Chapter 22
Today, his older brother and sisters were going to delve into a nearby dungeon, so he had been allowed to accompany them. They were traveling by carriage.
“Claude, this is your first time delving into a dungeon, right?”
“Yes. I’ve never delved into a dungeon before.”
“The dungeon we’re tackling this time is an intermediate-level one, but with your skills, Claude, I don’t think it’ll be a problem.”
“We mustn’t be careless, but with your swordsmanship that can overwhelmingly defeat Klaus, and your ability to use magic, I’m expecting great things from you.”
They had a light lunch in the carriage and, by early afternoon, arrived at their destination, the dungeon, without any issues.
When they alighted from the carriage, they noticed that the people around were staring at them.
“We seem to be attracting a lot of attention, don’t we?”
“They delve into dungeons for their livelihood, while we must look like nobles doing it for sport.”
From among the people watching them, a man stepped forward.
“Oi, oi! It’s one thing for rich folk to treat this as a pastime, but to bring a brat along? Stop treating dungeons like a joke!”
“We are members of the Prominence Marquis House, entrusted by the Kingdom with the management of this dungeon. This is not your place to interfere.”
“The Marquis House, you say?! Even if that’s true, bringing a child like this… you think that’s acceptable?!”
The carriage bore the crest of the Prominence House, but aside from a few adventurers, most people found it difficult to identify a noble house by its crest alone.
Hearing the commotion, soldiers who were managing the dungeon came rushing over.
They, of course, recognized the crest of the ruling house and were careful to respond politely, ensuring no discourtesy.
“Is something the matter?”
“There’s no problem on our end. However, this man has been complaining about Claude accompanying us.”
“Claude-sama… he really is still just a child, isn’t he?”
“He might look like that, but he’s far stronger than I am, you know,” Klaus remarked.
“Stronger than Klaus-sama? Is that true? I’m afraid I can’t make a judgment on that. May I consult with my superior?”
“There’s no need for that.”
Before they knew it, a man clad in armor more splendid than that of the surrounding soldiers had approached.
“Captain Antos? It’s been a while,” Klaus said.
“It has been some time, Klaus-sama. I hear Claude-sama is strong enough to win mock battles against the Knight Order, so there should be no problem. Besides, your presence here means you’ve naturally obtained the Marquis-sama’s permission, does it not?”
“Naturally. I have my father’s permission.”
“In that case, please proceed.”
“Excuse us, then.”
With Klaus in the lead, Claude and the others disappeared into the dungeon.
Captain Antos let out a sigh.
“I understand you’re an earnest fellow, but you need to choose your battles more carefully. It’s no joke; you could have easily lost your head for lèse-majesté.”
“My apologies…”
The man dejectedly returned to his companions, who then consoled him.