Chapter 39

"Ah, Theodor, Grace."

"Ah, everyone."

While talking with Heather, the members of Forestbird showed up at the Adventurer's Guild.

"I heard, you fought a demon this time, right?"

"I knew you were strong, but to kill a demon at your age... Next, will it be a dragon?"

"No... Well, as for the dragon, I don't know. The demon was just there, and I couldn't stand it, so I charged in."

Or rather... When I saw the demon causing trouble, I just couldn't stand it and charged in. If I told Grace the details, she might worry, so I'll keep it vague.

And I don't have any particular grudge against dragons. It's a bit troublesome if they assume I can easily defeat them just because I did it once.

"Moreover, Lady Ashley is with you. Could it be that you're going to the dungeon together?"

From their reaction, it seems they know that Ashley came to Termwillis and had a conflict with the Cardiff family at the school.

The Adventurer's Guild is a place where information gathers. Since I know Forestbird, and there was the Snakebite incident, it's natural that the rumors would reach them.

"Since I can use healing magic, I thought it would be good to gain practical experience for the future."

"Ah, everyone is so capable."

Lucian responded with a somewhat deflated tone, as if he was impressed.

"Where are the members of Forestbird in the dungeon now?"

When Grace asked, they answered with a smile.

"We're heading to the old mine because they say there are gems and minerals there. We've reached the 9th floor, but it's vast and challenging. We're about to enter the dungeon."

"So, we're going down, and you're going up."

The old mine area is relatively normal in the dungeon. There aren't many devious traps, and Forestbird should manage well.

"How far down have you gone?"

"Maybe to the 15th floor underground."

"Wow!"

Well, there's no place for us to stumble.

"Ah, Theodor. About what we were talking about earlier. Among those who were kidnapped by the Cardiff family, there were monsters, right?"

When Heather asked, I nodded.

"Yes. There were. I think the Adventurer's Guild is currently holding them."

Some monsters, depending on the species, are not necessarily hostile to humans and can communicate. The Cardiff family's policy was to selectively kidnap not only adventurers but also such monsters to sell them as slaves.

I don't know if the monsters came from inside or outside the dungeon. There was also the possibility of summoning.

The victims were going to be released, but I was a bit concerned about what would happen to the monsters.

If they are intelligent enough to communicate, there's a risk that friendly tribes could become hostile, so they need to be handled carefully.

"Yes. It seems they encouraged each other while being held. They pleaded for help. They are somewhat weakened, so they are waiting to recover, but the guild is being cautious and wants to treat them with respect."

"Hmm."

"Also, they want to talk to you, Theodor, once things settle down."

"Why me?"

"You are their savior, right? They want to thank you."

...Hmm. Monsters want to talk to me, huh.

"Alright. I don't mind talking."

"I'll let them know."

I'm also interested in the ecology of monsters.

Especially those that "spawn" in the dungeon. How they are born, what they think, and how they live.

It seems that the behavior and thought patterns of monsters differ between inside and outside the dungeon.

In nature, it's impossible for a Cutter Mantis and a Huge Spider to coexist peacefully in the same room. They would likely try to eat each other.

Different species don't cooperate to fight adventurers.

However, in the dungeon, most species coexist without conflict. When they fight adventurers, it seems more to prevent them from entering deeper into the dungeon rather than to satisfy their hunger.

I want to hear from a monster that originated in the dungeon.

It's known that strong monsters nest in places where magic power accumulates naturally. According to books, they store magic power in the magic stones in their bodies to convert it into energy for their activities. Let's see what kind of stories I can hear.

I received the bounty from the Adventurer's Guild. It seems there will be additional rewards for solving the kidnapping case and defeating the demon.

The gauntlet that came out of the treasure chest has an enchantment to enhance strength, so I decided to keep it. I think it will be helpful as a support for Ashley when she swings her mace.

After parting ways with Forestbird and Heather, I went shopping at the market and returned home. In front of the house, Rosetta and Sheila were standing apart, eyeing each other warily.

Rosetta was smiling as usual, seemingly sizing up Sheila, while Sheila, with her expressionless, somewhat sleepy eyes, was calmly observing Rosetta.

"What are you doing, you two?"

"Oh, Theodor. Welcome back."

"Theodor. I came to thank you."

"Who is this?"

"Her name is Sheila. She was the key to solving the kidnapping case... I think."

"Oh, the collaborator you mentioned yesterday?"

"Yes, that's right."

I've given Grace and Ashley a brief overview of the situation. I haven't gone into much detail about Sheila, considering her connection to the Thieves' Guild.

"I don't understand, but is everything okay? I was trying to listen to what was going on around your house."

"I was too."

...It seems Rosetta and Sheila were both trying to get information from each other.

I can understand Rosetta, but Sheila might be worried about the ripple effects of the information she brought.

"Well, let's not stand here talking. Why don't you both come inside? I can offer you some tea."

We decided to go to the living room and have tea while talking. I also had something I wanted to discuss with Sheila.

It's just... there are a lot of women around me lately.

"Hmm. It seems today's dungeon trip went quite well."

"Yes, the two of them helped us."

It seems Rosetta came to teach Ashley magic. She's giving her one-on-one lessons in a corner of the living room.

The fact that she's teaching dark magic suggests that Rosetta and Ashley have already formed a teacher-student relationship.

Rosetta hasn't met Talcott yet... but she seemed pleased when I told her what Heather said. I'm sure I'll hear updates about the prince and Talcott from Rosetta eventually.

"Ah, Sheila. When the reward for solving the kidnapping case is distributed, I'll give you your share. If you need to negotiate the amount, let me know. How about 50%?"

While drinking the tea Grace made, I brought up the topic, and Sheila tilted her head.

"I think the case was solved thanks to everyone's efforts. I can't take money from that."

Sheila... seems to have a grasp on the situation with Caduceus. She probably heard from her captured friends and traced it back to me.

"Solving the kidnapping case was more your achievement than mine. I plan to receive the reward for defeating the demon, so this is fine."

I used the information she provided to solve the case and clean up the mess around me, and I'm getting the reward. Not giving Sheila a share would be... unprofessional, I think.

Sheila doesn't change her expression much, whether she understands what I'm saying or not... but that's usually how she is.