Town of Gista
When we arrived in the town of Gista, we headed straight to the Adventurers Guild.
Hey, Takumi, we meet again!
Oh, Sieg-san!
Then, luckily enough, we encountered Sieg-san whom we had met right in front of the Dungeon of Scorching Heat as soon as we entered the guild.What, could it be that you are just returning from the dungeon? I thought if it was you, Takumi, you would have finished conquering at least the first floor and come to the town sooner Perhaps, have you even gone partway through the second floor already?
If its just conquering the first floor, it would probably take around two or three days, even if you take your time. Thats just my assumption, though.
However, we met at the dungeon Im not exactly sure, but it was probably about six days ago. So, I think Sieg-san was surprised that it took a little longer, and he probably guessed that we had gone through part of the second floor as well.
Given the context of this conversation, is it acceptable to say that weve conquered up to the fifth floor I wonder?
No, thats not it!
Ah!
I hurriedly covered Allens and Elenas mouths. They were definitely about to say that we had finished up to the fifth floor.Alright, Takumi, do you have time? Its lunchtime, lets go to the dining hall together. Of course, somewhere with private rooms. We can have a thorough conversation there! What do you say?
Hahaha~
Sieg-san seemed to have sensed something was up and was guiding us towards a private room where our conversation wouldnt be overheard by others.
Just so you know, I did say well have a thorough conversation, but if you dont want to talk, you dont have to. Of course, Ill listen carefully if youre willing to tell me, though~
Well, its not like its a secret or anything but I think you might be surprised. So, if you can mentally prepare yourself, Ill tell you.
Even if we try to keep it a secret, it seems like it might get out eventually, and we probably wont be able to keep it confidential among ourselves. So, I feel like it would be easier to just talk about somewhere else without any fuss, right~
Oh, really? Well then, Ill prepare myself mentally. Go ahead and tell me!
Is it okay if its just you, Sieg-san? What about the other members?
Oh, about them, I already sent someone to call them, and I have arranged to meet them at the restaurant.
Wow, everyones here already
Somewhere along the line, arrangements had been made for the other members of the Ice Blade to gather.
Here we are.
Here?
Sieg-san, over here!
Uwah, everyones already here!
As we entered the restaurant, there were already four members of the Ice Blade gathered there, and Oscar-san noticed us and waved.
This is odd, isnt it? Why is everyone already here? Didnt Sieg-san just send the message a little while ago?
I was surprised by that too. Since this is the inn were staying at, I thought one or two people would join quickly, but it seems like everyone stayed at the inn instead of going out.
Thats right. Warren-san and Nick were reading in their room, and Valda and I were drinking.
Heh~
It seemed like two of them had been drinking since before noon.
For everyone except me to not have gone out, thats unexpected! They really are a bunch of recluses.
Even Sieg-san seemed to be looking at his party members with a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Recluses! Allen is one too~!
Elenas too~!
Nono, would you really call what you two do reclusiveness?
Is that so?
I mean, not leaving the room at all for the whole day Have you two ever done that~?
Huh~?
Didnt you go out to the garden or wander around the mansion?
We did~
Staying within the Ruven estates grounds without going outside is something thats happened a few times, but rarely would they not leave their own rooms. At most, theyd laze around on the bed in the morning thats about it. The rest of the time, theyre reasonably active. Well, you could say theyre staying indoors, but considering the size of the estate, its a bit different from being a recluse in my opinion.
We werent recluses!
Not at all~
Oh, I, I see
The kids were quick to correct themselves to Sieg-san, leaving him a bit bewildered in response.
Um, is this place both an inn and a restaurant?
Yeah, thats right.
Whos in charge here? Do you know if there are any rooms available?
Since its an inn, I thought Id secure lodging for tonight.
Niichan, we do have rooms available, but Im afraid there are only single rooms left.
Thats not a problem. Well take a single room then. One adult and two children.
The apologetic look from the staff was probably because, even though theyre kids, were a group of three and theres only single rooms available. However, my kids are still too young to be using separate rooms.
Sleeping together~
Even on a single bed, we can still manage to squeeze together, and if its cramped, I can temporarily store the built-in bed in the Infinite Storage and use the larger bed I have However, it might be a good idea to start getting them used to sleeping separately. Well, Ill think about that later.
Now that weve secured a room, shall we have a meal?
Food, food~
I heard that you preferred a private room. One is available.
Thank you. Oh, right. Could you use this for the meal you prepare for us?
I suddenly took out a pink rock salt from the Infinite Storage, which I had obtained from the Dungeon of Scorching Heat
I had the idea of trying the taste of the food others make with it.
Wow! Isnt that the Scorching Pink Rock Salt? You found one!
Huh? Is this level of surprise an indication that its unexpectedly rare?
Alright, weve got more reasons for a private room now!
Ehhh~
Come on, lets go.
Hey! Wait! Salt! I dont mind you using it, so please dont hold back!
We were about to be led to a private room by Sieg-san and the others, so I managed to hand the salt to the restaurant staff before moving.
Now then, Takumi. Let me confirm first. When you guys first met us, it was also the first time you delved into the Scorching Heat, correct?
Oh, um, yes, thats right?
Once we settled into our seats, the question time from Sieg-san and the others began.
Wow! So does that mean you can find this rock salt even on the first floor!?
Oscar, we dont know that yet.Takumi, you said we could ask if we wanted to know earlier. How many floors did you go through?
Um
Five floors!
What!?
Sieg-san was asking us about the floors we conquered this time. I did say wed tell if they wanted to know, but I hesitated for a moment, so the kids easily answered. Upon hearing their response, Sieg-san and the others had their eyes widen, taking in a sharp breath.
What!? You went all the way to the fifth floor in one go!?
Yeah, we did~
No way!
Its not a lie~
Wait, so, roughly one floor per day?
Thats right~
Sieg-sans words sounded more like exclamations than questions, and the kids were casually responding with nods. It was interesting to watch.
Oh man I thought I was mentally prepared, but Im still surprised.
Hahaha~
Seems like his mental preparation was in vain. Sieg-san looked a bit tired.
Oh well~ You guys are amazing. Even though theyre lower floors, to conquer five floors in one go~
In our party, we have members with good instincts, a keen sense of smell, the ability to scout from high places, and good mobility. So, we have advantages when it comes to conquering.
I see, thats envy-worthy.
After hearing my words, Sieg-san seemed to remember Joule and the others. He nodded as if he understood. Thanks to everyones abilities, the progress of the conquest was going smoothly, especially timewise~
Speaking of which, is that halite really that amazing? I was quite surprised
Since I didnt have a grasp of the market value of rock salt, I decided to ask honestly.
That rock of salt is mined beyond the tenth floor, so its not that common. Thats why it commands quite a high price. If its found on the lower floors, I can imagine adventurers in this town rushing to get it.
I see.
So, halite is quite valuable after all.
To be honest, Im curious where you found it Oh, but if you want to keep it a secret, you dont have to tell me.
No, its not that I want to keep it a secret oh, wait, we found it on the second floor?
We found a lot~
Second floor!? And there were a lot of them!?
Yeah, well
Its something that supposedly cant be mined in large quantities, but we managed to find quite a lot. As expected of Allen and Elena, I guess?
Hey there, were serving! The foods ready~
Food time!
The conversation was interrupted as the food was brought to us.
