Published: July 3, 2025
The inn "Holy Capital Minstrel" was safe.
Of course, the Templar Knight Order had requested an audience at the inn, but the inn's management had politely declined.
I later heard that the innkeeper was well-connected with a certain cardinal from the church, so even the Templar Knight Order could not act rashly.
After all, high-class inns have their own advantages.
The next morning, the group was transported by the carriage prepared by "Holy Capital Minstrel" to the entrance of the West Dungeon.
It was only a little over a five-minute walk, but the inn had taken various considerations into account.
The hospitality of a high-class inn is indeed impressive.
Thus, the group’s dungeon exploration began once again.
In the end, they met the red elder named Marlin only after completing the eighty floors of the dungeon.
"To conquer ten floors a day without a map is quite incredible!"
The old man with white hair, a wide red hat, a red robe, and a cane suddenly appeared in front of the group at the "Stone Tablet" before the eighty floors.
"I wanted to meet Lord Marlin as soon as possible," Nils replied.
"Hmm? Is that so? I apologize for that. I just returned yesterday. I was surprised when I saw the records... No, that's alright. So, the reason you wanted to meet me is..."
"Yes, I would like to ask for the location of the demon king."
"Is that... to lift their 'spirit curse of explosion'?"
Marlin looked at Harold and asked after Nils' response.
"Yes. Of course, it would be quickest if Lord Marlin could lift it..."
"Well, you seem to understand, but I can't lift it. Only the person who cast it or the demon king's blood can do so."
Marlin shook his head slightly and said.
"Well then, standing here and talking is not ideal. Come to my room for a bit."
The moment Marlin said that, a fleeting sensation of levitation hit everyone.
And before they knew it, they were inside a room that resembled an office.
In the center was a rather large round table suitable for meetings.
There were eight chairs.
"Please, take a seat there."
Marlin said, and promptly sat down himself.
The group exchanged glances.
However, there was no other choice but to sit.
As they sat down, coffee appeared in front of them.
Marlin explained the coffee.
"This is a fine product sourced from the dark continent."
"The dark continent!" Ryo exclaimed softly.
That too was an exciting word.
Though it was a word from fantasy, it also had its place in historical terms.
In the history of Earth, there was a time when terms like "Dark Ages" and "Dark Continent" were used.
These were not merely slang but appeared in papers as well.
The Dark Age referred to medieval Europe.
The Dark Continent referred to the African continent.
The reasons for these terms falling out of use... that’s a story for another time.
Anyway, as someone with a background in Western history, Ryo automatically linked the dark continent to the African continent in his mind.
The most famous coffee sourced from Africa would probably be... Kilimanjaro, right?
Of course, there are many other brands, but...
Ryo happily took a sip.
The perfect balance of acidity and bitterness.
Moreover, the flavor spread in his mouth... delicious.
Combined with the perfect aroma, it was truly wonderful coffee.
"Ah..."
A satisfied sigh escaped Ryo's lips without thinking.
Seeing this, the other six also took a sip.
Marlin nodded slightly and began drinking himself.
No one spoke.
The air was filled with the aroma of coffee.
If "satisfaction" were to take a shape, it would likely resemble this space...
"That was delicious," Ryo said honestly.
Of course, he loved the coffee from Kona Village.
He also adored Hawaiian Kona that he used to drink on Earth.
But this coffee was also great.
Delicious things are delicious.
Delicious things are justice.
"It seems you were satisfied, which is delightful," Marlin said with a slight smile.
"Yes, it was very delicious," Ryo replied with a satisfied expression.
"Now then, shall we get to the main topic?"
With Marlin's words, everyone's minds were pulled back to reality.