Chapter 81: To the Heart of the Labyrinth
After receiving the request explanation from Guildmaster Lilith-sama, I returned to the floor where I had arm-wrestled earlier.
"Sorry!!!"
The burly bear-like men all knelt in unison.
They must have been trembling after learning about Lizelotte's true identity. When it comes to the daughter of the Border Count, they should be scared.
"If you've learned your lesson, stop causing trouble like that. If I hear about it again, I'll report it to Father!"
"We won't do it ever again!"
Well, it seems like they're reflecting, so maybe they'll improve a bit.
Leaving the guild, I walked through the city with Lizelotte.
"What will you do next, my knight?"
"After confirming the location of the labyrinth and gathering some information, I'll return to Primera. I need to explain things to my comrades."
"R-right! It's a bit embarrassing, though."
Embarrassing? Oh, you mean explaining things to them. Indeed, it's necessary to explain.
***
Lizelotte and I arrived at a square where the labyrinth was located.
Bardel's labyrinth was technically within the city, even though it was in the outskirts.
Originally, it was a base for entering the labyrinth, but it gradually developed into the current Bardel. However, the areas closer to the labyrinth were abandoned as part of safety measures, and residents, except for orphans and those with nowhere else to go, generally didn't live there.
"Lizelotte, who are those children?"
I noticed children swarming around adventurers who would enter the labyrinth.
"They're trying to earn a living by being hired by adventurers."
"Children that young?"
"In the labyrinth, there are many side tunnels where adults can't enter, but those places are rare sources of high-quality minerals and materials. It's dangerous, but it's one of the few jobs children can do, so we can't prohibit it..."
Lizelotte's expression darkened.
I see... I've seen many children who lost their parents in other cities. In terms of having work, the children in this city might be better off.
If we intend to save the world, we should also address the issue of orphans eventually.
"First, we need safe jobs for these children. I'll think of something!"
"Thank you, my knight..."
She must have been worried. I thought so as I looked at Lizelotte, who was smiling happily.
Damn it, rejected again. Even though I'm the most knowledgeable about the labyrinth around here.
Why... why did my body have to grow so big?
Now I can't enter the side tunnels anymore. But to become an adventurer, I'll have to wait a few more years.
Adventurers say you can just sell your body because you look good, but that's no joke. I'd rather do anything else, even scavenging.
Well, I'll have to take more risks, but I'll target those who are entering the labyrinth for the first time. All I have going for me now is information.
But weaklings are no good. It could be dangerous for me...
Oh! Those two don't look that strong, but they seem quite capable. My instincts, honed over the years, tell me that.
"This is your first time in this labyrinth, right? Won't you hire me? I'm the most knowledgeable about the labyrinth around here."
I mustered the courage to approach them, but when I got closer, I realized they were dangerous. More dangerous than any monsters I've encountered before.
Especially the man with black hair, he no longer felt like a human presence. I've never encountered one, but he's probably what it feels like to face a dragon. His instincts have already given up.
Am I going to be killed? I was seriously starting to regret it when the man spoke.
"That would be helpful. How much for your guidance?"
Huh? I was taken aback, partly because the man's voice was surprisingly gentle and his black eyes were so beautiful, and I froze, which was unusual for me.
"U-uh, how about one gold coin per day? I'll definitely make it worth your while."
"Agreed, I'll hire you. I'm the adventurer Kakeru. Nice to meet you, Maika."
Huh... why does he know my name?
"It's my appraisal skill. Anyway, we won't enter the labyrinth today, so I'll rely on you for guidance starting tomorrow. Please wait for me at the adventurer's guild in the morning. This is the reservation fee for today and tomorrow, as well as breakfast for tomorrow."
Geez, did it show on my face? Appraisal is supposed to be an incredibly rare skill, right? He's definitely not an ordinary person. And what's this reservation fee? Ugh, three gold coins? Is he not worried I'll run off with it... well, I won't, but still.
"Are you sure it's okay to give me so much? Even if you ask me to pay it back later, I won't be able to."
"Of course, I won't ask you to pay it back. Consider it a nuisance fee for putting up with my whims."
Hmm, he's a strange one. Well, if I can get something out of it, I don't mind.
***
"Lizelotte, are Dark Elves rare?"
"Oh, you mean that boy from earlier? Well... they are rare around here. Why, does it concern you?"
No, it's not like that, but in this world, Elves and Dark Elves are usually portrayed as having a bad relationship in fantasy stories. I started worrying when I thought about Silphy and Sarah. I didn't hire him just because he's cute!
"Huh? I've never heard of that. What are you talking about?"
Phew, it seems like it was needless concern.
"We're done here, right? Shouldn't we head back soon?"
"I thought so, but I just found someone who seems to be approaching the heart of the matter..."
Among the people passing by, there was someone extraordinary mixed in?!
Name: Danji Shi = Zoutarou (Male)
Race: Automata
Age: 768
Status: Contract (Shira Saki Setsuna)
Occupation: Dungeon Master
Condition: High Stress
...Could it be that the problem has already been resolved?