Chapter 553: Deja Vu (2)
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 553: Deja Vu (2)
A royal decree had been made. Officially, there was no way it was penned by the bedridden king, so instead, it had to have been made under the authority of the prime minister.
However, even if that was the case, I only had one option.
"...I will carry out the king's orders."
Unless I was willing to kill every witness here and then lie that I never received such a message, there was no way I could refuse.
"The palace will remember your loyalty, Baron Yandel."
Jerome's smooth smile was annoying, but I tried to look on the bright side despite the turn this situation had taken.
Joining their expedition and being ordered around by this guy? That meant that within Basement Floor One, my freedoms would be restricted and I wouldn't be able to stop him even if he did something to put us all in danger. Plus, unlike now when I held all the power, I'd only get a certain percentage of the loot and would need to try to scrounge for whatever I could.
But we'll be able to do whatever we need to with this much manpower.
In truth, it was like I had just gotten a cheat code.
At least for the foreseeable future, we wouldn't have any issues on Basement Floor One born of a lack of manpower. Be it the uncleared Library Island, the mysterious Tree Island, or even Giant Island with that colossus still on it—with this many people, we could handle them all.
In other words, our chances of escaping this floor and returning to the city had increased dramatically.
"All right, then I wish to trade information first. Do you perhaps have a journal? I've heard that adventurers usually write in journals to record their experiences."
I sighed. He was really going to milk me for everything I had. As this was a situation where information was more valuable than gold, this group felt more like a band of thieves than an army sent by the palace. "Before I share my information with you, I want to discuss how we'll be handling loot."
I wanted to hammer this part out before we went any further.
"Hmm, the loot?"
"Yeah. The royal decree says that I need to operate under your command, but there's nothing that says we need to treat you a certain way."
"That is definitely true. But do not worry. Our expedition group is not concerned with paltry gains. The palace itself has told us to be very generous with you, Your Lordship."
"But I still want to make things clear before we continue."
"Command of the adventurers currently under your command will remain with you. Also, aside from one exception, anything you obtain throughout this expedition will be yours to keep."
My position would remain intact and they wouldn't touch my loot. That was a spot of relief in an otherwise unfortunate situation, but sandwiched in the middle of that good news were two little words that left me uneasy. "One exception...?"
"We're working on behalf of the palace to procure a brighter tomorrow for the nation. Essences, equipment, materials, and any special items shall be left to you. But if we encounter something that has never been seen before, we will be taking it for research purposes."
In layman's terms, they'd be claiming any discoveries for themselves. The second the words left his mouth, my first thought was that these people were crooks, but Jerome proved proficient at the carrot and stick method. "However, I will also let you maintain possession of anything you have found up to this point... How about it?"
I mean, that's just a given, so I have no idea why he's making it sound like he's doing me a favor.
But, was it because he had a long career as a commander under his belt? Subconsciously, I felt almost relieved by the assurance. "I'll take you up on that."
"That's good, then—"
I swiftly cut him off before he could try to steer this discussion toward a natural stopping point. "But one more thing."
"I'm listening. Speak."
"I want a share of the first discoveries as well."
"That is impossible."
"Even if I make an overwhelming contribution in the process of acquiring one?"
"Even so."
Damn, then I guess that wasn't going to work. Seeing as he was being sterner about this than I expected him to be, trying to keep arguing about it would only be a waste of time.
Well, that didn't mean I was planning on rolling over and giving up.
"Then, give me priority for second discoveries."
"Priority..."
"Yeah. If you're only taking things for research purposes, don't you only need one? And you also said that you didn't care about the small gains."
"Hmm... Could I discuss this with my second-in-command for a moment?"
When I nodded, Jerome went over to his deputy commander and began talking my request over with him. About five minutes later, Jerome waved a hand for a nearby wizard to deactivate their sound-dampening spell, allowing me to hear his voice again.
"If you play a significant role in the discovery of a given thing, Baron Yandel, I am willing to consider letting you have priority over those drops. How about it?"
"And who will be deciding if my contribution is significant enough?"
"Well..."
"Then let's set a proper standard now rather than leaving it vague," I said. "Exactly three, not counting the ones I acquire by my own power and merit. Give me priority over shared discoveries exactly three times."
Jerome and his deputy commander exchanged a glance.
I guess this guy fills the role of Jerome's personal advisor.
I wasn't sure, but either way, it seemed he concluded that this wasn't something that required a dedicated discussion.
"All right. For any discoveries that aren't the first of their kind, we will give priority to you exactly three times, Baron Yandel," Jerome agreed, reaching out for a handshake.
I accepted it. "I'll be in your care until we return to the city."
"Likewise."
And with that, an uncomfortable alliance was formed.
***
Once we were done discussing the loot, the thirty-eight adventurers under the command of the Anabada Clan were integrated into the palace's forces. Our official designation was Temporary Fourth Squadron of the First Expedition Group. Compared to the other three squads, which were made up of sixty people each, we were small in number, but it couldn't be helped. This was the only way for me to retain any power.
Maybe that was why Jerome made no effort to redistribute his numbers and add some people to our squadron. I didn't bother asking him to do so, either.
In any case, once our group was integrated, we began to officially share our information.
I mean, that's just a given, so I have no idea why he's making it sound like he's doing me a favor.
But, was it because he had a long career as a commander under his belt? Subconsciously, I felt almost relieved by the assurance. "I'll take you up on that."
"That's good, then—"
I swiftly cut him off before he could try to steer this discussion toward a natural stopping point. "But one more thing."
"I'm listening. Speak."
"I want a share of the first discoveries as well."
"That is impossible."
"Even if I make an overwhelming contribution in the process of acquiring one?"
"Even so."
Damn, then I guess that wasn't going to work. Seeing as he was being sterner about this than I expected him to be, trying to keep arguing about it would only be a waste of time.
Well, that didn't mean I was planning on rolling over and giving up.
"Then, give me priority for second discoveries."
"Priority..."
"Yeah. If you're only taking things for research purposes, don't you only need one? And you also said that you didn't care about the small gains."
"Hmm... Could I discuss this with my second-in-command for a moment?"
When I nodded, Jerome went over to his deputy commander and began talking my request over with him. About five minutes later, Jerome waved a hand for a nearby wizard to deactivate their sound-dampening spell, allowing me to hear his voice again.
"If you play a significant role in the discovery of a given thing, Baron Yandel, I am willing to consider letting you have priority over those drops. How about it?"
"And who will be deciding if my contribution is significant enough?"
"Well..."
"Then let's set a proper standard now rather than leaving it vague," I said. "Exactly three, not counting the ones I acquire by my own power and merit. Give me priority over shared discoveries exactly three times."
Jerome and his deputy commander exchanged a glance.
I guess this guy fills the role of Jerome's personal advisor.
I wasn't sure, but either way, it seemed he concluded that this wasn't something that required a dedicated discussion.
"All right. For any discoveries that aren't the first of their kind, we will give priority to you exactly three times, Baron Yandel," Jerome agreed, reaching out for a handshake.
I accepted it. "I'll be in your care until we return to the city."
"Likewise."
And with that, an uncomfortable alliance was formed.
***
Once we were done discussing the loot, the thirty-eight adventurers under the command of the Anabada Clan were integrated into the palace's forces. Our official designation was Temporary Fourth Squadron of the First Expedition Group. Compared to the other three squads, which were made up of sixty people each, we were small in number, but it couldn't be helped. This was the only way for me to retain any power.
Maybe that was why Jerome made no effort to redistribute his numbers and add some people to our squadron. I didn't bother asking him to do so, either.
In any case, once our group was integrated, we began to officially share our information.
"Sir Versilus, go and review their research."
"Certainly... It's been a while, Lady Emblut."
"Ah, yes... Hello..."
"Is your master well?"
"I mean... Probably...?"
"Haha, now that I think about it, I guess I should be the one sharing news like that with you instead of the other way around. Anyway, since we've gotten our hellos out of the way, can I have your research? I'll make sure to read through everything before asking any questions, to make things easier on you."
"...It's all here."
The highest-ranking wizard from the palace's expedition group approached our squadron's wizard trio and took their hard-earned research.
"All right, then let's have a talk as well, Your Lordship. What all has happened to you in the months you've been here?"
I filled Jerome in on how this floor worked and described the islands we'd visited throughout our time here. The thing Jerome seemed most interested in was the rainy season.
"That is an interesting phenomenon. Monsters falling from the sky?"
"But don't worry too much about it. There are a few places on this floor where we can take cover to avoid the worst of it."
We had found three safe zones so far—Library Island, which Hamsick had confirmed was secure; the cave on Giant Island that the Hektz Clan had used as a hideout; and finally, the village under the control of the village chief.
"Commander."
"Haha, you don't have to call me by my title. Just call me by my family name."
"Saintred... there is one more thing you should know." I was a bit on the fence about it, but I ultimately decided to share our intel on the village chief with Jerome as well.
"You mean... the Dragon Knight Cornelius Bruingrid?"
"That's what the creature claims to be, and we assume the same."
I figured his identity could be something of a wild card in that I had no way of knowing how the palace's army would react to it, but they would need to know at some point. Since the exit was on that island, we would need to get through the chief and his village to get out.
"Do you know anything about him? After spending some time with him, I have a lot of questions." Figuring that I could maybe obtain some information from Jerome, I gave him all the details about my interactions with the village chief that I could, but unfortunately, he didn't know anything more than I did.
"A monster who calls himself a companion of Gabrielius... quite suspicious." Even though he wasn't all that knowledgeable, no one could argue with the guy's drive. "I believe that it'd be best for the expedition to head to that island first."
"...You're going straight for him?"
"Given how suspicious he is, yes. And since you said yourself that it's possible to communicate with him, the wisest course of action would be to capture him and try to get information out of him through interrogation."
Uh... That is true...
He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and I found I couldn't argue with his logic. To be fair, he wasn't particularly wrong either.
...With a group this big, I think we'll be fine heading over there.
Even the most foolish plan in the world could work if helmed by someone strong enough to pull it off. I knew that fact better than anyone.
"Sir Versilus, go and review their research."
"Certainly... It's been a while, Lady Emblut."
"Ah, yes... Hello..."
"Is your master well?"
"I mean... Probably...?"
"Haha, now that I think about it, I guess I should be the one sharing news like that with you instead of the other way around. Anyway, since we've gotten our hellos out of the way, can I have your research? I'll make sure to read through everything before asking any questions, to make things easier on you."
"...It's all here."
The highest-ranking wizard from the palace's expedition group approached our squadron's wizard trio and took their hard-earned research.
"All right, then let's have a talk as well, Your Lordship. What all has happened to you in the months you've been here?"
I filled Jerome in on how this floor worked and described the islands we'd visited throughout our time here. The thing Jerome seemed most interested in was the rainy season.
"That is an interesting phenomenon. Monsters falling from the sky?"
"But don't worry too much about it. There are a few places on this floor where we can take cover to avoid the worst of it."
We had found three safe zones so far—Library Island, which Hamsick had confirmed was secure; the cave on Giant Island that the Hektz Clan had used as a hideout; and finally, the village under the control of the village chief.
"Commander."
"Haha, you don't have to call me by my title. Just call me by my family name."
"Saintred... there is one more thing you should know." I was a bit on the fence about it, but I ultimately decided to share our intel on the village chief with Jerome as well.
"You mean... the Dragon Knight Cornelius Bruingrid?"
"That's what the creature claims to be, and we assume the same."
I figured his identity could be something of a wild card in that I had no way of knowing how the palace's army would react to it, but they would need to know at some point. Since the exit was on that island, we would need to get through the chief and his village to get out.
"Do you know anything about him? After spending some time with him, I have a lot of questions." Figuring that I could maybe obtain some information from Jerome, I gave him all the details about my interactions with the village chief that I could, but unfortunately, he didn't know anything more than I did.
"A monster who calls himself a companion of Gabrielius... quite suspicious." Even though he wasn't all that knowledgeable, no one could argue with the guy's drive. "I believe that it'd be best for the expedition to head to that island first."
"...You're going straight for him?"
"Given how suspicious he is, yes. And since you said yourself that it's possible to communicate with him, the wisest course of action would be to capture him and try to get information out of him through interrogation."
Uh... That is true...
He said it like it was the most obvious thing in the world, and I found I couldn't argue with his logic. To be fair, he wasn't particularly wrong either.
...With a group this big, I think we'll be fine heading over there.
Even the most foolish plan in the world could work if helmed by someone strong enough to pull it off. I knew that fact better than anyone.
But... why do I get the feeling this won't go well?
I tried to persuade him otherwise. "Since we're not in a rush, how about we explore the other islands first?"
"Hmm?"
"We think that the exit is on that island, but it seems we need to fulfill certain conditions if we want to open it. It wouldn't be too late to go there after we satisfy them."
I planned to go to the easy areas first to gauge how competent this group was before heading to Chief Island. In terms of numbers, we most likely had enough, but history had taught me that sheer military might wasn't everything.
"I do wonder if there is truly a need to go about this in such a roundabout way, but I am not in a position to ignore your counsel when you've been here much longer than us. Understood. We will do as you suggest, Your Lordship."
All right, he was actually pretty easy to convince.
"Then where do you think we should go first?" Jerome asked.
I didn't even need to think before answering. "The library. Library Island would be best."
After all, I hadn't gotten EXP from those top-of-the-shelf monsters yet.
***
After settling on a destination, we headed to Stone Island's beaches to summon our boats. There were a total of four vessels, with each squadron getting its own. Also, while that was happening, a personnel exchange took place.
"From what Sir Versilus said, he needs a bit more time to review all of your research. So could we have those three wizards board our boat? Ah, of course, we'll fill the empty slots with other wizards."
"...Sure."
With that, the wizard trio got on a different boat, and three other wizards boarded our boat to make up for their absence.
"It's... been a while?"
I unexpectedly came face to face with someone familiar. "Raven...? What are you doing here...?"
"What do you mean what am I doing here? I got orders from up high to join this expedition group."
"Right... you're a soldier."
"But did you not notice me come in? You kept looking in my direction during your conversation earlier so I thought you recognized me."
"I was just looking around in general."
"Ah... I see." Raven awkwardly twisted a lock of her hair around her finger.
I found myself baffled. There were over 180 people here, so why would she think I would recognize her in the crowd? She was so short she was almost impossible to spot.
"In any case, it's good to see you, but get on the boat," I said. "We'll talk on the way there."
Raven and the two new wizards did as I asked, and then Ainar, who had gotten on the boat before us, rushed over.
"Aruru! It's Aruru! Aruru!"
"Ack! L-Let go! That hurts!"
"Oh, sorry!"
Once Ainar snapped out of it and let her go, Raven smoothed down her crumpled uniform with a sigh. "Ms. Fenelin... is the same as ever."
"At least on the outside."
"Outside...?"
"She absorbed an essence, and there was an issue... You'll see for yourself later."
"Really?"
But... why do I get the feeling this won't go well?
I tried to persuade him otherwise. "Since we're not in a rush, how about we explore the other islands first?"
"Hmm?"
"We think that the exit is on that island, but it seems we need to fulfill certain conditions if we want to open it. It wouldn't be too late to go there after we satisfy them."
I planned to go to the easy areas first to gauge how competent this group was before heading to Chief Island. In terms of numbers, we most likely had enough, but history had taught me that sheer military might wasn't everything.
"I do wonder if there is truly a need to go about this in such a roundabout way, but I am not in a position to ignore your counsel when you've been here much longer than us. Understood. We will do as you suggest, Your Lordship."
All right, he was actually pretty easy to convince.
"Then where do you think we should go first?" Jerome asked.
I didn't even need to think before answering. "The library. Library Island would be best."
After all, I hadn't gotten EXP from those top-of-the-shelf monsters yet.
***
After settling on a destination, we headed to Stone Island's beaches to summon our boats. There were a total of four vessels, with each squadron getting its own. Also, while that was happening, a personnel exchange took place.
"From what Sir Versilus said, he needs a bit more time to review all of your research. So could we have those three wizards board our boat? Ah, of course, we'll fill the empty slots with other wizards."
"...Sure."
With that, the wizard trio got on a different boat, and three other wizards boarded our boat to make up for their absence.
"It's... been a while?"
I unexpectedly came face to face with someone familiar. "Raven...? What are you doing here...?"
"What do you mean what am I doing here? I got orders from up high to join this expedition group."
"Right... you're a soldier."
"But did you not notice me come in? You kept looking in my direction during your conversation earlier so I thought you recognized me."
"I was just looking around in general."
"Ah... I see." Raven awkwardly twisted a lock of her hair around her finger.
I found myself baffled. There were over 180 people here, so why would she think I would recognize her in the crowd? She was so short she was almost impossible to spot.
"In any case, it's good to see you, but get on the boat," I said. "We'll talk on the way there."
Raven and the two new wizards did as I asked, and then Ainar, who had gotten on the boat before us, rushed over.
"Aruru! It's Aruru! Aruru!"
"Ack! L-Let go! That hurts!"
"Oh, sorry!"
Once Ainar snapped out of it and let her go, Raven smoothed down her crumpled uniform with a sigh. "Ms. Fenelin... is the same as ever."
"At least on the outside."
"Outside...?"
"She absorbed an essence, and there was an issue... You'll see for yourself later."
"Really?"
As we were talking, I received word from Auyen that the commander's boat had given us the signal to set out, so we hoisted anchor and cast off.
Splash!
With that, the boat of the Anabada clan began its voyage at the front of the fleet with the three other vessels following behind us. Although our boat wasn't that bad, I couldn't help but compare it to the other three. Perhaps it was just the size difference? Even though they had sixty people each on their boats, their decks didn't look crowded at all.
"We meet again."
"Yes. Hello, Ms. Raines."
Once Raven was on board, the other members of my clan who knew her approached her to say hi. Things with Amelia were, of course, all business.
"It's been a while..."
"Ah, yes. It has..."
On the other hand, there was a lot of awkward silence with Erwen.
Well, at least she wasn't as bad as Missha.
"Hello..."
"Ah, yes... Hello, Ms. Missha..."
I sighed inwardly. The very sight of them frustrated me. They had seemed so close in the past.
"I heard the news from Mr. Yandel... but this is my first time seeing you since you got back, right?" Raven asked politely.
"Yeah... Sorry about that... About me just... disappearing without a word..."
"N-No...! You must've had your reasons, Ms. Missha."
They hadn't even argued like she had with Erwen back when the team disbanded, so I couldn't understand why they were being so awkward.
Actually, I guess that's exactly why it's even more awkward.
Hmm, that might be it. Raven still didn't even know where Missha had been the past two years, and this atmosphere wasn't exactly ripe for that particular conversation.
"In any case, it's a relief to see that you're all all right. I was a little worried when you lost contact after coming down to Basement Floor One."
"Only a little worried?" I said jokingly. "That's a bit depressing."
"...What are you even saying?" Raven asked, aggrieved. She usually just ignored my attempts at teasing her entirely and carried on with the conversation. But judging by her tone of voice right now, she must have been feeling a little stressed today. "More importantly, did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Sir Kaislan. The one you went on an expedition with all those months ago."
"Kaislan? What about him? Did he cause a stir out in the city or something?"
"No. He's in this expedition group as well. Looks like you didn't notice him either."
Oh... That was a completely unexpected piece of news. I never thought there'd be another friendly face around.
Kaislan is trustworthy.
Plus, considering his status, he would have some sort of leadership role. He'd more than likely keep me apprised of what the expedition group was scheming.
"What about Lilith Marrone? Isn't she a military wizard as well?"
"I didn't see her. Oh, but there's someone else here!"
"Who?"
As I expressed my curiosity, Raven got to enjoy her favorite pastime—explaining things. "Sir Sven Parav. The paladin of Reatlas Church."
Heh, I never expected him of all people to be here either.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Do you perhaps not remember him? You were in the same squad at some point."
"No... I do. I remember him."
Paladin Sven Parav. The goblin mask by another name. His most notable trait was that he had an unbelievably accurate sixth sense. During our Ice Rock adventure, he'd showcased his uncanny intuition multiple times. He'd even managed to avoid the Berzak incident entirely because he had a bad gut feeling and came up with an excuse to skip the labyrinth that month.
"Raven, have you heard any news about him from the rest of your squad? Like rumors that he tried to refuse the summons, or got a stomachache on the day you were all getting ready to come down here?"
I was only asking just in case, but Raven did a double take.
"Huh? How did you know that he got a stomachache?"
...Wait, for real?
I suddenly had a very bad feeling about this.
As we were talking, I received word from Auyen that the commander's boat had given us the signal to set out, so we hoisted anchor and cast off.
Splash!
With that, the boat of the Anabada clan began its voyage at the front of the fleet with the three other vessels following behind us. Although our boat wasn't that bad, I couldn't help but compare it to the other three. Perhaps it was just the size difference? Even though they had sixty people each on their boats, their decks didn't look crowded at all.
"We meet again."
"Yes. Hello, Ms. Raines."
Once Raven was on board, the other members of my clan who knew her approached her to say hi. Things with Amelia were, of course, all business.
"It's been a while..."
"Ah, yes. It has..."
On the other hand, there was a lot of awkward silence with Erwen.
Well, at least she wasn't as bad as Missha.
"Hello..."
"Ah, yes... Hello, Ms. Missha..."
I sighed inwardly. The very sight of them frustrated me. They had seemed so close in the past.
"I heard the news from Mr. Yandel... but this is my first time seeing you since you got back, right?" Raven asked politely.
"Yeah... Sorry about that... About me just... disappearing without a word..."
"N-No...! You must've had your reasons, Ms. Missha."
They hadn't even argued like she had with Erwen back when the team disbanded, so I couldn't understand why they were being so awkward.
Actually, I guess that's exactly why it's even more awkward.
Hmm, that might be it. Raven still didn't even know where Missha had been the past two years, and this atmosphere wasn't exactly ripe for that particular conversation.
"In any case, it's a relief to see that you're all all right. I was a little worried when you lost contact after coming down to Basement Floor One."
"Only a little worried?" I said jokingly. "That's a bit depressing."
"...What are you even saying?" Raven asked, aggrieved. She usually just ignored my attempts at teasing her entirely and carried on with the conversation. But judging by her tone of voice right now, she must have been feeling a little stressed today. "More importantly, did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Sir Kaislan. The one you went on an expedition with all those months ago."
"Kaislan? What about him? Did he cause a stir out in the city or something?"
"No. He's in this expedition group as well. Looks like you didn't notice him either."
Oh... That was a completely unexpected piece of news. I never thought there'd be another friendly face around.
Kaislan is trustworthy.
Plus, considering his status, he would have some sort of leadership role. He'd more than likely keep me apprised of what the expedition group was scheming.
"What about Lilith Marrone? Isn't she a military wizard as well?"
"I didn't see her. Oh, but there's someone else here!"
"Who?"
As I expressed my curiosity, Raven got to enjoy her favorite pastime—explaining things. "Sir Sven Parav. The paladin of Reatlas Church."
Heh, I never expected him of all people to be here either.
"What's wrong?" she asked. "Do you perhaps not remember him? You were in the same squad at some point."
"No... I do. I remember him."
Paladin Sven Parav. The goblin mask by another name. His most notable trait was that he had an unbelievably accurate sixth sense. During our Ice Rock adventure, he'd showcased his uncanny intuition multiple times. He'd even managed to avoid the Berzak incident entirely because he had a bad gut feeling and came up with an excuse to skip the labyrinth that month.
"Raven, have you heard any news about him from the rest of your squad? Like rumors that he tried to refuse the summons, or got a stomachache on the day you were all getting ready to come down here?"
I was only asking just in case, but Raven did a double take.
"Huh? How did you know that he got a stomachache?"
...Wait, for real?
I suddenly had a very bad feeling about this.