Side: Yuki
Today is finally the day the results of the dungeon evaluation are announced. This will bring things to a close for a while, allowing me to finally move forward with the negotiations with Gartz.
"Now then, representatives, thank you all for gathering. As of yesterday, the dungeon evaluation has finally been completed."
Standing before me was the Grandmaster, the big boss of the Adventurer's Guild.
"I offer my sincerest apologies for taking nearly three weeks, far exceeding the original schedule."
The Grandmaster bowed his head deeply.
"No, that's quite alright, but was there some sort of problem?"
Eris seemed concerned about whether there was some defect in the dungeon. Well, if you go two weeks over schedule, anyone would worry.
"No, there were no problems in particular. Rather, it took time to verify that there were no discrepancies in the information presented. Ordinarily, a dungeon must be explored blindly. Information about a dungeon is, in a sense, an asset. You provided that information upfront. Our task was to confirm it was accurate and exhaustive."
"I see. So you were checking if our data was correct and ensuring no unforeseen circumstances would arise?"
"Indeed. While I believed your information was likely accurate, we had to ensure, for example, that powerful monsters from the lower floors hadn't migrated to the upper levels."
That's certainly a necessary task.
"Well, because we screened the adventurer teams in the first week and had them perform the verification, the number of personnel was limited, which added to the time required."
By the way, it seems the teams that were sent packing by Kobolds in the first week took the "return home" course. Orvic and his crew—acquaintances of Tori and Riel—apparently made it through without issue.
"At any rate, the detailed results of the evaluation are summarized in this... document. From my side, I shall simply provide the conclusion..."
The Grandmaster paused for a moment. Everyone tensed up slightly.
"There are no issues. It is unprecedented, but guild staff and investigative adventurers were able to verify the dungeon core in the deepest reaches under the guidance of the dungeon administrators. Furthermore, the monster habitats perfectly match the provided maps. We are truly grateful. Representatives, I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship."
The Grandmaster spoke and broke into a smile.
A cheer erupted from everyone.
"Ho ho ho. I am glad you are pleased. Now, when do you plan to open this to the general public?"
"Ah, about that. Are you acquainted with this lady?"
I asked, ushering Sheila to my side.
"Mmm. It is our first time meeting face-to-face, but I have heard the news that she became Yuki-dono's wife. A princess of Gartz, was it?"
"Yes, that's correct."
When I said that, he narrowed his eyes and nodded.
"I see. Well, as expected, if things proceed only between Roshure and Rithea, it's likely to get complicated. I take it you plan to invite Gartz into the fold as well?"
"Yes. For that reason, we must head to Gartz for negotiations. It looks like it will be a process that takes about two months."
"Hmm... so we are on hold until then?"
"No, the only issue is a large-scale public opening. There should be no problem with the Adventurer's Guild, which is a separate entity from the state. However, we cannot have any trouble, you understand? If rowdy types come here to cause problems, they will be punished according to our laws, and the responsibility will fall on those who let them in..."
"I understand perfectly. Of course, we will handle that on our end. It would trouble us as well if the environment here were to be ruined. I shall give strict orders and screen the candidates. As for ordinary adventurers, we shall wait until your negotiations with Gartz are concluded."
"That would make things much easier for us."
I turned my eyes toward Milly.
"Please work out the fine details with Milly, the representative for the Adventurer District. We need to discuss the negotiations with Gartz."
"You certainly have a lot on your plate."
"Well, I have to protect this town, after all. Also, even though I said to discuss it with Milly, the final decision will be made by everyone, so please don't cut any corners."
"Ho ho ho. Leave it to me."
"Yuki-san, leave things here to me. Make sure everything goes smoothly on your end too."
Lately, I've been dumping everything related to adventurers on Milly. I'll have to make it up to her properly someday.
* * *
With that, we returned to the conference room in the administration building...
"Fufun. Well, that's reasonable." (Seraria)
"I suppose so." (Derieu)
"Mumumu... this is evaluation is a bit..." (Ratz)
"Ara? Are you dissatisfied?" (Milly)
"I see. So this is the result." (Tori)
"I'm a bit unhappy with this, personally." (Riel)
"Hey, hey, Labyris-chan, is this good?" (Aslin)
"I'm not really sure either desu." (Filia)
"...Well, how should I put it?" (Labyris)
Well, this is the announcement of the results for the dungeons they worked so hard on, so I guess this reaction is expected.
"Um, everyone looks like they're having fun... but what exactly are you looking at?"
"Oh, come to think of it, we haven't told Sheila the details about the Adventurer District."
"Wait, isn't that the district designed to attract the most mobile group—adventurers—as a strategy to draw people to this dungeon?"
"...Yeah, but you're well-informed."
"I've been here for nearly three weeks. I've gone to the school and heard stories from Aslin and Filia. More importantly, it's only natural as your wife."
"Don't push yourself, okay? Anyway, just as Sheila said, I thought it would be the easiest way to gather people quickly. However, with the influx of refugees from Rithea, we already have a solid population. Even so, the connection with the Adventurer's Guild is valuable, so we created 'mini-dungeons'—well, they are real, but more like traditional dungeons—to draw in the guild and its people."
"I see. We can create dungeons freely, so you put that to good use."
"And today was the announcement of the results for those dungeons."
"Ah, I see. That's why the Grandmaster is here. It's surprising enough that there are multiple dungeons completely managed here, so the Grandmaster came personally for the evaluation. And everyone is celebrating or lamenting over the results."
"Exactly."
"Um, did you create a dungeon, Yuki-sama?"
"Yeah, I did."
"May I see the evaluation for the dungeon you created?"
"Uh, hold on... it's this paper."
Marquis Yuki's Dungeon
Rating: 10
Details: Traps and monster distribution are both diabolical.
Certified as the highest difficulty level among existing dungeons.
Entry to this dungeon is strictly prohibited for the foreseeable future.
Furthermore, the treasures and drops are appropriately legendary.
Current consensus: Completion of this dungeon is deemed impossible.
Fortunately, it is located in the deepest part of the Dungeon District;
Discovery was delayed, and the entrance is indistinguishable from a normal cave.
Strict orders are to be issued: if an adventurer reports a discovery, they are absolutely forbidden from entering.
""......""
Sheila and Killue stared at the paper in silence.
"Um... Yuki-sama, for what purpose did you create this dungeon? Rather than attracting people, this will keep them away..."
"Well, I think the rating is fair. It serves its purpose, though I think the phrasing of the evaluation is a bit extreme."
"May I ask what that purpose is?"
"It's simple. This entire dungeon town is powered by a Dungeon Core, right?"
"Yes, you showed me that."
"Now, what if someone wanted to shut this place down?"
"They would have to seize the Dungeon Core... Ah, I see. They would assume the core powering this place is inside this dungeon."
"Exactly. In reality, it's even deeper underground beneath this inn. But they won't think this is the 'real' one, will they?"
"I see. They'll think it's inside this 'forbidden' dungeon. You truly are a mischievous person."
Sheila smiled.
"Hey, Yuki! How was yours?" (Derieu)
"Hey, look at this, Onii-san! About our dungeon..." (Ratz)
"I'm unhappy! Unhappy, I tell you!!" (Riel)
"Onii-chan, look at this!!" (Filia)
