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

Orario discharges wastewater into the nearby river and then into Lake Rolog. The problem of monsters such as "Raid Fish" moving upstream from the semi-dirty lake along this river and settling and breeding in the city's underground sewers has always been a source of great trouble for the guild.

Just recently, Loki and Bert encountered a carnivorous plant in the old sewers.

The monsters swam up from the lake, while the carnivorous plants might flow in the opposite direction, from the city's underground sewers into the brackish lake. Angie and her friends considered this possibility and went to Orario's drainage outlet.

"The fence made of refined metal (mithril) effectively blocks the drain..."

"I heard that the guild was damaged and invaded by monsters once, and it has since been repaired."

The city's wastewater gushed out with a loud gurgling sound from a huge, round hole with a silver-white fence. The location is in the northwest of Orario; you'll reach this city sewer outlet by walking down a gentle slope.

Looking up, the drainage outlet was located where the city wall and guardhouse were visible, and just as Linne had said, it was tightly sealed off with a fine metal fence. Needless to say, even a large-scale carnivorous plant like the Man-Eating Plant couldn't get in, nor could a sudden attacking fish or a small monster. There were no signs of damage.

Before the group members' eyes, clean wastewater, free of foul odor, flowed into the river through the purification device.

"The carnivorous plant didn't invade the lake through the drainage system... at least not recently from the city."

Angie placed her hand on her delicate chin, lost in thought.

"Disgusting man-eating flower... Yesterday's one really gave me a fright."

Njord answered Loki while carrying the things he was carrying on his shoulders.

The location is the headquarters of the Noatun clan.

Like Ais and the others who were acting independently, Loki was also personally gathering intelligence. In the mansion attached to the fishing port facing the lake, she listened to what her old friend Njord had to say in the warehouse.

"Njord is practically a patriarch in the port city (Melen), right? Have you heard anything suspicious about him?"

"We're called the patriarch, but our faction only manages the fisheries in this area; we don't do anything particularly significant. We can't really be considered successors to Poseidon."

"Heh heh." Njord smiled wryly at Loki's words as he placed the items in the corner of the warehouse.

"Unfortunately, I consider fishing my life's work and have nothing to do with those kinds of gunpowder."

"What do you mean—"

"Spare me. When I heard your true purpose for coming to the port city (Merlen)... I was quite surprised too."

After saying that, Njord sighed.

He turned his back to Loki, who was sitting cross-legged on the wooden box, and put his hands behind his neck.

Loki watched Njord's actions in silence.

"I think you only need to ask anyone in town to know that there haven't been any serious incidents in Mellen in recent years; it's been peaceful... really, until yesterday."

The incident of the man-eating flower attacking the ship of the Kali Familia, as mentioned by the male god, terrified the port residents, who hadn't felt such a chill in a long time.

Even if, in the end, it was Tiona and her friends who drove the monster to the surface through their fight, the fact remains undeniable that carnivorous plants were hiding in the brackish lake. Those ferocious plants didn't attack anyone or anything; they just stayed at the bottom of the lake... Is that really possible?

Loki thought it was more convincing to say that the monster was hidden at the bottom of the lake by the tamer for some purpose.

"Speaking of which, is your relationship with the guild still as bad as it was before?"

"Hmm? Yes... it's the same old story. They're trying every trick in the book to win over fishermen who aren't adventurers, and every time we refuse, they ruthlessly tax the fish and shellfish (goods) imported from the city."

After changing the subject, Njord responded as if he had really had enough.

He talked about the dispute that started when Loki and the others sailed to the port city (Merlen) to enter Orario... no, it's something that has been going on since even earlier.

"After all, Orario, which is right in front of us, is our biggest trading partner. They claim it's the opinion of the entire city, but nobody believes that; it's just an act of retaliation. They're completely exploiting our weaknesses. Although we belong to different cities, I really envy the agricultural faction (Demeter) that gets preferential treatment."

"You're still working just as hard as ever—"

Njord was talking about how bad life was in the Nether, and the guild he mentioned was not the Orario guild—the "Headquarters" that manages the labyrinth city.

It was another guild in this port city.

"Loki, have you been to the 'Guild Branch'?"

Njord suddenly asked this question.

"Hmm," Loki replied to his retreating figure as he resumed his work.

"I just sent Rivera over."

The stone entrance hall was much narrower than the guild headquarters in Orario.

Although the building itself is magnificent in scale, the Pantheon, which manages the labyrinth day and night, is truly enormous. A casual glance reveals that the number of uniformed staff is no less than at headquarters, and many are not at the windows but busy with port entry procedures or checking trade lists.

The guild branch in Port City Mellon.

This is a base established by the Central Organization Guild headquarters outside Orario. The responsibilities of the base vary depending on the region. The main role of the Melen branch is to supervise the ports entering and leaving the sea, and to manage the import and export of urban goods, especially magic stone products.

Rivera, who was visiting alone, glanced sideways at the scene, which was completely different from the Orario headquarters.

"A man-eating flower monster...? Hmm, I haven't heard of it."

A positive response drew Riveria's attention back.

Standing across the counter from the window was a long-faced human. He was tall and thin, appearing somewhat excessively thin. His neatly tied black hair revealed a neurotic side to him.

The man said his name was Lu Bo.

He is the head of the guild's branch, also known as the branch manager.

Are you sure?

"I don't understand what you're doubting. Orario... the guild headquarters hasn't sent any information about this new monster either."

After being repeatedly confirmed by Riveria, Rupert said clearly in an annoyed tone.

This is very strange. Even if the guild's higher-ups—the main god (Uranus)—restricted information about the new species, it's impossible for the organization not to share information, big or small, within its ranks. Due to events like the Monster Philia and the incident on the 18th floor, many people witnessed the man-eating plant, so concealing the existence of this monster would be pointless.

However, if they say "this has nothing to do with the branch outside the city," then there's nothing that can be done.

"But those man-eating plants (monsters) have indeed appeared. Shouldn't we step in to devise countermeasures and conduct an investigation?"

"Just leave it to the [Nyod Familia] to handle. If the guild interferes, they'll definitely say the waterfront is their territory and we're not allowed to interfere. That's always been the case."

Rupert said dismissively, as if to illustrate the poor state of the relationship between the two parties.

Naturally, factions not belonging to Orario have no reason to join the guild. The Njord Familia, to which the guild cannot exert any coercive power, is likely a thorn in the side of the guild.

Knowing the man-eating plant's fighting abilities, Rivera understood that the monster was far beyond the fishermen's capabilities, but saying so would probably be useless.

"More than that, I wish you could deal with those Amazonians from other countries."

Rupert, glaring impatiently, made his demands of her.

("Compared to this," right...)

Rivera closed one eye and looked back at the branch manager, who naturally had no idea what Rivera was thinking, and continued:

"They didn't cause much of a commotion, but people have complained to us that they look intimidating and are difficult to approach. Many also have language barriers, and some have even complained that their merchandise was taken without their permission..."

"Didn't you allow them to enter the port?"

"That's true, but..."

Lu Bo then gave a vague answer.

"...The rules in this port city are very complicated, with the guilds and the town each having half of the autonomy."

"You mean this permission to enter the port was initiated by the town itself?"

"Yes," Rupert nodded, seemingly unconvinced.

"In the end, Melon was just a fishing village threatened by monsters. But later, the major faction of the sea god (the Poseidon Familia) set up a base here, and with its prosperity and development along with Orario, it became the gateway to the labyrinth city that people talk about today."

The Poseidon Familia, a major faction of the Sea God, is renowned for its stronghold in Melon, a region teeming with aquatic monsters. They sealed off the underwater caves and, while repeatedly inspecting the "Great Cap," strived to maintain peace at sea. Fifteen years ago, the "Great Cap" was sealed with the "Sea Dragon Seal," ensuring it could never be breached. The Sea God and his retinue then embarked on a journey from the port city (Melon) to expel highly threatening monsters lurking in the world's oceans. As for the Nyod Familia, they operate behind the scenes, continuously fishing and bringing wealth to the town over the years.

Although much of it overlapped with her own knowledge, Riveria listened attentively to Rupert's explanation.

"The guild has been investing for a long time and has also helped expand the port... However, every generation of leaders in Mellen has insisted on not relinquishing autonomy."

From the perspective of the party whose power was usurped, of course they would resist; however, she didn't say it aloud.

"As you know, there are not only guild-supported trading companies in Meron, but also many communities, mainly from foreign countries, coming and going. This is one of the reasons."

"Even Orario can't wield power, is that right?"

Large-scale ports are generally considered to value neutrality. Political domination of ports often leads to their decline.

While most of Melen's logistics are concentrated in Orario, many ships likely use this port as a transit point to reach other destinations. Goods destined for neighboring towns or other cities cannot be ignored either. To put it bluntly, if guilds were to select the port's users, it would inevitably have repercussions on other levels.

Even from a third-party perspective, the guild should not unilaterally rule over Melen.

"Therefore, as a compromise, we will divide the autonomy in two. To be precise, all Orario-related matters, including trade, will be handled by the branch offices acting as the liaison..."

"The rest will be handled by Mellen."

"exactly."

Rupert's face darkened as he affirmed.

The decision was made because of the support of the Poseidon Familia, a major sea god faction that cooperated with Orario while maintaining its independence, and the influence of the Njord Familia, a friendly neighbor that supported the town.

This is how the complex autonomous structure of Melen, as described by the guild's branch minister, came about.

"We did not object to the arrival of the Kali Familia, and in that respect, we cannot escape responsibility... But it was the town that welcomed them, that wretched head of the Murdoch family."

Rupert finished speaking with an embarrassed expression and a hint of resentment.

The Nyod family only maintains close ties with the port city (Melon).

While not exactly mortal enemies, the guild branch that was constantly at odds with Melen was also irreconcilably at odds with Njord and his group because of this background. Rivera already knew about this.

"In short... right now, Mellen is like a beast roaming the town."

"..."

"The guild is your master, and I hope that the Loki Familia can assist our guild."

Hearing Rupert's condescending tone, Riveria simply closed one eye and remained silent.

"That's why I said we didn't mean anything by it... we just wanted to ask a question."

The elf Alicia controlled her facial twitches and forced a forced smile.

"go back."

In contrast, the man in his fifties who was talking to her coldly refused.

This place is located in the western part of the port city (Merron). This building was built here as if to deter the guild branch located to the east. This is the mansion of the Murdoch family, the successive mayors of Murron.

The Loki Familia came to visit in order to gather information, but Alicia and Navis couldn't even get into the house. They were right there at the spacious entrance when they met the current head of the family, Borg Maddox, face to face.

"I have nothing to say to you guild lackeys."

Borg was a human with a white beard. He was a large, imposing man with no flabby belly and muscles that rivaled those of a fisherman. His eyes were also sharp. Although bald, when he wore a hat, he looked exactly like a captain leading his crew in a fairy tale.

"We're definitely not here for the guild's purposes. The carnivorous plant that appeared in the lake yesterday... we're looking for information about that. If you know anything, could you please tell us?"

"..."

Upon hearing Alicia's repeated requests, Borg fell silent.

He gazed at the sincere spirit that seemed to symbolize a pure heart and soul, and spoke after a while.

"……go back."

That's all he said.

Seeing Borg turn around and go back into the house, Alicia and the others were helpless and had no choice but to walk out the front door as well.

"I was hoping the mayor would know something... but he's completely ignoring me."

"I'd heard that Mellen and the guild branch were at odds... but I didn't realize the conflict ran this deep. Oh well, let's not bother them anymore."

Alicia sighed and answered Navi, who was scratching her cheek. Having personally experienced the long-standing discord between the two families that had existed since before their birth, the two left the mansion.

"..."

Borg stood by the window of the mansion, glaring fiercely at their retreating figures as they walked out of the courtyard.

✿

It was afternoon, as the sun was about to set and begin to tilt towards the western sky.

Ais and Lefia, who were questioning people in town, went to the port first.

After passing through the trading port area where exotic wooden dhows, passenger ships, and merchant vessels came and went, they soon arrived at the fishing port managed by Njord and his companions. The number of merchants and travelers in foreign attire gradually decreased, replaced by fishermen striding along the road. The fishing-related [Familia]—a rare faction with a distinct character compared to exploration (dungeons) or commerce—caused Ais and her companions to look around again.

Many fishermen were shirtless or dressed in short sleeves and trousers. There was a great deal of racial diversity; some were strong dwarves carrying enormous fish that were hard to believe, while others were groups of little people wielding harpoons, skillfully maneuvering their fishing boats into the lake.

Giant black fish or bright red shrimp, freshwater fish from brackish lakes or saltwater fish caught in the sea, were generously thrown on the ground. Some people also grilled fish or shellfish. The aroma of grilled salt and the sizzling sound of oil attracted the attention of Lefia and her friends, who hadn't had lunch yet.