Chapter 90

Today's update! ('ω')!

I mistakenly thought Monday was a holiday and confused it with Sunday... Yes, I'm sorry for the late update.

"──The above is a summary of the joint national request. Do you have any questions?"

Marquis Bedivoe looked around the large conference room.

The large conference room of the Dunna Adventurers' Guild. Here, representatives from four parties, Maniera, Viscount Boardman, and Marquis Bedivoe, the issuer of the national request, were gathered.

"One question, if I may?"

Zakart, the leader of one of the participating parties, 'Fullbound,' raised his hand.

'Fullbound' is a native party composed of Dunna natives, and they are so famous as the representatives of Dunna that they are a well-known B-rank party. I heard they have been promoted to A-rank for this national request.

"What is it?"

"Why is the C-rank 'Clover' continuing the exploration?"

Zakart's stern gaze was directed at me.

I understand his feelings. Originally, the initial investigation of 'Glad Sii=Im' should have been their strongest suit. I didn't know that we, 'Clover,' had been inserted into the situation.

"They have a track record of investigating the most difficult dungeon, 'The Colorless Darkness,' and have also achieved results in the investigation of 'Glad Sii=Im.' Regarding their rank, they will be treated as A-rank during the national request."

Marquis Bedivoe's gaze briefly turned to me.

Encouraged by my companions, I accepted Marquis Bedivoe's proposal to face this crisis as a provisional "hero," but I decided to keep this information confidential. Currently, there is no benefit in making it public. It is a crisis that will manifest in the world, but since it is not yet recognized as a crisis, it could cause confusion. Especially, informing someone like Zakart, who has a high sense of achievement, would not be desirable.

"Even if they are a popular streaming party, isn't the special treatment excessive? They only explored a few floors of 'The Colorless Darkness.' We could do that easily."

"I must object to that."

Lucent, the leader of 'Scordia,' who was sitting next to me, spoke in a low, threatening voice.

"I don't know how well 'Fullbound' is familiar with dungeon exploration, but approaching 'The Colorless Darkness' with that attitude will lead to a tragic end."

"What? Are you saying we are inferior to your red mage?"

"You should acknowledge the difference in experience. Returning from that dungeon with all members intact is what it means."

"Alright, that's enough. We are comrades who will work together to fulfill the sealing conditions, right?"

Marona, the leader of 'Carmine,' another Dunna-native party, helped to ease the tense atmosphere between us. It's rare to have a female leader, but apparently, all the members of her party are women. They wander around the kingdom on adventures and are known to be quite experienced among A-rank parties.

"Since 'Clover' has done the preliminary investigation, they have a head start. You should think of it as a bit easier for you. Don't brood here; show your results in your work. Right?"

"…Hmph. I know that without being told."

Zakart, still looking irritated, stood up and left the conference room.

At least, it didn't escalate to a physical fight in front of the nobles, which is a good thing. After all, adventurers tend to come to blows over trivial matters.

"The atmosphere has become tense. I apologize."

Lucent bowed to the three people at the head of the table.

"No, I rely on you, Lucent. There aren't many who have challenged and returned from 'The Colorless Darkness.'"

"I will do my best."

Lucent bowed to Marquis Bedivoe's words and left the conference room. Marona followed suit.

Left alone, I turned back to Marquis Bedivoe.

"Well, Yuke. Can you do it?"

"I'll do my best."

"Is that so? I expect good news, 'hero' Yuke Ferdio."

Marquis Bedivoe bowed slightly, confirming my name, and I quickly left the conference room.

◇

"Yuke Ferdio"

"Lucent?"

Feeling thoroughly exhausted, I was heading towards the stairs when Lucent called out to me. Perhaps he had been waiting for me.

"I heard you recommended 'Scordia' for this mission. Thank you."

"No, if you asked for a reliable and skilled adventurer, 'Scordia' was the only one that came to mind."

"It's an honor to hear that."

When Marquis Bedivoe asked me if there was anyone suitable for the mission, I recommended 'Scordia.' At this point, I can understand how Benwood felt. There are other A-rank parties with good track records, but when asked who to recommend in this crisis, I naturally chose someone I trusted.

In this regard, I owe a lot to Lucent of 'Scordia.' During our brief conversation, it was clear that he was a trustworthy person. When facing a crisis like "culling," no one seemed more suitable than 'Scordia.' They embody the spirit of the "old good" adventurers, much more heroic than I am. When considering who was best suited for this unusual national request, no one seemed more appropriate than them.

"I read the records."

"Huh, ours?"

"Surprised?"

"I thought you hadn't read them during 'The Colorless Darkness.'"

Lucent chuckled at my words.

"Oh, that... I intended to challenge it as a first-time investigation. Like the first explorers. We wanted to prove that we were not inferior to the golden generation. It was somewhat reckless, but it was a good experience."

The golden age of adventurers refers to the time when Benwood, Maniera, and my uncle were on the front lines. It was also the time when the Adventurers' Guild began to function and the profession of adventurer started to be recognized by society.

"But this time, it's different. It's a literal first-time exploration. If there is a preceding party, I will check the records."

"I hope they are useful."

"I have a certain confidence from reading them."

Lucent lightly patted my shoulder and smiled.

"This time, the main role will surely be you, 'Clover.'"

"Huh?"

The "hero" thing shouldn't have leaked out.

"Dungeons and adventurers have a connection. This is my intuition, but this mission is something you must overcome. We, 'Scordia,' will support you—do your best."

Lucent released my shoulder and walked down the stairs. I watched him go, unable to say anything.

How was it? ('ω')

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