第１５８掘：情報収集と魔剣の姫 (Part1)
**Dungeon 158: Information Gathering and the Magic Sword Princess**
**Side: Yuki**
"Man, that was actually pretty decent."
"It certainly was. They had both pepper and salt for spices; this is quite the inn."
As Ria said, this inn actually used spices in their cooking. Well, it was only pepper, but in medieval Europe, that was considered black gold. It just goes to show how much effort this place puts into their food.
...Though, I shouldn't compare it to Weed.
"Well, we've eaten. Let's just get some sleep."
"Agreed. Those people from earlier might still be searching for us."
Even if we sleep and tomorrow comes, I doubt the problem will be solved. That green-haired princess... she carries the same scent as battle junkies like Seraria. As for the subordinate she called Jessica, she seems like the type to honestly and diligently follow her princess's orders to hunt us down.
In an age of constant warfare, that kind of energetic military officer is highly valued. She’s beautiful, strong, and charismatic. For a nation, she’s probably a great mascot to boost morale.
"I'll leave this body to the Doppelganger; I’ve got to go back to Weed and make dinner."
"It’s strange, isn't it? Even though we’ve come such a long way, we’re still doing day trips."
Ria wore a conflicted expression.
What’s wrong with day trips? Besides, I don't want to leave the pregnant group unattended. If I don't carefully balance their meals, I don't know what kind of impact it might have on the babies. Plus, personally, I don't like exhausting long-distance travel. I’d rather be at home playing games. It’s better for my wallet and a more efficient use of time. If I’m at home, I can react immediately if something happens.
It’s a total mood-killer to get a call from work while traveling or to feel like you have to rush back.
Oh, and I kept the green-haired princess a secret. Whether it’s as a source of information, the matter of the magic sword, or her personality—if I gave them careless information, the battle-hungry pregnant group would want to fight, and the domestic-minded pregnant group would start overthinking things.
Everything I do is for my wives and the children in their bellies. That’s why, until I gather solid information, I avoid telling the expedition team anything reckless. Even regarding this current situation or the village, it’s mostly just post-reporting.
Things in Weed are normal. The Allied Forces have successfully built defensive functions centered around the old Demon Lord’s castle, and by cooperating with Liliana, they’ve begun to dismantle the retreating Rumel invasion force from within. As for Ranks, the shadow of the former king has completely vanished, and they are rebuilding under Taiki’s leadership.
Taiki himself probably wants to go on a journey to find a way back to Earth, but after doing all that, he won't have any free time for a while. He has to deal with the gratitude from Weed and Gartz, so he’s going to be busy. It’s a classic example of how being a public figure is a hassle.
I spent the day like that—cooking, hearing about the situation in Weed, checking on the pregnant group, and chatting.
The next morning, after making and eating breakfast as usual, I’d normally head back to the Doppelganger in the New Continent, right?
"Alright, time to work hard again today."
"Indeed."
Yeah, work. It feels like commuting to the office. At the end of the day, even if you go to another world, you have to work to eat. I’ll just have to accept that.
Back on Earth, there are people who fly around the world for work even more than we do. There are plenty of impressive people who, without cheats like me, learned foreign languages, negotiated, and earned a living. Compared to them, I’ve got it easy.
"Alright, let's have this body eat breakfast, too, and see if we can get some information from the innkeeper."
"That’s the plan. It’s a pain, but the Doppelganger has to eat outside the dungeon, too. And as you said, Ria, we might as well gather some intel."
Before a Doppelganger transforms, they’re basically a faceless blob—a magical lifeform—but once they shift, they’re locked into that race. Naturally, they have to eat and excrete just like everyone else. Well, if they didn't, they couldn't infiltrate groups by blending in.
"Yo, sleep well?"
"Yeah. The food was good, the bed was clean—it was perfect."
"Glad to hear it. Here, take a seat. I'll bring your breakfast."
"Thanks."
I sat down at an empty table with Ria.
"Hey, old man. There are a lot of empty seats. Did everyone else already eat?"
I looked at the empty dining hall and called out to the man cooking.
"Nah, including you two, there are only three groups staying here. As you know, the room rates are high."
"And you can stay in business like that?"
"Well, I make more from the restaurant than the inn. You should see this place at lunch; it’s packed."
"I see. That makes sense."
"In the morning, as you can see, there’s almost no one. I use this time to prep for lunch. Here’s your breakfast."
Breakfast was laid out before us: bread, something like bacon, and salad. A standard Western-style meal. I guess I really am Japanese, wanting some rice. But complaining about what isn't there is pointless, so I just ate.
"Hey, old man. Did the other guests already eat and leave?"
"Hm? Only one group left. The other group is... oh, would you like breakfast?"
As I was asking, the other guests staying at the inn arrived in the dining hall. Perfect. I’ll try to gather some information while I eat.
"Hey, if you don't mind, why don't you join us for a meal and—no, never mind."
I turned around, and the invitation died on my lips. I couldn't help it, given who it was.
"Ah!! So this is where you were!!"
"It really is 'the darkest place under the lighthouse,' isn't it?"
It was the green-haired princess and her attendant.
*Ugh*, what is this flag? Someone tell me how to break it. I just wanted to gather information at my own pace.
Oh, God!! OH, MY GOD!!
...Wait, it’s Luna. Praying is a waste of time. Or wait, "MY" God—well, I don't really worship anyone, so... let’s go with Amaterasu. I am Japanese, after all.
*‘That’s me, you know.’*
My God is dead.
*‘Why?!’*
Anyway, ignoring the useless goddess who only brings trouble...
"Why are you sitting at our table like it’s nothing?"
"You were the one who invited me to eat, were you not?"
"No, I said 'no.' I used the tone of rejection."
"I didn't hear it."
"Well, well. Yuki-san, you would have been found out in this situation anyway, so why not just hear what they have to say?"
Ria’s right. Since we were staying at the same inn, this situation was bound to happen eventually; I should just consider it having happened a bit early. If it’s come to this, I’ll just squeeze some information out of her.
"Ho, so your name is Yuki. And what is the name of the woman beside you?"
"I am..."
"Stop. There’s no reason to give your name to someone who won't give theirs. Let's eat."
"Understood."
"You two are being rather rude, aren't you? The Princess is asking you a question."
As we started eating, the attendant spoke up, sounding exasperated and slightly angry.
"Look, I don't know who you are. Is it the custom of this country to demand names from others while refusing to give your own?"
"Well, it is natural to introduce oneself, but..."
"Then you’re definitely the ones lacking manners. Judging by how things went in town, you seem to be famous, but we don't know who you are. Or rather, even if we did, shouldn't you be the ones to introduce yourselves first?"
"..."