First Encounter
I headed to the address Lisa gave me to meet a new Journey member.
The address led me to a building in NOA's downtown area.
Lampadis Investigations, huh...
A long line of people stretched out in front of the building.
It seemed like they were lining up for the bakery on the first floor.
The address I had was for the second floor, but with all these people, the entrance was completely blocked.
Where am I supposed to go...?
Aaaah...! Now that's a face I'm happy to see!
...?
Ahaha! I was just passing by and spotted a familiar face. You remember me, right?
Huh...? We took a few quests together before...
Yeah, that's right. So you do remember.
Since we ran into each other, can I ask you for a little favor...?
A... favor...?
Ah, it's nothing big. See that guy over there?
The poor country bumpkin's never had the chance to try the limited menu at this bakery, Street Bakers.
So, can you switch places with him?
But... I woke up early to line up for the limited menu too...
Aw, but you live nearby, right? You can just come back and get it another time, yeah?
...
Wait, are you still carrying around that doll?
Wasn't it something you got as loot from that Raider hunt quest...?
Wait, they gave you a rag like that as loot?
Pfft! That's too cruel!
...He's not a rag. His name is Mr. Rabbit.
Huh?
His name is Mr. Rabbit.
...Well, whatever. Thanks for giving up your spot!
Hey! Don't try to cut in line!
Ahaha! I'm with her.
She was just holding my spot, that's all.
Right, Lily?
The shady-looking man casually put his hand on the girl's shoulder, smirking.
...The girl holding the stuffed rabbit must be the Journey member I was supposed to meet.
I don't know all the details, but it's clear from her expression that she's in trouble.
I can't just stand by and watch my Journey member struggle—
...Right. I guess I have no choice. I'll move to the back—
...!
M-Mr. Rabbit...?
...You can't call people trash.
You mustn't say such awful things, Mr. Rabbit.
Imagine how much it would hurt if they heard you say that.
Even if he did lie and cut the line to get the limited bread...
Maybe he just really, really wanted to try it.
...What?! What did you just say to me?!
Trash???
Ah...! N-no!
That wasn't me... It was Mr. Rabbit who said that!
Mr. Rabbit has a bit of a foul mouth, you see.
I'll apologize on his behalf.
There, there, Mr. Rabbit. Remember what I said? You'll hurt people's feelings if you say things like that.
Please apologize to him.
...What's that, brat?
You trynna mess with me? Huh?
Enraged, the man reached out to grab Lily...
The doll's eyes flashed, and Lily twisted the man's arm in a split second.
Gyaaah!
O-oh no!
...What just happened?
Lily hurriedly hugged her doll tightly and bowed her head in apology.
I'm sorry...! I'm so sorry!
Mr. Rabbit...
No matter how angry you are, hurting people is wrong!
You can't just control my body without asking!
The man clutched his bent arm and stared up at Lily with terrified eyes.
Y-you're nuts...!
Y-you'll pay for this...!
The man fled without looking back.
Mr. Rabbit. I didn't give you permission to—
What...? You couldn't stand it anymore so you just acted on your own?
But... it's still wrong.
Mm... I know he was being a jerk and treating me like a fool, but even so...
Muttering to the stuffed rabbit in her arms... this girl really is something else.
Excuse me...
Hmm? Can I help you?
Are you Lily?
Yes... but who are you?
I'm—
Huh? Mr. Rabbit, you want me to guess?
Hmm... All right! Let's give it a try!
You're wearing a black hoodie... and carrying a huge, odd-looking weapon.
Since you came up to me first, you must know me somehow...
So, from gathering all the clues, you are...!
A mercenary I worked with on a quest before!
...
Ah, Mr. Rabbit, you are saying it's obvious he's the Journey Captain?
Now that you mention it...
That's right.
I see...! Hello, Captain!
I'm Lily. I look forward to working with you!
Hngh... That's so mean, Mr. Rabbit! I'm not dumb...!
If you gave me a little more time, I could've figured it out!
Probably... I think?
The limited menu's sold out for today!
Aaaah...?! It's already sold out...?
Hngh... I really wanted to get it today...
Is this place that famous?
You mean... you don't know about Street Bakers, Captain?
They only bake 221 loaves a day! The limited menu is insanely popular...!
You need to line up at dawn to even have a chance at getting it!
Hmm? Mr. Rabbit? You're asking why I didn't ask Cream to save a few for me?
Well... Cream is really kind, so if I asked, she probably would have...
But if I did that, other people wouldn't get a chance, right?
Everyone waited so patiently to get their bread. That wouldn't be fair!
Lily turned and scolded Mr. Rabbit with a firm look.
So... Mr. Rabbit, was it?
Oh, right!
Mr. Rabbit, say hello to the Captain too.
Lily grabbed Mr. Rabbit's head and made him bow.
Can you... really talk to Mr. Rabbit, Lily?
Yes. He's actually talking right now!
Mr. Rabbit just said, "Pleased to meet you, I guess," Captain!
Mr. Rabbit, you have to be polite, okay?
Now, apologize properly!
Lily forced Mr. Rabbit to bow again, putting on a stern face.
...He doesn't move on his own, does he?
Ah, no. Mr. Rabbit can't move by himself!
But he can borrow my body sometimes...
Ugh! Though sometimes, he takes control without asking...
You can't do that, Mr. Rabbit!
...I see. So that's the story. Makes sense.
By the way, Captain...
Yes?
Have you been feeling a little stiff lately?
H-how did you know?
Ehehe. Mr. Rabbit has a knack for these things!
He says that your shoulders are slightly uneven...
And the heel of your left shoe is more worn out.
So, he concluded that your body balance is a little off!
...What's that, Mr. Rabbit?
The fold marks on one side of the hoodie... are from stretching a lot?
...That's pretty accurate, actually.
Ehehe. I may not look like it, but I'm an assistant investigator at Lampadis Investigations!
"Being observant is a key skill for a detective!"
...At least, that's what Detective H says.
So... what exactly does Lampadis do?
Ah! I almost forgot the most important part!
Well... Lampadis is...
I think it's probably faster if I show you rather than explain...
Once training is over, let's visit the office together, Captain!
Sure.
Lily hugged Mr. Rabbit tightly with a happy smile.
Watching the two of them together... I found myself lost in thought.