Even Yue was speechless when he saw her smile, and the others were also speechless.

Yue's words were rarely clear, as if he was searching for what to say.

Perhaps to change the atmosphere, Yue started to talk nonsense as usual.

"...Unfortunately, I will prevent that future. Kaori is destined to be single for the rest of her life."

Kaori yelled "Tsuki~!!", but Shizuku beside her laughed even more happily.

"Really? I think it's nice to have Yue around."

“…Hmm? Why?”

Yue and Kaori pinched each other's cheeks, and Yue tilted her head slightly to express her confusion.

Shizuku smiled brightly and said:

"Because you're clearly a rival in love, yet you like Kaori so much. I've always wanted to say thank you for being so kind to my friend, Yue."

"..."

“…Hmm, hmm, hmm…”

"It hurts!? Hey, Yue! It really hurts! It hurts so much!"

The Moon Queen blushed for some reason, as if to say, "I'm going to tear this soft cheek apart." Although Kaori's eyes were filled with tears and she was in great pain, no one tried to stop her.

On the contrary, they all had happy smiles on their faces when they saw that Yue seemed to be genuinely embarrassed, which was rare.

Seeing the reactions of the people around her, Yue's face turned even redder. Finally, she slapped Kaori in anger, and then—

“…Yeah, disband! Disband~~!”

She declared the late-night girls' party over.

Yue, her cheeks still blushing, walked in front, and the group walked along the corridor towards their rooms.

Shia and Ling were wandering around the moon in order to imprint the rare moon in their minds, while Tio was walking behind with a smile on her face.

Shizuku was watching them from a short distance behind, when suddenly a weight was placed on her.

"Kaori? What's wrong?"

The weight came from Kaori who was holding her from behind.

"...Shizuku-chan."

"What?"

Kaori rested her chin on Shizuku's shoulder and stared at her from a very close distance.

Shizuku blinked in surprise at Kaori's warm gaze.

Kaori narrowed her eyes and said to Shizuku:

"I like the frank Shizuku the most."

Shizuku thought that this was referring to what she had just said to Yue, and she blushed and turned her head away.

"...Don't mention it anymore. I also feel like I said something pretty shameful."

"No, that's not what I meant."

"? What are you talking about?"

Shizuku was confused and had a questioning look in her eyes. Kaori's face remained gentle, full of love, like a mother comforting a stubborn child.

Kaori hugged Shizuku tightly once again.

"You have to discover it yourself to make sense, so I won't tell you. But don't forget what I said. And when the time comes, remember what I said."

“…I don’t quite understand…but I promise.”

Perhaps she was satisfied, Kaori gracefully left Shizuku.

Shizuku felt an inexplicable uneasiness in her heart.

It felt like something deadly was approaching.

I always feel like there is an invisible existence watching me from behind.

Shizuku shook her head, waking up from the strange feeling.

Then, Kaori urged with a smile, "Okay, let's go back to the room and rest," and Shizuku nodded silently in agreement.

Shizuku still doesn't know──

Her hunch was right.

I don’t know my true feelings.

The young swordsman who is unable to be frank and loves to worry about others, does not know that her friend's words will save her again.

Postscript to Volume

Thank you very much for reading "Ordinary Occupations" Episode 9!

I am Bai Miliang, the original author who likes middle school students.

Well, whether or not you have read the online version, readers should have noticed that this episode is the first time that Ordinary Occupation is divided into two parts.

Because the original manuscript alone is nearly 200,000 words.

The reason was all due to Baimi's willfulness. Since it was going to be a book, I thought it would need some polishing and revisions to make the content as good as possible. I wasn't sure how many people would want to read it, but I thought a side story that would delve deeper into the characters was essential. And so it turned out like this.

If you readers like it, it will be my greatest joy.

In addition, this episode (including the next one) has a deeper portrayal of the inner thoughts of Hajime and the others due to the nature of the Great Labyrinth Trial and the fact that the story is nearing its end.

Describing a character's inner world well requires more than just describing a battle. Seriously, there were countless times I'd pointlessly paced around the room, rolled around, or wandered around the house...

Anyway, the first part of the Ice and Snow Cave Arc is finally completed.

I wonder what you readers think?

Especially Shizuku!

Awesome! I beat out my friend and got on the cover for the second time! So impressive! So cool!

And if more readers find her cute after reading this volume, I'd be really happy. Shirami can only pray that everyone will accept Shizuku who is a little more honest with herself.

The second part will delve into the inner worlds of the remaining members, as well as the others facing imminent danger. I apologize for leaving you in suspense, but please look forward to it.

I’m almost out of space, so I’ll just start with the acknowledgments.

※ In conjunction with the release of this volume, the fourth volume of the main manga, the second volume of the side story manga Zero, and the second volume of Ordinary Daily Life will also be released. (Editor's note: This refers to the Japanese publication situation.)

All of this is thanks to the efforts of Mr. RoGa, Mr. Atari Kamichi, and Mr. Misaki Mori. I would also like to thank Mr. Takayaki, the illustrator, the editor, and the proofreaders for their efforts, as well as everyone involved in publishing this book.

And we must not forget the readers who purchased this volume, as well as all the netizens!

Thank you for your support!

Please continue to support "Ordinary Occupations" in the future!

White rice

Volume 9 Bonus: Hot Nights in Feyalbergen

“Why? Why on earth!? Why did it become like this!?”

Unbelievable, filled with sadness.

I originally believed from the bottom of my heart that they were family, would always be companions, and would never betray me.

"Huh, asking why? That's ridiculous."

"Yeah, that's right. You're still asking why after all this. You've known this for a long time, right?"

"I don't understand. You're making it sound like we're betraying you. We weren't partners from the beginning, so how could there be any question of betrayal?"

Everyone laughed and the rabbit ears wiggled happily.

"How could this be...was this your original intention? Were your blessings to me all in vain?"

"You're so stupid, the blessing is sincere."

"Then why?!"

"That's obvious, you little idiot."

The cries of the rabbit ears echoed in Feyalbergen at night.

“Of course I’m jealous of you and the boss’s first night!!”

"First night! First night!" the soul's cry echoed in the still brightly lit streets. The residents wanted to yell, "Stop it! What time is it now?" but because of the sensitive content, they couldn't rebuke.

The people who were causing the alarm to the neighbors were, of course, the troublemakers—the evolved species of the bunnymen (?), and also the terrifying beheading rabbits—the Hauriyas. Incidentally, they were all women.

"Hey, Ms. Lana, what are you yelling about in the street? I'm embarrassed~ Hehe."

The person who pressed the rabbit ears against her cheeks with both hands and twisted her body shyly was, of course, the special individual who was confronting the women of Hauria—Shia.

"Um, what?! You look so happy! So cute, damn it!"

"It's just Shia! It's just Shia! I'm obviously the older one!"

"Sister Shia...can't you be kind enough to share your happiness with your sister?"

They are Lana, Mena, and Neya. Among the women of Hauria, they are the top three in terms of strength.

Also, behind Shia, the one holding his head in worry was the one they called the boss—Hajime.

Well, as to why this situation came to this, it all started with Shia becoming Hajime's lover. Shia finally got what she wanted, and of course she wanted to do what Hajime and Yue usually did.

They decided to hold the meeting tonight. However, the Hauriya tribe, skilled in intelligence, used their insignificant skills to obtain information, "Shia will finally marry the boss tonight!" and spread it. The male members held a party to celebrate Shia and Hajime, while the female members said, "Damn! I'm so jealous! Now we have to rush!"

"Boss! Please enjoy the feast in the rabbit harem tonight!"

"How could I possibly enjoy it?"

Hajime responded to Lana's proposal with a rubber bullet.

"Boss! It's okay! There's no difference between one rabbit, two rabbits, or dozens of rabbits!"

"Not even close, idiot."

The needle of the needle gun pierced Mina's forehead.

"Boss! How about we enjoy Shia-nee and I's sister bowl together!?"

"Where did you learn that word... No, I should say Neya, you're only ten years old! Do you want me to become a criminal?!"

"As long as there's love, age is nothing! And I love the boss! In other words, this is legal!"

"GO, HOME!"

Neya pouted like an octopus and rushed towards Hajime. Hajime grabbed her face and threw her towards home.

"Hey, Kamu! I know you're there! You're the clan leader, right? Think of a solution for me!"

The chief leaped down from the tree with a whoosh. Kam said with a shrewd expression:

"Excuse me, Boss! Men can't defeat united women!"

Even though the content was clearly pathetic, Kam asserted it with such force that even Hajime couldn't help but say, "Oh, oh, really? That's what you said...is that so?" and was almost convinced by him.

Even during this period, the female rabbits, like carnivores, showed ferocious eyes and gradually narrowed the encirclement because they wanted to interfere with Xia's virginity.

"Wuwu~ In that case, I'll just have to beat you all up into the sky and turn you into stars..."

What does Xia mean by this sentence, is she going to knock them away, or let them become stars in the sky to protect the world?

"No, anyway, I'm not in the mood anymore..."

Hajime's voice was dry, his mood completely chilled. Shia was devastated, her ears perked. If this continued, this long-awaited night would be ruined!

Just as Shia clenched her fists, thinking that she had to think of a solution—

"...Huh, little bunny over there, are you having trouble?"

"Ms. Yue!"

Yue appeared with a smug look on her face. She stood on the tree meaninglessly, posing as if to "punish you on behalf of the moon."

Yue performed a futile front flip and leaped from the tree, landing in front of Hajime and Shia. She had her back to them majestically, as if protecting them.

Then, she looked back at Xia, still with a smug expression on her face, and gave a thumbs-up.

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