From the tearoom, the exit was quite a distance away.
Considering it was a castle, this was expected. However, the tearoom was located in a pavilion within the castle, and leaving the castle was faster than I expected.
The time-consuming part was the cave leading from the castle exit to the surface.
It stretched upward, its ceiling about three meters high. Master-san illuminated the way with a torch-like magical tool.
It was really long.
Why was the castle buried so deep underground?
Also, can’t we just use some kind of teleportation magic or something to move around?
Unfortunately, both Master-san and Roberto are unable to use such magic.
Teleportation spell casters are exceedingly rare so it can’t be helped.
-0-
During our long walk through the cave, Ursa talked to Master-san about a lot of things.
Eventually, she coaxed out a secret: Why was Master-san in this place?
It turns out Master-san had a close childhood friend of the opposite sex.
They often spent time together, and their bond naturally deepened. His parents even arranged their marriage.
Of course, the other party’s parents also agreed.
No one around them objected—except for the younger sister-san of Master-san’s childhood friend. ….but they still got engaged.
By the way, the little sister-san’s disapproval stemmed not from romantic feelings; she simply adored her older sister and didn’t want to share her with anyone.
In any case, they decided to get married when the time was right……
Now, a problem arose.
The childhood friend of the opposite sex was exceptionally talented and remarkably strong—far surpassing Master-san.
Despite the childhood friend of the opposite sex being attracted to him, Master-san was worried that if they got married like their parents arranged, he wouldn’t be able to stand by her side.
And so, Master-san made a decision.
To gain self-confidence, he decided to challenge someone stronger than their childhood friend of the opposite sex.
If he survived, win or lose, he would propose marriage with his own free will.
He told his determination to his childhood friend of the opposite sex and set off on a journey.
Having a lead on someone stronger than his childhood friend of the opposite sex, he aimed for that person.
「But… I was foolishly overconfident…….」
By chance, Master-san witnessed the one stronger than his childhood friend of the opposite sex fighting against an opponent. And it left him paralyzed with fear.
It wasn’t about winning or losing; it was impossible to survive the challenge.
It wouldn’t even be a proper duel, he would just be slaughtered.
He had seen this future through his magic eye.
It seems like Master-san also possessed a magic eye.
Though looking at him, he doesn’t look like he has one… is he covering it up or something?
Regardless, after seeing that future, Master-san’s spirit shattered. He neither faced the challenge nor returned to his childhood friend of the opposite sex. Instead, they hid away in a place like this.
……..
Hmm.
I find myself at a loss for words.
Even I would hesitate to face an opponent I absolutely couldn’t defeat.
If there’s no chance of winning, that means you’ll only die in vain.
Anyone should avoid fighting against someone you can never defeat.
「Couldn’t you search for a different opponent?」
Ursa-san asks, but the condition of being stronger than their childhood friend seems challenging.
Besides, seeking another opponent just because he can’t win feels wrong.
You have pride in strange places, don’t you?
Well, perhaps it’s necessary not to compromise on that point.
I can understand that a little.
「But leaving that childhood friend of the opposite sex alone—is that acceptable?」
「That’s a story from hundreds of years ago. She’s likely with someone better than me now.」
………..
It leaves me feeling conflicted.
Yet there’s nothing I can do.
Saying some words of encouragement wouldn’t be appropriate either.
-0-
I would like to change the subject here. As an adventurer, we’re here to assist Tiselle-sama in her kingdom building.
Naturally, the place where we operate as adventurers serves as a base for the kingdom building’s preparations.
In order to build a country, you need to establish a city, and we are currently in a preparation village.
Tiselle-sama and others must have been discussing whether to build necessary facilities from scratch or salvage usable structures that remained in the ruins.
Adjacent to the abandoned port town, there’s a neatly arranged cluster of houses and warehouses where relevant personnel stay. This area serves as the preparation village.
Approximately five hundred people reside there.
Now, why this sudden explanation?
Because when you were guided to the surface, we found ourselves atop a hill overlooking the preparation village and the ruins of the port town.
We already surveyed this area but we did not expect to find the entrance and exit in such a place.
In terms of how close we are here, we probably returned even before E3-san and the others.
Thankfully, we wouldn’t make a fuss.
Quietly, we inform Roberto, who has been following us discreetly, about the location of the cave in the forest where the teleportation trap was triggered.
Leaving that trap unattended would be dangerous.
You’re a vampire so you’re not good at daytime?
You’ll check it out at night?
Thank you very much.
If we could meet up with E3 and the others first, that would help resolve various matters.
But now, a group is approaching from the preparation village toward our location.
…….
At the forefront are E3 and the others.
Did they return ahead of us?
If so, the people behind them are likely mobilized to search for us.
It seems there was some commotion.
My apologies.
Ah, Master-san!
You said that this place should remain a secret, right? What should we do now?
Should we hurry and hide?
…areh?
Master-san?
You’re moving funny?
He also screamed.
Areh?
Before I could inquire further, a familiar face appeared before us.
It was Metora-san, the woman who had been caring for Ursa-san and Tiselle-sama.
Master-san is clearly frightened as soon as he sees Metora-san.
Is Metora-san the one stronger than the childhood friend of the opposite sex you are talking about earlier?
Well, I’ve always thought she’s not someone ordinary…..
「Guinell. It’s been a while.」
………
Something’s wrong.
「Dandaji… .」
「I’ve given up that name. I am Metora now.」
「I-is-ish that so… Metora, a good name」
「I was worried since you’ve never come back. Shall we get married?」
「Ah, uu…..no, that……」
Areh?
Could it be that Metora-san is the childhood friend of the opposite sex?
Ehto…..
I glanced at Ursa-san.
She made a hand sign saying the two of us should step away.
Are you saying we should leave them alone?
No?
It’s dangerous?
Roberto-san was already running away before I knew it.
Ursa-san hurried to stop the approaching E3-san and the others.
…………
I was getting anxious myself but escaped from that place immediately after seeing Ursa-san running.
-0-
I don’t know what the two discussed between themselves but I saw two dragons fighting.
Master-san and Metora-san were impure dragons of the same generation?
My mind is too surprised to think of a follow up.
And I can’t even tell you the result of the battle between two dragons.
The hill collapsed and the castle, which was underground, was pushed above the ground.
It is said that it sank but it also had a levitation function.
A fine castle came out into the sun but…..
Looking at it, it doesn’t look like a defensive castle.
It looks more of a castle used for administration.
On Metora-san’s advice, Tiselle-sama happily seized it.
She’s going to use it for her nation building project.
Many bureaucrats lament the need to revise the city’s plans, but I have nothing to do with that.
And about Maste….Guinell-san, he has left the castle and now stands by Metora-san.
It seems the castle’s seizure has left him with no other place to go.
I heard that Guinell-san is still resisting marriage.
But it seems like a futile resistance.
-0-
Ursa-san will go out to call a dragon, someone stronger than Metora-san…..to get them married.
Do you have any idea who Guinell-san tried to challenge?
Given the look on your face, you do.
And by the way, she said she’s going to apologize with the ice monster.
Are you sure you don’t want me to go with you?
It’s okay because it is your parents’ house?
………
Is there a dragon at your parents’ house?
Your mother?
……………………
Ehto, understood.
I’ll leave things in your capable hands.
The scent of danger hangs in the air, so I gave up going with her.
Instead, I’ll assist E3-san and the others with our perimeter investigation.
-0-
Guinell: An unworthy man like me isn’t suitable for you. Marriage… it’s impossible.
Metora: Is that so? Marry me or fight me and marry me. Choose.
Guinell: Eh?
-0-
Alfred: Drinking darkness (a greeting).
Roberto: Drinking darkness.
Alfred: I’ve found a true friend.
Ursa: Both ancestor-san and Mother Loo said you’ll regret it later.
-0-
E3: I returned to the base seeking help with all my might, and there you are, near the base…
Ursa: My apologies.
Ekate: Sorry for worrying you.
-0-
● Unused idea:
Guinell: If you promise to keep this place a secret, I’ll give you one of my scales.
Ekate: What? Such a precious item!
Ursa: (dead eyes)
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