第５１掘：冒険者の新人？ (Part1)
**Dungeon Floor 51: A Newbie Adventurer?**
**Side: Raiya**
Currently, we are in the city of Kiris, gathering information, securing necessary supplies, and making preparations for what lies ahead.
"Yuki, can you hear me?"
"Yeah, I hear you loud and clear."
"Periodic report. We’ve arrived in Kiris as planned. We’ve checked into an inn and everyone is out gathering information."
"Understood. By the way, was Kiyu’s identity compromised?"
"If it had been, I wouldn't be saying things are going according to plan."
"Fair point. Anyway, I’ll handle the adventurer registration. Kiyu can’t control his strength—for better or worse—so it’s safer if I do it."
"I’ll leave it to you. On the surface, we’re protecting and looking after him, so he’s bound to attract some attention. If we let his true power show, it’ll cause all sorts of problems. By the way, how are things on your end?"
"Ah, that’s... a long story. I’ll tell you when I get there."
I cut the connection. That skill is truly convenient.
"How was it?"
"Yuki says he’ll be handling the information gathering directly."
"I see. We really are relying on his strength for everything, aren't we?"
Rurua-sama lets her shoulders slump, looking dejected. I understand her feelings of helplessness, but dwelling on it won't do any good.
"Rurua-sama, there is no reason to be depressed. I am an adventurer, but I cannot do everything alone. Yuki is the same. That is why he bows his head to various people to secure their cooperation. You should have more confidence in yourself."
"Do you really think so...?"
"What matters is how we move from here. Adventurers are the type of people who will drink muddy water or even eat rotten meat just to survive. But there are situations where, if you can't do that, you simply die."
"Are you saying now is that time?"
"I don't know where others choose to stake their lives. But Rurua-sama, did you climb to the position of Saintess without anyone's help?"
"No, of course not. I am who I am today because of countless people."
"It’s the same thing. We, and Yuki, are just a few of those countless people. If anything, Yuki is quite conscientious. He doesn't give you false hope; he takes his share, and if he succeeds, he demands his due. It’s simple, isn't it?"
"Indeed... you are right. Why do I feel such an inferiority complex toward Yuki-san...?"
Well, it’s because the gap in our abilities is just that vast. If you haven't been completely crushed like we were, that feeling is normal. She still thinks, somewhere deep down, that she can surpass him. I mean, I have my own strengths, but it doesn't come from a place of rivalry or inferiority.
"Yo. Still moping around over trivial things? I told you, you aren't me. Do as you please, Rurua. I’ll follow up if you’re about to die. If you die, then that’s that."
Kiyu, currently possessed by Yuki, walked in lazily. It’s easy to tell, which is a relief for us.
"Here."
As soon as he entered, Yuki tossed us some coins. Rurua-sama and I caught them.
"These are just regular copper coins?"
"Yeah."
"Keep them and don't spend them. How or when you use them is up to you."
"What do you mean?"
Rurua-sama asked, clearly puzzled by his words.
"Let’s see... Covil, wake up."
Yuki woke Covil, who had been sleeping in the bedding. Since Covil stands out too much, we’ve been keeping her hidden among the luggage. It must be inconvenient, but she seems to understand and has been behaving. Unlike my first impression of her, she’s actually quite capable of thinking things through.
"Hmm...? Oh, Kiyu, is it mealtime?"
"Sorry to disappoint, but it’s Yuki. Here, have some of the local grilled doll skewers."
"Yay! Thank you!"
"And here, keep this. Think of it as a charm."
"Nom nom... what is this? It’s just a copper coin. What am I supposed to do with it?"
"Use it however you like. A last resort in battle, buying a snack, or giving it to a beggar—it’s all fine."
"Hmm, but it’s a gift from Yuki, right? I’ll keep it safe and not spend it."
"Sure, do what you want. See, Rurua? That’s what I mean."
He turned back to Rurua-sama, who had been questioning him...
"Um, so in other words, I should think for myself?"
"Exactly. You could throw it as a distraction in a pinch, or use it to make noise and draw attention. Keeping it as a memento like Covil is also an option. It’s a handy item for when things go south. You don't always have to use money as money. Especially since you, Rurua, will be standing in the most dangerous spot. I recommend keeping non-weapon items on hand to use as weapons."
"......Yes. I understand."
Rurua-sama stared at the copper coin with a solemn expression.
"Raiya, you have plenty of tricks up your sleeve too, right?"
"Of course. If you can't fight without your spear, you're worse than an amateur. Most of us train with sidearms. Though, not to your level, Yuki."
As we were chatting, Mauve and Curse, who had gone out to gather information, returned.
"Yo, everyone’s here. We got some interesting intel."
"We found out quite a bit too."
Both groups had information—that means Litea is already spreading the word. Yuki seemed to think the same, as he was smirking.
"Heh, so the information is already out there, huh? I’m looking forward to hearing what it is."
"...Are you Yuki?"
"Probably. Kiyu doesn't talk like that."
"Bingo. Well, never mind that. Mauve, let’s hear your report."
Yuki urged Mauve to speak.
"Right. First off, the word is that Rurua-chan was attacked by monsters on her way home and lost her life. Apparently, the remains were in such a wretched state that they were cremated on the spot. As proof, one of her escorts supposedly survived and delivered her personal belongings. And, the monster attack is being blamed on the Demon Lord. It seems they’ve taken the bait Yuki set."
"To think they’d do exactly what we predicted... how boring. So, where is she supposed to have died? I assume there’s a village nearby?"
"How’d you know? Well, you’re right. It’s near a village just outside the Kiris city limits, within the Litea Holy Kingdom territory."
"It’s simple. To make it official that Rurua is dead, you need witnesses to say, 'This body is Rurua-sama.' Whatever the truth is, if you shout it loud enough, people will believe it. Especially since it’s the Litea soldiers saying it. If only the hardliners reported it, it wouldn't be enough..."
"I see. It wouldn't be enough to convince the Rurua faction or other powers, would it? So they prepared a decoy dressed similarly enough to Rurua-sama, claimed she died in a village where there would be onlookers, and made them believe it?"
"Exactly. Even if the opposition doesn't believe it, the public will think Rurua is dead. Which means, even if the real Rurua returns..."
"She would be treated as an impostor, right?"
"Ugh, that’s so frustrating! Rurua is alive right here!"
Covil hugged Rurua after hearing the news. Well, they’re both women; this group is unusually male-heavy. I suppose that’s how they’re bonding.
"Well, it’s fortunate that not much time has passed. If it had been a month, it would have been a headache in more ways than one. They haven't fully secured Litea yet."
"But, are we still at a disadvantage?"
"Of course. They’ve got the upper hand. You could say their operation was a success. They probably think it’s only a matter of time now."