A Suitable Dungeon (3)
On the way to the dungeon, Sisilia recalled old memories.
It had been ages since she'd met a newbie, and in her excitement, she'd showered them with good items. They'd made plans to meet again, and she tagged along, carrying them through everything. Good times.
But the newbie started logging in later and later. Why? She'd given them even better gear this time, carried them hard.
Sisilia was devastated. Like, bedridden for three days kind of shocked. That's when it hit her. Ah, just helping isn't enough. You have to show them the fun of the game first, before training.
"This is the Tomb of the Proficient."
Sisilia stopped in a forest a bit off from the capital. A gate made of vines stood there, with an abandoned mansion visible inside.
"Why's there a mansion in the middle of a forest like this…?"
The apprentice knights stared up blankly. Sisilia crossed her arms behind her back and eyed them.
"First time in a dungeon for everyone?"
"N-no, we've been in some. But nothing like this."
"You've only done the easy ones, huh. Caves, no demon guards, just basic beasts."
The apprentice nodded tensely. Sisilia explained in her flat tone.
"This is a suitable dungeon. Windsor Knights usually handle these. Lowest grade, for rookies to adapt."
"You mean…?"
"If you survive this on your own, I'll recommend you to the order myself."
Their eyes widened at the words they'd been hoping for. Some were already fired up.
"…Most of you probably know, but for the pure newbies, a quick rundown before we go in."
Sisilia held up one finger.
"Don't panic in the dungeon."
Second finger.
"Obey the demon's rules. Exceptions apply."
Third finger.
"If you can survive ignoring the rules, ignore the second one. That's it."
One raised a hand. Sisilia nodded indulgently, like a kindergarten teacher.
"Um, what's the demon's rules?"
Sisilia glanced at the mansion.
"The demon inside will happily explain. Ready to go in?"
"Yes!"
Their voices brimmed with spirit. So cute.
Been a while since a dungeon. Kinda exciting.
Wonder what demon's waiting. With anticipation, Sisilia headed to the mansion.
"Welcome, honored guests."
A man in a suit appeared before the mansion. His eyes were pitch black without whites, goat horns on his head—a demon.
"D-demon!"
The apprentices reached for their swords in unison. In that instant, an overwhelming presence erupted around Sisilia.
Draw that sword, and you die.
No words, but the message hit everyone. The demon bowed with exaggerated gestures.
"Thank you for respecting my wish to avoid conflict."
Sisilia sized him up. Butler concept? Lame glasses.
"No problem. We were rude on first sight."
"Haha, such polite guests are a first. Your name?"
Never give demons your real name.
The apprentices frantically thought up aliases with tense eyes…
"Sisilia Windsor."
"Ah, Ms. Windsor. You get lost often."
But the demon's demeanor shifted oddly after her name. Sweating profusely, wiping with a handkerchief, glasses fogging up.
"Uh, th-that…"
"That?"
Sisilia tilted her head. The demon gulped, forcing a awkward smile.
"What brings the Butcher here…"
"Butcher?"
"…!"
Fear flashed in the demon's eyes. After a long silence, as if pondering…
"Oh dear. I'd love to guide our lost guests, but no rooms tonight."
He tried slipping inside. The knights stood confused. Sisilia dashed forward, grabbing his wrist.
"Wh-why?!"
"It's night. Mind if we crash here?"
"I said no rooms!"
"But I wanna stay."
The demon tried fleeing; Sisilia held firm, persuading. The knights gaped at the spectacle.
"Can't?"
Her eyes chilled; the demon blurted hastily.
"U-upon second thought, sending away guests who came all this way would be rude."
Sisilia nodded satisfied, stepping back. The demon glanced at her nervously.
"…Stay as long as you like. I'm Ricardo, the butler. I'll serve you kindly and attentively. But this mansion has rules."
He paused, eyeing Sisilia for approval. She nodded. Ricardo spoke—not in human tongue. His mouth moved grotesquely fast, terror incarnate.
Lost in the woods, you stumble upon a splendid mansion!
Fortunately, the steward Ricardo is a warm-hearted butler who welcomes you with open arms.
But this mansion has rules!
1. No rudeness! A refined intellectual converses with manners, right?
2. No loud noises! Noise pollution tanks property values!
3. No running in the halls! No one runs in an elegant mansion, surely?
4. After midnight, stay inside! Wandering at night is poor etiquette.
Not heard, but understood in their minds. Some apprentices shuddered in horror.
"Heh."
Ricardo licked his lips with a cruel smile. He'd fed on their fear. But—
"Guh."
Seeing the silver-haired girl's blank stare, he shrugged.
"Something wrong?"
"N-no, nothing."
"…Rules noted. We'll follow them."
Good. Not here to exterminate me—just training.
Finally getting Sisilia's intent, Ricardo sighed in relief. As long as lines weren't crossed, the Butcher wouldn't act. Like other Windsors before.
"Once more, welcome. Choose any room. But first, dinner."
I'll get Vice-Captain a gift when we get back.
Sisilia was in a great mood. Edward's recommended dungeon was full of personality. Liked the mansion setup, and Ricardo seemed clever. Smarter demons meant more fun twists.
Still a bit disappointing.
She wanted proper "guest" treatment. But as supervisor, she couldn't fully relax.
Not bad, though.
Higher quality than expected. "Suitable" now, but could ramp to "hard." Excited to see how much the apprentices improved by the end. Watching was the mission's charm.
"Lady Sisilia."
"Yes."
The light blonde girl—Beatrice—asked cautiously.
"How do we clear this dungeon…?"
She'd planned no interference post-entry, but Beatrice was cute, so she answered.
"Follow the rules, and the demon weakens. Kill when you feel it. Break them, you die."
Classic demon trick. They didn't just want kills—max pain, max fear. Hence dungeons pondering "how to amp the terror."
"Lady Sisilia! How long do we follow the rules?"
"…"
Sisilia dodged the gaze. The bold apprentice froze like stone.
"O-one last thing…!"
A weed-haired apprentice raised a hand timidly.
Funny hair.
Sisilia nodded.
"Is… this food safe?"
Sisilia eyed the food. Purple, wriggling jelly blobs—gross. She grimaced slightly.
"Looks tasteless. Can't recommend."
"N-not that. Does it kill you?"
"No. No rule against it, so safe."
Slight relief, but no change.
Eat this? Better to die. Now they got why Sisilia smashed everything but rations.
"Save rations. Unknown stay length."
"Split into teams? Rooms unknown size, can't all fit."
"By what? How?"
"Girls together first…"
Sisilia's eyes sparkled faintly. I'll crash there too. Hug a cute one to sleep.
"Nah. By skill. This ain't playtime. Your thoughts?"
"Fine by me."
"Hah? Don't be ridiculous. How could I with you—!"
The tough girl slammed the table rising. Then—
Ding—
The bell tolled. Ding— again.
Sisilia rested her chin, thinking quietly. Starting soon.
"What…"
"W-wait! Rules! Said be in by midnight!"
Ding— ding— ding— DING—!
The grandfather clock accelerated madly. Knights panicked, chaos exploding.
"We're fu—"
As one apprentice cursed.
Kekekekekeke!
Ghosts swarmed.