Vol 3: Chapter 39

The light source from the chandelier, studded with colorful crystals hanging from the ceiling, seemed like a similar mechanism to a magic lamp. The walls were also fitted with a number of similar but smaller lights, so the whole room was too dazzling, enough to require sunglasses.

Rather, all the Lev people, donning expensive-looking kimonos, sat in rows on the left and right were actually wearing sunglasses.

Go forward quickly.

A man, who seemed to be a civil official, standing next to the door said to me.

Ah, this is that kind of thing. To demonstrate with extravagance who is superior the moment you walk in.

Non-san seemed to have difficulty walking due to glare, so I secretly activatedDark Magic.

!

The light should be easier on Non-sans eyes now.Dark Magichas a spell that darkens the other partys field of vision and makes it difficult to see.

It can also be used as a sunscreen because it is a magic that lowers the amount of light that touches the body, rather than narrowing the pupil.

Hey, quickly go forwar

The official became speechless as Non-san and I walked forward smoothly without a hitch.

To show off that I have no problem even without sunglasses, I led Non-san by the hand while puffing my chest.

The crimson carpet laid on the black floor silenced our footsteps.

Several elevated steps lay ahead of us and a steel chair with a cushion made of monster leather placed at the top.

The person sitting on it was most likely the highest authority of this country, the Emperor.

I get the feeling he is not a very straightforward man.

The old Lev man, wearing sunglasses and resting his chin on his hand on the elbow rest, gazed at us as if he were looking at something amusing. Many of the Levs looking at us looked not all too amused as we were unbothered by the brightness, but the Emperor was different.

Ah!

I noticed a woman sitting behind the Emperor on the right.

Her Highness Anastasia.

Wow! What is that dress! Woven with shiny silver threads and a pale, tender pink colorlike crested ibis pink; the word itself probably doesnt exist in this world.

The tiara on her head was intricately designed, delicate enough to even break when dropped from her head.

And she still had a scarf wrapped around her neck as usual.

When I previously saw Her Highness Anastasia, I was already quite astonished by her beautiful looks, but now, with crimson lipstick applied on her thin lips, she was devilishly beautiful. The kind which bewitches men.

Unfortunately, its so dazzling here that even she has to wear sunglasses, which reduced Her Highness charm to about 80%. Who chose those sunglasses? Was it General Douglas MacArthur?!

Her Highness expression brightened when she caught my gaze, and slightly waved her hand on her lap. Oh man, so cute. I mean, was she always such a friendly person?

Stop there.

A Lev woman standing between the Emperor and usa secretary-like person wearing finer clothes than the official earliersaid, so Non-san and I stopped.

We knelt on the spot and bowed our heads.

Raise your heads.

A hoarse voice was heardthat was the Emperors real voice.

My gaze met the Emperors.

Now begins the negotiation.

It looks like youve captured the Labyrinth of Fear.the Emperor said.

I glanced at the secretary, seeking permission to speak, and she nodded very slightly, almost couldnt even tell if she even moved.

Yes, as stated.I said.

I wanted to make my voice sound deep, but I was unsuccessful. I guess 14-year-olds can only sound like 14-year-olds, after all.

The Empire will now requisition the labyrinth. Instead, Ill compensate you with enough rewards.

Thank you very much.

Thats all for today.

The Emperor waved his palm, as if saying go home.

With all due respect, I would like to verify one thing. Will the Labyrinth Capture Division 4 be rewarded?

The Lev people stirred at my question.

I obviously didnt come all the way here for that short audience. All these important people may have time to spare, but adventurers are in a business where we will lose a days worth of money if we dont work for a day. I will definitely fulfill my purpose for coming to this place.

The stir among the Lev people was confusion. Why do adventurers(not to mention, humans) care about the Labyrinth Capture Division?

That kind of matter should be decided by our Empire! You adventurers should know your place!

The secretary yelled hysterically.

Enough.

The Emperor whose palm waved to go home earlier, showed to wait this time.

Why do you care about that?he asked.

Our labyrinth capture was possible due to the assistance of the Labyrinth Capture Division 4. I think it is too arrogant a behaviour to monopolize the honor of the capture.

I havent received such a report, though.

The Emperor turned his gaze to a man a distance away, who shook his head sideways in a hurry. So thats the bureau director, huh. Doesnt seem like a very reliable guy.

If so, we will look into it from our side and send notice afterwards.

Because we were indebted to Division 4, we set out and managed to recover the bag used by a missing contact from Division 4 who was caught in a death trap. There may also be a report in the bag about making contact with us.

The stir became even louder.

Did you check that bag properly? You didnt just throw it away in some room to collect dust, did you? Is what Im implying.

The Emperors eyes narrowed. Its unclear what hes thinking.

We have investigated the bag. Call Abba.

Then, Abba, who had been waiting on the other side of the audience room, was brought here. Abba, experiencing withdrawal symptoms from the lack of syrup, blinking incessantly and grabbing and releasing the hem of his clothes repeatedly, walked towards us, with a face asking What is going on?.

Eh? It was Abba who conducted the investigation?

Isnt that bad news? This person obviously doesnt seem to have any intention of getting along with us!

Abba, you have already investigated the contents of the bag of Division 4, yes?

Huh? Ah, y-yes! The investigation has been completed.

Disclose the report here.

Yes, sir.

Abba had a face which seemed to say Can I really say it here?, but the Emperor glared at him as if saying hurry it up.

He wouldnt dare lie in this place, right? Is this going to be okay? If he says something unfavourable towards Lulusha-san here, it would be irreversible.

I may have messed up.

It wasnt necessary to draw it out to the point of hearing the testimony.

If I had requested Her Highness Anastasia later.

I shall now report on the details of the investigation. We found out that the capture was not progressing favourably and they also sought reinforcements due to lacking supplies. Also, they stated dissatisfaction towards the headquarters for not replying even though they sent out contacts every several days.

O-Oh?

Abba-san. You carried out the investigation properly? I was convinced that you were a creepy sugar addict spy who was working for the Rororo Company! Im so sorry!

Hearing the report, the unreliable-looking Lev man whom the Emperor glanced at earlier

N-No reply from the headquarters!? I didnt receive any contact in the first place!

Director. I know that.

As the Emperor said so, the unreliable-looking manthe director of the Labyrinth Administration Bureau closed his trembling mouth.

The contact died after being caught in a death trap, so it would be unavoidable if you think that they ceased making contact. The chief of the Labyrinth Capture Division 4 was faithful to her mission, but the director who misunderstood her as ceasing to make contact also cannot be blamedisnt that right, Reiji of Silver Balance?

!

My body stiffened despite myself to learn that the Emperor even knew my name. With a meaningful grin, the Emperor declared

Lulushas matter will be settled today. Her position as the chief of Division 4 will be restored and she will continue to work as before. This is my decision.

As it was none other than the Emperor himself who declared, the Lev people sat in rows cheered Ooh!

H-Huh?

This matter is nowsettled?

Seriously? Just like that?

As I directed my gaze at Non-san, she responded with a smile and nodded.

!

On top of the steps, Her Highness Anastasia looked as if she was surprised by the outcome. Then she looked at me and smiled with an about-to-cry happy face. Damn, if she wasnt wearing those sunglasses, I might have actually fallen.

By the way, Reiji

The Emperor called out as I was wondering if everything was now solved.

The hero who saved the Kruvan Holy Kingdom from a national crisis has captured a labyrinth in our country. What is it that you are planning?

Those few words caused my body to freeze up, like feeling the cold of a winter night.