Side: Narjia

"......And so, through the miracle of the late Elju-sama, this dungeon has, for the first time in history, become one that can be operated by human hands. Currently, the highest authority rests with Elju-sama's elder sister, Seraria-sama. And represented here today is Labyris, who acts as the supreme authority in Seraria-sama's stead."

"...Greetings, new residents of the dungeon. I am Labyris, the chief executive of this dungeon's administration. Some of you may wonder why someone as young and female as myself holds this position. It is because it was the dying wish of Elju-sama, the one who allowed this dungeon to be reborn. This city where you will live is unlike any place you have known. I am the person in charge, but I am not a ruler. This is a city where the people who live here can convey their own will to the city itself. In other words......"

Right now, before my eyes, Eris-san and Labyris-san are explaining the operational goals of the dungeon to the new immigrants—namely, us Fairies.

The method of explanation, the content of the speech... they've certainly thought this through.

I heard the policies and goals during last night's meeting, but I wondered how they would explain it to the others who knew nothing. By using the "late" Elju-sama as a shield, they frame this as a safe city by the people, for the people. It makes opposition almost impossible. To rebel would be to go against Elju-sama's legacy. To complain that Labyris is too young would be seen as proof that the complainer doesn't view others as equals.

The fact that this young girl and the moderator are female acts as a wedge to suppress dissent. At the same time, anyone with grievances is forced to speak up right here, in a very disadvantageous situation. This is a sorting process—a sieve for those who wish to live here.

Beside me, standing with the other representatives, the real Dungeon Master is leisurely... sleeping.

......Well, I suppose it can't be helped. Yesterday's meeting didn't end until well past midnight. Surprisingly, the women standing as representatives were all former slaves; none had ever functioned as rulers before. This means Yuki-san trained them to reach this level.

I certainly couldn't do it. I haven't even finished selecting the next Elder, so raising nearly ten new administrators from scratch seems impossible. Yuki-san looks like he's slacking, but based on my own experience, he's probably been the busiest of all.

As I pondered this, a stir rose from the crowd.

"......This is a skill of the Dungeon Master. As you live in this dungeon, a very small amount of DP is generated—1 DP per person every 10 hours. I have used this DP to create this sword, but it doesn't have to be a weapon. You are encouraged to discuss and request things that are useful for daily life. Furthermore, the authority to use DP has already been granted to your racial representatives. Elder Narjia-san, could you please come forward?"

"Yes."

I stepped out in front of my villagers to perform the demonstration as planned.

"Everyone, as you've heard, I have received Master authority from Labyris-san to use DP. However, as you know, this is not to be used for selfish desires. It is for us to think together and make our future lives better. Currently, I have 1,000 DP. This is the amount we generate by living here for about ten days. As proof that I can use DP and as a sign of trust toward all of you, I will use 285 DP to create something that can only be obtained in this dungeon."

I opened the operation screen and summoned the planned item: Ice Cream. 5 DP each, with a spoon. I had them distributed to everyone immediately.

"This is a food called 'Ice Cream'... it's a type of confection. We discussed this yesterday and chose something we thought would make everyone happy. The way to eat it is......"

I opened the lid in front of everyone and ate a scoop with the wooden spoon.

...Mm, delicious. It's my second time having it, but I can't get enough. To think such a sweet exists... and while this is vanilla, I'm told there are dozens of other flavors. Honestly, I want to conquer every flavor using the DP I skim off the top.

By the way, the reason we Fairies—who have vast MP—are calculated at 1 DP per 10 hours is that we needed to match the average of the others. Since it will be publicly stated that humans generate 1 DP per 10 hours, giving Fairies more DP just because they have more MP would create a racial hierarchy.

From the outside, it looks like the Fairies are losing out, but creating a rift between races or discouraging future immigrants would be a much bigger problem. Thus, the conclusion was to fix the rate for all living beings at 1 DP per 10 hours.

"Wait? If living things give 1 DP every 10 hours... can't we just summon monsters with DP and breed them? Then we could have all-you-can-eat ice cream, Elder!"

One of the Fairies, happily eating her ice cream, shouted out what she thought was a brilliant idea.

"Ah, I haven't explained that yet. The Modified Pill Bugs that arrived yesterday are under the Dungeon Master's control. However, we cannot absorb DP from them. This applies to the monsters guarding this facility and the dungeon as well."

"Ehh, why not?"

"As you know, monsters under the Dungeon Master's protection follow orders strictly. Do you know why?"

"Why?"

"It's because once under the Master's protection, they no longer need to eat. Normally, monsters occur naturally in mana pools and hunt to supplement their mana. However, under the Master, they use the efficiency of their own MP-to-DP conversion to maintain themselves. The stronger the monster, the more MP it costs to maintain, but it usually stays within the range of their own conversion rate. If there were a monster that didn't eat and didn't die, we might be able to absorb DP, but..."

"Cheh, I guess it's not that easy."

I actually pushed for a "Monster Livestock Plan" myself, but it was quickly rejected. It makes sense; if such a method existed, people would have done it already. There are no shortcuts in this world.

There is another method: injecting MP directly through Yuki-san, the Dungeon Master. But that cannot be done for the safety of Yuki-san himself and the Core.

I thought about the "Designated Protection" members, but once you receive that protection, you stop generating DP entirely. In other words, you can't convert MP to DP directly either. Even if we could allow non-protected people to inject MP, it would allow for absurd DP requests without any "commission" for the dungeon, which is also a problem. Especially for the high-MP Fairies.

It's a system where you truly cannot cheat. Well, the current state is already quite a "cheat," so asking for more would be excessive.

I find my heart leaning toward living here permanently. Honestly, as long as Yuki-san doesn't lose his mind, this dungeon is safer than anywhere else on the continent. Even if allied countries defect or multiple nations attack, they won't be able to break this dungeon's defense.

* First, large armies cannot advance inside.

* Second, numerous traps can neutralize hostile forces.

* Skill and magic sealing fields are set up almost everywhere.

* Weapons can basically only be carried sheathed. Drawing them outside designated areas incurs penalties.

* Yuki-san's special items apparently have seals that trigger Paralysis the moment a weapon is drawn.

* People Yuki-san values highly are under Designated Protection and cannot be harmed inside the dungeon.

The only concern is the potential for internal strife once travelers, merchants, and adventurers are allowed in. However, protected individuals have specific Teleportation Rings for instant extraction. They have the "Call" function for immediate communication. They have monsters for suppression. And in the future, they will have Doppelgangers as body doubles.

The more I think about it, the more I realize there's no reason to leave. The nature and weather make it hard to believe we're inside a dungeon. This place is likely the best place a human could imagine.

...Ah, I've spent too much time thinking.

"Well, if you want ice cream, it's sold at the training center's shop and the city stores, so you can just buy it there."

"What?! Really?!"

"Yes. I'm about to explain that, and the work you can do to earn money to buy those things, so listen carefully."

"All right! I'm getting motivated!"

I wondered if distributing such luxury items was a good idea, but it seems to have stimulated everyone's motivation more than I expected. Some might grow lazy in this environment, but that's a personal issue.

"When you've finished your ice cream, please throw the trash in these bins. Just like the city, these bins are placed everywhere to keep things clean. Please do not litter. This is important for hygiene—to prevent diseases. No one wants to eat rotten food, right? By disposing of waste properly, we prevent the breeding of rats and such that feed on it."

Eris-san collected the trash while explaining.

"Wait? I know rotten food is bad, but why is it bad if rats eat it and breed?"

Oh dear, someone asked the same question I did. If you think about it, it makes sense, but it's understandable. Most people don't think that far.

"Yes, good question. Why do you think rats are fine eating bad things?"

"Is it because rats don't get sick?"

"Exactly. However, just because rats don't get sick doesn't mean we won't."

"Ah, I see! Even if the rats are fine, we might not be. So, if rats that eat things we shouldn't eat multiply, they become a source of spreading disease... Eris-san, you're amazing!"

The girl who asked was impressed, and the others nearby nodded in agreement.

"No, I was taught this myself. And the same goes for toilets. By managing and processing waste properly..."

"Oh, so that stops sickness too! Wow, toilets are incredible!"

"Thank you for understanding. Therefore, if you see rats or the like, it's preferable to dispose of them. Do not, under any circumstances, try to eat rat meat; just incinerate it. Also, toilets are installed in various locations, so you should be able to use them properly. Everyone, please cooperate."

"""Yeees!"""

After the trash was collected, there was a short break before we moved on to the tour and explanation of the training facilities.

"This is the place where you all arrived through the gate yesterday. Basically, it's a place for chatting and relaxing—the Lounge Room. The drinks here are free, so please help yourselves. However, the amount is limited, so in the future, you will discuss among yourselves and decide on roles for refilling them. You will also prepare your own meals. Since this is a training center, please get used to doing various things so you can live on your own in the future."

"Wait? Are we leaving here eventually?"

"Yes. If you find a steady job and earn an income, it's not impossible to have a house of your own. Those are in the city's residential district, but it's best to work hard and save money here first. I'll show you the areas outside the training center starting tomorrow, so look forward to it."

"Wow, I can't wait! Our own house!! That's amazing!"

Normally, us Fairies live in groups of three or four. Only those with special roles, like myself, or those with hobbies requiring private space own individual houses. It's for safety. No matter how superior a Fairy is as an individual, we don't interact much with other races and live deep in the forest. There are many dangers associated with that.

But here, those dangers don't exist. For those who were forced into communal living, their dreams must be expanding.

We toured the places for preparing meals, rooms for training and studying, food storage, and cleaning supply areas. While we were doing that, Ratz-san came over carrying a strange tool.

"Eris, how's it going? If it's okay, I'd like to take the photos now."

"Yes, that's fine, Ratz. Everyone, please come to Training Room A for photos... we need to do something to complete your ID cards."

There, one by one, we were subjected to a tool that emitted a strange light. There were no problems, but what exactly is a "photo"? I actually missed the explanation about the IDs, so I didn't know what form they would take.

"Eris, I've finished shooting everyone. Now all I have to do is print them, cut them, paste them, stamp them, and write in the issue date... that's too much work!"

"Calm down, Ratz. Yuki-san and Labyris and the others are going to help, right?"

"Yes, that's the only saving grace..."

"I'm heading to the baths as scheduled. You'll manage in the meantime, right?"

"Sigh. Can I just go back to the inn?"

"No. I'll tell Yuki-san on you."

"I'm joking! There's no way I'd do something to make Onii-san dislike me!"

It seems making IDs is quite a chore.

"Now, before we visit the shop, let's wash away the sweat. In a sense, this is a specialty of this dungeon."

Eris-san led the way with a bright smile.

I believe she said "baths"? I usually just perform ablutions. To go through the trouble of adjusting water to a temperature for humans is the height of luxury. Why would such a thing exist?

With that thought, I entered the bath area.

"Alright, everyone. There's a lot to remember from here, so Tori and the others will help. First, please undress in the changing room."

As Eris spoke, Tori-san, Riel-san, and Kaya-san undressed on the spot for the demonstration, placing their clothes in one of the many wicker baskets on the shelves. They took out a large towel and a small towel.

"Like Tori and the others, put your clothes in the basket, take out the large and small towels, and bring only the small towel with you. Put the large towel back in the basket. Now, with your small towel, please come inside. Tori, Riel, lead the way. Kaya, help me guide them."

"Understood."

"Leave it to me!"

"...Roger."

And inside the bath, a paradise I had never felt before unfolded.

The refreshing feeling of cleaning the body with shampoo, conditioner, and soap in that order. The pleasure of sinking into hot water—a different kind of comfort from being with someone important.

Apparently, I stayed in so long I almost got "bath-drunk" (heat exhaustion). I wonder what that is?

"Alright, when you get out, dry yourself thoroughly with the large towel. Also, laundry for clothes and towels is an individual task. Let's do the laundry at the place I showed you earlier."

I listened to the laundry explanation in a dreamlike daze. My future struggles with that are a story for another day.

* * *

"Elder, how was the bath?"

After a very delicious dinner, I was chatting with Eris-san when she suddenly asked for my thoughts.

"It was wonderful. I must make sure to tell the girls assigned to clean the baths tomorrow to do a proper job."

Yes, absolutely. If the bath area gets dirty or turns into muddy water, I shall punish those girls severely.

"I'm glad to hear that. You might have noticed, but there are other places where the baths are entertainment facilities. Outdoor baths where you can soak while looking at the scenery, foot baths for just your feet, baths where the water hits you like a waterfall..."

"What?! Even that bath was amazing, and yet there are baths even more elaborate?!"

It was a bolt from the blue! It felt as if lightning had struck! I couldn't have predicted it! Luxury upon luxury!

"Y-Yes. Actually, I manage those as well..."

"Please, you must show me! According to the schedule, there's a tour of the entertainment facilities tomorrow. In that case, I, as the representative, must go today to prepare!"

As I pressed her, a hand was placed on my shoulder from behind.

"As expected of the Elder. To recognize the greatness of the baths... allow me, Milly, to guide you. And let us experience the ultimate joy—drinking alcohol while in the hot springs!"

"W-W-What?! Drinking alcohol in a bath that surpasses even that luxurious one?! Is... is such a thing permitted?!"

"What are you saying? We manage this place. That means we decide the rules. We have to try it to see if it's okay or not, right?"

"No!! Exactly as Milly-san says!! Without practice, there can be no answer!!"

"Then let us go!!"

"Yes!!"

And so, I held hands with Milly-san and dashed out of the facility.

"Um... I-I'm not taking responsibility, okay?"

* * *

Side: Ratz

"Phew. It ended up being past dinner time. But I guess it's a success since we made it in time?"

"Yeah. But issuing IDs is a lot of work. Let's consider getting help from the Fairies next time. There are over 300 of them."

"I don't even want to think about it. Let's bow our heads and secure some personnel."

Talking with Onii-san, I handed out the completed IDs. For some reason, one remained.

"Wait, Narjia-san... that's the Elder, right? Is she in the bathroom?"

"Probably something like that?"

As we tilted our heads in confusion, Eris arrived.

"Um... regarding the Elder... she's at the hot spring facility having a drink with Milly. They dashed out about 30 minutes ago, so they're probably right in the middle of the fun..."

I want to praise myself for not crushing Narjia-san's ID in my grip right then and there.

"Are you freaking kidding me?!"

For now, I'll assume Milly is just being her usual self and pray that the Elder doesn't have a bad drinking habit.