The Way to Absolute Dungeon Administration – There Is No Reason To Meet With the Opponent! - Volume 01 Chapter 10: Troubles Come All at Once

Volume 01 Chapter 10: Troubles Come All at Once

Side: Elju Lau Rocheur

I’m now in the capital.

It’s been five days since we left Yuki-san’s dungeon. Thanks to Mauve-san and the others, the journey was uneventful, and we arrived safely.

From here, it’s my responsibility. To end the tragedy.

“Mauve-san, Raya-san, Curse-san, thank you for escorting us. From now on, I’ll stop this war, even if it costs my life.”

When I declare this firmly, Mauve-san gives a troubled look.

“Princess, I appreciate your resolve, but don’t overdo it. I know I’m one to talk, but this life was saved by Yuki. Don’t waste his efforts.”

Yes, I’m here now because of that strange Dungeon Master. But he’s not here with us.

“I don’t want to leave the dungeon. Never know when someone might come for my life.”

Yuki-san said that as he saw us off, staying behind in the dungeon.

“In the end, we couldn’t repay Yuki-san’s kindness.”

He seemed satisfied just with the information, but I feel I haven’t even begun to repay him.

“I get it, but that guy can’t exactly stroll around openly. You could smooth things over for him, Princess.”

“You’re… right. If I end the war and gain some leeway, I’ll talk to Father about Yuki-san and see how we can help.”

In this chaotic situation, I can’t mention a Dungeon Master to the king. It could endanger Yuki-san or give other nations an opening to attack.

As we talk, we reach the fountain plaza in the capital.

“Well, this is where we part. I’ve got Yuki’s errands to run.”

“Yes, thank you so much.”

I offered to host Mauve-san and the others at the castle, but…

“Stop it. I haven’t done anything to deserve a princess’s praise. Maybe kept your chastity safe?”

“Th-That’s rude!!”

Yes, whether it was luck or not, my chastity is intact.

In the end, they brushed it off and slipped away.

“You’ll stay in the capital for a while?”

“Yeah. While running errands, I’ve got some things I want to do. Gotta collect some funny stories for my wife and daughter’s souvenirs.”

“…I see.”

“…”

“Then, I look forward to the day we meet again.”

“Sure, come back to the dungeon, and chances are high you’ll see me.”

With that, the three leave.

“Oriel, this is our battlefield now. Will you follow me?”

“Yes, anywhere.”

Side: Mauve

“Alright, time to take care of Yuki’s errands.”

As I say this, Curse speaks up.

“Wait. Did you hear Yuki? There’s a high chance trouble’s coming. We should keep an eye on the castle for a bit.”

“That’s not my thing. Even if something’s up, it’s not happening right now, right? I’ll use the downtime to find some slaves for helping out.”

Waving my hand, I part ways with Curse and Raya.

“Mauve-san’s as careless as ever…”

“That’s just him. We’ll watch the castle. Let him handle the errands.”

“Shut up. Stakeouts aren’t my specialty. I’m a combat guy.”

Grumbling at their comments, I search for my destination.

“But… ‘like me,’ huh. Maybe I’m getting a bit closer to who I was.”

Thanks to Yuki, I’m free from that time of slaughter. I’ve lost a lot that won’t come back, but this is better than continuing down that path.

“Still, slaves for dungeon help, huh… Guess that’s the only labor available… Wait, I didn’t ask what kind to buy.”

I slip into an empty alley.

“Uh, [Call Yuki], was it? Answer me.”

One of the skills I got as Yuki’s subordinate lets us communicate freely with each other. Pretty handy.

“Hey? Mauve? What’s up? I’m busy. Trouble already?”

“Nah, different matter. About the slaves— what kind do you want for helping out?”

“Oh, didn’t mention that. Hmm. Like maids, so young women should do, right?”

“Yeah. Old lady maids wouldn’t cut it. Probably don’t have long left, and they’d have a heart attack in the dungeon.”

“Exactly. No preference for looks or race. Oh, but make sure the races are different.”

“Why’s that? Same race means less confusion with culture or manners.”

“That’s the point. I want info from different races. You guys gave me info, but there’s stuff only someone of that race would know, right?”

“Got it. I’ll look for what you said.”

“Cool, looking forward to it. Excited to see your tastes.”

“What, that’s your goal!?”

Beep

“He hung up!? Hey!!”

Crap, if I buy slaves alone, it’ll look like it’s all “Mauve’s taste.”

I might end up buying women my daughter’s age… No, that’s likely.

If I don’t get Raya and Curse involved, I’ll look like a total pervert.

With that in mind, I contact them.

Side: Oriel

“Elju!! Thank goodness, you’re safe!! When we found your carriage’s wreckage, I thought you were dead, you clumsy girl!!”

“Chii-neesama, I’m not sure if I should be happy…”

Right now, Elju-sama’s older sister, Selaria-sama, is clinging to her, crying.

Selaria-sama has a sharp tongue, but her actions show her true feelings aren’t harsh.

We’re now in Selaria-sama’s private chambers in the royal castle. Despite surprising the gate guards, we entered without issue. We met His Majesty, who said, “Elju… I’m so glad!! Oriel, I thank you for your devoted service,” giving us words of praise.

In reality, I wasn’t protected but fell into slavery.

“Is someone there?”

“Yes, right here.”

“Prepare Elju’s favorite tea and snacks. Hurry!!”

“Understood.”

“Chii-neesama, you don’t have to go that far.”

“What are you saying? This isn’t for you, Elju, it’s for me!!”

To an onlooker, it’s a heartwarming scene. I wish nothing would disrupt this peace.

But because it’s so peaceful, Yuki’s words linger in my mind.

“What I’m about to say is just a guess. I haven’t seen it myself, so it’s not certain. But if you want to protect Elju, listen up. If nothing happens, it’s just needless worry. But if I’m right…”

Yuki told me this alone, likely to spare Elju-sama unnecessary concern.

It’s about why Elju-sama was used in this war.

“You probably get it, but Elju being used as a banner means someone wants to exploit her.”

“Yeah, I figured.”

“I’ll outline a few scenarios that might happen after you return to the castle. From the reassuring ones to the worst-case.”

Here’s what he said:

• • Pattern 1: The princess’s usefulness is gone. You can live peacefully.

That’d be great if true.

• • Pattern 2: War hawks inside the kingdom try to pull Elju-sama in.

We’d need to be cautious to avoid repeating tragedies. Since invasions were launched in Elju-sama’s name, it’s plausible.

• • Pattern 3: The worst possibility—someone, for unknown reasons, wants Elju-sama dead.

Yuki said Pattern 3 is the most likely. He was suspicious because the battlefield was near where Elju-sama’s carriage was attacked.

If it was just a coincidence that her route crossed a battlefield, fine. But Yuki suggested someone might have deliberately sent her there.

If that’s true, I’ll kill that traitor myself.

“Here, it’s delicious. Drink, Elju.”

“Chii-neesama, no need to rush.”

“Hurry and drink… ugh… cough!”

“Chii-neesama!?”

The sound of a breaking cup snaps me back. Selaria-sama is clutching her throat, in pain!?

As I approach to support her, the door bursts open with a loud bang.

“Selaria-sama!? Oh no… too late!! Guards, guards!! Selaria-sama is being attacked by an impostor wearing Elju-sama’s skin!! Call a healer!!”

There stands Minister Loire.

Side: Selaria Nau Rocheur

That damn minister, calling my Elju an impostor!?

Her scent, her mannerisms, her underwear—everything’s a perfect 100, it’s definitely Elju!!

“Guh… gasp…”

But I can’t speak. That bastard minister set this up!!

I know it instinctively.

Since becoming the Saintess, Elju’s smile has shone brighter.

But back then, she was down, probably because of that village. Our idiot father praised her blindly, but there’s no way Elju would cause people suffering!!

Elju herself said she didn’t know she was being used as a banner.

…So, I was investigating, and that made me a nuisance. And now, they’re framing my precious Elju!!

“Chii-neesama!! Neesama!!”

“Elju-sama, stay calm!! Use your power to clear this misunderstanding and save Selaria-sama!!”

“Gasp…!!”

Nice, Oriel!! Elju, use your power to cure my poison. Then I’ll deal with that damn minister!!

“O-Okay!!”

Her beloved hand reaches out, but…

“Stop!! You’re trying to kill Selaria-sama!! Guards, we’re calling a healer, so don’t worry, seize that impostor!!”

Tch, they plan to let me die and pin the blame on Elju, no matter what.

Ugh, no choice. If this continues, neither of us will make it… So.

“El… ju… run…”

See, I can do it.

Even poisoned, my love for Elju won’t stop.

“Don’t move!!”

“Let go, Chii-neesama!! Selaria-neesama!!”

“Elju-sama!! Selaria-sama!! Forgive me!!”

With that, Oriel smashes something on the floor. Light bursts out, painting everything white.

Side: Raya

“Well, looks like Yuki’s prediction was spot-on.”

“Yeah, wished it wasn’t.”

Curse and I were scouting the castle when light poured from a window, and someone leapt out.

“As expected, the princess and her attendant.”

“They’re carrying someone. Can they make it here safely?”

“No idea. But since they got this far, we’re supposed to help, right?”

“Yuki’s plan… If he predicted this much, why not help from the start?”

“Don’t be unreasonable. If a Dungeon Master’s involvement gets out, the royal guards will swarm that dungeon.”

“I get that, but why ask us to help at all? What’s Yuki thinking? If we hide them, the dungeon could be done for.”

As we talk, Oriel comes running, carrying the princess and another person.

No sign of stopping. They’re heading straight for the dungeon.

“Go.”

“Sorry.”

Shortly after they pass, soldiers approach.

“Did a guy carrying two women come this way!?”

“Yeah, went that way.”

I point to a different alley.

“What happened?”

Curse asks the soldier casually.

“Sorry!! No time for that!!”

The soldier rushes off.

“The worst case is a takeover of this country. Elju was used as a banner to ruin the kingdom’s reputation.

It’s fine now, but if the war drags on, the Saintess who caused it will lose standing. Criticism will grow at home and abroad for using her in the conflict.

Neighboring countries might form an anti-Rocheur alliance. The king would lose influence.

Then the mastermind steps in, saying the current king can’t be trusted, follow me!!

…Pretty bad, huh.

It’s just speculation at this point. But keep it in mind. We don’t have enough info to know who’s behind it, but if they strike, it’ll be right after Elju returns. They’ll find a legal way to eliminate her.

A Saintess everyone thought was dead is back. If I were them, I’d take out one or two others too. Who? Royalty.”

I recall Yuki’s words.

“So, the person Oriel was carrying is royalty?”

“Who knows?”

The ones who could answer are already far gone.