Chapter 347: Miss Pico!
The next day, Korinna’s team sat around a round table in the Guild’s early morning quiet, having just finalized their contract for the day’s exploration. With the hall still mostly empty, it was a peaceful time to reminisce.
"Teach REALLY let himself loose yesterday, huh? I’ve never seen him that unguarded before. And now that I think back on it, yeah, I was kinda awful too… but seriously, who would’ve thought he’d end up giving me a piggyback ride!?"
"He’s usually so tense, like he’s always bracing for something," Daryl chimed in with a chuckle. "But not last night. Honestly, I like that version of him a lot more."
"…All the wine, worth tens of millions of G, ended up completely drained as a result, but judging by how happy everyone was, I suppose it was worth it," Leleia said, nodding to herself. "Tsutomu himself probably got a good break out of it. And Daryl… you looked about ready to melt when you got complimented."
"I did NOT!" Daryl protested, face red.
"It was quite endearing, like watching brothers bicker," Korinna said with a fond smile.
"M-Miss Korinna! Not you, too! Please, stop already…"
"It just reminded me that Tsutomu is human after all," Diniel added, and everyone nodded in agreement.
The previous night’s impromptu gathering had clearly left its mark, especially the sight of a tipsy, relaxed Tsutomu, so unlike his usual guarded self. He occasionally drank for the sake of company, but to see him truly intoxicated and actually enjoying himself had been a first.