Kays Translations

Just another Isekai Lover~

Chapter 39: The Overworked Chief of Staff

"I see, so the monsters created by the dungeon are appearing directly on the surface... Hm, I've never heard of such a case."

On the day we returned from the deep layers, we invaded Saran's office and immediately explained the situation. I thought he would be more surprised, but the shrewd glasses nodded in agreement with our story as usual. Somehow, it was a bit anticlimactic.

"...So, how do you see it? I think we need to investigate the dungeon and eliminate the cause."

While showing a thoughtful posture in response to my question, Saran tapped the table with his fingers. It's been a while since he's been lost in thought, but well, I don't know what he's thinking, so I can only wait.

"The investigation of the dungeon is necessary. However, eliminating the cause may not be necessary."

"What do you mean?"

"We may need to invite a monster researcher, but if it's not ecologically unnatural, we might be able to leave the surface emergence of dungeon monsters as it is."

Beside me, Rolo raised his voice, "Ah," as if he realized something.

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"Could it be that we can collect dungeon resources while they are still on the surface?"

"Exactly. If monsters do not disrupt the forest ecosystem significantly, and we haven't received any reports to that effect so far, then we can simply call it a 'prosperous forest.'"

I couldn't quite understand what Saran was saying. While dungeon monsters as a resource is not entirely unfamiliar, letting them multiply like this may cause problems.

"Jurg, I understand your concerns. However, didn't you report that the forest is 'normalizing'?"

"Well, yeah, but...!"

"This is just a hypothesis, but could it be that the forest in the unexplored area is functioning as the 'surface first floor of the underground dungeon'?"

Finally, it clicked.

Certainly, if you think about it that way, it's not strange for dungeon monsters to emerge. And dungeons have an unwritten law known as the 'Boundary Agreement.'

Dungeon monsters are ecologically restricted in terms of moving between floors and outside the dungeon. Considering this, it explains why not many dungeon monsters invaded even when Malhas' barrier was interrupted. The border area with the forest is the edge of the dungeon.

If that's the case, the Vampire Goat that caused damage to the village might have been the advance guard for the 'Overflow’ caused by the scarred beast. If we had neglected dealing with it, a large-scale 'Overflow’—a 'Great Stampede'—might have occurred at an early stage.

"Let's investigate the dungeon. We need to confirm the scale and predict to some extent how much of the unexplored area is considered part of the dungeon."

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Oh well, it's amazing how someone smart can figure it out even without going to the site. It's frustrating, but it's not something I can do.

"How's the progress with the barrier?"

"I've investigated it, Saran-san. I've found several places around where we can place the barrier."

"Thank you. I thought it might be difficult due to the nature of the dungeon, but it seems doable."

"However, after witnessing the emergence of dungeon monsters... It might be better to strengthen both physically and magically."

At Fimia's words, Saran nodded and touched his chin with his hand, lost in thought. I was worried that he might say something unreasonable again, but when he confidently makes a move, there's almost no mistake in his judgment. He's the one drawing the map of this 'Pioneer City.'

"I understand. I'll take care of everything. Thank you all for your hard work."

"Don't give us 'Thank you for your hard work.'"

"Huh?"

Sarang looks extremely suspicious at my words.

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This guy doesn't really understand what his complexion looks like right now, does he?

Absolutely...we were the ones who barged in, but it's almost time for a break.

"Saran, let's go eat."

"I still have things to do. Please go ahead."

"When you finish your adventure, we should have a celebration, right?"

"I'm not accompanying you this time..."

Alright, he’s getting annoying.

"Wait...? Please put me down, Jurg."

"Shut up, let's go."

Lifting the slender Saran on my shoulders, I walked out of the office door. Once we stepped outside, we entered the lively ‘Pioneer City' where cheerful adventurers reside. Naturally... Saran, who was being carried on my shoulder, stood out as he struggled.

"Oh, isn't that the 'Young Master'? Long time no see."

"Why are you being carried, Saran-san?"

"Did you incur the Guild Master's wrath...?"

Exposed to various voices, Saran struggled on my shoulder. Does he think he can easily shake me off with that level of resistance? This overworked glasses guy.

"Don't go wild, 'Young Master.'"

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"Stop it, Jurg. What will you do if it becomes an official nickname?"

To such remarks, I laugh and respond to Saran.

"Well, that's fine. After all, I've been made to sit in the grand seat of the Adventurer Guild Master, so I'll make it guild-approved for you."

"Oh, that might be good. Saran is the only one without a nickname in 'Mercia.'"

"Yes. It's not good to leave someone out, you know."

To Rolo and Fimia's mischievous remarks, Saran raised a protest.

"You two, cut it out!"

"If you want us to listen to you, straighten up. Stop looking so pale. You don't have the face of an adventurer."

"Well, that may be true... but, however..."

"Enough with 'however.' After eating, it's time for a steam bath. Then, go to bed quickly."

On my shoulder, Saran, who had become limp, sighed. It seems he has finally resigned himself.

"There's a mountain of things to do, you know?"

"You're smart but still a fool, aren't you?"

"What did you say?"

Putting Saran down on the ground, I grab his shoulder. His body is light and slender, almost like a woman's. He's clearly pushing himself beyond reason.