V1C10 (2/2)

“Yes, today I met her once at the gate and twice at the labyrinth.”

The world is small.

Which means that Norn-san’s good-natured personality is undeniably influenced by Margaret-san.

“I’m certain that she mentioned when I met her in the labyrinth that she would spend around 3 hours to patrol before returning.”

“That’s right. It should already be about time she returned. I don’t think she is the type to go looking for night life. This is a first.”

At that moment, the report I heard from Norn crossed my mind.

The report about thieves appearing in the labyrinth lately.

No, as might be expected, thieves would not assault gatekeepers or guards.

As I was thinking, a knock came from the shop’s door.

Even though the door has been locked and the sign indicating that the shop was closed should have been hung up.

“Ara, that’s the voice of the Guard Captain. He’s also very dandy but he’s not my type.”

That’s lucky of you, guard captain-san.

Margaret-san told me “I’ll be back shortly” and headed for the entrance.

In the meantime, I slowly ate the meat.

Even though the seasoning was truly the best, it was tough to only have meat.

I want to eat white rice. If that’s impossible then I want hard bread and soup.

As I was having those thoughts …

『Eh, Norn-chan have not returned from the labyrinth!?』

『So she has not returned here as well after all. Yeah, it has been 6 hours since she entered the labyrinth. It’s hard to imagine that she would be killed by monsters but … we’ll dispatch a search party tomorrow. Well then, I have to quickly make preparations so I’ll be leaving now.』

『… I understand, please take care.』

… Norn-san has not returned?

Don’t tell me, it’s really …

When Margaret-san returned, her expression was considerably haggard.

“Norn-san has not returned?”

“Yeah … But if it’s her, she’ll be fine. Well then, Ichi-kun, have some meat.”

“Erm, should I search for her?”

“No. The further down you go in the labyrinth, the stronger the enemies become and the wider the labyrinth become. You would not be able to find her haphazardly. Especially since there might even be thieves.”

Damn it, isn’t there a better way?

Is there no way to track her?

I had an ingenious idea.

“Erm, have you heard that Beastmen have noses that are many times more sensitive than Hume?”

That was merely my image of it but this Otherworld novel-like setting felt like it would be so.

If it is, then there is a high possibility that the Goddess might have subconsciously written down the setting so that the beastmen in this world have equally good noses.

“Yeah, beastmen are several hundred times better than human and I believe they can tracka person’s scent … Ichi-kun, don’t tell me you are thinking of …”

“Yes, that is exactly what I’m thinking of!”

The instant I’ve decided, I flew out of the shop without stopping to hear if Margaret-san stopped me.

And then, I ran at full speed towards Matthias’s shop.

The receptionist was just about to hang the closed shop sign.

Thank goodness, I’ve just barely made it.

“Please wait a minute! Matthias, is Matthias around!”

After hearing me shout, Matthias appeared from within the shop.

“Oya, Ichinojo-sama. Can I help you?”

“Please lend me Haurvatat-san for a day! I need her strength!”

“Please enter the shop first.”

Under my sincere request, Matthias brought me into the shop.

Author’s Note:

Thanks to you, the novel is now 5th in the day rankings.

To everyone who bookmarked and rated, I am truly thankful.

This will be the last update for the year.

Everyone, please send a happy new year.