第８８掘：ダンジョン評定結果
**Dungeon Evaluation Results**
**Side: Yuki**
Today is finally the day the dungeon evaluation results are announced. With this, one phase of our plan will be complete, allowing me to move on to the negotiations with Gartz.
"Well then, representatives, thank you for gathering. Yesterday, the dungeon evaluation was finally concluded."
Standing before me was the Grand Master, the elderly head of the Adventurer Guild.
"I deeply apologize for taking nearly three weeks, far exceeding our original schedule."
The Grand Master bowed his head low.
"No, that’s fine, but was there some sort of problem?"
Eris seemed concerned about potential flaws in the dungeon. Well, I suppose anyone would be worried if it took two weeks longer than planned.
"No, there were no particular problems. Rather, it took time to verify that the information provided was accurate. By nature, dungeons are explored cautiously. In a sense, dungeon information is an asset. We had to ensure the data existed and that it was correct."
"I see. So, you were checking if it matched our information and ensuring no unexpected situations would arise?"
"Exactly. I believed the information was accurate, but we had to confirm things like whether powerful monsters from the lower levels had migrated to the upper ones."
That is indeed a necessary task.
"Well, we spent the first week screening the adventurer teams and having them conduct the checks, so the smaller number of teams meant it took longer."
Incidentally, the teams that were sent packing by the Kobolds were apparently sent home after that first week. It seems Ovik and the others, who are acquaintances of Tori and Riel, managed to clear it without issue.
"For now, the detailed evaluation results are summarized on this... paper. I will simply give you the conclusion..."
The Grand Master paused there. Everyone grew a bit tense.
"There are no problems. It is unprecedented, but the guild staff and the investigating adventurers were able to confirm the dungeon core at the deepest level, as well as the presence of the dungeon master. The map and monster habitats are exactly as described—it is truly a blessing. I hope we can continue to have a good relationship, representatives."
The Grand Master smiled as he said this. A cheer erupted from everyone.
"Ho ho ho. I’m glad you’re pleased. Now, when do you plan to open it to the public?"
"Ah, about that. Are you familiar with this person here?"
I gestured for Shera to come to my side.
"Indeed. While this is our first time meeting face-to-face, I have heard that she has become Yuki-dono’s wife. A princess of Gartz, was it?"
"Yes, that is correct."
When I said that, he narrowed his eyes and nodded.
"I see. Well, it would certainly complicate matters if we only proceeded with Roschur and Retea. You intend to invite Gartz to the table as well, I presume?"
"Yes, that is why I must head to Gartz for negotiations. It looks like it will take about two months."
"Hmm... so it’s on hold until then?"
"No, the problem is only with doing it on a grand scale. It shouldn't be an issue for the Adventurer Guild, which operates under a different category than the nations. However, I cannot have trouble. If ruffians come to cause problems, I will have them punished according to our laws, and as for you, who welcomed them..."
"Understood. Naturally, I will handle that side of things. It would be troublesome for us as well if the environment here were to become chaotic. I will give strict orders and screen them accordingly. As for the average adventurers, I will wait until your negotiations with Gartz are finished."
"I would appreciate that; it makes things much easier for us."
I looked over at Milly.
"Please iron out the details with Milly, the representative for the Adventurer District. We have to discuss the negotiations with Gartz."
"You have your hands full as well, don't you?"
"Well, we have to protect the city, after all. And although I said to work it out with Milly, the final decision will be made by everyone, so don't cut any corners, alright?"
"Ho ho ho. Leave it to me."
"Yuki-san, please leave this to me. You make sure you don't miss anything on your end, either."
I’ve been pushing all the adventurer-related work onto Milly lately; I feel bad about that. I’ll have to properly reward her someday.
We returned to the government office conference room, but...
"Fufun, well, that’s reasonable."
"Indeed."
"Hmm, this evaluation..."
"Oh? Are you dissatisfied with something?"
"I see, so this is the result."
"Personally, I’m a little dissatisfied."
"Hey, hey, Labyris-chan, is this good?"
"I don't really know either."
"...Yeah, how should I put this."
Well, this is the result of a dungeon I worked hard to build, so I suppose this is how it goes.
"Um, everyone, you all seem to be having fun... What exactly is going on?"
"Ah, come to think of it, I hadn't explained the Adventurer District to Shera in detail."
"No, I know it’s the district created to gather adventurers—who are the most mobile—as a strategy to attract people to this dungeon, right?"
"...That’s true, but you know quite a lot."
"I’ve been here for nearly three weeks. I’ve been going to school and hearing stories from Aslin and Firia. Above all, it’s only natural as your wife."
"Don't push yourself too hard, okay? Well, as Shera said, I built it thinking it was the easiest way to gather people, but with the influx of refugees from Retea, the residents have already gathered quite well. Still, I didn't want to lose the connection with the Adventurer Guild, so I built a small dungeon—or rather, a 'real' one, if you will—to attract them."
"I see. We can create dungeons freely, so you utilized that effectively."
"And today was the announcement of the results for that dungeon."
"Ah, I see. That explains why the Grand Master was here. I was surprised enough that there were multiple fully managed dungeons here, but for him to come personally to evaluate them... and everyone is reacting to the results."
"That’s about the size of it."
"Um, Yuki-sama, have you created a dungeon yourself?"
"Yeah, I did."
"Might I ask for the evaluation of the dungeon you created, Yuki-sama?"
"Uh, wait a second... it’s this paper here."
***
**Marquis Yuki’s Dungeon**
**Evaluation: 10**
**Details: Both traps and monster distribution are vicious.**
**Certified as the highest difficulty among existing dungeons.**
**Entry to this dungeon is strictly prohibited from now on.**
**Note: The treasures and drop items are of a terrifying caliber to match.**
**Determined that clearing this dungeon is currently impossible.**
**Fortunately, as its location in the Dungeon District is at the very back, discovery will be delayed, and the entrance is indistinguishable from a natural cave.**
**Even if a report of discovery is made by adventurers, strict orders are given to never interfere.**
***
"..."
The two of us stared at the paper in silence.
"Um, Yuki-sama, what was your purpose in creating this dungeon? With this, rather than people not wanting to come near, they *cannot* come near..."
"No, I think it’s a fine evaluation. It meets my objectives. Though I do think the content of the evaluation is a bit extreme."
"Might I ask what those objectives are?"
"It’s simple. This dungeon is also powered by a dungeon core, right?"
"Yes, you showed me that."
"Now, what would you do if you needed to shut this dungeon down in an emergency?"
"That would require seizing the dungeon core... Is that it? You think the dungeon core that powers this place is in *that* dungeon?"
"Exactly. In reality, it’s even deeper underground than this inn, but you wouldn't think that one is the real one, would you?"
"I suppose not. You think it’s in that off-limits dungeon. My, you really are a prankster."
Shera smiled.
"Say, Yuki, how did the others turn out?"
"Hey, look at this, Onii-san! About our dungeon..."
"I’m dissatisfied!! I’m dissatisfied!!"
"Onii-chan, look at this!!"
Everyone gathered around me, buzzing with excitement. It looks like the talk about Gartz is going to be pushed back quite a bit.
Hmm, I feel like I might be rushing things a bit too much. Should I have dug deeper into the conversation with the King, too?