Kays Translations

Chapter 167

“—That’s everything that was indicated when Lindblum’s Den was restored. Most likely, it’s no longer going to be a ‘low-difficulty dungeon used for training newcomers’ like before. It may even have become as difficult as a natural dungeon.

But, at the same time, there should no longer be any need for us to collect and export fragments of dungeon cores just to support the nation.

As an ‘artificial large-scale dungeon,’ I thought we could publicly promote it, attract explorers from other countries, stimulate the economy, and even make it into a kind of tourism project. Of course, there would be issues like changes in public order and how many outsiders we could realistically accept…”

At the research institute, I reported to Kokuri-san about the signs of the dungeon’s revival, the changes that had appeared on the display, and at the same time explained one possible way the country could profit from it and manage the coming flow of people.

Of course, this was partly an excuse—
an excuse for having made the decision to revive a dungeon on my own, one that might end up in such a state.

“I see… No, regardless of what concerns there might have been, if it were possible to revive the dungeon, I had planned to ask for that anyway. And as for the vision you just mentioned—the idea of using an artificial dungeon for the nation’s benefit—I’ve been thinking the same thing myself. …Sixteen years old and already like this; it really makes me want you for myself.”

“Ah, I actually turned seventeen not too long ago.”

“Oh! Then we’ll have to celebrate!”

“Haha, it’s fine. I’m past the age where I worry about that stuff.”

“…I still celebrate my own birthday every year, though…”

“Ah—my apologies, that was rude of me.”

Sorry, Knight Commander-san. I never imagined you celebrated your birthday every single year…

“You’ve already contacted the Adventurers’ Guild, right? Good. I’ll go too. Let’s head out to inspect it, Shizuma. Cres, assemble the knight order and arrange for security and lockdown around the guild.”

“Mmm… Are you sure I shouldn’t go with you?”

“Yes. From here on this is my domain. I plan to confirm the dungeon’s current state and then officially request an investigation from somewhere. Depending on the results of that investigation, we’ll decide when to make the revival public.”

“That’s best. Back when I was exploring it, the place was practically in a runaway state. The reason there were so many accidents then was because no one could be warned of the dungeon’s changes in advance.”

“Exactly. That’s why this time we’ll carefully examine it. I plan to have a capable clan measure just how difficult Lindblum is now.”

It felt like today I’d been going back and forth between the palace, home, and the guild nonstop. And yet again, I set off with Kokuri-san toward the Adventurers’ Guild.

…It’s within walking distance, so apparently carriages aren’t usually used. And since I’m still young, we walk.
Because of my skill evolving into [Food-Linker], I can’t easily enter an unlimited-stamina state anymore…
Honestly, I’m getting a little tired from all this back-and-forth…

“Shizuma-kun, since you’re only in your first year here, you might not realize it, but for it to be this warm in March is not just rare—it’s abnormal. This country normally has extremely short warm seasons, and no matter how much nutrition you put into the land, it all gets absorbed deep underground, into the leylines that fuel magic and life.

It’s like desperately trying to fill a bucket with a hole in it and having to share that water among the citizens just to live. That’s how extreme it’s been. If you only know the Lindblum area, it might not register.”

Feeling the breath of spring along the forest path, Kokuri-san spoke quietly as she looked around.

…I’d come to this country in November, so it had still been the season when food was relatively abundant. But in reality, that must be the only time of year when people can eat decently.

“…I’m truly grateful to the Brigade and to Same-san. Without you all, this country would have been destroyed by Golda—strangled slowly and carefully, like having a noose tightened with silk.”

“That… may well be true. I’ve heard of the many covert operations this country has endured.”

“And now we’re being helped by you, too. But you people never ask for grand rewards or honors. Even wealth—you can earn it on your own. So we truly don’t know what kind of thanks we could possibly give you.”

“Kokuri-san… really, there’s no need for thanks. But, I’ve heard that someday the Brigade may seek a place of its own. When that time comes, if this country would give us a home… I think that would be the greatest thanks of all.”

At that round table, everyone had voiced their dreams of the future. Most of them had been about finding a home in this country.

“I see… And you, Shizuma-kun? Is there anything you want?”

“Well… I’d like the right to travel freely. Right now, the only official permit I have is the exploration pass for Lindblum’s Den granted by Her Majesty the Queen. I’d like something like a formal certificate of Adventurers’ Guild membership, or proof of official guild affiliation.”

“You’re not very greedy, are you? …You know, I wouldn’t mind if you said you wanted me. I can still pass for a big sister, appearance-wise.”

“That’s not something I could ever ask for. Though… I do think you’re a wonderful person, Kokuri-san.”

“Fufufu, you’re an honest one. Truly, I’d love to have you as an assistant. Hishida may have knowledge of another world, but you also understand this world—its customs, this country’s situation. You seem to know what’s needed, what can be done, and how your knowledge can be useful.”

“Well, I’ve seen a lot of this country by now.”

“If you were near me, my research would progress so much faster… but I understand it’s a difficult request. Well, we’re almost there. I wonder what state the dungeon’s in now?”

Right. Just having knowledge of Earth isn’t enough.

I’m probably the only one who can compare Earth and this world.

I’m not planning to settle down yet, but maybe I should think about what technologies or knowledge I could offer that might help.

The inside of the Adventurers’ Guild was, as usual, nearly empty of people.

Even so, the few staff members present were rushing about, their faces tense as they tried to respond to whatever change had occurred, hastily seeking instructions from Guildmaster Flügel.

“Hey, Flügel. Judging from the looks of things, the dungeon’s come back to life, hasn’t it?”

“Lady Kokuri!? Yes, just as you predicted. Thanks to the information we got from Shizuma beforehand, we were able to prepare. Right now, our dungeon monitoring apparatus is feeding us some data—but we can’t get an accurate reading of the full depth. We can detect signals down to the 50th floor, but it seems to extend even deeper beyond that.”

Flügel spoke rapidly, summarizing only what they currently knew.

“It seems not just the number of floors, but also the materials produced and the monsters appearing inside have changed—at least, that’s what Shizuma reported. I’m thinking of formally commissioning a clan to investigate.”

“In that case, let’s request help from Killcrawler. They’re still staying in Lindblum. They’re not in perfect condition right now, but since this dungeon is close to the city, we can provide backup from here.”

Flugel suggested.

Hmm… they were supposed to be heading to Yasha Island, but perhaps they’ll make this a priority instead.

“Shizuma, if you’re willing, we’d like you to join the investigation as well. What do you think?”

“I’m afraid I can’t this time. I have other matters to attend to after this—I’ll likely be returning to the main unit.”

“I see. That’s unfortunate, but understandable. It was all rather sudden, after all. Well, for now, confirming that the dungeon has reappeared is enough. Shizuma, we truly appreciate your help this time. You’ll be properly rewarded—later, we’ll issue you an official Explorer and Adventurer affiliation tag.”

“Thank you very much. And I apologize for leaving so soon.”

Yes, no matter what Killcrawler asks of me, I’ll have to go to Yasha Island as Same to fulfill Shuris-san’s wish.

Which means someone from Killcrawler will probably visit my house soon to request a temporary postponement of my assignment.

In that case… maybe I’ll wait as Same. After all, in Lindblum, Same has the most connections.

“…Looks like giving those summons their own will really has become a pressing issue.”

Just how many roles am I juggling right now, seriously…!?

Back home, I used the sunroom’s radar function to check that no one was nearby, then transformed into Same.

Rather than just pretending to be Shuris-san’s lover, this was also to ward off any men trying to approach her—and likely to serve as an introduction to her father, Lord Veil.

You could say it’s a form of caution toward foreigners, but I’m sure the real reason is deeper than that.

Marrying her off would mean giving the eldest daughter of the kingdom’s only remaining marquis family to another country, not to mention losing one of the Thirteen Knights—a precious military asset. That’s what Shuris is trying to prevent.

It’s frightening to think how much influence these great powers hold… when I eventually travel to the other continent, it’s going to be a dangerous journey.

“Well then… it’s already evening, huh? Guess I’ll get dinner started before Melt gets back.”

“Hey, Melt, not that way. You really shouldn’t go there.”
“Eh? Why not? I’ve never been down that street before.”
“Um… if possible, I’d rather not go that way either…”
“Yeah, same here. It’ll just cause trouble—and honestly, it’s not a place for kids like us.”

At that time, Melt was touring around Lindblum with Rikka and her two friends, combining sightseeing with their patrol duties.

Because the refugee population had grown, the city’s public safety had become unstable, so in addition to helping farmers, these street patrols had increased as well.

Having reunited with the three girls at the General Guild, Melt decided to tag along on the patrol mission they’d accepted that day.

However, when she tried to head toward a side street that connected the lower and middle levels—essentially a long, wide avenue between the two tiers—the trio hurriedly stopped her.

“Uh, see, that street is for… grown men and women who want to spend some quality time together. There are a lot of private guards and patrols there, so it’s not really our place to go.”

“Y-Yeah, exactly! So let’s not head that way, okay?”

“Right. And besides, taking young girls like you and Rikka down there… would be risky.”

“I see, I see! So that means there are inns for mated pairs, right? I get it now!”

“Ma—mated—!? Melt, you actually know about that kind of stuff…!?”

“Of course I know! When a man and a woman who are close stay together, they become even closer. And then they have a baby! It must be some kind of special ritual, right?”

Melt declared proudly.

“…You’re not completely wrong, but also not quite right. Anyway, that’s exactly why we can’t go there.”

Rikka said awkwardly.

“Oh, I see! Then let’s go check out the next street instead!”

Will the day ever come when Melt learns the truth?

Now that Sheele is gone, is there anyone left who could even teach her?

Or… will she remain pure and innocent forever…!?

“Aw, but I thought it was finally our turn to act—I could kind of hear a woman’s voice and some scuffling sounds, you know?”

“…You could hear that? As expected of beastmen hearing.”

“Y-you can actually hear that kind of thing…?”

“No way! What did it sound like—”

Whack! Rikka smacked Kash across the head.

And so, the four young patrol members headed off toward another street.

“By the way, Melt, didn’t you go somewhere with Same before?”

“Yeah! But Same had other work to do, so we split up halfway. I came back with Silent.”

“Oh, that super-strong guy with the blue crystal armor, right? He’s in town?”

“Uh-huh. But I think he’s probably already left for his next job.”

“I see. Guess someone as powerful as him doesn’t get much time to relax.”

“I think I’ll be heading to the port town soon too,” 

Melt said cheerfully. 

“After that, I’ll go to this place called Yasha Island! I’ve never been on a ship before—it’s going to be so fun!”

The thought of the port she hadn’t yet seen, of sailing across the vast sea, and of the enormous sea shrimp that dwarfed the river shrimp she knew—Melt’s mind was already overflowing with excitement about shrimp and ships.

“I’ll catch a sea shrimp, bring it home, and raise it in the garden so it multiplies!”

…Unfortunately, that’s not possible, Melt.

But she wouldn’t learn that for quite some time yet—

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