Side: Elju Lau Roshure

The door in front of me closed, and the sound of footsteps faded into the distance.

"A Dungeon Master? That's... impossible."

I muttered to myself.

He had introduced himself as the one "operating the dungeon". However, given the circumstances, I didn't feel like he—Yuki-san—was lying.

We were "protected" inside a dungeon, and the ones we encountered were Goblins—creatures considered lowly and particularly loathed by women. Yet, those Goblins hadn't harmed us; they had brought us here.

We had been "protected" inside a dungeon.

We were "protected" inside a dungeon, and the ones we encountered were Goblins—creatures considered lowly and particularly loathed by women. Yet, those Goblins hadn't harmed us; they had brought us here.

"Oriel, do you believe Yuki-san is a Dungeon Master?"

"Based on the situation, I don't think he's lying, but I also don't think he's told us the whole truth."

"I suppose the same could be said for us..."

"Yes. Whether he is truly 'Yuki' or something else, the situation is still too unclear to judge. However, he did treat us, and so far, he has kept his word."

Oriel frowned, likely remembering her own actions from earlier.

"Oriel, you were still thinking of..."

"Yes, I apologize. Even if I couldn't kill him, I intended to subdue him and seize control of the situation."

I understand her feelings; we don't know his true motives for protecting us. But so far, Yuki-san has been honest. He released us from the pain we suffered as slaves.

"I don't know what will happen next, but as long as he does not harm us, Oriel, I strictly forbid any hostile acts or violence toward Yuki-san."

"Understood. However, that 'Designated Protection'... it seems to physically seal our actions. I tried to strike him after being healed, but I couldn't move."

"You really are..."

I appreciate Oriel's devotion, but this time she went too far.

Currently, Yuki-san hasn't done anything wrong. In fact, he freed us and healed us. Ordinarily, we should be bowing our heads in gratitude, even if Yuki-san is a Dungeon Master.

"We have a chance to talk tomorrow. You must apologize and thank him properly, Oriel."

"...I cannot promise that. My priority is protecting you, Elju-sama."

"Oriel!"

I ended up scolding Oriel until our meal arrived.

* * *

Side: Kazuya Torino, Alias: Yuki, the so-called protagonist

For now, let's continue with just the women's side of the story. The men went through various things too, but, well, they're grimy, so I'll skip them for the moment. Maybe I'll talk about it if I remember later.

In the end, I told them we'd talk tomorrow and went back to my room.

* * *

It's now 8:00 AM.

I woke up to my phone alarm as usual.

On the first day, I doubted if I had really flown to another world, but humans are adaptable creatures. I immediately opened the Map to check for anomalies. I have alarms set for intruders, but I'm the worrying type.

635 DP.

Oh, it increased more than I thought.

The three men I captured yesterday don't have "Designated Protection," so as long as they're in the dungeon, their MP is absorbed every hour. Even the Princess and her maid would have contributed a bit before I applied the skill to them.

It seems some minor combat occurred while I was asleep. If it's not human and deemed manageable, the dungeon doesn't wake me when intruders come.

I'll figure out how to spend the DP later... for now, breakfast, then quickly ask them about information on this continent.

* * *

After eating, I decided not to bring my PC since that might cause confusion, so I grabbed a notebook and ballpoint pen and headed to their room.

Maps are sold at the "Dig Here, Woof Woof" DP shop, but they cost 10,000 DP. No thanks.

Thinking about such things, I arrived at their location.

"Good morning. How are you feeling? Any issues with your bodies?"

"No, thank you for your concern. We are fine."

"I see. Oriel-san, was it? Are you alright?"

"Yes... I apologize for yesterday. Given the situation, I reacted excessively."

Oriel apologized, looking slightly awkward.

Don't worry about it. So, can we talk? I'd like to hear some information."

"Yes, that is fine. But... is Yuki-san really a Dungeon Master? I don't mean to doubt you, but you are nothing like the Dungeon Masters we have heard of."

"I'm sorry, but I don't actually know what 'Dungeon Masters' are like in your world."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I—"

"Um, please just speak normally. No need to be formal."

"Oh? In that case, I'll take you up on that. I realized one day that I'd been made the manager of this dungeon—what you'd call a dungeon master…"

I told them to feel free to speak casually. Then I launched into my cover story.

"When I woke up, I found myself as the administrator—what you call the Dungeon Master—of this place."

From there, I spun a web of lies.

That I didn't even know the name of this continent. That there were no dungeons where I came from. That before arriving here, I was just an ordinary person living in a town.

But I could somehow sense that this dungeon core was connected to me—and that if it were harmed, I would be harmed as well. That, confused as I was, I had been protecting the dungeon while searching for someone I could talk to.

Man, the lies just kept flowing. Well, in a sense, it wasn't all lies.

I had no idea... such a thing happened."

"Yeah. I know it's hard to believe, but please accept it. I was confused at first, too."

"No, Yuki-san's actions are trustworthy. What do you think, Oriel?"

"It is consistent. There is no reason for him to lie to us just to have a conversation."

"Great. Then, mind if I ask some things?"

"Please, go ahead."

And so, I started asking them about the information I needed.

From here on, I'll list the questions and answers in brief.

Dungeon Operators (Dungeon Masters):

They're called dungeon masters. When a dungeon appears, if it seems manageable, it's monitored and used as a nearby training ground for adventurers and knights. If it's dangerous, a subjugation force is assembled immediately.

Dungeons have danger levels. Ones with only a dungeon core and relatively safe conditions are suitable for training. If the monsters are strong, they're left for eventual conquest.

By the way, dungeons with an actual dungeon master—like mine—are classified at the highest danger level. There have only been about twelve recorded in history. Each required roughly a company of royal guards to conquer, and even then, success wasn't guaranteed.

Two of those even had enough power to consume a Demon King or a major nation.

Heroes:

Yep, they exist.

Anyone whose skill includes "Hero of ○○" qualifies as a hero. Records show many heroes have been born and died over time.

Among them, the most valued are those with the skill "Hero from Another World," who possess exceptional combat ability.

Damn... so isekai summoning really is a thing.

Demon Kings:

Of course, those exist too.

They're rulers of demons and monsters, though the definition is vague—it's more of a title given by others.

Currently, two Demon Kings have been confirmed on this continent, and apparently, there can be multiple.

I'll remember their names if I ever meet them.

About This Continent:

It's hard to grasp its full size from words alone, but this location is within the territory of a country called Roshure.

There's a town about 15 km from here.

Wait—15 km!? That's way too close!

…But this world doesn't have cars. Travel is by horse, and monsters roam outside towns.

I see—just like Luna said, this really is a good location.

About the Roshure Kingdom:

It's one of the top five nations on the continent in terms of land area, and a powerful one befitting its size.

Apparently, it's currently in a territorial dispute with another country.

...That might be a bit exaggerated. I mean, the princess of that very nation is right in front of me—and she ended up a slave.

That says enough.

I asked about the capital's population, wondering if they'd refuse due to national security, but they answered easily:

"Under the rule of a wise king, supported by 200,000 citizens, our nation continues to prosper and grow."

Two hundred thousand... and they're proud of that?

Yeah, this really is on the level of medieval Europe. Though, considering that, they're doing pretty well.

Currency:

Thankfully, it's a decimal system.

Copper 〈 Silver 〈 Gold 〈 Platinum.

One gold coin is enough for a family of four to live for a month.

The unit is called "Fol".

Races:

Just like Luna said, there are beastfolk with animal ears, elves, and humans—with even more diversity within each.

I squeezed out a lot of info, but by the time I realized I was hungry, it was past noon.

"Sorry for dragging this on. I'll have a meal prepared."