The day after I kicked the punching bag in the third leg and sent him sprawling, I was once again tackling the dungeon.
I was already on the 39th floor.
Originally, I had planned to clear only up to the 34th or 35th floor today and take a break, but ever since I achieved my goal, I was moving my feet desperately.
I couldn’t predict how the Georg family would react.
Sure, the punching bag was a brain-dead pervert, but he was still the firstborn son of the Georg family.
Having trampled on someone like him, I expected some sort of response from the Georgs.
Knowing their tendencies, I could roughly guess how things would unfold.
First, the current head of the Georg family is capable but timid and cowardly.
When faced with a choice, he would hesitate and ponder until the deadline loomed over him, ultimately choosing the best option.
He would likely struggle to make a decision this time as well.
The complexity of the issue is indeed a factor, but more than that, he’s up against the Alrn family. If the head of the Georgs were a character from a game, he would take at least a week to decide.
Does that mean I can relax?
No. There’s another issue.
The matriarch of the Georg family.
This person stands in stark contrast to the head of the Georgs.
Impatient, incompetent, and someone who thinks everything her son does is right. She’s the person who had the most significant influence on the punching bag becoming such a pitiful human.
Without a doubt, that woman would express her anger upon seeing her son’s disgrace.
The Georg head is weak against her. If she pressures him daily, the time for making a decision would significantly shorten.
This is as far as I can speculate.
I can’t predict what conclusion the Georg head will come to after much thought.
Honestly, I don’t care about most things.
However, depending on the situation, I might not be able to enter the Menesteil Dungeon again.
That would be a problem. I don’t know what would happen if I couldn’t complete the quest given by the pathetic god. I don’t want to find out.
So, I was racing to finish things up before the Georg head could make a move.
Today’s goal was the 46th floor.
The location of the hidden section of the Menesteil Dungeon, where Alsetin’s mentor resided.
Once I reached there today, I would wrap everything up tomorrow and leave Menesteil.
It would be a tough march, but that’s fine.
I’m used to rolling around to the point of exhaustion.
After informing the exhausted guard that we were back from the dungeon, we headed straight to our lodging without stopping by the Menesteil Guild.
The profits from dealing with our loot were minimal, so I thought it better to rest a little more during that time.
We would need to continue our march early the next morning.
“You’re late.”
The person who welcomed us back to the inn wasn’t Nick. It wasn’t even the usual guy at the counter.
It was someone I had anticipated meeting someday, but I never imagined it would be under these circumstances.
The current head of the Georg family.
Mev Georg.
A man who revitalized the Menesteil Dungeon district with his capabilities, and a genius magician recognized for his talents even in the magical empire full of skilled sorcerers.
If it weren’t for his typical indecisiveness, he would have already made a name for himself across the continent.
He was sitting alone in a flimsy chair at the counter and stood up upon seeing my face.
What is this man doing here?
He’s always struggled with decision-making to the point of inaction until the moment it confronts him—why is he here?
Was the matriarch’s nagging that severe?
Damn it. The fact that he moved alone without guards means he considers this situation quite serious!
“I apologize for the sudden visit, Lady Alrn. Please understand that I couldn’t follow formalities as this is an urgent matter.”
I bit my lip, thinking about how I was getting into trouble.
As long as I don’t touch on matters related to the Menesteil Dungeon, I don’t care what happens.
Having Benedict backing me is one reason, but my connections aren’t that trivial.
The duke's daughter from the Partlan family. The third prince of the Soladin Kingdom. The current saint of the Divine God Church.
Those who could cover up most accidents if they arose.
So, as long as I avoid bringing up the Menesteil Dungeon, I should be fine.
I’ll talk it over with Grandpa.
“I’m sorry, Lady Alrn. My foolish son has caused a great deal of trouble.”
My rapidly turning thoughts came to a halt when the Georg head bowed his head.
Uh. Huh? Wait, weren’t you supposed to come here to talk about your son’s violence? Why are you bowing suddenly?
Of course, I consider it self-defense, but they might not see it that way.
“Fortunately, Lady Alrn has made this incident seem like a small accident between the two. But had it not been for your quick judgment, Lord Benedict Alrn would have descended upon this place.”
My mind, which had been frozen in shock, kicked back into gear at the mention of Benedict’s name.
Benedict.
Haha. What in the world did you do on this continent?
Why is the genius magician, who is not undeserving of the title, so flustered at the mere mention of your name?
Anyway, thanks to you, it seems like things will go smoothly.
“While I am in your territory, I will provide you with the utmost convenience in the name of the Georgs. It is only right that we properly educate our foolish son. So please, could you explain this situation well to Lord Benedict Alrn?”
“Since you put it that way, I will make sure to explain it well to Benedict.”
“It’s unfortunate that the cowardly count is so afraid of my foolish father. I’ll make sure to tell my father to keep the count from soiling his pants.”
Thanks to the Mesugaki Skill, the Georg head turned into a cowardly and timid count, but he only offered an awkward smile, showing no signs of anger.
He considered himself a subordinate and could not afford to act tough.
“Thank you for your understanding, Lady Alrn.”
“It’s nothing. Please don’t worry about it.”
“I feel sorry for the pale-faced count. Haha. He looks so pitiful. Please don’t worry too much.”
Normally, I would have cursed the Mesugaki Skill after seeing the Georg count’s trembling lips.
This isn’t some mediocre noble but a count with real power and authority, and I’ve managed to incur his displeasure.
However, right now, it’s fine. After all, I won’t be returning to this city again once this is all over.
Of course, I won’t have to meet the Georg count at all! So even if I earn his ire, it won’t cause any issues!
Ah, this turned out well.
With this, I won’t need to enter the dungeon again tomorrow.
My body was already worn out from running around all day, so I should take a day or two to rest comfortably, get my condition back to perfect, and then head into the dungeon.
Yeah, that sounds good.
Perhaps exhausted in every way, Lucy quickly went to sleep, leaving Alsetin alone in the living room, sipping on some alcohol.
It had been a tough day.
Alsetin wasn’t someone who trained carelessly.
The person who took him in and taught him when he was young always emphasized the importance of being prepared with the fundamentals, and Alsetin, having been saved by his mentor, had never once disobeyed her teachings.
However, that was solely for his training to live as an informant and a person in the underworld.
It was not the kind of rigorous training that knights underwent, who bet everything on their bodies.
It wasn’t surprising that Karl had remarkable physical endurance.
Foll𝑜w current novℯls on ƒrēewebnoѵёl.cσm.
He had been recognized as a promising candidate since his time at the Soul Academy, and after graduating, he joined the powerful Alrn family, allowing him to grow.
It would actually be strange if he couldn’t showcase that kind of ability.
But what about Lady Alrn?
How could she, who had been a delinquent just a year ago, possess such astonishing physical strength now?!
No matter how much Alrn blood she carries, this is... this is just too abnormal.
Desperate to follow the two of them to meet his mentor, Alsetin was now in a half-melted state.
At least he was fortunate that he didn’t have to enter the dungeon again tomorrow and could take a break.
Otherwise, he wouldn’t have had even a tiny bit of leisure.
“Can’t sleep?”
Alsetin stared in disbelief at Karl, who had just come out after washing up, having moved around in the training room for quite a while after returning from the dungeon.
Was every knight from the Alrn family like this? Or was this guy just exceptional?
Considering Lady Alrn, the former seems more likely.
“I’m resting. I’m lucky enough to have some leisure time.”
“Hm. Alcohol, huh? It’s been a while since I’ve had a drink. Mind if I join you?”
“Feel free.”
As soon as Karl pulled out a chair and sat down, Nick appeared with drinks and snacks as if he had been waiting for that moment.
Being in a similar line of work, Alsetin could roughly guess the level Nick possessed.
She was a talent who could be welcomed anywhere she went.
The Newman family must have sent someone capable due to their strong interest in the Menesteil district.
Why, then, is someone like her being called a gloomy person by Lady Alrn?
People truly are hard to understand.
“Alsetin, do you drink well?”
“I’m not the type to pass out first.”
“Then how about a little contest?”
“Me? With you, a knight?”
What nonsense is this guy spouting?
Why is a monster trying to challenge a human to a drinking contest?
Seeing Alsetin’s dismay, Karl burst into hearty laughter.
It was a human-like sight that one wouldn’t see when Lucy was around.
“Okay. Forget about the drinking contest. I want to ask you something else. When are you going to stop calling me ‘Sir Knight’?”
“But you’re a noble, and I’m—”
“That doesn’t matter. Under the lady, we’re both the same kind. You can treat me casually. From the looks of things, it seems we’ll be together for a while.”
Well... that’s true. After this, I’ll have to spend a lot of time with Lady Alrn.
Alsetin, gauging Karl’s mood, gulped down his drink and then spoke up.
“Alright. Karl. No complaints later, okay?”
“Hah. Why would I say anything to my fellow comrades?”
The two of them had been under Lucy’s guidance for the past few months.
It didn’t take long for them to bond over drinks, dropping the formalities.
As casual chatter flowed and the glasses stacked up on the table, Karl suddenly lowered his voice.
“Hey, Alsetin.”
“What? Why the sudden seriousness?”
“I have something I want to ask you. But if I’m the only one asking questions, it’s not fair, right?”
“...What? So, if you have something you want to ask me, just ask.”
“Yeah! I’ll answer anything!”
Hearing those words, Alsetin raised an eyebrow slightly.
It was obvious what he wanted to ask.
Why did I follow them all the way here?
If it had been before, I would have kept it a secret, but since he’s someone I’ll be working with until the end, it won’t make a difference.
So, I decided to answer.
But what should I ask?
...Something fun came to mind.
“Perfect timing! I actually wanted to ask you something.”
“Go ahead.”
“This is a bit of a sensitive topic, though.”
“Oh? Did you forget what you just said about answering anything? A knight keeps his word.”
Karl made that declaration and then guzzled down his drink.
Alsetin, with a mischievous smile, watched him and then spoke directly.
“Karl, do you perhaps have a fetish for being hit by girls?”
“Pffft!”
As a reward for my honesty, I had to receive the beer that exploded from Karl’s mouth right onto my face.