Chapter 91: Sonia

Kika and Mame-chan signed a contract two days ago, and now it’s early morning. Today, we’re setting off for the Labyrinth City. I’m a little excited to see what state the Labyrinth City is in. I should just be careful not to show any embarrassing scenes to Bell and the others.

“Well then, I’m off. Take care while I’m gone.”

“I understand, but make sure to call Onee-chan properly.”

“I got it. I’ll ask for your help when I need it, and I’ll make sure to bring Dyne and Dolly to the Labyrinth City at least once a day. Are you sure I don’t need to call Nomos?”

“Yes. I have things to attend to, so you don’t need to call me unless you really need my assistance.”

“Understood.”

Since it wouldn’t make sense for all of us to move around the Labyrinth City in a large group, it was decided that I, Silphy, Bell and the others, as well as Sara and her group, would primarily act together. Even so, it’s still quite a number of people.

Dyne and Dolly want to take a walk in the Labyrinth City and see the furniture to use at home if it’s designated as a sanctuary.

It’s a bit premature to be looking forward to it so much when we don’t even know if it will be designated as a sanctuary. If it doesn’t happen, they’ll be quite disappointed.

“Yuta, call Bell right away.” “KyuKyu!” “Go!” “Kuu!”

Bell and the others wave their hands while saying so. They seem extremely excited about the Labyrinth City.

“I know. I’ll call you when I find an inn like last time, so be good and wait, okay?”

“We’ll wait nicely!” “Kyuu!” “We’ll wait!” “Kuu!”

Bell and the others nod earnestly. Well, as long as they wait patiently, it’s good enough, but it’s nice to see them motivated.

“Please take care.”

Sara, Marco, Kika, Fukuchan, and Mamechan have already said their goodbyes and are ready, so I ask Silphy for help and set off.

“We finally arrived.”

We landed in the forest where we disembarked during our last visit to the Labyrinth City and walked to the castle gate, presenting our guild cards for entry.

“What are we going to do now, Yuta?”

(First, let’s go to the Strong Arm Torque Inn. Well, I also want some information, so maybe we can stop by a general store on the way and visit Marie-san. I think the fact that I delivered the Fire Dragon will be known to the surrounding area, so I’ll ask for caution.)

“I understand. You and Sara and the others will be well protected, so you can rest assured.”

(Yes.)

It’s reassuring that Silphy has taken charge. I motion for Sara and the others to follow as we start walking. Last time we came, it was all about shopping, so it might be nice to explore different places this time. It’s a shame that it’s difficult to visit the city at night due to the ongoing conflicts at the Adventurers Guild.

“Sara, Marco, Kika, there’s no need to be so nervous. Even if I’m disliked, it doesn’t mean we’ll be attacked so easily. Besides, Silphy is guarding us properly.”

“Master, it’s not that. When we were in the slums earlier, someone said some things to us, so we might cause some trouble inadvertently.”

Come to think of it, these kids stood out even in the slums. If these kids, who have managed to escape from the slums, are noticed, there’s a possibility they might attract trouble. But honestly, I don’t think it would become a major problem.

“You don’t have to worry about that. Silphy will protect us no matter what happens.”

Besides, even Sara and the others can summon Fukuchan and Mamechan, so they can handle any opponents around here. Since they can’t be seen, there shouldn’t be any problem summoning them right now… but there’s also a possibility that Fukuchan and Mamechan aren’t used to the city, so it might be better to wait until we settle in at the inn.

Although I remained cautious while walking, nothing particularly happened, and we reached the general store. Wasn’t that a flag?

As we entered the general store, a female shopkeeper approached us. She was the person who guided Sara and the others before.

“Welcome, Yuta-sama. The store manager has been eagerly waiting for you. Please go inside, and they will call for you shortly.”

Somehow, the shopkeeper remembered my name and was using honorifics. Perhaps because we’re regular customers? It seems like they made quite a profit from the materials I sold.

“Please wait a moment. We just arrived and haven’t secured lodging yet. I would appreciate it if you could arrange a meeting time after we’ve booked an inn.”

“Understood. Let me confirm right away. Could you wait for a moment?”

“Yes. Thank you very much.”

I made the request, and the shopkeeper bowed and quickly moved to the back. Even though she moved at considerable speed, to onlookers, it would appear as if she were just walking. Impressive technique. I’m not sure if it’s a required skill for a shopkeeper.

“Sara, Marco, Kika, we’ll head to the inn immediately after this, so please wait a little longer.”

“Hey, Master. Since we’re not going far, can we look around the store?”

Just waiting here is boring. It shouldn’t be a problem for them to browse the nearby merchandise.

“That’s fine. Sara and Kika, you can go as well.”

I saw the children off, and while contemplating our actions in the Labyrinth City, Silphy approached me with an indescribable expression.

“Hey, Yuta. That shopkeeper seems to be planning a dinner meeting tonight. She murmured something like ‘If I make Marie-ojousama drink alcohol and offer her as a sacrifice, this shop will be safe.’ It seems like that shopkeeper has been trying to manipulate Marie by saying things like that for a while.”

Ah… I don’t even know how to react… That shopkeeper’s actions seemed suspicious, but is her personality also twisted? But she’s just a shopkeeper, right? Is there any benefit to sacrificing the young lady to expand the shop?

“Oh, Yuta, it seems that you’re planning to invite Marie to dinner tonight. The shopkeeper is instigating Marie by saying it would be a waste to decline the dinner invitation from a wealthy person like you. It appears that the shopkeeper has been influencing Marie to get closer to you for quite some time.”

I can’t believe the nerve of that shop assistant, acting so self-important and doing whatever they want… Um, what should I do in a situation like this? It’s completely unexpected, and I can’t think straight.

(Silphy, I don’t know what to do. What should I do?)

“If you’re not interested in engaging with them, you can simply decline. If you want to talk, you can just have a normal meal and return afterward.”

That’s true. Even if she’s offered as a sacrifice, there’s no obligation for me to accept. Marie is beautiful, but she seems to have some twisted ideas. Whether I eat the meal or not is entirely up to me. I can handle any embarrassment that comes with it.

(That’s true. Having a meal seems troublesome, so I’ll decline and ask for some time to talk.)

Oh, Marie seems to be motivated as well. She’s starting to calculate the benefits she can gain from being involved with me, even while saying she’s scared of her own beauty. It’s quite fascinating how desire is smeared all over her smile.

She prioritizes her own profits so clearly. It’s not surprising at all. By the way, even if that shop assistant joins us for the meal, how will they manage the discrepancies in our conversation? There will undoubtedly be a mismatch between what I say and what Marie says.

“Yuta, the shop assistant is coming back. Marie was also trying to join, but the shop assistant stopped her. They said that she should show up in a dressed-up appearance rather than her usual self.”

(Understood. Thank you, Silphy.)

However, that shop assistant has complete control over Marie, who is supposed to be the store manager. Who on earth is that shop assistant?

“We apologize for the wait. The store manager sincerely wishes to have dinner with you tonight, Yuta-sama. Would that be convenient for you?”

…Don’t smile so brightly and tell lies without a hint of uneasiness. If I hadn’t heard it from Silphy, I would have been completely deceived.

“I’m sorry, but I have a small appointment for dinner. I would appreciate it if I could have a short conversation with you later in the evening.”

“I see. Time is not an issue, so please come at a time that is convenient for you, Yuta-sama.”

What is this person’s deal? She doesn’t show any signs of being flustered even when rejected.

What is she planning to say to Marie?

“Thank you very much. May I ask for your name?”

“I apologize for not mentioning it earlier. Please call me Sonia.”

“Understood. Nice to meet you, Sonia. I will come her later then.”

Yuta called Sara and the others over and left the miscellaneous shop. Sonia kindly accompanied us outside to see us off. Somehow, I can’t accept it at face value.

(Silphy, can you check what Sonia is talking about with Marie?)

It might not be a good thing to eavesdrop, but I don’t want to get involved in something strange without knowing what Sonia and Marie are discussing.

“Yes, I’ll make sure to check.”

I asked Silphy for now, and she should be able to understand the conversation between those two. Feeling slightly relieved, I head towards the Torque Inn. I feel tired already, just after arriving in the labyrinth city. As I walk along, Silphy informs me that Marie and Sonia have started their conversation.

“Sonia easily made an excuse. She’s saying that Yuta had something urgent come up. She explains that it’s just a conversation for today and that the meal can be postponed to another time. Since it seems like she hasn’t given up yet, she’ll probably invite you for another meal.”

Hmm, having a meal with a beautiful woman should be enjoyable, but I don’t feel like I can wholeheartedly enjoy it if Marie is the one I’m with. If I leave it as it is, it’s scary, so when I meet Marie later, I’ll apologize for declining the meal.

By doing that, it should become apparent that our stories don’t match, and Sonia’s rampage might calm down a bit. However, Sonia’s mental strength is frightening, as she can effortlessly tell lies that will be easily exposed.

(For now, I’ll try my best to avoid it as much as possible.)

If I recklessly accept the invitation, I might end up endlessly gathering resources in the labyrinth. Both Marie and Sonia haven’t spoken much, but I can be certain that they are the type to devour their prey to the bone, albeit with different shades of greed.

I thought Marie was trustworthy precisely because of her greed for profits, but the unexpected arrival of Sonia, with a different shade of greed, took me by surprise.

While pondering these things, I arrived at the Goyu Torque Inn… Huh? The atmosphere seems different. What happened?