When we returned to Nina Castle, the lord had returned.
First, I’ll report what just happened before I forget.
“…And that’s what happened. In the end, we had to run away.”
“Hmm, that was unfortunate. I can guess many things just by hearing your story, but…”
While I was thinking, Anju returned.
“Chikuwa chance!”
“I’m sorry, Anju, but we’re having an important conversation with the leader right now.”
“Nastasia too?”
Why does she care about that?
“That Derus Master, shall I leave the room?”
“No, you’re involved, so I need you to stay.”
“Then I’ll listen too~” “I’m sorry, Anju, you’re not involved~” “Ehh~”
Clarice, who had returned earlier, also arrived.
“Delas-sama, is there something you can’t let Anju hear?”
“Well, um, Anju, can you listen seriously?” “I can~”
When Clarice sat on the sofa, Anju sat on her lap.
In this situation, it seems better for the entire party to gather.
“Excuse me, the pugilist from Deru Deru Ecstasy over there.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“I’m sorry, what’s your name?” “It’s Muse.”
I feel like I’ve never heard it before, but that can’t be right.
Other than being female, she was an ordinary height, an ordinary tanned woman.
She’s an ordinary pugilist, so her presence was usually hidden by the two strong frontline members.
(Her chest is normal, and her hips too.)
“Muse, could you go and call Helen?”
“Yes, understood.”
It looks like it’s going to be a meeting after all.
Just in time, my date with Nastasia is on hold.
“…I’ve finalized my thoughts, but should I wait for Helen?”
“No, please tell us for now.”
“First, during the date, the reason Nastasia wasn’t spoken to much was probably because she wasn’t mistaken for the Hero.”
Ah, I see. My fame is still zero here.
“Then, why was there only one person who spoke to us?”
“They probably had Appraisal, or were interested because she was a female slave owned by Deles.”
“Then the old man from the Hero Dojo too?” “Appraisal, definitely.”
Clarice didn’t seem to grasp the conversation.
Anju took off her hood and just watched.
“Ah, I’ll explain everything once Helen arrives.”
“I heard rumors about the Hero Dojo before.” “Huh? Clarice, you know about it?”
She nodded, and Anju nodded shortly after.
“Anju knows about it too.”
“You will soon~” “…Sorry, it was my mistake to ask.”
When I looked at Nina, she resumed speaking.
“Nastasia said she was outdone, but weren’t you with Deles’s party?”
“Yes, yet we lost. I couldn’t understand what happened.”
“Furthermore, she had an item that nullified status effects. That means it must have been a special effect from the opponent, an item, or a companion’s magic.”
(Ah, I see. It wasn’t that something happened to us, but that the opponent did something.)
“Still, Deles, you didn’t fall for the trap in the revenge match.”
“Based on Nina’s explanation, I might have been outdone if it was just about taking advantage.”
“If it’s the Hero Dojo, they could have gotten involved when we were fighting the Seven Great Demon Lords, but I didn’t hear anything from the Guild.”
Yes, I didn’t know of its existence until today.
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
“Helen, actually—”
“I will explain.”
Nastasia began explaining to Clarice, Anju, and Helen from the start.
Nina quietly started thinking again. I should think too. That Hero Dojo, it’s okay to consider them enemies now, right?
(…It’s in B Area, and so many Heroes… are the strong ones A-class, or perhaps S-class too…?!)
Damn it, if I wanted to gather information for caution, I should have asked for the old man’s name.
But if I ask for ‘the old Hero from the Hero Dojo’, will they know? He was wearing Prince Sword on his waist, after all.
“…Ah, right, Nina.” “What is it?”
Nastasia was still explaining, so I whispered to Nina so only she could hear.
“It seems there are few Illusionists participating in tomorrow’s tournament, so I want to invite one.”
“Do you have someone in mind?”
“Yes, although I haven’t met them yet. Let’s head to Asrik then.”
If I can’t meet them today, I’ll give up.
“Understood. I also need to pick up the equipment I commissioned from the blacksmith.”
“Huh? Is it already done?”
“When I said the Dwarf made it in four days, he boasted he’d make it in three.”
Ah, they were having that kind of conversation, when did it happen?
(Wait, how bad do Dwarves and Lizardmen hate each other?)
“…The conversation seems to be continuing. Deles, can you come with me now?”
“Yes, outside?” “Underground.” “…Underground?!”
Going underground from here means the Underground Area. Is it the information broker from before?
If so, it would be faster to have Anju teleport us, but…
Nastasia is still explaining. Nina stood up, so I followed.
“I’ll be back soon, please continue the conversation.”
After she said that and I followed, it turned out to be nothing special.
It was the castle’s dungeon. As expected, there were no guards.
If I need any of the Deru Deru Ecstasy members who are free… wait, what?
“Nina-san, these two are—”
“Are you sure?” “Yes, it’s them!”
They were wearing Collars of Subjugation, the Young Master Hero and the Illusionist!!
“Hey, get us out of here already!”
“This accursed collar prevents instant teleportation.”
After I defeated them in the underground cafeteria and they were taken away by the guards, I wondered what happened to them.
“As expected, it’s true. Actually, these are the prince of a certain country and his attendant Illusionist.”
“Whaaaaa—”
Not just a noble, but a prince, at that!!!
