As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 59: The Expedition Planning at Rongrong

Chapter 59: The Expedition Planning at Rongrong

In this world, a Family, regardless of its purpose, is a single organization.

In any collective, people can’t stand side by side forever. Even if they could, it’s fleeting—eventually, everyone settles into their suited roles, and a hierarchy forms.

The Arius Family, as the name suggests, is a household with Arius at the top.

Naturally, if there’s a top, there’s a bottom, forming a pyramid with a number two, number three, and so on.

Ririeru.

She came to the capital aiming to buy out Ronnyan and ended up under Arius’s wing.

“Ririeru-sama.”

“Yes, it seems we have guests.”

Arius’s right and left arms would be Towa and Mia.

Considering Serika, maybe Mia’s the brain, with Towa and Serika as the arms.

But that’s practical.

Officially, outwardly, Ririeru holds the second seat, the deputy head of the Arius Family.

This is because Arius doesn’t yet know he’s the head of the Family, so the title doesn’t exist.

“Let them in.”

“Understood.”

Patan—Ririeru closes her ledger, her demeanor shifting from businesswoman to ruler.

The entire Family acknowledges her position.

Not out of obligation, but because they understand she’s the right fit.

In truth, she turned Rongrong into one of the capital’s top eateries in just over a month—a feat undeniably hers.

As expected of Eld’s daughter, she’s exceptional, especially in managing organizations.

Though, to be fair, she gets tunnel vision when it comes to Arius—her charming flaw.

But that’s true for everyone in the Family.

“Excuse me.”

“Welcome. Make yourselves comfortable.”

Entering Ririeru’s private room are Shuri, Kazune, and Serika.

The sound of them sitting on the sofa overlaps with Luuri closing the door.

Luuri heads to the room’s small kitchen to prepare tea, and Ririeru repositions herself in the chair facing the three.

“—Now, about progress.”

“Yes. Serika-sama, please.”

“Alright.”

Of course, Ririeru’s been informed about Yuri, currently under Ronnyan’s protection, and the response to his situation.

As Luuri places tea before the three, Ririeru prompts, and Serika speaks.

“I saw a thin thread-like magic on Yuri-kun.”

“A thin thread…?”

“Yeah. Um, the Rozaria Family, was it? Near the edge of their territory. There was nothing like that on Yuri-kun before, but a bit after we entered, it suddenly appeared. The moment it connected, he grabbed Arius-sama’s hand.”

“I confirmed it too,” Kazune adds. “It’s like the thread was attached—or just popped up out of nowhere. I had my senses cranked since we stepped into their turf, so no mistake.”

Ririeru brings a finger to her chin, processing Serika and Kazune’s report.

She doesn’t doubt Serika’s skill, and for perception, Kazune’s reliability is unmatched.

If they say this thread-like magic appeared suddenly, it’s fact.

“Luuri.”

“Yes. The Rozaria Family’s composition has been under ongoing Rabbit investigation, but no members with unique magical traits have been identified.”

The Rabbits’ investigations, while not as specialized as the Rats’, are significant.

With their manpower advantage, they’ve been probing since Rongrong opened, yet they’ve only gathered this much.

“…Hm.”

What would I do?

Launch a forceful reconnaissance on the Rozaria Family, or set up a negotiation table?

The former would spark conflict, a signal for war.

The Rozaria Family has held power in the hospitality trade since before the Eld Family’s dissolution.

They control love hotels in their territory, with connections stretching to the capital’s budget inns and luxury hotels.

A forceful recon wouldn’t end there—it’d be like walking on thin ice, with high risk and little reward.

Negotiation, then?

That’s a nonstarter. The least they’d demand is Rongrong, which isn’t even funny.

Rongrong isn’t just mine anymore.

“No, I understand. Good work, everyone.”

Ririeru smiles softly and bows.

Nothing special.

“So? What support do you need from me?”

“The parallel investigation into Yuri’s hometown—we’ve got some leads. We’d like material support.”

Ririeru’s the number two in the Arius Family, but she doesn’t have the authority to dictate actions.

She considers what she’d do, but has no intention of acting or ordering it.

Her authority lies in providing support or handling matters the Rabbits can resolve alone.

She firmly believes Arius has something that overshadows her decisions, and the others wouldn’t follow her orders anyway.

Shuri bows, followed by Kazune and Serika.

It’s common knowledge in the Family that Arius values principles.

When relying on someone, these formalities are expected—hence this meeting.

“No need to be so stiff… Of course, for my dear’s sake, I have no words of refusal. Could you share the details?”

“Thank you.”

Even so, Ririeru can’t help but give a wry smile at the exchange.

It’s not unpleasant, just ticklish.

To her, Shuri, Kazune, and Serika are equals in working for Arius.

Given their direct involvement, she even feels they’re above her.

“Yuri’s likely hometown—three possible locations, all at least a day’s travel from the capital.”

“Including on-site investigation… it’d take a week to get back. It is embarrassing, but the Rats alone don’t have enough funds or food.”

Kazune says it with genuine shame.

She boasted about covering prep and payment with her team, but now she’s got to ask for help.

Swallowing that shame to make the request might be a virtue.

Arius would laugh and say there’s no need for pride—he’s the client, after all.

But realistically, eight Rats, including Shuri and Kazune, are heading out to investigate outside the capital.

Focusing on the investigation for a week is tight. If they have to hunt monsters for food en route, it’ll take longer.

A week is the absolute minimum.

In that time, new developments could arise in the capital, and only Serika can handle them—a bad situation.

“Understood.”

Ririeru grasps the situation perfectly.

“Luuri.”

“Yes.”

“How many Rabbits can move for a week?”

“A week… including me, eight.”

“Of course you’re included. Next, Shuri-san.”

“Yes.”

“Specifically, what’s needed?”

“Ten gold coins, one week’s worth of food.”

Ririeru pauses to think.

This expedition demands speed, no question.

The Rabbits can’t keep up with the professional Rats, so they should temporarily take over the Rats’ tasks.

“I’ll provide twenty gold coins, plus a week’s worth of portable food. Hounds will be prepared for each member, so use them.”

“!?”

“S-Serious…? Uh, I mean, Ririeru-sama?”

Her eyes aren’t joking.

In Kazune’s words, it’s serious.

“Very serious.”

Hounds are creatures suited for long-distance travel.

Wolf-like monsters bred to human-riding size, trained not to attack people.

Naturally, renting one for a day is costly, not something casually arranged.

“This should shorten the journey, yes? Shuri-san, how many days now?”

“F-Five should be enough.”

“Excellent. Luuri, have the Rabbits take over some of the Rats’ duties. Increase the team to ten.”

“U-Understood! Uh, Kazune-chan? Can you come with me?”

“R-Right.”

Ririeru watches the two bustle out patapata.

“Shuri-san.”

“Y-Yes.”

Lowering her tone, she addresses Shuri, still reeling from the shock.

“I consider you… no, everyone who serves my dear, as treasures. Please take care of my treasures.”

“—”

Shuri feels a jolt.

She recognizes this feeling—the same kind of emotion that once terrified her.

She’s been ordered, been begged.

But…

“Even at the cost of my life.”

She’s never been entrusted.

There’s no doubt Ririeru truly cherishes her treasures.

Her sincere bow, her instructions—it’s unmistakable.

That’s why the weight of what’s been entrusted hits her so clearly.

“Fufufu.”

“Uh, w-what?”

Ririeru chuckles softly at Shuri’s resolute response.

“No, Shuri-san. If you bet your life, my dear’s anger won’t be the end of it. Understood? You’re a treasure too. To me, and to him.”

“…”

The weight in her hands turns to warmth.

Yes, it’s warm.

What she feared touching was, above all, warm.

Not a cold stab forcing change from within.

“Yes! Leave it to me!”

She understands.

At the same time, she wants to touch Arius again.

Then…

“I’ll bring everyone back safely.”

“Excellent. Go forth.”

“Yes!”

She’ll return.

To Arius’s side, no matter what.

With renewed resolve, Shuri turns from Ririeru.