Chapter 40 of 100

Chapter 40

10 min read2,555 words

This story is a work of fiction.

The characters, organizations, and names are all fictitious and have no connection to any real entities.

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038＿Standing in Stunned Silence

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After returning from the sixth floor of the dungeon, I exchanged the items at the Explorer's Guild. During the exchange, I felt someone's gaze on my back, so I turned around, but there were too many people to tell who was giving me a nasty look.

To begin with, the three of us are quite attractive. Though I don't like to admit it, all three of us have cute faces. It's not surprising that the rough explorers would give us lecherous looks.

While waiting, keeping an eye on the back, I managed to complete the exchange.

- Gargoyle (Normal): 32 F-Rank Magic Stones, 19,200 Gril.

- Gargoyle (Rare): 2 Petrifying Daggers, 50,000 Gril.

- BOSS Sword Gargoyle (Normal): 1 Gargoyle Sword, 16,000 Gril.

*Total: 85,200 Gril.

Since two Petrifying Daggers dropped from the Gargoyles, it was a decent amount. I already had one, so I sold these two.

"Since we came back a bit early today, let's grab something to eat before heading home. What do you two want to eat?"

When I said this, the two of them brightened up. They weren't exactly gloomy, but it felt like their cuteness level went up a notch.

"Anything is fine. What do you want to eat?"

"I want to eat the Ku Burgundy Stew at Jold's Inn."

Ku is a river fish, but it's mild and delicious. The Ku Burgundy Stew is just that—Ku cooked in Burgundy. It's straightforward.

I've never been to Jold's Inn, but according to Annelise, it's quite delicious.

"I want to eat the pond squid grilled whole."

"Is something so cheap okay?"

Rosalina loves pond squid grilled whole, but it seems she has grown to like it so much that she chose it when given the option.

"In that case, let's buy the pond squid grilled whole and then stop by Jold's Inn."

"Yes."

"Yes, indeed."

"Excuse me, may I speak with you for a moment?"

Huh? Did I just hear a strange voice mixed in?

A man in his forties was smiling behind us.

"I wanted to take a moment of your time, so I called out to you."

The man approached while maintaining a certain distance. He's quite skilled.

"What is it?"

"I serve the Duke of Gardland, who governs this Kelniff."

"Wh-!?"

Is he one of the Duke's subordinates? Could they have found out my true identity? How did they know?

"I heard that Sir Toi cleared the fourth floor, so I came here."

"Fourth... floor?"

What does he mean? Is it not about the thief?

"Master."

Annelise called me in a whisper and tugged at my sleeve.

"Those who clear the fourth floor are usually over Level 10. They are often scouted by the Duke's soldiers."

She said this in a small voice that could barely be heard over the noise.

I had heard before that one is often scouted around Level 10. So that's what this is about. I panicked for nothing.

But how did they find out I cleared the fourth floor? It must be the Explorer's Guild, but how? Who leaked my information? The receptionist? Or one of the staff?

"Master, the exploration status of explorers is posted on the wall."

"Huh?"

There's a notice on the wall listing the names of explorers who have cleared floors above the fourth. It's a complete breach of personal information.

"Sorry, I haven't been an explorer for a while, so I completely forgot."

"No, it's not Annelise's fault, so don't worry about it."

I should have been the one to pay attention to such things. I should have looked around the guild more.

"May I have a moment? I would like to speak with you at the city hall."

"Thank you for your kind offer, but I don't think I'm suitable for court service. Besides, I'm not very strong. I only managed to clear the fourth floor thanks to these two."

The Job: Traveler does not gain levels from combat. That's why I'm not suspected even at Level 1. But to avoid suspicion, I claim that I can explore the dungeon thanks to these two.

"I see, so these two... Pardon me, but would you consider letting them go?"

"Are you kidding? No matter how much money you offer, I won't let them go."

"Is that so? What a pity."

"I'll be on my way."

As I tried to pass by the official, I froze.

The monster had entered the guild. It was Balkan, who supports the Duke's household with his martial prowess.

Balkan's presence is unlike anyone else's. He exudes an overwhelming aura that pierces through me like a sword.

"Master..."

"I'm scared..."

Annelise and Rosalina are also affected by Balkan's abnormal presence.

Balkan stopped in front of me, his massive frame making him seem even larger.

Damn, this is bad. I need to escape somehow.

"Excuse me..."

I tried to move, gathering all my strength in my legs to avoid Balkan.

"Wait."

"Wh-!? ...What is it?"

So scary. His face is a weapon.

"Follow me. I won't allow you to run."

As he said this, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Why me? Did they think I was Level 10 and came to scout me? I can't believe someone like him would come for that. Has the Duke found out about me?

Running is not a good option. At least, I can't run in front of him.

"Annelise and Rosalina, go home."

"But..."

"Master..."

"It's okay... You two, go home."

I don't really think it's okay, but I couldn't think of anything else to say.

After sending the two girls home, I followed Balkan. Six soldiers surrounded us, and the scout from earlier was also there. Is this part of the scouting process?

No, it's different. The scouting was just a delay tactic. A delay until Balkan arrived. I've been had...

Thinking about it, there's a high possibility that Balkan knows my true identity. What does the Duke plan to do with me? Is he going to kill or capture me?

The castle is getting closer.

It feels like background music is playing: Dona Dona Dona.

I have everything prepared for a quick escape. My item box contains weapons, food, and money. But running is a last resort.

We entered the castle in silence, but the iron sword at my waist was taken. It's not a Mithril Greatsword, so it's fine.

"Check the Record Card."

A thin-faced official chanted, and my Record Card appeared from my chest. It's always a strange sight.

After confirming there were no issues, the Record Card was returned to me. A dead person's Record Card disappears after a year, but a living person's Record Card disappears naturally after about ten minutes, so I put it in my pocket. If it's stolen, it will disappear naturally, so it's not a problem.

We continued in silence through the castle. As we approached...

"Enter."

It's the Duke's office. Of course, the Duke is seated at his desk. I want to go home.

The Duke's expression never changes.

"I am the Duke of Gardland."

Balkan says this, but I don't know what to do. I'm just a commoner. This is my first time speaking to and meeting a Duke.

"Um... I don't know the proper etiquette..."

"It's fine."

The Duke's gruff voice.

"Since Balkan brought you here, it must be about that, right?"

"Yes, no doubt."

What are they talking about? What is Balkan saying? What's going on between them!?

"You said your name is Toi, right?"

"Yes."

"Let's skip the formalities. I'll give you a reward. Do you understand?"

Skipping the formalities... There's nothing more formal than this. Ignoring that... If he's giving me a reward, it means he already knows about me.

"What are you talking about?"

I won't admit it. I won't, I won't.

"It's about the Chaldean Thieves' Guild. You gave me this list, didn't you?"

He shows me the list. I'll try to resist.

"I don't recognize it, so I can't accept the reward."

"It's fine. I'll consider it a favor. Your feelings and convenience are secondary."

He's being blunt. But I can't take his words at face value. He's certain I gave him the list. I want to ask how he found out, but if I do, it will be an admission. What should I do?

"I don't recognize it, but you're still offering a reward?"

Most likely, it's Balkan. He brought me here, so the Duke is certain I gave him the list.