Chapter 78: Before Being a Wanderer

“Really, it’s not like I’m Fuza-sama… Sorry, if only I had the required magic power, it seems possible to move, but the numbers are a bit outrageous, so it’s impossible right now.”

Uttering these words, Isamu collapsed weakly on the stage-like top step.

“You were shouting about 200,000… Since the one above was 12,000, this is more than ten times that. As Isamu said, we need to prepare properly.”

Sitting on the stairs, Eto let out a dry laugh.

“If we want to explore beyond this point in earnest, it will be difficult to do it on a day trip, and we will need to prepare anyway, so this might have been a good time.”

From Felix’s perspective, it looks like they’ll be spending the night exploring from here on out.

“Fortunately, there is no sign that this place has ever been opened, and I don’t think anyone else will be able to open the door that even Isamu-san can’t open without proper preparation. Would you like to think about your future policy again after returning to the capital of Klaufendam?  Sales of magic tools will also begin.”

Annemarie was right.

For the past five days, I’ve been focusing on exploring the ruins, but now, with the imminent launch of the new magic tool, there should be a lot to do.

“Yes, that’s right. I understand what needs to be done to move forward. So, let’s start anew from here.”

After listening to everyone’s discussion, Isamu, with renewed determination, stood up.

“Shall we return for now? Since exploring is only until we return safely.”

“Nyafu.”

In response to Isamu’s cheerful words, Orihime slipped into Isamu’s backpack.

The group smiled at this and began the evacuation work from the third underground floor.

“I see, the third underground floor was in that condition… Moreover, 200,000 magic power. It jumped up just by diving three levels.”

After dinner, Selfers sighed with mixed feelings upon receiving the report.

“Yes. It’s a figure that seems to mock our ingenuity.”

Isamu also responded with a bitter expression.

“It’s because each room, despite being in large quantities, requires an appropriate amount of magic individually. So, the fundamental perspective on magic might be different. It’s as if the assumption is that there is naturally strong magic power, or perhaps it’s created with the premise of having magic.”

The current magic tools require, at most, one medium magic stone, excluding exceptions used in the royal castle. However, the magic tools seen in the ruins, or more precisely, the magic tools incorporated into the ruins, required magic power of a completely different magnitude. Moreover, without it, one couldn’t even enter the room, a level of infrastructure that is taken for granted. If you think about the entire ruins, it’s unimaginable how much magic power was once used. It’s not unreasonable for Isamu to consider that his way of using magic power and thinking about magical tools is fundamentally different.

“To have so many mysteries after just a little dive… Well, more than that, we were able to learn a lot of things no one knew until now… Anyway, it was the right decision to get permission to enter the restricted area. Isamu-dono, do you plan to continue exploring?”

“Yes, that’s the plan. I also want to acquire the new magic circle, but I’ve become increasingly interested in the mysteries of this ruins or the ancient civilization…”

“I understand. Well, I thought Isamu-dono would say that, so I contracted a building to serve as a base today.”

“Eh? Did you already sign a contract!?”

Isamu was surprised by Selfer’s unexpected words. He did say he would go see the property, but to think he had already signed a contract…

“Also, I was going to tell you when we returned, but it’s just right in the flow of the conversation, so I’ll say it now. I think exploring the ruins from now on will be even more difficult than before. So, I’m thinking of appointing a dedicated escort for Isamu-dono. That way, the knowledge and experience gained with each exploration won’t go to waste, and cooperation will deepen. This can’t be achieved through the training of the knights alone.”

“That’s true, but…”

“So, Felix!”

“Yes.”

“As the captain, I want to appoint you, along with Liddell, Marcela, and Mizeroi, as Isamu-dono’s exclusive escort. Is there any problem?”

“Yes, there is no particular problem. However…”

“However?”

“Well, it’s just that if the other knights find out, they’ll probably complain about why it’s not them. Maybe even from the commander…”

Felix said with a bitter expression.

“Really, it can’t be helped… Well, it’s a grateful story because you’re willing to take on the escort willingly. However, since I’ve appointed some people who are close to Isamu-dono as escorts, you can take them around freely in the ruins or the forest as you like. You can also use the base however you like from the next time you come. You can’t show the spoils of war found in the ruins to anyone other than those involved, and we can’t just kick the Zambrotta Company’s workshop out forever, right? It’s a property for nobles, so at least there are people around who know who you are, and it’s safer than for commoners.”

“Ah, if you’re going to set up a base, you’ll need people for building security, and maintenance and management will be necessary even when Isamu-dono isn’t using it. I plan to send some soldiers and servants when I return. Also, well… the minimum necessary tools might be needed. Eto, since you’ll be acting together, can you prepare various necessary tools?”

“Hahaha, as expected of Klaufeldt-sama, you understand it well. You should be able to get everything you need from the Zambrotta Trading Company, so I’ll place an order before we return tomorrow.”

Unable to keep up with the situation unfolding before him, Isamu’s eyes widened.

“Oh? What’s the matter?”

Having finished talking for a while, Selfarz finally noticed Isamu’s vacant expression.

“Well, it’s not that… I’m incredibly grateful for everything, but are you sure it’s okay?”

“What do you mean by ‘okay’?”

“Knights also have to guard their territories, and running a base requires money, right? Yet, it’s all provided so easily…”

“What are you talking about? There’s hardly anything more prioritized than what Isamu-dono wants to do. Besides, considering the short time, there’s hardly anything I’ve been able to repay. You don’t need to be so reserved.”

Isamu once again found himself at a loss for words in the face of Selfer’s nonchalant declaration.

“So, Isamu-dono, feel free to explore the ruins as much as you want. If you get tired of these ruins, you can go to others. Well, of course, we’d be a bit troubled if it’s a place we can’t protect…”

An even more surprising proposition came up. Does this mean he’s free to do as he pleases?

As if Selfers could read Isamu’s thoughts, he continued. 

“Yeah, let’s make it clear. Isamu-dono is undoubtedly an important guest under the protection of the Klaufeldt family. That’s for sure. However, that doesn’t mean we intend to bind you to us or make you work for us. Before being a wanderer we sheltered, you are Isamu Matsumoto, an individual. I want you to do more of what you like, more freely. Supporting that is our duty.”

Selfers said with a gentle smile.

“Well, as I mentioned earlier, we’re already indebted to you to the point where I won’t be able to repay it during my lifetime… Furthermore, if we continue exploring ruins, I can’t predict how much the debts will accumulate. It’s worrisome, but…”

Then, with a smile on his face, he shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands in a small gesture.

Isamu, who was listening intently with tears in his eyes, rubbed his eyes with his arm.

“I understand. If that’s your intention, then I’ll go all in, okay? I’ll keep making ridiculously powerful magic tools and turn the Klaufeldt family into the foremost noble family in the kingdom, no, in the world! Are you prepared for that?”

With this loud declaration, Isamu’s face, though crumpled with a mix of laughter and tears, was undeniably bright.

Thus, the first-ever ruins exploration for Isamu, which lasted for five days, concluded with various gains and mysteries. It was a great start for the initial exploration. The next day, the Klaufeldt Viscount family party set out on their way back to their territory as planned.

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