Chapter 8

With the driver killed and the carriage having disappeared due to the bandits spooking the horses, the two stranded individuals were at a loss. Thanks to the brooch, they could be rescued, but it would be impossible to survive in the mountains for the days it would take.

"This is quite deep in the Nansonia Mountains... It might take more than a day to reach the nearest town."

"Hey, since bandits appeared, this must be around Mount Iiris, right?"

While Shin resigned himself to descending the mountain with whatever food they had, Chloe somehow determined their location based on the presence of bandits. While it wasn't unusual for bandits to hide in the mountains, Mount Iiris wasn't particularly known as a bandit hideout.

"Ah... Yes, you're right. We must be in Mount Iiris by now."

"If that's the case, there should be a dungeon. Let's head up. It'll be faster than going to the town."

"Huh!?"

Chloe, veering off the mountain path, marched ahead determinedly, and Shin hurried to catch up.

"Wait! You can't be serious about going to the dungeon. That area is designated for high-level adventurers!"

"I know. We're not going there to get killed. We're heading to the inn on the mountain's mid-slope."

The dungeons of the Karafure Kingdom are classified into three levels based on the adventurers' levels. First, there are the beginner dungeons near the capital, where newly registered adventurers level up through quests. Next are the intermediate dungeons scattered across the noble territories, which are tackled by skilled and experienced adventurers, though there are occasional fatalities. Finally, there are the advanced dungeons in remote areas like Mount Iiris, where the miasma is the thickest. These are used by highly skilled adventurers, known by their nicknames, in exchange for substantial rewards. At this level, it might be better to send in the military, but the characteristic of these advanced dungeons is that stimulating the area could cause a chain reaction, flooding the surroundings with monsters.

Dungeon exploration must be conducted with great caution, as the Holy Maiden suppresses the miasma across the entire country and sets up a barrier at the entrance to prevent monsters from escaping.

Incidentally, our beloved Holy Maiden Momo registered as an adventurer during her studies and has completed the exploration of dungeons up to the intermediate level. She also mentioned that there are inns for adventurers near the dungeons, just like here.

"Why does Miss know the location of the dungeon...?"

"Hmm? Even as a temporary Holy Maiden, I thought it was important to remember the places that need purification, even if I don't challenge them myself."

Even as a temporary Holy Maiden, the position is not something that can be obtained through money or connections. It is only after rigorous training and study that one is finally recognized by the Holy Church. Though it's frustrating, being chosen as a potential fiancée for the first prince is a testament to her genuine effort. It's just hard to understand why her character is so twisted.

Unaware of Red Rio's bitter thoughts, the two had already reached the mid-slope where the inn was located.