Chapter 11: The Wandering Dungeon – 02
“That being said, we’ve decided to postpone the other C-Rank Dungeon and head to Barbadoza the day after tomorrow. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I hope you can understand.”
In the inn, I conveyed the count’s request to everyone gathered in the room, but the members of the “Soul’s Guidance” party did not react particularly strongly.
“If you, Soushi-sama, have decided to accept it, then I believe it will be fine.”
“Well, it’s hard to refuse a direct request from the count. It feels a bit unsettling to put off this C-Rank Dungeon, but it can’t be helped.”
“I don’t see any particular problem with it either. Besides, isn’t it true that you, Soushi-san, are concerned about the Undead?”
I nodded at Sfenia’s words.
“That’s exactly right. I can’t shake the feeling that the recent Undead commotion is something we shouldn’t ignore.”
“Hmm. But I feel like it doesn’t necessarily have to be us handling it. Barbadoza is a large city, right? There should be plenty of strong parties available.”
While Larni’s words were true, I could somewhat understand the count’s reasoning.
“The count likely wants to gauge our strength. After all, it was an unknown party of adventurers that defeated the Kin of Twilight this time. I doubt he would make a judgment based solely on that.”
“Nobles can be such a hassle, can’t they? Even with evidence, it’s not enough.”
“It’s not that he doubts the defeat of the Kin, but rather he wants to assess whether it was merely a stroke of luck. Since he has to report to the royal family, it’s only natural for the count to verify the facts. Moreover, he might not want to use his strong assets on an uncertain encounter with the Undead.”
While my thoughts might be a bit speculative, they weren’t entirely off the mark. Those in higher positions have their own logic to follow.
Mariane nodded in agreement with my reasoning.
“That sounds about right, Soushi-san. Additionally, he may want to establish a relationship with ‘Soul’s Guidance.’ Regardless, accepting a request from the count alone would be a significant achievement, and it wouldn’t be a bad thing for ‘Soul’s Guidance.'”
“That does put my mind at ease. In any case, with the Undead as our opponent, I can rely on Frei. I’m counting on you.”
At my words, Freinir’s face lit up with joy. She clasped her hands in front of her chest and declared, “Yes, Soushi-sama! I will do my utmost to assist you!” While putting too much pressure on her could be problematic… it’s good to see her motivation is high.
“Of course, I’m counting on everyone as well. Some Undead are resistant to physical attacks, after all.”
As I made sure to keep an eye on the others, I suddenly recalled my past life as a project leader. Ah, so this is somewhat similar to that; being the leader of an adventurer party.
The next day, we trained while also gathering supplies. We had been hired as the count’s escort to the capital city of Barbadoza, which would take four days of travel. I tend to be a bit of a worrywart, so I always stock up on food supplies. The Item Box skill is truly perfect for me.
On the morning of the day after tomorrow, we joined the count’s party and departed Bartran, seeing off by the Rodnik magistrate.
The count’s entourage consisted of a luxurious carriage for the count, a supply wagon, twenty soldiers, two of the aforementioned twin bodyguards, and four regular adventurers for a total of twenty-seven people. According to Mariane, this was quite a small number, but moving a lord must be a significant undertaking.
The twins were both former C-Rank adventurers, and the bodyguard party “Dawn’s Thunder” was B-Rank, so their strength as protectors seemed more than adequate.
As for accommodations, the road connecting the capital and the second town was well-developed, and naturally, a building specifically for the count was prepared.
There was also a small hut for the guards nearby, but since it was meant for the soldiers, we ended up camping outside. However, as Larni put it, “It’s convenient if there are men who come to talk to us,” so it worked out fine.
The second day passed without incident, and after the count entered the inn, we set up our tents a little distance away. We had coordinated with “Dawn’s Thunder” to keep watch, ensuring our posts were positioned around the count’s lodging.
While we were having dinner, one of the count’s twin bodyguards, the female one—her name was Reisei, if I recalled correctly—approached us.
“Good evening! Soushi-san, may I introduce myself to your party?”
“Good evening. Please, come this way.”
Upon closer inspection, she appeared to be in her early twenties. With her short hair and unique way of speaking, she looked somewhat youthful, but the glint in her eyes spoke of experience. Being a former C-Rank adventurer, she likely had more depth than her appearance suggested. It was probably the count’s instruction for her to come over and greet us.
“Wow, all of you are such beautiful women! Is that the kind of person you are, Soushi-san?”
As she joined our circle of five, Reisei suddenly asked that question. Well, it was certainly a point of curiosity.
“I’m not sure what you mean by ‘that kind of person,’ but it just happened that way naturally. Let me introduce everyone.”
I introduced everyone from Freinir to Mariane.
“I’m Reisei. I originally come from a family that serves the count, but my brother and I both became adventurers and reached C-Rank, which allowed us to be recognized as the count’s bodyguards.”
“Did you awaken your abilities together with your brother, Reinan?”
“That’s right! It’s quite rare, and my family was surprised and saddened by it, but somehow we’ve settled into our current situation.”
Coming from a family that serves the count means they must have some standing. For that family, having both siblings become adventurers would indeed be a significant blow. However, achieving a certain level of success as adventurers and becoming the count’s bodyguards must have been a stroke of luck for the family.
“By the way, Mariane-san, you’re from the guild, right? Are you perhaps a dedicated staff member for ‘Soul’s Guidance’?”
Hearing this, Mariane nodded.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Does that mean you were assigned to us because we defeated the Kin of Twilight?”
“No, it was before that. ‘Soul’s Guidance’ has been regarded as a promising party for some time now.”
“Wow, the guild’s ability to assess parties is impressive! That must be because Soushi-san is strong, right?”
Mariane glanced at me. Reisei was clearly trying to gauge the capabilities of “Soul’s Guidance.” It was a delicate matter of how much to reveal.
“Indeed. Soushi-san’s strength has already surpassed B-Rank and approaches A-Rank. Furthermore, his Item Box skill is exceptionally useful compared to other adventurers, which has drawn the guild’s attention. Of course, the overall level of the party is also highly regarded.”
“Certainly, if you can defeat the Kin of Twilight and carry such a large amount of goods, you might be able to gather a significant amount of materials from deep dungeons. I can see why you’re held in high regard.”
Mariane explained with the information she already knew, and Reisei seemed satisfied for the moment. It was clear to anyone that Sfenia was a High Elf, and Freinir being a former duchess was likely something the count had noticed as well. Considering that, it wouldn’t be strange for a dedicated staff member to be assigned.
Reisei didn’t pry any further and instead engaged in light conversation, eventually returning to the inn.