How To Use Regressors

52 – 52nd Episode – Suspicious Request (5)

As we continued deeper into the forest, Songhae began to exhibit unusual reactions.

“Uh, huh?!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh, oh, hold on, Oppa. The spirits…”

“Why? What’s the problem, Haeun?”

“The spirits… they refuse to move.”

“They refuse to move anymore?”

Upon hearing that the spirits were refusing to move further inside, everyone’s expressions turned anxious.

“No matter how minor these spirits may be… they’re refusing? Is there something ahead?”

At the very least, if even minor spirits were refusing to enter the forest, it meant that this mission’s difficulty was far from easy.

“Um… Miss Yooju, what should we do?”

“… Let’s continue a little further. We may not resolve the situation completely, but we need to find the cause to save face with the client.”

It seemed to be the most reasonable choice. Given the sudden increase in the mission’s difficulty, finding the cause and concluding the mission seemed like the best option.

Following Soo Yooju’s decision, we continued to move forward, and what appeared in our sight was a cave.

“This… It’s not certain, but it seems like it might be a dungeon.”

“Sister, what do we do now…”

Though it appeared to be an ordinary cave from the outside, we had never intended to enter this dungeon. The air around us felt suffocating and ominous.

“With this number, going into this place is… an act of suicide. Even if we have Seoyoo with us…”

Unless it was a dungeon that Seoyoo knew the strategy for, she seemed clueless about this mission from the beginning.

“…Now that we’ve identified the cause, I’ll return to the mansion.”

It seemed like a fortunate decision to return.

******

After camping overnight, we could only reach the mansion the following morning.

After reporting to Youngae, she widened her eyes upon hearing that a dungeon had been discovered and stuttered.

“A… a dungeon?”

“Yes. We went deep into the forest to the northwest, and we found a cave that is suspected to be a dungeon. Perhaps this is the reason why the undead are appearing.”

“A dungeon… Are you sure about this?”

“… I can’t say for certain, but it’s likely a dungeon. It didn’t seem like an ordinary cave. We’ve left marks along the way, so it should be easy to find when we return.”

“In that case, the dungeon expedition…”

This time, I spoke to Youngae instead of Seoyoo. Perhaps my words would be more effective.

“I’m sorry, but it seems like conquering the dungeon might be too difficult for us. It is speculated that this dungeon is beyond our level.”

“Is it really that difficult?”

“Probably… It’s just my guess, but considering how the lower level spirits showed strong resistance, it is likely that this is a dungeon of hero-grade.”

Of course, there is no confirmation. However, when thinking about how the spirits did not show any resistance during the previous rare-grade dungeon, but showed resistance this time, and considering Seo Yu-ju’s hesitation to enter, it is probably a hero-grade dungeon.

“… I understand for now. But I hope you won’t immediately leave, as it will take some time to accurately assess the situation.”

This time, Seo Yu-ju asked in response.

“Then…?”

“For now, everyone should rest for about a week. The necessary preparations will be taken care of by the mansion staff.”

“…. I understand. Then…”

Since they also needed time to assess the situation on their end, Seo Yu-ju accepted Yeong-ae’s suggestion of not immediately returning.

“Well… I guess it’s fine since we’re resting at the mansion for a week.”

After coming out of Yeong-ae’s office, Hyeon-jin spoke.

“Now… what will everyone do?”

“Ah… damn it, I just want to rest. What about you?”

“Well… it seems like there’s a training ground here at the mansion. Can I borrow it for training, if you don’t mind?”

“Wow… Training here too? It’s bustling, impressive.”

“Sister, it’s better than being lazy.”

“True. Hmmm… Maybe I should train too.”

“It’s a good idea, Sister. Moving is better than resting.”

“Hey, by the way, did you exercise on Earth? Why do you enjoy moving your body so much?”

“Uh… No, not really. I just did some simple jogging…”

“Is that so?”

“Brother, what are you going to do?”

“Oh… I’m going outside the mansion to experience the city atmosphere.”

“The city atmosphere?”

“Yes. I want to see what this place is like. I’ve been out a few times, but I haven’t really explored it.”

Since they had discovered the dungeon, it was important to thoroughly examine the city’s atmosphere.

“…It’s strangely peaceful here.”

After observing the city’s atmosphere, they found that, given the existence of such dungeons near the city, the city itself was remarkably peaceful. People’s faces were filled with smiles, and there didn’t seem to be anything unusual.

“Well… If there were any problems in this city, Seo Yooju wouldn’t be unaware.”

If there is going to be a big problem in this city, Syu Ju Seo, who is a returnee, will not be unaware.

No matter how busy she was during the first round, she couldn’t forget that there was a big problem in the city.

“So, does that mean that dungeon won’t be a big issue?”

Considering that such dungeons were only producing ghouls in the forest, it was a reasonable guess.

Anyway… if I summarize the impressions I have felt so far, it is that the atmosphere inside the dungeon is different from the outside.

And another thought comes to mind about Sharis.

“If… that maid has something to do with this incident, there will be some reaction tonight.”

As much as the dungeon was discovered, the news would reach her ears, and if the maid was connected to the dungeon, there would surely be a reaction.

“…It would be good if there is something important when the Chimera returns today.”

While thinking about the maid, she unexpectedly appeared in her field of vision.

“Why outside the mansion?”

It seemed that a man was talking to her. Judging by the man’s appearance, he seemed to be a member of a noble family.

“Sharis, huh? Come on, let’s talk.”

“I don’t want to. If you keep doing this…”

It seemed to be a tired situation just by looking at it, so she quickly left the scene.

“Ah… Oh! Hey! Wait, wait!”

‘Damn.’

I quickly moved away from the sound calling me. Right now, I’m alone, and getting involved in an annoying situation will only make me tired for no reason.

“Crazy…! Why are you following me?”

I started running because it seemed like walking fast wouldn’t work, but her abilities were much better than mine, so she caught up with me in no time.

“No… Why are you following…”

“Hey…! Why are you running away?”

‘Don’t you know why?’

A man who seemed like a nobleman, arriving not long after Charis, was gasping and following behind.

“Ah… Huh… Charis…! Where are you going… What?”

The man discovered me and stared at me as if asking who I was.

“Who are you?”

‘Ugh… Damn…’

“… It’s nothing. I’ll just go now…”

Thump.

“Why are you running away!”

“Why the hell is this crazy bitch acting like this!”

“Haha… Lady Sharis? If you let go of my arm…”

She started to communicate with me through mouth shapes.

He . l . p . me . p . ease

“This is bullshit help.”

“Haha.. You two talk it out. I’ll go now.”

“No, I asked. Who are you! Are you acquainted with Sharis?”

“This… This person came to our mansion for a short request.”

“A request… So you are a foreigner?”

“Yes. And…”

Suddenly, she grabbed my arm and blabbered nonsense.

“I like this person. So please leave.”

“What the…”

“Shh, Sharis… What did you say?”

Ignoring the man’s apparent misunderstanding, I nearly let out a reflexive curse at her absurd words.

“What the hell…”

“Sharis…! What’s all this nonsense about liking this foreigner?”

“Crazy… No, it’s not like that. Lady, you’re saying strange things…”

“Brother, is this how it’s going to be now? You’re going to abandon me?!”

“Damn it, don’t start acting like this out of the blue.”

“Who do you think you are, getting involved with Sharis…!”

“You moron! A damn wretch who can’t even distinguish a poisoned chalice… Damn it…!”

Fearing that there might be a case similar to this madwoman, I checked the man’s status window. Fortunately, he seemed like an ordinary person, probably the eldest son of the noble family around here, as I had guessed earlier.

Caught off guard by the unexpected situation, I unintentionally responded harshly.

“Wh… Why are you using informal speech?”

“What?”

“Why are you using informal speech is what I’m asking.”

“Do you… Do you know who I am?”

‘Who are you, bastard?’

As far as I know, this foreigner is neither noble nor commoner according to the continental law. In other words, there’s no reason for me to hear him speak informally.

Of course, if he’s just an ordinary foreigner, it’s true that his power is inferior to that of the noble class.

‘But it’s different for members of a major clan.’

In this world, the power of a major clan cannot be ignored even by the natives. In other words, people from major clans may not be nobles, but they receive treatment similar to that of quasi-nobles.

In the case of executives or masters of a major clan, they practically receive noble treatment.

“Do you know who I am and still speak like this?”

“Well, well? Who are you?!”

‘Arrogant brat…’

“…I am a member of the Eternity Clan.”

“The Eternity Clan?”

Indeed, perhaps it’s because I belong to the third generation clan, but when the other person hears the word “Eternity Clan,” their expression becomes anxious.

It was obvious that they were thinking about what would happen if I were an executive of the Eternity Clan.

“Are you… an executive of the Eternity Clan?”

“…No. I am not an executive, just an ordinary clan member.”

The man’s demeanor began to loosen at the mention of the Frey clan. He seemed relieved, perhaps because he wasn’t a senior officer.

“Hmm, hmm… It seems I have interrupted. I am Diect Bergen, the eldest son of Count Bergen.”

……

Since I didn’t say anything, the man spoke to me.

“But… may I ask what kind of relationship you have with Charis?”

I frowned and looked at Charis.

“Damn it, stop giving signals with your mouth.”

…sigh, the truth is, we are in love with each other. So, can we leave now?”

It seemed easier to just accept and make this guy leave quickly, so I confirmed the man’s question.

“Ha…you are a foreigner, aren’t you? Why her? I can’t understand…”

“Damn it, what is there to understand? Just mind your own business. Damn…”

I sincerely wanted to blow up this city. I don’t know why everyone is going crazy, starting with that damn woman who can’t leave people alone.

“…Duke Diect. My relationship with this person is none of your concern…”

“Why…! I expressed my feelings so clearly! How can you be so firm in your response?!”

“Don’t get worked up, dude. You’re just trying to prevent me from going to hell.”

The sight of the lad, his nerves wracked, unable to shove his own life down the drain, left me speechless. All that escaped my lips was a hollow chuckle.

I can’t help but wonder how his expression might change if he knew the true identity of the person he’s confessing his heart to.

“Lord Decette… please stop. I appreciate your feelings, but… I can’t accept them.”

‘A repugnant wench.’

The mere thought that this could all be an act sent shivers down my spine.

Suddenly, the situation struck me as absurd.

One lad was pursuing a dangerous woman like a moth to a flame, another was trying to avoid her knowing her true nature, and the madwoman was clinging to a man who was trying to evade her.

“Sharis!”

He rushed over, grabbing the woman’s hand tightly with both of his. For a moment, I caught a flicker of annoyance in Sharis’s eyes. She swiftly composed herself and sent me a pleading glance.

‘Damn it…’

Clang.

“… Lord Decette. Is this behavior not beneath you?”

“… Well…”

“Please leave now. We’re quite busy.”

“Sharis. I’ll contact you next time… I, I won’t give up. I mean it.”

The man left in a huff. As soon as he said his goodbyes and left, I knew I had to hold back, but due to recent accumulated stress, I couldn’t help but say something harsh to the woman.

“What the hell are you trying to do?”

“… What?”

She seemed taken aback, as if she hadn’t even considered that I would curse at her. Doubt filled her expression, wondering what she had heard.

“… Don’t ever involve me in such a situation again.”

With a thud, I pushed away her hand that was still holding onto my arm and started making my way back to the mansion.