Chapter 14 – I Didn’t Want to Show It

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“A cursed dagger,” I muttered under my breath.

Just the fact that there was treasure was delightful.

However, it was cursed.

I had no way of judging its nature or verifying its authenticity.

“…I’d like to hear your opinion, Ati. As you know, I’m not well-versed in labyrinths. I’m not exactly knowledgeable about these kinds of things. I don’t understand cursed weapons.”

“…If it turns out to be a curse with only troublesome drawbacks, then it’s not only unusable but unsellable. If it’s a curse that comes with powerful benefits, it could fetch a high price—or you might even choose to use it yourself.”

“Is there any way to determine what kind of curse it is?”

“I wish I could help, but this is beyond me. If you want to discern something like this, you have two options: either bring someone who specializes in curse magic rather than conventional magic, or use a specialized tool. …There’s also the option of directly subjecting yourself to the curse to test it out.”

Directly?

I certainly don’t want to go that far just to learn its details.

Since it’s treasure from the shallow levels, I don’t expect it to carry a particularly potent curse—but the possibility of a worst-case scenario is frightening.

I have no reason to go to such lengths, so let’s leave it alone for now.

“Right, it’s probably wiser not to tamper with it.”

I was eager to get my hands on something that might turn a profit, but I want to avoid dangerous actions as much as possible.

After all, we had just confirmed everything with each other.

“For things like this, perhaps we should wait until we acquire a tool that can identify curses. …By the way, are those kinds of tools expensive?”

“They’re pretty expensive—they cost about as much as a house.”

A house? That’s roughly what I’d earn in ten years.

Ten years’ worth for just one tool…

For someone like me, who once felt my life was over when my house burned down, that’s downright terrifying.

I doubt I’ll ever be able to afford that.

If you can steadily earn in the lower depths, you could make that much in a month. If you’re lucky, you might even earn it in a single exploration.

That’s incredible…

But if it comes to that, it also seems that the necessary preparations would cost a considerable amount.

The price of the magic bow we saw when buying Ati’s gun was insane, too.

As you go deeper, the monsters get tougher, so you’ll likely need things like that.

The expenses will probably become astronomical.

I guess I don’t need to worry about that until I have some leeway.

“Let’s earn money safely and without pushing our luck. After all, our goal is merely to cover travel expenses.”

“—Yes.”

Ati gave a slight smile.
She looked rather serene.

After all, she’s a girl. Even though she has plenty of experience exploring labyrinths, there’s no reason for her to want to venture into dangerous places when she isn’t properly equipped.
I wasn’t planning on letting her go either—not with our current equipment.

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It happened immediately after we left the labyrinth.
It was still light outside, though the day was beginning to wane.
That was about the time.
Further down the road, a crowd had gathered.

(I wonder if something happened?)

Thinking that, I went over to take a closer look, and at the center of the crowd stood a large, armored man and—an Elf.

It was a familiar pairing.
I believe I recognized them from that slave auction…

“Wasn’t that guy the third son from a count’s family?”

“I’d heard a rumor he was just playing at exploring the labyrinth, but is that really so?”

“And an Elf?”

I can hear the conversations around me.

It seems that the armored giant is a noble’s offspring and, on top of that, a labyrinth explorer. Judging by the taunt “just playing at exploring labyrinths,” you can tell his true skill is rather lacking…

“This elf is my slave! How about that! Isn’t she marvelous!”

The armored giant was parading the elf in public, proudly displaying her. Perhaps to assert his mastery, he had fitted her not only with a slave collar obtained from a slave dealer but also with a chained collar.

“Who is your master?”
“…Uh—y-you, sir!”
“See, did you hear that!”
“Ouch…”

Being forcibly pulled by the chain, the elf wore a distinctly pained expression.

How awful… She seemed to have been provided with fine clothes and equipment, but that still doesn’t excuse this… If you keep doing something like that, you’ll eventually face revenge—no, that slave collar won’t allow it, huh.

“Her magic too, and her beauty! Not only is she useful for exploring labyrinths, but she’ll also provide plenty of enjoyment at night! Something you all could never experience—the elf’s body! Since it’s such a rare treat, listen up—!”

The armored giant began speaking candidly about his amorous escapades. The onlookers—mostly men—listened intently to his tale. Some looked on with envy, others with jealous glares; various reactions passed among them. Yet, despite all these responses, not one person showed any sympathy for the elf, who, with tears welling in her eyes, kept her head down.

“There are too many people—I can’t see clearly.”

Tiptoeing, Ati tried to get a better look beyond the crowd.

At that moment, I felt I must not let her see this, so I immediately pulled her into a hug.

“H-harold-sama? Uh, um…”
“Don’t worry about it. …Let’s go.”

Ati has not only good eyes but also excellent hearing. The crowd might have obstructed her view, but she clearly heard the armored giant’s voice. She must have had at least a vague idea of what was going on.

I’ve heard that elves and Dark Elves don’t get along. So, regardless of what happens to the elf, it might not concern me. But I didn’t want Ati to see this.

I don’t know. I really don’t know why.

I just didn’t want her to see it.