Isadora's eyes scanned the room with an intensity that suggested she was looking for something very specific. Ophelia and I watched with curiosity as Isadora prowled around the space, pausing at various corners and examining the walls with a keen eye. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Isadora seemed to find what she was after.
With a sly grin, she made her way towards a small nook, hidden in the shadows. As we followed her, she ran her fingers over a particular brick until it pushed inwards. Suddenly, a large section of the stone wall swung open, and revealed a wondrous sight. The room was filled with piles of magical crystals, powerful cores that shimmered in the light, and glittering minerals, each with its own unique properties.
But that wasn't all. Tucked away in the corner of the room were several large airships, each more magnificent than the last. As I looked upon them in wonder, Isadora chuckled softly. "Those are wind magic airships," she explained. "They're powered by special wind cores, and they're fast enough to travel across the world in a matter of days."
I turned to Ophelia, excitement rising within me. "I've never seen anything like this before," I whispered in awe. "What other treasures must be hiding in my labyrinth?"
"Huh, your labyrinth?" (Lumiere)
"Haven't we settled this already," she rolled her eyes.
"Well, there's plenty more where this came from," I assured them. "But for now, let's gather as much of this valuable loot as we can carry. I have to show this to the grygans and minotaurs."
『These loots would really help develop the North-eastern region:
(1) Magical Crystals - They can be imbued with magical energy that can help enhance spells or be used as a power source for magical devices. For example, a fire crystal can be used to amplify a fire spell, while a healing crystal can be used to heal injuries.
In a developing society like mine, magical crystals can be used to power up important infrastructure like hospitals, schools, and transportation. They can also be used by farmers to improve crop growth or for miners to excavate more efficiently.
I had plans to build all these infrastructures soon.
(2) Magic Cores - Cores are the center of magical devices that can perform a wide range of functions. For example, a wind core power an airship, while an elemental core can create powerful spells.
I could use them to create energy sources for homes and businesses. And also to create tools and equipment for building and construction.
(3) Magic Airships - The airships are powered by special wind cores and can travel at great speeds through the air. So they'll be useful for transportation, exploration, and military purposes.
They'll be good for fast transportation between cities, exploration of new territories and trade routes. There's also military purposes, such as reconnaissance and transportation of troops. But... it's not like we're preparing for a war or anything.
Then again, I can also sell them to the Lord Commissioners of the kingdom. But I don't think Fasit would like that... she did say this dungeon most likely belonged to the ancient civilization of Grygans. If I were to sell any of their property it'd be a bit disrespectful...
So I'll definitely need to call a council meeting when I get out of here』
As Isadora and I stood there in the room, surrounded by glittering minerals and large airships, I glanced at her and mentioned how we could use these resources to help the grygans and minotaurs. She looked a bit confused and asked me what I meant.
"Well, Isadora," I began, "I happen to be the ruler of the North-eastern region, and it is my duty to assist all creatures in need."
Her eyes widened in surprise at my revelation. "You, Lumiere, are the leader of a region in the Beast's Domain? But, you're too sweet for that! It's not possible for someone like you to have dominion over vile creatures like minotaurs," she exclaimed.
I couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "Well, I actually am," I replied.
It was likely she implied this because I was a human. Humans could barely stand the monsters in the Great Forest, so for someone like me to have dominion over them was rare. Also, Minotaurs don't necessarily have a nice history with humans, that much was evident after my scuffle with Fenghis Rhan.
Ophelia, who had been studying the minerals, spoke up. "It's true, Isadora. I heard from some others in the Great Forest that Lumiere is the leader. He's quite well-known, you know."
"(Oh, it makes sense now why it looked like she knew everything about me the first time we met..)" (Lumiere)
I rubbed my chin, feeling a bit concerned. "It's a bit worrying that other monsters already know about me. I haven't even communicated with them yet."
Ophelia shrugged. "Well, that's just how it is. The chief of every monster tribe likes to keep an eye on their fellow chiefs."
Suddenly, Isadora hugged me from behind, pressing her ample bosom against my back. I could feel my face turning red as she whispered, "You're really amazing, Lumiere."
Ophelia rolled her eyes and commented, "Isadora, you're too clingy."
Isadora pouted and asked, "Are you jealous, Ophelia?"
I couldn't help but laugh at their banter. "Well, ladies, let's focus on the task at hand. We have work to do!"
As soon as Isadora released me from her embrace, I inhaled a huge gulp of air, grateful to be able to breathe without constriction.
"So Isadora, can you please help us out of the labyrinth like you agreed?" (Lumiere)
Wiping off beads of perspiration from my forehead, I must have looked puzzled, because Isadora's request made me anxious. She granted our request and then added a proviso: she would only take us out if we agreed to fulfill a condition of hers.
Noticing Ophelia's furrowed brows, I reassured her that nothing was amiss and hoped for the best without any undue finger-crossing. After some resistance, Ophelia spoke up "No, why would she bring up another condition out of nowhere. That wasn't the initial agreement, don't you think we can't assume anything of good faith from her? It's unacceptable."
I interrupted her, stating that: "Well... it's not like we have any other choice than to hear what it is – as long as it isn't anything dangerous or life-threatening. So, let her name her price, and then we can decide if it's doable or not."
"Well.." (Ophelia)
"And besides, it's not like we made the agreement based on a [Sacrytis] or anything like that.." (Lumiere)
Ophelia's arms were crossed, she cut me off and then stared at me suspiciously "Don't tell me you're getting too interested in Isadora," she said with a hint of jealousy. I chuckled and replied, "No, it's just that since she's got something to offer, we might as well hear her out."
My concern was not motivated by any romantic interest.
Still, I had to remind Ophelia how much Isadora had helped us and argued that it would be only fair to grant her wish. Plus, I pointed out that Isadora showed us a room full of valuable treasures without attempting to conceal them from us. That demonstrated her trustworthiness. So in conclusion, she did show some good faith.
Isadora beamed, "Ara~Ara... you're such a gentleman, Lumiere."
I felt a pleasant gush of heat surge through my veins, but my lungs quickly regained their top billing when I asked: "So, what're your conditions Isadora?" a smiled preceeded this question.
Momentarily, she looked at something far beyond in the distance, and then she turned back to me, "I'd like to see your village!"
Almost immediately, Ophelia vetoed the idea, "That's a big, fat no!"
I sensed her hesitation. "But what's wrong with that? It's definitely not detrimental to my village in anyway. I answered my question with a an assumption of sorts.
Ophelia's tone softened, and she replied in the affirmative but begrudgingly conceded to go along since it was Isadora's condition. Eye-rolling, she gave Isadora a you-better-do-a-good-job glare "At this point, I don't even care, just get us out of this labyrinth.."
To which Isadora teasingly replied, "Why, of course, my dear."