After successfully conquering the Krater Labyrinth, we took a short break before heading to the Hunter’s Guild Krater Branch to report and sell our spoils.
The fact that the guardian was a Demise Species was somewhat expected, so we weren’t too surprised, but rather met with understanding. However, the underwater corridor of the 12th Level and the miniature garden of the 13th Level, with their unusual structures and extremely ferocious monsters, did elicit considerable surprise.
Regarding the sale of materials, the Krater Branch, being the closest to the Krater Labyrinth, has received a generous budget for several years. They also find ready buyers for most of the materials they acquire, so their funds are currently abundant.
Even so, they informed us that with monsters ranging from A-rank to O-rank present, they unfortunately couldn’t purchase everything.
This was only natural, and we hadn’t intended to sell everything in Krater anyway, so it wasn’t an issue for us.
That day, after finishing our report, we returned to Alka and rested. The past week had been entirely dedicated to conquering the Krater Labyrinth, and with monsters from M-rank and A-rank, not to mention O-rank, roaming about, we were completely exhausted. Though we were able to sleep in Alka’s bed for the first time in a while, it’s debatable whether we truly rested deeply, as we had to attend to Yuri, Hilde, Marisa, and Aria, who couldn’t accompany us.
The next day, we headed to the White Demon Castle in Bestia to report on our conquest of the Krater Labyrinth to Her Majesty Brynhild and presented the Labyrinth Core. We also offered several other monsters, but to avoid causing excessive trouble, we limited our offerings to three: a Vortex Dragoon, a Nautilus, and an Abyssal Flow. We also plan to offer some materials from O-rank monsters, but their dissection isn’t complete yet, so that will be at a later date.
In return for the monsters, we received compensation of equivalent value, usually in the form of money. Currently, Phantom Capital Bestia is in the process of downsizing its slums to create a new student district. The General Academy of Torencia and MINERVA are being constructed in this new district. However, Bestia has utilized its entire landmass on one island, so development is progressing slowly and requiring more funds than anticipated.
The primary issue appears to be the housing and employment for the slum residents. Negotiations are still ongoing, but it seems the slum residents are aware that Bestia has no further room for development, and they are raising their demands with each negotiation. Her Majesty Brynhild mentioned that due to their excessive demands, forced relocation will occur soon. While some compensation will be provided, entry into Bestia will also be forbidden.
The following day, we reported at Amagi Castle and offered more monsters. We also intend to offer magic stones from O-rank monsters, including Leviathan, but as the Krater Labyrinth is located in Torencia, the quantity will be less than what Torencia receives. However, we didn’t expect to be asked to conquer a new labyrinth at this particular time, let alone so soon.
“The Varie Labyrinth?”
“That’s right. The former Retisencia region is to be granted to several noble children, in addition to the Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy of Mana. Among these, the Varie Labyrinth and the surrounding Varie Mountain Range are scheduled to be entrusted to the Count Fallheight family.”
Ah, I do recall that the former Retisencia region was decided to be governed as a single region of Amister, rather than becoming independent like the former Solemne region. The Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy, which governs the area including the former Imperial Capital, will take the lead, with nearly twenty new noble families being established to undertake development. Of course, this won’t happen all at once; initially, only a few families, including the Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy, will be involved. It seems the Fallheight family, which has been elevated to a County, is one of them.
The Count Fallheight family is Meena’s maternal family, and the current head is Dianos, who serves as the Sub-Order’s Master for Feel. The heir is Rex, but as he is also the current Grand Order’s Master, managing the territory and development is proving difficult. Fortunately, Rex and Rosemary recently had a son, so the issue of succession is resolved. Emperor Reinhardt intends for their son, Albert, to be the first lord, suggesting that until then, maintaining the status quo rather than aggressive development is acceptable.
However, even if Albert becomes the lord, it will be nearly twenty years from now. If the Varie Labyrinth is left unattended for such a long period, it might cause another Labyrinth Flood. Given its location in the Varie Mountains, even if not on the scale of the Kobaldia Incident, thousands of monsters could still overflow into the former Retisencia region. Furthermore, the possibility that the Varie Labyrinth might have flooded during the Kobaldia Incident is mere speculation, and the date of the Varie Labyrinth’s creation is unclear. It’s possible it didn’t flood during the Kobaldia Incident. Therefore, the request is to conquer the Varie Labyrinth as soon as possible to eliminate the potential danger.
I have no objections, as it’s about securing the land where my nephew will be lord. Furthermore, this endeavor also concerns my own son, so Rex and Muse will be accompanying us. Rosemary and Saya, having recently given birth, will naturally not be joining.
“Understood. Let us coordinate everyone’s schedules to arrange the conquest as soon as possible.”
“I apologize for burdening you with another difficult task.”
“Not at all. I understand the circumstances, and frankly, I find this more relaxing than territorial work.”
This is my honest feeling. Meena is already enthusiastic about acting for her nephew’s sake, and the others have also benefited from the Fallheight family’s support, so they are unlikely to refuse. As for when to go, since haste is advised, we should aim for sometime next month or the month after.
Side: Meena
The request from His Majesty Reinhardt at Amagi Castle for the early conquest of the Varie Labyrinth is for the benefit of the Count Fallheight family, who will be granted the Varie Mountain Range, including the Varie Labyrinth. It is said that a considerable number of G-rank monsters inhabit the Varie Mountain Range, and due to the effects of the Labyrinth Flood during the Kobaldia Incident, P-rank and M-rank monsters have also been confirmed. To be granted such a territory would require immense effort even to establish a small village, and neglecting its defenses would lead to its immediate annihilation. My brother stated that he plans to investigate and cull monsters in his free time and that he will ensure their newborn legitimate son, Albert, is properly trained.
Therefore, while an immediate response isn’t strictly necessary, it remains unconfirmed whether the Varie Labyrinth experienced a Labyrinth Flood during the Kobaldia Incident. It might not have, and the origin of the Varie Labyrinth is unknown. Normally, nearby towns serve as a base for hunters to suppress Labyrinth Floods. However, the Varie Labyrinth is located in the former Retisencia region, midway up the Varie Mountains, making it extremely difficult even for normal hunters to reach. Furthermore, the first level is inhabited by T-rank and I-rank monsters, and given its vastness and harsh environment, it is predicted to be a very deep labyrinth.
“I see. Of course, I am in favor.”
“For Lady Mana, this is hardly a matter that can be ignored.”
“The Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy and the Count Fallheight Territory will be adjacent, and if the Varie Labyrinth were to cause a Labyrinth Flood, it would undoubtedly have an impact.”
As Lady Lydia and Lady Hilde rightly pointed out, the Count Fallheight Territory and the Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy are planned to be neighbors. If a Labyrinth Flood were to occur, depending on its path, there is a significant possibility of monsters flooding into the Lapislazurite Heavenly Baronetcy. Therefore, for Lady Mana as well, it is desirable to conquer the Varie Labyrinth sooner rather than later.
“And regarding the Varie Labyrinth, when do you plan to go?”
“We need to decide that. What are everyone’s schedules like?”
“Athena and I have nothing scheduled.”
Lady Lydia and Athena have no particular plans. While Lady Lydia is registered with the Trader’s Guild, she doesn’t run a shop. Athena is only registered with the Hunter’s Guild. Therefore, they usually accompany Yamato or hunt in various locations. Ludia, who has a Crafter registration for similar reasons, also has flexible availability.
“I believe I can make time if the circumstances are explained.”
Flam, who has been appointed Baron Florlagna, is currently studying to officially become Prada’s representative in a few years. Baron Verano, a modern official, is overseeing his studies. It is also anticipated that Flam will accept requests as an Ancient Hunter, so it should be possible to arrange his schedule if the situation is explained.
“It depends on the Healer’s Guild, but currently, there are no high-class pregnant individuals, and I don’t recall any particularly troublesome symptoms, so I believe it should be fine.”
Mako is studying to become a Maternity Healer and is also the only Element Healer. Furthermore, she has mastered the teleportation magic, Traveling, and receives requests for childbirth assistance not only from Feel but also from the Healer’s Guild Headquarters in Float. Mako herself finds her work as a Maternity Healer rewarding. Therefore, if a high-class individual is close to giving birth, she will likely remain with them until the delivery. For us, losing the support of an exceptional magic user like Mako would significantly slow down our conquest, so her statement brings us a measure of relief.
“I believe I can take a consolidated leave of absence around the end of the month.”
“Oh, then coordinating with that would be ideal.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
Hilde, the Regional Commander of the Solemne region, seems to be able to take about a week off at the end of the month. Hilde has also evolved into an Ancient Vampire and was unable to accompany us on the Krater Labyrinth conquest. She appears eager to participate in the next conquest of the Varie Labyrinth.
Incidentally, Prim and Lady Mana both claimed they could make time. Lady Mana is also Feel’s representative, but peace currently prevails, and with Sir Yuri’s return after school, her duties as representative are minimal. Prim, like Lydia, is registered with the Trader’s Guild but has no specific schedule for the same reason as Lydia; the only things she has to do are look after the children or hunt.
“And regarding the Butlers, since Rex and Muse will be joining next time, it will be difficult for Eos alone, won’t it?”
“Yes. I don’t think it will be as difficult as the Krater Labyrinth, but we should have Marisa and Mirei come along as well.”
That’s right, Brother and Sister-in-law Muse will be accompanying us for the Varie Labyrinth conquest, considering it will become the Count Fallheight Territory. Moreover, during the Krater Labyrinth conquest, Eos was the only accompanying butler, and it seemed quite challenging for her. Therefore, I also agree with having Marisa and Mirei join us.
“What about Alice?”
“Given she’s Normal Class, it might be tough, but considering the Silkest Crawlers, it might be better to have her evolve into a High Class.”
“She’s Level 40, right?”
“I believe she’s Level 42.”
Alice too? Indeed, Alice is Level 42, and with the Silkest Crawlers she summoned under contract, she should be able to defeat monsters up to S-rank without significant problems. Furthermore, Alice has also contracted with a Grantpus, so she can handle the pulling of the Beast Carriage. Also, this is a wish of ours, but we would like the Silkest Crawlers to evolve into Grand Silk Crawlers as soon as possible. If they can evolve into Grand Silk Crawlers, we will be able to obtain Guro-ken reliably. Guro-ken is a fabric that can be safely used not only by Ancient Classes but also by Element Classes, so it would be of great help to us.
“Then let’s have Marisa and Mirei, and Alice come along. However, if we bring too many butlers, it will be difficult for the remaining ones. Perhaps Eos should stay behind?”
“Viola and File are accompanying us to the academy, so only Lumina and Laurel will be left behind.”
“We have the homunculi, but they also manage Float’s mansion, so it is indeed better for Eos to stay.”
Thinking about it, it seems we should hire a few more butlers. We currently have nine butlers affiliated with Wing Crest, which is usually more than enough. However, with the management of Float’s and Feel’s mansions, personal maids, and work at Alka, we could use double the number. Well, that will be up to Yamato and Lady Mana.
