Chapter 152
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 152
Chapter Title: Kobolds and the Underground Labyrinth
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"Let's go together!"
With my excitement at an all-time high, I proposed to Elise—who had just exchanged names with Winia—that we head to the dungeon as a group. If there was one thing I knew for sure, it was that no one had a better personality or was more trustworthy than Elise. We'd already overcome several crises together.
Everything we'd done as a team had ended successfully.
In fact, I might owe my current comfortable life to her. No exaggeration—she was basically my lifesaver, giving me one silver when I had absolutely nothing.
"Is that really okay with you?"
"Of course!"
"I am infinitely grateful to you, Saint. This will make my mission much smoother. As expected from the Saint of our Radiant Cross Society..."
"However, I must decline."
"I figured as much. That's truly a shame."
Of course, that didn't mean I was going to accept her religious recruitment. I wasn't single anymore, and life wasn't tough enough to join a religion. Just then, Claudy greeted Elise.
"Um... welcome? Elise."
"I hope you've been well, Claudy."
"Thanks to Katt, I'm always doing great."
"I'm glad to hear your relationship is harmonious above all else."
"Hehe, 'relationship'? I heard that last time too."
In that casual vibe, our four-person party was formed, including Elise. The impatient Elise started asking if we shouldn't get going soon. Sure, after a bit of prep, we could head out right away. The dungeon was right by a village, after all.
So, we all headed to the general store together.
"Blacky. Looks like everyone knows each other except me?"
"Yeah. But Winia, you already knew..."
"Shut up."
"Yes, ma'am."
"You need to look after Blacky so he doesn't feel left out. If you don't, I'll kill you."
Winia, showing a hint of jealousy, grabbed my arm and pulled it between her breasts. The soft sensation against my forearm made it impossible not to pay attention. Elise watched us with a puzzled expression, then glanced at Claudy's face.
And there was Claudy, grinning away. Elise's confusion deepened.
Yeah. That's the normal reaction.
Honestly, Elise might be the most normal one among us.
"Anyone need anything?"
"Nah? We can just pack the essentials. Nothing special required. Oh, Katt, you're not planning to buy rations in bulk again, right? Grab some jerky or salted sausage too."
"Got it. I'll pick up a bit of everything—wait here."
I went into the general store and bought a backpack, rations, preserved meats as Claudy suggested, oil, a lantern, cloth, and various other exploration gear. Since Winia and Claudy were living with me now, it was basically communal property. I paid for it all at once and headed out.
"Alright, let's get going. The village is called Solban, right?"
"Yes. The dungeon's nearby, so we can take a carriage there, then walk in. Having the village close by should make things convenient."
"See? Let's roll."
For some reason, this trip felt like it would go smoothly.
We arrived at the city gates, where carriages were lined up. Plenty of adventurers milling about, and as we got closer, I spotted some arguing over carriage fares. Figures—word of a dungeon draws every kind of lowlife.
"80 copper. No less."
"What the hell, you damn coachman? I remember it being 40 copper. You trying to scam us?"
"Scam? Nonsense. If you don't like the price, find another carriage. Though I doubt it'll be cheaper."
"Fuck!"
I witnessed the spat firsthand.
With all these dungeon-goers, were they jacking up prices? The world's the same everywhere. What the hell is 80 copper? Last time for hobgoblins, it was 30.
Anyone price-gouging deserves the death penalty for the sake of social justice. Chewing on my anger, I scouted for a carriage big enough for four. Found one tucked in a corner.
"Coachman, how much to Solban?"
"Oh, adventurers heading to the Kobold Dungeon?"
"That's right. Popular spot?"
"These days, pretty much every adventurer taking a carriage is going there—not exaggerating. For polite customers like you, 60 copper to drop you off."
Damn. Still pricey.
15 copper per person.
I pulled a silver coin from my pouch and handed it over. Got 40 copper back, and right away Elise chipped in 15 copper. We boarded and set off for Solban.
About five hours by carriage—honestly, walking that would be a death march. Probably over eight hours on foot.
I'm no lowly E-rank adventurer anymore. That's what money's for, right? Position makes the man. Kim Katt the D-rank was stronger and bolder now. Bold enough to take carriages, mainly.
I hopped in first and sat. Elise followed, taking the seat across.
"So, Elise. We just need to investigate the necromancer-kobold connection and such?"
"Yes. I'll report my findings, and a follow-up team will handle the resolution. Thanks to you, Saint, I can rack up some achievements again. My thanks."
"Your achievements are basically mine anyway. Hope you rank up to mid-level soon."
"Thank you. If I do, it'll be mostly your merit."
I was about to lean back for a nap, but the other two weren't coming in. I yelled out the window.
"What? Why aren't you boarding? Forget something?"
Looks like Winia and Claudy were bickering again.
What now?
"Sis, didn't you sit next to Blacky last time? Isn't it common sense to yield this time?"
"That has nothing to do with now. Besides, we weren't like that back then. So, off-topic."
"So, you're insisting on sitting next to Blacky this time? I won't agree. Like last time, you won't... suddenly shove your hand there."
"I won't deny thinking about it... How about asking Katt?"
I poked my head out, and both women stared at me.
"What's this? You're fighting... over my seat?!"
A reflexive shout burst from my shocked mouth! In this world, over something like that?! Me, making two women fight over the seat next to me! Ahh! What a sinful man I am!
I am the Guilty Prince, Kim Katt!
"Shut up, Blacky. So, sit with me or her?"
"Obviously, Clau..."
"Blacky, you could really die here. Didn't I just say to pay attention to me? Side with me in times like this. You've been with sis plenty."
Winia said it so shamelessly, so boldly.
I sighed and looked to Claudy for approval.
"Hehe. Just teasing, Katt. Sit with Winia. Didn't expect such a cute reaction."
"Thanks... You're the only one for me..."
Claudi yielded a bit, and the issue was settled for now.
This was the usual dynamic. Claudy's oddly generous heart accommodated Winia's whining, and it wrapped up.
"Blacky, what did you just say?"
"Did I say something again?"
"'Only one' who?"
"Ah, damn. That."
Winia, now beside me, leaned in with her face and chest.
I'd slipped up again! Help, Claudy...! I shot her a pleading look, but she was already chatting with Elise. Damn it.
"Slipped out."
"Not a slip— you meant it. Blacky. Say stuff like that carelessly, and I really want to kill you. Be careful? Yeah? I love you so much, but it doesn't feel mutual, and it hurts."
"Sorry. I spoke without thinking. Forgive me this once."
"...Watch it next time."
I apologized, holding her hand. Her face flushed, but she let it go without more. Seeing her go from constant abuse to this... felt good. She let me grope freely now, so all forgiven.
The carriage rolled out. Vehicles always made me sleepy. Yawned, leaned back—body went limp. Eyes drooping before five minutes in. Felt like dead weight.
"...Sleepy, Blacky?"
"Exhausted."
"Lean on my shoulder."
"Thanks so much... Man, so tired. Winia, play with my ears."
"Sure."
I laid my head on Winia's shoulder and closed my eyes. Her small hand tickled my ear. She obliged diligently, and sleep came easy.
This reminded me of the cockatrice hunt. If I met that past me, I'd tell him to grow a heart, you bastard.
How sweet is Winia? Damn.
She lets me touch her chest whenever—turns her nice.
—Thud!
"Eek!"
The carriage jolted hard, snapping me awake.
"We're here!"
The coachman shouted.
Already?
"Huh? We here?"
"Already? Blacky sleeps like he owns the world. My shoulder's killing me. Get up."
"Oh, yeah. Sorry. Hurt bad?"
"...Not really."
I figured it'd be dark, but it was still midday. We left morning—makes sense. Sun said around 3 PM. Rubbed sleepy eyes and disembarked one by one.
"Katt. Sleep well?"
"Like a rock. Full of energy."
Still groggy, Claudy wrapped her arm around my waist.
"So, you can go hard tonight?"
"Who's sexually harassing me in public? Our Claudy needs a spanking?"
"And if I ask how, you'll sing that song?"
"You know me too well."
"'Cause I love you?"
"Eeei! Look forward to tonight!"
We flirted a bit, then my stomach growled.
Anyway, food. Woke up starving again. Humans are basically pigs—sleep when sleepy, eat when hungry, or no happiness.
Unlike the hobgoblin village, this looked proper. Easy to find a restaurant. Craving hot stew with meat and potatoes.
"Let's eat first, then start. Elise, cool? Better for stamina than rations."
"Understood. That sounds best."
The village entrance had a sign: huge 'Solban'. Felt like a theme park gate. Could use a mascot.
As we approached, a young vigilante blocked us.
"Ah, just a quick procedure. Four of you?"
"Yes... Anything else?"
He counted us with his eyes, scribbling on a board.
"Nothing at all. Just formality with all the adventurers lately. Go on in. Kobold Dungeon, right?"
"Spot on... Any good eats nearby?"
"Follow the food smells. Hard to describe—go for the strong stew scent. Best in town."
How do you know?
"Thanks much. Take care."
Inside, adventurers bustled everywhere. The village boomed from the dungeon boom, full of life. Time to find that restaurant.
"Saint. If I may ask something personal?"
Elise asked as we walked.
Claudi and Winia bickered behind us.
"I can guess, but ask away. Anything."
"I thought you and Claudy were like a married couple... But in the carriage, it was odd. What's with you and Winia?"
"It's... complicated. Hard to explain simply, but somehow we ended up a threesome couple."
"Threesome couple?"
"No clue, right? That's normal."
"I don't get it."
"Good thing you're normal."
A Radiant Cross Society nun as the straight one in our party.
Unbelievable.