Chapter 150
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Tina and the others had something they wanted to convey to the lord of Dungeon City.
With that in mind, I figured it would be best to have them meet with Charlotte—the representative of “Silver Orchid” and also the princess of this country—to help facilitate a meeting with the lord.
I was relieved to get approval for that, but then, when Tina was asked for her contact information, for some reason, she gave them my room number.
As a result, the women nearby gave me sharp looks. But I hadn’t heard anything about this, so naturally, I denied it.
”No, I don’t know anything about that,” I said plainly.
”Oh, come on,” Tina replied, puffing out her cheeks in mild protest.
”Even if you say that…” I frowned, glancing between the others. “It’s true I haven’t heard anything.”
”But look,” she said, flashing a sly grin. “You brought us all the way here, so there’s the matter of gratitude… right?”
She winked as she said it—subtly, perhaps to keep things light in front of the others.
Given how she suddenly kissed me when Ferris appeared earlier, she probably understands my closeness with “Silver Orchid.”
And now that I’ve introduced her directly to Charlotte, the representative, Tina might be trying to get closer to me under the assumption that my position is equal to—or even higher than—hers within the organization.
She seems to intend to stay in my room as a form of thanks. But… from what I’ve heard, while they’re not at fault, they are being pursued. So I should probably refuse if possible.
Just as I was thinking that, Ferris moved closer and suddenly linked her arm with mine.
Tap, tap, tap… grip.
”Koji,” she asked, voice casual but sharp. “You said you haven’t known these two for long, but what led to you traveling together?”
”Huh?” I blinked. “Oh… I saw them being attacked by a group on my way back. When I helped them out, they asked if they could accompany me.”
Hearing that, Ferris turned to Tina and the others, making a suggestion.
”I see… then let’s take them in.”
”Oh, is that alright?” Tina asked, eyes bright with surprise—and clear eagerness.
Ferris offered an explanation, looking directly at her.
”We protect women who’ve been harmed by men, you know. Your situation falls under that. There shouldn’t be any problem. And if you’re here, we can relay the lord’s response to you right away, can’t we?”
”Ah, I had heard that you protect women…” Tina nodded thoughtfully. “Indeed, if we can get a response as quickly as possible, it would be better to be here.”
As she said that, she glanced briefly in my direction.
Ferris, noting the agreement, turned toward Charlotte.
”Then it’s settled. Is that alright, Shirley?”
”Yes,” Charlotte replied at once. “Let’s prepare a room right away.”
Without delay, she began preparing the paperwork.
Watching her work, I raised a question.
”By the way… you decided to connect us to the lord without even asking?”
Charlotte replied calmly, her voice muffled behind the helmet concealing her identity.
”If something happens… I intend to hold you responsible, you know♪”
”…”
If Tina’s request turns out to be genuine, that’s fine. If not, then it means I was used.
Is that trade-off worth it? Maybe it just means the lord is replaceable.
I’d heard that the lord of this city held authority on behalf of the royal family’s trust.
So, if that trust remains… does that mean a replacement can be arranged?
Well, that might work for the country. But for Frederica, the daughter of the current lord, it’d be unfortunate.
I’ve gotten close to her, and she’s not a bad person.
Thinking about all that… maybe I should accompany Tina and the others to their audience—just in case.
They say they wouldn’t mind having the audience in the nude, but… even without clothes, someone with special abilities could still be dangerous.
Well, I’ll talk to Ferris about it later.
Even if I follow them invisibly, she knows I can do that, so I should be able to get some solid advice on how to sneak along.
If I go with that plan, I want to gather magic stones to maintain my magical power.
I had some stored in Gavrett, but with the increased group size and the rapid sky travel, it’s gotten a bit risky.
While it’s not an immediate crisis, depending on how things unfold, I could run low on magic. I should head into the dungeon and gather some magic stones soon.
Just as I was thinking that, Charlotte finished writing the documents and slid them across the desk to Tina.
Swoosh.
”Please take this to reception,” she said. “I could handle it directly, but… it’s better if there’s as little evidence as possible of special treatment.”
Given the nature of “Silver Orchid,” I doubt anyone would intentionally leak information—but slips do happen.
That’s probably why she chose to prepare official paperwork instead of just issuing verbal orders.
”Thank you for your thoughtfulness,” Tina said sincerely. She accepted the documents and bowed her head in gratitude.
* * *
With the conversation over, I exited Charlotte’s office. The immediate business was done.
Since I wasn’t called back, I guess there’s still no news about the “Gem Snake” reward.
As I thought that, Ferris—walking alongside me—opened the door to the next room and called out.
Click.
”The discussion is over.”
”Yes,” came the synchronized replies from within.
Naturally, the voices belonged to women. As they answered, the owners of the voices stepped out.
Two of Charlotte’s guards and a woman with a secretary-like aura emerged.
I still didn’t know their names, but their faces were familiar.
Now that I think of it… Charlotte had been alone in the room. Seems she had cleared it out ahead of time.
She must’ve informed them about Tina and the others in advance, despite it supposedly being our first meeting. Judging by the response, Ferris’s influence and trust were at play here.
Charlotte once said that if needed, Ferris could abandon her.
I still don’t really understand that relationship.
But… maybe that’s not something I need to worry about.
* * *
And then… when the women from the next room entered Charlotte’s room, Ferris urged us downstairs.
”Well then, shall we go?” Ferris said with a gentle smile.
Following her, we returned to the reception, and as soon as Tina and the others completed the procedure to rent the room, we were guided right away.
”Now, let me show you,” the woman from the reception said, leading us along the hallway.
”Oh, is it already alright?” Tina asked, looking a little surprised.
”Yes. We are always somewhat prepared, and we just need to bring in the things that need to be prepared each time,” the woman explained politely.
Satisfied with the response, Tina and the others turned to me and bowed slightly.
”Thank you so much,” Tina said sincerely.
”I didn’t expect things to go this smoothly. It was a big help,” added one of the others—probably Lira.
”Ah, no…” I replied, scratching my cheek awkwardly.
I figured that settled things for now, but if they end up meeting the lord, I might have to get involved again.
It’s a hassle, but since I live in this town—this street—it’s something I can’t just ignore.
As I was thinking that, watching Tina and the others off, Ferris turned to me.
”So, what are your plans moving forward?” she asked.
”Moving forward? Not much… just earning in the dungeon, I guess?” I replied, somewhat half-heartedly.
”Right. Then I’ll arrange for you to use the ‘middle’ base again,” Ferris said with a nod.
”Ah, that would be helpful,” I answered, genuinely grateful.
Iris and Arisa don’t have any reason to enter the dungeon, but I’d be taking Seria with me. It’s convenient to leave her at the Silver Orchid base, which is women-only.
Since it’s known that I can fly and become invisible, I did consider taking her to the peak of that rocky mountain where I used to stay… but that wouldn’t be good unless I confirmed the situation first.
I had been growing black mini tomatoes up there—ones that enhance the skills of anyone who eats them. If, by some chance, they survived, Seria would notice.
I don’t think she’d go around telling people on purpose, but still, just to be safe, I want to keep that secret for now.
So, I asked Ferris to take care of the base arrangements, and we left the Silver Orchid office.
* * *
”Well then, I’m going to report my return to the church after I get home,” Seria said and then turned to leave.
I had her come along just in case—to keep an eye on Tina and the others—but since everything went smoothly, I told her she could go home for today.
She probably wants to see her mother, Ms. Meria.
Next, I needed to secure a place for Iris and Arisa to stay.
For today, they’re set to stay at the Silver Orchid Inn, but the real problem is what comes after.
Their stay is likely to be long-term. And if that’s the case, living in an inn would start to get expensive.
There is financial support from my family, but continuous support would draw unnecessary attention to them.
So, the two of them declined that and are planning to save money on their own, to some extent.
Well, I did say I’d cover it if necessary.
They said they want to rent a place, just like I did.
They even said they wanted to live with me, but I refused. I told them that having time to relax alone is important.
It’s true—I like spending time alone. If I were to live with two people, there’s a real chance I’d be relied on constantly.
Because of that, we decided to head to the real estate agency.
That said, the only agency I know is the one that introduced me to my current apartment.
I could probably get a direct intro from Hooters—the landlord—but I feel bad for the agency that handles referrals.
* * *
When we arrived at the real estate agency and opened the door, Ms. Tora was at the reception desk, just like before.
”Oh, Mr. Koji. Welcome!” she greeted, her face lighting up.
”Thank you, it’s been a while,” I replied, stepping inside.
Iris and Arisa followed me in quietly.
”Oh, who are they?” Ms. Tora asked, naturally curious.
Arisa, bold as ever, stepped forward and answered without hesitation.
”Koji’s fiancées,” she said with a confident smile.
It seemed that Arisa, having noticed the increasing number of women I was getting involved with through Silver Orchid, wanted to stop any additions before they started.
Ms. Tora blinked, clearly puzzled.
”Oh? Did you break up with Ms. Monoka?”
…Ah, right.
I had introduced Ms. Monoka as my girlfriend when I was first looking for an apartment. It was part of the setup so she could act as my guarantor. And, well, she did become my guarantor… and it’s also true that she has feelings for me.
Leaving things as they are might not be the best idea. I should probably ask Hooters to be my guarantor from now on.
As I was thinking that, I suddenly felt a strong grip on my shoulder.
”What’s going on?” Arisa asked, her voice cheerful—but clearly tinged with anger.
Notes:
• Tina – Female. A magician. She has a slender build, and her chest is described as soft. She is initially rescued by the protagonist and expresses a desire to accompany him. Her relationship with the protagonist develops quickly, and she seems to be attracted to him.
• Charlotte – The third princess of the Kingdom of Orlando
• Ferris – The representative of Silver Orchid
• Frederica – The receptionist. The daughter of powerful figure in the town.
• Seria – The first cleric.
• Arisa – Alicia’s (Iris’ sister) fake name.
• Iris – The first collaborator to request a curse-breaking item.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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