Chapter 12

Matthias called Har over.

I almost got lost in the beauty of her white hair, but this wasn't the time for that.

Then, I explained the situation to the two of them.

That my acquaintance, Norn, hadn't returned from the dungeon.

And that there were rumors of bandits appearing inside the dungeon.

I told them that I wanted Har's help in searching for her.

"Indeed, with her sense of smell, it would be possible to find that person. However, as a slave trader, it's difficult for me to lend her out for such a dangerous job. If you had at least lied and said you were going for a walk in the dungeon, I might have lent her to you..."

"I understand."

I took out one gold coin and a hundred silver coins from my item bag.

"There are 20,000 cents here. Additionally, I will earn another 20,000 cents by selling the artifacts to Margaret's clothing store tomorrow. In total, 40,000 cents. Please use this as a deposit."

"No, a deposit of 20,000 cents is sufficient. Harwatar, what do you want to do?"

"I want to use my sword and my skills for someone. That hasn't changed even now that I'm a slave. I really want to help you, Ichinose-sama."

With those words, Matthias relented.

As he touched the slave collar around her neck, lights began to glow one by one, totaling over a hundred.

"I've set the rental time to 108 hours. This is the longest rental time possible. And, Harwatar, here is your sword."

What Matthias handed over were two swords, longer than daggers but shorter than regular swords, both in their sheaths.

I couldn't tell if she was a dual-wielder or if one was a spare.

"Master... did you keep them for me?"

"I thought there would come a day when you would need them, given the conditions you set for your emancipation."

She then sheathed the two swords at her waist.

"Har, do you need to buy armor? You can go to the adventurer's guild if you want."

"No, I don't wear armor or a helmet. It would slow me down."

"I see, got it. Then, let's go to the dungeon together. I'll guide you to where Norn was."

We ran through the night streets, the streetlights illuminating the way.

"Master, is this Norn-sama your lover?"

Just before we reached the dungeon, Har asked me this.

Why now?

"No, we just share the same boarding house, and she helped me in the dungeon. I only learned her name recently."

"Then why are you so desperate to help her?"

"Because I want to help her! If I were to act rationally, it would be presumptuous for a layman like me to try to save her from the vigilante group, but I couldn't help it."

Har probably thought I was reckless and didn't consider the inconvenience I might cause others.

If Har had a crush on me, she might have been a little happy to know that Norn wasn't my lover, but her expression was the opposite—she looked disappointed.

So, there's no chance of her being my lover.

There are many things I'm curious about, like how the streetlights work and Har's feelings, but now is not the time. We need to hurry to the dungeon!

At the entrance to the dungeon, a different male soldier was standing guard, not the one who had been there with Norn.

"Excuse me! Has Norn come out of the dungeon?"

"Who are you?"

"I'm from her boarding house."

"I see. No, not yet. We're planning a large search party in the morning—wait, you!"

Unfortunately, now that I knew she hadn't come out yet, I couldn't wait any longer!

I interrupted the conversation and entered the dungeon with Har.

We arrived at the spot where I had parted ways with Norn without encountering any monsters.

"Har, this is it. This is where I parted ways with Norn. Can you tell?"

"The scents are mixed, so it's hard to tell. Do you have anything that smells like Norn?"

"This vial—Norn gave it to me."

I took the empty potion vial from my item bag.

Har took the vial and sniffed it.

"It's mostly your scent, but I can tell. This way."

Sure enough, Har started running in the direction Norn had gone.

Suddenly, three kobolds appeared in front of us.

"Master, I'll—"

"Slash!"

My sword cut through the three kobolds, turning them into magic stones and claws.

[Ichinose's level has increased]

[Unemployed Skill: Skill Explanation obtained]

My Unemployed level increased to 40, my Apprentice Swordsman level to 17, and my Hunter level to 14.

Skill Explanation?

Is this a skill that allows me to investigate skills?

As I thought this,

……………………………………………………

Skill Explanation: Appraisal Skill [Unemployed Level 40]

A skill that allows you to investigate skills.

You can only investigate skills that you or your companions have already obtained.

……………………………………………………

The information flowed directly into my mind.

It feels like the ultimate cramming. It will be useful when I obtain unknown skills.

It's a bit disappointing that I didn't get the Force Class Unlock.

Then, I continued running, following Har's lead.

"Master, the power of that Slash—no, never mind."

"What's wrong? Tell me."

"The power of that Slash far exceeds that of a low-level Apprentice Swordsman. Are you a swordsman like me?"

"No, I'm not a swordsman. I can't explain it now."

"I see. I understand. I won't ask further."

Har turned and continued running.

I used the Occupation Appraisal to investigate Har, who was running ahead of me.

Since I aim to surpass her in the future, I wanted to know this information now.

[Swordsman: Lv23]

She's strong. Much stronger than Joseph, Elise, and Norn.

I don't know the conditions for obtaining the whip user class, though.

"Master, we're going down to the second floor from here."

"Got it. And Har, you don't have to think of me as your master."

"Why not?"

"I heard that the White Wolf Clan considers serving a weaker man more humiliating than death. So, for now, treat me as an equal companion."

Har shook her head at my suggestion.

"No, I cannot accept that order. Master, you have a fundamental misunderstanding of strength. Let's hurry; I'm worried about Norn."

With that, Har descended the stairs.

A fundamental misunderstanding of strength?

Just increasing my level isn't enough for Har to recognize me as a true master?

...No, I'll think about that later.

For now, I'll focus on Har's advice and prioritize helping Norn.

Happy New Year.

Thanks to everyone, I was able to start the new year with a good omen, ranking second in the daily rankings.

I hope you will continue to support this work and others this year.