"Still, it's pretty good timing that there's a full executive meeting the very day after I joined."
On the way to the regular meeting room, I tossed out the question that had been nagging at me.
"You're right—it is good timing. But it's pure coincidence. The meeting was already scheduled to report on the guided expedition. We held off on finalizing the newcomers' training until the last minute so we could present everything properly. And while I'm at it—off the record—this meeting was also meant to get approval to promote one of the three other escorts (excluding me and you) to the First Unit. The guided expedition doubled as their test."
I see.
So that was the "real reason" behind the question I asked before the expedition.
They wanted to see how the escorts would handle an unexpected crisis.
That was quite the high-stakes gamble...
One of those three might have been on track for promotion to the First Unit.
"Heh, you don't need to feel bad about it, Orun. All three already had their own parties—they had attachments there. Besides, this was off the record, so they didn't know. Honestly, we were hoping for a frontline attacker to join us anyway. Your addition is the best possible outcome for the clan."
If that's how it is, then I guess I don't need to dwell on it too much.
◇
We arrived at the meeting room.
I followed Selma-san inside.
The other participants were already seated—only two chairs remained empty.
A quick glance around showed everyone was relatively young. Average age probably in their thirties.
*Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky* had a history spanning over fifty years.
Normally, you'd expect more older members, but this was likely due to last year's incident—most of the veterans had been forced out.
I didn't know the details, but I'd heard the ones expelled had gotten involved in corruption and were punished by the leader himself.
The clan had gone through internal turmoil back then and lost a lot of momentum.
But over the past year, they were steadily regaining their former strength.
"Everyone's here. Let's begin the regular meeting. First, there's something I want to say to all of you."
I took the seat closest to the door. Once I sat, the leader confirmed the room was full and called the meeting to order.
"Most of you already know him, but let me introduce him properly. As of yesterday, Orun Dura has joined *Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky*."
At the leader's introduction, I stood up.
All eyes turned to me.
Most of the gazes felt like appraisals—sizing me up. It wasn't exactly comfortable.
"He was originally with the Hero Party as an adventurer but recently left them. I'll go into more detail later, but after leaving, he accompanied us on the guided expedition and—two days ago—single-handedly defeated the 92nd-floor boss, the black dragon. He's proven his strength."
The leader explained me carefully and politely.
"Beyond his combat ability, he possesses a great deal of knowledge we don't—especially about the 93rd floor, which we've never reached. What stands out most is that he effectively managed the entire Hero Party on his own. His combat power, knowledge, and management skills are all exceptional. That's why—though he's only just joined—I want to appoint him as Albert's successor and place him in an executive position. His membership in the clan and assignment to the First Unit are already decided, but making him an executive requires approval from at least two-thirds of the current executives. I'd like to put it to a vote here."
The praise was way more glowing than I'd expected... I felt a little embarrassed.
"Then let's vote. Those in favor of appointing Orun as an executive—"
"Leader, hold on."
Just as the leader paused for a breath before calling the vote, one of the attendees interrupted.
A bespectacled man in his late thirties, intellectual-looking.
"Before the vote, I want to ask the candidate himself about his resolve. Orun-kun, was it? Are you prepared to dedicate yourself to this clan? We have a considerable number of members. Your decisions could derail their lives. You're fully aware of that responsibility, aren't you?"
The man fixed me with a piercing stare.
His words carried the weight of someone who cared deeply about the clan—and who carried that same weight on his own shoulders.
I could spout pretty words and ideals.
But lying here would be pointless.
I'd speak honestly.
"I don't intend to dedicate my entire being to the clan the way all of you do."
A few faces twisted at my answer.
"But from the moment I joined, I've been prepared. When I became an adventurer, I made one vow: 'No matter how unreasonable things get, I won't lose anything important—and no matter the situation, I'll become strong enough to protect what matters.' As a member of *Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky*, I'll give everything I have to protect my comrades in any circumstance. Is that answer unsatisfactory?"
To me, the people in the organization mattered more than the organization itself.
This clan had over fifty years of history. The feelings of those who cherished it were important.
But what sustained the clan were the people.
Without them, the clan would simply cease to exist.
That's why I would protect the members.
Let the other executives handle protecting the clan as an entity.
"Has everyone reached their conclusion? Then let's vote. Those in favor of appointing Orun as an executive, raise your hand."
The leader called for the vote.
Every hand in the room went up.
And with that, I became an executive of *Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky*.