Depths of the Otherworldly Labyrinth (WN) – Chapter 287

The labyrinth exploration, disguised as a hand-holding date, continued until the time limit. To be precise, we planned to return before the morning when the ship’s crew would wake up.

Today’s labyrinth exploration was up to the 40th floor.
I wanted to go deeper if possible, but I decided not to push myself.
Considering the time, I think it was a pretty good clear time. It was probably thanks to the full dash we did during the chase in the early stages.

Upon reaching the 40th floor, we passed through a 《Connection》 and returned to the ship’s deck.
Unlike when we entered the labyrinth, sunlight was streaming in from the horizon. The light stung my eyes, which were sensitive from staying up all night. As I squinted and adjusted my body’s internal clock, I noticed a visitor on deck.

In the center of the deck stood a young knight and maiden, looking up at the ship’s mainmast.
It was Rainer Helvirshine and Ragune Kaikuola.

Ragune-chan, noticing us before anyone else, turned her face towards me and Rustiara and greeted us.

“Oh, you two, good moooorning. Sorry to intrude!”

She bounced up and down on the spot, her short brown hair flying as she waved energetically.
Rustiara responded and started running.

“Ragune-chan is here!!”
“Ojou! I’m here too!”

Ragune-chan spread her arms wide to receive her, and Rustiara leaped into her embrace. I had heard that the two had been master and servant since they were born. Without minding the eyes of others, they rejoiced in their reunion with their whole bodies.

I calmly greeted my knight.

“Rainer, you’re back already?”
“Yeah. I left the cleanup to Fedelt, and he happily took it on. It finished faster than I expected.”

Rainer, looking as exasperated at the boisterous greeting next to him as I was, gave me a report from the Allied Nations of Valt Fuziaze.

“Fedelt? I see. We went through a lot, but I really feel like I was indebted to Fedelt this time… I should thank him properly when I see him next.”

I had heard that Fedelt would be returning as administrator of the Cathedral from Rustiara, but it was a pleasant surprise that he would take the initiative to handle the cleanup.
I should bring him back some souvenirs from the mainland next time I see him.

“No, I think… he probably hates you immensely, so it’s better not to… We put him through a lot this time too…”
“Ahaha… he’s still angry…?”
“Since I gave him all the good parts this time, it probably won’t be as bad as before… If anything, he might hate me more for emphasizing that I shouldn’t do anything strange.”

Rainer smirked, lifting one corner of his mouth like a villain.
His right hand, twitching slightly, was not missed by the 《Dimension》 which had become sensitive from just leaving the labyrinth. From his wicked expression and his hands opening and closing as if recalling something, I could tell that Rainer had been quite intimidating.
It seemed that while I was leisurely going on a date, Rainer had been working his heart out.
I thanked him for that, and for leaving Rustiara in Valt Fuziaze a month ago.

“Thank you, Rainer. –No, that’s not right. Good work, Knight Rainer. Thanks to you protecting Rustiara while I was away, we’re able to be on this ship.”

I tried to praise him a bit dramatically, like a knight’s master.
Rainer, perhaps surprised by my unusual behavior, widened his eyes, then quickly turned his face away and mumbled a reply.

“…Well, it’s an honor, I suppose.”

A rather unyielding young knight.
However, it might also be due to my lack of words.
I wanted to express my gratitude much more, but I didn’t know how to interact with knights from this other world. Rainer wasn’t the type to be pleased with gifts or money, and I didn’t know how to give him formal rewards.
After a moment’s hesitation, I watched Rustiara twirling Ragune-chan, whom she had picked up, and took a step towards Rainer.
Perhaps anticipating what was about to happen, Rainer immediately showed genuine displeasure and reached for the hilt of his sword, readying himself.

“Wait! That’s only for those two! Don’t do that! Seriously, stop! Think about who’s on this ship! Also, there’s no escape from here!”

It seemed that Rustiara’s way of interacting with knights wasn’t a very good role model.
Rainer’s desperate refusal made me give up with sincere regret.
And so, instead of thanks or rewards, I moved on to the next topic.
That was about Ragune-chan, who was being hoisted in the air by the others.

“By the way, why is Ragune-chan with us?”
“Ah, you can think of her as a replacement for Sera-san, who’s not here right now. It would be bad for appearances if Rustiara, who’s on sick leave due to ill health, had no escort. So, it was decided that the strongest knight in the Cathedral would be dispatched. She’s also serving as a lookout and reporter.”

That’s why she came to the ship with Rainer.
It was better than being assigned a knight I’d never met, since we weren’t strangers.
As I thought this, Rainer said something blunt.

“–That’s the official reason, but the real reason is probably that Fedelt dislikes her, and she has no place in the Cathedral, apparently. Ragune-san.”
“Rainer, please stop exposing my harsh Cathedral circumstances… Even as the head of the Seven Knights of Heaven, it’s family status and connections that matter in the end.”

Before I knew it, Ragune-chan was right beside me, looking into the distance.
The Valt Fuziaze Cathedral was a completely hierarchical society.
It must be tough without backing.
Also, I heard that the reputation of the Seven Knights of Heaven had slightly declined after the incident a year ago. As the mastermind of that incident, I couldn’t laugh.

“Um, yes, ‘Aikawa Kanami Christ Eurasia Valt Fuziaze Von Walker-‘ sama. For a short while, I would like to fill in for Sera-senpai. Please grant me permission to stay by your side. Please.”
“Of course. You’re welcome, Ragune-chan.”

If I had refused, it would undoubtedly have been very pitiful, so I welcomed her with a smile.
“Ugh, my boss is gentler than ever. I could almost shed a tear. Please take care of me. And, please be the backing for the rest of my life. My hardships will continue even after this job is over.”
“I don’t know about backing, but I’m rooting for you, Ragune-chan…”
“As expected, Older Brother! You’re as reliable as ever!”

When I affirmed, she rejoiced, her gloomy expression from before completely gone.
As I frowned at her use of “as expected,” Rustiara snatched Ragune-chan from my side.

“Alright, settled! Then, Ragune will share a room with me! Since she’s an escort, we’ll be together until you get used to it.”
“Mmm, the same room as Ojou? I don’t mind. Ah, it reminds me of my Cathedral days.”
“Yes, yes. … Because it’s dangerous if we’re not in the same room.”

As Rustiara was about to bring Ragune-chan into the ship, she mumbled her true feelings.
It was the danger of “what if” that Rainer next to me was most concerned about.

“Dangerous? Are you carrying something dangerous on this ship?”
“I’ll tell you what it is now. So, Kanami. Before I sleep, I’m going to brag to Dia and Snow about our date.”

She seemed to intend to dangle a spark in front of our walking bomb to make her understand the danger without misunderstanding.

“Are… are you going to report it…?”
“No secrets between us! That’s the direction I’m thinking of going… Plus, this way everyone else will find it easier to do things.”

My true intention was to keep it a secret, but Rustiara grinned, indicating this was something she absolutely wouldn’t compromise on. From her expression, I understood that reporting it was part of her date plans.

“…Is that the main objective?”
“No. It’s all completely my main objective.”

Rustiara corrected me assertively.
With this, according to her plan, Snow and Dia would be able to act much more freely starting tomorrow. They would be able to make their selfish requests more easily. It was one step closer to the ‘perfection’ that Rustiara desired.

She’s calculating.
Though she’s easily misunderstood, Rustiara isn’t a thoughtless charge. It’s the opposite. She has an intelligence that works her mind before her body.
In reality, she’s more of an indoor person who prefers books to exercise. If there were games from my world in this world, she would surely be playing them endlessly in her room instead of convoluted labyrinth explorations.

In short, like me, she has a complicated personality.
As I basically dislike keeping secrets, I couldn’t stop her policy and watched the two of them leave.

“Well then, shall we go? I’ll give you a tour of the ship as well.”
“Yes. During that time, I’ll do my best to escort you.”

One pair of master and servant disappeared into the ship, leaving another pair of master and servant on the deck. Rainer, the knight beside me, looked a bit exasperated.

“Christ, were you just on a date?”
“Yes… In the labyrinth…”
“That’s… well, that’s a good thing… It’s great that you two are close. …However, I suddenly remembered an urgent matter, so I’ll go and follow up with Fedelt in Valt Fuziaze. Call me when you arrive.”
“–Magic 《Default》.”

I pulled Rainer back with dimensional magic as he headed towards the 《Connection》 to Valt Fuziaze installed on deck.
I wouldn’t let him escape.
I was extremely worried about what Rustiara had said about bragging, but honestly, I was more worried.
Protect me as a knight, Rainer.

“Hmph, I can’t escape… Damn it! This is the second time, but this is too scary…!”
“…During that time, the 《Connection》 linked to Valt Fuziaze is unnecessary, so let’s make it disappear.”
“Ah, ah! You bastard!!”

I mercilessly dispersed the magical door, no matter how rudely he cursed. As long as the 《Connection》 left in Valt Fuziaze wasn’t gone, I could recreate this door as many times as I wanted. In other words, it was impossible for Rainer to flee abroad without my permission.
I used a flimsy excuse to reprimand Rainer for his attempted escape.

“…Rainer. It’s not commendable to try and escape alone, leaving Ragune-chan behind. Since you brought her, you should protect her properly.”
No matter what happens from now on, Ragune-chan will be involved. I want to entrust her escort to Rainer, who is probably the most level-headed.
However, he refused the request with a shake of his head.

“…No, Ragune-san is strong, so you don’t need to worry that much. She’s definitely not someone who would die here.”
“Eh. Even so, judging by the Status I just saw, she’s not that…”

【Status】
Name: Ragune Kaikuola HP 173/173 MP 39/39 Class: Knight
Level 18
Strength 3.88 Stamina 4.21 Dexterity 12.01 Speed 5.67 Intelligence 7.82 Magic Power 1.72 Aptitude 1.12
Innate Skill: Magic Control 2.19
Acquired Skill: Swordsmanship 0.59 Divine Magic 1.12

It was around this level.
After a year, she seemed to have grown moderately at best.
Frankly, I had lingering doubts about whether she could survive on this ship.

“–Christ. Even if her Status isn’t that high, Ragune-san is strong. For example, that Tiara-san, she evaluated her more highly than anyone else here. That saint.”

But he continued to shake his head, implying that such Status was unreliable.

“You can think of it as having an indescribable strength of heart.”

Does that mean he’s saying her ‘numerical value that doesn’t appear in numbers’ is high?
Rustiara had also said something similar, but she seemed to have a sharp talent that others lacked.

“She might be good at surprising people… And at getting by in the world too.”
“Be careful. People like that are the true strong ones in this world.”
“…I understand.”

I thought he really wanted to run away leaving Ragune-chan behind, but then I realized he was worried about me, and nodded solemnly.
It was as if Ragune-chan was stronger than me, Rustiara, or the others.

“I’m glad you understand. …And I won’t leave Ragune-san behind either. What I said just now was a joke.”

Rainer, looking resigned, approached the ship’s mainmast again. Then, his eyes turned to the sea chart and compass (or rather, a magical tool) on a table nearby.

“…Right. I’ll do some ship chores until we reach our destination. As the Wind Knight, there are many things I can do on a ship.”

At the same time, he began to direct the wind towards the ship’s sails with wind magic.
His movements were fluid, suggesting experience in sailing.
And that magic reminded me of Titty, the “One who steals the logic of the wind.” It was a delicate manipulation of the wind, befitting of her disciple, which increased the ship’s speed.
If I left it to Rainer, the voyage while I slept would be no problem.
I decided to return to my room with peace of mind, but before that, I made a suggestion.

“Oh, Rainer. Do you want to share a room with me like Ragune-chan?”
“Are you serious…?”

He looked at me with narrowed eyes while gazing at the sea chart.
Rainer refused with a look of exasperation.

“Can I stay in the room of someone who has just started dating? I’ll rent a room for myself.”

Tsk, what a shame.
I didn’t show any change in my expression, but I clicked my tongue inwardly.
It was an overly unnatural suggestion for this point in time.
Giving up on sharing a room, I plotted to find other ways to increase the time I spent with him. Against Rainer, I even planned to use all sorts of trump cards like the skill ‘Deception’. But he saw through my thoughts and warned me.

“Before you say anything, I’m not going into the labyrinth either.”

Saying he wouldn’t accompany me on labyrinth explorations, Rainer approached the ladder leading up to the mainmast. He was clearly preparing to escape.

“You know that. An immense magical power is moving towards the deck right now.”
“…They’re coming after all?”

Rainer’s sensitive senses seemed to have detected a presence within the ship that was too powerful. It was easily detectable even without 《Dimension》.
I tried not to think about it as much as possible, but reality was harsh. I felt sure that Snow and Dia, whom Rustiara had provoked relentlessly, were coming. They had a familiar magical power that wouldn’t allow me to return to my room.

“Going on a labyrinth exploration with someone like that is suicidal. If you invite me, do it without them. If it’s the two of us, then perhaps I won’t mind.”

It seems our female companions are truly difficult for Rainer.
I’ve thought recently that he might have developed a slight fear of women due to Nosfy and Titty. And it seems my companions are being treated on the same level as those troublemakers.

–I can’t deny it.
I understand Rainer’s feelings well, so I decide to back down this time.

“Alright. I’ll invite you when it’s just the two of us.”
“Please do that. Then, I’ll be evacuating to the watch post on top of the mast… Don’t die.”
“No, I won’t die easily. Everyone’s getting along well lately.”
“There’s nothing more unbelievable than your definition of ‘getting along well.’ In any case, remember that they are walking weapons, and a lump of fuel capable of easily burning down an entire country. You have a tendency to ignite things unconsciously, so speak with extreme caution. I repeat, do not die.”
“Y-yes…”

Rainer layered his admonishments like one would worry about a wayward child.
Rainer’s trust in me was so thin that I felt sad. The reason was undoubtedly Tiara’s great revelation yesterday. When it comes to human relationships, my trust has sunk below the mantle.

Watching Rainer disappear up the mast with the navigation tools, I gave up on returning to my room and sat down on a nearby chair.
I looked up at the clear blue sky, squinted at the sun illuminating me, listened to the sound of the waves, and calmly accepted my fate, waiting for my companions to come up to the deck.

Today, I would be able to fall asleep a little later.

A short update. I expect short updates to continue due to various circumstances. I apologize.
This chapter marks the end of the party introduction for this arc.
I must hurry to the Great Holy Capital…