Chapter 114
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I parted ways with Ms. Kokol and ventured deeper, passing through the 3rd District and into the 4th.
If I’m staying in the dungeon, the mountaintop that connects the two districts is the most convenient spot. To reach it, I need to float, and to stay unnoticed, I have to turn invisible.
Before, keeping my invisibility a secret was necessary. Ferris could see me when I used it, so I had to be careful. But now, she knows. Besides, she’s not even in the dungeon at the moment. No need to be so cautious this time.
When I arrived at the mountaintop, I found it covered in black cherry tomatoes again. Just like last time—but the spread had grown.
Clearing a space for the tent is a given, but what about the rest? I won’t be back for about two months. If the growth spreads too much, it might draw attention from the surface. These tomatoes enhance special abilities. If word got out, they could sell for a high price. But I don’t want them falling into the wrong hands.
By “wrong hands,” I mean bad people—those who would misuse them. If they caused harm, I’d regret it. Yet, there might be people who would genuinely want to eat them. If I wiped them out completely, I could regret that too.
Well, there are plenty. I can leave some with Ms. Wendy…
No, better not take the risk. I’ll eliminate them. If groups like “Gem Snake” got their hands on them, it would be a headache. I can always grow more if needed.
Decision made, I got to work. First, I harvested the ripened ones, keeping them separate from my magic stone bag. I created another bag with magic and packed them inside. This way, the bottom won’t collapse.
It took some time, but once I finished, I considered how to dispose of the leftovers. Burning them would produce too much smoke. Herbicide? That might also kill the surrounding grass, but the dungeon restores itself. If necessary, I could replant the grass later.
With that settled, I dug up the stems and leaves in the tent area and sprayed herbicide over the rest.
* * *
After that, I set up my tent and prepared for the night, looking down at the ground below. Darkness was setting in. I could see smoke rising from other bases, likely from dinner fires.
Far fewer people remained compared to when I first arrived. Most bases only kept the minimum personnel needed for maintenance. Here, anything left unattended is absorbed by the dungeon. To prevent that, bases need a constant human presence.
More people would make things easier, but food costs rise this season. As expenses increase, fewer adventurers stay, which in turn affects base upkeep. “Silver Orchid” seems to have more people since they’re protecting women, but that means higher supply demands. Rising costs must be hitting them hard.
Maybe that’s why Ferris and the others have been holding back. The way she reacted to the beef jerky and cakes I gave her made that clear.
Should I leave behind some non-perishable food before I return to town? But if someone traces the smell back to me…
Wait. The cakes I gave her—was that okay? Their scent might linger. The “Silver Orchid” members clean that room. If they notice and mention it to someone… especially to Princess Charlotte… that could be trouble.
Normally, people might ignore it. But if a princess picks up on something suspicious, she might have no choice but to act. It depends on the power dynamic between Ferris and Charlotte.
The exact details are unclear, but if needed, the fact that Charlotte might be abandoned by Ferris could take priority over her own goals. Since the “Gem Snake” issue is settled, I might have a chance to ask.
If Ferris has the upper hand, she might help me negotiate with Charlotte.
Still, I feel hesitant about leveraging the feelings of someone who has openly admitted to loving me. I’ll tread carefully.
As I pondered, hunger crept in. Magic Armor helps conserve stamina in battle, but since I’ve been walking around searching for prey, I’ve still burned energy.
I could move more efficiently with Magic Armor, but this trip is about building my magical power. Unless necessary, I’m walking on my own.
Also, thanks to Ms. Kokol’s situation, even though I’ve been using energy drinks, my stomach is still digesting.
With that in mind, I entered the tent, set up a table, and started thinking about dinner.
* * *
The next morning, I planned to gather magic stones in the 3rd District for absorption. The ones from yesterday were left at the peak. My magically created tent won’t be absorbed by the dungeon, so as long as I keep the stones inside, they’ll be safe.
After two days of gathering, I’d return to town once I had enough magical power.
When I finally left the dungeon, I arrived back around noon after hunting some monsters along the way.
As expected, Seria was waiting at the Cleric’s station. As soon as she saw me, she rushed over.
”Welcome back! That’s quite the haul!”
Her eyes went to the bag filled with magic stones. It wasn’t enough to justify using a cart, but it was still a decent load.
Floating above her head was another transparent bag—this one filled with black mini tomatoes. She was using her ability to make it hover.
As “Koji,” her skills aren’t widely known. Carrying a cart or wooden boxes into the dungeon alone would attract too much attention. Even the large bag on her back stands out, but this floating trick makes it clear she has some level of power.
Later, once people get used to it, she might be able to carry larger containers without suspicion. But she has no desire for fame—drawing attention would be a hassle.
If necessary, she could just make her luggage transparent, like this time.
As for the issue of fewer magic stones for the orphanage, Ms. Wendy will help manage things. Two months should be doable. If needed, she can use her savings as compensation.
With magic stones, she doesn’t need to worry about taxes or rent. For now, things should be fine.
I could live in the dungeon and skip rent, but… Ah, maybe I should just vacate my room already.
Since I’m keeping up the pretense that my room is still mine while I’m away, I can’t rent it out, which just means unnecessary expenses.
Well, it’s about time. I should let Seria know I’ll be leaving tomorrow.
”Seria, I’m leaving town tomorrow. Get ready.”
”Understood. I’ve already prepared some things, but where should we meet?”
”It’ll be crowded at the gate, so let’s meet in front of Hooters. The back will be a mess with preparations.”
”Got it. I’ll be there.”
After parting with Seria, I head to “Hooters” to deliver the magic stones.
* * *
When I arrive, one of Ms. Wendy’s girls is out front, drawing in customers. After dropping off the magic stones, I’m guided to Ms. Wendy’s room.
I had only meant to check in about the deliveries, but apparently, she has something to discuss as well.
Seated beside her on the sofa, I get straight to the point.
”Is there something you need to discuss?”
”Not quite. More like something I need to tell you.”
”I see. What is it?”
”Before that—when are you leaving?”
”Huh? Tomorrow morning.”
”Understood. I’ll prepare accordingly.”
”Thanks. So, what is it?”
The conversation suddenly veered toward my departure, but what does that have to do with anything?
Ms. Wendy hesitates, then speaks with a subtle expression.
”Um… how should I put this? Ms. Ferris wants to throw you a send-off party.”
”A send-off party?”
That’s unexpected.
I wasn’t wrong, but the details were a little… different.
”Yes. On the top floor of your lodging, there’s another house of mine. I received a request to rent it for the occasion.”
Ah. The place Ms. Monoka used as an excuse to crash in my room.
I heard the top floor was structured like a single-family home, with rooms suitable for small gatherings.
But why there? A regular restaurant would work fine for eating and drinking.
Ms. Wendy provides the answer before I can ask.
”Well… I was asked to keep this a secret, but all the attendees—aside from you—are women. They intend to entertain you. Physically.”
”Huh? How did it come to that?”
”They want to make sure you come back to this town. I’ve heard you’re returning for the magic stones, but it’s not like you can’t get them elsewhere. They might be worried that Ms. Iris’s family could sway you.”
…That’s not entirely unreasonable.
Magic stones can be obtained from monsters outside dungeons, and if money’s involved, I could just buy them.
If things became too much of a hassle, I might even consider ditching everything and disappearing.
Ferris must have sensed that possibility. Maybe that’s why she came up with this… “encouragement.”
I don’t have a particular partner, but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to just go along with this.
No wonder Ms. Wendy was hesitant. She probably considered the chance I’d refuse.
If I reject the invitation outright, it’ll be inconvenient for her.
Despite supporting Silver Orchid, there’s still a princess in the equation. The power balance isn’t exactly even.
So why is she telling me this? Likely because she values her relationship with me.
She knows I can create items with magic. She also knows the danger surrounding her has significantly decreased thanks to the black mini tomatoes. Given all that, she probably wants to accommodate my wishes as much as possible.
Then there’s the possibility that Ms. Wendy has ties to the royal family. If so, she could give me access to privileged information.
If my request to the nation is approved, I could technically be considered nobility—but that also means they might start giving me orders.
That would be a pain.
It’d be ideal if Ms. Wendy could act as a middleman, passing me information while filtering out anything unnecessary.
If I refuse the party outright, it might create suspicion. If I make up an excuse, like getting sick from overindulgence the night before, they might see through it.
Besides, if the attendees are only those who know that “Mose” is “Koji,” then there’s no real harm.
After weighing my options, I make my decision.
”Understood. I’ll pretend I don’t know anything. Pass that along.”
Ms. Wendy lets out a small breath of relief.
”Thank you. I’ll send someone to your room later.”
”Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
With that, our discussion comes to an end.
We go over some final arrangements for my departure. When I pull out the black cherry tomatoes, Ms. Wendy is visibly surprised—they’d been invisible until now—but she quickly grasps my intent and agrees to handle them.
Just as I think we’re finished, she leans in closer.
”Um… it looks like there won’t be another chance until you return… Nn♡”
She offers her lips.
I accept.
And with that, the meeting is over.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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