第７６掘：重傷者多数色んな意味で
**Dungeon 76: A Multitude of Serious Injuries (In More Ways Than One)**
**Side: Labyris**
Phew, I’m glad there weren't any fatalities in the dungeon right off the bat.
But from what I heard, it sounds like it was a blunder on the part of those adventurers.
Honestly, there are careless people everywhere.
I think Yuki should try to let his guard down a little more often, too.
With that thought, I look at Yuki, who is currently talking with the Guild Master.
He’s always, always working so hard.
He doesn't seem to realize it himself, but we all think Yuki pushes himself excessively.
I get so anxious, wondering if he’ll collapse one day.
"……So, how…… Yes, I see. ……"
"That is…… and……"
But even that profile of him working so hard is wonderful.
Ah, it’s a dilemma, isn't it?
Since I can't help it, I use hypnotic magic on Yuki to make sure he gets a good night’s sleep.
Yuki has consented to it, and he’s happy that he can sleep soundly, so it’s fine.
Including all the other things I do for him, it’s all okay.
"Hey, Yuki. How are they doing?"
Seraria-sama speaks to Yuki.
"Ah, for the time being, thanks to Elju and Rurua, they’ve managed to hold onto their lives… but."
"But?"
"Well, you see……"
"You may speak plainly."
"Grand Master, are you sure about that?"
As Rock-san speaks, the Grand Master of the Adventurer Guild Headquarters, who came from Litea, tries to convey something.
I wonder, was there some kind of problem?
"Seraria-sama, are you looking forward to this dungeon evaluation?"
"Yes, of course. It is an important evaluation to determine the merits of the first dungeon ever created."
"That is certainly true. I was consulted when the training dungeon was built, and my heart was racing like a young man’s."
"My, Grand Master, you’re still quite active, aren't you?"
"Ho ho ho. But, I digress. Actually, it is quite embarrassing to admit, as they made a huge blunder this time, but that party is making a certain request."
"A request? What kind?"
"No, it is nothing difficult. Thanks to Rurua-sama and the others helping out, their injuries have almost completely healed."
"That is good to hear."
"Well, since their injuries are healed, they are saying they want to resume the dungeon exploration immediately. I suppose they feel ashamed, given that they were taken down by a Kobold."
Ah, I see.
That must be a massive embarrassment for them.
If they’re healed, they have to prove they can do it properly, or their pride won't allow them to show their faces.
But, to attempt the dungeon again today of all days…
"We are against it. They are a bit too excited."
"Indeed. I agree with Ovik. They should take a break, at least for a day."
"Yeah, I agree with Ovik too. Getting taken down by a Kobold at Rank 6… are they really Rank 6?"
"It’s a mistake that shouldn't happen. It makes me doubt the Guild’s assessment criteria."
Tori and Riel’s two adventurer friends are against resuming the dungeon exploration today.
Well, that’s only natural.
"Come to think of it, Rock-san, Grand Master. Does the Guild have any response regarding them?"
I had forgotten about that—they made such a mistake, after all.
I wonder if there will be some kind of penalty from the Guild?
"Usually, it’s just a withdrawal, so there’s no punishment, but……"
"This time, it’s a major blunder witnessed by Rank 7 adventurers like Ovik and his party……"
Both of them say this, looking troubled.
Well, it’s too soon to punish them, but the Guild surely wants to do something about the fact that they gave Rank 6 status to people who make such mistakes.
"Please!! Just give us one more chance!!"
"We beg you!!"
As they are talking, the party in question returns and bows their heads toward us.
"A-ah, as I said, it’s impossible to go back in right now."
"Please, at least rest for the day."
Elju-sama and Rurua-sama come over, as if chasing after them.
"Hmm, then how about this? Please take a rest for today. Our top healers have said that you need to stay quiet."
"Top healers, you say……"
"Oh, my."
Elju-sama and Rurua-sama both look happy… tch.
"No, that’s not……"
"I am not finished. While the mistake you made sounds quite severe based on what we’ve heard, this is the first dungeon, and you are in the presence of a princess of a nation and the pillars of the Adventurer Guild. It is natural to make mistakes due to some tension. Therefore, how about we set the evaluation period for this dungeon to one week? We can judge them based on their performance during that time. It would be cruel to punish them based solely on the current situation."
"That is true."
"Indeed. We are fine with that. Do you have any objections?"
"Yes, if we can have one more chance……"
With this, is it settled for now?
"Wait a minute!! There’s something I want to ask Seraria-sama!!"
"Huh? Me?"
Eh, what?
Is there something related to Seraria-sama?
"Is it true that you’re choosing a husband from the adventurers exploring this dungeon!!"
The air froze.
…Ah, I see.
It’s not hard to understand. Seraria-sama is known as the Valkyrie.
It is said that she has driven away every man who has courted her with her sheer strength, and that she will only marry a man stronger than herself.
And this dungeon evaluation.
They must have thought she was using this to vet potential suitors.
……But reality is cruel.
The man asking the question is dead serious, and he must be trying his best.
Because he’s so earnest.
"Pfft, excuse me. Well……"
"Oh?"
Seraria-sama wraps her arms around Yuki and clings to him……
"I haven't made it public yet, but he is my husband."
She tells the man with a beautiful smile.
"So this dungeon is just an evaluation, a trial quest. My search for a husband is already over."
*Thud.*
As soon as Seraria-sama said that, the man collapsed face-first onto the ground.
"Hey, are you okay!?"
"His breathing has stopped!?"
"D-doctor!!"
Elju and Rurua rush over to check on him.
"……Don't finish him off."
"Oh? I only told the truth, didn't I?"
……But she definitely dealt a fatal blow.
"Ah, I see, it hadn't been made public yet."
"What is this, Rock? You knew?"
"Yes, it was announced when we moved to this dungeon."
"I see. So that Valkyrie…… is that fellow called Yuki not an ordinary person?"
"Who knows? Personally, I see him as being quite rich in strategic intellect."
"What? Have you never seen his actual combat or movements?"
"No, Representative Yuki mostly works at his desk, just like us."
"That must be tough for someone so young……"
Rock-san, you’re mistaken.
Yuki isn't just about strategy. He’s not inferior in other areas, either.
No, perhaps there isn't anyone here who can beat him in ability.
He would definitely say with a pleasant face, "That’s not true. If you count from the bottom, I’m near the top."
"At any rate, the dungeon exploration for today is postponed. What about you, Ovik-kun? You have no problem resuming, do you?"
"No, we’ll stop for today as well. The Kobolds are quite bloodthirsty."
"Hmm, a good judgment."
"Well, to be honest, I also wanted to talk to the Representative since I have an acquaintance here."
"Ho ho ho, you are blessed with good friends."
I wonder if it was Lari; she is currently talking happily with Tori and Riel.
"……Come to think of it, what will happen to the adventurers who went to other dungeons?"
"They are just doing normal dungeon exploration, so they will continue to spend time in the dungeon and proceed with the conquest. Well, it is the first day, so I expect many teams will return to observe the situation, just like Ovik-kun’s party."
I see, so that’s how it works.
As I nod at Rock-san’s explanation, Seraria-sama comes over while still holding onto Yuki’s arm.
"Grand Master, Guild Master, this is perfect. Please tell the adventurers who return about my marriage."
"Are you sure?"
"It’s cruel to give them hope, like that man earlier."
"That is true. But are you sure? I don't mean to insult Yuki-dono, but there might be someone of considerable stature. A man who might catch Seraria-sama’s eye."
The Grand Master says this, sounding a bit like it would be a waste, but she doesn't lose her smile……
"That is impossible. My eyes are only for my husband."
"My, my. This old man’s meddling was unnecessary. I shall convey that message clearly."
"Yes, please do."
After that, among the adventurers who returned early like Ovik’s party, I heard that several of them suffered from respiratory failure… or maybe they didn't.
Men really do dream of marrying a princess, don't they?
How is it? Terrifying, isn't it!!
Seraria can be like that too!!
Also, try to endure the heartache of feeling like a man!!
I might take a break from writing tomorrow.