第７掘：善意で人を助けるのが本音です！！ 嘘だがな！！ (Part2)
"Wait a moment, the men from before are alive, aren't they? You have to release them."
"Ah, I'll try to get them released if I can. I'll give it a shot for now."
I heard from Luna that slave collars could be imbued with magic to "forcibly make the wearer obey." Naturally, "prohibiting harm to the master" is a basic function.
However, according to Luna, my "Designated Protection" skill cancels and overwrites that.
"Negotiating with the master every time is troublesome, isn't it? It's not like we can negotiate to save someone who's about to die, especially for a proper negotiation."
So, I thought, what if I just forcibly apply "Designated Protection" to everyone? But as expected, the skill can only be applied if the target "accepts" it.
When I activated the skill, only the princess was enveloped in light, and her slave collar came off.
"..."
"It really came off!! Now, I accept your conditions. Heal Orielle quickly!!"
"...I didn't say it on purpose, but this skill only activates if the target truly 'accepts' it. Take a look at Orielle."
"...Orielle, your collar hasn't come off. Don't tell me..."
"N-no way!! It must be that guy's fault for forgetting to apply it!!"
"...Oh, so it's my fault?"
I can't with this woman, her preemptive defense saved her. Proof that the world can't be navigated on good intentions alone.
"Please. I beg you, give us another chance..."
Elju knelt and bowed her head.
"Well then, personally, I'll overlook it up to three times, but Orielle, will you 'accept' my condition from earlier? Your master is bowing this low, you know."
"...I understand. I 'accept' your condition. However, if you try to harm Elju, I will absolutely kill you."
"Orielle!!"
Elju chided her, but Orielle didn't take her eyes off me.
"Fine, I have no intention of restraining you beyond the condition. Here I go."
With that, the slave collar fell from Orielle's neck.
"Now then, let's begin the treatment. 'Extra Heal,' let's see."
Elju and Orielle's bodies were enveloped in a faint green light.
"Wh-what, Extra Heal!? And activating it with multiple targets!? Are you a renowned healer!?"
Elju, the princess, looked at me in surprise.
Orielle stood up, clenched and unclenched her fists, and even jumped around a bit.
After confirming she was healed, she looked at me.
"I won't thank you. This is a transaction, I'll repay you properly later."
"Orielle!?"
"Yeah, as long as you keep your end of the bargain, there's no particular problem. 'Trust' isn't something you build overnight. For now, just rest quietly today. We can talk more details tomorrow."
With that, I started to leave the room.
"Ah, thank you. It's a bit late, but my name is Elju. May I ask your name?"
She's not giving her full name, huh... Well, that's probably her hand.
Oh well, I'll introduce myself too.
"My apologies. My name is 'Yuki.' As you may have noticed, I am the operator of this dungeon. If you have any problems, please speak to the goblins waiting outside. We will do our best to assist you."
With that, I left the room.