Side: Milly
Yesterday, I spent time with the family I finally reunited with.
This wasn't some random miracle; it was thanks to Yuki-san deciding to use this dungeon for the sake of the people. Without that, my family and I would have spent our entire lives as slaves, never seeing each other's faces again.
He saved me, and he saved my family.
But kind as he is, he asks for nothing in return.
No... he says he's already received his reward, but from my point of view, it's still nowhere near enough.
You shared this warmth with so many people, so you have to become even happier yourself.
You always look a little lonely when you think no one is watching.
I never understood why until yesterday, after spending time with my family.
Deep down, Yuki-san is longing for a family.
He knows it himself, which is why he's locked his heart tightly with chains so he won't try to use us as substitutes.
"Morning, Milly. How are you feeling? You can stay with your family longer if you'd like, you know?"
Meeting him at the training grounds this morning, Yuki-san asks me that.
As expected, you are so kind. Yesterday, you pushed me toward them, saying it was more important than work. And today, you show me that same warmth.
That's why I've made up my mind.
I won't be a substitute. I will become Yuki-san's real family.
It doesn't matter if he's ageless or a legendary Dungeon Master. I—and everyone around him—will absolutely make him happy.
He has done more than enough to deserve it.
I won't let you feel lonely anymore. Just as you gave to me, I will love you with everything I have. I will love you, and I will bear your children.
"I see. Looking forward to working with you as always, Milly."
"Yes!"
Ah... Elju-sama, Rurua-sama...
The fact that I resent you hasn't changed.
However, if not for those events, I never would have met Yuki-san. I feel sorry for my late younger brother, but for me, the thought of being away from Yuki-san is worse.
So, please watch. Watch how amazing the person I chose is, and how happy I am.
I'll live in a way that would make Dubrik smile as he watches over me.
"Alright, now that Miri has joined us, let's go over today's schedule. Today we start training the 300 new immigrants who just arrived. Most of the fairy race have already gone to their respective workplaces, so there shouldn't be any issues there. Narjia and the elders are managing the fairy race side, and they'll contact us immediately if anything comes up."
"Yes, leave it to us."
Narjia-san nodded.
"We'll be conducting lectures for the 300, and like we did with the Fairies, they'll undergo training to get used to this place. But with this many people, things won't go as smoothly as before. Still, don't rush—take it step by step. Especially today, since we'll be issuing ID cards. If even one person is missed, it'll cause serious trouble for them. Prioritize accuracy over speed."
Everyone nodded.
Naturally—without an ID, you can't use most facilities. Beyond that, you risk being treated as an illegal intruder.
"Oh, and Milly—you'll be on a different assignment today."
"Eh?"
"Didn't you meet the group from the Adventurer's Guild yesterday?"
"Yes, my former colleagues. Weren't they part of the immigrants?"
"Well, they are immigrants, but their jobs are already decided. If it doesn't suit them, they can find other work, but they came here specifically wanting to be guild staff. Their IDs are already issued. Milly, as the representative of the Adventurer District, I want you to lead them and oversee the development of that sector. 'The shoemaker should stick to his last,' as they say. They'll organize it better than we would if we tried to meddle. You'll have to handle the paperwork and reports, though."
"...Yes."
Tch. I can't stay by Yuki-san's side... Right now, I really resent my previous job.
* * *
And so, I am heading toward the Adventurer District with my former colleagues.
"Man, I'm just glad you're safe, Milly."
"Same here. I'm glad you're okay too, Kina."
"Still, it feels kind of weird having Milly as our boss."
"Hey, let me tell you now—Milly is higher-ranked than I am here. Make sure you treat her with proper respect."
"Wait, seriously!?"
"Yes, it's true. But you heard the objective of this place, right? We're going to build this together with everyone's help. Your opinions are what matter. I have no intention of acting superior or making everyone feel small. I'd be happy if you did the same, Guild Master."
"I've heard the gist of it, but... leaving the entire district management to us? Is that really okay?"
The Guild Master, Rock, looked at me with some anxiety.
"Master, what are you complaining about? You were always grumbling about how the field needs its own way of doing things. You were always clashing with the local lords during meetings too."
"That's true, but those clashes happened because both sides had their own claims. Entrusting the management of a district to total strangers like us... usually, we'd have to pay for the land, cover all operating costs, and we'd never have the right to modify the town. And this town is... abnormal. Kina, you can tell too, right? The baths, the luxury goods. Anyone with eyes can see... no, even an ordinary person can tell: this place is a mountain of treasure."
"That's true, but what's the problem? It's convenient and great!"
"It's not just that. Giving us control of a district means—not that we would, of course—but someone could kill or take Milly or the other representatives hostage to force their way and grab all the wealth."
"That's..."
The Guild Master brought up the exact concern Yuki-san had mentioned. We've already taken measures against that, though.
"Guild Master. We've just reached the building intended for the Adventurer's Guild. Please, give me a sparring session in the training room for old time's sake. I think you'll understand then."
* * *
"W-What...!? T-This is ridiculous... That 'Designated Protection' thing? None of my attacks land, but yours do!?"
"Well, since I have my original level, I wouldn't actually be able to defeat the Guild Master if you chose to run away."
From there, I went on to explain things beyond the Designated Protection: the monitoring of dungeon information, restrictions on weapon possession and usage, and the checkpoints located throughout.
"I see. So it's effectively impossible to do anything to the representatives."
Though, as Yuki-san said, there are still loopholes like kidnapping.
"Now, everyone, please take a seat. I will explain the Adventurer District. As I said, this is a town we build together. I want to hear your opinions—rather, I want to work hard alongside you. So please, don't hold back."
I handed out copies of the map of the Adventurer District and began the explanation. I explained why the inns, shops, management, and medical areas were intentionally separated.
"I see. I wondered why the buildings were so spread out, but it's for future expansion and maintaining public order."
"Yes. During the day, people gather in the 'Management District' where the Guild is, and the 'Shop District' which handles food, adventurer essentials, and equipment. At night, people gather in the 'Inn District' and the taverns in the 'Shop District.'"
"And for security, you use tamed monsters? That's brilliant. No labor costs."
"Eventually, that will transition to people. The monsters are technically the dungeon's defense—the military, essentially."
"That makes sense. You're using this for labor and employment too."
"Yes. As people gather, we won't be managing everything ourselves; many merchants will come to lease land and open shops or inns. We intend to manage those through the Adventurer's Guild as the central body. Think of it as an Adventurer's Guild combined with an Adventurer Oversight Office. I will require thorough reports, though."
"Whoa, you're saying some really big things, Milly. You're amazing~"
Kina said, looking up at the ceiling as if exhausted. I probably would have been just like her if I hadn't studied with Yuki-san and Eris.
"I wondered why they made Milly the representative, but I see now. You've learned quite a lot. I suppose we should thank Seraria-sama."
"I'd like to move on to the next explanation, but before that: the one who taught me all this was Yuki-san, so please make no mistake about that."
"Eh? That representative guy? The prince who saved Seraria-sama so gallantly?"
"Prince?"
"Exactly! He rescued the princess from that castle full of conspiracies!! So, what's your relationship with him, Milly?"
"I am Yuki-san's concubine."
"Whoa! You hit the jackpot!! I'm so jealous!!"
"I'll overlook that since I know you mean no harm. But if you imply I only went to him for power or money again, I'll blow you away next time."
"Joke! It was a joke! But... do you think I have a shot?"
"I can't say. If you're serious about it, I won't stop you, Kina. But if your goal is his power or money, Seraria-sama, the other concubines, and I will absolutely block you. You heard the purpose of this place. We won't forgive anyone trying to seize power for selfish greed or anyone who isn't useful to the town."
"Hmm, when you put it that way, I don't really get it. Yuki-san doesn't look like a bad guy, but I don't feel like I could dedicate everything to him like you do, Milly."
"You only just met him, so it's hard to say. Maybe you'll understand if you work hard here?"
"Maybe~ If I ever seriously fall in love with him, will you help me out?"
"I won't know until that time comes."
"Boo! You lucky girl!!"
* * *
As we were doing that, it passed noon, so we all decided to go to "Super Ratz" in the residential district to buy lunch.
"T-This is incredible..."
"W-whoa! What's this!? What is this!?"
Everyone I brought was shocked by their first look at a large-scale store. I'm sure they've seen large buildings before, but the contents are on a whole different level. They were even nervous around the automatic doors. I couldn't help but laugh... Yuki-san really endured all of this calmly.
As I thought, Yuki-san is amazing. He is so kind. He doesn't laugh at ignorance; he teaches and guides. He says the important thing isn't to lament, but to move forward.
The 300 immigrants are still eating at the training center today; they won't be using this place for another two days. The people here now are Fairies on their lunch break.
"Welcome~"
"Oh, you're the immigrants from yesterday. I'm Nana. Looking forward to working with you."
"Ah, how polite. I am Rock, the Guild Master of the Adventurer's Guild staff."
Starting with the Guild Master, everyone introduced themselves to Nana.
"Ah, I see. You're the Adventurer's Guild people Ratz-san mentioned. Does that mean Milly-san is explaining the shops?"
"Yes, I haven't yet. Would you mind doing it?"
"Yes, leave it to me!! I'll explain Super Ratz to you."
And so, Nana explained Super Ratz... and the shops in general. How if you don't go through the register, "Paralyze" will activate so there's no chance of theft; how you just put things in the basket and carry them, and so on.
"Hey, hey!! Milly, what's this!? It's cold!! It's frozen!! How do you eat it!?"
"Calm down, Kina. That's called frozen food. I believe you have them at the Guild and in your own rooms—you heat them up in a microwave to eat them."
"Heh~!! Then I'll take this, and this, and..."
"Kina!! You have work after this, so just take what you're going to eat now!!"
There was a lot of back-and-forth like that, but...
* * *
"...I'm sorry."
Led by the Guild Master, everyone except Kina bowed to me. Both their hands were full of bags.
"Sigh... anyway, there are things that need to be frozen or refrigerated, so let's get back to the Guild quickly. We have a large refrigerator there."
We hurried back to the Guild and shoved everything they bought into the freezer and fridge.
"Whoa, this is delicious!!"
"This 'Whiskey' stuff is really strong, but that's what makes it good!! Milly, wouldn't you like this too?"
"Argh, stop it!! Don't start drinking!! We're in the middle of work!! Work!!"
Ah... maybe I should have just led them to their respective rooms in the residential district earlier today. At this rate, they're going to end up sleeping on the floor in the Guild... I have no choice but to let them use the rooms meant for staying overnight... Sigh, how am I going to explain this to Yuki-san...?
Honestly, drinking during work is just no good!
