Otoko Nara Ikkokuichijou no Aruji o Mezasa Nakya, ne? - LightNovelsOnl.com
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Getting tired~
Year 7445, Month 7, Day 25
"Gwine! Ralpha!"
Toris immediately commanded. Almost as if pulled along the two charged at the Rindobel couple. Gwine is holding down Meiria and Ralpha is holding down Koritto. Both of the couple has plenty of strength but even if they're Laios, we just finished healing their serious injuries now. They were easily able to hold them down it seems. If you were to ask what I was doing, then I was reflexively observing Meiria's state. Her face was twisted unattractively with regret.
"We only just used healing spells on you. Though it wasn't anything life threatening, it doesn't change the fact that it was a serious injury. Please rest for a bit."
Miduchi said with an indifferent tone of voice while looking down at the Rindobel couple as they were held to the ground.
"I'm very sorry for causing an uproar while you were in the middle of talking. I won't let anyone interfere with Al-san's conversation."
Toris apologized to Haruku and I.
"Let go!"
"Let go of me!!"
The Rindobel couple is struggling under Gwine and Ralpha. Kamu who was dumbfounded seeing this development on one side of Haruku walked forward and crouched down near the Rindobel couple.
"Koritto-san, Meiria-san. I'm interested in what Haruku-san was going to say as well. Please be quiet for a short while."
"Kamu! What are you saying!"
"That's right, don't be fooled! Hey, Rokko, Kevin, Jeru! Get these two off of us!"
As expected they excluded Misu and Kimu who still needed rest(?).
"Eh? Ah?"
"What's going on?"
"D..Don't ask me."
The three suckers can't keep up with the sudden developments.
"Rokko, Kevin, Jeru. Switch places with them and hold the Rinbodel-sans down. Make properly sure they can't move."
Misu looked up at the three suckers and said while still sitting down.
"Yeah, we're depending on you three since you're still unharmed. My arm is still..I think I can manage it in a bit longer though."
Kimu said with her back to a tree while rubbing her right arm.
"O..Oh~ Leave it to me!"
"Now, let's change places."
"Sorry about that. Leave the rest to us."
Since for the time being instructions came to the three suckers on what they need to do they happily took over the role of holding down the couple from Gwine and Ralpha.
"Hmph..Additionally put a gag or something on them while you're at it..And, sorry about that...First off, Greed-kun I'll reply to your question. After that I want you to listen to my story for a bit. Everyone else, that's fine right? Listen well.."
When Haruku said that the Rin.o.bel couple started making a disturbance again. Seeing Kevin and Jeru holding them down, Rokko took a hand towel from his and Kevin's waist and sealed their mouths with it. That sure is filthy~
"In regards to me trying to join the {Slaughterers}, that was one of the plans that the four of us, Koritto, Meiria, Bin, and I drafted. Putting it simply we were testing the {Slaughterers}. Just now, Rokko and the others said they wanted to join the {Slaughterers} as well but every time the topic of the {Slaughterers} came up we couldn't stand it..Though to be more accurate the ones who couldn't stand it were those two and Bin...Last year, the first time Bin acted as a leader and we challenged the 6th floor, I'm sure many of you can remember it right?"
The members of {Sun.Ray} exchanged glances while nodding. Though everyone..was making uneasy faces.
"Last summer, I think there's a lot of members who remember the uproar when we ended up finding a route to make it to the teleport room on the 5th floor that only goes by three monster rooms...Ah, it will be a slightly long story. Greed-kun, and also the members of the {Slaughterers} I'd like for you to be patient and listen for a short while. And then, as a result of investigating that route, we confirmed three teleport destinations that can reach it. In other words, if you put some work into teleporting from the 4th floor to the 5th floor then it's not like you can't make it there. Do you remember the night we finally made the decision to go to the 6th floor?"
The members of {Sun.Ray} all nod in unison.
"There's no way I could forget. There was an uproar that we would finally overtake {Verdure.Brotherhood} and line up shoulders with the {Slaughterers}, we could become the number one in Baldukk."
Jeru muttered.
"Yeah, that's right. Additionally, remember back to the people who were selected at that time. It's fine that Bin was the leader. He and I would often switch out after all. Well, with Bin as leader and I as the sub. It was Bogusu, Ginger, Binsu, Yuriel, Jeru, and Hisu those eight. I'll talk about why those members were selected after."
The three suckers started listening with serious expressions. Misu, Kimu, and Kamu were making shocked expressions.
"That time, when we ended up getting caught in the teleport trap, we got separated from Bogusu, Ginger, Binsu, and Yuriel. Jeru, you were there too. You remember right?"
"Yeah, like I could forget.."
Jeru bit into his lip while making a mortified expression as he held Koritto down.
"The {Slaughterers} saved Ginger and Binsu. At the extraordinary price of 500,000 per person. Additionally you even went to the trouble of carrying Yuriel's corpse. I was happy at that time, Greed-kun."
"No.."
It's nothing much. No, it's nothing too special. Though it's fine if you say even more.
"There was nothing we could do about just Bogusu but when we returned to the surface there was no other choice than to tell Rindoel-san and the others just as it happened. Bogusu and Yuriel. Since we lost the two magic users, and our numbers were reduced, for a short while after that we had no choice other than to enter the dungeon with a full party of members. Though this was just returning to originally so it's not really related..Ah, sorry about that."
Seeing Haruku cough here and there Toris took out his flask and handed it to him.
"I, thought about it. We're no rival for the {Slaughterers}. You carelessly saved the members of a different party on the dangerous 6th floor and it's not like you pushed that favor on us either. Even though it was a cheap sign of grat.i.tude that didn't match up to the danger you went through you smiled and accepted it without a single complaint. Even though you should have gone through a reasonable amount of trouble to carry the materials in you let us use the shower at no cost. Regardless of the fact that most of your members are still at ages close to children, your abilities are extremely high. Though it's also because a number of them can use magic but you're earning the most in Baldukk and stepping food on the most dangerous floors. If you really wanted to I thought something at our level you could have easily make light of us without even trying."
He~? That's quite the high a.s.sessment.
"But, Koritto-san and Meiria-san, and also Bin were different. Most likely, I think that everyone was the same. Several years ago, Meiria-san said it right? Aren't you mortified that a group where 1/3rd of the members are still brats is earning more than {Sun.Ray}? like that. Even though it was only obvious that Koritto-san was mortified as well...Well it wasn't just limited to Koritto-san, I'm sure anyone would be mortified. Even I was. However, I realized it at that time. The {Slaughterers} are somehow different from normal adventurers..Then there's the matter this time. The Rindobel-sans easily tried to abandon me."
..Fumu.
"It could be that there was others who knew the same as me but you didn't want to accept it right? Everyone was saying it normally right...Well it's fine. In any case since our combat forces decreased it had already become difficult to enter the dungeon with multiple parties. We wanted to replenish our forces from somewhere but there's no way taking in the riffraff around there would be much of combat potential. If they don't have at least the abilities of a top team then they might end up slowing us down after all.."
"Well, I guess so."
"I know."
Someone muttered.
"In any case we somehow wanted to replenish our forces. There what we set our sights on was the {Slaughterers}. Was it near the end of the last year? Around the end of summer the dark elf sis joined you followed by another young fellow right? The young Cat-people guy. Up until then we heard rumors that the {Slaughterers} might split their party into two as well but since there were 10 people, we couldn't be sure of it. However, after seeing you enter the dungeon with 11 people we were convinced of it. If it's this then if things go well we might be able to pull out one or two members."
The Rindobel couple started struggling again but they're still being properly held down.
"The Rindobel-sans, Bin, and I discussed it a number of times. In any case there was no starting it unless we investigated things. While were investigating things we found out that you were reasonably familiar with those knights who came along. You often ate meals together with them right? That's why first we decided to get close to them. Since it was certain they were true knights after all, they should have a reasonable level of abilities as well. We even thought that depending on the case it might be good add them to put our forces back into order."
Haruku took the rubber cork off of Toris's flask and drank a couple of sips.
"..Fu..Even though Rodrick and Fio were true knights, since they were newcomers as adventurers the Rindobel-san's were easily able to approach them. However, it seemed like they didn't really understand how strong the {Slaughterers} were either. There we decided to try testing things out. We thought of sending someone in and then trying to invite them from inside. You can already guess the method to invite members right? It's the charms. The fact that I had real charms was one of the deciding factors. After that, we got the information that you were looking for a combat slave who can already use the s.h.i.+eld skillfully. Conveniently I had a bit of confidence in my ability to use the s.h.i.+eld. It's something that's often said in the rumors right, something like a group of softhearted, brainless brats would easily accept it was it right? Koritto-san."
Koritto is silent, he's not replying at all.
"I thought it was impossible. I could feel it when I talked to Greed-kun previously. There's no way you would make someone like me into a companion, even more so I thought you were such a fool that you would get caught in this sort of trap. Of course I said that. But, since Bin said that if it succeeds we profit and even if it fails we might be able to shake you up so I had no choice but to do it. However, the {Slaughterers}..saved Binsu and Ginger. You saved them for an amount of money that was almost free. You even let us use the shower on the 5th floor. In the worst case if you chose to accept me I intended to say something about it. That's why I was even relieved you turned me down. After that even when I was told to go again I just pretended to do it."
Honestly speaking, I did find it strange he backed off awfully easily and didn't come again after that though...Since going off the timing Faruergaz and the others joined {Sun.Ray} several months after that I didn't think too deeply about it. So it was that sort of thing huh?
"It dragged out a bit long but just now was my reply to Greed-kun. Next is..in regards to the members selected for going to the 6th floor the first time...Hey, Rokko, tie up those two with some random vines."
It was just then, Zenom and the remaining members of the {Slaughterers} started to arrive as well. Zulu came over to my side and knelt before handing up the magic stones.
"We appreciate the rescue. Greed-sama. In regards to saving us, I bow before you offer my grat.i.tude. These are the magic stones of the ogres we were up against. Though it's something meager, please accept them."
When Zulu said that, Zenom, Bel, Basutoral, and Angela who came along as well lowered their heads. Angela and Basutoral are kneeling. Matching with that Toris, Ralpha, Miduchi, and Gwine also lowered their heads to me again.
I received the five magic stones from Zulu and just like that place them in front of Koritto and Meiria.
Rokko was using his knife to cut off some vines from a nearby tree and using that to tie up the Rindobel couples legs and arms. Of course, he was borrowing the help of Kevin and Jeru as he did it.
Haruku looked at their state a with a slightly sad face before starting to talk again.
Is it about time?
"Starting from here is a story that is unrelated to everyone in the {Slaughterers}. However, I don't think you'll lose out listening to it. Just as everyone knows, I joined {Sun.Ray} a bit over five years ago. Before I entered {Sun.Ray}..when I was even younger I had my own party. We didn't have a second name, we were just a normal six member party. There we ended up s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up and I lost my five members. There was an idiot who fell in a pitfall on the 3rd floor, while we were trying to save him we were ambushed by monsters. We fought desperately but in that combat four people died. The one survivor and I escaped the dungeon as our lives depended on it. However, we didn't have any money. I ran into the healer but they would only use healing spells four times. That fellow had taken spears all over his body and needed even more healing.."
Someone gulped.
"..Since it couldn't be helped I decided to sell myself as a combat slave. The ones who bought me were a party that was earning a decent amount at the time called {Twin Gold}. The person who was the leader there bought me. I was 10 gold coins. It's a good price right? Eh? Why did I go that far? Ah, the one who was injured was my little brother. In any case, thanks to that my little brother was saved. I brushed my chest in relief that time. But, with me the {Twin Gold}s had just 10 members. There was no room for my little brother to enter."
Haruku drank some water.
"..Feeling apologetic towards me my little brother tried frantically to enter the dungeon and earn money to buy me back. But, as expected alone..Since it couldn't be helped he gave up on the dungeon and started being a normal adventurer. Ah, he's still alive. The one who bought me was Koritto-san. He bought me and released me right away. It was just by chance but the {Sun.Ray} at the time caught a glimpse of {Twin Gold}s combat in the dungeon. It's strange saying it myself but during that time my combat abilities were quite something. Koritto-san probably wanted my power and had expectations there. I was grateful. I thought I wanted to be useful to these people. I thought I would even do whatever they asked. I was only thinking about doing whatever I could to be useful to them and pay back my debt as soon as possible."
..My throat has started to get dry as well. I'll drink some water. I took out my emergency use bag and drank some water from a flask that resembles Toris. It's bad. I filled it with water from the well before I entered the dungeon but that was already three days, no, I guess four days ago. I guess it's still better it's not rotting.
"This is where the charms everyone knows about becomes related. The time when I found out about the charms, I thought that if I just had this at that time I wouldn't have had to become a slave. At the same time I didn't think that the Rindobel-sans were making spending money with it at all. It takes time but if you can get your hands on the real then then they'll use an amazing healing spell on you. It's something that normally you can only get after visiting the temple for 10 or 20 years. Though that takes a bit of time, you can get your hands on it this fast. Even if it's expensive, I thought it was only obvious if they earn a bit of profit from it. Everyone else thinks so too right?"
All of the members from {Sun.Ray} are nodding. Is it still not yet?
"That's why I didn't just pretend not see it, I even cooperated. At first, I just thought that those who wanted the notes but ended up suffering serious injuries before they recieved them were just useless as members. We even sucked all we could get out of them before attacking them from behind in the dungeon and finis.h.i.+ng them off. Eventually, I finished paying off my debt and my body returned back to normal but even then my grat.i.tude to the Rindobel-sans didn't fade. Since {Sun.Ray} had already become a corner of one of the top teams and we were earning quite a bit as well, I continued to think that if the Rindobel-sans took a bit of a large share from that it was only obvious. But, the price of the reward just kept escalating. Since I luckily never suffered any serious injuries up until here I got off with just two of them but..Jeru, you, how much did you pay in reward for the charm you've asked for right now?"
"If I remember correctly it was 4,000,000 around last May, 500,000 in the summer, after that was..Another 50 and then 30 in the spring for a total of 5,500,000."
Jeru counted n his fingers. The answer was incorrect but as expected I guess he can do addition.
"At first it was just 2,500,000. Now they start off taking 4,000,000, and then it costs even more additional money. It's a good business but if there's a person in Baldukk who can use the real {Cure All} then it would bankrupt. It's already impossible Rindobel-san."
Haruku said while looking at the Rindobel couple and soon returned his glance to everyone else before continuing.
"You get it right? Everyone is suckers. Of course, if you can properly be recognized by the Rindobel-sans for your combat abilities then you can escape being a sucker. It was the same for me and Bin, and after that Misu and Kamu as well. And, if you gain even more of their trust then you can become a leader like Bin and I. In the past, there was also Maraiyu and Misa. Both of them unfortunately were killed when we ran into the ice monster on the 5th floor. Bin and I were their successors."
I took another sip of water. Since it's after doing some physical activity your throat dries quite a bit.
"Try to remember back on it. Bin and I were often saying to pay money for the sake of the charms right? We suggested that it was rea.s.suring just holding on to them right? It's not particularly like we deceived you. It takes time and money but it's certain that eventually a proper charm will come back. However, it's only for the people who can manage to stay alive with their own abilities for a year or two after they join."
Things get noisy. Koritto and Meiria are still caterpillars. Huh?
"For the time being we were still one of the top teams. Since just like this we've come to the 5th floor, and now it's the 6th and 7th floor but we required people with over a fixed level of abilities to enter our party. However, it was just that. If we were to use some extreme logic then they're fine as long as we can use them as s.h.i.+elds when we're on the deeper floors. Of course if they're a st.u.r.dy s.h.i.+eld then it's greatly welcome. Here remember back to the members that went to the 6th floor last summer. Since that was the first time. Putting it frankly, investigating the 6th floor was the primary objective. How many monsters are in what places? What kinds of traps and how dangerous they, that was the primary objective of the investigation. Of course even if we say it's dangerous it would all be pointless if we end up completely wiping out. A reasonable combat formation was necessary."
However, this Haruku, he really just keeps going on and on talking. Is it a grudge for almost being abandoned? If they had really retreated right away at that time then it's certainly true he almost definitely would have died after all.
"However, including the ones that died, our members at that time. Remember back. It's a floor we were stepping foot on for the first time. Don't you think it's only obvious to go with your best members and furthermore a full party of 10? It would have been only obvious to go with Koritto-san, Meiria-san, me, Bin, Misu, Bogusu, Kamu, Binsu, Kimu, and Rokko. It would have been best to have as many magic users as possible but as expected Yuriel and Santos weren't quite there yet...Among those less than half of that only four people actually went to the 6th floor. That time, wasn't it because Jeru and Hisu said they wanted to go. Yuriel was because as expected there weren't enough magic users, Ginger is..That is..I think that Greed-kun already knows but she's my woman after all."
Jeru froze up with his eyes wide open. Rather~ I didn't know that. It's good I didn't demand her body...Though I didn't have any intention of it. Though because of Ralpha I ended up having say a stupid joke. Ah, I guess he also felt indebted to the {Slaughterers} because we saved his woman as well. Though it already doesn't matter at all.
"That was shortly after Jeru paid 4,500,000 Z. Hisu had paid over 4,000,000 as well. Incidentally, Rokko had been saying he'd pay, he'd pay but he still hadn't paid yet and Kimu had only just received her charm...Do you get what I'm trying to say? Originally, you all were sacrifices for when an absurdly strong monster appears in the boss room. Ah, of course it's still true if you were to return safely then that's all the better though."
Ah, I might have started to feel like going to take a p.i.s.s...
"But already, everything doesn't matter anymore. Even though I worked so hard for them that easily, they abandoned me like useless trash, and just like this we even found out there's a person who can use {Cure All}. It's already over for {Sun.Ray}..I'll confess everything when we return!"
It was then that Meiria started furiously writhing around and simultaneously she tore through the vines tying her up with sheer power and took the hand towel stuck in her mouth out. Instantaneous huh...
Since her actions were far too sudden when everyone was shocked and couldn't move, I was the only who noticed Meiria hadn't used her racial special skill yet and was being cautious of it. Meiria was probably being patient until the pain disappeared.
I gave her a round kick to the face and when she fell down I sent a kick flying with my ebonite tipped boots towards her mouth. Then I stuck my long sword in front of her eyes.
"Keinesutan-san, I'm sorry for the trouble but could you please tie her up again?"
I smiled and said to Rokko. After all this guy is the one who got the vines and tied her up.
We waited until Rokko finished tying her up again.
"Now then, it seems like the story is already over, how is everyone's injuries? Since Meiria-san was able to move, I think that quite a bit of the pain should have disappeared but.."
After all it seems they've recovered quite a bit.
"Since it's a waste let's gather the magic stones from the ogres. Since the five over there belong to {Sun.Ray}, our earnings for today are 26 of them. They're worth quite a bit, these things."
After I said that I took the initiative to go around gathering the magic stones. Since we split up while doing it we finished gathering them all in a bit over 10 minutes. The {Slaughterers} seemed out of place but it was necessary to keep lookouts for Koritto and Meiria, and if it's them there's no chance of them breaking through so I left them to keep watch.
"Then, shall we return? Ah, everyone from the {Slaughterers}, thank you for your help. I would like to continue with a friendly relations.h.i.+p from here on out as well."
""Al-san..""
Toris and Bel were making faces like they were about to cry. What are you remaining quiet, there's something for you to say right.
"Please come back."
Miduchi advanced forward and said. I already heard that. In reality you're the one who should be saying it first right.
With a severe expression I just stared at everyone in the {Slaughterers}. The members of {Sun.Ray} are just silently watching over.
There's no helping it just having a staring contest.
I let out a single sigh and opened my mouth.
"I said to leave that discussion for later.."
I said that while positioning it so the {Sun.Ray} is behind me and can't see while winking repeatedly.
It seems Miduchi realized it.
"I understand, we'll slowly talk over that matter when we return to the surface...Also separate from that, everyone from {Sun.Ray}, I can certainly use {Cure All} but I'd like to avoid unnecessary chaos. Would you please remain quiet about the {Cure All} from today? If anyone were to come asking me to use {Cure All} on them that would mean one of you ended up exposing it and from that point on {Sun.Ray} would become our enemies. Of course, we wouldn't do something like attacking you but you should take care of your good health and remain careful when walking alone inside of the dungeon."
That's right. Even in the first plan that was something Toris or Bel were supposed to say. You too as well stop making faces like you've suddenly remembered it.
"..That's certainly true. Got it. I promise not to say anything. We have one request to make as well."
Karuku replied. Now that the Rindobel couple is restrained he's naturally acting as the leader.
Though it's certainly true there's no one else suitable for it.
"We intend to hand these two over to the knight group when we return to the surface. Of course, we have other members as well so we'll decide on that after discussing it with them though. In the first place since we don't even know what kind of crime they could be accused of so we might end up lynching and killing them. Though that's the same for Bin and I as well. If we luckily don't end up being killed I'd like you to act as witnesses for my testimony. Right now other than Greed-kun, there's no other n.o.bles here."
"In regards to that we'll promise as well."
Toris replied.
"Also, in regards to our leader but you'll return him when we return to the surface right?"
Bel said with a tearful voice. Hey now, are you an idiot? Exactly how shocked are you.
"The one to decide that isn't us. Ask the person himself. Right now, {Sun.Ray} has in essence lost it's leader so no one would blame him for leaving. And also, at the very least until we return to the surface it seems he intends to act together with us after all. I'd like him to act as testimony from a n.o.ble that was a member of {Sun.Ray} during the day of judgement as well. Additionally, in order for us to make it back to the teleport crystal to return on the 7th floor we need him as an escort. Since it's certain that these two have already recovered from their wounds, we never know when the husband might try to use magic. We'll need his help at that time as well."
After we split ways with the {Slaughterers} we returned the path we originally came from. Of course, we took the map from the Rindobel couple so there's no getting lost I'm sure. There's landmarks as well.
"Ah, I'm going to take a p.i.s.s really quick."
I said that and turned around to enter the bushes when Rokko grabbed my arm.
"Sorry but do it here. It would be a problem if you use magic when we're not looking as well. Misu is saying she still hasn't recovered her mana after all."
..It would have been great if I hadn't had a drink of water. As expected I wasn't forced to do it with everything seen but being at a distance where the sound can be heard is unpleasant. If it was the large one then even the smell would reach...
Year 7445, Month 7, Day 25
"Gwine! Ralpha!"
Toris immediately commanded. Almost as if pulled along the two charged at the Rindobel couple. Gwine is holding down Meiria and Ralpha is holding down Koritto. Both of the couple has plenty of strength but even if they're Laios, we just finished healing their serious injuries now. They were easily able to hold them down it seems. If you were to ask what I was doing, then I was reflexively observing Meiria's state. Her face was twisted unattractively with regret.
"We only just used healing spells on you. Though it wasn't anything life threatening, it doesn't change the fact that it was a serious injury. Please rest for a bit."
Miduchi said with an indifferent tone of voice while looking down at the Rindobel couple as they were held to the ground.
"I'm very sorry for causing an uproar while you were in the middle of talking. I won't let anyone interfere with Al-san's conversation."
Toris apologized to Haruku and I.
"Let go!"
"Let go of me!!"
The Rindobel couple is struggling under Gwine and Ralpha. Kamu who was dumbfounded seeing this development on one side of Haruku walked forward and crouched down near the Rindobel couple.
"Koritto-san, Meiria-san. I'm interested in what Haruku-san was going to say as well. Please be quiet for a short while."
"Kamu! What are you saying!"
"That's right, don't be fooled! Hey, Rokko, Kevin, Jeru! Get these two off of us!"
As expected they excluded Misu and Kimu who still needed rest(?).
"Eh? Ah?"
"What's going on?"
"D..Don't ask me."
The three suckers can't keep up with the sudden developments.
"Rokko, Kevin, Jeru. Switch places with them and hold the Rinbodel-sans down. Make properly sure they can't move."
Misu looked up at the three suckers and said while still sitting down.
"Yeah, we're depending on you three since you're still unharmed. My arm is still..I think I can manage it in a bit longer though."
Kimu said with her back to a tree while rubbing her right arm.
"O..Oh~ Leave it to me!"
"Now, let's change places."
"Sorry about that. Leave the rest to us."
Since for the time being instructions came to the three suckers on what they need to do they happily took over the role of holding down the couple from Gwine and Ralpha.
"Hmph..Additionally put a gag or something on them while you're at it..And, sorry about that...First off, Greed-kun I'll reply to your question. After that I want you to listen to my story for a bit. Everyone else, that's fine right? Listen well.."
When Haruku said that the Rin.o.bel couple started making a disturbance again. Seeing Kevin and Jeru holding them down, Rokko took a hand towel from his and Kevin's waist and sealed their mouths with it. That sure is filthy~
"In regards to me trying to join the {Slaughterers}, that was one of the plans that the four of us, Koritto, Meiria, Bin, and I drafted. Putting it simply we were testing the {Slaughterers}. Just now, Rokko and the others said they wanted to join the {Slaughterers} as well but every time the topic of the {Slaughterers} came up we couldn't stand it..Though to be more accurate the ones who couldn't stand it were those two and Bin...Last year, the first time Bin acted as a leader and we challenged the 6th floor, I'm sure many of you can remember it right?"
The members of {Sun.Ray} exchanged glances while nodding. Though everyone..was making uneasy faces.
"Last summer, I think there's a lot of members who remember the uproar when we ended up finding a route to make it to the teleport room on the 5th floor that only goes by three monster rooms...Ah, it will be a slightly long story. Greed-kun, and also the members of the {Slaughterers} I'd like for you to be patient and listen for a short while. And then, as a result of investigating that route, we confirmed three teleport destinations that can reach it. In other words, if you put some work into teleporting from the 4th floor to the 5th floor then it's not like you can't make it there. Do you remember the night we finally made the decision to go to the 6th floor?"
The members of {Sun.Ray} all nod in unison.
"There's no way I could forget. There was an uproar that we would finally overtake {Verdure.Brotherhood} and line up shoulders with the {Slaughterers}, we could become the number one in Baldukk."
Jeru muttered.
"Yeah, that's right. Additionally, remember back to the people who were selected at that time. It's fine that Bin was the leader. He and I would often switch out after all. Well, with Bin as leader and I as the sub. It was Bogusu, Ginger, Binsu, Yuriel, Jeru, and Hisu those eight. I'll talk about why those members were selected after."
The three suckers started listening with serious expressions. Misu, Kimu, and Kamu were making shocked expressions.
"That time, when we ended up getting caught in the teleport trap, we got separated from Bogusu, Ginger, Binsu, and Yuriel. Jeru, you were there too. You remember right?"
"Yeah, like I could forget.."
Jeru bit into his lip while making a mortified expression as he held Koritto down.
"The {Slaughterers} saved Ginger and Binsu. At the extraordinary price of 500,000 per person. Additionally you even went to the trouble of carrying Yuriel's corpse. I was happy at that time, Greed-kun."
"No.."
It's nothing much. No, it's nothing too special. Though it's fine if you say even more.
"There was nothing we could do about just Bogusu but when we returned to the surface there was no other choice than to tell Rindoel-san and the others just as it happened. Bogusu and Yuriel. Since we lost the two magic users, and our numbers were reduced, for a short while after that we had no choice other than to enter the dungeon with a full party of members. Though this was just returning to originally so it's not really related..Ah, sorry about that."
Seeing Haruku cough here and there Toris took out his flask and handed it to him.
"I, thought about it. We're no rival for the {Slaughterers}. You carelessly saved the members of a different party on the dangerous 6th floor and it's not like you pushed that favor on us either. Even though it was a cheap sign of grat.i.tude that didn't match up to the danger you went through you smiled and accepted it without a single complaint. Even though you should have gone through a reasonable amount of trouble to carry the materials in you let us use the shower at no cost. Regardless of the fact that most of your members are still at ages close to children, your abilities are extremely high. Though it's also because a number of them can use magic but you're earning the most in Baldukk and stepping food on the most dangerous floors. If you really wanted to I thought something at our level you could have easily make light of us without even trying."
He~? That's quite the high a.s.sessment.
"But, Koritto-san and Meiria-san, and also Bin were different. Most likely, I think that everyone was the same. Several years ago, Meiria-san said it right? Aren't you mortified that a group where 1/3rd of the members are still brats is earning more than {Sun.Ray}? like that. Even though it was only obvious that Koritto-san was mortified as well...Well it wasn't just limited to Koritto-san, I'm sure anyone would be mortified. Even I was. However, I realized it at that time. The {Slaughterers} are somehow different from normal adventurers..Then there's the matter this time. The Rindobel-sans easily tried to abandon me."
..Fumu.
"It could be that there was others who knew the same as me but you didn't want to accept it right? Everyone was saying it normally right...Well it's fine. In any case since our combat forces decreased it had already become difficult to enter the dungeon with multiple parties. We wanted to replenish our forces from somewhere but there's no way taking in the riffraff around there would be much of combat potential. If they don't have at least the abilities of a top team then they might end up slowing us down after all.."
"Well, I guess so."
"I know."
Someone muttered.
"In any case we somehow wanted to replenish our forces. There what we set our sights on was the {Slaughterers}. Was it near the end of the last year? Around the end of summer the dark elf sis joined you followed by another young fellow right? The young Cat-people guy. Up until then we heard rumors that the {Slaughterers} might split their party into two as well but since there were 10 people, we couldn't be sure of it. However, after seeing you enter the dungeon with 11 people we were convinced of it. If it's this then if things go well we might be able to pull out one or two members."
The Rindobel couple started struggling again but they're still being properly held down.
"The Rindobel-sans, Bin, and I discussed it a number of times. In any case there was no starting it unless we investigated things. While were investigating things we found out that you were reasonably familiar with those knights who came along. You often ate meals together with them right? That's why first we decided to get close to them. Since it was certain they were true knights after all, they should have a reasonable level of abilities as well. We even thought that depending on the case it might be good add them to put our forces back into order."
Haruku took the rubber cork off of Toris's flask and drank a couple of sips.
"..Fu..Even though Rodrick and Fio were true knights, since they were newcomers as adventurers the Rindobel-san's were easily able to approach them. However, it seemed like they didn't really understand how strong the {Slaughterers} were either. There we decided to try testing things out. We thought of sending someone in and then trying to invite them from inside. You can already guess the method to invite members right? It's the charms. The fact that I had real charms was one of the deciding factors. After that, we got the information that you were looking for a combat slave who can already use the s.h.i.+eld skillfully. Conveniently I had a bit of confidence in my ability to use the s.h.i.+eld. It's something that's often said in the rumors right, something like a group of softhearted, brainless brats would easily accept it was it right? Koritto-san."
Koritto is silent, he's not replying at all.
"I thought it was impossible. I could feel it when I talked to Greed-kun previously. There's no way you would make someone like me into a companion, even more so I thought you were such a fool that you would get caught in this sort of trap. Of course I said that. But, since Bin said that if it succeeds we profit and even if it fails we might be able to shake you up so I had no choice but to do it. However, the {Slaughterers}..saved Binsu and Ginger. You saved them for an amount of money that was almost free. You even let us use the shower on the 5th floor. In the worst case if you chose to accept me I intended to say something about it. That's why I was even relieved you turned me down. After that even when I was told to go again I just pretended to do it."
Honestly speaking, I did find it strange he backed off awfully easily and didn't come again after that though...Since going off the timing Faruergaz and the others joined {Sun.Ray} several months after that I didn't think too deeply about it. So it was that sort of thing huh?
"It dragged out a bit long but just now was my reply to Greed-kun. Next is..in regards to the members selected for going to the 6th floor the first time...Hey, Rokko, tie up those two with some random vines."
It was just then, Zenom and the remaining members of the {Slaughterers} started to arrive as well. Zulu came over to my side and knelt before handing up the magic stones.
"We appreciate the rescue. Greed-sama. In regards to saving us, I bow before you offer my grat.i.tude. These are the magic stones of the ogres we were up against. Though it's something meager, please accept them."
When Zulu said that, Zenom, Bel, Basutoral, and Angela who came along as well lowered their heads. Angela and Basutoral are kneeling. Matching with that Toris, Ralpha, Miduchi, and Gwine also lowered their heads to me again.
I received the five magic stones from Zulu and just like that place them in front of Koritto and Meiria.
Rokko was using his knife to cut off some vines from a nearby tree and using that to tie up the Rindobel couples legs and arms. Of course, he was borrowing the help of Kevin and Jeru as he did it.
Haruku looked at their state a with a slightly sad face before starting to talk again.
Is it about time?
"Starting from here is a story that is unrelated to everyone in the {Slaughterers}. However, I don't think you'll lose out listening to it. Just as everyone knows, I joined {Sun.Ray} a bit over five years ago. Before I entered {Sun.Ray}..when I was even younger I had my own party. We didn't have a second name, we were just a normal six member party. There we ended up s.c.r.e.w.i.n.g up and I lost my five members. There was an idiot who fell in a pitfall on the 3rd floor, while we were trying to save him we were ambushed by monsters. We fought desperately but in that combat four people died. The one survivor and I escaped the dungeon as our lives depended on it. However, we didn't have any money. I ran into the healer but they would only use healing spells four times. That fellow had taken spears all over his body and needed even more healing.."
Someone gulped.
"..Since it couldn't be helped I decided to sell myself as a combat slave. The ones who bought me were a party that was earning a decent amount at the time called {Twin Gold}. The person who was the leader there bought me. I was 10 gold coins. It's a good price right? Eh? Why did I go that far? Ah, the one who was injured was my little brother. In any case, thanks to that my little brother was saved. I brushed my chest in relief that time. But, with me the {Twin Gold}s had just 10 members. There was no room for my little brother to enter."
Haruku drank some water.
"..Feeling apologetic towards me my little brother tried frantically to enter the dungeon and earn money to buy me back. But, as expected alone..Since it couldn't be helped he gave up on the dungeon and started being a normal adventurer. Ah, he's still alive. The one who bought me was Koritto-san. He bought me and released me right away. It was just by chance but the {Sun.Ray} at the time caught a glimpse of {Twin Gold}s combat in the dungeon. It's strange saying it myself but during that time my combat abilities were quite something. Koritto-san probably wanted my power and had expectations there. I was grateful. I thought I wanted to be useful to these people. I thought I would even do whatever they asked. I was only thinking about doing whatever I could to be useful to them and pay back my debt as soon as possible."
..My throat has started to get dry as well. I'll drink some water. I took out my emergency use bag and drank some water from a flask that resembles Toris. It's bad. I filled it with water from the well before I entered the dungeon but that was already three days, no, I guess four days ago. I guess it's still better it's not rotting.
"This is where the charms everyone knows about becomes related. The time when I found out about the charms, I thought that if I just had this at that time I wouldn't have had to become a slave. At the same time I didn't think that the Rindobel-sans were making spending money with it at all. It takes time but if you can get your hands on the real then then they'll use an amazing healing spell on you. It's something that normally you can only get after visiting the temple for 10 or 20 years. Though that takes a bit of time, you can get your hands on it this fast. Even if it's expensive, I thought it was only obvious if they earn a bit of profit from it. Everyone else thinks so too right?"
All of the members from {Sun.Ray} are nodding. Is it still not yet?
"That's why I didn't just pretend not see it, I even cooperated. At first, I just thought that those who wanted the notes but ended up suffering serious injuries before they recieved them were just useless as members. We even sucked all we could get out of them before attacking them from behind in the dungeon and finis.h.i.+ng them off. Eventually, I finished paying off my debt and my body returned back to normal but even then my grat.i.tude to the Rindobel-sans didn't fade. Since {Sun.Ray} had already become a corner of one of the top teams and we were earning quite a bit as well, I continued to think that if the Rindobel-sans took a bit of a large share from that it was only obvious. But, the price of the reward just kept escalating. Since I luckily never suffered any serious injuries up until here I got off with just two of them but..Jeru, you, how much did you pay in reward for the charm you've asked for right now?"
"If I remember correctly it was 4,000,000 around last May, 500,000 in the summer, after that was..Another 50 and then 30 in the spring for a total of 5,500,000."
Jeru counted n his fingers. The answer was incorrect but as expected I guess he can do addition.
"At first it was just 2,500,000. Now they start off taking 4,000,000, and then it costs even more additional money. It's a good business but if there's a person in Baldukk who can use the real {Cure All} then it would bankrupt. It's already impossible Rindobel-san."
Haruku said while looking at the Rindobel couple and soon returned his glance to everyone else before continuing.
"You get it right? Everyone is suckers. Of course, if you can properly be recognized by the Rindobel-sans for your combat abilities then you can escape being a sucker. It was the same for me and Bin, and after that Misu and Kamu as well. And, if you gain even more of their trust then you can become a leader like Bin and I. In the past, there was also Maraiyu and Misa. Both of them unfortunately were killed when we ran into the ice monster on the 5th floor. Bin and I were their successors."
I took another sip of water. Since it's after doing some physical activity your throat dries quite a bit.
"Try to remember back on it. Bin and I were often saying to pay money for the sake of the charms right? We suggested that it was rea.s.suring just holding on to them right? It's not particularly like we deceived you. It takes time and money but it's certain that eventually a proper charm will come back. However, it's only for the people who can manage to stay alive with their own abilities for a year or two after they join."
Things get noisy. Koritto and Meiria are still caterpillars. Huh?
"For the time being we were still one of the top teams. Since just like this we've come to the 5th floor, and now it's the 6th and 7th floor but we required people with over a fixed level of abilities to enter our party. However, it was just that. If we were to use some extreme logic then they're fine as long as we can use them as s.h.i.+elds when we're on the deeper floors. Of course if they're a st.u.r.dy s.h.i.+eld then it's greatly welcome. Here remember back to the members that went to the 6th floor last summer. Since that was the first time. Putting it frankly, investigating the 6th floor was the primary objective. How many monsters are in what places? What kinds of traps and how dangerous they, that was the primary objective of the investigation. Of course even if we say it's dangerous it would all be pointless if we end up completely wiping out. A reasonable combat formation was necessary."
However, this Haruku, he really just keeps going on and on talking. Is it a grudge for almost being abandoned? If they had really retreated right away at that time then it's certainly true he almost definitely would have died after all.
"However, including the ones that died, our members at that time. Remember back. It's a floor we were stepping foot on for the first time. Don't you think it's only obvious to go with your best members and furthermore a full party of 10? It would have been only obvious to go with Koritto-san, Meiria-san, me, Bin, Misu, Bogusu, Kamu, Binsu, Kimu, and Rokko. It would have been best to have as many magic users as possible but as expected Yuriel and Santos weren't quite there yet...Among those less than half of that only four people actually went to the 6th floor. That time, wasn't it because Jeru and Hisu said they wanted to go. Yuriel was because as expected there weren't enough magic users, Ginger is..That is..I think that Greed-kun already knows but she's my woman after all."
Jeru froze up with his eyes wide open. Rather~ I didn't know that. It's good I didn't demand her body...Though I didn't have any intention of it. Though because of Ralpha I ended up having say a stupid joke. Ah, I guess he also felt indebted to the {Slaughterers} because we saved his woman as well. Though it already doesn't matter at all.
"That was shortly after Jeru paid 4,500,000 Z. Hisu had paid over 4,000,000 as well. Incidentally, Rokko had been saying he'd pay, he'd pay but he still hadn't paid yet and Kimu had only just received her charm...Do you get what I'm trying to say? Originally, you all were sacrifices for when an absurdly strong monster appears in the boss room. Ah, of course it's still true if you were to return safely then that's all the better though."
Ah, I might have started to feel like going to take a p.i.s.s...
"But already, everything doesn't matter anymore. Even though I worked so hard for them that easily, they abandoned me like useless trash, and just like this we even found out there's a person who can use {Cure All}. It's already over for {Sun.Ray}..I'll confess everything when we return!"
It was then that Meiria started furiously writhing around and simultaneously she tore through the vines tying her up with sheer power and took the hand towel stuck in her mouth out. Instantaneous huh...
Since her actions were far too sudden when everyone was shocked and couldn't move, I was the only who noticed Meiria hadn't used her racial special skill yet and was being cautious of it. Meiria was probably being patient until the pain disappeared.
I gave her a round kick to the face and when she fell down I sent a kick flying with my ebonite tipped boots towards her mouth. Then I stuck my long sword in front of her eyes.
"Keinesutan-san, I'm sorry for the trouble but could you please tie her up again?"
I smiled and said to Rokko. After all this guy is the one who got the vines and tied her up.
We waited until Rokko finished tying her up again.
"Now then, it seems like the story is already over, how is everyone's injuries? Since Meiria-san was able to move, I think that quite a bit of the pain should have disappeared but.."
After all it seems they've recovered quite a bit.
"Since it's a waste let's gather the magic stones from the ogres. Since the five over there belong to {Sun.Ray}, our earnings for today are 26 of them. They're worth quite a bit, these things."
After I said that I took the initiative to go around gathering the magic stones. Since we split up while doing it we finished gathering them all in a bit over 10 minutes. The {Slaughterers} seemed out of place but it was necessary to keep lookouts for Koritto and Meiria, and if it's them there's no chance of them breaking through so I left them to keep watch.
"Then, shall we return? Ah, everyone from the {Slaughterers}, thank you for your help. I would like to continue with a friendly relations.h.i.+p from here on out as well."
""Al-san..""
Toris and Bel were making faces like they were about to cry. What are you remaining quiet, there's something for you to say right.
"Please come back."
Miduchi advanced forward and said. I already heard that. In reality you're the one who should be saying it first right.
With a severe expression I just stared at everyone in the {Slaughterers}. The members of {Sun.Ray} are just silently watching over.
There's no helping it just having a staring contest.
I let out a single sigh and opened my mouth.
"I said to leave that discussion for later.."
I said that while positioning it so the {Sun.Ray} is behind me and can't see while winking repeatedly.
It seems Miduchi realized it.
"I understand, we'll slowly talk over that matter when we return to the surface...Also separate from that, everyone from {Sun.Ray}, I can certainly use {Cure All} but I'd like to avoid unnecessary chaos. Would you please remain quiet about the {Cure All} from today? If anyone were to come asking me to use {Cure All} on them that would mean one of you ended up exposing it and from that point on {Sun.Ray} would become our enemies. Of course, we wouldn't do something like attacking you but you should take care of your good health and remain careful when walking alone inside of the dungeon."
That's right. Even in the first plan that was something Toris or Bel were supposed to say. You too as well stop making faces like you've suddenly remembered it.
"..That's certainly true. Got it. I promise not to say anything. We have one request to make as well."
Karuku replied. Now that the Rindobel couple is restrained he's naturally acting as the leader.
Though it's certainly true there's no one else suitable for it.
"We intend to hand these two over to the knight group when we return to the surface. Of course, we have other members as well so we'll decide on that after discussing it with them though. In the first place since we don't even know what kind of crime they could be accused of so we might end up lynching and killing them. Though that's the same for Bin and I as well. If we luckily don't end up being killed I'd like you to act as witnesses for my testimony. Right now other than Greed-kun, there's no other n.o.bles here."
"In regards to that we'll promise as well."
Toris replied.
"Also, in regards to our leader but you'll return him when we return to the surface right?"
Bel said with a tearful voice. Hey now, are you an idiot? Exactly how shocked are you.
"The one to decide that isn't us. Ask the person himself. Right now, {Sun.Ray} has in essence lost it's leader so no one would blame him for leaving. And also, at the very least until we return to the surface it seems he intends to act together with us after all. I'd like him to act as testimony from a n.o.ble that was a member of {Sun.Ray} during the day of judgement as well. Additionally, in order for us to make it back to the teleport crystal to return on the 7th floor we need him as an escort. Since it's certain that these two have already recovered from their wounds, we never know when the husband might try to use magic. We'll need his help at that time as well."
After we split ways with the {Slaughterers} we returned the path we originally came from. Of course, we took the map from the Rindobel couple so there's no getting lost I'm sure. There's landmarks as well.
"Ah, I'm going to take a p.i.s.s really quick."
I said that and turned around to enter the bushes when Rokko grabbed my arm.
"Sorry but do it here. It would be a problem if you use magic when we're not looking as well. Misu is saying she still hasn't recovered her mana after all."
..It would have been great if I hadn't had a drink of water. As expected I wasn't forced to do it with everything seen but being at a distance where the sound can be heard is unpleasant. If it was the large one then even the smell would reach...
