“…And that’s why, due to circumstances, I couldn’t escape. I’m sorry.”
“No, there’s no helping it. I’ll forgive you with just one night of punishment tonight.”
“Is… is that really forgiveness…?”
After seeing Anju off to school due to the circumstances, the four of us were heading to the information broker, taking the underground route. We’d walked quite a distance, so I reported on what had happened at the inn during that time.
“However, if Deles is going to reveal so much of his inner workings, are you planning on making him a companion?”
“Rather than a companion, I won’t deny my ulterior motive of wanting to establish connections for future blacksmithing requests.”
“Still, something unexpected proved useful in an unexpected place.”
Frankly, if it were the same Dwarf as Karuh, as cute as her, she’d be more than welcome. But Mariu… no, let’s just leave it at that. Come to think of it, I wonder how old she is?
“It’s like a maze from here on out.”
“Ah, leave it to me! This is like a dungeon without enemies, right?”
We proceeded using the redrawn map as a reference. Once we reached the small brothel, it would be just a short way. Let’s see, found it! At first I thought they were demi-human prostitutes, but they’re all half-breeds.
“And then, from here… yes, it’s over there.”
“Wait a moment, you’re bumping into things.”
“It’s narrow, so Clarice and Helen, please be careful.”
I hope we don’t break anything and get into trouble. And we arrived at that coffee shop. Good, it’s open.
*Ching-chong!*
“Welcome to the Coffee Shop ‘Aubergine,’ where luck resides.”
As we opened the door, we were greeted by that… big man, the one who could be described as the Guild Master of the Dark Guild.
“Excuse me, I’ll have a sandwich. I’m hungry. Everyone else?”
“Then I shall partake as well.” “Me too.” “Helen?” “…Thank you, I will eat.”
“And for drinks?”
Oh, they actually have a menu here! Let’s see, honey tea for one silver coin, that looks delicious.
“I’ll have the honey tea.”
“I’ll take this ‘Non-Alcoholic Ale’.”
“I don’t mind the free herbal tea, and Helen, you’re fine with that too, right?” “Yes.”
Ah, so that was free. Then what was the last time—!
“So, shopkeeper, ‘Mohit…'”
“That’s enough.”
He lowered the ‘Closed’ sign at the entrance and disappeared inside. Then, he returned after saying something to a small demi-human half-breed, who looked like a half-Lizardfolk and half-human child.
(There are other staff members too…)
“Now, regarding the information on the Female Hero Korome, she was in Movermas Continent until Class D, became Class C in Milishitan Continent, and then Class B on Starri Island.”
“Ah, between Milishitan Continent and this Movermas Continent?”
“Furthermore, she apparently reached Class A on Shamanias Continent.”
I see, so she was famous over there.
“And she returned to Movermas Continent two and a half months ago.”
“Then it’s no wonder she’s not that famous.”
“Since coming here, she’s only been taking jobs that earn money; she apparently hasn’t been defeating dungeon bosses.”
They know all that? They have an amazing information network. As I wondered where they got it from, Nina opened her mouth.
“It’s obvious where the information is coming from, but is it alright?”
“Ah, it doesn’t matter. We are the ones who heard it, so as long as the source cannot be personally identified.”
“It’s obvious, Nina…”
Ah, the little Lizardfolk half-breed brought the honey tea and the non-alcoholic ale! I want to pat her head, she’s so cute. Her apron is adorable, she’s a girl, isn’t she?
“Thank you.”
“…Heh, I’ll bring the herbal tea too.”
Somehow, I want to introduce her to Anju.
“Her party members apparently change frequently, or rather, she’s the type to buy slaves and obtain them from somewhere, then use them up.”
“What—!”
Helen involuntarily cried out. Yes, it can’t be helped.
“So you are Helen. It seems the slaves currently in your possession are also being treated terribly.”
“No… no…”
“That’s why their eyes were dead.”
“We can find out why she became a slave with a little more investigation, but she likely tricked them with a reason. We don’t know the detailed reason yet, but she probably did it in a way that wouldn’t be illegal.”
“As expected, Mohit also said something similar.”
Thinking about it, if Nina had tried her best to deceive me, I might have ended up as a slave too? No, women are terrifying.
“Also, she apparently has a weakness for delicious food and is frequently seen at restaurants in Area A.”
“Ah, so that’s where they were.”
“That’s also her regular inn. This is the name of the inn and her room number.”
He handed me a memo. Is this really okay? I’m the only one who requested this.
“Thank you.”
“Her hunting grounds in the dungeon are from the 120th to 130th floor. She’s targeting Golden Bad for Magic Stones.”
“What is that? I’ve never heard of it before.”
“Very rarely, there are monsters whose Magic Stones have turned to gold. Selling them can bring in quite a bit of money.”
“And she’s endlessly targeting that?”
I see, she’s after money.
“This is how you get to the hunting grounds. It seems to be close to the elevator area in Area B.”
Another new memo. The directions are written clearly. Thank goodness.
“For now, this is all the information I can provide. Is there anything else you’d like to know?”
“Let’s see, Nina, what should we do?”
“Hmm, with this much high-quality information, there’s nothing to complain about. However, please continue to let me know if anything else comes up.”
“Understood. I’ll also investigate further about past slaves to see if there’s another motive.”
“I’ll be counting on you.”
Frankly, this seems sufficient, but I paid a hefty sum in platinum coins. Huh? The herbal tea was placed in front of Clarice and Helen without my noticing. I was too engrossed in the conversation. Are they making sandwiches now?
“Ah, excuse me, how much are the sandwiches? That was a drink menu earlier.”
“Everything is free, but there is a condition.”
“W-what is it?”
He leaned in close from beside the four-person table! It’s understandable due to the height difference, but it’s a little scary.
“Lately, there have been many information requests regarding…”
“Regarding what?”
“The party of a huge Female Hero with an extremely large sword on her back, and a mysterious Illusionist who floats around freely in town. Everyone wants to know about them.”
“Ah.”
“Especially the Illusionist who is constantly floating and is heavily scrutinized by guards. Everyone wants to know that person’s true identity.”
It’s a good thing I didn’t bring her today. She’s enrolled in the academy normally, so it would be obvious if they just looked into it a little.
“So, I want you to provide that information.”
“Y-yes.”
“It’s a win-win situation. It’s best to clear up any misunderstandings as soon as possible, don’t you think?”
“Y-yes.”
“Then, let’s hear it. First, about your Female Hero, the name was Nina, right?”
Ah, she’s glancing at the shopkeeper. A look that she doesn’t show me.
“What do you think, Deles?”
“Well, let’s cooperate here.”
“I see. Alright.”
The sandwiches that arrived while we were talking were reasonably delicious. Thank you for the meal.
