Chapter 20: “Dragon Cradle” and to the Beastmen Village 19
After that, I talked with Marianne’s parents about various things, and then returned to the inn late at night.
Marianne said she would be staying at her parents’ house, but I’m sure she’ll be grilled with questions after I leave.
In the first place, even though I’m just a newly-appointed Marquis, becoming the wife of a noble means that her family will also have deep ties with the noble house. I guess there are various emotions and intentions involved that I, who was born and raised in Japan, can’t understand, and thinking about that makes me feel a little tense.
From the next day, we began to conquer the Dungeons around the town of Ruarl.
There was one Dungeon each of E, D, and C rank, so we cleared both E and D in one day, and C, although it had fifteen floors, was also cleared in one day. I am already beyond the scope of Rank A with the Guidance of Sol, but I never neglect to steadily collect Skills.
Marianne, Maricier, and Dorozitte had already cleared these Dungeons, so they didn’t acquire any Skills or level up. As for the other members, everyone only leveled up their already acquired Skills.
On the night we returned from the C-Class Dungeon, we headed to the diner run by Marianne’s parents again.
The private room we were first shown to was always kept open for us, so we had dinner there again today. After enjoying the high-class cuisine, just as dessert was being served, Dorozitte started talking about something that concerned her.
“Soushi-san, I think Marianne has told you about it, but actually, in the south, the number of monsters appearing on the ground has been confirmed to be increasing. We contacted all the branches and collected information, and it turned out that the number is increasing in every branch.”
“I think I heard a while ago that the number of monsters was increasing, but does the fact that you’re bringing it up again mean that the change has become significant?”
“Well, the thing is, the increase or decrease in the number of monsters appearing in each branch is actually something that always happens. Some years there are more, some years there are fewer, there are always waves like that. But there’s no precedent for the number of appearances in specific, concentrated areas to increase all at once.”
“A bad sign, then?”
“It’s highly likely. That’s because, as I said, there’s no precedent for it now, but there’s only one record that seems similar. Before the legendary Adventurer Midgalt defeated the huge and evil Dragon called the ‘Evil Dragon,’ the record says that many monsters appeared on the ground.”
Dorozitte’s face was more serious than usual when she said that. It seems that even she can’t talk about it jokingly.
The members heard that story, and almost everyone focused on Dorozitte. Lani was the first to react, as expected.
“Come to think of it, I heard before that the Saint of the church said, ‘The King of Monsters will appear,’ so does that mean the ‘Evil Dragon’ will appear again? Even though we still have troublesome things like the ‘Netherworld Candlestick’ and ‘Demons’ left?”
“The ‘Evil Dragon’ should have been defeated, so I don’t know if the same one will appear. Besides, the increase in the number of appearances is still gradual, so nothing will happen tomorrow. But there’s also the story of the Saint’s oracle, so I thought it would be better for us, the Guidance of Sol, to know about it, so I told you now.”
“Hmph. But if it’s in the south, that means it’s where we’re going from now on, right? Especially Mekalinnan and Ozz, they’re south of the Kingdom.”
“That’s right. Well, for now, you can think of it as the possibility of encountering monsters on the ground has increased a little, or that the number of subjugation requests at the Guild will increase. Of course, if there’s a Rank A request, we should take it proactively.”
While saying that, Dorozitte looks at me.
“If there’s a Dragon subjugation request like before, let’s take it. The damage will be reduced if we take it on.”
“I thought Soushi-san would say that. I’ve arranged for information of that kind to come to me immediately, so please rely on me when the time comes. Of course, I’ll also help as a member of the Guidance of Sol.”
Dorozitte looks relieved.
Then, Freynil, who was sitting next to me, touched my arm.
“Soushi-sama, there was talk about the Saint just now, but is it also related to the Wandering Labyrinth after all?”
“I think it’s related. It would have been good if I could have asked Lylanora about it when I met her last time.”
I had heard from the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Vermilion that the Wandering Labyrinth appears in connection with not only the Evil Dragon but also major monster disasters. If that’s the case, then the increase in the number of monster appearances that Dorozitte is talking about may be a natural occurrence as a sign of disaster.
“In short, it means there are still places for us to play an active role, right? Honestly, in the battle with the Twilight Kin, there were guys on the other side who weren’t motivated, so we didn’t get to rampage as much as we wanted. If the opponent is a monster, we don’t have to hold back, so I’m all for it.”
“That is so. Even though we have become this strong, not being able to use it to its full extent is something that Adventurers would regret. It is good to be prepared with that in mind.”
The atmosphere was about to become serious, but when Karma and Sakurahime made positive remarks, Lani and Shizuna also agreed, and Maricier also began to smile with a quiet fighting spirit.
When Sphenia said, “I certainly want an opportunity to unleash magic to my heart’s content,” Geshura also nodded, unusually, saying, “That might be good.”
It seems that the Guidance of Sol is getting used to unprecedented situations. As the leader here, I can’t show any weakness either.
“If it’s unavoidable, then we’ll just have to crush everything head-on. We have the power to do that, and we’ll all work together. We’re aiming to be legendary Adventurers, right?”
When I made such a bold statement, for some reason everyone was silent for a moment, looking at my face with a dumbfounded expression.
Crap, this is definitely a slip-up. I guess I shouldn’t say things I’m not used to.
But then, Lani, who quickly recovered, said,
“Ahaha, everyone was surprised because Soushi said something like that. But that’s right, we’re aiming to be legendary Adventurers!”
She took the lead and livened up the place, and we got through it safely.
Well, after that, everyone comforted me and teased me, but that made me feel like the party’s bond had strengthened, so let’s just say it was all good in the end.