Book 3: Chapter 20
Book 3: Chapter 20
The flames created by mana illuminated a black, jelly-like body. A “Slime”! Or something similar to it, at least.
The slimes were present compactly all over the disposal chute, wiggling around. Goosebumps ran up my skin.
The slime that was holding onto the bag seemed to be melting it.
Far below, I could see the remains of the uniforms and equipment of the people of the Labyrinth Capture Division.
I detonated the【Fire Magic】in my hand and burned the slime that was trying to melt the bag, causing a blast. My floating body slammed into the ceiling—shit, I was distracted by the slime and failed to control the power.
Still, I managed to grab onto the cliff and crawled up. There was a rustling noise near my feet. A slime was stretching its tentacles to grab my feet.
「NOOO!」
I quickly rolled my body up the narrow space I came from. When I looked back down the dust chute, the usual silence had returned.
「W-What the hell was that?」
They can’t climb up here? At any rate, I’m worn out.
I held the bag tightly, like it was a rare loot, and climbed up the slope and returned to the stone statues.
**
After that, we left the Labyrinth of Fear for the time being.
Sure enough, the bag belonged to a contact sent by the Labyrinth Capture Division 4. It contained a paper detailed with a report on the capture and a request for aid.
It had only been less than an hour since we entered the Labyrinth of Fear, so the guards who operated the elevator looked puzzled. Nevertheless, our party and Polina-san decided to return to Muge-san’s company for the time being.
Polina-san didn’t seem to know where the company that hired the Golden Brigade was located, and she also needed to rest a little.
「What is that?」
In front of Muge-san’s company—though called a company, it has only a large warehouse and a small cabin-like house—a brand new, polished, shiny, Magi Engine powered car was parked.
The black automobile had a linear and edgy shape. It had a close resemblance to the Giugiaro’s car design back on Earth. The reason I, who didn’t even get a driver’s license, knew the name of the design was because I saw a TV program hosted by a famous entertainer who introduced his beloved cars. Perhaps because of【World Ruler】, I can remember even the smallest details from my previous life.
Leaving that aside, it was even more worrying that the car looked much more expensive and exclusive than any other cars which could normally be seen in the Empire.
When we stopped at a distance – not prompted by anyone – the passenger seat door opened and a Lev man in butler clothes came out. With a solid physique, he was by far the largest among the Lev people I have seen so far.
「Are you the owner of this company, Muge, and the adventurer’s hired by Muge?」
Strictly speaking, Polina-san is not, but Dante-san briefly answered,「Yes.」
The butler looked at us as if he was looking at dirt, and approached the rear seat of the car. I couldn’t see the inside because a curtain was pulled inside the car, but I could hear his voice clearly.
「–Do you really wish to meet them? They are shabby-looking people that don’t deserve to meet someone of your standing.」
Then the curtain was parted and a slip of paper was held out and pressed against the window.
The butler was in the way so I couldn’t see what was written, but the butler read it and reacted.
「—But I was strictly ordered by His Majesty the Emperor to protect you.」
Another piece of paper appeared.
「—Nevertheless, you don’t necessarily have to present the gold coins in your purse and walk in front of the robbers, right?」
Another piece of paper appeared—this time, it was strongly pressed against the window.
「—Even so, it is because of Lulusha’s suggestion that you came to such a conclusion. It cannot be easily accepted…」
「Do you know Lulusha-san?」I said without thinking.
The butler showed even more disgust.
「Eavesdropping bastards… These humans have no sense of manners at all. Your Highness, let’s turn back.」
The door opened with a banging sound, causing the butler to be startled.
A piece of paper was presented out the door, the butler read it and stepped back with a bitter look.
A young girl in a bright lemon-colored dress got out of the car. She was a beautiful elf – Dante-san stared open-mouthed at the girl, whereas Zerry-san, who was in the middle of stifling a yawn, was startled.
「This is Her Royal Highness Anastasia, from the royal family of High Elves who rule the elves. Be sure to mind your manners.」
The butler said, while glaring, but no one was listening. She was that beautiful.
「—Anastasia-sama!!」
However, there was one person who broke such a moment of wonder – Polina-san. After removing her hood, she moved a few steps forward and knelt. Perhaps Her Highness Anastasia also knew Polina-san, as her eyes widened astonishedly. However, there was a sad look on her face.
**
The beautiful Elf princess being inside Muge-san’s warehouse felt like an inharmonious atmosphere. We weren’t told in detail why Her Highness was in the Empire, and was only told by the butler that she would “communicate by writing because she couldn’t speak”. A light green scarf was wrapped around her neck. It didn’t really make sense, and something like a bandage could be seen peeking from underneath the scarf, but it’s probably not something I should dig into.
The written conversation began. Polina-san seemed like she wanted to say something, but Her Highness Anastasia’s matters came first.
Her Highness presented a piece of paper which was already written in advance – it said that Lulusha-san was grateful to us. Furthermore, it was written that she would kindly listen to the thing I wished to discuss with Lulusha-san in her stead.
(Can this person be trusted?)
I hadn’t made a decision yet—about what to do with the bag that I brought back. I knew this could be a way to improve Lulusha-san’s situation, but then there was the question of who to give the bag to.
『You can tell me your story. I will be sure to relay it to Lulusha.』
Her Highness Anastasia’s form of elegantly writing on the paper was remarkably beautiful. I thought Polina-san was a beauty admired from afar, but Her Highness was also an exceptional beauty.
Lady Eva was also an exceptional beauty – thinking about it, there are so many beautiful people in this world. The young lady was the type of beauty that entrapped men’s hearts. Her Highness Anastasia was like a perfected “work-of-art” beauty.
「I would like to speak alone with Your Highness.」
I made up my mind and said it. Handing the bag over to Her Highness is probably the best option. Her Highness came all the way here to listen to the story of a mere adventurer for Lulusha-san’s sake, so she is most likely not a bad person.
However,
「Don’t be silly! You lowly adventurer!!」
The problem was the butler. It seemed like he was protecting Her Highness, but also seemed like trying to control her—I get the feeling he is a shadow attached by someone higher up. I don’t know if it’s the Emperor, or someone else.
「Being able to talk directly with Her Highness Anastasia should be a rare fortune for a human like you, and yet!!」
The butler seemed enraged, like he would start throwing punches at any moment—No, shouldn’t a butler always remain calm and collected? What is up with the butler education in this country? Or is it just this person acting a little weird?
Her Highness put a hand on her forehead, as if unable to bear the headache, exhaled a little, and raised a hand to silence the butler.
『May I ask the reason?』
「It is a very private story. I haven’t told this story even to my party members whom I share my fate with.」
Dante-san and the rest nodded as I said that, which seems to have added to the persuasion. To think something I forgot to talk about would be useful in such a place. Though, I did talk about it to Mimino-san a little.
『If so, let’s have a written conversation within the reach of the butler.』
I see. In that case, the content of the story will not be overheard, and the safety of Her Highness can be ensured to some extent. When I agreed to the proposal, the members of the Silver Balance, Muge-san and Polina-san headed to the entrance of the warehouse. When Her Highness looked at the butler, his face was dyed red and the gritting of his teeth could be heard, but he probably knew that Her Highness wouldn’t back down.
「5 minutes only! And I will report this to His Majesty the Emperor!」
And he stepped back to the entrance of the warehouse with heavy steps.
After confirming that everyone was at a distance of about 15 meters, Her Highness presented a pen and a piece of paper to me. From her smile, I felt that she was telling me “Let’s hurry up.”
I immediately started writing.
『I found evidence that Lulusha-san sent regular reports while in the labyrinth. Please submit it to the appropriate party. 』
Her Highness Anastasia was shocked still.