第２９掘：スイカ (Part2)
"Alright, Eris. Tell me the conclusion you've reached. But before that, Slime 01, make contact with Rurua. I’ll speak to her directly and guide her to the dungeon. Slimes 02 through 10, exit the dungeon and provide support to 01. Once 01 has guided her inside, wait outside the dungeon to confirm the enemies enter and check if there are any stragglers."
Following my instructions, eight blue dots—the slimes—emerged from the dungeon.
"Slimes!? At a time like this!?"
Rurua’s face filled the screen.
"Calm down. This is Yuki, the Dungeon Master. Follow the slime's guidance. I’m leading you into the dungeon."
"Dungeon Master!? I’m being hunted right now! This will only make things worse!"
"Don't worry, I’m well aware of that. Just keep moving as quietly and quickly as you can while listening to us. The enemy isn't that far behind, so stay alert."
"...How utterly unreasonable. ...Understood. It seems I don't have much of a choice."
The slime began to move, keeping Rurua in its frame.
*Wobble, wobble.*
Since the slime was at a low angle, it provided a very clear view of things.
Rurua was wearing a beautiful white robe, which made her figure difficult to discern. However, looking from below, one could tell whether her chest was flat or substantial.
I could only occasionally catch a glimpse of Rurua’s expression as she looked down at the slime.
...In other words, they were quite large.
*Wobble, jiggle.*
Oh, they bounced. Did she trip?
Are those even bigger than Labyris'? Are they the largest among all the members here?
They’re watermelons. Yes, those are definitely watermelons!!
"...What exactly are you planning? Hmm, Yuki?"
Labyris, whom I was carrying on my shoulders, whispered into my ear.
"Alright, Rurua has started moving. Eris, explain. In the meantime, I’m going to set up a new trap I thought of with Labyris to neutralize, capture, or eliminate the pursuing knights."
"Yes, if I may..."
*Behold my magnificent evasive maneuvers!!*
"...I’ll be sure to tell Ratz. Prepare yourself for bath time and tonight."
As soon as Labyris said that, she ran over to Ratz and whispered something in her ear. Ratz looked over at me with a beaming smile. Is it just my imagination, or is there a chill running down my spine?
***
**Side: Rurua**
Honestly, I thought it was the end.
I never imagined that the hardliners who orchestrated this chaos would come to eliminate me as well...
It seems that out of the fifteen people who came, twelve belonged to the hardline faction. I feel terrible for the three who gave their lives to protect me.
"Then, if I may be so bold, the reason the Holy Kingdom of Litea tried to dispose of Lady Elju was to ensure domestic stability. While it may seem stable after Lady Elju's assassination, the influence of the previous Saintess, Lady Rurua, was simply too strong. Some were forced to step down because of Lady Rurua, while others were likely plotting to install the next Saintess. For those conspirators, the fact that Lady Rurua possesses greater power than the current Saintess is a major problem. That is why they likely took advantage of the Demon Lord's actions to try and dispose of you as well, isn't that right?"
The elf woman on the screen continued to speak.
As she said, that is likely the truth. To those who were plotting, my mere existence is an obstacle.
Personally, I have no intention of doing anything, and I even believe Lady Alstaire has the potential to be a fitting successor. She is still incomplete, but she has the capacity.
"Yes, I believe you are correct. Whoops."
It seems I tripped over a tree root I hadn't noticed. I lost my balance slightly, but I kept moving forward, following the slime.
"Where is she!! Rurua must be killed here so that Lady Alstaire can become the true Saintess!!"
They really aren't that far behind, are they!?
"We'll finish you off in the very place the 'dear' fake Saintess fled to!! Be grateful!!"
They were shouting as they drew closer. How utterly tasteless. This is a place where people haven't been approaching due to Lady Seraria's declaration. They certainly have a way with words. This is simply the most convenient place for them to dispose of me.
"Is it still much further?"
"There's an entrance about 57 steps ahead. Hang in there."
"What do you mean, 57 steps? Do you know exactly where I am?"
The Dungeon Master was making strangely specific jokes. It was the kind of thing that would be impossible to know unless he were watching me from high above...
"...No way."
Right before my eyes, the entrance to a dungeon stood wide open.
[There is no one inside the dungeon. Please turn back. If you have business, please leave a letter in the mailbox next to this sign. Paper is preferred, but carving into a nearby tree is also acceptable.]
It even came with a sign meant to mock people.
"Hey, get inside quickly! You're going to be spotted!"
"There she is!! Fire the arrows!!"
It seems I was a bit slow to snap out of it.
"Agh!?"
Arrows pierced my back with a dull thud.
...I can still move.
I have to escape deeper inside...
As my consciousness began to fade, I forced my legs to move and stepped into the mysterious dungeon.