Published: July 31, 2025
Two episodes update today.
This is the second episode.
“Alright, are you ready?”
“Yes!”
Having arrived at our destination, we immediately began the investigation. Right now, we stood in front of the entrance of a single mine tunnel. However, the ground was almost completely covered with tall weeds, and vines clung to the exposed rock faces around the tunnel… which suggested that no one had been here for quite a long time.
The ones entering the tunnel with me were the young lady, Mr. Jill, and the usual four guards led by him. Other guards were present too, but apparently they were hunting magical beasts in different tunnels from us.
Furthermore, Mr. Reinhardt and madam were also here in pairs, and Lord Reinbach was said to be conducting an investigation alone.
When I asked if that was safe, Mr. Jill reassured me:
“No worries. Those three were once adventurers who traveled for some time. As for Lord Reinbach, he even earned military honors in a skirmish with a neighboring country long ago. A magical beast that settles in an abandoned mine near a town like this wouldn’t even leave a scratch on them.”
“Honestly, we guards aren’t really necessary. The three of them enjoy walking around town freely and can take care of themselves. If we have Mr. Sebas, everything is covered. We didn’t even accompany them in town, right?”
“The four young ladies dislike pompousness, unlike most nobles. They’ll hire someone like me who lacks proper etiquette as long as they have the ability, and they’ve told me to speak to them normally as long as it’s not in public or in front of other nobles.”
Apparently, all three were masters of swordsmanship or elemental magic and quite strong. I could somewhat understand that, but was it really okay? I’m sure it was.
“Let’s do our best too! Mr. Ryoma!”
The young lady usually wore a simple yet high-quality dress made from fine fabric that even I could tell. But today, she wore a shirt and trousers for ease of movement. Over that, she donned what was probably leather armor made from magical beast hide, showing a lot of enthusiasm.
Had the tension eased a bit?
While we were talking, madam waved at me and the young lady from in front of a tunnel a little distance away. Maybe she heard the young lady’s voice? When we waved back, she waved again in a big gesture before entering the tunnel with Mr. Reinhardt.
After seeing them off, we also stepped into the tunnel. Zeff was at the front, followed by Mr. Jill and Mr. Hughes, then me and the young lady, and lastly Kamil with my slimes.
We walked in a line, but the tunnel was dark. After just a few dozen steps, the light from the entrance quickly faded.
“Tch, looks like there’s no lamp for the mine tunnel after all.”
“They probably removed them and are using them in the East Mine, right?”
“Usually, there’d be lamps until it’s officially abandoned… but judging from outside, the management seems sloppy. Reusing these facilities could temporarily reduce costs for the East Mine.”
“Does that mean the saved money goes into their pockets?”
“It sure seems that way…”
“Regardless of the truth, suspicion will arise. That’s the fate of those who lose trust. Young lady, please be careful. ‘Light’.”
With that, Mr. Jill concluded the conversation and created a glowing orb of light with the elemental magic ‘Light’.
The orb floated above our heads, illuminating the dark tunnel. Though the light didn’t reach very far, it was bright enough to see our surroundings clearly.
“Young lady, young master, watch your step. This used to be a working mine tunnel, so there are no traps like in labyrinths. Still, spotting such things is the scout’s job—someone like me. This is training, but please never step ahead of us.”
“Yes!”
“Understood.”
We continued walking, and soon Zeff stopped, causing us to halt as well. Looking carefully…
“Insects?”
There was an insect resembling a mantis. But it was about the same size as me—a mantis of that size was definitely a magical beast.