Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 26: Connecting Lines
“I see… You’ve gained quite a substantial harvest.”
“How about you?”
While I was being asked an unusual question for a Pope at the depths of the Church Headquarters Temple, Saran and Rolo were attending a tea party hosted by the royal prince. According to Saran, it was an “easy invitation,” and according to Rolo, it seemed to be quite lively.
“We’ve completed some preparations as well. We should be able to arrange an audience within a few days.”
“An audience… you mean with the king?”
“When it comes to the national selection party, it’s something that happens at least once. Brace yourself.”
Anticipating my protest, Saran informed me with a hint in his words. As I sighed in response, Rolo lightly tapped my back.
“It’s an honorable thing; let’s just be happy about it.”
“What if I make a mistake and lose my head?”
“We’ve never had such a case in the past, so rest assured.”
“Still… let’s try to use polite language as much as possible.”
“Can I stay silent?”
“The leader can’t afford to do that, right?”
Amidst the banter, my gaze suddenly fell on Fimia. She had been silent and absent-minded since earlier. As Rolo seemed to notice my gaze, he whispered to me.
“What did you do this time?”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Really? No unintentional provocations or misunderstandings like usual?”
“…I’m not confident.”
In the first place, there was no fact that I was a fool or a blockhead. It was just a slight misunderstanding and miscommunication.
“Fimia-san, we’d like to discuss future matters, so please focus a bit.”
“Oh, sorry… I guess I’m a bit tired.”
“Shall we talk about it tomorrow?”
Fimia shook her head slightly in response to Saran’s words.
“I’m fine. Um, there might be an audience.”
“Yes. In that case, Jurg and Fimia-san, please behave accordingly.”
Saran narrowed his eyes and looked at me and Fimia. Stop giving off an untrustworthy vibe. Even I’m feeling uneasy.
“Today, with the information we’ve obtained, it’s clear that assistance and vigilance towards Malhas are essential. Since you two are ‘Hero and Saint,’ it’s important to draw that out from His Majesty and other dignitaries, you know that right?”
“I understand, stop pushing.”
“If you understand, then please act a bit more like it. You two lack charm and persuasiveness.”
Sending a drunk Saint to the room would be devilish behavior in my opinion. Well, Saran understands that much. If someone were to see us, they’d definitely see the two of us as awkward.
“Well, well… Jurg and Fimia are doing their best too. But more importantly, shouldn’t we talk about that?”
“Oops, that’s right.”
Nodding to Rolo, Saran spread out several sheets of high-quality paper on the table. The neatly arranged characters, with numbers and diagrams here and there, were clearly some kind of report.
“What’s this?”
“These are estimated tables of tax revenues brought to the royal castle by various lords.”
“Was it okay to bring that out?”
“Rolo-san and I split up what we saw and copied it. We didn’t remove the original, so it’s okay.”
No wonder the characters looked familiar.
Seriously, what’s okay about this?
Copying official documents and taking them out, even I know that’s risky.
“Anyway, take a look at this.”
Saran pointed to a part marked in red.
The tax revenue in every part was decreasing. The name Advante was also there.
“It’s where the Dungeon is.”
“As we heard, it seems that the decrease in the calculation of dungeon resources is the cause.”
“Yeah. And this one is for Malhas.”
Saran took out another piece of paper and placed it on the table.
I’ve seen this happen several times, as I also accounted for the money as a guild master with Kati and Rolo.
“This one is showing a significant increase in tax revenue.”
“This is just a guess, but…only Malhas’ tax revenue has increased.”
“It’s probably because of the newly developed area, right?”
“That’s part of it. But based on our calculations, the resource output in Malhas is more than double that of other territories with dungeon.”
Saran’s words evoke thoughts of my hometown.
Compared to when we were obtaining resources from unexplored areas on a small scale, it has now become much larger, and even monsters have become a resource.
However, now that it’s mentioned, the expenses of development should offset the gains, or even result in a deficit, but there seems to be an excess of prosperity instead.
“Could it be that you’re implying dungeon resources from other territories are being diverted to Marhas?”
“You’re close, Rolo. That’s not it, but I believe there may be a connection.”
“…Could it be the ‘Dungeon Homogeneity Theory’?”
Saran nods at Rolo’s words. Meanwhile, I can only tilt my head in confusion. The smart ones always leave me behind.
“Explain it so I can understand.”
“Well, there’s a theory that all labyrinths are connected somewhere, and they share resources… like materials.”
“Meaning?”
“It means there’s a possibility that something like that power is flowing into Malhas’ labyrinth.”
Upon hearing Rolo’s explanation, I exchange glances with Fimia.
The endless pulsation of “Culling” that has continued since ancient times. The remnants of the abandoned god from another world. The unexplored regions and underground labyrinths there.
“What’s wrong, Jurg?”
“Nothing, just got a bad feeling… Saran, is it possible to reschedule and return earlier?”
“Are you suggesting canceling the audience?”
I growl softly at Saran’s question. No, it wouldn’t be right for just us to go back.
If “Culling” really appears… we’ll need the help of many people.
Despite having distanced myself from my hometown, now I must protect it at all costs.
There lies my place, along with the adventurers… and Rolo’s dreams.
“Please try to advance the audience as soon as possible. There’s something I want you to propose to the king.”
“Let’s hear it. Can you explain it here and now?”
I nod slightly to Saran as he assumes a posture of inquiry, with his fingers interlocked.