NOVEL NEXT Chapter 38 - Standing Doumbfounded
Returning from the sixth floor of the dungeon, we exchanged our findings at the Explorer’s Guild. While converting our loot, I felt a shiver down my spine, thinking someone might be targeting me. However, with so many eyes around, I couldn’t discern who might be giving me an unpleasant gaze.
The three of us are undeniably attractive, which, while unintentional, might attract lecherous looks from the rough explorers.
Keeping an eye on our surroundings, we managed to complete the exchange safely.
– Gargoyle (Normal): 32 F-rank magic stones for 19,200 gril.
– Gargoyle (Rare): 2 petrifying short swords for 50,000 gril each.
– BOSS Sword Gargoyle (Normal): Gargoyle sword for 16,000 gril.
Total: 85,200 gril.
With two rare drops of petrifying short swords from the gargoyles, it was a decent amount. Since I already had one, I sold the additional two.
“I returned a bit early today, so how about grabbing something to eat on the way back? What do you two feel like having?”
Upon hearing my suggestion, the faces of the two brightened up. Not that they were gloomy, but their beauty seemed to elevate.
“Anything is fine. What do you feel like having?”
“I want Ku’s Burgan Stew from Joldo-tei.”
Ku is a river fish, quite mild and tasty. Ku’s Burgan Stew is a dish where the fish is simmered in Burgan. Exactly as it sounds. Although I’ve never been to Joldo-tei, according to Anneliese, it’s reputed to be delicious.
“I’d like Grilled Pond Squid.”
“Is that a cheap choice?”
Rosarina loves Grilled Pond Squid, and after being given a choice, it seems she has developed a fondness for whatever is selected.
“In that case, let’s buy Grilled Pond Squid and then stop by Joldo-tei.”
“Yes.”
“Yes, please.”
“May I ask something?”
Huh? Did I just hear a strange voice mixed in?
A man in his forties behind us was smiling.
“I’d like to have a moment of your time.”
Approaching with a certain distance maintained, the man continued to advance. Quite daring.
“What is it?”
“I serve under Duke Garudorando, who governs Kelniffi. I heard that Lord Tooi has conquered the fourth floor, so I approached you like this.”
“Fourth… floor?”
What does he mean? Isn’t he talking about the thief incident?
“Master.”
“Scary…”
Anneliese and Rosarina were also affected by Balkan’s abnormal presence.
The man stops in front of me, who is still frozen. Balkan, who supports the ducal house with his martial prowess, enters the guild. Balkan’s presence is different from anyone else’s, emitting an overwhelming aura. It’s as sharp as a sword, piercing through me.
This is bad. I need to escape somehow.
“Ex… Excuse me…”
Avoiding Balkan, I tried to gather all my strength into my legs to move.
“Wait.”
“Wha… What is it?”
So scary. Isn’t his face a weapon?
“Follow me. There’s no escaping.”
Saying so, he grips the hilt of his sword.
Why me? Did he come to scout me thinking I’m level 10? But isn’t that too much for him to appear for such a reason? Does the duke know about me?
Escaping isn’t an option. At least, I can’t run away in front of him.
“Anneliese and Rosarina, go back home.”
“But…”
“Master…”
“It’s okay. Both of you, go home.”
I don’t think it’s okay, but I couldn’t think of anything else to say.
Sending the two back, I follow Balkan. Six soldiers surround us. The scouting man from earlier is also here. Is this part of the scouting?
No, it’s different. The scouting was just a distraction until Balkan arrived. I’ve been had.
Considering this, there’s a high chance that Balkan knows my true identity. What does the duke intend to do with me? The castle is getting closer and closer.
I can hear a background tune, like Donadona Donadonaa.
I had prepared to escape at any time. My weapon was in the item box, along with food and money. But running away was a last resort.
Silently, we entered the castle, and the iron sword hanging at my waist was confiscated. It wasn’t Mithril, so I didn’t mind.
“Check the record card.”
A slender bureaucrat chanted, and my record card emerged from my chest. It was always a strange sight. After confirming that everything was fine, the record card was returned. The record card of a living person naturally disappears in about 10 minutes, so I kept it in my pocket. Even if stolen, it would disappear naturally, so there was no problem.
We continued silently inside the castle. If we kept going like this…
“Enter.”
It was the Duke’s office. Of course, the Duke was seated at his desk. I want to go home.
The Duke’s expression remained unchanged.
“You are Duke Garudrand’s retainer.”
Balkan said so, but I didn’t know what I should do. Well, I’m just a commoner. This is the first time I’ve talked to a Duke or even met one properly.
“Um… I don’t know the etiquette, but…”
“I don’t mind.”
The Duke’s gruff voice.
“Now then, Balkan brought you here, so it must be true.”
“Yes, without a doubt.”
What are they talking about? What did Balkan say? What kind of discussion is happening between the two?
“Tooi, right?”
“Yes.”
“Don’t bother with details. I’ll give you a reward. Do you understand?”
What a hassle. But even if I ignore this, he’ll still forcefully give me a reward. It seems that’s the stance, so I’ll accept the reward while denying. Perhaps that will satisfy the Duke. I hope he won’t bother me afterward.
“What is this about?”
“That’s the Shaldina Thieves’ Guild. You presented me with this list, didn’t you?”
He showed me the list. Let’s try a feeble resistance.
“I have no idea, so I can’t accept the reward.”
“I don’t mind. I have repaid my debt. That’s all that matters. Your feelings and circumstances come second.”
Well, he’s being honest. But I can’t accept it, even if he forces it on me. This man is convinced that I handed over the list. I’d like to know how Balkan identified me. I noticed while examining Balkan’s explanation; he has a skill called “Wild Instinct.” Did he identify me with that?
“That’s correct.”
Even if I deny it, he’ll still give me the reward. That seems to be his stance, so I’ll deny it while accepting the reward. That should satisfy the Duke, and he won’t bother me. At least, I hope so.
“I have no idea, but if you insist that the Duke is not involved, I’ll accept it. However, if you later say it was a mistake, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Very well. Now, about the reward.”
I received 500,000 gril from Golteo for assisting in exterminating the thieves. I wonder how much the Duke will offer. If it’s too little, I’ll laugh, but if it’s too much, I’ll decline. It’s not the Duke’s money; it’s originally from taxes, so I hope he won’t waste it.
Come to think of it, what was in that safe at the Shaldina Thieves’ Guild? It’s tempting to ask, but admitting it would be foolish. I’m curious, but I won’t ask.
“Explorer Tooi.”
“Yes.”
I straightened my back.
“I confer upon you the title of Honorary Baron.”
“Hu…huh?”
“Didn’t you hear? I said I’m conferring upon you the title of Honorary Baron.”
“… Isn’t the reward supposed to be money?”
“Who said that?”
“… No one said that.”
Hey! Who would think such a thing?
“Zaigen, process it immediately. Also, teach him the mindset of a noble.”
“Understood.”
I’ve been set up, haven’t I? This wasn’t in the plan. What should I do?
Dumbfounded, I stood there.