第４８掘：冒険を中断します (Part2)
"I appreciate the sentiment, but this matter is a bit complicated. If you accept my designated protection, I can explain the reasons why."
"Designated protection? What is that?"
In response to the Elder's inquiry, I explained what I had told the others: that it is different from slavery, the restrictions and privileges involved, and the fact that one cannot exert force within the dungeon.
"I see. That poses no problem for you, Yuki-san, nor for me. I would like to accept your designated protection."
"Me too, me too!! I want to try using that 'Call' thing!"
They accepted the designated protection much more easily than I had anticipated, so I went on to explain the situation to Rurua. Of course, explaining the situation to Rurua meant I also had to disclose the purpose of this dungeon. For now, I kept it brief.
"That is certainly true. It is not a matter that can be spoken of lightly, nor is it something one would normally ask for cooperation on. If not for this current situation, I would have refused."
"Then?"
"Yes. Yuki-san, Rurua-sama—you have essentially saved our lives. We would love to offer our full cooperation, but... I am at a loss as to how to measure what would serve as an effective deterrent against the Ritea Holy Kingdom. I would prefer to avoid going to Ritea myself, as all the villagers are currently here."
"Indeed. Unless we iron out the details, we won't be able to effectively utilize the fact that the Fairy race is backing us."
Both the Elder and Rurua wore troubled expressions.
"Let me make a proposal. We can stay in touch at any time using the Call function. We can hash out the details through that. Also, Elder, could you spare three Elixirs and one or two pieces of equipment that you wouldn't mind parting with?"
"Under normal circumstances, I would refuse. Do you realize that a single Elixir is worth 150 platinum coins? Leaving the equipment aside for a moment, please explain how you intend to use the Elixirs. They are not items I can simply hand over."
"With any luck, we won't use even one. Well, we will likely use one to prove that it is the real deal. If Covil were to use that genuine Elixir to demonstrate that the Fairies support Rurua..."
"Is that what you mean? It would serve as proof that we, the Fairy race, truly support Rurua-sama."
"That's the idea. We'll need to refine the details, but would you be willing to share them?"
"...I understand. I realize that Rurua-sama is pressed for time. However, Elixirs are precious. I can only offer two. In exchange, I will provide four or five extra pieces of equipment."
"You heard her, Rurua. What do you want to do?"
"Elder, I am grateful for your generous heart!! Thank you so much."
Rurua was shedding tears as she expressed her gratitude. Well, that was to be expected. If things had gone poorly, we might not have secured their cooperation at all.
"Rurua-sama, please, raise your head. We are grateful that you saved our Fairy race during such a time. However, even though it is due to our own circumstances, I apologize that I cannot fully meet your request. Covil, you have an Item Box as well, don't you?"
"Yeah, I've got one."
"I will entrust the Elixirs and the equipment to you. I am worried about you being the one to accompany Rurua-sama, but there is no one more suitable. Please, be a strength to Rurua-sama."
"Leave it to me!! I'll go to Ritea, cause a ruckus, and kick out everyone who was bullying Rurua!"
With that, the Elder took the Elixirs and equipment from her Item Box and handed them to Covil.
"Alright, Rurua, head back with Covil. We lost quite a bit of time ensuring the villagers were safe, so we need to move. We'll handle things on this end. I've already told Kiyu to drive fast."
"Yes, I understand. Although, even if you say we lost time, it has only been one day."
"Even so, we are a day behind. It is still a race against time. We've secured cooperation, but it's not over yet. Don't let your guard down."
At those words, Rurua nodded with a determined expression and stepped through the gate with Covil.
"You are both kind and strict. If you were to step to the forefront, Yuki-san, everything would be resolved, wouldn't it? And yet, you choose to assist Rurua-sama in accomplishing this herself."
"There are circumstances regarding that, too."
"Might I hear those circumstances later?"
"Yes, of course. For now, let's go join the others."
With that, we left the area.
『Hey, Kiyu. Have Rurua and Covil arrived there?』
『Yes, Brother. They have arrived safely.』
『Good. Then start dismantling the dungeon and the gate.』
『What should I do with the self-proclaimed Four Heavenly Kings?』
『Ah, just toss them over here. And put the modified pillbug in here too.』
『Understood. I will begin the dismantling as soon as that is done.』
Well, I suppose my journey is on hold for now. With Kiyu there, there shouldn't be any problems on the other side. *Sigh*. In the end, my adventure lasted all of two days.
I've had various things happen regarding the ellipses, so I'll put that in the activity report. Well, I rarely check the activity reports myself, so I figured it would be pointless, and I've also reposted it to the prologue.
As always, please let me know if you find any typos or omissions.