第４４２堀：動き出す冒険者たち (Part1)
### Chapter 442: The Adventurers Set in Motion
**Side: Mauve**
"...And so, there is a very high probability that a Dungeon Master is hiding in the Sword Kingdom, on the side of Nogosh. Furthermore, the name of that bitch princess from Ranks has come up."
"...What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
I clutched my head at the sudden report. I had been having a lively time at a nostalgic tavern just moments ago, but the alcohol had completely sobered up in an instant.
What? There’s a possibility that the dungeon created by that selfish princess is spreading right beneath my feet? That’s way too terrifying!!
"What’s wrong?"
"Did something happen? You haven't had nearly enough to be this drunk."
Before I knew it, Raiya and Curse had caught up to me.
"Ah, sorry. What about the bill?"
"Already paid. You walked out, after all."
"The main guest, Mauve-san, left, so the banquet was effectively over."
"I see."
I felt bad for the people from my hometown who had celebrated my return, but honestly, I didn't have the luxury of leisurely drinking. I’d finish this business and have a proper drink later. First, I had to explain things to Raiya and Curse.
"I got a message from Yuki. I'll explain at the inn."
"Understood."
"Got it."
They responded immediately, sensing the seriousness on my face, and we headed toward the inn. It’s the kind of unspoken rhythm you develop after being partners for so many years.
"Oh, good evening, Mauve-san and everyone."
"Oh, Kirika. Good evening."
Kirika was already in front of the inn, seemingly waiting for us to return. On the surface, we were just acquaintances staying at the same inn.
"I have an interesting story."
"Me too. Would you like to have a drink in the dining hall if you're up for it?"
"Sorry. I’ve already had enough to drink and was just about to turn in."
"Oh, how cold. Well, it wouldn't be enjoyable to force it, so let's save it for another time."
With that, Kirika entered the inn, exchanged a brief greeting with the innkeeper, and headed straight to her room.
"Hey, hey, Mauve. You shouldn't turn down an invitation from a beauty like that."
"It's fine. She’s not quite my daughter’s age, but... it still brings back memories."
"...Sorry. That was thoughtless of me."
It’s convenient, isn't it? Acting like I’m still hung up on the past.
"Don't worry about it. I drank too much today anyway. I’m going to get some rest."
"Yeah. Sleep well."
After parting ways with the innkeeper and returning to my room, Kirika—who should have been in her own room—was already there.
"Pardon the intrusion."
"Yeah."
Well, it was just a formality. It’s all part of the act to ensure no one suspects we’re meeting intentionally. I personally think it’s a bit much, but Yuki told us to do it, and since Raiya and Curse agreed, we’ve been keeping it up. Actually, now that I think about it, it was a good idea.
"Since you’ve returned, does that mean you received *that* message as well?"
"Yeah. But it seems Raiya and Curse haven't yet. Right?"
"I only received a message from Yuki telling me to bring Mauve back."
"Same here."
"I see. Then, regarding that..."
Just as Kirika was about to continue, a call came through. It was Yuki.
"Yes, Master. We are already gathered. Yes, yes. Understood. Everyone, the situation is quite dire, so the Master will explain it again directly."
*『Yo. I’d like to ask how you’re doing, but now isn't the time for pleasantries. First, regarding the Magic Kingdom of Nonoa, things proceeded quite smoothly thanks to Taizo-san’s efforts. That was a huge help.』*
That’s right. That was indeed a help. As expected of someone from Yuki’s homeland. I don't understand the complicated stuff, though.
*『They were extremely cooperative, and thanks to that, I’ve had to significantly revise my understanding of the current situation. To put it briefly—though it might be too early to call it a certainty—I have judged that there is a very high probability that a Dungeon Master is lurking in the Sword Kingdom, Nogosh.』*
"How credible is that information?"
"Indeed. It is possible that Nonoa is deceiving us, or perhaps there simply wasn't a dungeon within the royal capital."
Oh, as expected of Raiya and Curse. That is a possibility. But, well, once that name comes up, things get complicated.
*『I haven't discarded that possibility, but here is why I’ve judged this to be the most likely scenario. First, there was no dungeon in Nonoa’s territory, and the defenses were practically non-existent. That’s too sloppy for someone supposedly cooperating with a Dungeon Master. Furthermore, Nonoa’s understanding of dungeons was identical to Faide’s; it’s clear the information was intentionally distorted. In fact, when I explained the reality of dungeons, Nonoa became cooperative. That leaves Nogosh or Gota, but based on what Faide and Nonoa said, Gota isn't participating in the alliance, so the connection is likely low. By process of elimination, that leaves Nogosh.』*
"I understand the logic. I also understand why that probability is high given the current situation."
"However, is that enough to warrant such urgency?"
*『The problem is the name of the Dungeon Master that Nonoa gave me.』*
"A name?"
"You found out the name of the cooperating Dungeon Master?"
*『Yeah. For some reason, the name Bitz Ranks came up.』*
"“Hah!?”"
Both of them were stunned, the blood draining from their faces. That makes sense. A selfish princess like her being a Dungeon Master is a nightmare.
"Wait a minute, that’s impossible."
"Exactly. Her name wasn't on the list created by Luna...-sama. Which means there’s no way she could be a Dungeon Master... Wait, could it be!?"
*『As expected of Curse, you’re sharp. Either she had a portion of the Dungeon Master’s power transferred to her—just like my wives—and is being used as a front, or she deceived a Dungeon Master and usurped their position.』*
"...I see. But that princess doesn't seem like the type to have power transferred to her just to be a front."
"I agree. Perhaps the original Dungeon Master is already dead. But now I understand why this land is dangerous and why this is an emergency. This area is under Gartz’s administrative control, and Ranks, which ousted Princess Bitz, is nearby. For her, there is no better place to exact her revenge. She has sufficient reason to direct hostility toward Weed by spreading misinformation involving the gods. If she knows Yuki is an otherworldly person like Taiki-kun, she would definitely try to take him down together with us."
Oh, I see. Curse’s explanation is easy to understand. I just thought, "That sounds like something a selfish princess would do," but when it’s explained this clearly, it all makes sense.