Later, when I visited the headquarters to see how the Knights were doing, I decided to ask Hild about life in the north as well, as planned.

　Of course, the main topic is work, and I'm going to ask him for a chat when the two of us are alone.

　Oswald's request was only received as a White Wolf Store.

　The fact that such a request was brought to me is not divulged to any other organization, no matter how much the person in charge is the same, unless there is consent from the client.

''Is this a countermeasure against the cold?　In the North?　That's right: ......

　Hild, with an attitude of only responding to casual chatter, began to talk about what it was like before he defected to the Westland Kingdom.

''The Chalk Fairyland was not an open-type dungeon, but a normal dungeon, so the climate and temperature were stable and easy to live in. I think it only felt a little cooler in Green Hollow.
''Well, that's true if it's a settlement in a dungeon. They say the temperature doesn't fluctuate much in the basement over here either.
When we went out to run errands, it was normal to have a magician accompany us to block out the cold air and ...... oh, and some kind of cream that prevented a drop in body temperature.

　As he said this, Hild made a gesture with one hand to stroke the back of his other hand.

'Ointment, eh? Can you make it over here too?'
''Hmm ...... since the ingredients were dungeon plants. I don't know if I can make it outside of 'Chalk Fairyland'.

　It was rather interesting information, but if you can't get the material, there's no way to try it.

　In the first place, you might think that the local Ash Hawk Knights should be readily available, so there's no point in trying ......, but in reality, I don't think that's the case.

　It's a good idea to have a new set of tools by combining materials that are only available over there with skillful techniques and magic tool making techniques.

　Nevertheless, let's think carefully about whether or not to place an order.

　If you're going to cross the border, you're going to have to deal with a lot of hassle.

Speaking of which, I just remembered in the north that the eldest son of the Beaufort family will be returning from the Ark of the Elements.
'Theodore?　It sounds like you've been under the water for a long time this time, but I wonder if you got anything out of it: ......
I'm told he'll be here shortly to report back to you, so you should probably attend, Commander.

　The idea that it would be better to meet with him comes to mind immediately.

　The reason has nothing to do with the request of the Ash Hawk Knights.

　In addition to enjoying dragon hunting as a hobby, Theodore is also investigating why dragons live in the Demon King's Castle Realm, and where on earth they appeared from in that hierarchy.

　The results of his investigation are important to the White Wolf Knights, and may even influence the future course of action.

　It's not a problem to leave it up to other members if you just want to receive the report, but if you can make time for it, it's obviously better for me to meet with you face to face.

...... Well, I'll join you. Let me know when you get a formal request for a meeting.










　A few days later, I visited the headquarters to coincide with Theodore's visit, and I got to meet that guy in person after a long time.

　The three people present here are Garnett, Sophia of the Blue Peacock Order, and Hild of the rainbow scale knights.

　If I hadn't participated, the two of them would have been left to deal with the situation, since Sophia was in charge of organizing the headquarters in my absence and Hild was in charge of researching the dungeon 'Elemental Ark' and ancient magical civilization.

　And the only other face on the other side, besides Theodore himself, is Maria, the valet and chaperone.

　It's a good thing that you're not going to be able to get a good idea of what you're looking for.

'It's been a while, Luke. No, I should officially call you Sir Luke, Lord of Green Hollow here.
''Please stop being mindless. I was just assigned as a budget source for the Order, and I didn't do anything lordly.''

　It's only very recently, really, that Theodore has come to remember my name in this way.

　I've always been known as an adventurer who shows no interest in anything other than dragon hunting, and my peers who don't contribute to the hobby don't want to learn my name or face, and I'll always treat them as the rest of the ...... Theodore is that kind of guy.

　Of course, I was no exception during my adventuring days, but when I started doing business with Theodore when I started a weapons store, I heard that he recognized me as a valuable person and remembered my face and name.

　The reason why Theodore wasn't subjected to such a backlash from his peers was because he spent his money lavishly on paying rewards and celebrating when he killed a big game, to entertain and satisfy the other adventurers.

　Since the arrival of his chaperone, Maria, he has been accused of excessive spending, but I've heard that his generosity has not changed nonetheless.

'I have heard more than that. I heard that you spread quite a bit of money around as soon as you returned to earth. I don't know if Miss Maria will take another big hit on you.
'Hahaha!　You deserve our thanks for all the hard work you've done. It was a quest worth it. I'm sure Maria understood the cost of the project.

　I looked at Maria sitting next to me and she shook her head with an expression of even resignation.

　I can't help but feel that I wanted to stop her from doing so, but it was impossible.

　The scene at that time seemed to come into view.

　The adventurers, who had finally returned to town after a long search, were so excited when their employer (Theodore) invited them to a laborious extravaganza that Maria couldn't intervene to stop it.

　Then it's impossible. Even if I were there, I would never be able to stop it.

　When they were hired by Theodore on a long term contract, they should have been working hard at their jobs, expecting to get screwed.

　It's doubtful I'd be able to turn them down if they got involved and asked me out, and at best I'd have to cut it off before Garnett was in a bad mood and go home early.

'So ...... means you've made a great deal of progress in your quest?'
Of course I do!　Did I tell you that we discovered a huge vertical hole at the back of the Demon King's Castle Realm?　I'll continue with the appearance that I did.

　Theodore leaned forward as he sat on the sofa and continued to speak, unable to contain his excitement.

''This time I actually investigated that vertical hole ...... and it seems that I'm about to conclude that, as I've surmised, that was the cause ...... appearance path for the dragon to appear in the 'Demon King's Castle Realm'.