第２３６掘：わが身ダンジョン也 (Part1)
Chapter 236: My Body is a Dungeon
My Body is a Dungeon
Side: Yuki
We are currently in a room within the Royal Castle of Enaria.
This space has been provided as a guest room, and I'm gathered here with my wives.
Jessica is with Miffy and Mist, on duty as Princess Miffy's guard.
Well, it wouldn't be appropriate for me, a man, to remain in a room for unmarried women indefinitely.
"So, what's our plan from here?" Seraria asks, still clinging to me.
"For now, Seraria, Deryu, Rurua, Ria, and Peace will remain here. Kirika and the others are going to report their findings, so we need to listen carefully. Besides, we're officially on guard duty."
With that, Seraria and the others nod.
"Eris, Ratz, Milly, I'd like you to gather information in the castle town. I won't give you specific targets. Just explore areas that pique your interest. The three of you should be capable of that, right?"
"Yes, leave it to us!"
"Indeed, of course, Onii-san."
"Yuki-san, you can count on me!"
These three have high negotiation skills with ordinary people, thanks to their experiences as travelers, adventurers, and guild receptionists. Kirika and her group are already confirming information about nobles and dangerous organizations. That leaves us with the general populace.
However, these ordinary people shouldn't be underestimated. Rumors, after all, originate from somewhere. And they've spread widely enough to reach the common folk. Even with Kirika and her team dedicated to information gathering, they can't possibly collect more information than the residents of the castle town. There's a chance that information unknown to Kirika's group is circulating as gossip. That's why I've chosen these three.
"I've already spoken with Agil, and we're planning to get a travel permit from him. It would be beneficial for the three of you to meet Agil directly and have him recognize your faces. Also, please try to conduct your information gathering together as much as possible. While I don't doubt your individual combat capabilities, unforeseen circumstances can always arise. Therefore, it's better to be in a situation where you can support each other."
The three seem to understand and nod without any questions.
"Furthermore, while we'll be staying in Enaria, my wives are exceptionally beautiful, even without my bias. Due to our current position, we are acting as Princess Miffy's guards. Therefore, there's a possibility that someone in a position of authority might attempt to sexually harass you, using their power. However, I want you to avoid that at all costs. I will deal with any resulting problems. So, for my sake, please do not allow yourselves to be touched, under any circumstances."
Yes, I had to say this. While the purpose of this visit is to investigate the cause of the mana depletion, I will not hand over my wives to other men. In fact, I will crush anyone who dares to try.
Looking at my wives again, they were all smirking. Yes, I'm fully aware of what I just said. It means I won't give them away to anyone.
"Yes, of course. This heart, this body, it all belongs to you."
"That is correct, my lord. Should anyone dare to lay a hand on us..."
Seraria and Rurua say this, and all my wives take a breath...
"WE WILL ERASE THEM."
"You don't have to go that far, to the point of extinguishing their very lives."
"Calm down. Being executed for sexual harassment isn't a thing, not even in Japan. Or rather, not on Earth."
"BUT WHY?"
"It's not 'but why.' Do you intend to drown this castle in a sea of blood? Besides, having your kingdom destroyed for something like sexual harassment is an incredibly absurd reason."
Does this fall under one of the three reasons for a nation's downfall: women? No, that can't be right. The other two are sweet-talkers and money, cash.
"Now, I've covered the precautions. Let me tell you the real plan."
Yes, what I've said so far were precautions and confirmations. Diplomacy and information gathering are to ensure our primary objective isn't hindered. The purpose of coming to the Holy Kingdom of Enaria is to take possession of the ruins and dungeons here. We need to confirm the records of the previous person who investigated the mana depletion, as well as any supplies or other relevant materials.
I project our usual surveillance map in front of everyone. This is the dungeon map of Enaria. The previous owner apparently didn't turn the surface into a dungeon, but after receiving reports from Kirika, I've converted all the surface buildings into dungeons. Well, like the outer town of Weed, the DP absorption rate is quite poor, but having map information like this is convenient.
"I've looked it over a few times, but the cityscape is on par with Roschur or Gartz."
"Well, it is one of the leading great nations on this continent."
"And what about the dungeon, Onii-san? Any progress?" Ratz asks, and everyone else turns their gaze to me, awaiting my words.
"Unfortunately, it seems the Holy Sword users did some tidying up when they occupied this dungeon. The underground structure of the Grand Cathedral was a dungeon, as Peace mentioned. We found the room where the Holy Swords were said to be, but it was all on the upper levels. They searched the main dungeon through hidden passages, but it seems only old sundries were left, with no documents."
"...It seems so?"
"Yes, as Rurua says, 'it seems so.' Even if the items only appeared as sundries to Kirika and the others, we might be able to discern something if we investigate. So, we'll form a rotation for guard duty, and the rest of us will go into the dungeon to appraise the items. Oh, and they're left in their respective rooms, so don't bring them out."
"Huh? Why not?"
"It's about maintaining the scene, you see. For example, if I wake up in the morning and leave my futon unmade, wouldn't you think I'm still nearby?"
"I see, so by observing these traces of daily life, we can understand how the dungeon was abandoned?"
"Exactly. So, even though it might be troublesome, please venture into the dungeon rooms. I've already disarmed the traps, but only the ones set within the dungeon. Traps like books placed on top of doors are still active, so please be careful."
"But surely, such traps wouldn't pose a threat?" Peace says, and all eyes turn to her. Naturally, mine too.