The place we stepped into was a cave.

Or rather, it looks more like……

“A very spacious underground lake.”

That was the image that popped into my head.

But, that wasn’t all that there was in this place.

I could find remnants of civilization in some areas.

I guess this place could possibly be a ruin.

I could see some traces of architecture looming out of the paved floor and rock walls.

The inside of the place——— is bright.

The walls were covered with stones that emitted light.

Looking at the light source, they looked similar to the stones found in the Mills Ruins.

I suppose one could say that it’s a beautiful sight straight out of fantasy when they view upon such a scene.

However, now wasn’t the time to be dazzled.

That’s because……

[Gumumumumumu……]

Ahead of us———- was a hill spreading out to both sides.

I could see considerably small figures standing on top of it.

They’re stationed as if they were going to surround us.

Possessing the head of a dog……

But the body of a humanoid.

I guess they’re that so-called Kobolds huh.

However, their eyes are green.

They aren’t golden-eyed monsters.

At that moment, as if asking for directions……

[M- Master-san……]

Nyaki called out.

When there were other people around, I cautioned her not to call me “Touka”.

I’ve told her to use “Master” or “Belzegia” when she calls me.

It seems like she’s properly following my words.

[I- Is there anything Nyaki can help nya…….?]

That’s when it happened.

Beyond the hill, a small dragon ( ? ) flew up.

Focusing my gaze at the beings that appeared in front of us, I replied to Nyaki.

[No, it’s alright. For now, just copy what I was doing. Keep your hands up to show that we aren’t hostile.]

[U- Understood nya.]

[Seras and the others too.]

[Yes.]

Slei, who had her second form unleashed, loosened her battle posture.

We didn’t come here to fight.

We came here to ask for their cooperation.

Trampling them down isn’t the solution we need here.

What we need here is a way to gain their friendship.

If we make any hostile movements now, it will be difficult to negotiate with them in the future.

We want to avoid situations where we need to use our skills as much as possible.

Moreover……

I could sense the presence of other monsters around the area.

It seems that they are hiding.

Are they planning to ambush us?

[…………………]

That small dragon-like being that I saw flying before……

It looks like it’s a messenger.

It could have gone to the “top” to tell them about our arrival.

I’d be grateful if someone I could talk with would come out but……

…….Come to think of it.

Do they even understand our language?

I mean, Pigimaru could obviously understand what I was saying but——-

[We wish to receive an audience with Immortal King Zect. We have come here after receiving the “key” from Erika Anarveil. I was told that if we mention her name, King Zect would at least receive us once.]

(T/N: Fushi Ou Zekuto / 不死王ゼクト. This could be Undead King Zect, but I like the sound of Immortal King better.)

I tried talking to the Kobolds.

However, I received no reply.

The only response I got from the Kobolds was just them, tilting their heads.

Looking at their response, I scraped the ground with the sole of my foot.

I think the noise I made with the scrape of my foot is about as loud as my voice.

[Gumumu!]

The Kobolds immediately prepared their bows, threatening to shoot us.

———That means they could hear me huh.

However, they don’t understand my language.

But even if that’s so, they don’t seem to be attacking us at the moment.

Or so, as I was thinking that……

Fyuuu!

[ ! ]

Arrows were released.

Seras immediately drew her sword and slashed down the incoming arrows.

With her sword at the ready, she stood in front of me like a shield.

[My apologies.]

With her back turned away from me, Seras apologized.

[My body unconsciously reacted.]

The current me could have dodged that many arrows.

But even though Seras understood this, she seemed to have moved out of reflex.

Slowly, Seras lowered her sword.

[It can’t be helped if you unconsciously moved. It’s just……]

Because after Seras drew her sword……

[Gumumumuuu!]

The Kobolds immediately turn into a frenzy.

And then……

[Geguuuaaahh!]

[Kishaaaaaahhh!]

The other monsters lurking in the shadows revealed themselves.

They were slowly approaching us in a circle.

Until now, it seemed like they’ve been concealing themselves and watching for what would happen.

They must have thought that their friends were in trouble.

However, none of them have golden eyes.

Indeed——— They aren’t golden-eyed monsters.

They’re wary of us.

However, it’s obvious why.

How should I say this……

The “quality” of their sense of reason is clearly different from those golden-eyed monsters.

That’s what I felt.

Glancing behind me, I saw that the door we entered from was still open.

So far, it isn’t showing any signs of closing.

Or perhaps……

It may be that the door would keep remaining open because Nyaki, the “key”, is nearby.

[This could mean…… that there are no more Demi-Humans or Monsters that can speak our language.]

“And there’s no race left that we can communicate with.”

This pattern—— doesn’t look good.

At that moment……

[Pipipii…… Pigii! Poyon!]

Pigimaru popped out from inside my robe.

Seeing Pigimaru, the Kobolds looked surprised.

[ ! ? ]

However———- They didn’t attack.

[Pigi! Pigigigi! Pigii! Pi! Pi! Pi! Pinyuiii! Pyuiii!]

Pigimaru vehemently squealed.

Is he……. appealing to them?

Then……

[Gumumu?]

[Guu…… gumugumuu.]

[Gumuuu……]

The Kobolds reacted differently than they had before.

No——— That was also the same case for the other monsters.

Pigimaru continued to squeal.

[Pigimaru-dono……?]

Seras also blinked in surprise, looking at Pigimaru.

[ ? ]

What is this?

It was just for a bit but……

The monsters’ bloodthirst were decreasing?

[Pinyui! Pii! Pii! Pii! Piggigiii! Pigiiii!]

Could it be——-

[Pigimaru…… You’re translating my words?]

Pigimaru turns towards me for a moment……

[Pigii!]

—–And responds in affirmation.

[Pigimaru——]

I reflexively placed my right hand on my face.

Fuuu……

Under the mask, I couldn’t help but smile.

[You’re still as dextrous as ever…… Good grief, how smart can you be…….]

[……Belzegia-sama, something’s changed.]

There certainly was change in the monsters’ states.

Putting down their weapons…….

They went back to waiting and looking at the situation.

That’s what they looked like.

I wonder if Pigimaru’s appeal had been heard.

The Kobolds seemed to be hesitating on their decision.

Looking at them, I gave my order.

[Don’t do anything for a while. Let’s just wait for now.]

[Pigii.]

With Pigimaru’s cry, the Kobolds looked at each other.

It seemed like he interpreted my words.

And then———- the Kobolds too, took a waiting stance.

Both of our sides waited like that for a while, until……

[Who are you?]

A low voice rang out.

Even when the voice calmly called out, the slight echo made it resound.

Soon after, light blared out from behind the hill.

I could clearly see that the light was approaching our direction.

Then, a figure emerged———-

[First of al