We’ve made it back safely.
Someone once said there’s strength in numbers, and this last fight really made me feel like that’s true.
I also get why people get more party members the further down they go.
Opponents that we would definitely beat if we fought with even numbers can turn out to be a tough battle. Of course, each person still needs to be strong, and we all need to be well coordinated.
We deliver things to the guild and finish our report, and head straight home.
But when we get there, we are surprised to see faces we recognize, and one we didn’t expect to be here.
“I get Leila and Casey being here, but what about you?”
Taliyah and the others are out shopping, and the girls are either in the bath or resting in their rooms, so it’s only the four of us here.
“First, I should apologize. We found evidence that what you said was right.”
Ash from Guardian Sword bows while apologizing.
For a second I wonder what he’s talking about, but then I remember the incident on the tenth floor.
I honestly didn’t expect him to come all this way to apologize, so I don’t really know how to respond.
Leila also looks surprised, and Ash, probably sensing this, scratches his head with an awkward smile on his face and continues.
“To be honest, I didn’t really know what to do, but since you’re friends with Leila too, I want you to know about us, and about our captain.”
Ash starts by saying that Jake is the son of their last clan leader, and hasn’t been leader for long. Around the time when Bloody Rose was in the holy kingdom, Jake’s father died protecting a comrade while exploring a labyrinth.
It was a turbulent time for them, and the clan was in risk of collapsing altogether, but things settled once Jake took over. Ash became the vice leader because he’s been working with them since he was young, and apparently worked together with Jake many times.
“I used to do a lot of paperwork when I was a student too. I think Leila knows that.”
“Yes, I remember teachers asking you all the time.”
I guess Ash is Leila’s senior, and they’ve even explored the dungeon together. He looks at Leila as she talks with a nostalgic tone, and looks a bit happy.
“That’s why Jake has been having so much trouble. He’s trying to be stern and project an imposing attitude, but it’s not really working. And he’s trying really hard to protect the clan. In his eyes, he’s trying to look after his own, regardless of what’s true or not.”
The feeling I get is that he’s telling me this as a way to ask me to forgive him.
“Of course, the liars are going to be penalized for this. Pretty harshly too.”
I ask if they’re not going to be expelled, but it seems being fired from a clan carries a very deep meaning.
Of course, people leave clans if they have a good reason, like if they want to move to a bigger clan to aim higher, but if someone leaves for a negative reason like breaking rules, it becomes hard to join another clan or even work in this city.
Why did they lie like that, and got their hands dirty with something that while not flat out prohibited, is definitely harassment? I guess being in a large clan means they got to use that authority to get others involved too.
This clan is on the front line when it comes to exploring the dungeon. That’s not only profitable, but it puts them in a special position. Especially now that there aren’t any clans that can compete with them.
Also, a lot of people make the mistake of thinking they’re strong just because they’re a part of an influential group. It can be a big problem, but a lot of people fall into that delusion. They really should educate them better.
“Well, I understand. Honestly, it didn’t hurt us or anything, so I don’t really care. But if they decide to come after us and end up hurting us, we’re going to take action and hold them accountable.”
“All right. We will take responsibility for that, so rest easy.”
Ash whispers while looking at Leila that they wouldn’t do something stupid like that.
“That’s all I came here to say. I’m really sorry.”
He bows again, but doesn’t immediately leave. He’s curious about why Leila is here, but she tells him with an apologetic tone that she can’t talk about it, and Ash gets up and leaves.
He looks a little disappointed.
“Are you here because of what we talked about?”
“Yes, and they say they want to talk to you about it directly, and asked me to find out when is a good time for you.”
“I was planning to rest for a few days, because we just got back from the dungeon… But I’m going to the merchant guild tomorrow morning, so aside from that, I’m free.”
“Then… Should I ask them to make time tomorrow afternoon?”
“It’s a bit sudden, but it’s all right. So, is this person I’m going to meet really important?”
◇ ◇ ◇
Back in the holy kingdom, going to Yor’s house was something that happened gradually, so I didn’t really think about it, but the person I’m meeting now is definitely a big shot.
I’m nervous, but more than that, I’m feeling like this is going to be a pain. My impression of influential people in this world really isn’t a good one.
“Don’t worry about that, this is still just a private conversation.”
Let’s choose to believe that. I ask Leila about how I should talk and stuff like that, and she says that’s not a problem.
“Then I’ll come get you tomorrow.”
Afterwards, we talk a little about the dungeon, and she gets mad and tells me our way of challenging boss rooms isn’t right. We can’t leave boss rooms after going in, so if we have room for more party members, we should recruit more in the guild, she says.
Part of me thinks she’s right, but I can’t help but be apprehensive of joining up with people I don’t know.
When I tell her that, she gets more upset and asks why we won’t count on them.
She makes me promise to ask for help next time, mostly because of how much she’s pleading.
