The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 140

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"You have something for me?" (Viine)

"Exactly, I forgot that I wanted to give you this." (Shuuya)

I smile.

Then operate the item box.

Retrieving the object, I pass it on to her.

It's one of the items we obtained from the silver treasure chest in the labyrinth.

It's a small, silver-colored, short-sleeved camisole with a nice texture.

"Oh? You're giving this silver threaded magic armor to me?" (Viine)

"Yes." (Shuuya)

Viine receives the body-hugging cloth.

"…" (Viine)

Viine pulls off her black one-piece.

After getting naked, she puts on the short-sleeved dress.

The dress is almost see-through. I was a bit doubtful of its defensive power, but it has mana dwelling within it.

As it's clothing that perfectly matches with Viine's silver hair and her bluish-white skin, I'm very satisfied.

Her style is also great, making her quite the beauty.

"Thank you very much, Master." (Viine)

It suits her, as expected.

『…Your Excellency, how unfair.』 (Helme)

Whoa, that startled me.

Suddenly, a small, smoky cloud appears in my vision with a puff.

Helme talked to me after appearing from within that.

She's squinting.

Helme is jealous.

『I always give you mana, don't I?』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, but…』 (Helme)

『Guess it can't be helped. Here you go.』 (Shuuya)

I poured my thick mana into Helme.

『Ahh, aaaaahn, so sudden, mufuu…』 (Helme)

『Keep your voice down… You're satisfied with this, right?』 (Shuuya)

Helme disappeared from my sight.

It's just my imagination, but I'm sure there's steam rising from her face as she weakly slumped over like a helpless little girl.

『Ahnn! Au, yes.』 (Helme)

I stare at Viine without paying attention to Helme's voice.

"…It suits you incredibly well. With that thinness, can you wear it under your leather armor?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. I will cherish it…" (Viine)

Viine looks quite happy.

She hugs it to her chest.

Given that she's flushed red from her neck to the tips of her long ears, it's easy to grasp her emotions.

Her over-the-top delight makes even me feel somewhat embarrassed.

In order to gloss over that embarrassment, I casually dive into my bed after averting my eyes from her.

"Nya!"

Rollo, who was sleeping on the bed, got surprised and hit me with a cat punch.

"Are you picking a fight with me?" (Shuuya)

"Nyaoa."

Once again, the song of a boxing movie starts to play in my mind.

Rollo-san transforms into a paw boxer, delivering jabs and straights into my guard.

I oppose that cute Rollo with my certain death technique, the cat teaser.

"Nnn—!"

Rollo purrs with a throaty voice, responding very strongly to the cat teaser.

Jumping up, she chases the cat teaser I was dragging.

I let her catch the string once, then Rollo calmed down some.

Rollo embraced the cat teaser as she pours violent cat kicks against it, gnawing on the string's fiber all the while.

The wooden grip had already become tattered.

I guess I have to make a new cat teaser again.

"Fufu." (Viine)

Viine smiles as well.

Did it turn into a good exercise for Rollo? She purred with a throaty voice while hugging the cat teaser to her chest, then starts to close her eyes.

I watch the sleeping Rollo as I wait.

◇◇◇◇

A cockcrow resounds from outside.

Morning already?

As I move to the bay window, I ponder what I'm going to do today.

The choices are: search for the dwarf siblings or decipher the magic map.

I retrieve the dried chopsticks.

I open the window while checking the workmanship of the chopsticks and look outside.

Several crows…are soaring through the air.

It's probably my imagination that the eyes of the crows are shining crimson.

It's a clear, summer sky. Looks like it will be hot again today.

I look down at the small alleys and the other buildings from my view on the second floor.

It's obvious, but this city belongs to the 【Oseberia Kingdom】.

As I'm observing the townscape, yesterday's story of Mel crosses my mind.

The NSA-like organization 【Nine White Great KnightsWhite Nine】 is investigating the murder case at the 【Owl's Fangs'】 headquarters in the noble district, she said.

At the very least I can expect that the soldiers of the White Nine to have higher investigation abilities than the common guards.

Even so, they probably don't use sophisticated, scientific crime detection methods like a forensic investigation team; still, this is a different world where magic and skills exist.

Investigation methods exceeding my imagination might exist as well.

In that case, is it just a matter of time until they get a lead on me?

Mel-san said that I'm a comradeOne that won't be betrayed, but even the dark guild 【Remains of the MoonMoon Remnants】 is unlikely to be able to oppose an agency which holds the authority of and reports to the ruling power of Pelneet.

I guess I will go to the bar where I might find Rubia today. I had decided to look for a person that might decipher the magic treasure map for me, but…

Should I stop and escape through a gate?

Hmm, escaping is exaggerated. I suppose once in a while it's necessary to tackle the unknown.

I will use the gate as a change of pace.

This will allow me to explain Paredes Mirror to Viine.

It's not an escape, it's nothing more than a temporary vacation.

I plan to return here before long. If I get involved with White Nine, then let's go along with that. After all, I'm curious about the true power of the great knights.

Alright. While holding on to such trivial ideas, I turn around and return to the bed.

After putting the chopsticks back into the pocket of the bandoleer lying on the ground, I start a conversation with the beautiful Viine, who is combing her long, silver hair.

"…I guess today we are going to depart to the yet unknown 'outside.'" (Shuuya)

"Outside, you say?" (Viine)

I don a serious expression.

"Yes. Viine…you are vaguely aware that there are still many things I haven't explained about myself, right?" (Shuuya)

"…It is as you say." (Viine)

Viine's face stiffened as if she was bracing herself.

"First, have a look at this." (Shuuya)

I take out the 24-faceted orbTrapezohedoron from a pocket in the bandoleer I had picked up.

I proudly hold out my right hand, which is grasping the 24-faceted orb towards Viine with a "Ta-dah!"

In the mood of Suke-san. 1 Looking at the seal case of the 24-faceted orb, it's not the Tokugawa's family crest, but I still show it off.

『…So, you are planning to explain the mirror to her.』 (Helme)

Helme reacted. An orb shines on her small finger.

『Yes.』 (Shuuya)

"…This is?" (Viine)

Viine was very calm.

Well, going by its appearance, it looks like a big die, after all.

Fufufu, let's give her a surprise.

"That's right. Take a good look at this polyhedron and that mirror in the corner." (Shuuya)

Still smug, I trace the symbol of the first facet, activating a gate.

Just as usual, the orb transformed into a light gate in an instant.

The mirror is releasing light as well.

"T-This is…" (Viine)

The burst of light surprised Viine and the images "reflected" from the other side of the gate shocked her.

"It's something similar to teleportation. It's called gate magic. Once you enter — as you see." (Shuuya)

Walking through the floating, shining gate, I came out through the mirror.

"…Hiii, y-you really teleported? Gate, magic? A-Amazing! That's far too incredible! Even priestess-sama, who receives revelations from god, wasn't able to do something like that." Viine sighs. "Master, are you not only loved by the gods, but actually a divine being?"

Wha-, a divine being…

Even with the right half of Viine's face being covered by her silver mask, I grasp that she's very confused right now.

Her body started to tremble towards the end of her sentence.

『…I got angry before, but she's quite…magnificent. To deify Your Excellency…I can discern that she's a person possessing a keen eye. Her butt has a nice shape too. Your Excellency, let's make her bloodkin.』 (Helme)

Helme, you are changing your opinion quite fast, aren't you?

『Well, I guess that might happen at some point.』 (Shuuya)

"…Calm down. I'm no god. I can simply use this magic tool, the 24-faceted orb." (Shuuya)

"…Really? Ah!" (Viine)

Viine is surprised by the movement of the 24-faceted orb, which was automatically ejected from the mirror.

The 24-faceted orb floats next to my side, then starts to orbit around my head.

Haha, Viine with her characteristic calm face has become dumbfounded.

Her silver eyebrows twitch and her purple lips that had a trace of pink trembled slightly.

While smiling as I look at her face, I grabbed the orb.

"—Correct, this Trapezohedoron has 24 facets in total. If you use this orb, you can teleport to 24 mirrors located all over the world. At the moment I only know of three places where a mirror has been set up. One is the mirror in this room. One is in the northern 【Hesliphat】 and the last one is in the far northwestern 【Saldia Wasteland】. The rest are only places whose names I don't know. There are also mirrors at the bottom of the sea and buried in the ground." (Shuuya)

Even as she stares in mute amazement, Viine nods.

"Using this, we are going to disembark to the yet unknown outside then?" (Viine)

"That's how it is. I will activate one gate after the other from now on. Please tell me if you find any place you'd like to go to. Today we will explore that place." (Shuuya)

"Is it fine for me to be the one to decide?" (Viine)

She asks while blinking rapidly while wearing a puzzled expression.

"Yeah, that's okay. For the time being, I will put up the shallow sea as a candidate. We can go for a dip in the ocean there and call it a vacation, but it's fine for you to choose a place you want, Viine." (Shuuya)

"Vacation? Go for a dip in the ocean? I've heard about the ocean in legends, but I have never seen it before. I know of a huge, underground sea called Adoban though." (Viine)

The ocean is a legend? I guess that's only natural for a dark elf who has grown up in the underground.

"If it's something you have never seen before, the ocean is the first choice, I guess? Well, just decide as we look. Well then, I will activate them in succession." (Shuuya)

"Okay." (Viine)

The usable gates are as follows:

1st: The mirror set up in the room.

2nd: A mirror located at the bottom of some shallow ocean.

3rd: The mirror located in the basement of 【Beltzam's】 church in 【Hesliphat】.

4th: The witch dwelling 【Saldia Wasteland】, where the wilderness spreads into the far northwest.

5th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

6th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

7th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

8th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

9th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

10th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

11th: A mirror where one can see furniture with some kind of emblem that's stored in a dark warehouse.

12th: A mirror located on an empty island.

13th: A mirror set up in the house of either some merchant, a major dealer, or a high-ranking noble.

14th: A mirror overlooking snowfall.

15th: A mirror located at a rocky mountain or a cliff with a good view.

16th: A mirror located close to the remains of a ship that's wrecked in shallow waters.

17th: A mirror set up in a room, where time seems to have stopped. It's overflowing with armors, swords, and black frames filled with organs and eerie hearts.

18th: A mirror located in a dark, treasure vault-like place.

19th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

20th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

21th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

22th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

23th: A buried mirror showing dirt and darkness.

24th: Seemingly has no mirror, so the gate doesn't activate.

"This is! Ocean! Blue." (Viine)

When the second gate activated, a shallow ocean became visible.

"That's correct. Tell me if something catches your eye as I will activate them one after the other." (Shuuya)

"Yes. Thank you very much." (Viine)

I activate all the gates except for the ones with the pitch-dark, earthen views.

And then, when Viine saw the scenery reflected on the other side of the 11th gate, she approaches it leaning forward, almost falling over.

"Eh!? Eeeh? T-This is…my home city?" (Viine)

For real? This dim storage room?

Although all I can see is old furniture…

"Really?" (Shuuya)

"Yes! Please, look at that. It's the family crest Snake of Green Roses. This is a family crest extolling Misea-sama, the Goddess of Magic Poison. It's a standard symbol possessed by all the Sorcery Nobles of 【Underground City Da'Umezalan】." (Viine)

Ah, she's right.

"Isn't that great, Viine? You can go back home." (Shuuya)

"…I-I-I can go back a-ah, ah, ah, ah, aaahh—" (Viine)

Suddenly she went crazy, began crying, and hugged me.

Did Viine-san break?

Her boobs are pressing against me?

Once again, I can feel them through her thin clothes; I guess it's because she isn't wearing her usual armor?

Soft, dynamite melons?

I have finally reached Shangri-la?

Bah, let's hug her tightly with a squeeze?

Haa, no good, no good.

You can call it natural for Viine to be confused after seeing something that appears to be her home for the first time in a long while.

No matter how high her boob volume might be, I must not fall into the spiral of lewdness so easily.

Right now I have to keep my reason…

I stroke Viine's back.

After a while, Viine stops crying into my chest and lifts her face.

Her silver-colored eyes are still moist.

"Did you calm down?" (Shuuya)

"Y-Yes." (Viine)

"So, are you going back home?" (Shuuya)

"…Yes. I want to try going back at least once." (Viine)

Alright, I guess we will give it a try.

If Viine told me that she wants to stay in the underground city to avenge her family, I will let her do so.

"I will leave the gate up as is. We have to check whether this mirror location is somewhere in the 【Underground City Da'Umezalan】 as well as making sure that the vicinity is safe." (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)

Viine nods.

"I'm a man and I look human. If a magul like me suddenly appeared, it would probably surprise the other dark elves. It might result in a battle." (Shuuya)

"…That's true, isn't it? It might be better for you to hide your face, Master." (Viine)

"I know. I'm going to change my clothes." (Shuuya)

And I will wear my armor.

Closing the bay window, I equip the bandoleer I was still holding.

I look at Rollo who's waiting on top of the bed.

"Rollo, are you ready?" (Shuuya)

"Nyao."

Rollo jumped up onto my shoulder and settled herself.

『Helme, are you ready as well?』 (Shuuya)

Once called, Helme appears in my visual field.

『Yes. Am I going to show myself outside from the start?』 (Helme)

『No, after we check the situation on the other side.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, your Excellency.』 (Helme)

Helme begins genuflecting and vanishes from my sight.

"Master, my preparations are in order." (Viine)

————————— End of Part 1 —————————-

After dipping her head, Viine raises it and shows she has her usual silver faceguard equipped.

Her smile tells me that her preparations are perfect.

Her outer garment is a thick piece of leather clothing that's sleeveless and scarlet.

Since she's wearing the magic silver dress below, her bluish-white skin is visible at both her shoulders and her collarbone.

At her waist, there's a black belt adorned with golden threads.

A tool bag is attached to that belt. Both the black katana Black Snake, with its conspicuous black-scaled scabbard, and a silver sword, which is affixed to a sword cord, are dangling at her sides.

The long, dark red gladiator boots, which seem to fit with her black undergarment that reaches almost until her thighs, are also stylish.

How nice. Beauties are the best.

Although three days haven't passed yet, I believe the expression that one will get tired of a beauty in three days is a lie.

Once I look at Viine's figure that gives one the impression that she's a skilled adventurer…

Except for the bow and quiver on her back, I could see that she's carrying nothing else.

It looks like she's going to leave her backpack behind.

"…You don't need your backpack?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. It's possible to come and go through the gate, right?" (Viine)

It appears that she has absolutely no intention of staying in her home city, even if we are going there.

I'm sure she said that she wants to get revenge, but…

"You're probably right, but is it fine for you not to stay there? It's your home. The target of your revenge is there too, no?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. I do have the desire to carry out my revenge. But, I devoted myself to following you, Master…" (Viine)

Ooh, so she intends to give me so much priority?

I'm a bit moved. I have to respond to Viine's determination here.

"Got it. Let's start the investigation from here and obtain information." (Shuuya)

"That makes sense. As we are now, our information about my home city is too lacking." (Viine)

She's calm. However, apart from exploring the other side of the gate, I will help Viine with her revenge.

I wonder whether she will be alright with my assistance?

There's also the matter with Mia. Let's ask her.

"…Information is certainly important. And, although it's from now on, are you alright with me helping you with your revenge, Viine?" (Shuuya)

There's a small pause.

"…That's not like you, Master. Though I do not wish to, I will take advantage of your kindness, I could ask for no better assistance." (Viine)

She says with a serious expression. After revealing a broad, evil grin for a moment, she lowers her face and goes down on one knee.

That's not like you, Master, she says, huh?

What are you expecting of me?

That's what I want to ask her, but she answers in her own style, meaning, "Don't ask something so boorish" and "That's only natural," I think?

"…Aye, leave it to me. I will help up to the point you agree with, Viine." (Shuuya)

"…It's a welcome good fortune. It's mysterious, but since some time ago I had the hunch that everything will be solved if Master handles it… But I never expected that an opportunity that would allow me to go home would show itself so soon…" (Viine)

Viine speaks while looking overwhelmed with emotion.

A teardrop spill from her moist eyes.

While I wipe off that tear with my thumb,

"—You are overestimating me too much. It means that you had good luck this time, Viine. Well then, at first we will go with the strategy of obtaining information and reconnaissance. Once we got our hands on a certain level of intelligence, we will move to the next strategy or return here for a moment to take a rest. I guess we will decide on the other side." (Shuuya)

"Of course. I agree." (Viine)

She bellows.

A tear drops from her eyes, but her pupils were overflowing with energy and happiness.

"Well, give me your hand then." (Shuuya)

"Yes, Master." (Viine)

I grasp her hand.

It's the "holding hands with a lover" event I wanted.

Hehe, I'm slightly happy.

Making eye contact with each other, we nod.

Alright, I guess it's time to enter the shining wedding gate.

"Let's go—" (Shuuya)

"Yes!" (Viine)

We went inside the gate.

Just as we entered the dim room through the mirror, a cloud of dust rises up into the air.

It's a dry, gloomy, and wide space.

Viine coughs as if her throat was stuffed.

"You alright?" (Shuuya)

"…gh, yes." (Viine)

"Nn, nya."

Rollo descends on the ground.

However, she stays close to me and Viine.

While watching Rollo at my feet, I check for magic sources with Grasping Perception.

There are no responses except for Rollo and Viine within its range.

I suppose we are going to explore this room for a bit.

"Let's check our vicinity." (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)

There's nothing but old, high-class furniture.

We open the cabinets and the drawers of a desk but find only an iron spoon set, nothing else that stands out.

As we are checking the furniture that has been set up in rows, the light of the mirror behind us vanished.

It became pitch dark.

『Your Excellency, are you going to use my sight?』 (Helme)

『No, as usual, I will use night vision at this point.』 (Shuuya)

『Okay.』 (Helme)

Helme appeared in my visual field with an expectant expression and immediately vanishes while looking disappointed.

I activate <Night Vision>.

"…I guess it will stand out if I make light?" (Shuuya)

"Yes…Master, have you spent time in darkness?" (Viine)

The red located around the silver color of Viine's eyes was conspicuous.

I think they become like that if it's dark?

"I am. But it probably pales to the time you stayed on the surface, Viine." (Shuuya)

"…You are certainly not saying that you lived in the underground world, are you?" (Viine)

"Haha, you are perceptive. It was for a period of time…" (Shuuya)

"You are full of surprises." (Viine)

That's just the tip of the iceberg though.

At that moment, the 24-faceted orb, which was embedded as a decoration at the top part of the mirror, disconnects.

While rotating, it flies towards me, floats above my head as usual, and then it starts to revolve around me.

Grabbing that 24-faceted orb, I put it into my bandoleer.

"…I guess this is one of the storehouses? Let's go to the opposite side." (Shuuya)

It's a bit far away, but there's a door in the direction I'm pointing.

Using the time, I activate Kaleidoscope.

My sight is engulfed by a light blue filter, but since it's displaying frames, I clearly grasp the size of the space.

I realize that it's a quadrilateral room and that there's a door on the left side of the wall in front of us.

"…It seems so. I can't guess the name of the family, but there's almost no doubt that this is a storehouse belonging to a high-ranking Sorcery Noble." (Viine)

Sorcery Noble, eh?

Will it immediately turn into a battle if we run into a Sorcery Noble of the families opposing Viine?

If we encounter another dark elf that's not an enemy, I guess I will pretend to be Viine's slave.

"Viine, in case we meet another dark elf and it doesn't turn into a battle, treat me as your slave." (Shuuya)

"That is…" (Viine)

She looks at me, obviously hesitating.

"Huh? What is that eye?" (Viine)

She notices my right eye.

As expected, it's recognizable?

After all, it's something like blue glass that is equipped on my right eye.

"…This is a unique magic tool I obtained as a reward from the item box for having supplied it with magic stones. You can think of it as a reconnaissance tool." (Shuuya)

"…A reward for magic stones? So you possess such mysterious items as well." (Viine)

Interested in my special right eye, Viine draws close to my face and stares at it.

It's not like she's messing around and doing a kabedon2, but Viine closed in on my face with a momentum of kissing me and started to talk,

"—About the slave issue, either way, if a magul man is seen here, the dark elves will be taken aback and feel like screaming to their god, right?" (Shuuya)

She widens her eyes as if shocked and moves her lips,

"Y-Yesh, certainly. I think it's very likely that you will be cut down without any questions asked." (Viine)

She stares at my lips, her silver eyes showing her agitation as her cheeks blush.

She might want to kiss me. That was such a cute reaction.

However, "Immediately cut down," she says?

I have to be careful.

It's as expected, but my mood for exploration has taken a hit.

"…How scary. I will have to pay attention to make sure my hood stays low so that my face won't be exposed. Since I will stay silent, I leave the decisions to you in case it becomes necessary to negotiate or draw out information. And, if we get separated, remember this storehouse as I will hide here." (Shuuya)

Using both of my hands, I put on the hood attached to the back of the Illias Overcoat.

"Something like that won't happen. After all, I won't leave your side." (Viine)

"To the bitter end, it's if. It's a hypothetical story." (Shuuya)

"Yes, Master." (Viine)

Moving the conversation to happier topics, we continue chatting in such manner until we arrive in front of the door.

It's a huge triangle.

I don't sense any magic sources from the other side of the door.

Viine grasps the knob and tries to open the door, but it only clatters as it was firmly shut. It seems to be locked.

"Please…wait a moment." (Viine)

"Aye, I leave it to you." (Shuuya)

Just like she opened the treasure chest in the labyrinth the other day, Viine retrieves a wire-thin piece of metal from a small bag hanging from her belt.

She inserts that wire into the keyhole and tampers with it.

Before long, a light clicking sound is audible.

The triangle, metallic door opened with a sliding sound while splitting in four.

I feel a rush of moist air flowing into the room.

Rollo runs ahead now that the door is opened.

I thought about cautioning her, but Rollo stopped moving at once.

There's a short passage ahead as well as a corridor-like small entrance door.

"It seems we will be outside once we pass through that door over there." (Viine)

Viine states while checking the left and right side.

"Let's go ahead." (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)

Once I place a hand on the entrance door and press, the door opened readily.

Is there no lock? How easy…

Well, they probably judged that it's unnecessary since the inner door was special and sturdy.

I check the outside. Of course, it's brighter than the room.

But, the air was very humid.

In front of us is a door to another storehouse. A muddy path continues to the left and right.

—I look at the cover, the ceiling, but as it's dark, I can't make out anything.

Since I naturally can't see anything like stars, I grasp that we are in the underground world as I had expected.

Even with the sight of my right eye, I couldn't verify the frames of the ceiling.

The cavern has considerable height.

I look at the door of the storehouse in front of me.

On the surface, there's a carving of an emblem depicting green roses and a snake-headed woman.

I walk to the right of that door, gazing at the group of storehouses.

I look at the storehouses that are indicated with frames, wondering whether there are any hidden passages.

Overlapping with the frame display, it seems as if the storehouses are lined up systematically, like the intersections on a Go board.

However, there's nothing here.

Only the family crests, which serve as proof of the sorcery noble it belongs to, are always engraved on the surfaces of the storehouse doors.

I touch the 卍-shaped attachment next to my right eye.

My sight returns to its normal state.

Once I go back to observing the surroundings,

"…It seems this place is the storehouse area located in the western part of 【Underground City Da'Umezalan】. Back in my day, it should have belonged to the 【8th ranked Sorcery Noble Sal'Mayarl】." (Viine)

To me, it doesn't look like anything but a dim group of storehouses, but Viine apparently remembered a part of this area.

"You did well to remember it." (Shuuya)

"Yes. I paced around here and there, training as a spy from early childhood. The【8th ranked Sorcery Noble Sal'Mayarl】 is famous as a family boasting with high political influence, they're an extremely rich family that own some excellent priestesses and a sorcerer corps." (Viine)

Once I praised her, she shows a happy, innocent smile.

"High political influence, huh?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. Using the money they obtained through smuggling to other underground cities, they piled up an abundant fortune. Special Little Big Tree and Living, Talking Plants that allow one to aim for the higher ranks of the Sorcery Nobles have been placed in the basement of their head house… They own a lot of land, seemingly in order to hoard a part of their assets in the western area." (Viine)

Their fortune is abundant. Is that the reason why they own a Paredes Mirror?

"I see. With such a huge scale, there should be guards around here, right?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. Given that this place is close to where the masses live, there should definitely be skilled gatekeepers. Also, there should be exits with guard stations attached to them at the walls in all four cardinal directions." (Viine)

"Got it. Let's take a little peek then." (Shuuya)

"Yes, Master." (Viine)

After that conversation…we pass along the side of a building and peek ahead from a corner.

The wall visible from the corner's end had an exit with an adjoining guard station.

…Certainly, it's just as Viine said.

Two gatekeepers are standing on guard.

In addition, several dark elves hung out in the guard station

So those are dark elves.

It's the first time I've seen dark elves except for Viine.

The gatekeepers have the appearance of soldiers with their bodies clad in black and grey armors.

They have slender faces, long silver hair, bluish-white skin and their chests are swelling.

I guess both of the gatekeepers are women.

As one might expect of a matriarchy.

Let's hold back on breaking through that place.

They are not our targets nor is it necessary to do the unreasonable.

"…If we approach those gatekeepers from here, they will definitely notice us. Therefore, it's better to leave by climbing the wall over there." (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)

I measure the height of the wall enclosing this storehouse area by eye, but it's not even five meters tall.

It's a concrete-like block wall.

If it's such height, I will get over it with one shot of <Magic Hand guided by Thought> and my chain.

Given that jumping while holding her is a bit tricky, we will cross the wall by riding on Rollo.

"Rollo." (Shuuya)

Rollo, who was at my feet, looked at the wall, but she apparently predicted my thoughts.

"Nn, nyaon nya."

She gives a light reply as if saying "Leave it to me nya," and grows into her Lion Horse size.

Wrapping her thick tentacles around our waists, she placed us on top of her back.

"Rollo, all you have to do is to cross the wall, okay? Stop right after that. It's not that high, but remember that this is the underground world." (Shuuya)

"Nyao."

Rollo meows once and then, using only her leg strength, she jumps over the wall in one go and lands in an alley.

The width of the alley is narrow and small houses line up alongside it.

Objects similar to weird-shaped electric lights, emitting a pale green light, have been installed in front of each house.

I don't see any other dark elves.

"Viine, we are getting off." (Shuuya)

"Yes!" (Viine)

Once we dismount her, Rollo returns to her usual size.

I don't feel any gazes, but we move to a corner of the alley.

I let my eyes wander up, down, left, and right.

Once again I confirm that no one is around.

"Viine, what are we going to do from here on?" (Shuuya)

"Assuming that this is the western part of the city, I expect us to be close to where the lower classes live. If so, there should be a bar nearby called 【Flower of the Marsh Snake】, which was famous when I lived here. We will first gather information over there." (Viine)

Going by its name, it gives me an image of a bar full of thugs.

"Flower of the Marsh Snake? What kind of place is it?" (Shuuya)

"To say it nicely, its atmosphere is that of a bar as talked about by magul. But in reality, you might as well call it a 【Dark Guild】 of the underground world." (Viine)

My prediction has proven to be right. Truly a place where villains gather and various kinds of troubles occur.

I suppose we will gather information in that dark guild-like place.

Let's ask her about the details.

"Can you give me the details in regards to that dark guild-like place?" (Shuuya)

"Yes. There's a hidden organization called 【Defeat of the Venomous Snake】 staying at our destination. It's one of the groups undertaking dirty work in this neighborhood such as: troops for the Sorcery Noble's wars, spying, guarding, assassinating, robbing, and desecrating gravesites. Back when I was here, many of their members were ruffians such as stray dwarves and stray gnomes, in addition to the dark elves." (Viine)

It's the very definition of a dark guild.

"That place is nearby?" (Shuuya)

"Walking there will only take a bit time." (Viine)

"Roger. Let's go there then?" (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)