53 Episode 53 "Work Counseling for Shrine Maidens and Visitors".txt (2/2)

'It seems that Souma-sama is more correct. I understand. Let's let Iris pull here.''

That would be great.

Then I think Iris will enter the dungeon to reinforce the wards once Souma and the others are safe.

Oh, good. He's convinced.

'Of course. That's what I was going to do all along.

Pinching the hem of her dress, Iris laughed.

You lied. You were ready to follow me to the dungeon, now.

Didn't I tell you before that Iris can't even walk around freely? Maybe the festive ceremonies are the only time Iris can impose her will.

Then Iris will wait on the ground until Souma and the others have finished their investigation. So, in the meantime, would you be willing to have a companion of Souma's to escort you?

Saying that, Iris looked at Cecil and Raphilia.

Receiving a straight gaze, the two of them involuntarily open their eyes.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier,” he said, speaking calmly as if to reassure them.

''I intend to have the regular soldiers accompany me, but I would like Souma-sama's companions to stay with me as well.

As a liaison to Iris?

''That's right. As soon as Souma-sama and the others return from the dungeon, Iris will be inside to perform the warding reinforcement ritual.

When we return, we'll report back to Iris and the regulars on the state of the dungeon.

And when we bring Iris back inside with us, it will be easier for us to coordinate with them if our companions are close to Iris.

”──and is that what you mean?

That's part of it, but ...... really, I need someone to talk to because I get anxious while Iris is waiting.

You are too weird, Iris.

Friends don't hide things from each other, you know.

Indeed, I can understand Iris' convenience.

As soon as she gets rid of the demons, Iris will go to the dungeon to perform the warding strengthening ritual. In order to do that, he'll have to wait by the dungeon the whole time. And as we found out in the last battle, the regulars can't be relied upon to do much. So it's not unreasonable to think of us as guards.

''I get it. In that case... Rafilia.

Huh?

Raphilia, who was sitting on the couch in a daze, jumped up.

'Oh, it's me, it's me?'

Okay. Stay with Iris while we get in the dungeon.

The master of ...... trusts me, sir. ......?

Yeah. I'll have you team up with Aine.

First of all, Cecil's ”Ancient Language Magic” requires support from Rita or me. And Rita is essential as a combatant. Naturally, I can't have everyone hiding in the dungeon waiting for me, so I'm going to accompany them. In other words, these three will be going to the dungeon.

Iris will teach me the structure of the dungeon. It's a dungeon for rituals, so it's not very large. Apparently, there's no record of a powerful demon entering the dungeon. So, as long as Cecil and Rita are around, we should be able to handle it. If they're tough, we can go back and come back with a full team.

That's why Rafilia and Aine will be in charge of protecting Iris. Rafilia can use both archery and magic, and if she's in a pinch, she can use her ”Bad Luck Annihilation Lv 1” cheat skill to raise her luck level (rack) and escape.

Aine can use ”Increase Sewage” if she's near water, and if she's a low-level demon, she can blow it away with ”Demon Wipe”.

I'm still a bit worried about it, so I'm going to strengthen Raphilia a bit when I get back. I'm pretty sure I still had some of the 'watering down' skills that Iris gave me. After that, I'll stop by the skill shop and...

─ ─ I explained to everyone, except for the cheat skill thing.

”You're on it, master!

Raphilia tapped her chest with a pop. She coughed out, ”Geho-gaho-gaho-gaho.

”This Raphilia-Grace, I am going to test my new self. I am determined to fulfill my mission from the Master, even if it means turning it into a life!

And, Iris. The guards are on a separate contract, so you'll have to pay Raphilia and Aine directly for their services.

I said.

Raphilia's ”master-servant contract” is costing her a lot of money because of the ”bad luck invitation” curse. I want to cut those things out as much as possible.

Aine is going to buy everyone's stuff even if I give her ...... compensation. She's a 'sissy'.

'So, the quest starts early tomorrow morning. We're good to go.

Okay. By the way: ......

Iris comes to my side.

She stands tall and looks up at me with her hands folded in prayer.

''Souma-sama, what did you do with the 'Crude Inventory' that Iris gave you earlier?''

”?　That one is still there. Iris, you forgot to write the name of the item, didn't you?

Have you signed for the pickup or have you gone to ......?

'I won't. I don't want some weird 'deal' to be made.

......

Huh?　Why are you looking at me like that?

Iris looked me up and down and then smiled, stroking her hair as if to cover it up.

'No, it's nothing. For that matter, when you're done with your quest, Iris will show you the dungeon of the sea dragon. This is a sightseeing tour by a priestess. This is something that doesn't happen very often, it's amazing.

Touring the dungeons of the sea dragon.

That's certainly impressive. It is.

''I recommend the cave where the sea dragon's daughter and the brave were united. It is said that only a select group of people can enter this cave, and it is a place that Irgapha's lovers have longed for. It's very beautiful and has a nice atmosphere, so the two of you who wandered in there may find yourselves inadvertently...

You can't do that if you're only allowed in if you're selected.

'Right. That's right. I'm looking forward to it.

Iris nods repeatedly, ”Mmmmmmmm,” she says.

I stand up with Cecil and Rafilia. Iris, who has a kind of grin on her face, slaps me on the cheek, as if she's trying to get into the swing of things, and returns to her 'daughter of the lord's house' face again. Then she picks up her dress and bows to us.

Then, tomorrow, thank you. Please help me to protect the ”Sea Dragon Dungeon”. Soma-Nagi-sama, ladies and gentlemen.

Taking Iris' words as our cue, we left the room.

This is how we set out to investigate the dungeon of the sea dragon.

After Nagi and the others left, there was a knock at the parlor.

'Iris, are you here?　It's your brother, okay?

...... brother.

I opened the door and in the hallway stood a tall man with gray hair and blue eyes.

It was Neuel-Hafeumea, Iris's brother.

'I have something to discuss with you, if you don't mind.

Without waiting for Iris' reply, Noel walks into the parlor.

''Regarding the investigation of the Holy Land, why didn't you ask the Adventurer's Guild for help?''

With your father's permission, sir.

I know. But Iris didn't ask you what the cost was over there, did she?　From what I've inquired about, the 'Order of Divine Life' will take it for 3000 arsha. Furthermore, I was the intermediary for the job, and there is an honorarium of 1,000 arsha for me.

You see, Iris, there's no need to hire someone who costs more than them...

''The amount Iris offered is the same as last year. I'm just adding on the amount of money I have to kill the demons. And that's a fair price.

Why do I have to repeat what I've said before?

It was so much fun earlier.

''Besides, the Holy Land is a sacred place to meet the sea dragon. Even if it costs a little more, isn't it natural to leave it to someone you can trust?''

'Ha!　Old Iris.

Noiel-Hafeumea tapped on the wall in irritation.

'Where's the guarantee that the sea dragons won't come when the Holy Land is a little rougher?　No, even the Knights of Divine Life know the importance of that place. You might be able to do a polite job with the Ilgafa lord family's request, right? The cost is practically half the cost, half the cost!

Do you really want that much in return for your reward of 1,000 arsha, brother?

'It takes a good deal of investment to seduce a marquis lady. The child Iris wouldn't understand, though.

”'A ship laden with more cargo than its vessel is inevitable to become seaweed' - do you know what the Ilgafa proverb says, brother?

You know what?　What do children know about me?

Don't scream. Iris is very calm.

Why does this always happen?

My brother and sister are thoroughly out of character with each other. We have different values.

The Ilgafa Lords are a prosperous family with shipping and commerce, and I understand that cost is important.

It's not that Iris doesn't understand the logic that a connection to the nobility would help with commerce, too. I'm just saying that you have to choose your means.

The port city of Ilgafa is a town protected by a more than human being called a sea dragon. We shouldn't do anything to lose that blessing. Using the Knights of Divine Life is out of the question.

Even your brother couldn't possibly not know what they are doing.

''You know that the Divine Order uses our party members as disposable items.　Brother.

What does that have to do with us?

Doesn't your brother feel any differently about it?

If you don't like it, you can walk away. If you don't like it, you can walk away. That's it. It doesn't matter to me.

...... There's something dangerous about those masked people. We don't even know how many members they have. We don't even know why those who wear masks are indulging in terrible conditions of employment. Most of all, maybe why they go too far in the face of the enemy.

Iris looked at her brother Noel with a clenched face.

Her brother, who had a thin smile on his face, shook his shoulders slightly for a moment.

''Iris is a sea dragon priestess. I cannot leave the security of our sacred place to such people.''

Don't feel good about being a ...... priestess.

Now is the time of year for the festival. Iris has a duty to do her duty well. That's all!

'Yes, I suppose that's the case this time, Iris.

...... What do you mean by that?

'I know what Iris wants. You want to give up your position as a priestess, don't you?　I'm telling you that I might be able to give you that wish.

You may leave, my brother.

Iris pointed towards the door.

'There is nothing more to say. I have entrusted the service of the Festival of the Sea Dragons to Iris.

Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Just remember this, Iris.

Noel's lips twitched and he smiled.

'Your brother is always thinking of Iris' happiness,'

Thank you for ............, brother.

He could barely answer that.

After her brother left, Iris sighed and sat down on the couch, sighing.

'...... Souma-sama,'

I wonder if Souma-sama still has that 'crude inventory'?

Did that person understand the meaning of it?

If you don't tell him, it's ...... from the mouth of Iris. That's why I wanted to connect with that person.

I promised you that I would give you a touristic guide ......

If it has to do with the festival, Iris's opinion will be accepted.

At that time - in the heart of the holy land, let's talk about everything.

Maybe Souma-sama will be able to attend.

The moment Iris and Kerkator face each other at the Sea Dragon Festival, that's the moment.