Chapter 36: Monsters and the Labyrinth
"Ah, Teo-kun, Grace-san."
"Yeah, everyone too."
While talking to Heather, the members of Forest Bird showed up at the Adventurers Guild.
"I heard that you fought against a demon this time?"
"We knew it was strong, but... I never expected to kill a demon at that age. Next, it's dragon hunting."
"No... leaving dragons aside. It was just a matter of being there when the demon went berserk, so I got involved."
Or rather... it was more like I didn't like seeing the demon causing a ruckus and I decided to confront it myself. I won't go into details because I don't want to worry Grace too much if I'm honest.
And I don't particularly hold any grudges against dragons either. It would be troublesome if it was assumed that I can defeat them as a matter of course.
"Moreover, Lady Ashley is also accompanying you. Could it be that outfit, going to the labyrinth together?"
From their reaction, it seemed like they knew that Ashley had come to Termwilz and had a dispute with the Cardiff Earl family at the academy.
The Adventurers Guild is also a place where information gathers. Forest Bird knows them, and there was also the incident with Snakebite, so if it became a rumor, it would naturally reach their ears.
"Considering the future and the ability to use healing magic, I thought it would be better to gain practical experience."
"Huh... you all are exceptional."
Lucian responded with a relaxed tone, seeming impressed.
"Where are all of you in the labyrinth right now?"
When Grace asked, they smiled and answered.
"We're heading towards the Old Mine Shaft because we heard there are gemstones and minerals there. We've reached the 9th floor... it's vast and tough, you know. We're about to enter the labyrinth from here."
"Then we'll go down, and you all will go up."
The direction of the Old Mine Shaft is relatively reasonable within the labyrinth. There aren't many insidious traps, and Forest Bird should manage well.
"How far down have you gone?"
"To the 15th floor, I guess."
"Fast!"
Well, from our perspective, there's nothing to stumble upon.
"Oh, Theodor-san. Continuing from our previous conversation, there were monsters among the people who were kidnapped by the Earl's family, right?"
Heather asked, and I nodded.
"Yes, there were. They are currently being held by the Adventurers Guild, I assume?"
Depending on the species, some monsters are not necessarily hostile to humans and can even communicate. The Cardiff Earl family's policy was to not only capture adventurers but also selectively abduct such monsters and sell them as slaves.
Well, I don't know whether those monsters originated from within or outside the labyrinth. It seems there was also a summoning method.
I knew that the victims of the kidnappings would be released. But I was also slightly concerned about what would happen to the monsters.
"To have the ability to communicate and possess high intelligence means that there are times when even previously friendly tribes can become hostile, so there is a need to handle it with caution."
"Well, yes. It seems that while they were captured, they encouraged and supported the victims. They pleaded for everyone's help. They are currently in a weakened state, waiting for recovery, so we, as a guild, want to handle them with caution and treat them respectfully as much as possible."
"I see."
"And also, once they have calmed down, they want to talk to Mr. Theodore."
"Why is that?"
"Mr. Theodore is their benefactor who set them free, right? It seems they want to express their gratitude."
...Hmm. Monsters talking to me, huh?
"I understand. It's fine if we just talk."
"Alright, I will let them know."
I'm also interested in the ecology of monsters.
Especially the ones that "emerge" in the labyrinth. Where do they come from and how do they live? Stuff like that.
The thing is, the thoughts and behavior patterns of monsters seem to differ inside and outside the labyrinth.
In the natural world, it's impossible for a praying mantis and a huge spider to be crammed into the same room, waiting amiably together. It's definitely a combination that would lead to one devouring the other.
And it's unimaginable for different species to work together and oppose adventurers.
Most species of monsters in the labyrinth coexist without fighting. Even when they fight adventurers who enter the labyrinth, it seems their primary purpose is to obstruct the adventurers' progress, rather than to satisfy their hunger.
Including those aspects, if there are monsters from the labyrinth, I would like to hear their circumstances.
As a common trait among monsters, strong monsters nest in places where naturally occurring concentrations of magical energy exist. It was written in books that they convert the magical energy into their own activity energy by accumulating it in the magical stone component inside their bodies. Now, I wonder what kind of stories I will hear.
I receive the subjugation reward from the adventurer's guild. Later, there will be a reward for solving the kidnapping incident and subjugating the demon.
As for the gauntlet that came out of the treasure chest, it seems to have an enchantment that enhances strength, so I decided to keep it for now. I think Ashley can play a supportive role when swinging her mace.
Parting ways with Forest Bird and Heather, I go shopping at the market before returning home. In front of the mansion, Rosetta and Sheila stand at a distance from each other, as if restraining each other.
Rosetta wears her usual smile, seemingly appraising Sheila, while Sheila, with an expressionless face and somewhat sleepy eyes, observes Rosetta calmly.
"...What are you two doing?"
"Oh, Theodore-kun, welcome back."
"Theodore, I came to express my gratitude."
"And who is this?"
"Um, she's called Sheila. I think she played a significant role in resolving the kidnapping case."
"Ah, is she the collaborator you mentioned yesterday?"
"Yes, that's right."
Grace and Ashley were briefly explaining the situation regarding the recent incident. They didn't provide many details about Sheila, partly because of her affiliation with the Thieves' Guild.
"I don't quite understand, but no need to worry, right? She was lurking around your house, so I thought I'd hear her out."
"I had the same idea."
...It seems that Rosetta and Sheila were trying to hear each other's stories for similar reasons.
Rosetta may have understood, but it seems that Sheila was worried because her own account was causing ripples...
"Well, since we're just standing here, why don't both of you come up to the house? I can serve some tea."
They decided to have a conversation while having tea in the parlor. I also had something I wanted to discuss with Sheila.
But somehow... there are quite a lot of women around me.
"Hmm. It seems today's labyrinth went quite smoothly."
"Yes, both of you helped me."
It seems that Rosetta came to learn magic from Ashley. They were engaged in one-on-one instruction in a corner of the parlor.
With the fact that she's teaching clandestine magic, it feels like Rosetta and Ashley have become a master and apprentice.
After that, Rosetta hasn't met Talcott yet... But she was quite happy to hear the news from Heather. Eventually, she might hear more updates about the prince and Talcott, news that won't come from the Adventurers' Guild.
"Ah, Sheila-san. If a reward is offered for solving the kidnapping case, I'll give you a share as well. If negotiations are necessary, I'm willing to discuss it. We didn't make any prior agreement, so how about 50%?"
As I sipped the tea that Grace had brewed, I brought up the topic. Sheila tilted her head in response.
"Everyone believes that you were instrumental in resolving this incident. It wouldn't be right to receive more money on top of that."
Sheila... seems to have a grasp of the Caduceus situation after all. Well, she must have heard the information from her captured friend and gathered more intel from there, leading her to me.
"The credit for solving the kidnapping case belongs more to Sheila-san than me. I plan to receive the reward for subduing the demon, so that should be enough."
From my perspective, I solved the case using the information she provided and dealt with the troubles around me, receiving a reward in the process. It wouldn't be right to withhold benefits from Sheila, well... from a professional ethics standpoint.
I'm not sure if she understands what I'm trying to say or not, but Sheila doesn't change her expression much... Well, that seems to be her usual demeanor.