The Fat Aristocrat Waltz in the Labyrinth - Chapter 58
Chapter 58: The fat aristocrat thinks about what lies ahead
As one gets used to handling a small shield, dealing with the rabbit becomes easier. When facing the smallblade rabbits, observe their movements calmly and block with the shield. When facing the swordhorned rabbits, stand behind the wall and avoid them calmly.
Although heavier than a gauntlet and less agile, having a sense of security in being able to create a wall of protection is a significant advantage in battle.
Compared to Mitrof, Canule looks less vulnerable. Upon hearing that she was a knightess, Mitrof realized that Canule’s movements were indeed refined.
Having obtained some knowledge on how to handle a shield in a guild course, Mitrof was able to understand Canule’s movements to a certain extent.
In any case, the two of them can now handle the 10th floor with ease. They steadily advanced with the help of the map and entered a small room located about 70% of the way through. It was a resting place for adventurers, created by stacking bricks to divide the corridor and embedding a wooden door.
It may not be reliable on the upper floors, where aggressive ochre boars and trolls roam, but on the rabbit-only 10th floor, this place provides sufficient safety.
Inside, a group of three had already rested.
Mitrof raised his hand in greeting to them. Although he didn’t need to behave like a friend, it was important to show friendliness to demonstrate that he had no hostile intentions.
With each party holding weapons, tension inevitably rose. In order to rest well, a minimum of compromise and respect was necessary. Canule was hiding her face with a black coat and hood, so Mitrof also took on the role of trying not to alert anyone.
The room was separated by a narrow, dimly lit corridor. There were scorch marks on the end of the corridor and walls covered in graffiti that the previous adventurers probably made to pass the time. Such traces of humanity brought a small sense of comfort to the labyrinth.
Mitrof and Canule sat at a distance from the group of three.
Canule skillfully took out the tools and prepared tea. Mitrof spread out the map on the floor, thinking about what to do next and stroking his chin.
“We could go around the tenth floor for a while longer and deal with the rabbits…”
As long as they had a shield, rabbits were not difficult opponents. Of course, you cannot be too careful, but it is easier than dealing with trolls, which are strong enemies but not very profitable. By collecting ears, they could also earn money.
“Do you plan on going down?”
Canule asked while boiling water on a portable stove in a kettle.
“Yeah, even if it costs money, being able to use the great elevator is a blessing—besides, if we only hunt rabbits, ‘sublimation’ will become more difficult.”
One reason for Mitrof’s dilemma was the labyrinth’s mysterious power of “sublimation” that it bestowed upon adventurers. By absorbing the life force of monsters by defeating them, the body adapts to the labyrinth through prolonged stays…only speculations abound, and the truth is uncertain.
“I haven’t experienced ‘sublimation’ yet…but Mitrof-sama, you have done it once, right?”
“Ah, yes—it was when I defeated a kobold right after entering the labyrinth—since then, I haven’t felt that way at all.”
“I’ve heard stories of how fighting to the point of risking your life can lead to ‘sublimation.'”
“That seems like a reasonable story—however, we did not ‘sublimate’ even after the battle with the red-eyed troll…”
Mitrof couldn’t think of any conditions that were acceptable for kobolds but not for the red-eyed troll.
“I want ‘sublimation’ when exploring the labyrinth; however, I don’t know how to achieve it. If we need to defeat a certain number of enemies, we might as well stay on the 10th floor and make money. If not, we should move on quickly.”
Steam rose from the kettle. Canule poured hot water into a cup. She packed tea leaves into a small wire mesh and brewed them in the cup. She then removed the lid from the kettle and left it on top of the cup to let it steep. When she opened the lid, the scent of black tea filled the air.
Handing Mitrof the cup, Canule spoke.
“I don’t mean to be presumptuous, but I think we should aim to get down to the 11th floor first.”
“Oh?”
Mitrof sipped the hot black tea. In the labyrinth, Canule’s tea was indispensable to calm his mind.
“I will be leaving Mitrof-sama’s side at the end of the month. It may be beneficial for Mitrof-sama to learn how to use the great elevator beforehand.”
Mitrof lowered his gaze.
Yes, that’s right. He needed to consider that.
If Canule were to leave, Mitrof would have to explore the labyrinth alone. Even though he could use a shield now, it would be difficult to handle a group of rabbits without Canule.
He would also have to carry his own luggage and have no one to watch his back.
Canule’s role was significant. Mitrof was reminded of this once again.
If Canule were to disappear, it might become difficult to even descend to the 10th floor. While she was still around, he needed to obtain the “wing emblem” to be able to use the great elevator. That way, it would be convenient to search for a replacement for Canule.
His calculating thoughts led to a logical solution. Mitrof acknowledged this, but he still felt heavy-hearted. Originally, descending to lower floors was supposed to be a sign of growth and achievement, something to be celebrated.
However, at this point, it was only an act to prepare for after Canule was gone.
Mitrof sipped his tea again. The hot water hit his tongue. He endured it and swallowed it. A light scent escaped from his mouth and nose.
He wanted to just stop and stay like this. A feeling that was almost like dependence rose in Mitrof’s chest.
Grace returned to her hometown, and Canule would also return home. Whether it was what they wanted or not, it was a way of life imposed on them.
‘What about my way of life?’
Mitrof was the third son of a noble family. The eldest son would inherit the family safely, and the second son was also doing well. They were both living splendid lives as nobles. However, when it came to the third son, there was no role or place for him.
If he were a high-ranking noble, there would be land to divide among children, and he would be asked to marry or be a son-in-law to connect families. But the Count Vansankai family was not rich, and being a new family, their status was lower compared to other Count families.
Even if Mitrof stayed at home, there would be no place or way for him to contribute.
Although, if he had any outstanding talent, he could have made a name for himself. But Mitrof, who devoted himself to eating and sleeping, seemed to be the model of a decadent nobleman’s child.
The only thing worth mentioning was his talent with the sword. However, aristocrats wielding swords were already outdated, and those who held dueling in high regard had long since disappeared.
By wielding a sword as an adventurer in the labyrinth, Mitrof became like a fish that got a little water. Fighting unexpectedly turned out to be an environment suitable for Mitrof himself. However, it did not seem like a path to follow forever.
Those who met each other eventually parted, choosing their respective paths or carrying things for the sake of others, leaving the labyrinth behind.
Mitrof stayed behind, gripping the rapier he had obtained and diving into the labyrinth under the guise of an adventurer. He aimed to improve his living standards by earning wages, eating good food, and sleeping in a large bed.
It seemed like the generous life he had always wanted
However, he felt scared by his immersion in thoughts with no answers, so Mitrof shook his head and cut off his train of thought.
“Yes, let’s head down—first, let’s go to the 11th floor and get the ‘wing emblem.'”
“Understood.”
Canule held a silence that seemed to express a desire to say something. However, she began to tidy up without saying anything.
Mitrof also felt like he should say something. But he did not know what to say. He was taught how a nobleman should treat a lady, but all of it seemed useless now. It was clear that none of it was helpful at this point.