Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

The two adventurers stepped into the 5th floor.

However, it doesn't come from above, but from below.

Without any obvious injuries, Ais and Riveria, with steady steps, spent nearly three days traveling from the 37th level of the deep zone to this point. Reaching the surface not only required a long trek but also meant enduring the threat of monster attacks 24 hours a day, yet neither of them showed any signs of fatigue.

It wouldn't be long before they were able to return to the surface from the dungeon. However, when they arrived, Ais, who was walking in front, stopped.

Rivera asked the beautiful blonde figure as she walked away.

"Someone has fallen to the ground."

"Were you defeated by the monster?"

In the center of the cave, an adventurer lay alone on the ground.

The two walked toward the person lying on the ground like a corpse exposed in the street.

"There are no external injuries, and no treatment or detoxification is needed... It's typical of mental exhaustion."

Perhaps she used magic without thinking, for Rivera, kneeling down to make the diagnosis, came to an extremely simple conclusion.

Using magic comes at a price. Performing and casting magic requires reducing mental energy, which is the opposite of physical strength. Just as physical strength has its limits, mental energy can also run out.

Riveria was both surprised and impressed that this person could drive himself to the point of fainting.

As for Ais, she rested her hands on her knees and stared intently at the white hair on the back of the adventurer's head.

"This child..."

"What, do you know him, Ais?"

"No, I didn't speak to him directly, but... he's the Minotaur I mentioned before..."

"...I see. So it's that idiot boy who mocked you."

Rivera suddenly realized and expressed her understanding.

She had heard Ais mention this boy, Bell. Ais said that just a few days ago, when everyone in the tavern was mocking him for being chased by the Minotaur and calling him a coward, he was there too.

Although Rivera was the one admonishing everyone, it was still her fault for not immediately stopping them, even though she didn't know Bell was there. Rivera deeply regretted her actions and felt a sense of apology towards him.

Compared to herself, Ais, who caused the whole thing, has always kept the incident in mind.

"Rivia. I want to atone for my sins against this child..."

"...Isn't there any other way to put it?"

"Too stiff," Riveria sighed, while Ais blinked two or three times.

Seeing that the girl didn't understand anything, Riveria gave up and decided not to say anything more.

"Alright, in any case, it's only proper etiquette to lend a hand..."

Beside Ais, who was nodding incessantly, Rivera remained kneeling, gazing at Bell.

Confirming that the boy showed no signs of waking up, she glanced sideways at the girl.

"...Ais, I need you to do something for this boy. To atone for his sins, I think this will be enough."

"What's up?"

Rivera succinctly stated the content.

"...Is it really that simple?"

"I can't explain it clearly, but at least you're here protecting him, so you shouldn't be obligated to do anything more... Besides, no man would be unhappy if you did this."

"I don't quite understand..."

It's okay if you don't understand, Riveria gave a slight, bitter smile.

She looked at Ais, who was lost in thought, for a moment like a mother, and finally put on a stern expression.

She regained her usual composure and stood up.

"I'm going back. Staying here will only get in your way. Only when the two of you are alone can you make a clean break."

"Yes. Thank you, Rivera."

"Okay," Rivera replied and left.

She wasn't worried about the existence of monsters at all.

Because the one protecting the boy is the strongest guardian, unmatched by anyone.

◇

Wandering in the embrace of half-dreaming and half-awake.

A fragrance as fresh as a gentle breeze, and as warm as the balmy sun.

Everything I felt through my skin was so comforting.

sleepy.

I wish I could stay in this comfortable embrace forever.

(…?)

Gently, someone touched my hair. The slender fingers that touched my forehead tickled me.

Such gentle finger movements. So reassuring.

I carefully opened my closed eyelids.

(……Mother?)

My lips are calling out to someone whose face I've never seen, someone I've never even met.

The outline vaguely reflected in his pupils suddenly stopped moving.

(I'm sorry. I'm not your mother...)

(...Huh.)

That person answered me in a clear voice.

I opened my blurry eyes wide.

The lines and outlines gradually become clearer.

The first thing to take shape was her dazzling golden hair, followed by her beautiful and well-proportioned facial features.

Finally, there are her golden eyes, which match her hair color.

"..."

"Are you awake...?"

I'm awake. My mind is clear.

But time still stood still.

In my blank mind, I was simply focused on the face of the person looking down at me. There was a soft touch on the back of my head. It was warm.

I know what she did to me. Most likely, it was a lap pillow.

This person's... Miss Wallenstein's fingers, combed through my hair again.

My eyelid feels so hot from where it was touched.

"..."

I slowly propped myself up.

The warmth away from the back of my head was hard to leave, but I got up anyway.

She vanished from my sight in an instant. In her place, the slain and scattered corpses of monsters came into view.

I pretended not to see her and turned away. Miss Wallenstein hadn't disappeared yet.

"...A hallucination?"

"...It's not a hallucination."

Miss Wallenstein's expression changed abruptly. Her perfectly shaped eyebrows slanted slightly.

Then, we stared at each other intently.

The deep red pupils crossed with the golden ones. Just as the silent space began to confuse her, my neck and above visibly reddened. By the time Miss Wallenstein noticed me, I was as red as a ripe apple.

His gaze lost focus, and his pupils curled into a messy, trembling mass like worms.

I stood up abruptly.

"—Aa ...

I ran away from the scene as fast as I could.

"...Why do you always have to run away?"

If someone who understands hears this, they will be able to tell how lonely that tone is.

Book Two, Chapter Four: "Divine Wine"

"Thank you for your help."

"it is good."

Amulets were displayed on the counter. The goblin shopkeeper, wearing a red hat and sporting a long white beard, walked deeper into the shop carrying jewelry inlaid with emeralds.

This antique shop, which is simply called "Goblin General Store," is also conducting a small transaction today.

The customers of Palum stood quietly amidst the inconsistent merchandise displayed in the store.

"Hey, sorry to keep you waiting."

"What's the result?"

"It does indeed come with a [ability value] boost... namely, poison resistance. Very good, very good. How about 48,000 Fali?"

The shopkeeper's words made Palum nod in satisfaction. The deal was done.

"Would you like to pay in cash today?"

"No, the usual."

The two sides engaged in a brief and understated dialogue.

A large hall clock, tilted in one corner of the store, ticks between the clocks.

"The old man isn't some great goblin, he's not qualified to lecture people, but..."

The goblin shopkeeper spoke slowly.

He ignored the customer's puzzled look, fiddling with the protective accessories in his hands, and only spoke after a moment:

"I advise you not to do anything too dangerous. It might be too late to say that now."

"..."

"Although it's not common knowledge, a rumor has spread among adventurers. It's said that there's a dishonest guy named Palum who steals people's belongings. Sometimes, even the entire party falls for it."

“…What do you want to say?”

"No, the old man isn't doubting you, you know. That Parum is a woman, and it seems like she's involved in multiple crimes. The old man knows he's talking to the wrong person like you."

However, the goblin shopkeeper's mouth, hidden beneath his white beard, moved indistinctly.

"Almost all the stolen items were personally inspected by this old man... So what I'm trying to tell you is that it's best to keep your friendships within reasonable limits."

The shop owner glanced at the customer somewhat embarrassedly, and upon hearing what he said, the man, Palum, smiled at him with an arrogant expression.

"So there are such bad apples as Parum. But perhaps I shouldn't say this, but those adventurers don't seem to have the right to judge others, do they? Many of them are not much different. Theft, extortion, you name it."

"You're right..."

"If it were me, I might say to them: Reflect on your own actions."

Palum's guest finally smiled maliciously.

"Maybe I'm being too harsh, but they deserved to be scammed."

"Ugh." The shopkeeper's bitter groans were drowned out by the chimes of the large clock.

◇

"Ugh—...!"