第１６５掘：隔絶 (Part1)
**Dungeon Excavation 165: Isolation**
**Isolation**
**Side: Yuki**
Well, the princesses have escaped, and things with the village have been settled for the time being. All that’s left is to construct a defensive line and prepare for the enemy’s massive army.
I’ll leave the call to the demi-humans to the village chiefs. The situation is still too unstable for us to go there ourselves, and to be honest, I don’t really need them since our combat power is already set.
With that said, the most important thing to do right now is to get on good terms with Jessica, a former member of the Zilba Empire’s Wind Princess Knights, who holds the information we need on our hostile neighbor. They say information is more valuable than gold, after all.
"So, Jessica. What do you intend to do from here on out?"
I decided to prioritize her intentions first. It’s the first step toward increasing her favorability—what you might call "consideration." Even though she’s a prisoner, she’s a vital source of information as long as she doesn’t try to escape. Besides, we didn’t suffer any real damage from her. We were attacked by their army, but there were no human casualties, and our supplies barely took a hit. The only real cost was the high-quality liquor I brought out to reward Steve and the others after the victory, plus the ropes used for capturing nearly 2,500 people and the labor involved in transporting supplies. Oh, and maybe the medical expenses?
Normally, these wouldn't be negligible costs, but since I have the Dungeon and the ability to replenish supplies using DP, it’s not an issue. A situation where that DP would run dry is practically impossible unless something truly catastrophic happens. The 13,000-plus residents of Weed support us, after all.
"What do you mean by 'what do I intend to do'?"
"Even though you're a prisoner, I have an agreement with the princess. I don't intend to give you any strange orders as long as you don't try to run away. I respect your will. Well, I would like you to share as much information as you can, though."
"Do you intend to attack the Zilba Empire?"
"No, this is for defense. As you can see, our numbers are far too small. Besides, in terms of our standing, we’re enemies of the human race, so it would be the height of stupidity to start a fight ourselves, wouldn't it?"
"That is correct. I have been reported as deceased, so if I were to flee, I would have to go to another country. I have been well-cared for by the Zilba Empire until now. I have no reason to defect to another nation. As per my promise to the Princess, I will devote myself to either winning you over, Yuki, or gathering information on this place."
"Hmm. A bold declaration of espionage. I can't let you into the really deep secrets, you know?"
"I assumed as much. That is why I will devote myself to winning over you, the leader. You may do as you please with me. Do not worry; I will not attempt any assassinations. You, Ria, and this mercenary group are worth more than my own life. If you desire it, I will love you from the bottom of my heart."
*Ugh.* Should I call her a pure-blooded soldier, or just incredibly earnest?
Setting that aside, if I apply "Designated Protection," it serves as both protection and a leash, which ensures our safety. Given her attitude, she seems likely to accept it. Shall I give it a try?
"I see... If you accept my 'Designated Protection,' I might be willing to show you some relevant information. What do you say?"
"What is this 'Designated Protection'?"
As expected, she isn't the type to nod immediately.
"Well, explaining it from the ground up is a huge pain. To put it simply, you know about slave collars, right? It’s a simplified version of that."
"A simplified version of a slave collar? In what way is it simplified?"
I started explaining the additional abilities of the Designated Protection. To recap: no killing or injuring allowed within the dungeon, movement restrictions, restrictions on leaking information, long-distance communication between those under protection, and, of course, attacking me is forbidden. Since she wouldn't understand the "dungeon" part, I focused on the effects outside of it.
"Hmm, I see. There is essentially no difference from a slave collar. The only difference is that you, Yuki, would relax the restrictions out of mercy."
"I suppose so. Though, I can even leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, so in a sense, the restrictions are even stricter than a slave collar."
Elju once said it was lighter than a slave collar, but that’s only if you’re the one being protected. If you’re the one being bound, it’s a much more troublesome item.
"But you will show me the secret to the strength of your mercenary group, correct?"
"It’s not really a 'secret,' per se."
It’s just that if I showed her, her brain would probably explode, which is a hassle. Even Jessica couldn't keep up, so even if I showed the other princesses, they wouldn't understand. In a way, I took Jessica prisoner precisely because I saw that kind of potential in her.
"With that reaction, should I take it that you accept the Designated Protection?"
"Yes, please."
And just like that, the Designated Protection was accepted. Only Oriel had resisted it—a difference in their positions, I suppose.
"With that settled, this is Jessica, who is now one of our allies. Treat her well."
"Yes!" "Understood!"
My wives were their usual selves. Steve seemed a bit awkward, probably because he was the one who actually fought her. Mauve and the others just nodded without much interest; that’s how a real battlefield usually is, I guess. It’s pointless to hold a grudge over every little thing. Actually, Mauve and the others are intentionally avoiding her so they don't say anything wrong.
"Jessica-san, my name is Shera. I would be happy if you would tell me many stories."
"Jessica-oneechan, my name is Aslin. Nice to meet you."
"I am Firia!!"
"I'm Labyris... *giggle*."
Unlike when she greeted Tori and the others, Jessica seemed strangely stiff while exchanging greetings with Shera and the others.
"Ah, yes. Nice to meet you."
She really is stiff. Is she bad with children? Maybe I should send Aslin and the others away for a moment to talk.
"Aslin, you guys go prepare for Jessica’s welcome party. I’m going to show her around and explain things, so you’ll be in charge of today’s meal. Show me the results of your studies so far."
"Yes!! We’ll do our best!!"
"Understood. Please take your time."
"Yuki, you’ve brought back another interesting one, haven't you?"
With that, the younger group headed back to the inn. As I watched them go, I turned to speak to Jessica...
"Yuki!! Why does this mercenary group have children like that with them!!"
Eh? Why is she angry?
"Battles should be fought by us adults! The children who will carry the future should at least be allowed to live healthily until that time comes!! Why would you bring them to a battlefield like this!!"
Ah, I see. She really is an earnest one.
"I understand what you're saying, but wouldn't it be worse to just leave them behind in the village we stopped at? There's no guarantee that village will remain safe in the future."
"I understand that. But there will be an even larger battle here soon."
"Wait, can't I just bluff my way through that?"
"You know exactly what I mean, Yuki. The Zilba Empire isn't a monolith. There are those who are aiming for the Princess's downfall."
"I suppose so. I think buying time is the best we can hope for."
"Then why!! Why would you bring such..."
"Don't worry. It's what they wanted..."
"There's no way that's..."
And then, I said the one thing that silenced Jessica completely.
"Didn't you hear? It was us and those kids, Aslin and the others, who crushed the Princess's main force."
"What!?"
"I told you from the start, didn't I? The princesses aren't a threat. But since it’s troublesome to have them as enemies, I’m taking gentle measures."
Then, Ria tugged on Jessica's hand.
"...Where are we going?"
"You want to know, don't you? Why we, and Yuki-san, possess such strength that defies common sense?"
"...Yes."