横穴１掘：色々はじめて
Original Filename: 第１０掘と第１１掘の間の小話です。
Translated Filename: Side Story: Between Chapters 10 and 11
This is a short story taking place between the 10th and 11th excavations.
It’s the story of when I first met Seraria.
I’ll probably delete this in a few days, so enjoy it while it lasts.
The reason is that things get complicated!!
Dungeon and Hero
Side Excavation 1: Many Firsts
Side: Yuki
Good grief, what a pain this has become.
I mutter to myself while staring at the monitor in the dungeon’s surveillance mode.
On that screen, Oriel is approaching the dungeon, leading Erje and Seraria.
Well, I don't really care about the Roshur army they’re likely leading.
If anything, the fast pace helps me out. I want to run some dungeon experiments anyway.
But the problem for me lies elsewhere.
Since it’s been a while since Erje and the others returned to the capital, I’ve had time to renovate the dungeon.
And by renovate, I mean the residential area—I’ve turned it into a modern Japanese style.
What even is a Japanese-style dungeon? Does the terrain change every time you enter? "Play it 1000 times."
Actually, I wouldn't want to enter a dungeon like that.
No matter how many lives you have, it wouldn't be enough.
Well, if you could do it without throwing your life away, it might be popular, but it doesn't seem profitable.
Besides, I’ve only just arrived here. I should solve the problems in front of me one by one instead of thinking about weird things.
Anyway, I got off track.
Regarding the residential area: back when Erje and Oriel were here, I couldn't improve it because of DP issues and because I hadn't disclosed much information.
However, using the DP from before Mauve and the others received Designated Protection, plus the DP income from wild monsters after Erje’s group left, I’ve overhauled the living quarters.
Well, since entertainment-related items have high DP costs, I basically blew my entire budget just making my own house about the size of a detached home and ordering furniture.
Previously, I only knew their identities through my Appraisal skill, but now, due to the relationship with Roshur and Oriel’s presence, I know that Erje is a princess.
Because of that, I can't exactly shove them into that simple hospital ward they lived in before.
I want to minimize any chance of them finding a weakness to exploit during future negotiations.
So, it's necessary to guide them to my own room—the most comfortable place in this dungeon.
Plus, a weirdo... Erje’s older sister, that "drill-hair" named Seraria, is with them.
I can mostly skip explanations for Erje and Oriel based on our history, but explaining how to use modern Japanese furniture and tools to that sister sounds exhausting...
More importantly, I’d hate to make a weird greeting and get her angry.
I mean, her level looks high, and I don't want to get slashed for no reason... Oh, maybe I’ll use a Doppelganger.
If I recall, those can mimic me and be controlled.
I use my DP to summon a Doppelganger.
"Damn it, that was my reserve DP, but I have to reduce any chance of being killed, even by a fraction..."
Between the Blood Minotaur, the dungeon renovations, and the residential improvements, my DP is bone-dry. To think I’d have to use my emergency reserves...
"It looks like I need to secure a steady amount of DP soon. Even considering that, it was a stroke of luck to form a connection with Erje and the others. If the army is chasing them, I should be able to replenish my DP quite well. That's a blessing."
For now, since I have that sinking feeling of my bank balance approaching zero, I’ll try to stay calm by speaking positively.
The Goblin squads are also drawing in monsters or dragging them into the dungeon to be killed for DP, so it’s not like I have zero daily income.
It’ll be fine. I’m sure it’ll be fine.
While I’m doing that, they arrive in front of the dungeon with Oriel in the lead.
"Yuki, I am sorry. As predicted, the worst-case scenario has unfolded. Please, could you give us shelter?!"
"Oriel, what are you doing? If you shout in front of a dungeon, monsters will gather. Besides, 'give us shelter'? What do you mean? I thought we were going to some noble who would protect us. You plan to hide in a dungeon? Is this some kind of joke?"
"U-Um, Big Sister Chii, I didn't have time to explain in a hurry, but the Dungeon Master saved us. He is by no means a bad person, and I don't think the enemy can easily reach us here."
"Hmm, well, if we can use a dungeon as a base, there’s nothing more reassuring than that... Well, Erje believes in him, so I'll bear with it. But if he harms us, I’ll cut that Dungeon Master or whatever he is down, okay?"
Ooh, scary, scary.
I really have no choice but to go with the Doppelganger.
"I’ll keep Big Sister Chii in check, so please, allow us entry into the dungeon."
Erje pleads desperately.
Well, I intend to make use of this connection in various ways, and there's no reason to refuse, so I’ll go meet them for now.
I send the Goblin squad captain, who was nearby on the first floor, to greet them.
"Are you the Goblin from that time?"
"Gob."
The Goblin nods.
The Goblin captain I sent was the one who primarily took care of Erje and Oriel, so I figured it would be fine, and it seems I was right.
After nodding, I immediately enter the dungeon and look at Erje and the others through my surrogate body.
"It seems he's here to pick us up. Seraria-sama, as you can see, there is no problem, so let us go."
"...So it seems. Honestly, it’s my first time seeing a Goblin that doesn't lung at a woman the moment it sees one."
The princess named Seraria had her hand on the sword at her waist, but she lowers it.
Now that she’s inside the dungeon, I checked her status, and she’s a vanguard type completely different from Erje—her level is even higher than Mauve’s group.
Terrifying. Truly terrifying.
"Well, no point in being afraid."
I’ve set up a safety net with the Doppelganger, and I’ll ensure safety by applying Designated Protection.
Now then, since I’m dealing with princesses, I guess I have no choice but to take them to my house.
"Hey. Not like it’s been that long, but you came back pretty quickly."
"I am sorry. Your unpleasant prediction came true. Not only Erje-sama, but they also tried to assassinate and poison Seraria-sama here."
"Yeah, that was Loire, right?"
"How do you know that?! You're not in league with them, are you?!"
Whoa, she jumped back instantly.
Seraria has drawn her sword and is pointing it at me.
"Big Sister Chii, calm down! He probably heard it from Mauve-san and the others via a Call, right?"
"Yeah, exactly what Erje said."
"Hah?! Don't address Erje so familiarly!!"
G-Good grief, she’s a pain.
What’s up with this drill-hair? Does she have a sister complex? A severe one, at that.
"Anyway, standing around talking here is no good. I’ve prepared a room, so come this way."
Feeling the bloodlust prickling my back, I guided them to my home.
I thought operating a Doppelganger would feel like a remote-control car, but it’s totally different. It feels like I’m actually using a different body.
I really didn't need the sensation of my neck tingling with fear right now...
I unlock the door and enter the house.
"There’s a house inside the dungeon..."
"Wow, it’s a house like I’ve never seen before. Did you build this after we left?"
"Hoh, the appearance is better than before."
"Come on in. And take off your shoes. No outdoor shoes allowed here. Change into these slippers."
"Why go through such a tedious task?"
"Now, now, Big Sister Chii, this is Yuki-san's house..."
"Seraria-sama, I am sorry, but he is the homeowner, so I would like you to follow his rules."
"I know, I know. I’m aware we’re the ones imposing."
Despite her complaints, she takes off her shoes and puts on the slippers.
Can't you just act without grumbling for once?
"Heh, it’s quite beautiful. How should I put it... there are no decorations, but it has a refined feel."
"It does, doesn't it?"
The sisters sit together on the sofa, chatting while looking around the room.
Oriel stands waiting by the side.
I won't tell her to sit anymore. Oriel is a stiff-necked person who won't share a seat unless it's an extreme circumstance.
"Here, is milk tea okay? Well, if it’s not to your taste, let me know and I’ll prepare something else."
For now, I make some tea and bring it over.
I don't know if it suits royalty, but Erje drank it before, so it should be fine.
"Wow, milk tea! I'm happy."
"What? You put milk in tea?"
The two show different reactions as they bring the tea to their lips.
"It’s as delicious as always."
"Oh, it has a mellow taste. Not bad."
Phew, it seems it was to their liking.
I was just thinking how annoying it would be if they got mad at this.
"Now then, for the time being... it’s our first meeting, so I’m late with greetings. I am Yuki, the Dungeon Master of this dungeon."
I sit on the opposite sofa, introduce myself, and bow my head.
"Please forgive me. I cannot express enough gratitude for sheltering us. I am Seraria, Erje’s older sister. Please, continue to speak in the same casual manner as before."
I see, I see. It looks like Seraria has proper manners as a princess when she wants to.
Judging by how she carries a sword, maybe she’s a tomboy.
From there, I spent some time explaining the events so far and grasping the situation.
Mostly for Seraria’s benefit, but since I’d already heard about Loire’s secret movements through Mauve, you were a bit behind the curve, Miss Seraria.
"Let’s end it here for today. If I don't take a break, my head is going to explode. Where is the bedroom? I’ve been sleeping outdoors for the last four days; I want to sleep in a bed."
Saying that, Seraria asks with the intention of resting for the day.
By the way, I already finished making and serving dinner.
At that time, she asked if I wanted to become her exclusive chef.
The food situation in another world is truly sad.
Well, that doesn't matter. I can't have you lying in bed all covered in mud like that.
"Wait, wait. Strip, and get in the bath. I'll wash your clothes, so don't roll around on the bed covered in mud."
"Oh? Does this house actually have a bath?"
Ah, right.
In this world—or rather, baths—even for royalty in our version of Medieval Europe, it wasn't something they could do every day. Erje and the others usually just wiped their bodies with wet towels.
"Yeah, it does. This way."
I thought I explained it simply enough, but...
"It’s a bit complicated. Come in with me."
"Big Sister Chii?!"
"It’s fine, Erje. This man doesn't seem to have any intention of attacking me, and I want to enjoy a nice bath. If this man, Yuki, is with me, I don't have to think about it."
You're treating me like a handyman?
And with that, she started taking off her clothes.
She’s quite beautiful, so it’s a sight to behold, but how should I put it... maybe because she’s royalty, or because it’s been nothing but trouble up until now, I can't feel lustful at all.
"If you can defeat me, I wouldn't mind bearing your child, you know, Yuki?"
"Sigh, whatever. Just get in the bath already."
And so, the first day I met Seraria was exhausting, with many "firsts" in various senses.