Chapter 104: It seems like we’re about to be found out.

After Sara and the others defeated the trolls and returned with a plethora of mushrooms and herbs, Bell and the rest praised them and continued their training. After two days of multiple battles against the trolls, Sara and her team became capable of subduing the trolls while ensuring their safety.

The initial strategy of targeting the trolls’ eyes and mouth with a surprise attack had some effect, but it lacked a decisive blow. Eventually, they settled on a tactic of tripping the trolls and launching a simultaneous attack, which proved to be the most effective method.

Tripping them and pummeling them from above—it was an unconventional strategy, but it worked, so there was no problem with it. However, to an onlooker, it seemed a bit sympathetic towards the trolls. In total, it took them three days of rigorous training to exit the labyrinth.

“Phew. It’s such a relief to finally be out of the labyrinth. Well done, everyone.”

Previously, Sara and her team had an easy time, so I could just relax and watch. But this time, there were some difficult and dangerous moments, so I couldn’t let my guard down. I’m quite exhausted.

“Thank you, Master.”

When Sara bowed her head, Marco and Kika quickly followed suit. Sara is still as earnest as ever.

“You’re welcome. But as I’ve said before, I’m using Sara and the others to prove a point to those who look down on spirit mages, so there’s no need to respect me to that extent. As long as you do what you need to do, there won’t be any issues.”

“Yes, understood.”

Sara nodded in response, but her attitude doesn’t seem to change much. It would be nice if she could be a bit more carefree… but I guess it’s better than being careless. Maybe I’m just being too demanding.

“Alright, let’s head back to the inn.”

I urged everyone and we started walking towards the inn. Since Sara and her team had the hardest time this time, let’s take tomorrow off.

As for me… I’ll visit Marie-san while unloading the materials and maybe ask her to introduce me to a carpenter. Even if I plan to build a house in the Deathlands myself, I could use some advice. Luckily, I received a large sum of money, so it might be a good idea to have a movable house built for me.

“Martha-san, I’m back. Could I have the key, please?”

“Oh, welcome back. Uh, here’s the key. What about dinner?”

“Please add four extra portions as usual. Can I have it in my room again?”

“Sure thing. Is two hours from now okay?”

“Yes. I’ll be going out for a bit, so if I’m not back, please give it to Sara and the others.”

After asking Martha-san, I moved to Sara and the others’ room.

“As I’ve heard, Martha-san will bring dinner in two hours. I’m going to the general store for a bit, so if I don’t come back, please take it for me. Also, we’ll take a day off tomorrow, so think about your plans.”

“Understood.” “A day off, huh?” “I’m going to Gina’s place!”

Since there doesn’t seem to be any issues with what we missed last time, it should be fine. If I have Silphy accompany me, there shouldn’t be any problems.

“Can Bell come too?”

Bell tilted her head and asked. Even if she comes along, there’s nothing specific for her to do.

“Well, I’m just going to talk to Marie-san, so you and the others can do whatever you like.”

“Can I go for a walk?”

“Sure, but make sure you’re back by dinnertime.”

“Okay.”

Bell and the others happily went out for a stroll through the window. They’ll probably discover a new food stall again. There are mostly orc meat and roughbird meat stalls, but Bell seems to be delighted by the different tastes and examines them quite closely. Perhaps Bell and the others are the most knowledgeable about food stalls in the labyrinth city.

“Alright, I’ll be going then.”

I parted ways with Sara and the others and headed to the general store with Silphy.

“Yuta-sama, welcome.”

Sonia-san appeared smoothly. I wasn’t surprised since I had some expectations, but I’m curious how she confirms my arrival and manages to appear without giving away her presence.

“What can I do for you?”

“Oh, it’s nothing. I apologize for coming suddenly, but can I meet Marie-san? If she’s busy, I can come back at a more convenient time.”

“Yes, that’s fine. I’ll guide you to the reception room.”

With Sonia-san’s guidance, I was led to the reception room. Even though I haven’t confirmed Marie-san’s schedule, does Sonia-san somehow keep track of it? She might have a secretary-like role as well.

“Please wait a moment.”

After Sonia-san left to fetch Marie-san, some time passed, and a muscular guy came in with tea and gave me a smile… Wait, could it be? Is she checking to confirm the rumors of me being attracted to boys and younger girls from last time?

After the muscular guy left, Silphy approached me. Her usual cool expression seemed to be struggling to hold back laughter and appeared somewhat strained. It seems like my imagination was right.

“Sonia was confirming how Yuta looked at that muscular guy. Don’t worry, she said he didn’t feel any particular comfort,” Silphy said.

That’s probably true, but it’s already a headache to be confirmed. I guess I can’t complain since I’m eavesdropping, but even though I know that, I still feel like complaining.

“Yuta-san, sorry to keep you waiting. What can I assist you with today?”

While I was feeling restless, Marie and Sonia came in. Yeah, their clothes are normal, and there doesn’t seem to be any obvious seduction like last time. I feel a bit relieved.

“I was thinking of wholesaling magic grass and panacea grass.”

When I said that, Marie had a surprised expression. What’s wrong?

“Um… Did Yuta-san report that you cleared the 50th floor to the Adventurers Guild?”

“No. Why? Is there something wrong?”

“Then how did you obtain the materials?”

Huh? I can’t follow the conversation.

“I just went and collected them, as usual.”

It’s a lie, though. I’m sorry.

“But how? We have information in our company that the Adventurers Guild has set up inspections on the stairs to the 49th floor, even if it delays their operations… How did you manage?”

Seriously? Well, don’t show it on my face. Maintain composure. If Marie finds out about the magic bag with the time-stopping function, she’ll definitely accelerate her provocative tactics. It wouldn’t be strange for her to even send her muscular brother after me.

“Oh, that? I have no problem with that. The method is a secret, though.”

“I see… You’re the one who defeated the Fire Dragon, after all. You might be capable of something like that…”

Alright! She’s convinced. There seems to be some suspicion, but she avoided digging into it further, so there should be no problem.

However, I broke into a cold sweat unexpectedly. It seems the Adventurers Guild is doing their job. I should avoid going near the 49th floor for a while. Should I focus more on developing the Deathland instead?

“Well, it’s easy for me. By the way, do you need any medicinal herbs?”

Silphy, please don’t laugh that much. It’s embarrassing for me too.

“Of course, we need them. We have been urged by both the Commercial Guild and the Pharmacists Guild, so it’s greatly appreciated.”

I took out the herbs from the magic bag and handed over the same amount as last time. I thought about asking about Mithril, but it seems like it would only complicate things right now. Sonia took the herbs I provided and left the room.

“So, Yuta-san, do you happen to have any Godly Grass?” Silphy asked.

“No, I don’t. There’s no need for me to proceed at the moment. As I mentioned before, me reaching the 50th floor was just to annoy the Adventurers Guild,” I replied.

Oh, she’s clearly disappointed.

“I see. I can’t complain, but if you happen to obtain Godly Grass, please bring it to our store.”

“I’ll bring it when I have it.”

Hmm, I know it would become a powerful card, so it might be good to go and obtain Godly Grass… but the problem is how to bypass the inspections on the stairs. I could hide my face and force my way through, but let’s think if there’s any other way.

“Thank you. By the way, when it becomes impossible to hide your identity, I’ve been told that it’s okay to talk about it, but it seems we’re reaching the limit soon. My father is determined to hold on as long as it’s profitable, but the pressure is increasing day by day,” Marie explained.

Well, that’s probably true. In my plans, I thought the Adventurers Guild would find me much sooner. In this situation, the Adventurers Guild won’t be able to obtain the information themselves and will have to rely on the Commercial Guild for it. It seems the Adventurers Guild is also struggling.

“I understand. Please don’t push yourself too hard,” I replied.

“Thank you. But are you okay? Royalty, prominent merchants, and the Adventurers Guild are all trying to recruit you. Especially if the national military sets their eyes on you, it could become troublesome.”

“Hahaha. I’m surprisingly strong, so don’t worry. Whether it’s fighting or running away, I can handle anything.”

I confirmed Silphy’s power. I made contracts with Dyne, Nomos, and Dolly. To be honest, I don’t even think it’s necessary to seek protection from any force I had considered at first.

“I see. Understood. I will convey that message,” she said.

Marie’s mouth twitched a little. Oh, Sonia came back… This time, a handsome prince-like man with a refreshing smile came with the money. Right now, I feel like my eyes are dead.

If they bring a child next time, I’ll find a way to lecture them with some excuse. The man left, and Sonia lightly whispered something to Marie before standing behind her.

“The payment for the herbs is 220 million Elts. Is that alright?” Sonia asked.

“Yes, that’s fine,” I replied.

The same price as last time. I stored the bag with the money. Let’s go home soon… Oh, there was something I wanted to ask.

“Marie-san, do you know any skilled carpenters? Also, if you know anyone who was expelled from the Adventurers Guild for being a spirit mage and is struggling in the Labyrinth City, please introduce them to me.”

“…We have connections with skilled carpenters in our company, so I can make the introduction. However, I don’t have any leads on spirit mages. Being a spirit mage makes them disliked unless they’re exceptionally talented. Most inexperienced ones even conceal their identity as spirit mages and live their lives, so I have no information,” Marie explained.

I knew that, but seeing it again, spirit mages really have it tough. I understand they are disliked because of incidents like accidental explosions or misfires happening frequently, but it feels like they’re disliked too much.

If I look at Sylphy and the others, I think spirit mages are quite remarkable, but where did things go wrong? Since it seems difficult to gather people easily, I’ll have to scout them diligently.

“I see. In that case, may I ask for the carpenter’s introduction?” I requested.

“Understood. I will prepare a letter of introduction. Sonia, please,” Marie said.

After a brief chat, I received the letter of introduction and left the general store. The meeting only took about an hour, so I’ll have enough time to make it for dinner.

While discussing future plans with Silphy, we returned to the inn. I greeted Martha and went back to my room, where Bell and the others had already returned. There was a young boy who seemed like a spirit that I didn’t recognize, and he bowed to me. Is he Bell’s friend?

“Bell, who is this child?” I asked.

“Melal!” Bell cheerfully raised her hand and introduced him, but that alone doesn’t tell me much.