C85, 86, 87
Chapter 85: Baron Martoan (1)
When I emerged from the sewers, I was greeted by the already darkened sky and two familiar faces.
“Mr. Bjorn! You’re safe!”
“Shabin? Why are you here?”
“Why am I here? I came because I was worried since you hadn’t come to report on the request even after several hours!”
Hmm, I see.
I’m grateful that she came looking for me.
But…
“Just the two of you?”
If something really happened to us, wouldn’t the rational decision be to send other explorers after daybreak?
Instead of personally forming a party consisting of an administrative office worker and a library librarian.
“What! What’s with that look? Do you know how skilled of a mage Ragna is?!”
Only then do I properly observe the librarian who came along.
Her attire is definitely different from what I saw at the library.
“Hmm.”
A glossy robe.
Scrolls and potions hanging from her belt.
And she’s holding a magic wand that looks quite expensive.
I don’t know how skilled she is, but it’s definitely equipment that you couldn’t even dream of affording with a typical librarian’s salary.
Is she actually rich?
“Bjorn, who are these people?”
“Shabin Emuer. She’s the administrative office employee who gave me the request. And this is… Ragna Ritaniyel Peprok.”
“It’s Ritaniyel, not Ritaniyel!”
“Anyway, she’s the librarian at the library I go to.”
“Heeing, I see.”
After briefly introducing everyone, starting with Misha, I say formally,
“I’m sorry for making you come all the way here at night.”
“There’s no need to apologize.”
“Then I’ll say thank you. I didn’t expect you to come this far.”
“…Thank Shabin. I was just dragged along.”
The librarian says that and turns her head away.
Why does she seem even colder than usual today?
Just as I’m wondering if it’s just my imagination, Shabin grins and clings to her.
“Ragna, dragged along? You were worried too.”
“Wo, worried? When did I ever!”
“You said that they might have gotten lost because the sewer paths are complicated.”
“Shabin, stop fabricating things. I was just stating a possibility. And I meant that it wouldn’t be a big deal.”
“Hmm, is that so?”
Shabin smiles as she looks at the embarrassed librarian. That alone gives me a rough idea of their relationship.
Well, that’s not what’s important right now.
“Let’s stop the chatter and report on the request.”
I need to move quickly if I want to get back to the inn and rest before the day ends.
_________________________________
The result of the sewer patrol is simple.
One vagrant found and killed, nothing else unusual.
Although there’s no evidence that we completed the request properly since the video recording device is broken…
…it was a good thing I kept the ID card.
“Hans Marcom. I remember him. He’s a criminal who was wanted for robbery and murder and then escaped. Including the request fee and additional reward, it’s 180,000 stones. If you come to the administrative office tomorrow, we’ll pay you right away.”
“Do I not have to pay for breaking the video recording device?”
“That’s… I’ll try to resolve it by talking to my superiors. I think they’ll be understanding. After all, you went through something quite extraordinary this time, didn’t you?”
“Extraordinary…”
It’s not wrong, but I didn’t expect them to be considerate of even that aspect.
However, it’s probably more accurate to say that Shabin showed me favor than that the administrative office is a flexible organization, unlike the guild.
“May the star that rises at twilight guide us…”
After a short wait, someone arrives from the temple that Shabin contacted.
It’s not a regular priest…
…but a paladin carrying a menacing greatsword on his back. He examines the corpse we presented and nods.
“It’s definitely the apostate Elisa Behenk. Our church will never forget this contribution.”
His voice is kind without any arrogance, and I can even sense respect for us.
But never forget?
Isn’t that a bit vague?
“By contribution, do you mean a reward?”
I ask directly, as befits a barbarian who doesn’t know how to sugarcoat things.
The paladin just smiles kindly.
“There seems to be a misunderstanding. The bounty was offered by the Explorer’s Guild.”
“So you’re saying we won’t get any money if we hand her over to you?”
“Haha, don’t worry about that. I’ll send an official document to the guild as soon as day breaks tomorrow.”
“…I see.”
Geez, that’s embarrassing.
He should have said that from the beginning.
“Um, paladin, we lost our memories while fighting that woman… could you check if there are any other abnormalities?”
“Of course.”
Afterwards, the paladin casts [High-Grade Purification] on each of us and leaves. He says he needs to take the corpse to the temple right away.
“We’ll be going too. I think I’ll have a lot of reports to write tomorrow, so I should at least get some sleep.”
Shabin and the librarian also leave as soon as their business is concluded.
Hmm, then I guess we’ve finished everything we need to do for now?
“Let’s meet again tomorrow to discuss the reward.”
“Ugh, we’re finally going back!”
“I think I smell worse than when we came back from the labyrinth! Hahaha!”
We also disband and head back to our respective accommodations.
It’s 11:30 PM when I arrive.
I want to rest immediately, but I go into the bathroom first and scrub my body clean of the filth for a long time.
Only after that do I lie down on the bed and realize…
‘It was a tough day.’
I don’t know why I have to feel this way after going on a 150,000-stone request…
But I made it back alive again.
______________________________
The next morning, we all gather and visit the guild to receive the reward.
Fortunately, it seems like the paladin took care of things quickly, as we were able to receive the reward simply by presenting our ID cards.
For reference, the amount is…
“10 million stones? I can’t believe it. Hahaha!”
It’s a huge sum of money, even when divided into five, it’s 2 million stones each.
Smiles bloom on the faces of those who were complaining earlier this morning that the sewer smell hadn’t gone away yet.
“Now that I think about it, Bjorn, you’re a lucky charm, aren’t you? Since I met you, it feels like money just falls from the sky!”
Yeah, you might feel that way.
I was the one whose head got smashed by that psychopath bitch.
Even Rotmiller adds,
“…I don’t believe in superstitions, but at this point, I can’t help but believe. Bjorn, the goddess of fortune must be with you.”
I know it’s meant to be a compliment, but it doesn’t make me feel good.
Why is it that what I achieved through hard work and suffering is thanks to some goddess I’ve never even met?
“Then I’ll be on my way.”
“Huh? Where are you going? We should have a drink!”
“I need to go to the administrative office.”
“Ah, they told you to come to receive the request fee. We’ll have a drink among ourselves, so have a safe trip.”
Hmm, they don’t even offer to come along, even if it’s just empty words.
“Bjorn! Should I come with you?”
“No, you rest since you worked hard yesterday.”
“Hmm, alright.”
After finishing the reward distribution, I head straight to the administrative office.
It’s a 5-story building reminiscent of the old Seoul Station building.
I climb the stairs to the 3rd floor Facility Management Department, and it’s easy to find Shabin.
“Mr. Bjorn! You’re here!”
Shabin is wearing her usual uniform, but since everyone is wearing the same clothes, she doesn’t stand out.
No, wait, maybe I’m the one who stands out?
“Hee, is that guy Little Balkan?”
“I heard he becomes huge when he uses that ability…”
“What are you all talking about! Oh my, how indecent…”
Is it a female-dominated workplace?
As soon as I enter the Facility Management Department, I hear excited whispers from everywhere.
It feels like I’m a monkey in a cage.
I decide to finish my business and leave quickly.
“Here, just sign this payment confirmation. If you don’t have a registered signature, just write your name.”
“Alright.”
I receive the money and sign the document.
But just as I’m about to turn around and leave, Shabin stops me and says something.
“Ah! Right! If you have time, please stop by the library.”
“Library?”
“Ragna, that girl, prepared something for you, isn’t that sweet?”
She did?
Judging by her playful eyes, I should take it with a grain of salt…
“Alright, I’ll stop by when I have time.”
“Yes! Please do!”
Since she seems to have a reason, I should visit.
________________________________________
After leaving the administrative office, I return to the bar where the others are.
Needless to say, it’s a mess.
I thought they would at least show some restraint since it’s still daytime.
“No way, it’s true? Hwahahahaha!”
“Don’t lie, dwarf! How can someone’s name be Dick Johnson… Nyaha! Nyahahaha!”
The dwarf and Misha are drunk and laughing while talking, and Dwarkey is face-down on the table, giggling to himself.
“Kuku, I am the great mage Liol Wobu Dwarkey…”
As I sigh at the sight, Rotmiller greets me politely.
“Ah, you’re here? How was it, everything okay?”
“That’s what I should be asking. Why are things like this already?”
“Didn’t we just make a lot of money easily? Everyone was in a good mood.”
“……I see.”
I answer and approach Misha.
And I take away the beer mug she’s holding, grab her by the scruff of her neck, and lift her up.
“Aak! Wh, who…? Bjorn? When did you get here?”
“Just now. And stop drinking.”
“…Ugh! Are you my dad?”
Misha looks at me with a disgusted expression and resists.
Just as I’m about to say something before she gets any more out of line…
Misha suddenly bursts into laughter.
“Ah! Right! Our dad wouldn’t care about this kind of thing? Nyahahaha!”
…She’s really not in a good state today.
Phew, I was just going to rest today…
“Enough, drink this if you’re bored.”
“Alright.”
I can’t let her get any drunker, so I order tomato juice, put it in Misha’s mouth, and sit next to her.
I don’t care about the dwarf, but if she gets so drunk that she can’t stand, I have to take her home.
I’m the only one going in the same direction.
“Hwahaha! You two are so strange!! There’s something going on! There’s something going on, I’m telling you!!”
“Stop talking nonsense and drink some water if you’re drunk.”
“Kehaha, you’re still young. Does this look like beer to you? To me, it’s just water! Water!”
“…Do as you please.”
I decide to ignore the dwarf and order some food to satisfy my hunger.
After a while, as if she’s sobered up a bit, Misha fidgets next to me and stares at me.
“What… do you have something to say?”
“Yes!”
She answers immediately, as if she’s been waiting.
I feel a bit uneasy, but I nod for now.
“…Go ahead.”
Misha slaps her flushed cheeks a few times, catches her breath, and speaks.
“Father wants to bring you—”
“Oh! Who is this! Bjorn, son of Yandel!”
“Huh? Who’s that?”
A man calls out to me in a loud voice, interrupting Misha.
I remember him.
“You’re…”
“Did you forget my name already? It’s Hans! Hans Hodge!”
“…That’s right.”
I remember his name immediately, but I’m confused about the order.
This guy with a skinny physique and freckles is Hans code B.
For reference, I met him by chance at a bar when Ainar left the party. He even gave me advice to go to the guild if I wanted to find companions.
‘But what does this guy want from me?’
Is it because I’ve encountered so many Hanses since then?
I start to feel uneasy as soon as he talks to me.
Somehow, I feel like something shitty is about to happen.
“Can I sit down?”
“No, I have nothing to say to you.”
“Hmm, it’s a coincidence that we met like this—”
“I’m leaving soon. So just go.”
“I, I see. I was just happy to see you…”
Hans B looks dejected and turns to leave, as I put up a wall to avoid getting involved.
I feel like I’ve just overcome another hurdle, even though I have no basis for it.
That’s when…
Slam!
The door on the 1st floor opens, and a group of knights with the same family crest on their chests enters the bar.
“Moselan!”
Moselan.
It’s one of the strongest military organizations in this city, with only knights of noble birth allowed to join.
“Why the hell are they in a back-alley bar like this…?”
As soon as they enter, everyone’s attention is drawn to them, as they have a reputation for leaving nothing but blood and death in their wake.
The bar is filled with silence.
“Over there.”
Following the commander’s instructions, the knights move towards one spot in unison.
Unfortunately, it’s the direction I’m in.
‘Damn it.’
What is this again?
Just as I’m retracing my recent actions, wondering if I made any mistakes…
[Always be wary of those with deep grudges.]
…the words of the tribe’s shaman during the fortune-telling suddenly come to mind.
And I see Hans B, who was walking back to his seat after making way for me, sticking close to the wall.
‘Wait a minute, those with deep grudges…’
Don’t tell me, he meant HansHans?
It’s true that things haven’t gone well whenever I’ve been involved with them…
That’s when…
Clack.
The knights stop in front of our table.
And they look at us and speak in a deep and intimidating voice.
I freeze with my fork in hand.
“Liol Wobu Dwarkey, you are under arrest for insulting a noble.”
Surprisingly, it wasn’t me this time.
------------------------------
Chapter 86: Baron Martoan (2)
The Moselan knights were swift and efficient.
“Kuku, I am the great mage… huh? Who are you…?”
“It’s him, take him away.”
The knights grab Dwarkey by the hair, who was face down on the table, and confirm his identity before quickly restraining his arms.
“Um, excuse me, what’s going on…”
The dwarf, who had been drunk, finally comes to his senses and tries to figure out the situation, but to no avail.
“You don’t need to know.”
“Bu, but…”
“Do you have a problem with our methods?”
It seems like they’ll drag him away too if he nods.
I cover the dwarf’s mouth and answer instead,
“No.”
“…Are you Little Balkan? You’re quite wise for a barbarian.”
His tone and gaze are hard to interpret as a compliment.
As soon as they leave the bar with the intoxicated Dwarkey, the dwarf starts making a fuss.
“Bjorn! They must have gotten something wrong. Th, there’s no way that guy would do something like that!”
He’s not wrong.
Insulting a noble?
If it were impersonation, maybe. But honestly, I find it hard to understand the charge of insult.
However…
“We have to help him!”
What should we do to rescue our companion who was dragged away by the authorities?
I close my eyes.
“Hikurod, ca, calm down. Bjorn is doing that because he has a solution!”
Phew, I was just planning to rest today…
Why is this happening again?
________________________________
Before trying anything, we need to understand the situation accurately.
Because we don’t have any information yet.
Whether he really insulted a noble, or if they just got it wrong, or even who framed him, I don’t know anything.
Therefore, I quickly leave the bar and head towards the Moselan headquarters.
But…
“Please wait until the official investigation is over.”
The Moselan knights, who were exclusive and arrogant even in the game, refuse to give us any information.
So I go to Shabin.
“He was taken away by the Moselan? I’ll try to find out. I can’t promise I’ll be able to get any information, though…”
“That’s enough. Thank you.”
“No problem.”
Since Shabin is a civil servant, I figure she’ll have easier access to information compared to a ground-dwelling explorer.
“…He’s at least alive, right?”
“Hikurod! I know you’re worried, but please stop jinxing it and just stay still!”
“Ah, alright.”
As we wait for Shabin’s reply, spending the whole day waiting in front of the Moselan headquarters…
“Uh, uh? Isn’t that Dwarkey?”
“Seems like it.”
Dwarkey, with his shoulders slumped, comes out through the main gate. Contrary to the dwarf’s worries, he doesn’t seem to have been tortured or injured anywhere.
“Hey! Are you alright? How did the investigation go? Ah, the fact that you’re out like this means they must have gotten it wrong, right? Yeah, I knew it!”
“Ah… that is…”
Dwarkey just hangs his head low without even looking happy to see us.
“…Let’s move to a different location. I’ll tell you everything then.”
We follow Dwarkey’s suggestion and move to a different place.
It’s a private room in a bar that we often visit for labyrinth-related meetings. As soon as the snacks and the beer we ordered arrive, Dwarkey speaks in a dejected voice.
“It seems… I’ll have to leave the team.”
It’s the third time I’ve heard something like this, after Erwen and Ainar.
The dwarf is shocked.
“No, what do you mean! Explain in detail!”
“That is…”
Dwarkey trails off and then lets out a long sigh.
“It’s pointless to hide it now. Actually, there’s something I haven’t told you guys until now.”
“Something you haven’t told us?”
“My older brother… is Baron Martoan.”
“What?!”
“Th, then you’re really a noble?”
Everyone, including Misha, is shocked and gapes in disbelief, but Dwarkey keeps talking with his eyes closed.
“Sort of. I’m the son of the former Baron Martoan and a maid from the mansion.”
An illegitimate child of a noble family.
As someone who has seen many soap operas in the modern world, it’s not that unfamiliar of a story.
And the subsequent development is not much different either.
“Since I was a disgrace to the family, I was adopted by Mr. Tirba, the third younger brother of the baroness, as soon as I was born. Of course, it was just a formality, and it was my birth mother who actually raised me.”
The Martoan family still sent money periodically, and thanks to that, he was able to learn magic and grow up comfortably.
It’s a complicated family history just to hear about.
However, the dwarf doesn’t seem to have the patience to wait.
“So what does that have to do with you leaving the team?”
“My father, the former baron, passed away a year ago. And my second older brother took his place.”
“Hmm, not the first?”
Rotmiller interjects with a question.
Dwarkey continues in a candid voice,
“That’s right. The second son. That’s the problem.”
“I don’t understand, why is that a problem…?”
“After the former baron passed away, many people died. Starting with my first older brother, and many other distant relatives…”
That alone is enough.
To understand the cause of this incident, the bloody power struggle within the Martoan barony.
“So it was that second brother of yours who sent the Moselan knights.”
“That’s right. It’s probably a warning, to live quietly like I always have.”
“But why now?”
“It seems like he’s bothered by the fact that I became an explorer. I’ve also been learning a lot of magic lately… and with a famous person on the team, he must have been concerned.”
Ah, uh, hmm…
Is he blaming me for this?
Honestly, I think it’s a bit of a stretch…
I summarize Dwarkey’s words briefly.
“Anyway, you’re saying you can’t enter the labyrinth anymore because you’re scared of your second brother?”
“…You really don’t know how to sugarcoat things. You’re not wrong. But… it would have been the same regardless of my will.”
“What do you mean?”
“They took away my labyrinth entry permit instead of punishing me for insulting a noble.”
In short, it means that he can’t enter the labyrinth even if he wants to.
“Bjorn, is there no way?”
The dwarf and Misha look at me with pleading eyes.
I close my eyes silently.
And instead of trying to find an answer to a question that has no answer, I think about what day it is.
‘Phew, this is troublesome.’
There are 9 days left until the next labyrinth opens.
Can we really find a new companion before then?
Nothing ever goes smoothly for me.
__________________________________
“First, let’s each think about this problem and meet again tomorrow to discuss it.”
“Right, it’s not like you can come up with a solution right away. Let’s do that.”
We disband after making an appointment for the next day.
The dwarf and Dwarkey seem to have decided to have a drink somewhere quiet, and Rotmiller heads back home.
For reference, I decide to go to the library.
“Huh? You’re going to the library?”
“I have some business with that librarian.”
“…At this late hour?”
“I’ll get there before closing time if I hurry.”
“I see… Sh, should I come with you?”
What is she talking about?
“No, you go and rest.”
“But I don’t have anything to do when I get back…”
“Why wouldn’t you have anything to do? If you have time, just swing your swords some more. You didn’t do anything today.”
I send Misha away, who is persistently trying to follow me, and quickly head to the library.
I was originally planning to rest today and go tomorrow…
But the situation has changed a bit.
______________________________
“Parsitye…”
As I arrive at the library, the librarian, who was dozing off, starts to cast a spell mechanically but then flinches.
“You’re…”
“Come to think of it, we haven’t properly introduced ourselves. I’m Bjorn, son of Yandel.”
“…Of course I know that.”
Hmm, right.
Anyway, after that exchange, a brief silence follows.
I feel a bit awkward with her.
“…It’s almost closing time, are you going to enter?”
“No, I didn’t come to read books today.”
“…Then?”
How should I explain my situation?
After contemplating for a moment, I just get straight to the point, like a barbarian.
“Ragna Ritaniyel Peprok.”
“You can just call me Ragna.”
“Ragna, what grade mage are you?”
Although I asked straightforwardly, the answer doesn’t come for a while.
She looks at me as if I’m some kind of rude bastard.
Well, Raven also gets angry when she’s asked this question.
“I’ll ask this first. Why are you suddenly curious about that?”
Ragna, who is a bit more gentle than Raven, calmly asks for the reason first.
So I answer honestly.
“The mage on our team can’t enter the labyrinth anymore. So, how about you take a break from your librarian job and enter the labyrinth with—”
“I refuse.”
Yeah, so it’s a refusal.
I cleanly let go of any lingering thoughts at her firm voice.
“I see. If you’re too low-ranked to enter the labyrinth, then it can’t be helped.”
“…When did I ever say that?”
“Then it means your skills are sufficient.”
Ragna, who was about to get angry, realizes that it was a test and makes a dumbfounded expression.
“You… don’t tell me, you were curious about that?”
“…What are you talking about? Anyway, let’s end this conversation here. It can’t be helped if you don’t want to.”
I change the subject.
“So what was that thing? Shabin Emuer said you prepared something for me if I came here.”
“…What? Prepared for you?”
She frowns as if she’s never heard of it before, then facepalms as if she understands.
“Ha… did she really phrase it like that?”
“Speak in a way that I can understand.”
“Let me tell you beforehand, don’t misunderstand.”
Ragna gives a long-winded explanation only after I assure her that I won’t misunderstand.
“Shabin said that her standing within the department has improved thanks to you. So she asked for my opinion on how to repay you, and I… said that you like reading books.”
“So?”
“That was all, but she suddenly mentioned something I owed her and told me to repay you instead. So this isn’t from me, it’s from Shabin. Do you understand?”
“…I understand.”
In short, there’s something prepared for me.
I don’t know why she’s so insistent on emphasizing that it’s not from her…
If it were me, I would have taken credit for it.
“Do you really understand?”
“Yes. So what is this repayment?”
“Books.”
“…Books?”
Ragna closes her eyes and chants a spell as I tilt my head in confusion.
“Bierdo Parsityev.”
A brilliant golden light flows into my body as the spell is completed.
The chanting sounded a bit different from usual.
“What is this?”
Ragna gives me a detailed explanation, unlike her usual self.
There are books in this library that don’t react to the regular [Book Detection] spell because they have a high security clearance, and this spell allows me to find those books as well.
“…I didn’t know such things were hidden.”
“It’s normally a privilege reserved for nobles or a few authorized individuals.”
It feels like I’ve received an unexpected gift, but I’m also bewildered.
“Is it okay to do this for me?”
“If you don’t go around telling people about it, there won’t be a problem. In the first place… I haven’t used this spell many times since I became a librarian.”
Ragna continues in a slightly sad voice,
“Who would even care about this place?”
Tsk, I’m starting to get curious about her story too.
___________________________________
Click, clack.
The only sound that echoes through the silent, empty library is the sound of shoes.
I’m reading books in that atmosphere.
It’s thanks to Ragna’s consideration.
[So that’s why you came at such a late hour. Whew, alright. I’ll make an exception and let you stay today.]
Although all the other users were kicked out when it was closing time, Ragna allowed me to stay until she finished organizing the books.
It’s a strange feeling.
It’s like I’ve sneaked into a restricted area, right?
Click, clack.
I put down the book I was reading and glance at Ragna.
‘I was wondering how she organizes the books, and she does it all with magic.’
The books automatically go back to the empty shelves as she slightly moves her staff.
I wonder if she knows their places and puts them back…
Come to think of it, the books in this library don’t need designated places. They have magic that helps you find the book you want.
Wait a minute.
“Ragna.”
“Yes?”
“When we first met, didn’t you tell me to put the books back in their original places after reading?”
“I usually say that because I’m too lazy to explain in detail. Many people ask unnecessary questions because it’s magic.”
“…I see.”
Although it’s quite hurtful as a barbarian, I don’t show it and continue reading the books I was reading.
Is it because they’re books with high security clearance?
The content is definitely different.
[Lafdonia Organizational Chart]
The book about public institutions in this city not only includes information about the Secret Security Department, the one that includes the Evil Spirit Hunters…
[World of Evil Spirits]
…but also a book that delves deeply into ‘Ghostbusters’.
For reference, this book contains the last words of an agent who entered their spiritual world and returned half-dead…
‘With this kind of system, there’s no way I would be in danger.’
Thanks to this, I’m now certain that I can take the pill I’m keeping whenever the time comes.
As I continue to focus on reading books…
Just as I finish one book and reach for the next one…
[Compendium of Rifts II]
My hand freezes as I read the title.
Compendium of Rifts?
Isn’t that the name of the book Raven mentioned? I quickly open the first page and check the contents, and I immediately understand her attitude.
‘…It’s no wonder she’s so obsessed with it.’
It’s like a strategy guide.
All the hidden pieces that I discovered through countless trial and error and experiments are written down without omission.
Although there are only four rifts described due to the physical limitations of a book…
‘This must be like treasure to the people here.’
The content is organized so perfectly that even I, as a veteran player, can’t find any gaps to fill.
And maybe because it’s well-preserved…
Unlike what Raven said about it being written by an unknown person, the author’s name is written on the last page.
“Auril Gabis…?”
I read the name out loud involuntarily and freeze.
‘Crazy, why is this guy’s name suddenly appearing here?’
Auril Gabis.
It’s the name of the game developer of [Dungeon and Stone].
---------------------------------
Chapter 87: Baron Martoan (3)
Auril Gabis.
The developer’s nickname that always appeared at the bottom of the loading screen.
Well, I don’t know if it’s a nickname or his real name, but anyway…
‘Why is that name here…?’
It’s a bit sudden, but there are two possibilities.
[Compendium of Rifts II]
Either this book was written by a player…
…or it was actually written by him.
If it’s the latter, I feel strangely uneasy.
It means that the game developer is somehow closely related to the incident where I woke up in this body.
‘Is that bastard really some kind of divine being?’
Anyway, obtaining a clue is a good sign.
Auril Gabis.
If I carefully follow this name, maybe I can eventually find a way to return home.
I repeat, I still don’t know anything.
Whether reaching the last floor and opening the Gate of the Abyss again is the key to returning or not.
‘I should dig carefully, I might get hurt if I go around asking everyone.’
In that sense, I examine the book closely.
There’s nothing special.
There’s only a signature on the last page that seems to be the author’s, and the book doesn’t even have a publication date.
I make sure Ragna isn’t around and then tear off a small corner of the page, slipping it into my bag.
‘Even just finding out when this book was written would be a big gain—’
What the, it’s already morning?
I finish my thoughts and get up from my seat.
I go to the desk and see Ragna dozing off. There’s a blanket next to her, so I’m about to cover her with it…
“Hmm.”
…when she senses my presence and wakes up.
“Why didn’t you tell me? If I had known it was this late, I would have left.”
“Don’t misunderstand. I was just resting because I was a bit late finishing organizing the books.”
A bit late organizing the books?
It’s almost time to open the library!
“It’s true, so don’t misunderstand.”
“…Alright.”
She insists that it’s true, so I just nod and leave the library.
Just before I step out the door, I look back and see her stretching with a tired expression.
“What are you doing? Aren’t you leaving?”
Is she actually a kind person?
______________________________
Since it was morning, I just started my day.
As a barbarian, it’s the same whether I wash up or not.
‘But I should at least eat.’
I enter a random restaurant that’s open nearby and have a quick meal before heading straight to the Magic Tower.
“Why is Mr. Yandel here at this hour…?”
“I came to ask you something.”
“Make it quick. I’m sleepy.”
“There’s an open spot for a mage on our team, do you want to join—”
Clack.
Damn it, if you don’t want to, just say so.
She’s a failure too, I guess.
Whatever, I didn’t have any expectations anyway.
“Wait! I have another request!”
I knock on the door urgently, and it opens with a creak.
“Another request?”
“I want to know when this paper was made.”
“Hmm? Let me see.”
Raven examines the paper I hand her with interest.
But it seems like she can’t find anything special.
“I can do it, but why are you curious about that?”
“Can’t you just do it?”
“Well, fine. But not for free, I need something in return…”
Raven trails off and then continues as if she thought of something suitable.
“My seniors are quite interested in you, Mr. Yandel, so go and help them out with their research. They’ve been bothering me lately.”
She wants me to offer my body to those perverts?
“…Just once?”
“Yes, it’s not that difficult of a request. I’ll finish the analysis by the time you come next week. Ah! Right, and please don’t come here unannounced at this early hour.”
“…Alright.”
It’s 9:00 AM when I finish my business and leave the Magic Tower. It’s a bit early, but since I have nothing else to do, I head to the bar, the meeting place.
Surprisingly, someone is there before me.
"Bjorn! What the! I went to your accommodation, and they said you weren't there!"
"Ah, I was at the library."
"Wha, what? All night…? Don't tell me that's what you meant by business?!"
"What are you talking about? I was reading books thanks to Ragna's consideration."
Misha looks at me with suspicious eyes, even though I'm telling the truth.
She's like a real mom.
"Are you serious...?"
"Why would I lie to you?"
"That's... true. Okay."
Surprisingly, she readily accepts it when I look her in the eye and say something.
It's like a good son wouldn't lie, I guess?
Anyway, as soon as I sit next to her, Misha hands me the drink she was having.
"Try this. It's made from a fruit called tomato, it has a really unique taste!"
I don't know about the unique taste, but something comes to mind when she mentions tomato juice.
"More importantly, what were you trying to say yesterday?"
It seemed like she was about to say something quite important, but we couldn't hear it because Hans B interrupted.
However...
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"You don't remember?"
"Uh, uh... did I say something wrong?"
Judging by her innocent eyes, it seems like she really doesn't remember because she was drunk. I tried asking if there was anything she wanted to say, but to no avail.
"Hmm? I don't think so?"
"I see."
"...Are you mad?"
"No."
There are two ways to make someone angry in this world, but I don't get angry over things like that.
It's not like she did anything wrong.
As I'm using the quiet bar like a cafe to pass the time, my companions arrive.
"Oh, you were here first?"
"I'm sorry for making you come all the way here in the morning because of me..."
The dwarf and Dwarkey appear as a pair, as always. After waiting for a while, Rotmiller also arrives and takes a seat.
And the meeting begins.
The topic, of course, is how to lift Dwarkey's labyrinth entry ban.
"Then let's each share what we've come up with. Let's start with... Bjorn, you go first."
Uh, me first?
It's a nerve-wracking position, but I finish my presentation honestly and concisely.
"I think it's best to find a new companion."
"...What?"
"Of course, finding a mage would be difficult. I asked two other mages, but they both refused immediately."
"...Wa, wait, you already asked other mages?"
"Is there a problem?"
I ask back confidently.
Although the dwarf, who was trying to find a solution, might find my actions disappointing...
Selfishness and altruism are always just a fine line apart.
I was just trying to find a realistic solution for the team, considering the worst-case scenario.
"Someone had to say it, even if it wasn't me. Isn't that right, Rotmiller?"
"That's... true."
Rotmiller nods with a slightly uncomfortable expression as I specifically ask for his opinion.
The dwarf's gaze becomes serious, but...
"Mu, Murad! I'm fine, so relax. Bjorn didn't say anything wrong."
Even Dwarkey says that, so the dwarf shuts his mouth.
"Th, then I'll give it a try!"
Misha raises her hand brightly, as if trying to lighten the mood.
Of course, it's not something worth listening to.
"Go, go ahead, Miss Kaltstein."
"I looked into it, and I heard that the Moselan knights are weak to bribes. How about we gather some money and bribe them?"
She suggests bribery with an innocent voice.
Indeed, that Martoan Baron or whatever probably bribed the knights to screw over Dwarkey.
But...
"Miss Kaltstein, the Moselan knights never deal with non-nobles."
The Moselan knights strictly exclude commoners.
Although most of them are without titles... no, maybe that's their last shred of pride.
"Is, is that so...? I didn't know that. Then next, Rotmiller, it's your turn."
Misha is flustered and passes the turn.
Since it's Rotmiller's opinion, I also wait for his words with some seriousness.
However...
"Honestly, I don't know how to deal with nobles... especially titled nobles, to get what we want. I'm sorry..."
It seems like Rotmiller also hasn't found a proper solution.
However, unlike when it was my turn, the dwarf sighs and comforts him instead.
"How is that your fault? Actually... that's only natural."
No, if he knows it's natural, why did he glare at me?
As I'm grumbling to myself, the dwarf speaks in a quiet voice.
"So, about that... Dwarkey and I thought about it last night..."
"Get to the point."
"How about we go directly to Baron Martoan and talk to him?"
In other words, let's have a showdown.
But there's a serious problem with that.
"How are we going to meet him?"
Most nobles reside in the 1st district, the Imperial City of Karnon. And it's a place where low-ranking explorers like us can't even enter.
It's not just about having a conversation, we live in different worlds.
However, it seems like the dwarf has already come up with a detailed plan.
"There's a tea house that Baron Martoan visits regularly. If we wait there, we'll definitely meet him."
Hmm, if that's the case...
It's definitely not bad.
Regardless of the low probability of the baron changing his mind, there's nothing to lose by trying.
"Then there's no problem. The two of you go."
"Wh, what do you mean? Come with us!"
What is he talking about again?
"It's just a matter of going to plead with him, why do we all have to go?"
"...We need courage! He's a titled noble!"
The dwarf starts whining excessively when I tell them to handle it themselves.
I'm already sighing at his hopeless attitude, but since we have some history together, I calculate the potential benefits.
'With 9 days left, finding a new mage is impossible...'
And if we just find any random person, it will be a pain in the ass unless they're decent.
As expected, it's best if Dwarkey stays on the team.
'And if those two go, it seems like they'll just stammer and come back without achieving anything.'
No matter how I think about it, going there myself seems to have a slightly higher chance of success.
But...
'I don't like meeting nobles.'
Even in the game, I made it a rule to avoid getting involved with nobles as much as possible.
Because there are no decent ones among them—
"I'll give you 300,000 stones no matter how it ends! Each!"
Hmm, that's tempting.
If it's not loyalty pay, I guess meeting a noble once wouldn't be so bad.
_____________________________________
"If that's the case, then meeting him wouldn't be a bad idea."
"Really!"
The dwarf's face brightens up noticeably at my consent.
However, instead of getting swept up in his excitement, I calmly confirm what I need to know.
"So when can we go?"
Even if he's a noble, it's not a world where he can just kill anyone he wants.
Especially if they're a respected explorer.
There probably won't be any major risks, but it's my first time meeting a real noble since waking up in this body.
I also need to prepare myself mentally—
"To, today."
"What...?"
"If, if we don't go today, he won't visit that place again until next month."
Phew, no wonder I wanted to refuse.
But since I already agreed, I confirm other details.
How old Baron Martoan is, whether he's a man, if he has any dislikes, or anything else that would be good to know.
As I'm memorizing various things, time flies by.
"Le, let's go. Like you said, we need to be there early to pretend we met him by chance!"
The baron usually visits the tea house between 3:00 and 4:00 PM.
So we arrive at the tea house at 2:00 PM and wait for the right moment.
How much time has passed?
"Th, that's my second brother."
Baron Martoan appears with his servants.
Does he really come here in person just to enjoy tea brewed by the owner?
Since we won't have a chance to talk to him once he enters a private room, I quickly get up and take the lead.
"Who are you!"
A huge knight blocks our path as soon as we approach.
Dwarkey steps forward as planned.
"Ba, Baron Martoan! It's me! Liol Wobu Dwarkey! Please, just hear me out!"
Dwarkey prostrates himself on the ground, showing submission as I advised.
Baron Martoan, who was having a conversation with the owner, turns his attention to us.
However, his subsequent reaction is completely different from what I expected.
"Dwarkey...? That name sounds familiar."
He mutters as if he doesn't even remember properly.
A man who looks like a butler whispers in his ear,
"The Dwarkey family is the maternal family of the former baron's third wife, Lady Carlina."
"Ah, that's right! So what does someone from that family want from me?"
"I, I… that is, well…"
Dwarkey starts stammering, flustered by the unexpected turn of events from the beginning.
It's my turn to step in, earlier than planned.
"Greetings. I am Bjorn, son of Yandel."
I speak confidently, regardless of him being a noble.
If it were another race, that alone would constitute insulting a noble...
...but barbarians are an exception.
Our ancestors made a great contribution a long time ago and received permission from the king.
"It's been a while since I've had a conversation with a barbarian. It always feels strange."
Fortunately, the baron seems interested in the current situation.
Well, when would these guys ever get to meet a barbarian and be spoken to so casually?
"So what brings you to me?"
"This guy's labyrinth entry was banned after being taken away by the Moselan knights yesterday."
"That's unfortunate. But why are you telling me this?"
Because he said you were the one who ordered it.
'What? Why is he acting like he doesn't know anything?'
At first, I thought he was just making excuses, but at this point, I'm also starting to get suspicious.
And that's when...
The butler whispers in the baron's ear again.
"Hmm, an illegitimate child? Was there one? I see. So you did it..."
"Yes, I didn't report it separately because it wasn't something you needed to be concerned about."
"You did well. It's just a waste of time to know about such trivial matters."
Now that I see it, the baron didn't know anything about this incident, and it seems like the butler handled everything.
"Trivial matters...?"
Dwarkey is clearly in shock, but…
The outcome is not bad.
The fact that they consider it an insignificant matter means that the possibility of achieving our goal has increased.
"Can you lift the labyrinth entry ban?"
"Hmm, why should I?"
The baron tilts his head as if he doesn't understand at all. And what's annoying is that there's no malice in his expression.
His way of thinking is completely different from ours.
‘Damn celestial dragons…’
I curse the baron inwardly and contemplate what to do next.
The butler whispers something in his ear again.
I don’t know what method he’s using, but I can’t hear his voice again this time either.
But I can roughly guess what he’s saying.
“Huh? What? This is that barbarian?”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“Hoo, Little Balkan… I’ve heard the name. The Count mentioned during the banquet two days ago that an interesting explorer had appeared.”
The baron looks at me with a completely different gaze than before. His eyes are filled with life, as if he’s discovered an amusing toy.
“Bjorn, was it? I’ll grant your request if you do me a favor in return.”
Ah, uh, hmm…
I didn’t expect this situation…
“It’s not a difficult request. And I’ll give you a sufficient reward! What do you think?”
Somehow, I’m about to receive a second request.