The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 31
Chapter 31: The fat aristocrat is a bit discouraged by the treasure
“… This is strange.”
Grace said after wandering around the labyrinth for about an hour since leaving the break room.
They encountered the ochre boar twice and passed by other adventurers.
“I haven’t seen a blue deer at all.”
“Is that rare?”
“No, I heard there are more blue deer around here.”
Mitrof had been thinking about trying to hunt blue deer since he couldn’t make much progress with the ochre boar. If they couldn’t find any, it would be a disappointment.
The spoils from the ochre boars were already enough. Canule carried a bundle of tied tusks on her back, but if the load became too heavy, it would hinder their movements in case of emergency.
If they could fight and confirm the ecology of the blue deer, they wouldn’t mind turning back. However, there was no sighting of the blue deer.
“…If we can’t find any, then we can’t help it—let’s head back.”
Mitrof and Canule had no objection.
Mitrof didn’t feel particularly tired. He was used to facing opponents such as kobolds and fangs on Grace’s watchful eyes, and the ochre boar was no exception.
However, he was worried about Canule, who was entering the labyrinth for the first time. Although she seemed to behave calmly, her face was completely hidden under her hood, making it difficult to read her expression from her skeletal head.
Considering the mental and physical exhaustion he experienced when he first entered the labyrinth, Mitrof felt that it was time to return to the surface, even though he didn’t participate in the combat.
The three of them retraced their steps. As usual, they saw ochre boars, but the blue deer were nowhere to be seen. And when they reached the fourth floor, Mitrof became busy dealing with the kobolds and fangs.
Finally, they returned safely to the surface.
Canule had the items they collected evaluated for sale, and while waiting, Grace approached the receptionist to ask some questions. The receptionist chuckled, pushing her oversized glasses up from her nose.
“Actually, we are still investigating that matter—we have had reports of a decrease in blue deer for a while now, but it seems they have finally disappeared completely.”
“…Completely?” Grace repeated.
“Yes, completely,” the receptionist answered with a smile.
“Isn’t that an abnormal situation?”
At Mitrof’s question, the receptionist chuckled.
“To be honest, we don’t know—we hardly understand anything about the labyrinth—why do monsters inhabit it?—Why do their numbers return even after we defeat them? What lies underground? —We’re stumped as to where to draw the line for an abnormal situation, given our lack of understanding—besides, “she paused for a moment, then continued, “Even if this is an abnormal situation, we don’t know how to resolve it.”
It was stated clearly.
Mitrof pinched his nose and nodded, “Yeah, I see.”
The guild did not know everything about the labyrinth, nor did they manage the ecosystem of monsters. Their job was to manage adventurers who went into the labyrinth, to assist in their exploration, and to buy their produce. Even if monsters disappeared, there was nothing they could do about it.
A dwarf hobbit(??????) in work clothes rushed over to the receptionist and handed her a document.
“Oh, we received an evaluation from the appraisal department—please check it.”
Mitrof took it and glanced over the evaluation, which was the most profitable result from their exploration yet. The ochre boar’s horn was worth a good price.
After sharing it with Grace and Canule and signing it, the receptionist prepared the cash and changed the subject.
“By the way, the ancient relic that was requested for appraisal the other day turned out to be the Magic Book.”
“Oh, that sounds expensive.”
Even Mitrof, who was unfamiliar with labyrinths and relics, knew about the magic book. It contained ancient wisdom and could perform miracles beyond one’s imagination through the use of magic.
However, it was not something that ordinary people could easily use. It was said that only those who received rigorous training in a magician’s tower were allowed to use this secret technique.
Mitrof was ecstatic at the thought of the treasure, but the receptionist lowered her glasses and smiled wryly.
“It is undoubtedly rare, but apparently it contained ‘Image Projection Lycalil.’ It is considered “common life magic’ that is not highly sought after in the magician’s tower, so it may not be as valuable as you might expect.”
“…Ah, I see.”
Even in the case of a magical book relic, there were hits and misses. Mitrof was disappointed, as he had secretly hoped for something more valuable.
“What would you like to do?—You can request the magician’s tower to buy it, or you can put it up for auction at the guild.”
Mitrof turned to Grace. Since they had found it together, he couldn’t make a decision on his own.
However, Grace seemed to pay little attention to the conversation between Mitrof and the receptionist and was slightly hunched over, lost in thought.
“Grace, what do you think?”
“…Hm? What about?”
“The magic book—we could auction it off.”
“I’m not familiar with the details of the financial system—it’s better if Mitrof decides.”
She answered absentmindedly.
Mitrof rubbed his chin in concern.
“For now, can we put it on hold?—It would be helpful if you could keep it for a while.”
“I understand. But please give us an answer soon—here’s the payment for this purchase.”
Mitrof received the payment and left the counter with Grace and Canule.