Chapter 14: Demon’s Lair – Part 11
After emerging from the Dungeon, I returned to the Marquis’s residence.
Dinner was shared with the Marquis and the young Ryusha. The Marquis had something to discuss with me, indicating that he was busy enough to require a dinner meeting. Given the circumstances before the civil war, it was understandable.
“You managed to conquer a C-Class Dungeon in a single day. I hear you even defeated a Kraken all on your own?”
Listening to my tale, the ponytailed beauty, Marquis Lagantz, wore an expression of disbelief.
“Yes. It seems that if the opponent has a physical attribute, I can defeat even the boss of an A-Class Dungeon.”
“But you are still B-Rank, are you not? Have you ever ventured into an A-Class Dungeon?”
“I have explored a Classless Dungeon, which was said to be equivalent to an A-Class.”
“A Classless Dungeon… that would be the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ in the Kingdom of Vermillion, correct?”
“Indeed. I reached the fifth floor and even defeated the boss.”
“To be able to enter the ‘Foundation of the Royal Family’ means that you are highly regarded in the Kingdom of Vermillion. Is it because you defeated the Kin of Twilight?”
“That seems to be the case. It appears they wanted to see my strength as well.”
“Have you defeated any other significant monsters aside from the Kin of Twilight?”
It was Ryusha who asked this, showing a keen interest in the activities of adventurers.
“I defeated a Dark Flare Dragon in the Dungeon. I even received the title of Dragon Slayer.”
“Did you do that alone?”
“No, we defeated it as a party. However, I did take down the Kin of Twilight by myself. The opponent had taken hostages and forced me into a one-on-one battle.”
“You defeated the Kin of Twilight alone…? Just how strong are you, Soushi? Does Myuera know?”
“Myuera” is the first name of the Marquis. For Ryusha, she is like an older sister.
“I have never encountered the Kin of Twilight myself, so I cannot say. However, among adventurers, it is said that it is common for multiple A-Rank parties to confront a single Kin.”
“Then that means you are above A-Rank, Soushi?”
“That would be the case. If so, defeating a Kraken would be like twisting a child’s hand.”
With that, the Marquis stared intently at my face.
“By the way, Soushi, will you lend us your strength after all?”
“Regarding that, after diving into the Dungeon yesterday and today, I have made up my mind. I wish to participate in this battle.”
Upon hearing my answer, the Marquis nodded with a satisfied expression.
“Ah, that is truly appreciated. This strengthens our chances of victory in the battle.”
“I cannot guarantee how much I will be able to contribute on the battlefield, but I will do my utmost to meet your expectations. I apologize for taking time to make my decision.”
“Not at all. For someone like you, who has come from abroad, it would have been unreasonable to expect you to believe in our cause immediately. I, too, had no intention of waging war against the king. No matter how many rumors there were about me slaying the former king. However, when I was demanded to provide 5,000 slaves from my subjects, I could not comply.”
“Such unreasonable demands were made of you?”
I see, so that was the catalyst for this war. It is indeed something that a lord cannot comply with. There are ethical considerations, but to reduce one’s subjects to slaves without reason is a foolish act that would only shorten a lord’s political life.
However, the claim of “slaying the former king” is something that can only be described as such. Though he referred to it as a “rumor,” what a Marquis would call a “rumor” is likely a truth in disguise.
“Hmm, but if you have some resistance to standing on the battlefield, we could have you first serve as Ryusha’s bodyguard. What do you think?”
“Ryusha’s bodyguard? Such an important role for me?”
“We have only known each other for a few days, but I can tell you are a trustworthy person. From what I heard earlier, your strength is unmatched within the country of Mecalinan. There is no one more suitable for the role of bodyguard.”
I see, that is a possibility. It might be better than charging into battle right away. However…
“Your Excellency, if I may be so bold, what are the chances of victory in this war?”
“That is a difficult question to answer. If it is a defensive battle, we will likely win. I have heard that the morale of the king’s army is quite low. However, General Durack’s involvement could complicate matters.”
“There is a famous general involved, I see. But even if we win the defensive battle, the real issue lies beyond that, does it not?”
“Indeed. Ultimately, we must launch an offensive and capture the Royal Capital. Of course, we will cooperate with other nobles, but taking the Royal Capital will require considerable effort.”
“Thank you for your response. However, if that is the case, I feel that serving as a bodyguard may not be appropriate. All I can do is crush the monsters that come at us. Perhaps I could also break down the walls of the Royal Capital. If I do not exert my strength there, it would be meaningless.”
“You speak interestingly for someone who has been hesitant about war. Are you saying that you want to be at the forefront of the battle?”
“I realize it sounds strange, but I believe that is what is meant by being in the right place at the right time.”
“Ha ha, well, that is true enough. Now, what I want to know is just how capable you are in battle. The problem in this upcoming conflict will be the numerous Undead that the king’s army will summon. They are difficult to deal with unless you are an adventurer, and their numbers will be overwhelming. Can you handle that?”
“For example, if it were monsters like the Golems that Mazero uses, I could handle a hundred without issue. For any Undead below that level, I could exterminate them all by myself, no matter how many there are.”
“Ha ha! You claim that so boldly? If that is true, then even the knights of the royal family would be no match for you. But are you sure? You would be leading the charge with no ties to this country?”
“Yes, having made my decision, I will fight in whatever capacity is required.”
“How reassuring. Very well, I shall have you lead the charge in this battle. Of course, if we win and Ryusha ascends to the throne, you will receive a fitting reward. Ryusha, is that acceptable to you?”
“Yes, of course, that is fine… No, Marquis Lagantz, please arrange it as such.”
Ryusha transformed into a royal demeanor halfway through, changing his words. I am continually astonished by a world where a fifteen-year-old engages in such discussions. However, if I can assist a boy living in such a world, it adds even more meaning to my participation in this battle.