Chapter 28

"Um... 'The King's Wandering'... is the phenomenon where the 'Lord of Dreams' comes out from the depths of the 'Dream Hole' and begins to wander inside, right? Is the crying we hear now from the 'Lord of Dreams'?"

Lucy asked me with a worried look.

It seems Lucy was also aware of 'The King's Wandering.' It's a piece of knowledge that all adventurers must know, or else it could lead to serious consequences, so it's only natural.

The 'Lord of Dreams' is the heart of the 'Dream Hole' and usually stays in the depths, not moving.

However, there are exceptional cases where it comes out from the depths and wanders inside. This is called 'The King's Wandering.'

There are several conditions for its occurrence, but the most common is when an adventurer challenges the 'Lord of Dreams' and escapes without dealing much damage. The 'Lord of Dreams' chases the fleeing adventurer and wanders around the 'Dream Hole' for a while.

This time, it's probably the same. An adventurer who was not up to the task must have challenged the 'Lord of Dreams' and fled without dealing any significant damage. The 'Lord of Dreams' of 'The Angel's Toy Box' is somewhat special, and it's difficult to deal damage without prior information and preparation, so the occurrence rate of 'The King's Wandering' in 'Magic World' was high. In a world where information sharing is thin, it's even more likely.

I've heard that the Adventurer's Guild also issues warnings about 'The King's Wandering.'

I think I've caused a troublesome situation... but I can't entirely blame the adventurers for their lack of awareness. The amount of information in this world and in the game world is vastly different. It's still a nuisance, though.

"There's no mistake. The baby's cry we just heard is from the 'Lord of Dreams' of 'The Angel's Toy Box.'"

"Isn't this bad? The 'Lord of Dreams' here is at a very high level, right? The recommended level for complete clearance is fifty..."

"No, actually, it's not that bad. If we respond correctly, it won't be too troublesome."

"Really?..."

The 'Lord of Dreams' here doesn't move very fast. With Lucy's agility, she can easily escape as long as she doesn't get cornered, even at her current level.

As a heavy knight, I'm a bit more questionable, but I know the escape methods and the nature of the 'Lord of Dreams.' I won't be cornered.

"We'll escape in the opposite direction of the sound and head for the exit. The 'Lord of Dreams' during 'The King's Wandering' won't leave the 'Dream Hole.'"

That's all there is to it. It's not a particularly troublesome event. Even if you think you're doing everything you can as an adventurer, unexpected difficulties can arise. It's a relief that it's just 'The King's Wandering.'

We don't need to rush, but we don't know what might happen. If we get surrounded by monsters, we might be caught. We immediately turned around and retraced our steps.

But soon, a thunderous roar and human screams echoed. I couldn't help but stop and turn to look.

Around the corner, a pair of adventurers, a man and a woman, appeared. Both were clearly badly injured and covered in blood. The woman seemed to be losing consciousness, and her partner was carrying her on his shoulder, dragging her along.

"Help us! Suddenly, a monster of unprecedented strength appeared...!"

I had been thinking too naively. This isn't a game. With this 'King's Wandering,' there are surely many casualties.

If we run away now, the two in front of us will definitely die. There's no way they can escape in that condition. I, with my game knowledge, knew this easily. And I have the knowledge and strength to help them.

"We, the nobles, are far superior to the commoners. Indulging in luxury is only natural. Do you know why? It's because we have the great power... and the mission to protect our territory and people."

Those were my father's words. I don't blindly believe in him or respect him now. He's a heartless, rigid, tyrannical, and selfish man.

But those words stuck with me. If I think of the 'Ceremony of Blessing' and my mission as a noble, I can understand, even if I can't forgive.

And I am, after all, a noble, even if a minor one. I have the memories of my past life as a reincarnated person. But I have also lived for fifteen years as Elma Edvarden, the next lord of the Edvarden barony.

My father said I didn't have the strength and cast me out of the family. But I believe I do have the strength.

I don't want to return as the next lord. I don't want to show my father up. But I don't want to abandon the pride and dignity I've believed in.

"...Lucy, I'm sorry. Can you help the two of them and guide them to the exit while I distract the monster?"

"That's fine, but... the 'Lord of Dreams' here is around the recommended level of fifty, right? Even you, Elma, might..."

"I know the enemy's nature. I can distract it and escape. Heavy knights are designed to draw enemies, after all."

As I said this, I ran to the injured pair. Lucy followed me.

Behind us, a strange-looking monster appeared.

It wore a black hat and a red uniform. It held a dagger in one hand and a large trumpet on its back, and a drum was strapped to its body with a leather belt. It had a rather flashy appearance.

Its eyes were X marks, its nose was high, and it had a comical face. Its entire body was glossy, just like in 'Magic World.'

"Here it comes... Tin Knight!"

Its blade and body were drenched in blood, proof that it had already claimed at least one victim.

"I'll buy some time! My companion knows the way from here to the exit, so follow her and escape!"

I said this to the two as we passed each other.

"Thank you... really, thank you!"

The man bowed to me.

I drew my sword and prepared to face the approaching monster... the Tin Knight.

――――――――――――――――――――

Monster: Tin Knight

Lv: 40

HP: 21/47

MP: 31/31

――――――――――――――――――――

...I see, its HP is already depleted. It's not the worst situation.

"Elma! It's a strong monster, but... it's weakened! I think I can help! Let's take it down together!"

Lucy stood beside me, ready to attack the Tin Knight with her 'Iron Piercer.'

"...No, we can't defeat it. Lucy, run."

"But...!"

"The Tin Knight isn't the main body of the 'Lord of Dreams.' It's just a limb... the main body will come soon."

As I said this, two more Tin Knights appeared behind the first one. The Tin Knights' unmoving X-mark eyes turned to us. For some reason, their faces seemed to be smiling coldly.

Lucy paled at the sight of the three Tin Knights.

"Liar... Level 40, three of them..."

"I'll buy some time and catch up soon."

"No way! I can't leave you to deal with this alone...! You said you'd make me your companion...!"

"Do you need me to be more clear? This isn't a weak opponent that I can fight while worrying about a burden. You'll just get in the way."

Lucy clenched her jaw and then bowed to me.

"...You're right. I'm sorry."

With that, Lucy ran in the same direction as the two who had escaped.

"Please... catch up soon, Elma."

I nodded slightly without turning around.