Reborn After A Death March

"There sure are a lot of food stalls."

"Master, I believe it's that group over there."

We were invited to an explorers' banquet a few days after leaving the labyrinth. The event was a bustling affair, held in a vacant lot on the fringes of the downtown area, nestled between the west gate and the Labyrinth Army base. The normally deserted space was transformed, its edges lined with stalls overflowing with food and drink, catering to the adventurers who filled the area.

The market buzzed with activity, patrons browsing the stalls and then gathering in the centre of the lot to enjoy their purchases. While a bonfire was absent, the area was awash in a warm, inviting glow. The majority of the stalls sported brightly lit signs, their illumination suggesting an Everyday Magic user had cast a spell to brighten the night.

"It's like a nighttime festival or a flower viewing." I nodded in agreement with Arisa.

"Thank you very much for inviting us today."

"Sir Knight! Lady Hero! Come, take the seats of honour!"

Mr Koshin, the event's host, gestured for us to approach. Satou presented him with our tokens of gratitude: casks of wine and spirits. Seated in a circle on the bare ground, people occupied the space. Lulu and Liza had reserved a spot for our group.

The lot was bustling with various individuals, including sailors, manual labourers, and explorers. Moreover, I observed several individuals who appeared to be sex workers, such as scantily clad women and intriguingly charming young men. The lively and risqué atmosphere was enjoyable, but I questioned if it was suitable to have the children present.

"Now, a toast to the Pendragon party for rescuing us! Let's drink till dawn to celebrate our safe return!"

"""Woooo!"""

As the stragglers entered, Mr Koshin's toast signalled the official commencement of the festivities. A grand feast awaited the guests, with bountiful baskets of fragrant rye bread, succulent grilled meats, and steaming platters of boiled beans and potatoes. In the heart of the gathering, several barrels of ale beckoned, offering a hearty libation. The only exception to the alcoholic fare was water.

The men, accustomed to simpler fare, chuckled at Koshin's 'all-out' approach to the feast. The spread was clearly a lavish spectacle by their standards. Encouraged by Koshin and the seasoned explorers, my group, minus the kids who were excused from the adult beverages, joined the revelry, eagerly digging into the bounty before them.

"I don't think you should drink either," I warned Sara as she reached for a glass of ale, causing her to turn red.

"Yes… of course…"

The last thing I wanted was for her to get clingy in front of all these people. I remember Rin doing something similar when she drank back in the old capital. Maybe clinginess when drunk runs in their family.

"Tooough..."

"Mr. Meat is pretty chewy, sir."

"Ha-ha, you'll never bite through it that way, kids. Cut it up with a knife before you eat."

The young explorer's warning hung in the air, but Pochi, heedless, sank his teeth into the meat. The young man's eyes flew open in surprise as she bit right through the tough meat.

"Maybe it's tendon meat?"

Lulu gave the rest of us plates of meat cut into small pieces. It certainly was tough when I chewed it. The taste was too strong to call delicious but not gross enough to spit out.

"It's cheap monster meat. It might not suit your tastes, Mr Noble."

"Although bug meat does grow on ya if ya eat it every day."

Catching Satou's curious gaze, several female explorers approached, sharing their knowledge about the meat. It originated from a peculiar insectoid creature, its appearance resembling a dark, tough substance before being cooked. The taste was akin to a sinewy animal tendon, offering a unique culinary experience. The explorers, uncertain of the precise insect species being served, simply referred to it as 'bug meat' or 'meat.' Remarkably affordable, a skewer could be purchased for a mere copper coin.

The black hue brought back a faint memory of the grasshopper monster meat I'd endured in the Muno Barony. While the taste and texture differed, both left a distinctly unpleasant impression. This one, however, was slightly more palatable, though the shared grossness ensured neither would ever grace my plate again.

"When we first became explorers, we used to follow stronger parties around and harvest the leftover meat from monsters after they killed and stripped them."

"It paid the bills, but we sure got made fun of a lot."

The female explorers who had identified the meat for Satou recounted a common practice among adventurers. While many sought only the most valuable parts– shells, fangs, and the like – from slain insect monsters, others specialised in gathering the discarded meat. These individuals, known as Looters, carried a negative reputation. It struck me as odd, recalling a similar situation with the young explorers we'd seen collecting goblin meat within the labyrinth. Their work, though viewed disparagingly, ultimately sustained the lives of others.

"We'll pour you a drink, young master."

Several young women, likely in their early twenties, approached from the centre of the circle, each offering to pour liquor into my cup.

"Thank you." I nodded and took a sip of the ale.

A grimace contorted my face as I swallowed the pungent liquid. It was a horrifying concoction - flat beer diluted with vinegar, an assault on my taste buds. Yet, everyone else around me seemed to be revelling in the experience, their expressions betraying a genuine appreciation for this supposed delicacy.

"Ale is so good! It's nothing like goblin liquor!"

"Goblin liquor," one of them explained, "is brewed from a fermented concoction obtained from monsters known as 'demi-goblin drunkards' that inhabit the labyrinth."

"Have you had much to eat, young master?"

"The bug meat's tough, but these beans and potatoes are nice and soft."

A fresh wave of Explorer Girls emerged behind the ale sellers, bearing platters laden with food. They offered us beans and potatoes, grown from walking beans and hopping potatoes monsters. A delicious treat, though one that required caution – eat too much, and you might find yourself with a case of temporary paralysis or a… well, let's say an upset stomach. But since they were so cheap and filling, they were popular calorie sources for poor newbie explorers, sailors, and the like.

"Here you are, young master."

"Thank you."

A kindly young woman offered Satou some beans from a plate. In the face of her guileless smile, Satou was completely helpless. He just couldn't say no and ended up with a plate full of those gross beans while Arisa accused him of cheating.

Well, he should be fine. The dark-red veins in the potatoes and beans were the source of most of the bitterness. I'm sure Satou can handle eating that plateful if he avoids those places. He even took out a slim spoon to help him so he wouldn't have any problems.

"Wow, nobles eat so fancily..."

"Maybe I'll try using a spoon, too?"

It looks like Satou accidentally became the centre of attention again, and inspired by the word 'fancy,' Mia and Arisa unpacked silver spoons from their Fairy Packs and began eating with an air of sophistication. Pinkies extended, they mirrored each other's elegant movements, beaming with self-satisfaction. However, their moment of refined dining was abruptly interrupted when Arisa, caught up in the theatrics, choked on a potato.

"W-water!"

Lulu passed a cup of water to Arisa.

"Geh, yuck!"

"Oh dear, is the river water too nasty for the young lady?"

"They sell well water at the stand over there."

The woman chuckled at Arisa, who grimaced and spat out the water, her face twisted in disgust. I recalled the aqueducts choked with debris and understood her reaction. No way would I drink that, either.

"Master! Our next renovation project is the filtration system! I can't bear the thought of all that unsanitary drinking water."

At least Arisa was productively processing her anger. As our soup kitchen operations in the plaza progressed, the cleanup efforts effectively reduced street litter. To extend our reach, we considered cleaning the aqueducts. Satou recognised the potential need for authorisation, telling Arisa he would seek permission from the relevant government office.

"Here, missy, drink from this pitcher." Mr Koshin came over to give Arisa a pitcher of water. He held out a bottle of wine in his other hand. "Let me pour you a drink, too, Sir Knight."

As Mr Koshin stood before the explorers, a retinue of women emerged from the shadows. Their revealing attire hinted at their purpose, not as explorers but as nocturnal companions. They bore platters laden with savoury treats: skewers of grilled meat, crisp vegetables, and a delectable array of appetisers, including spring rolls and roasted nuts.

"Hey, Koshin! What about us, huh?"

"You guys eat your potatoes and meat! This food's made special for the folks who saved our lives."

Koshin's sharp reprimand of the boisterous explorer was met with a chorus of hearty laughter from the others. It seemed they had generously reserved some of their finer fare for us.

"Sorry, Sir Knight. These guys are all about quantity over quality. You might find this stuff a bit more to your liking."

"I'm sorry. You didn't have to get anything special for us."

"Nah, no big deal. 'S the least we could do." Sitting down across from me, Koshin smiled humbly and bowed his head. "We really do owe you a huge debt of gratitude, Sir Knight. If you all hadn't come along, I don't think most of these guys woulda made it back."

His gratitude was boundless, expressed with a sincerity that bordered on the excessive. Over shared drinks, I encouraged him to delve into his past expeditions. He spoke of his repeated ventures into the labyrinth, this latest journey being far from his first foray with various different parties.

"'S not that unusual for someone to mess up and get hurt or worse, but..." While the majority of expeditions were exclusively male or female, Koshin's inclusive approach occasionally resulted in challenges due to the acceptance of both genders within their groups. "The last time we were in that much danger was when we got caught in a chain rampage caused by plunderers."

"A man-made chain rampage?"

His reminder jogged my memory. I recalled the harrowing incident when plunderers unleashed a chain rampage, nearly decimating the labyrinth army.

"Yeah. Plunderers sacrifice slaves or new recruits to run ahead and bait monsters into a chain rampage. The ones who don't run fast enough get eaten by the monsters."

That level of cruelty was typical of plunderers.

"Wooow, sir."

"Whoa, Nellyyy?"

My rising anger simmered down as I was drawn to the heart of the commotion. Pochi, Tama, and the other explorers were roaring with laughter, their cheers drowning out my own irritation. In the centre of the circle, a hulking bearfolk man was spinning a small, green fairyfolk man over his head like a toy. I couldn't understand what was so amusing about it. Then, in a flash, the fairyfolk man launched himself into the air, soaring nearly ten feet before landing gracefully on his feet. The crowd erupted in a renewed frenzy of cheers.

The extraordinary height achieved by the bearfolk's 'Super Strength' skill was not solely attributable to his own might. With impeccable timing, the fairyfolk swiftly leapt upward in unison with the bearfolk's toss, enabling them to reach that height.

"Those guys are explorers who used to be travelling performers," Koshin explained.

"What an interesting career path."

"Let's tryyy?"

"I want to try, too, sir."

Tama and Pochi looked to Satou for permission.

"Just be careful, and don't hurt yourselves."

"Aye-aye!"

"Yes, sir."

Tama and Pochi, a crisp salute in unison, dashed into the heart of the circle. I cast a wary glance at Liza and Nana, silently urging them to be ready for anything. Satou, ever vigilant, would ensure their safety, of course.

"Pochiii!"

"Tamaaa, sir!"

Tama was the base, while Pochi was to be the ball. They were spinning a little too fast, though.

"Ready, seeet...?"

"Go, sir!"

Pochi's eyes spun as she went sailing into next week.

"Watch out!"

When Liza swiftly reacted, Pochi teetered on the edge of the circle, about to tumble out. Grabbing Pochi's ankle to stabilise her, Liza's quick action unfortunately resulted in Pochi's face slamming into the ground with a thud as they both landed.

"Ouchie, sir."

"I'm sorry, Pochi. That was my mistake."

"It's no big deal, sir."

Brushing away the dirt on her face, Pochi grinned broadly.

"Okaaay?"

"Nosebleed."

Mia used lesser Healing Magic on Pochi.

"Must be nice having a mage around."

"It takes a hell of a donation to get a priest who can use Holy Magic into your party, though, right?"

"Yeah, I hear it'll cost ya an arm and a leg."

The explorers chatted enviously among themselves.

"Whaaat? Why not use potions, then?"

"Sure, if you could afford to buy cheap ones at the guild all the time."

"The potion shops are crazy expensive, and the ones you can buy on the street don't really work."

"Yeah, 'cause most of them are expired or made by untrained alchemists."

"But it's stressful not having one on you at all, y'know?"

"Right. You'd be in real trouble if a strong monster showed up in your hunting grounds, then."

For fledgling adventurers, magic potions were a costly last resort. Their short shelf life meant they were a pricey investment and only used when absolutely necessary.

"Y'know how the garnet-badge explorer Kumuli and the Beetle Breaker Margill both retired 'cause of injuries? Well, I heard it happened 'cause they ran outta potions and weren't able to heal up in time."

"Oh geez. Even a garnet?"

"But wasn't it 'cause they kept hunting even though they used up all their potions?"

"Guess they reaped what they sowed, then."

The perils of exploration weren't just physical; neglecting safety could also lead to a tarnished reputation. For those who ventured out without proper precautions, the price of failure could be severe, leaving them ostracised and even destitute in their later years.

"So you should always save the last one just in case, huh?" I commented.

"Oh, I wish. But I never have any potions on me in the first place!"

"I know, right? They're way too expensive."

The newbie explorers sighed in response.

"Rumor has it that the potion shops get away with overcharging because they've got some nasty noble behind them."

"Yeah, some bastard named Dyukeli, right?"

"Ugh, I hope that guy drops dead, y'know?"

"Yeah, right. Even if he did, someone else would just take his place."

Whispers of scepticism echoed among the explorers regarding Baronet Dyukeli. Rumours had reached my ears before, shared by fellow explorers in a tavern's dim light. Given Dyukeli's known involvement in potion and magical tool trading, a kernel of doubt lingered, suggesting that the tales of his reputation might hold some truth.

"Y'know, weapons and armour have been going up in price lately. Think it's the same kind of thing?"

"Have they?"

"The cheap stuff's still the same, but now there's pricy stuff like Antwing Silver Swords and Mantis Swords out there, too."

"For real? Man, my goal just keeps getting further away..."

"You can't say that when you haven't even bought a real weapon yet, idiot."

The explorers, momentarily forgetting their grievances, turned their attention to a young companion, their playful jests soon erupting into boisterous laughter. Fueled by an excess of spirits, the merriment transformed even the most mundane into a source of amusement.

"Ohhhh damn!"

"Whoa, you for real?"

Tama and Pochi's performance in the centre of the circle was a resounding success. Their recent level-up had significantly boosted their strength, allowing them to leap twice as high as previous performers, even without the aid of 'Body Strengthening.'

"It's exactly like the twins' finishing move from Wing Captain."

"What was it, Love-Love Tornado?"

"Bzzzt! Nope, it was Sky-Sky Typhoon."

I have no idea what Satou and Arisa are talking about.

"...A finishing move, you say?"

"A cooperative move might be a wise idea, I propose."

Liza and Nana looked interested, though. Still, a world with a levelling system could potentially make replicating the dynamic moves from manga and anime a realistic possibility.

"Sir Koshin, care for a song?"

"Ooh, a minstrel, are ya? Give us a lively one, please."

Holding a lute in one hand, the minstrel accepted a large copper coin from Koshin and went into the centre of the circle.

"Now, if you'll lend me your ear..." Removing his wide-rimmed cap and bowing, the minstrel strummed the lute. "'Twas a pale moon that rose that night..."

His song was about our battle with the demon Ludaman from a few days prior. It focused mostly on General Erthal, the guildmaster, and Miss Sebelkeya, but it also mentioned me quite a bit. It's a little embarrassing hearing someone singing about me.

<0>

"So how likely is this war?"

The day after the thank you party, while Satou was away visiting some noble who viewed me with similar disdain as Sokell. I found myself visited by some shady individuals. They weren't wearing masks or trying to hide who they were, but I can't shake the feeling that they weren't entirely honest businessmen. They all claimed to be merchants and certainly looked the part, wearing fancy robes that looked so out of place in this city.

"There are always skirmishes around the western part of the continent, but this time, something big looks like it is going to happen,"

One of them explained, drinking the tea Lulu brought them, while the other added.

"The prices of food and iron ore had risen in that area, and the export of Magic Swords as well as mithril, monster parts, and anything else that could be used to make them was being restricted," He said. "It hasn't been this bad since the last war broke out."

"I see…"

I have heard this same story before from the last merchant to visit. Somehow, I think I will hear it from the other three merchants I have scheduled to meet with later today. I already knew what the merchants were about to ask me next…

"So if you have any magic swords, weapons or armour, we would like you to sell them to us,"

"Potions, too. They are so expensive in this city that we would like a discount,"

I sigh. This is how it went the first time. They want weapons, armour and potions and don't want to pay the standerd price. The only difference is that these guys didn't offer to sell me their own products at a discount in return like the last merchants.

"I'm sorry all my equipment is being used to fight the demon lord, so I am unable to sell any of it to you, fine gentlemen,"

While this isn't like last time. The last merchant looked disappointed and asked me to reconsider, but these guys looked angry. They try not to let it show, but I can tell from the look in their eyes.

"Yet you hand them out to those animals,"

I follow the man's gaze out the window where Liza, Pearl, Pochi and Tama train with Nana and a few kids from the orphanage. Those kids really are hard workers, always asking for lessons.

"Those ladies are skilled warriors who have earned the right to use weapons of that quality," I try not to let my anger show in my voice.

"I know a few who are more worthy,"

"I'm sorry, but I can't sell you those weapons,"

"So you are saying you would prefer them to stay in the hands of those…"

"I think you should leave,"

The men instantly shut up when I activated my 'Intimidation' skill. I haven't used it in a while, and I might have overdone it since the men looked like they might faint, but after what they said, I don't feel the slightest bit guilty about it.

"When you come to your senses, you can find us at…"

I barely listen as they tell me where they are staying. I just smile politely and see them out the door. I hope the other merchants aren't like those guys. I return to the lounge after seeing off the merchants and sink into one of the chairs.

I can't even rest before it is time to leave. Sara, Satou and I have all been summoned to the viceroy's home for questioning from an official who came all the way from the capital about the demon attack. The viceroy has already sent a written report. Still, apparently, there needed to be some extra questions due to the scale of the attack.

"Oh my. You certainly catch wind of things quickly, don't you, Sir Pendragon?" It seems that Satou has already heard about the upcoming war, too, as he quickly brings up the subject with the viceroy's wife. "The western part of the continent is always having skirmishes. There have been rumours of impending war among a few nations there for around half a year now. I heard recently from Dyukeli that more foreign merchants have been coming to Labyrinth City to buy weapons and supplies lately."

The whispers I'd overheard at the explorers' banquet the previous night about the escalating cost of magical weapons suddenly made sense. Baronet Dyukeli's manipulation of prices was no coincidence – he was intentionally making Magic Swords more expensive, aiming to stifle their export. Despite the unpleasant rumours, I guess Baronet Dyukeli was more than just a simple penny pincher.

"Is there some problem with Magic Swords being exported?"

"Well, yes. The loss of Magic Swords, mithril weapons, and so on reduces the defensive capabilities of our land and raises the incentive of other nations, after all."

The viceroy's wife remarked that exporting a small number wouldn't pose a significant issue. Still, I could see her point about keeping magical weapons within the kingdom. In this world, high-level fighters with magical equipment can probably take on an army.

"Many monster-part weapons can't be repaired if they're damaged, so Shiga Kingdom knights and soldiers generally don't like to use them... But I'm told that in the west of the continent, they have a secret technique for repairing them."

I vaguely recall observing small cracks or chips on it previously. However, upon closer inspection, I can no longer find any imperfections. Did the spear repair itself, or perhaps Liza possesses knowledge of its restoration?

"Baron Moffo is right about the effects of war. You're certainly free to capitalise on this opportunity, but please do be careful about whom you sell materials to. Said materials possess the potential to become powerful weapons, after all."

"I will. Thank you very much."

I'm sure Satou wasn't planning on selling rare materials like those from areamasters and their spawn in the first place. Still, he is probably the best person to be able to tell who and who not to sell to with his cheat skills. I'll still warn him about the merchants from earlier, just in case, though.

"I also heard that a demonic-potion-smuggling operation was uncovered in the trade city Tartumina. Do you think they were the same goods that were being sold in Labyrinth City?"

Satou quickly changed the subject.

"I imagine the materials came from the same place. Only a labyrinth can produce enough materials to make such a massive amount of demonic potion." Sadness crept into the round face of the viceroy's wife. "We know how they were smuggling it into Labyrinth City, too."

She explained that they had found an underground tunnel leading out of the city in the basement of a house that had been Sokell's love nest at the outskirts of the pleasure quarters near the outer walls.

"Creating a tunnel like that in secret must have required several talented earth mages, but Sokell didn't have any such connections. Poputema said he wasn't involved in that when he was brainwashed by the demon, either. The only organisations with earth mages like that would be the Shiga Thirty Staffs of the royal court or the kingdom army."

The puppet master behind Sokell likely held sway over either the royal mages or the kingdom's military, suggesting a powerful connection to one of these influential groups.

"Did you know they found demonic potions in the royal capital, as well?"

"Something about finding them in an army warehouse, wasn't it?"

"That's right, Lady Sara. There's quite a fuss in the royal capital that the man in charge of that army may have been planning a revolt." The viceroy's wife quietly told us the man's name, which was, of course, Marquis Kelten. "So now we won't be able to send Sokell to the royal capital for a while yet."

News of this incident arrived via the very airship tasked with Sokell's escort to the royal capital. However, due to the brewing political turmoil surrounding Marquis Kelten, sending Sokell to the capital could inadvertently make him a pawn in the conflict. Thus, Sokell was sequestered within the tower of the viceroy's castle, effectively restricting his movements.

"That reminds me. Was Sokell being brainwashed by a demon, too? He certainly seemed deranged when he was arrested."

I had been wondering about this for a while. The involvement of demons and even demon lord worshippers in the Labyrinth City incident sparked a chilling realisation: could they be connected to Sokell's case as well?

"After we put Poputema in suspended animation, we had the head priestess of Heraluon, who discovered his brainwashing, examine Sokell as well, but she said there were no signs of brainwashing there."

Sokell's peculiar symptoms reportedly stemmed from a potion that resembled an illicit substance on Earth. This potion, a by-product of demonic potion creation, had the potential to steer the conversation towards morbid territory. However, the timely arrival of a maid bearing delectable sorbet averted such a sombre outcome, injecting a note of levity into the exchange.

"Sorbet is particularly delicious on a hot day like today." The sorbet, which seemed to have been made by freezing a citrus-like fruit, had an invigorating scent and a deliciously light aftertaste. "Celivera is close to an enormous desert, so it can get quite hot without proper climate regulation."

"...Climate regulation?"

"Oh, yes. Normally, my husband uses his power as the viceroy to regulate the climate, but since he had to use it to sweep the area for demons, I'm afraid it will be hot until enough magic power has been saved up."

So, using the City Core to search takes so much magic that they can't even adjust the climate...? No wonder they don't do it regularly, even if it means demons have a much easier time getting in. Just how overpowered is Satou's map-searching skill. I don't think I have ever heard him complain about that skill costing him anything.

"The entire Shiga Kingdom received an imperial command from His Majesty, not just his directly controlled territories. The royal capital and duchies have enough magic to spare. Still, in counties and smaller cities, the lack of magic power means a poorer climate."

Citing Seiryuu County in the north as an example, she described a significant drop in temperature. My concern for crop failure and famine was evident. Still, she reassured me that the magical power regulating the climate would be restored within a month. This, she said, would prevent any severe consequences.

"But following the order was worth it. Three demons were discovered in the kingdom and some of the neighbouring territories."

Reports of lesser demons surfaced in neighbouring Zetts, Kiriku Counties, and the Vistall Duchy north of the Shiga Kingdom. An intermediate demon was even found in Lessau County. However, the absence of demons in the royal capital puzzled me. It seemed like the most likely target. Could it be due to the presence of the Eight Swordsmen of Shiga, renowned as the kingdom's most formidable warriors?

"Was there a lot of damage in the process?"

"I'm told the capital of Lessau County was greatly damaged, and Count Lessau was killed in battle."

Count Lessau, the vile master who subjected Tifaleeza and Neru to depravity and reduced them to servitude, met his end. While I didn't revel in his demise, the news of his death did not make me feel sad either.

"Count Lessau's son led the city's army to destroy the demon, so now they're focused on rebuilding. He intends to make his fiancée, Lady Sistina, his first wife at the next kingdom meeting. He must be in a hurry to get his land back on its feet." I hope the new count is a better person than his father. "I haven't heard the damage reports from the other cities, but there's bound to have been damaged and casualties until the emergency armies arrived on the scene to dispatch them. It's nothing short of a miracle that powerful fighters like General Erthaland, the Crimson Devil Lady Zona, happened to be on the scene when those demons showed up here a few days ago. Most cases aren't so lucky. And brave youngsters like you, too."

Crimson Devil was apparently a nickname for the guildmaster.

"So we don't need any special permission to clean the aqueducts."

"Not really, but please do let the government offices know that you plan to do so in advance. They hate things being done without their knowledge."

"Understood. Thank you."

Arisa's enthusiasm for cleaning the city aqueducts prompted Satou to inquire with the viceroy's wife about the possibility of volunteering for this task. The response was positive, with the assurance that the government periodically cleaned the aqueducts twice annually. However, the frequent dumping of trash by the populace resulted in their rapid recontamination.

But before they could get into the details, there was a knock at the door, and a lady-in-waiting peered inside.

"Lady Reythel, he's arrived."

"Send him in, please."

A stern-faced government official, granted permission by the viceroy's wife, entered the room. He was a royal capital official tasked with documenting the recent demon attack. While his usual protocol involved questioning each individual separately, the viceroy's wife, concerned for our well-being, had arranged for the interrogation to take place within the viceroy's castle and even sat with us throughout the process. Perhaps due to her presence, the interrogation was brief, a mere summary of the events. However, there was a twist at the end...

"Did the intermediate demon say anything else?"

"Like what?"

"I'll ask the questions here."

"Erm, okay. But I don't think he said anything noteworthy?" Satou answered. "I didn't face him directly."

"I didn't speak to him," Sara added.

I replayed the conversation in my head, but no memorable moments stood out.

"He only told me the ways he planned on killing me,"

"Nothing about the Rite of the Second Coming or a False King?"

"No, not that I recall."

"Are you quite finished with your interrogation? I do have other business with my guests. If you're done, I would appreciate it if you left, please."

Recognising that the viceroy's wife's request was, in fact, an order, the official withdrew. His words, laced with a chilling implication of a demon lord's resurgence, couldn't have fazed me. I'd already thwarted the scheme in Labyrinth City, crushing the green demon's attempt to resurrect one of their kind. As long as there weren't other plans to revive any more demon lords anyway.

<0>

After leaving the viceroy's castle, we went our separate ways. Satou headed to the government office to tell them of our plans. At the same time, Sara left for the Tenion Temple, where she agreed to help train some young priests and priestesses in healing magic. As for me, I was going to pick up some supplies for our next adventure in the labyrinth when…

"Lady Hero!" A plump young noble boy called out to me.

"Hello, Sir Luram."

"Lady Hero," The boy came running up to me in such a panic he nearly tripped and fell. There must've been some kind of emergency. He looked like he was at his wit's end. "H-help!"

"What's the matter?"

"I-it's Mary-Ann!" Luram cried as he grabbed my arm. "Sh-she went into the labyrinth!"

I can't seem to go a day without getting into some kind of trouble.

The boy was flying into a panic, repeating the phrases "Help!" and "Mary-Ann's in the labyrinth!" repeatedly without giving me any details.

"Calm down, Sir Luram."

After calming him down with a few deep breaths, he explained that he had been snacking on the go when he witnessed Mary-Ann, Baronet Dyukeli's daughter, being invited into the labyrinth by a group of rogue explorers.

"Have you contacted the baronet's family?"

"Uh-huh. Th-the old man sent me."

Luram said it had been less than half an hour since Miss Mary-Ann entered the labyrinth.

"I shall go into the labyrinth to find her, then."

"L-let me-"

"You must stay here and inform Baronet Dyukeli of the situation when he arrives, Sir Luram."

I stopped him before he could say he wanted to come with me.

"A-all right."

Leaving the young man there, I headed for the labyrinth. Hurriedly passing through the gates and scrambling down the uneven steps, I used snippets of overheard conversation from fellow explorers to pinpoint Miss Mary-Ann's location. She was engaged in a fierce battle against demi-goblins, alongside three other female explorers, in a narrow passage just off the main hallway of Section 1.

But something sounded off when I heard people joking about the battle. Silencing my footsteps, I snuck toward the spot where they were fighting. It turns out the rumours about the fight were true. No, it was worse than the explorers made it out to be.

"Come on, little lady! If you're too focused on one, another monster'll getcha!"

"Gah-ha-ha! Guess even little noble brats bleed red!"

"Uh-oh, there's a maze moth above you! Watch out for its paralysis, girlie!"

I could hear the women jeering unpleasantly up ahead.

"P-please assist me. I can't do this on my own."

As I reached the end of the passage, I could see them down below. Judging by the position of the women, they were just standing around watching Mary-Ann struggle, ignoring her requests for help.

"Oh dear, I thought you said you could take a goblin, no problem?"

"Why, you've even fought a soldier mantis, haven't you?"

"If you can handle that, you don't need armour to fight a goblin, right, girlie?"

With a sardonic grin, the final speaker clutched a metallic breastplate, revealing the cruel truth: Mary-Ann had been stripped of her protective armour and forced into combat against demi-goblins. I couldn't watch this any longer.

"What do you think you're doing?"

As the chaotic scene unfolded, a profound sense of revulsion washed over me, as if I were witnessing a heinous act of persecution. Determined to intervene, I swiftly descended the ten-foot drop and drew my holy sword, slicing through the demi-goblins. With unwavering resolve, I positioned myself as a shield between the vulnerable Miss Mary-Ann and the beleaguered female explorers, offering them sanctuary from the relentless onslaught.

"We were just training the kid, that's all..."

"And you had to take away her armour to do that?"

As Mary-Ann valiantly faced her adversaries, the sharp talons of the demi-goblins had shredded her clothing, leaving her vulnerable. The once-full green bar above her diminished alarmingly, threatening her very existence.

"Th-this is how we train, that's all!"

"Ugh. Let's get out of here, ladies."

"Have fun with your new friend, little girl!"

The women started to flee, but I used the 'Warp' skill to get in front of them, causing the ladies to trip over each other in shock. As they tried to scramble to their feet, I quickly summoned three golems and ordered them to restrain the women. The golems were only level twenty, but they were still too strong for the women to escape from.

"Wh-what the hell're you doing?"

"Let us go!"

"You can explain yourself to the guild. I had too much stuff to do to figure out what was happening. Besides, it looked like you three were up to no good,"

The urgency of the moment hit me hard. If I'd been even a minute later, they might have watched Miss Mary-Ann die right before their eyes. Their actions had crossed a line, and a simple warning wouldn't suffice.

"Why would you rescue some bastard noble's daughter?"

"Yeah, everyone hates Dyukeli. We just wanted to cheer up our pals."

"How many explorers d'you think died 'cause of Dyukeli's money-making schemes?!"

"If we made him regret it, magic potions would be cheaper!"

The restrained female explorers flailed and raged. Mary-Ann looked away sadly. These women must have lured her into the labyrinth to get their revenge on Baronet Dyukeli.

"No, you only wanted to express your frustration on her. Don't claim to speak for other explorers."

"But it's true! Everyone says so!"

"And who is 'everyone,' exactly?"

I shot a cold glare at the woman. My gaze must have been affected by the "Intimidation" skill because they started to cower immediately. While I acknowledged that some explorers might have perished due to a lack of magic potions, blaming Baronet Dyukeli for every misfortune seemed unreasonable. They should have taken appropriate safety measures if they couldn't afford such resources. Targeting his young daughter as retribution was a cruel and unacceptable response.

"Lady Mary-Ann, those wounds might leave a scar. Stay still for a moment," I cast a healing spell on her. Her wounds seemed shallow enough, but since they were caused by demi-goblins' undoubtedly filthy claws, they would probably get infected if left untreated. "If you're covered in blood, His Excellency will surely be worried." I cleaned away the dried blood from her clothes with Everyday Magic. "Here's a change of clothes, Lady Mary-Ann."

Despite cleansing the blood, her shirt remained shredded beyond repair. I offered her a spare from Nana's collection, an ordinary cotton shirt transformed by the skilled hands of brownie house fairies into an exceptionally cosy and comforting garment. It was a bit too big in… certain places but better than her torn-up clothing.

"Thank you, Hero Kura,"

Mary-Ann bowed her head, a silent testament to her defeat. I helped her back into her armour, a necessary shield for the journey ahead, before we made our way to the exit. Since I had some golems carrying the captured explorers, we got some strange looks from explorers on the way. Still, they quickly averted their eyes when they noticed my noble clothing.

I explained the situation to the guild employee at the gate, handing her the woman. Mary-Ann and I then departed the labyrinth, heading towards the western guild. As we walked, a sleek black carriage burst into the square, its speed drawing my attention. Close behind, a cart carrying armoured men followed in its wake.

The carriage lurched to a stop, its door swinging open with a bang. Baronet Dyukeli, his face etched with worry, erupted from the vehicle. From afar, I saw him exchange hurried words with young Luram before sprinting towards us, the men trailing behind. His distress was evident.

"Your ride is here, Lady Mary-Ann," I commented.

"Father..."

Mary-Ann looked up with a mixture of relief and discomfort.

"Mary-Ann!"

Baronet Dyukeli's face lit up with relief at the sight of us. Still, the fleeting joy was instantly eclipsed by a surge of fury. He strode towards us with a menacing purpose, his intended embrace transforming into a violent slap across her cheek.

"You foolish child!"

"Father, I was-"

"You can give your excuses at home." Baronet Dyukeli grabbed his daughter's slender arm, ignoring her protests. Then, his sharp gaze fell on me. "I deeply appreciate your assistance. Allow me to thank you someday soon."

With that, he dragged Mary-Ann away. As Baronet Dyukeli stormed back into the carriage with his daughter in tow, Luram approached me.

"I'm glad Mary-Ann is okay." Luram's stomach grumbled. "All this relief is making me hungry."

"Here. A little reward for my helper behind the scenes."

I produced some handmade fried whale skewers from Storage and handed them to the boy. He was today's MVP for alerting me to Mary-Ann's plight, after all.

"Wow, it's even yummier than usual!"

Thanking Luram as he delightedly gobbled up the whale meat, I bought some veria water from a passing peddler to quench my thirst.

<0>

"Welcome, Lady Kura. Glad you could make it to our banquet."

"Thank you for inviting me."

A few days after rescuing Miss Mary-Ann, I found myself seated at Baronet Dyukeli's opulent dinner table. The company was distinguished: the baronet himself, his wife, Mary-Ann, and her elder brother, the baronet's heir. Before my attendance, I had gleaned that, unlike many nobles within the Shiga Kingdom, the baronet had abstained from taking concubines or engaging in extramarital affairs.

A magic potion had erased the mark of her father's slap on Mary-Ann's cheek, leaving no trace. However, her makeup couldn't quite conceal the redness around her eyes, a silent testament to the tears shed. This was the second time I'd seen her in a dress, the first being at the viceroy's wife's tea party. Personally, I found the flowing fabric more becoming than her usual attire, which often consisted of boyish trousers and a rapier strapped to her waist.

"S-so you're Lady Kura? Thank you for rescuing my sister."

The pale eldest son smiled at me weakly. He seemed sort of wispy and not in a good way. Rumour has it that he is suffering from Goblin Disease. He was sixteen, two years older than Miss Mary-Ann, but he looked younger than her. The sight of them all standing together, Baronet Dyukeli's children beside him, starkly highlighted the vast age difference between father and offspring.

"Since you're known to travel with a renowned gourmet, I outdid myself with the food today."

"I'm looking forward to it."

His tone irked me slightly, but the meal itself was undeniably exquisite. The ingredients were a rarity in Labyrinth City, likely procured by someone with the 'Item Box' skill and transported here via a magical refrigeration device. It must have been a long journey.

"Joss, eat your vegetables."

"But I hate vegetables."

With my "Keen Hearing" skill, I heard the baronet's wife scolding her son, who was eating only meat and bread. Noticing this, Baronet Dyukeli scowled. "Quiet, Hoshess. Not in front of our guest." His wife stiffened and apologised to her husband and me. Her gaze lingered on her son, an unspoken message hanging in the air. But he remained oblivious, his attention solely on the succulent Ohmi beef, his fork a blur as he devoured the filet with its sweet-and-sour glaze, leaving the vegetables untouched.

The strained air at the dinner table cast a pall over the otherwise delectable meal. I struggled to maintain a semblance of polite conversation, the tension making each bite feel like a chore. The evening concluded with a pear compote, which I devoured in a rush, the company's discomfort overshadowing any appreciation for the dessert.

"You're a hero, right, Lady Kura? Tell us some stories."

"Joss, I have to talk business with Lady Kura. You can ask to hear his stories another time."

"Hmph."

The boy pouted childishly, and his father smacked him upside the head. "Honestly, will you ever grow up?" My "Keen Hearing" skill picked up on his muttered remark.

"That seems about right for his age," I volunteered.

"Can you really say that when you're younger than he is?" Baronet Dyukeli smiled wryly as he led me into the parlour. "I wish my son could be more like you in... No, I suppose I shouldn't make that sort of complaint to a guest."

I lowered myself onto the firm sofa, gracing the quaint parlour. Its antique charm was evident in its aged patina, despite its lack of plushness, imbuing the space with a sense of timeless elegance.

"Thank you for saving Mary-Ann twice now." Baronet Dyukeli placed two old scrolls on the table. "Consider these a token of my appreciation."

"Magic Scrolls?"

"I have little to offer you that you might be interested in other than these,"

"Do you mind if I take a look?"

He shook his head, so I carefully opened the scrolls. One was for the 'Stone Object' spell, and the other was for 'Create Earth Servant'. Delicately, I placed them back on the table so I wouldn't damage them.

"These seem very rare."

"I originally collected them for Count Fudai and Viscount Gohato, but because I didn't have anything else that seemed likely to excite you, I decided they should go to you instead."

"I'll have to thank Count Fudai and Viscount Gohato, too, then. By the way, these look different from the scrolls Viscount Siemmen's workshop produces. Were they found in treasure chests in the Celivera Labyrinth?"

"No, I'm told they came from a labyrinth that has long since perished."

Expounding further, he revealed that the scrolls were acquired from a foreign merchant seeking magical armaments. As I gathered them, maids emerged, adorning the table with elegant goblets brimming with a whiskey whose robust barley aroma filled the air.

"Incidentally, Lady Kura..." Baronet Dyukeli took a long drink of whiskey before he spoke. "I have a request to ask of you. It's about my son."

"What can I help you with?"

"Do you know about his illness?"

"I'm not aware of the name of the illness, but I have heard that he fell victim to an incurable disease of some kind, yes."

The baronet, his voice hushed and urgent, confided in me, begging me to keep his secret. His son, he revealed, suffered from the terrible Goblin Disease, a condition he was attempting to cure with ogredrink potions obtained from the dubious Sokell.

"So, are you asking me to make an ogredrink potion?"

"No, I have plenty of alchemists I could go to for that. I want to ask you to procure ingredients."

"Ingredients, is it...?"

The ogredrink potion, a concoction with ingredients overlapping those found in banned substances like demonic and corpse potions, presented a significant challenge to acquire. The recent crackdown on illicit demonic potion production made sourcing these components risky. With the help of Satou's chest mapping skills and my spirit wolf, I could find them pretty easily, but even after Sokell's arrest, some of his friends continued spreading rumours about me. Collecting those ingredients will only add fuel to that fire.

"I know they are difficult to obtain. And I've been told that the guildmaster and you burned the plunderers' hideouts. But the explorers who can go deep into the labyrinth are too obsessed with defeating floormasters to listen to me. I've also asked Silverlight and some of the mid-ranking explorers, but none of them responded favourably."

It seemed logical to me. Mid-level explorers could secure a comfortable lifestyle without much difficulty. Therefore, I doubted they would willingly undertake a perilous mission to delve into the labyrinth for rare ingredients.

"Is there no other cure but ogredrink potion?"

"Of course there is. Bloodstone powder and cure-all would both be more effective than ogredrink potion. I have ordered them, but they are too expensive to use so readily."

He'd neglected to mention bloodpearl powder, another potential cure for Goblin Disease. The Saga Empire's imperial family held a tight grip on the bloodpearl trade, making the powder an expensive and rare commodity. Perhaps he deemed it an impractical solution, considering its cost and availability.

"I was hoping that Princess Meetia's Breath of Purification might be of help, but judging by Miss Shina's condition, it seems I can't expect too much."

My thoughts turned to Princess Meetia of the Nolork Kingdom. The Heraluon faith had bestowed upon her the gift of Breath of Purification, a power that had cured Viceroy Shina's daughter of the Miasma Poisoning. Yet, it remained powerless against the Goblin Disease.

My research suggests that this illness, primarily caused by a lack of vitamins, is not effectively treated through purification methods. Instead, incorporating a diet rich in vegetables might be more beneficial.

To avoid any potential conflict with Princess Meetia, whose amicable nature connected her to many, I refrained from personally administering the cure to the viceroy's daughter. It was becoming clear over time that her Breath of Purification didn't work on Goblin Disease. I suspected they would seek another cure soon. I will step in and help then.

But I suppose I could push that plan forward a little. I told Baronet Dyukeli about his son's eating habits, claiming I asked the elves about Goblin Disease, then advised him on improving his son's diet.

"Hmm. Vitamin deficiency, you say? I do believe I've read about this in the great ancestral king's writings. It refers to good spirits that hide in vegetables and livestock entrails and the like, yes?"

I'm guessing the ancestral king changed the word vitamin to spirit so the people of this world would understand. At least the important information was in there somewhere.

"Yes, that's right. The ones that hide in entrails are tricky, however, so I'm told you have to cook them over flame first to burn away their tendency toward trickery."

Using my "Fabrication" skill, I made up a reason, however implausible, to dissuade him from consuming raw liver and similar items.

"But my son despises vegetables, I'm afraid..."

Yeah, I noticed.

"Have you considered trying vegetable juice?"

"I have heard of such things for fruit, but vegetables?"

"Yes, an alchemist friend of mine had a magic tool that could turn vegetable ingredients into liquid. If you give me some time, I can ask whether we'd be able to acquire one."

Baronet Dyukeli's furrowed brow belied a pensive hesitation. The immediate agreement I had anticipated eluded me, suggesting a lingering uncertainty that held him back.

"Turning vegetables into liquid... And you're certain there are no negative side effects?"

Is that what he is worried about?

"It's just like regular cooking. The only difference is that it uses a magic tool instead of cooking implements."

I was concerned about the possibility of a vegetable allergy. I questioned his wet nurse, but she assured me that he had never displayed any allergic reactions, even on the infrequent occasions he consumed vegetables. When I said there should be no problem, the baronet asked me to acquire one for him.

"All right. I'll send a letter requesting to purchase the magic tool, then. Since this friend of mine lives far away, I may need a little time... How much ogredrink potion do you have in stock?"

"About a month's worth. That's how long it stays effective, so His Excellency the Viceroy is probably in the same state."

That's not much. But if I give the mixer to him too soon he might figure out that Satou was the one to make them. According to Arisa, he nearly killed himself one night in the labyrinth, drinking juice from some fruit he found. I guess he didn't learn his lesson from the time he ate one of those space monsters during our time with the elves.

"Then it might be best to submit a request for potion ingredients to the explorers' guild."

"You cannot take the request on yourself?"

"I'm sorry, but I have to handle a task I can't openly discuss with you," I didn't really have stuff like that, but I can get away with saying something like that as a hero. "If you put out the request, explorers are likely to search for them, and other experts might come to Labyrinth City if they hear that there's a profit potential."

While the majority of Garnet-Badge explorers were likely occupied elsewhere, it's improbable that harvesting specialists would actively engage in combat with floormasters. Their primary focus, driven by the high demand for magical potion ingredients, was most likely gathering resources.

"No, I won't be submitting a request. If I do, it might have the opposite effect."

The baronet appeared to be aware that he was hated by explorers.

"Could you perhaps ask a doctor or alchemist friend to submit it in your place?"

"The result would be the same. Explorers dislike anyone in my employ as well."

They must think of them as his cohorts.

"About the magic potions...," I began.

"Yes, I know. If I were to lower the price, the explorers would doubtless change their tune, but I cannot do that. Do you know why?"

"The cost of making them is already so high you can barely make a profit, right?"

"Yes, you're right. Compared with the royal capital area, Labyrinth City has far fewer areas where one can find magic potion ingredients. I keep the price stable because if it was any lower, the alchemists would have a hard time earning a living due to the rising costs of ingredients. Some of them can barely afford to eat as is. The situation even led some to quit alchemy or leave Labyrinth City altogether."

He explained that he took the lead for the waning alchemists' and doctors' guilds and accepted the role of being hated for raising the prices. Incidentally, he added that the guilds were obligated to sell magic potions at the same price as they went for in the royal capital area.

Balancing the cost of potions presented a dilemma. If they were priced exorbitantly, explorers would find themselves in dire straits. Conversely, underpricing them would leave alchemists and doctors struggling to make ends meet. For explorers, these magic potions served as a critical lifeline in the face of unanticipated perils, and accessibility was paramount, especially for novice explorers. However, ensuring the livelihoods of the alchemists and doctors who crafted these essential remedies was equally important. My mind raced, seeking a compromise that would appease both factions.

"...Veria potion?"

I said that without thinking. Lelillil mentioned it when I asked what the sage was up to in Labyrinth City. Veria, a succulent thriving in abundance outside Labyrinth City, held the potential for a potent health recovery potion.

"Hmph. An oft-used lie of swindlers."

"Swindlers?"

"That's right. If someone tried to sell such a thing to you, you should report them to the police immediately. That's a swindler, without a doubt." Baronet Dyukeli's voice was hard. "They use the so-called legend that an elf sage once made magic potions from veria and try to sell fakes from an incomplete recipe at high prices."

The baronet added that nobles and merchants who were new to Labyrinth City often fell for such schemes.

"An incomplete recipe?"

"Indeed. Two hundred years ago, an apprentice of the sage was able to reproduce it using transmutation equipment the sage left behind, but ever since that equipment broke, veria potions have been the stuff of legend."

I'll ask Satou to look into the matter. He's better at alchemy than me and should be able to figure it out. If not then I could ask the elfs for help on the matter. But that could all wait until later so I went back to the topic of ogredrink-potion ingredients for now.

"As for the ingredients we discussed before, would it be all right if I submit the request to the guildmaster and have her put it out as a formal request from the guild itself?"

"I suppose those damn explorers might accept it then... These are the ingredients we're missing."

Scrutinising the recipe, I noted the ingredients and their respective quantities meticulously inscribed on the parchment. Simultaneously, I recorded the reward he proposed. Intending it merely as a small favour, I extended an invitation to assist with ingredient acquisition. To my surprise, he gave me a book on Earth Magic. Authored by a dedicated labyrinth explorer, it delved into the intricacies of golems, likely a supplement to his previous scrolls.

"By the by, Lady Kura, do you know of a magic potion called Monster Incense?"

"No, I've never heard of it."

"It's a forbidden potion that attracts nearby monsters," Baronet Dyukeli explained. "I'm told that someone has been bringing bewitching slime to unlicensed alchemists and demanding that they make Monster Incense."

He didn't know who the culprit was. But I can remember someone saying something about gathering bewitching slime before. I can't remember who they were or if this is related, but I will ask the others if they can remember them and have Satou watch them, just in case.

"That's troubling news. I'll have to be careful when next I enter the labyrinth."

With our discussion at an end, I decided to take my leave.

"Thank you for your help."

"Not at all. I'll handle it."

Baronet Dyukeli saw me to the entryway, then bowed deeply. I guess he cared more about his son than he let on. From the window, Miss Mary-Ann's gaze lingered, her expression hinting at an unspoken thought. However, wary of potential repercussions, I turned a blind eye to her attempt at communication. To ensure their happiness, I would need to locate an explorer school where she could study alongside Viceroy Gerits' son.