Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

Besides, there are likely other rumors circulating about Belltina, so the princess was probably only providing the bare minimum information. Perhaps she even knows that Belltina is to be cut off upon graduation? I feel like she does, but refrained from saying it out of consideration.

Consideration for both Fiiyanamia’s daughter and Belltina.
She informs us of what kind of individual we are associating with, while still maintaining Belltina’s dignity. Well, we’re already aware of her circumstances, but the princess doesn’t know.

While Ciel and Princess Leshimiiya continued talking, Belltina was behind us desperately trying to explain her situation to Palra.
This was because Palra, despite probably having some suspicions prior, was greatly shaken after hearing that Belltina is a noble—much less one from an Earl house.

「B-B-Bell is, when Bell graduates… Actually, Bell has probably been already disowned by the family. That’s why Bell is not exactly a noble anymore… Bell is a failure, called Chilandia’s dead weight…. That’s why, Bell is nothing at all!」

Belltina said, trying to soothe her, but that’s a bit too much. On the other hand, Palra was barely able to respond properly, 「Umm, uhh… I… see.」 She seems to be still conflicted about whether it would be better for her to be more courteous or stay unchanged.

「So Bell would be happy if you continued treating me the same.」
「Umm, then, Belltina, is it really fine to treat you like before?」
「If it wasn’t, then Bell would have said it from the start… maybe…」

I’ll ignore how she muttered the last part under her breath. In reality, if Belltina truly found Palra’s way of speaking disrespectful, she likely would have given a warning at their first meeting. As long as they don’t have a twisted personality, most nobles would probably do the same. Those who get offended by commoners speaking to them casually, at least.

「Will your party be fine with only back-liners?」
「I’ll be on the frontline.」
「…Right, of course, Ailneige is capable of working solo.」

Turning my attention back to Ciel, they appear to be discussing party balance.
At first glance, Ailneige is a sorcerer, while Palra has a bow, making them both back liners. Meanwhile, the small Belltina doesn’t look like a front-liner at all.
And with Ailneige being smaller than Belltina, it does sound weird for her to be a front liner, but fortunately, Ailneige has a background of being an E-rank hunter, and the princess knows our identity as well. That’s probably why she didn’t really have much more to say.

Besides, the princess’ party is not any less imbalanced, as it consists of only four: Princess Leshimiiya, Rulinia, Rynaetra, and Munyechka’s doll, whom I have yet to know. They might gain more members, though.
Still, just judging by their appearance, none of the four really look like frontline combatants. That said, Rynaetra and Munyechka (Temp) can probably perform well in front. Since we’ll inevitably attract attention if we talk for too long, I was starting to think of how to end this when Rynaetra advised, 「Princess, it’s about time.」

「In that case, we’ll be heading out first.」
「We’ll be leaving after a bit. Take care.」
「Yes, take care as well.」

As the princess’ party left, we moved out as well.
While he’s a bit farther away, reporting to Ishparht would probably make the discussion end quickly.

◇◇◇

「So three people, then?」
「If I focus on being on the frontline, with my lack of experience, it should result in a good balance.」
「Opportunities to build up experience on that front are hard to come by, so I can understand the sentiment. Besides, with your ability, you all should be able to come home safely even when encountering goblins, right?」
「I can even repel a wolf, as long as it’s not a whole pack.」

As we reported our party composition to Ishparht, despite how our party appeared, he quickly deemed us acceptable. While the other teachers might also be aware of Ailneige’s background, Ishparht has actually faced Ail in direct combat, so he’s thankfully easy to talk to.
The durability of Ail’s barrier should be able to last for some time even against a pack of wolves, but it would be difficult if we simultaneously had to protect the backline members. Enveloping the two with barriers would be preferably left as a last resort, so Ailneige will necessarily have to kite the enemy around in general. And that would be impossible against a pack.

「U-um, will goblins appear?… Sir?」
「Let’s see. There are generally no monsters around, but you might happen to come across a stray goblin once.」

Palra inquired with her best attempt at polite speech, which Ishparht replied to with an ominous answer. I guess we’ll encounter at least one goblin on the way and back.
While I felt bad seeing Palra with a fearful look upon hearing this, the name of a certain Job popped into the corner of my mind. However, leaving that aside for now, I had Ciel ask Ishparht something I was curious about.

「Is there only a single route?」
「There are several routes, but one is more obvious than the others.」
「Understood. Now then, we’ll be taking our leave… Are you two fine with that?」

Ciel turned to Palra and Belltina for confirmation—after I advised her. Palra took the initiative to ask a question earlier, so she might have other questions in her mind.
Fortunately, the two of them nodded in agreement, but rather than it being because they have no other questions, it felt more like they’re just too anxious to ask further.