I asked Lilia-san to take care of Greene-san and moved on with Anne-san. The Kruels were apparently mainly miners of gemstones and magic crystals, and they were hoping that they could be of some help in the business.

[……Umm, even though we’re good friends, I do feel apologetic for taking advantage of Kaito-san, but I got greedy because it’s such a valuable opportunity.]

[No, no, please don’t worry about it. I mean, in the first place, since this was my first time hosting a party, I decided to invite just about everyone I knew with who I had contact information, and the one who invited Anne-san and Greene-san, who barely knew anyone here, was me, so I should have thought about things more in advance.]

[Is that right? I thought you usually host parties like this……]

[No, this is completely my first time. Heck, I have almost no experience of going to parties like this. This time, I happened to receive this magic ship, so I was wondering if I could put it to good use.]

[Ahh, I see…… Unn? You received…… this magic ship…… Unnnn??? ……I must have misheard you.]

This isn’t something I thought of when I first encountered Anne-san as a member of the Black Muscats, but she’s actually a really good person, and even now, she still seems quite apologetic.

I really made her cower this time due to my lack of thought, and I hope things would turn out well for her if possible.

[Come to think of it, would it be better if they’re related to magic crystals than to be related to gemstones?]

[Ah, yes. Both involve mining, but magic crystals require more skill to mine than gemstones…… and umm, if one is good at it, they can easily get paid a lot of money. My union has really skilled workers, but we aren’t blessed with a lot of work, so I’m hoping we could get a job opportunity where we can utilize our technical expertise……]

[I see. I don’t know much about this, but are all of the Kruels basically involved in the mining business?]

[Indeed so. There are some who take on other jobs, but most of them would still be involved in the mining industry. As you may know, us Kruels are weak to sunlight, but on the other hand, we excel in dark places, being able to see clearly even in dark caves. In the first place, because we live underground and have abilities suited for mining, we’re naturally inclined towards such tasks.]

When I asked a little more about the Kruels, I learned that the Kruels are characterized by their small stature, their strength in dark places such as underground, and they’re dexterous people with strong physical strength for their stature, making them suitable for mining.

In addition, because they have difficulty with sunlight even though they aren’t nocturnal, preferring to be active during the day, it seems they find it challenging to pursue other occupations.

As we were moving around the venue, I happened to see Tre-san, who we were heading to, approaching our way.

[Ohh, it’s Kaito. Well, don’t you look happy there, were you looking for me?]

[Yes, I was just going to visit Tre-san……]

[Eh? You were really looking for me? I was just saying that completely at random……]

I really was looking for Tre-san, so when I answered that that was indeed the case, just like before, it seemed like Tre-san hadn’t actually predicted my actions, just saying things offhandedly, so she was genuinely surprised. How should I say this…… That’s just like Tre-san.

[Come to think of it, where’s Cento-san and Cien-san?]

[Both of them are in front of the stage, looking at artworks. I didn’t know what the deal was with those stuff, so I was just wandering around. If it’s a party Kuromu-sama is participating in, it’s generally safe, so there are often occasions where I go off on my own.]

[Ahh, I see, they did say they like ceramics and woodcraft.]

Alice showed me a list of the collections she’s exhibiting in advance, and there were pottery and woodworking items, so it’s understandable that Cento-san and Cien-san would be interested.

Well, in any case, it’s good to see Tre-san here. Let’s introduce her to Anne-san right away.

[Anne-san, this is Tre-san, the one I’m going to introduce Anne-san to. Tre-san, this is an acquaintance of mine……]

[……Arehh? Isn’t this one a Kruel? So you also knew someone among the Kruels huh, Kaito. I suppose this would be good timing……]

[Unn? Good timing, for what?]

I would certainly like to introduce Anne-san, but I got curious about that “good timing” Tre-san muttered, so I asked.

[Hmmm. Kaito, are you close with this Kruel girl?]

[We’ve only met a few times, but I think I can get along with her to some extent.]

[Fumu fumu, so Kaito, from your point of view, is this girl someone who can be trusted? You can just tell me what your hunch tells you.]

[Eh? Yes, I think she’s someone that can be trusted.]

[I see, thanks!]

After confirming all that with me, Tre-san’s expression changes to a crisp one and pulling out a business card from her pocket, she offers it to Anne-san with a smile.

[Nice to meet you, I’m Tre, serving as the Special Consultant of the Magic Crystal Division at the Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company.]

[Ah, yes. I’m one of the Kruels…… Huh? Eh? Seditch Magic Tool Trading Company’s…… Special Advisor?]

[Yes.]

[ ! ? ! ? ! ? ! ? ]

It might just be my imagination, but it seemed like Anne-san’s consciousness momentarily drifted away just now. And then, while glancing back and forth between the business card she was handed and Tre-san’s face at an incredible speed, she started sweating profusely.

<Afterword>

Serious-senpai : [She said “good timing”, and then introduced herself in work mode…… It seems like they’re gonna start talking about work.]

? ? ? : [As expected, Kaito-san has a knack for finding just the right opportunity, the way his fate turns is quite excellent. Anne-san could also expect significant profits here…… but well, ignoring the body blows that come with them.]

Serious-senpai : [He’s the type that brings good luck in exchange for stomachaches huh……]