Chapter 105 Valend Cave Kingdom – Sashima
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
After some time, Sashima and Ayumu Sanai began their journey together. According to Ayumu, they had already passed through the Birene Mine Tunnel and entered a safe area. Indeed, as they continued, the eerie feeling that had once pervaded the tunnel seemed to lessen. The Birene Mine Tunnel had been cold and damp, but now, the cave they walked through was lit with artificial torch-like lights along the walls, and the yellowish walls gave it a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
”Ah, we’ve arrived. Welcome to the Valend Cave Kingdom, Ms. Sashima,” Ayumu said, opening the way into a vast space.
Sashima gasped in awe. “Incredible…”
What she saw was a scene straight out of a fantasy novel, something one might expect to find in a magical world. The underground city existed within a dome-like structure, and it seemed they were standing near the upper part of this dome.
”This way, Ms. Sashima. Before you explore the city, you need to meet the king and offer your respects,” Ayumu instructed.
”Got it, Sanai,” Sashima responded, following him closely.
As they walked, their conversation continued.
”To explain… this is a country inhabited by dwarves, a race of demi-humans,” Ayumu said.
”Dwarves?!” Sashima’s eyes widened. “You mean like the little people from novels?”
”Yes, exactly. So, keep in mind that humans are considered outsiders here,” Ayumu explained. “Got it, Ms. Sashima?”
Sashima nodded, though she seemed a bit distracted. “I see… so that’s why there’s a town underground,” she said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Ayumu couldn’t help but sigh internally. *She doesn’t seem to be paying much attention…* he thought, but then realized it was probably understandable. She was witnessing a world unlike anything she had ever known.
”Yeah, it’s exciting, isn’t it? So many things here that don’t exist back in our world. Well, I only arrived a few days ago myself, so I don’t know much about this place either,” he added with a small chuckle.
Sashima looked up in surprise. “Wait… What? You just got here too?”
She stared at him with wide eyes, clearly impressed. Ayumu explained how before coming to Valend, he had lived in Livonia, a city-state in the Yugan Free Cities League, and how he had found work there before being transferred here.
”Wow, that’s amazing! You came all the way to another world by yourself to work! I can’t even imagine how scary that must have been,” Sashima said, her voice filled with admiration.
Ayumu felt a bit awkward at the praise. “I… guess so,” he muttered, not used to being complimented like this.
”Anyway,” Ayumu continued, “normally, a human needs permission from the dwarf king to be here. Do you understand?”
Sashima’s face fell. “Wait, what? Permission from the king?”
”Don’t look so worried,” Ayumu reassured her. “I’ve already made arrangements for you to stay here. We’ll just go to see the king now and explain everything.”
Sashima smiled faintly but still seemed anxious as they headed toward the Grand Palace to meet King Torygg.
＊＊＊
Upon arriving at the Grand Palace, Ayumu and Sashima immediately requested an audience with King Torygg. The audience was granted without issue, but naturally, everyone in the palace—including King Torygg—was taken aback. After all, it was only recently that Ayumu had arrived, and now there was someone else with him. The fact that the group was growing in size was surprising, to say the least.
”Torygg, Your Majesty,” Ayumu began, bowing deeply. “Once again, thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with us. I’m sorry to intrude, but I must report something. We’ve… we’ve brought another person with us. Ms. Sashima, please introduce yourself.”
Sashima stepped forward, her face slightly flushed. “Hello, Your Majesty. I’m Hiyori Sashima, from the same hometown as Sanai.”
Ayumu, still a bit surprised at the royal reception, began his explanation, but King Torygg was still caught off guard.
”I, uh… what?” the king stammered, clearly confused by the sudden increase in visitors.
Ayumu pressed on, ignoring the king’s confusion. “I’m sure Your Majesty wants to know where she’s from. Well, we met while I was investigating the Birene Mine Tunnel. We got to talking, and I remembered that she’s famous for her neat handwriting, so I thought it would be a good idea to have her stay here and write an academic book for Yugan’s research. I hope that’s alright with you?”
King Torygg, though still flustered, seemed to understand the situation now. “I see… well, if that’s the case, I suppose it’s fine.”
”Thank you, Your Majesty!” Ayumu exclaimed, bowing deeply in gratitude. “In that case, I trust that accommodations and meals will be provided for her? Also, could you please arrange for some clothes for her? Don’t worry about the payment—I’ve brought it with me,” Ayumu said as he produced a bag filled with gold coins, which he handed to a nearby attendant.
Sashima was too stunned to speak, her eyes wide as she watched Ayumu’s brazen behavior. *Is he really this shameless?* she thought, her cheeks flushing. *Did he really just do that?*
Meanwhile, the dwarves and even Sashima herself were mentally stunned by Ayumu’s audacity. It was clear they had never seen such behavior before.
Notes:
• Sashima – Family name of Hiyori. A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai. She followed as a Barrier Technique Adept.
• Valend Cave Kingdom – Dwarven realm mentioned in the map.
• Torygg – King of the Valend Kingdom, known as the Cave King.
• Hiyori Sashima – A quiet, caring girl from the library committee, empathetic toward Sanai.
Please bookmark this series and rate ☆☆☆☆☆ on here!
Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
Leave a Reply