"Caroline—look at your comrades' faces."
"Hmm? —Ah..."
Her gaze followed mine—to Sophie and Log.
Both wore expressions they couldn't hide—confusion and pain.
Sophie looked on the verge of tears—heartbroken.
"The smiles you love so much? They're gone from those two right now. Know why?"
Caroline shook her head—trembling.
"Because you're hurting."
"But... the injuries..."
Her body started shaking harder.
"Not visible wounds. When you hurt—they hurt too. If this continues—their smiles will keep disappearing. Is that okay with you?"
"N-No... I don't want that! I don't want that! What do I do?!"
She trembled violently.
To her—losing others' smiles was the scariest thing.
"Simple. You say you're used to pain—so it still hurts, right? Then stop doing things that make you think 'it hurts.' When you feel 'pain'—Sophie, Log, and I feel it just as much. We're not used to it—so when it hurts... we can't smile anymore."
"I-I understand... I understand, so... I won't do anything that hurts anymore! So please... smile again... please... Don't hit me..."
Still terrified—tears streaming—she begged.
I forced a smile—and gently patted her head.
"Hii!"
She flinched—tiny scream.
Thinking it was a hit.
I kept stroking softly.
"It's okay. I'm not mad. No one's hitting you here—relax. Anyone who tries—I'll knock them flying. It's okay... it's okay..."
I repeated "it's okay" until she calmed.
◇
Sooner than expected—she settled down.
I'd planned more fights to assess teamwork—but impossible now.
Abandoned that.
"All right! We saw everyone's solo fights—so that's enough for today. We'll end here. Going forward—teaching every other day. On off days—you three can dive the labyrinth. But! Always together. No floor bosses. No going past 11th floor without my permission. And absolutely no recklessness. Those four rules—got it?"
Back in the original room—I laid out the plan simply.
"Understood."
Log answered for them.
"And on dive days—next off day is rest. Pushing doesn't equal growth. Play, relax—whatever you want. ...If you're bored—read. The Exploration Department's library has great books. Well-organized, easy to read—tons to learn."
When I said "do what you like"—Sophie's face stiffened.
So I suggested reading—but maybe she has no hobbies?
With that—dismissed for the day.
Caroline looked the same as before the dive on the surface.
Couldn't see inside her head—but no immediate explosion risk.
I headed to Estella-san's office.
"Master! Can I have a moment?"
Log stopped me as I left.
"What's up?"
"Well..."
He hesitated.
I waited patiently.
Finally—he spoke.
"Master... honestly—how strong am I right now? I want your real opinion!"
Why ask that?
But his eyes were dead serious.
No idea his intent—but trusting this morning's change—he wouldn't get cocky.
If he did—I could correct it.
And it'd test if he's truly changed.
"...You're already A-rank lower party ready—no issues."
"...I see. Hearing that from you gives me confidence. Thank you. —Then... will you teach me swordsmanship?"
...Huh?
Why sword now?
Thinks he's mastered enchanter already?
Still rough spots...
"...Why sword?"
"After seeing Caroline today—I realized she can't keep tanking. She charges monsters recklessly—but prioritizes others' happiness in daily life. Probably because she wants their smiles. If I can frontline too—her burden lightens. Plus—I want to become a versatile explorer like you, Master. Swordsmanship is essential for that!"
Not arrogance—thought for his teammates.
Makes sense.
Three-person party—two frontliners better.
Log—already sufficient enchanter—branching out is logical.
"I understand your thinking. But switching risks crumbling what you've built. Still want it?"
"Yes! Without risk—no progress. I'm prepared!"
I calculated party impact if Log switched.
He'd still need to buff.
But frontline fighting + buff management + command—impossible.
Sophie would command.
Too heavy for shy Sophie...?
"Your feelings are clear. But I can't decide alone. We'll ask the other two next time."
"You're right. Understood."
"...Even if you switch—no sword lessons. Understand?"
"Why?! No talent?!"
Sudden reaction.
Normal when told that.
"Not that. Martial arts—yes. But you'd dual-role enchanter. So—weapon that keeps distance fast. I'll teach spear—not sword."