Chapter 137: Negotiation with the Snake People

I had a general idea about the snake people, the importance of the scales, and possible methods of coexistence.

“I feel there is room for negotiation,” I said, addressing the clan leader.

“I understand your story. Our goal is to hunt those monsters and, by extension, level up. In return, we’d like to offer ‘White Snake Scales’… What are your thoughts on that?”

“Are you saying you’ll hand over the scales you obtain, after they’ve been purified by you?”

“Of course. But let me make one thing clear. I’m not sure if the ‘White Snake Scales’ I process are exactly what the snake people seek. I can’t guarantee anything if there’s a problem.”

In case the nature of what I provide is completely different, causing issues or even retaliation, it would be a big problem.

“I understand that. Once it’s handed over, it’s entirely our responsibility. But, about Keisuke-dono’s request… It’s free for you to hunt in the dungeon. This isn’t our territory after all.”

“I heard that earlier, and I understand. As long as there is no hostility, we’re fine with that.”

“…Is that really all?”

“To be honest, I want to be good neighbors. Even if it’s not immediate, I hope we can establish exchanges between our villages in the future.”

“We can’t leave the dungeon, you know? I don’t see any benefit for you, Keisuke-dono, but…”

Even though they were saying that, there were plenty of benefits.

Firstly, the snake people’s strength. Just having this group not as enemies significantly increased the safety of the dungeon. Occasionally, we might even receive assistance.

Then, the information the snake people possessed. They had a completely different history from the surface. There was a possibility of learning valuable information that we didn’t know. Additionally, I wanted detailed knowledge about the dungeon’s structure and the strength of monsters.

Finally, their faith was in the ‘Goddess of the Earth.’

Although it was only a vague intuition, I felt that it would be beneficial to deepen the connection between those who worship the same goddess.

To the still bewildered clan leader, I honestly conveyed what I was thinking.

“I see, I understand. We have no reason to refuse. Let’s deepen our friendship first, any objections to that?”

“We might be wary of each other at first, but I hope we can gradually get along. I look forward to working with you.”

Thus, the dialogue with the snake people concluded.

There’s no specific arrangement regarding the delivery location or quantity of the scales. I plan to hand over what I have when we happen to meet.

After all, I have no intention of participating in dungeon hunting. I’ll process the scales in the village, so the timing of when I can deliver them will inevitably be irregular. They agreed on this situation, so it should be fine.

“Just to be clear, the proof of being from the Nanashi Village is this ‘Barrier Necklace.’ Anyone without this is unrelated to us. Please make sure to confirm it if you encounter someone.”

“Understood. Well then, until we meet again, people of Nanashi Village.”

◇◇◇

“Well, I must say, I was worried for a moment there… Keisuke-san, that was impressive!”

“I thought so too. Facing that strong opponent without any hesitation, it was amazing. If we had continued fighting like that, everyone would have died for sure.”

“Yeah. Especially that gentleman named Snapenir, he’s on a different level of strength… Well, I’d like to have a match with him someday.”

(No, honestly, I was nervous the whole time… If we didn’t have the negotiating material ‘White Serpent’s Scales,’ we wouldn’t have been able to talk so smoothly.)

After parting with the snake people, we returned to the surface. With the unexpected appearance of a new race, it became crucial to assess and organize the current situation before engaging in monster hunting.

While having a slightly delayed lunch, Kyoko and Sakura were still actively discussing.

“Nevertheless, the last floor of the dungeon is the village of the snake people… I wonder how many of them there are.”

“Oh, that also crossed your mind, Kyoko-san? I was thinking the same thing.”

“Definitely, Sakura-san too? A race with such strength… If they were on the surface, they would undoubtedly be the ruling class.”

“But why are the snake people the only ones living in the dungeon?”

I was indeed curious about that. “Is there some reason?” “Since when have they been living underground?” “How many of them are there?” I definitely wanted to know those details.

“But, I’m relieved that the village chief wasn’t abducted.”

This time, Akiho brought up such a thing.

“Akiho? What do you mean by me being abducted?”

“Well, there was a possibility that the village chief could be captured and turned into a ‘Scale Production Slave,’ right? I’m glad that didn’t happen.”

“Ugh… That’s possible. Now that I think about it, my earlier statement might have been too reckless.”

“Well, the village chief doesn’t go to the dungeon, so there’s no need to worry about the future.”

“But it’s kinda scary… Shouldn’t we stop going into the dungeon, everyone?”

Suddenly realizing the possibility, the middle-aged man was now worrying about various things.

“If they intended to abduct you, the clan leader should have decided at that point. If they let it slide, it means they are also compromising,” 

“Yeah, is that so?”

“In the negotiation earlier, it was good that we handed over the scales immediately. If we had argued there… the outcome might have been different.”

“Really… It’s good we didn’t get greedy. I didn’t even consider being abducted; it didn’t cross my mind.”

“For me, occasionally showing up might be good, but that’s up to the village chief’s judgment.”

“Got it. I’ll think about it carefully.”

(It was dangerous… I thought I had negotiated well, but it was far from easy.)

In the end, we continued hunting in the afternoon.

The atmosphere during the negotiation wasn’t bad, and if they had intentions of killing or abducting us, they would have done so in the earlier stages. Also, considering the idea that they probably thought, “They won’t show up today,” we decided to proceed.

Well, not even two hours into the hunt, we unexpectedly bumped into each other…

When I handed over an additional eight scales, they accepted them with a somewhat apologetic attitude. The clan leader even offered words like, “I apologize if it seemed like we were pressuring you.”

Judging from their attitude at that moment, I didn’t sense any immediate hostility. Perhaps they regarded us as “surface dwellers giving them valuable items,” but for now, that was enough.

◇◇◇

As the evening approached, we reunited with Hayato’s party and returned to the village.

Today’s achievements included defeating 14 Black Snake Warriors and 12 Giant Bulls. For a first day, I considered it quite a commendable result.

“So, that’s how it went for us. How about you guys, Hayato?”

“As for the Giant Bull hunting, we didn’t particularly struggle. That said, it’s all thanks to the seniors.”

Hayato, displaying his usual handsome demeanor, continued to shower praise on Haruka and the others.

“No, no, no! Hayato-kun, you were amazing! Especially at the end, you split one in two with just one strike… That’s a hero’s strike, right?”

“Oh… Hold on, Haruka-san. Didn’t I tell you to keep that a secret? If you don’t explain properly, I might get scolded by Keisuke-san…”

“Sorry, sorry. It just slipped out, you know?”

It seems Hayato used the forbidden Hero’s Strike.

When I inquired about the situation, it turned out he had figured out the trick to adjust the MP consumption. Even with about 10% output, he managed to split the Giant Bulls in two.

Considering Hayato also said, “I won’t use it without permission on the surface,” I praised him without pressing the issue.

“Alright, then. I won’t be participating from tomorrow, but… everyone, take it easy. Be friendly with the snake people, but don’t get too deeply involved.”

I don’t have the authority to stop these enthusiastic folks. Everyone understands the risks involved. Since they are challenging it willingly, they can do as they please.

I leave the dungeon matters to everyone and expect that starting tomorrow, we’ll resume a peaceful life in the village.

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