“Cladfield, are you not ready yet!?”
“I don’t mind, but could we at least have breakfast first?”
I already ate, though.
“Hmm, you’re right.”
“And I don’t mind you coming to the servant’s quarters, but at least knock.”
“My apologies for that… I know! How about a light workout!”
“We don’t have time for that.”
What does he think morning is for?
“Hmm, there’s still time, isn’t there?”
“If you exercise, you’ll sweat. You’ll have to take a bath before heading to the academy, won’t you? Lady Arianna has long hair, so it will take time to dry, right?”
“Y-you’re right.”
He’s fidgeting. His face is also somewhat grinning… I’m sure he’ll be disappointed.
“Lady Martha and Shirley-san are busy in the morning, so don’t bother them too much, okay?”
“Don’t treat me like a troublesome child!”
“Then please return to your room. The maids are teary-eyed looking for you, Young Lady.”
“No way.”
“We found you! Lady Arianna! Please don’t disappear from this morning! We need to do your hair!”
“They weren’t teary-eyed, they were angry.”
Shirley-san was angry.
“Cladfield-kun too! Don’t just let her in!”
“She barged in without knocking.”
That’s why I, the master, haven’t even offered her a chair.
“Lady Arianna!”
“I understand, I’ll be right back. Cladfield, make sure you’re well-prepared!”
“Understood.”
Everyone is busy in the morning, so don’t bother them too much.
“…But what should I bring?”
Unlike before, I don’t have a Magic Bag, so I have to carry or equip everything.
“The Iron Plate, I don’t need that, right?”
There aren’t many Monsters you can grill and eat anyway, so I guess it’s fine.
“We will now begin the Dungeon exploration. Are there any changes in the number of people in the parties that applied?”
The students nod at the teacher’s words.
“I’m looking forward to it!”
“Yes, I’m excited!”
“Lady Evelyn, please calm down.”
“Young Lady, you too.”
Among the male-dominated teams, our team of three women stands out. Of course, it’s not that there are no other women, but they are more like people to be protected.
Even though it’s a Dungeon exploration, it’s an academy class. Moreover, it’s a noble school. Safety is definitely ensured, so I’m sure the Young Ladies will be dissatisfied.
I’ve been trying to tell them that repeatedly.
“—!”
Yeah, they’re sparkling. I can’t bring myself to tell these Young Ladies that it’s a Dungeon exploration with escorts.
“Do not deviate from the map’s route, report any injuries, absolutely follow the instructions of the Knights inside, and do not approach the Dungeon Core’s Core Room. These are the things you must absolutely adhere to. Especially, do not approach the Core Room. You will be regarded as spies and be cut down without question, understand?”
Isn’t that too scary?
“““Yes”””
“We will let you in one team at a time. The first team, please.”
This Dungeon exploration class is only for those who wish to participate.
As members of the nobility, they must always possess the power to fight Monsters. This class was prepared based on that idea.
There are many male participants. I wouldn’t say most of the students, but about six or seven out of ten are participating. There are quite a few noble families where succession is based on merit, but there are also a certain number of second and third sons who cannot inherit the family estate.
This Dungeon is located about two hours away from the Royal Capital, and the Knights Order is entrusted with its management by the country.
In other words, it is an excellent opportunity for students to appeal to the Knights Order. Apparently, those in charge of scouting are keeping a close eye on them.
I wish they would take the usual Sword classes seriously, not just during times like these.
By the way, there are not many female participants. This is partly because it is dangerous, but also because their purpose in attending the academy is different in the first place.
They are here to make connections.
Many students come here not only to find husbands but also to build connections with noble families of equal or higher status. They live in a world where Monsters roam, so it’s better to have as many allies as possible.
You never know when a Monster outbreak might occur within your own territory.
In such cases, the noble families who manage the nearby territories are the ones you can rely on, but if they are too close, their strength is often unreliable. The neighbors also have to protect their own territories.
Of course, you can report to the country and rely on the country’s forces, but the next people they rely on are relatives and acquaintances.
The strength of their own military power is a given, but the ability to bring in forces from outside is also an indicator of the noble’s power.
“Some people are quite blatant, though.”
“What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s nothing.”
I wonder what the aim is of the women who are being fawned over in the male teams? I hope the men don’t start fighting each other.
“Next up is Lady Evelyn and Lady Arianna’s group.”
“Ah!”
“Let’s go!”
““Yes””
I was sick of hearing the equipment boasting from around me when our team was called.
“…Cladfield-kun. Is that large Iron Plate on your back a shield or something?”
“It’s just an Iron Plate.”
“I-is that so? Is it necessary?”
“It’s necessary!”
“It is necessary!”
“…So they say.”
Lady Arianna made a strong request, having literally tasted the benefits in the Meat Dungeon, so I prepared it. Lady Evelyn is also smiling.
Since it’s part of a school class, there are no adult guards accompanying us. In that situation, Lady Evelyn can’t bring out her Magic Bag, and she has to carry large luggage on her back.
It’s tough because there are seasonings and stuff too.