It was easy to forget when there was such a harmless sight present before you, but <Solitary Kitten Dungeon> was ultimately a dungeon. Furthermore, it's also our first Intermediate-mid dungeon.
So, I would really prefer if members could be more vigilant, but as far as I could see, it was a hopeless situation.
"Perhaps, it was a blunder to choose <Cat-Dun> as the first target."
"What are you saying Zephyr? It's a huge success!"
"That's right, Zephyr-kun, look how cute these cats are."
"If only they were just cute," I thought. But I know if I say it out loud, I would become the enemy of all girls so I kept my mouth shut. Lana and Hannah already seemed to be content with just that. It would be a problem if they lost all their motivation to fight.
"A cat in the forest~
I turned around~ And there is one more cat in the forest~?"
Ah, and there it is, they have even begun to sing! The one singing seems to be... Lulu?
What to do. We don't have all the time of the world in our hands, so I would really like to put our exploration in motion. But all the girls were having so much fun. And stealing away their fun goes against my creed!
As my expression shifted over and over, contemplating on what to do, Sierra called out to me, looking dumbfounded.
"Zephyr, let's set a time limit. Once the time is up, we shall begin with our exploration."
"Oh my goddess, Sierra!"
At the juncture of the dilemma, I saw the reflection of a goddess in Sierra. As expected of the <Eden> submaster who was always there to help me, I lowered my head to her.
"Goddess, that's...... you're exaggerating, Zephyr. That much is also the work of the submaster. So there's no need to make such a big noise."
When I looked at her with a sparkling gaze, Sierra shifted her gaze and hurriedly explained. Her cheeks look a bit......flushed?
"Grrrr."
"Sierra-san is really formidable... so casually earning points......"
"I-I am not doing this for points or anything. It's just work."
"Guilty, you are obviously trying to earn the point!"
"It's sly of you to hold that position! Sierra, change it with me!"
"No way."
Behind me, Lana, Hannah and Sierra seemed to be quarrelling with each other but I didn't hear them clearly as I went around informing everyone that they had ten minutes before we began our exploration.
A look of reluctance flashed on everyone's face, but they decided to rather enjoy than wasting their precious time. I was glad I didn't need to persuade them further. It's really great to have someone like Sierra.
And then, ten minutes later, everyone gathered at one place.
"Alright, it's time. ......What's wrong, you guys? You look so out of breath."
"Huff It's fine. Don't mind us."
"O-Okay."
For some reason, Lana, Hannah and Sierra were huffing for breath, which was quite a rare sight that that hardly happens outside of excruciating tasks. Did something happen while I was busy informing others? I wondered, but ultimately gave up after being told to not pay attention to them.
"Very well, some might be reluctant, but it is what it is. Let's start! Everyone, make sure to not fall behind!"