Chapter 414: Family Expedition
"Yes. I feel the same."
Although there were still new worries ahead, Qiong Xing was happy that they could finally understand one another’s hearts.
After successfully completing the familiar contract with Mayo, they headed for the dungeon.
At that point, it felt less like an expedition and more like a family outing.
"Still, this is unusual. You actually accepted a request that wasn’t gathering medical herb."
Walking beside him, Leander looked down at Qiong Xing as he spoke.
It was true.
Almost every request Qiong Xing accepted from the guild involved gathering medicinal herbs.
To begin with, he barely even knew what other kinds of requests were available.
However, before coming to the dungeon this time, Qiong Xing had accepted a request from the guild in advance.
The reason was simple.
"The prime minister told me, ’You’re an adventurer, aren’t you?’"
A few days earlier, Qiong Xing had gone to help Sergei again.
During a break, he casually mentioned that he would be going to the dungeon with his family the next day.
"Come to think of it, you are an adventurer. I’d completely forgotten. What is it? Did that old geezer force some ridiculous request on you?"
"What a terrible thing to say. I would never do such a thing to my adorable grandson. You, perhaps, but not him."
"You old man."
Could those two really not have a normal conversation?
Besides, Qiong Xing did not remember ever becoming Mr. Paulo’s grandson.
"No. We just thought it would be nice for everyone to go out together once in a while."
Qiong Xing had recovered, and Mayo could now freely change size, so they had decided it was the perfect opportunity.
"...You’re going into a dungeon without even taking a request? Aren’t you an adventurer? Is there really something in there you want that badly?"
"..."
Sergei’s words made Qiong Xing realize that treating the dungeon like a sightseeing trip was, in fact, rather unusual.
Even Mr. Paulo was looking at him with curiosity.
"Even if it was by surprise, you defeated that muscle headed fool. You’re skilled with magic too. But dungeons are not nearly as safe as you seem to think they are."
The way Sergei spoke sounded as though he were lecturing a reckless child, making Qiong Xing feel even more discouraged.
"That’s right, that’s right. There’s no need for you to do anything so dangerous. I’ll give you as many requests as you want."
Just how frail did everyone think he was?
Still, perhaps they were right.
"I understand. I’ll stop by the guild and accept a request before we go."
Qiong Xing had never paid much attention to adventurer ranks.
However, if they were going to the dungeon anyway, it made sense to accept a request so they could at least gain something from the trip.
"That isn’t what I was trying to say..."
"This child has always been like this. Well, if those noisy old folks aren’t saying anything, then it should be fine. Be careful out there, and whatever you do, don’t get hurt."
Since Katarina and Sarin had raised no objections, Mr. Paulo seemed to have concluded that the trip was safe enough and sent them off warmly.
Qiong Xing could not help wishing that Sergei would receive even a small portion of that kindness.
"So I accepted a few requests that seemed manageable for me. Mr. Paulo also asked me to pull up any rare medicinal herbs I happen to find."
"...I’ve never met them, but if they’re worrying about you that much, they must be good people."
Mr. Paulo had certainly taken the opportunity to slip in his own request, but there was no doubt he genuinely cared.
"So this time, I’ll do my best too."
"Please, just stay still."
Qiong Xing tilted his head, wondering why, when Joa who had apparently been listening reached over and gently patted his head.
"You always end up causing something to happen whenever you get fired up. Just keep an eye on the kids and watch your surroundings."
"...I can fight too."
He was neither a helpless child nor a fragile woman.
When Qiong Xing insisted that he could take care of himself, Joa gave a wry smile and effortlessly lifted him into his strong arms.
"I know you can. We’re just worried. You were bedridden until recently, remember? Even if you’re feeling better now, we can’t help worrying. So just bear with it today. For our sake."
Hearing that, Qiong Xing could no longer argue and reluctantly nodded.
"Besides, Cari has been really motivated. It sounds like he and Albe have been working hard together. You should watch what they’ve accomplished."
"Rui and Yue too. Before long, it might be fine to let them carry something. Judging by their personalities, a bow probably isn’t suitable, so maybe a dagger."
Joa and Elias spoke with obvious excitement, but Qiong Xing’s feelings were complicated.
The children were working so hard, yet all he could do as their mama was watch from behind.
Even though he was a man, was that really enough?
"I already told you. Just for today, alright? I’m not saying you’re weak. The kids don’t think that either. We’re just worried. If anything happened to you, I wouldn’t be able to go on living."
"...I understand."
Qiong Xing had collapsed several times before.
Apparently, those incidents had left something close to trauma for all of them.
If their positions had been reversed, he would have worried just as much.
So, for today at least, he decided not to argue any further.
"If you’re feeling restless, then cook something delicious with whatever we bring back. Yue would be over the moon."
"Me too!"
For those two meat lovers, it would be the greatest reward.
"Please catch a big fish for Rui."
"Leave it to us!"
Their confident reply made Qiong Xing smile.
"Thank you."
"Now then... Mama would be very happy if you three could climb down soon..."
"Why?"
So that was their response.
His children tilted their heads innocently, looking genuinely confused.