Published: September 9, 2025
Correction made on 5/19.
I first heard about him from the grumbles of middle-aged explorers over countless rounds of drinks at the tavern.
It was an unreliable story claiming that a young noble became red iron rank after just one labyrinth exploration, but as I listened while buying drinks, I learned that the source was a guild employee.
To gather more credible rumors, I decided to head to the guild office they had told me about.
I should have introduced myself earlier—I am Barid, a bard in Labyrinth City who makes a living by recounting the exploits of explorers and heroes to the people.
Whether his tale will become a new heroic legend or a comedy depends on his actions. I wonder what will happen…
◇ Testimony from a Certain Guild Employee ◇
"Ah, you mean that bunch called ‘Pendragon,’ right?"
At the tavern frequented by guild staff, I approached a familiar employee and immediately learned the name of their party.
When I pressed further, he confidently affirmed that it was true that the ‘Pendragon’ party earned the red iron badge from just one labyrinth expedition.
Maybe the alcohol lubricated their tongues, but the guild employees eagerly provided various bits of information.
"A young noble acts as their leader."
"Yeah, apparently he's rich, surrounded by beautiful women, beautiful girls, and even pretty little girls."
"The main force seems to be demi-human combat slaves from the beastmen and Scale Tribe."
"There was even an unattractive maid, wasn't there?"
"I heard the beautiful girls and little girls are the magic users."
Having two magic users in one party is quite the luxury. But since they reportedly have no priest, it’s probably an attack-focused party that treats demi-human slaves as disposable.
The rumor that they brought back a hundred demon cores on their first labyrinth expedition supports that notion as well.
As the guild employees requested, I played my lute and sang of “Lord Dozon’s exploits” and “The Crimson Noble’s Hydra slaying.”
Still, ‘Pendragon’… Using the name of a fictional hero—those guys have good taste.
◇ Account from a Beautiful Explorer ◇
"I know them. They saved us in the labyrinth too."
"Are they strong? Amazing! They split those tough labyrinth ants in half with a single sword swing."
"That sword looked expensive."
"Yeah, it was a beautiful sword."
Even if I take their story of being saved from dozens of labyrinth ants with a grain of salt, it’s enough to qualify as a heroic tale.
The sword they mentioned is apparently a famous mithril blade forged by the dwarven master Dohal the Elder.
Makes sense—a sword of that caliber could indeed cleave labyrinth ants in two with one stroke.
◇ Testimony from a Carrier ◇
"Sir Noble? He gave us work! Cleaning and weeding!"
"He fed us lots of delicious meals!"
"I ate too! It was amazing!"
They say he hired children of carriers who were out of work to clean his newly purchased mansion.
They spoke joyfully about how he fed the starving kids until they were full.
There’s also talk that he generously offered meals to children seeking work in front of the labyrinth gate.
If he’s a philanthropist like Lord Dozon, that’s good—but there’s also a rumor that he keeps very young girls as his mistresses, which worries me a bit.
◇ Testimony from a Maid ◇
"Hehe, isn’t it nice? This outfit is my work uniform."
"Yeah, Sir Noble gave it to me as a reward for becoming a fully competent maid."
The smiles of the young maids were dazzling.
However, considering the tailoring and fabric, it must have cost quite a bit. Normally, maids bring their own clothes. It’s rare for the master to buy them like this.
I heard he’s wealthy, but I’m curious where his assets come from.
"Huh? Who introduced us?"
"No one did."
"We were saved when we collapsed in the mansion’s stable."
What? Even in noble households, live-in servants are usually recruited from respectable families.
To take in uneducated carriers and even children who collapsed and heal them before hiring as maids…