Chapter 180 ⤞ A Man as Outstanding as "Me"

{ It's been a while, my disciple. I wonder if your skills have become rusty... }

"That's not right, Adam-senpai!" Kazuma pointed at the greeting Adam had just written and said with confusion, "Didn't you tell Anthony before he left not to tell others that he was your disciple?"

"Uh... sorry, I forgot."

A forgivable mistake, really. After all, he wasn't a god or blessed with perfect memory.

With all that had happened in Re:Zero, such an "unimportant detail" had slipped his mind.

But Kazuma was right — Anthony's discipleship needed to remain secret for now. The letter would have to take a friendlier tone rather than that of a mentor.

{ It's been a while, dear Anthony. Your exceptional demeanor remains unforgettable. Since we last parted, Axel still speaks of your legend... }

The words dripped with the artificial politeness typical of nobility.

Yet beneath the flowery language, Adam's main concerns shone through: he wanted to know if Anthony had kept up with his training and practice.

He also made sure to inquire about "Lalatina Ford Dustiness" — using her formal name rather than her nickname "Darkness" to maintain propriety.

He concluded with "Your friend, Adam Carter" and affixed his signature and seal to the envelope.

{ Axel Village, Viscount Adam Carter. }

This formal closing was crucial!

When writing to a Duke's family, even to a third son like Anthony, proper credentials were essential. Without them, a butler might simply discard the letter.

The title of 『Viscount』 carried particular weight in noble circles — sometimes even more than 『Hero』!

"Alright, the letter is finished." Adam sighed with relief as he set down his pen.

The task had felt monumental!

For those reincarnated into this world, their grasp of the writing system came through Aqua's "mind-altering magic". Yet even with this magical understanding, writing remained far more challenging than reading.

The mental gymnastics required to translate between Latin letters, Japanese, and this world's unique alphabet were daunting — though thankfully, the similarities between Roman letters and the local script made things somewhat manageable.

"Yoshi, let's go deliver the letter!" Aqua grabbed the neatly folded envelope, waving her hands enthusiastically, "Then we can go eat something nice to welcome Adam back, how about it?"

Though it was a rhetorical question, she had already decided this welcome-back celebration would happen.

To be honest, Adam was touched.

Really touched... until he heard her muttering about expensive sparkling wines. His warm feelings instantly turned to irritation.

Was he really less important than sparkling wine?

"That's right. Adam-senpai has been gone for two months, so we should definitely hold a proper welcome-back ceremony." Kazuma, unusually, didn't snap at Aqua and agreed to the party.

He was genuinely welcoming his leader back.

After all, with Adam's return, he would finally be freed from watching over these problematic children.

Megumin didn't say a word.

Ever since Adam had extinguished her passionate enthusiasm, she had been like a broken doll, expressing no opinions and merely following where led.

Just like now. Aqua gently pulled her along, and she followed with faltering steps and a completely dazed expression.

If Aqua hadn't whispered something in her ear that revived her spirits, Adam suspected she would have remained in this muddled state for days.

Of course, whenever it was time for "today's explosion magic", the alarm clock in her body would ring right on schedule, snapping her from her daze and turning her back into that feared "Crimson Demon Clan girl with a problem in her head".

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The streets were crowded with pedestrians.

When they spotted the 『 Hero 』 Party's eye-catching white uniforms and Adam walking in front, they halted their instinct to flee, their expressions changing as rapidly as masks in a drama.

This truly opened Adam's eyes!

He wondered what terrible misdeeds his party members had committed during his two-month absence to make people so fearful. It made him question whether his efforts to build their reputation had been successful or misguided.

He was rather perplexed.

They arrived at the Adventurers' Guild and called for service.

"What would you all like to order?" Her gentle voice flowed like a soothing melody.

The server who appeared before them was an unexpected person.

Luna.

Luna was known as the most popular desk clerk at the Adventurers' Guild, with roughly 300 adventurers queuing at her counter daily. She was, without doubt, the busiest person there.

And yet this busy clerk suddenly appeared before them during peak morning hours, when adventurers typically flooded in to accept quests.

What had happened?

They stared at her charming smile with puzzled expressions.

In just three seconds, she offered an explanation.

"I'm just an ordinary desk clerk, and I need rest too, don't I?" Luna said with a smile, "Please don't worry, I'm not being lazy. This is my break time, and other clerks are covering for me. If you don't believe me, you can ask them."

Though she didn't specify who "them" meant, everyone knew she was referring to the other desk clerks.

But that wasn't the issue!

Just moments ago, Luna had been at the counter. They had chosen the table nearest to the entrance, and the instant they sat down, she materialized before them.

This was clearly suspicious!

Aqua sensed trouble!

"Um... Miss Luna?"

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

"Your expression seems rather forced — quite different from your usual spring breeze demeanor."

"...S-sorry."

The "most popular desk clerk" couldn't maintain her smile, and merely standing her ground showed remarkable courage!

Still, she forced herself to stay, thinking to herself:

'I can't run away, absolutely can't! The "kingdom's most outstanding man" is right before me. If I don't seize this chance, I'll never have another opportunity to secure a marriage!'

That was her plan.

"Sigh." Adam let out a soft breath.

He understood that a man of his caliber naturally drew admirers like bees to honey — there was no hiding from it.

It reminded him of Stephen Chow's famous words:

"You think hiding here means no one can find you? It's futile. An outstanding man like you shines like a firefly in the darkness, no matter where you are..."

— Yes, that described Adam perfectly!

Ever since Kingdom Prosecutor Sena's sudden marriage proposal, Adam knew this would happen. He was well aware of his status as a "golden bachelor". He had hoped his two-month absence would dampen the enthusiasm, but it only intensified upon his return.

The stares from eligible women between the suburban mansion and the guild were enough to dazzle anyone — a clear testament to his desirability. Even his quirks couldn't diminish his appeal.

"Ahem, waiter, we'd like to order, thank you. Please bring us... blah blah blah." Aqua cleared her throat pointedly, asserting herself as a customer while rattling off an elaborate list of feast items.

"Well..."

"Didn't you hear me, Miss Server? Should I repeat the order?"

"No need. I remember everything."

"Then... hurry along!"

Though Luna clearly had more to say, Aqua's dismissal left her no choice but to leave.

Adam gave Aqua a grateful nod. He found it difficult to handle such earnest attention from beautiful women. While his heart had room for several potential candidates, Luna wasn't among them.

And so began the party!

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