Chapter 393: The Evil Treasure

Looking up, the next room was labeled 'Treasure Vault.'

According to the large explanation written on the signboard, it states the following.

The evil treasures gathered by the villains

～Let no one touch～

And.

Look! The dragon was guarding this all along!

Mayumi spoke rapidly, spilling out words in a rush.

"Yeah, yeah"

With a hint of boredom, we gaze at the counterfeit gold and silver treasures...

Those clearly gold-plated items were firmly glued down, just in case of careless customers.

"Glug... If there are this many, I could probably sneak one home... Oh wait! No, no, no! Don't let yourself be fooled by immediate desires—otherwise, you'll fall right into the magic mirror's trap! Everyone agrees, right? Right? Right?"

"Huh..."

Honestly, even if these were real, I doubt they'd be worth much these days.

Ahead lay a single, rather intricately crafted large gemstone.

From there, Mai's performance was nothing short of a masterclass.

Her expression turned one of mesmerized fascination—

"But... maybe... just a little... it'd be okay to take it home...?"

She took a step toward it.

"A-ah, um! Actually, my mom's been sick! But if I have this gem, I can buy medicine for her! I could even afford a better life! ……You all will just overlook this, right? Right?"

But we could see it. Behind the gem, a giant monster's shadow loomed...

Something that would make a little kid scream, "Guide! It's dangerous!" in panic.

Of course, we're keeping a close eye on things, not just watching over Ayame, but also making sure no one sneaks in during the performance.

Ayame, continuing her solo act with no audience, staggered closer to the gem... and then reached out to take it.

At the same moment, a cry echoed from the "Magic Mirror."

"Hahahaha! You've fallen right into my trap! Your so-called justice is nothing more than this! If you'd betray your principles for a single gemstone, then in the end, you and us aren't so different at all!"

"S-such a thing!?"

And again, a "pishaaan, guruguruguru!" sound effect.

At the same time, iron bars—appearing as if made of soft material—emerged around Mayi-san, trapping her inside.

"Ah-eeeen! I'm so sorry!"

However, this dramatic scene was missed by about seventy percent.

After all, at that very moment, five members of the "Immortal Squad" attacked us.

Still, compared to the girl who had attacked us earlier, they were vastly underpowered.

"Yaaahhhhhhh!" (Lv. 18)

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!" (Lv. 12)

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!" (Lv. 9)

"Please, don't hurt me!" (Lv. 14)

"Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah!" (Lv. 15)

Probably because they'd been lounging around in the "Improbable Kingdom" for far too long. Honestly, their strength was barely different from that of an ordinary girl.

I gently knocked them out, then swiftly drained their magic using the *Soul Absorption Blade*.

"Actually, I'm feeling better now. Maybe it would've been better if I hadn't come out at all."

I gave a wry smile and called out to the trapped Mayoi.

"It's over. Let's head to the next room."

She stepped slightly away from her role.

"Ah, actually... I can't go any further."

"Eh?"

"Looks like we're passing the baton to someone else here. Just hand them this paper."

What was handed over was a single piece of paper coated with waterproof material.

There,

You're the leader!

Take everyone to the next room!

There is a "Sword of Light" there.

Use it to defeat the evil will lurking within this castle!!

The text was written as follows.

I look at it and am slightly impressed.

"Wow. Having guests take charge like this is quite the challenging attraction, isn't it?"

"Yeah. If I'd actually been a guest here, I probably would've been shocked."

"But what if we only had guests who weren't very responsive?"

"In that case, I think the staff probably slipped in during the first blackout and quietly took over the guide role for that person. There's a secret entrance there, after all."

"I see..."

...for just a moment, nearly convinced,

"Why didn't you tell us that earlier?"

If Asuka had been taken, that "secret entrance" would've been the only way out.

Even if the route was roundabout, a friend had been kidnapped. Sharing information was the right thing to do, wasn't it?

"I really didn't know the details..."

Mayo-san bows her head, looking truly regretful.

"I can't even make a proper excuse. I'm truly sorry. I understand if you want to cut ties with me completely."

She bowed her head sorrowfully,

"But I want you to understand this—after all, I actually support Shizukawa Reika."

"……………"

"Sure, she's a wicked woman. But to ensure the happiness of my own family, we can't always rely on idealism."

"That is—"

"I think I'd be fine bringing back the jewels if it were for my mother's illness... But you're different, aren't you? That's right?"

I try to counter with something, but Mayoi shakes her head gently.

"Sorry. Talking any further would just be buying time. We agreed not to do that. Let's move on."

She says this while quietly pointing toward the next room inside the cell.

As usual, the room was bathed in the spotlight.

To Those with Righteous Hearts

A sign reading "this" was hanging there.