Upon closer inspection, the “Vampire House Special Reception” was decorated with bat, star, and ghost-like monsters.
(They’re setting the atmosphere.)
In the dimly lit Guild, the receptionist brought out a candle, lit it, and placed it on the reception table, then began to speak softly.
“Centuries ago, in the north of this town, a noble lady was imprisoned for a crime she did not commit. One night, she was approached by one of the Seven Great Demon Lords with a demonic contract…
‘Will you rot in humiliation, or gain immortality and live for revenge?’
The young lady chose to become a vampire along with her butler to take revenge on those who falsely accused her!”
*Dee-doon*
The receptionist looked around. Clarice lightly tapped Anju’s head.
“C-continuing, the vampire’s name was ‘Kyun.’ She gained immortality and the power of curses, but there were heavy conditions. She could never, ever leave that mansion… To achieve her revenge, Kyun stood by the window with her beauty, luring adventurers and making bets. The bet was…
‘If you solve my riddles and win, I’ll give you either jewels or a Dark Magic Stone, whichever you prefer. However, if you lose, I will suck your blood and make you my vassal.’
Thus, Kyun set up riddles within the mansion. Those who couldn’t solve them within the time limit were sent underground, their blood sucked to become her retainers. She controlled them as she pleased and attacked the nobles who imprisoned her, achieving her revenge!”
*Hoo-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wa-wahn…*
What was that sound like something slowly falling?
Anju’s sound effect magic has learned something new. Now Clarice is pinching her cheek, not too hard though.
“Um, are all of you doing this?”
“Ah, it’s the work of our Illusionist. Please continue without minding it.”
“Y-yes.”
Oh, the receptionist from before is holding back laughter.
“She destroyed her hated enemies with her retainers, but she can never leave the mansion. So, to pass the time each day, Kyun lures adventurers to the mansion with jewels and Dark Magic Stones as bait, preparing nine riddles. Please, please return safely, return safely…”
The receptionist blew out the candle, and the eerie music stopped, returning the Adventurer Guild to its bright state.
“That concludes the story. Now, I will explain the system.”
“This is amazing. It got dark in here even though it’s daytime.”
(Nina, you’re going to point out *that*?!)
“Yes, dark magic was activated along with the music.”
“The music is amazing too.”
“This is a ‘phonograph’ made in Kikaede, also known as the ‘Music City’ or ‘Art City,’ using Wind Magic Stones.”
Anju started to float to go see it, but Clarice pulled her back.
“I understand the story. So, what about the system?”
“Yes, the entrance fee is one silver coin per person. The capacity is up to eight people, the same as a party. Additionally, if you wish to have a guide dispatched from here, it will cost an additional two silver coins. Solo adventurers must have a guide, so three silver coins are required.”
“And the guide?”
“They are one of our prominent adventurers.”
Ah, they do exist after all.
“Is it possible to reserve now?”
“Of course. For today, it will be the night session. The price is the same as the day session, but the difficulty is higher at night, and the rewards for clearing it are more valuable.”
“Then, I’ll take five people. Five silver coins, right?”
“Guides?”
“Not needed.”
After handing over the coins, we waited a moment and received a booklet. It clearly stated tonight’s date and the meeting time.
“We will prepare a carriage to take you to the mansion, so please come back here again.”
“Ah, see you later.”
And so, after receiving the explanation at the reception, we went outside. While looking at the booklet, I couldn’t help but ask Nina.
“Um, this is, you know, for sightseeing, right?”
“Ah, it’s an attraction.”
You noticed, huh? No matter how I think about it, it’s just like an amusement park attraction. Clarice said, while reading.
“It says here that clearing it during the day yields jewels, and clearing it at night yields Dark Magic Stones.”
I tend to forget because I got so many Light Magic Stones and Dark Magic Stones at the Shucco dungeon, but Light Magic Stones and Dark Magic Stones are precious. Gold Magic Stones are even more so.
“Does that vampire, the Demon Lord, really exist?”
“I don’t know, but our goal is a Demon Lord. Anyway, we’ve already paid the silver coins.”
“What do you think, Clarice?”
“If it’s a date, I think it’d be wonderful!”
“Yay yay, another date with Derus!”
Anju exclaimed, finally realizing what kind of dungeon this was. I couldn’t help but want to point out many things, but Nina had been quietly listening for a while, so she probably understood quickly. It makes sense there are only dates or families with children as customers if that’s the only dungeon.
“Well, it’s still too early for the inn. Shall we go into that coffee shop over there?”
It was a small, simple coffee shop. We relaxed there and had tea. Thinking about it, today was a holiday.
(Ah, in that case, an attraction might be acceptable.)
I couldn’t help but feel a little excited.
“♪Exciting ♪Exciting”
“Anju, let’s calm down a bit?”
“Ah, okay.”
Oh, Helen hasn’t said anything! Well, that’s fine.
