To the Headquarters
(Kaiser, we're in trouble.)
(Mu? Takumi, what's wrong? Using telepathy even though you're right next to me.)
As it was just the time for a shift change, we left the dungeon with the two security guards who had finished their duty and headed towards the headquarters. Oh, by the way, Dill-san was with us too.
(You don’t have identification papers, so if we try to enter the city like this, things could become troublesome!)(Ah, that's right.)
Just like when the kids and I first came to the city, it should be no problem if they check our criminal records and issue temporary IDs. However, it's too uncertain how that magic tool will react to Kaiser.
When we first entered the city, I was nervous about how the magic tool would react to the twins, too.
"I apologize. I've just remembered something I need to take care of. I'll catch up later, so go ahead."
"Yeah, got it. But do you know where the headquarters is?"
"Umu, no problem."
After informing the security guards, Kaiser moved away from us.(Takumi, can you come to a place without any onlookers for a moment? I'll hide in the shadows.)
(Understood. Sorry about this, Kaiser.)
(No need to worry about such trivial matters. If anything, I'm causing inconvenience to you.)
"Ah, sorry. I forgot to hand over something to Kaiser. I'll be back soon, so keep walking."
“”Okay~””
Pretending to chase after Kaiser, I had him hide in my shadow.
“”Welcome back~””
"Yeah, I'm back."
Safely entering the city, we finally headed towards the so-called headquarters.
"We've arrived~"
“”Here~?””
"Yeah, that's right. This is the Dungeon Management Headquarters. By the way, the Adventurers’ Guild is right next door."
“”Oh, it’s true~””
Since dungeons and adventurers are closely related, maybe they set them up nearby for easier coordination?
"Is the Director available? It's an urgent matter, an important issue."
The security personnel headed towards the reception desk to check the availability of the director of the headquarters.
… As expected, or rather, unsurprisingly, it seems like a matter where the top person has to get involved, especially regarding the acquisition of the branch.
"Yes, he's still here. I'll check if he's available right away."
The receptionist, flustered by the serious atmosphere of the security personnel, hurriedly ran to inform the director.
"Is something the matter? Is it about the people behind you?"
"Vice-director? Is the Director not available?"
"I'm just a messenger who came to inquire about the nature of the case. So, what's going on?"
"It's a bit... sensitive here."
"I see. Well then, please go to the Director’s office."
A man in his fifties, the Vice-director of the Headquarters, seemed to have come to check on what had happened.
It's good that the security personnel hesitated, as explaining things in the presence of others might have caused a commotion.
"Oh!"
Dill-san, who had been leaving things to the flow until now, suddenly raised his voice.
"What's the matter, Dill-san?”
"Shouldn't we also call the Master of the Adventurers’ Guild?"
"Oh, right. I don't want to explain things multiple times. Dill, can you go and get him?"
Dill-san and the security personnel agreed, and Dill-san hurriedly left the Dungeon Management Headquarters.
"Is it such a serious matter... It's a bit scary to ask."
"It's quite shocking."
When it came to the discussion of calling the Guild Master of the Adventurers’ Guild, the Vice-director of the Headquarters showed a bewildered expression.
… Well, to be honest, I hadn't had the chance to intervene in the conversation since entering the building.
"I'm back. It seems to be a case where they need the Master of the Adventurer's Guild as well."
"That's quite... a seemingly significant case, then. I’d like to hear about it as soon as possible, but it might be better to wait for the Guild Master of the Adventurers’ Guild."
The Director of the Headquarters, was younger than the Vice-director, a man in his late thirties.
"You with the children... are you an adventurer?"
"Yes, I'm Takumi, a newly arrived adventurer from the Guardia Kingdom."
"I'm Allen!"
"I'm Elena!"
"Guardia Kingdom, huh! No wonder I haven't seen you before. I'm Ethan Lucias, the director of the ‘Dungeon of Precious Stones’ Management Headquarters. Nice to meet you."
... Somehow, he gives off a noble vibe, doesn't he?
"Well, I apologize for my lack of information, but is this Headquarters a national facility, and are you officials?"
"Not everyone, but most higher-ups in both the administrative and security departments are, in a way. By the way, I'm here in a position dispatched from the Castle's finance department."
"Oh, I see."
It seems more like an integral part of the country's organization rather than receiving direct support.
"I'm intruding."
"......"
While talking to the head, a handsome individual with flowing, golden hair and impeccable makeup entered the room.
...At first glance, they appeared to be a woman, but I think they're probably a slender man.
"Are you an older brother?"
"Or a big sister?"
"Wha–!? Allen, Elena!?"
While I was struggling with their gender, Allen and Elena boldly asked the person directly.
"My, oh my, these days, most people around here ask indirectly, so it's quite unusual to be asked directly. What are your names?"
"I'm Allen!"
"I'm Elena!"
"”Nice to meet you!"”
"Yes, nice to meet you. I'll answer honestly to you two, who are so straightforward. I'm just a regular older brother. I just like dressing up. So, I wear outfits like this, and sometimes I dress more masculine."
“”Is that so~””
"Yeah. I'm Christopher. You can call me Chris-chan."
“”Okay! Chris-chan!"”
"Oh my, you really are straightforward. I like that a lot~”
And just like that, they quickly got to know each other.
"So, Oniisan, are you an adventurer?"
"... I'm Takumi. I apologize for my little brother and sister being rude."
"It's cute at that level. I don't mind."
The Guild Master really didn’t seem to mind, but I still feel a bit apologetic.
"So, why were you called here? I heard it's quite a significant issue?"
"I haven't heard the details yet."
"Oh my, is that so?"
As we were about to get into the main topic, I sent telepathic messages to Allen and Elena.
“”Ah!””
Following my instructions, the two left the room.
"Sorry. We have one more companion, and it seems like he just arrived, so I'll bring him in."
I followed the children, left the Headquarters for a moment, and called Kaiser to a secluded place where no one could see us.
"Mu? That was quick. The discussion or whatever… doesn’t seem to be over. It seems like it's still within the city."
"I thought it would be better for you to participate in the discussion or explanation, so I asked the kids to create an opportunity."
"Is that so? If I join, won't there be an increased risk of saying unnecessary things?"
"... That would be troublesome, but the thing is, I haven't obtained a single branch by myself. It would also be troublesome if you are not there."
"I see."
It was mainly Kaiser who obtained the Ruby branches. Allen and Elena also contributed, but Kaiser was the one who chose the locations for their strikes. Therefore, it would be better for him to be present during the explanation.
"For now, just stay with us. I'll do most of the talking, so you can just nod or give some input."
"Fzmz, understood."
"It might be a bit of a hassle, but please."
"Got it."
After smoothly reuniting with Kaiser, we headed back to the Director’s office.
