She pointed at the picture on the phone, her hand trembling slightly.


    "That’s the same one my mother told me about." Her voice grew distant, almost like she was recalling something from long ago. "Mikhail-sama gave her a prophecy—one bestowed by his power as the Holy Saint."


    She took a deep breath before continuing.


    "‘Someday, a man carrying the Token of the Holy Goddess will come looking for Hoshigetsu''s Dream Pearl. And when he does… please help him.’"


    Silence settled over the table.


    Yuriko-san’s fingers curled slightly around her fork, her usually composed expression flickering with intrigue. My own thoughts were already racing, piecing together the implications of what Hoshimizu-san had just said.


    Mikhail-sama not only asked the Seikishi-dan Guild using the holy token, but also the Hoshimizu Guild as well that someone will come to retrieve the dream pearl. As I thought since earlier in the Seikishi-dan guild, has Mikhail-sama, with the powers of the Goddess and as the Holy Saint to dream of the future, perhaps foreseen through the future that much?


    While I was caught in my existential crisis, Hoshimizu-san, on the other hand, had an entirely different reaction.


    "So that person is YOU?!" she suddenly burst out, her voice rising in frustration and stress.


    I blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, why are you angry?" What is it now?


    "Of all people, it just had to be you?!" she fumed, crossing her arms. "The same guy who stole the future manager o my raid team?!"


    I sighed heavily, rubbing my temple. "Are we seriously still on that?"


    Yuriko-san covered her mouth, hiding an amused smile as she watched our back-and-forth.


    I exhaled, shaking off my irritation. "Anyway," I continued, "is the Dream Pearl safe?"


    Hoshimizu-san narrowed her eyes at me, still clearly annoyed—but despite her exasperation, there was a new weight behind her gaze.


    The prophecy had come true. And now, she had to decide what to do about it.


    Hoshimizu-san’s phone buzzed sharply, cutting through the lingering tension. She glanced at the screen, her lips pressing into a thin line before exhaling and picking up the call.


    "Hoshimizu Aiya speaking."


    Her posture stiffened almost immediately.


    "What? The shrine turned into a monster domain?"


    Yuriko-san and I exchanged a glance. Another one? Wait, Shrine? Is it perhaps the Onose Shrine where we hypothesized where the dream pearl is kept?


    Hoshimizu-san pinched the bridge of her nose, her fingers tightening around her phone.


    "What level is it?" A pause. "Level 5....?"


    My brow furrowed. That’s a low level domain? Considering that the ten surrounding monster domains around the shrine is about level 10 to 15, why is the one that stationed itself at the shrine a low level one?


    "But we’ve already scheduled all of our standby raid squads..." Her voice lowered, frustration creeping in. "How about the northern part? Have the 6th and 7th squads returned?"


    Another pause. Then, her face twisted slightly.


    "What? Not yet?"


    I watched as Aiya pulled the phone away for a second, inhaling deeply as if trying to restrain her irritation. The muscles in her jaw tensed before she put the phone back to her ear.


    "Alright. Re-evaluate the available teams and check with the reserves. No, don’t send them in yet. We need confirmation on the monster domain''s mana density first. Its abnormal that it is level 5 only. Confirm again via mana satellites and get me the latest readings in ten minutes."


    A sharp tap ended the call, and Hoshimizu-san let out a heavy exhale, pressing her forehead against her palm.


    From my seat, I could see the stress weighing on her shoulders.


    For a few moments, she said nothing, staring at the table as if mentally sorting through the chaos.


    I leaned back slightly, keeping my voice as gentle as possible. "...Onose Shrine?"


    Her head snapped up, eyes narrowing in surprise.


    "How do you even know that? It was a secret of our family and guild."


    "Through simple deduction and through Yuriko-san''s help." I gestured as Yuriko-san showed us the screen of her tablet, confirming that a new red circular reading was added at the JNHA mana satellite reading, exactly at Onose Shrine, the shrine we have guessed earlier.


    Hoshimizu-san let out a sharp sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Fine. You’re right. Happy?"


    I ignored her irritation and pressed on. "So all ten surrounding monster domains—each above Level 10—already have raid schedules?"


    Her fingers drummed against the table, the irritation in her voice giving way to exhaustion. "Yes. For better or worse, we’ve allocated our remaining teams and finalized the raids. I don’t know why all of this had to happen now, when my dad and the main squads are in Europe..."


    I watched her for a beat before speaking plainly. "Then I’ll give you a straightforward offer."


    She blinked, caught off guard.


    "If it’s really a low-level domain, I can help you clear it." I met her gaze head-on. "For the record, I’ve raided and cleared twenty-three monster domains—fifteen Level 3s, seven Level 4s, and one Level 5. Alone."


    Her eyes flickered with something unreadable—skepticism, maybe. Or calculation.


    Either way, she was now seriously considering it.


    Hoshimizu-san studied me, her expression unreadable. She was clearly weighing her options, but hesitation flickered in her eyes.


    Before she could speak, Yuriko-san leaned in slightly, her tone firm yet respectful. "Aiya-chan, please help us."


    Hoshimizu-san glanced at her, brows furrowing.


    "We need to secure the Dream Pearl," Yuriko-san continued. "This isn''t just about clearing another monster domain. That artifact is too important to be left unattended, especially now that it’s inside a domain."


    Hoshimizu-san let out a frustrated sigh. "I get that, but it''s not that simple—"


    "If something happens to the Dream Pearl," I interrupted purposely, my voice dropping into a serious, almost conspiratorial tone, "Mikhail-sama will be..."


    I trailed off deliberately, letting the weight of the implication settle. I don''t want to use him but I need a really heavy push now. Even if it means I''m subtly blackmailing someone.


    Hoshimizu-san stiffened, and I didn''t miss the way her fingers tensed against the table. The message was clear. Mikhail-sama wasn''t just some unknown figure—his influence was vast, his reach extending far beyond their guild alone. If anything went wrong because of negligence, the consequences wouldn''t be small.


    Silence hung between us for a moment. Then, with a sharp exhale, Hoshimizu-san pulled out her phone.


    "Mobilize our raid squads immediately," she ordered the moment the call connected. "We’re starting the raid today. As soon as possible."


    A muffled voice crackled over the line, questioning the sudden decision. Hoshimizu-san’s eyes darkened, her tone turning cold.


    "Contact the Seikishi-dan Guild and inform them of this decision as well."


    Another hesitant response.


    Her grip on the phone tightened. "I ordered it. I''ll talk to the acting head about this."


    With that, she ended the call and exhaled sharply, rubbing her temples.


    "Happy now?" she muttered, glaring at me as she dialed another call. Probably her mother to explain our case.


    I offered her a small, knowing smile. "You made the right call."


    She scoffed but didn''t argue.


    The raid was happening. And now, it was up to us to make sure the Dream Pearl didn’t slip through our fingers.