Early the next morning, Snow and I prayed in church.
　I was at level 16 and Snow was at level 17.
　I'm at level 16 and Snow is at level 17.

　The plan is for me and Snow's weapons to be completed this evening.
　I know that without that weapon, we'll be wasting our weapons at level 26.
　Wondering what to do until the night, Snow and I are about to return to the guild "Epic Seeker".

　However, I stopped when I saw a crowd of people at its entrance.
　As I recall, there should be no work for the guild today either.

''What's going on?''

　As the guild master, I called out to the people gathered there.
　The eyes of the people who had gathered at the entrance turn to me.

　Our eyes meet, and I am struck by the high level of the people gathered there. You don't need to pay attention to it to know. The quality of the magic power that spills out of their bodies tells you how much power they have.

　Perhaps because their levels have increased and the accuracy of their dimensional magic has improved, I feel that their understanding of the magic power in the air has increased.

　And from the crowd, a man with an exceptionally dense magical power comes forward.

''That look ....... Is it okay if you're the guild 'Epic Seeker' guildmaster?
'Ha, ha. Yes, sir?
'Allow me to introduce myself. I am the Guildmaster of the Guild Supreme, Elmirad Siddharq. It's a pleasure to meet you.

　The man with high magic power, Elmirad Siddharth, holds out his hand this way.
　I 'gaze' at the man while holding his hand.


[Status]
　Name: Elmirad Siddharq HP 200/201 MP 299/299 Class: Knight
　Level 20.
　Strength 4.79 Strength 2.81 Skill 4.12 Speed 7.29 Wisdom 7.19 Magic 18.09 Elemental 1.67
　Inherent Skill: Attribute Magic 1.92
　Acquired skill: magical combat 1.88 swordsmanship 0.89


　He's an undisputed talent.
　His innate skills include Attribute Magic, and his magic power is outstanding.
　The rest of his level and skills are high for his youth, and it can be seen that he has been working hard since he was young.

　He has shoulder-length blonde hair flowing in a rude manner, and his slit eyes are distinctive. He dresses like an aristocrat and behaves resolutely. Overall, I get the impression that he can't be careless.

''Let's see, I'm Aikawa Uzumi. I'm a young guy who doesn't know anything about the left or right, but I'm looking forward to working with you.
'I don't know what's left and right, hey ....... Oh well, that's okay.

　As soon as Mr. Siddharth finished shaking hands, he quickly distanced himself.
　I feel that he was in a bit of a bad mood.

　Maybe I have been acting impolitely without knowing it. After all, I am a 'gentile'. There is a lot of possibility for failure.

　I turned my head towards Snow to ask her if there was a problem with my etiquette.
　There was Snow with a bitter look on his face.

''Si, Lord Siddharth ......?''

　Then he muttered Siddharth's name. Snow added 'Sir' as a title of respect. From that, one could tell that he was a person of fairly high status.

''It's been a while, Snow. You can call me Elle, just like you did at the academy.''
No, this is not an academic environment.
Me and Snow, right?　There's nothing wrong with that.
Okay. ......

　From the conversation, I can tell that the two of them were classmates at the academy.
　I don't know how to deal with the great man, so I step back, leaving it up to Snow.

　Siddharth looked away from it without saying a word.
　Snow, however, takes me to task for stepping back. He doesn't say it in words, but I can tell. He's telling me, "Don't run away.

　I smile at him, returning the 'good luck' with my eyes.

'So, Snow. I came here today to ask a favor of the Epic Seeker. Would you be able to help me for the sake of the Academy?

　Siddharth-san left me, the guildmaster, to continue talking to Snow.

''A favor, sir?''
Yeah. 'Yes, I've heard that the Epic Seeker has done a remarkable job since your return. I've heard that you've been so successful that you've managed to finish the country's work in one day. I thought you could use some help.
No, no, I don't have any--
'I know you're a humble woman. Unlike the foolish ones, I have a justifiable appreciation for your power. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be able to do the guild's work in a day.

　Mr. Siddharth seems to have a moderate eye for detail. He understands the usefulness of Snow's power.

''No, I really didn't do anything. It's all thanks to Palinclone Legacy and our new guild master.
'Hmmm ....... Palinkron, well, I can see that. But you think that the unchallenged man there is useful?

　is the unchallenged ......?
　I know I'm being disgraced, but I don't know how to say it back.

　I was about to nod that I had no supremacy, and then Snow glared at me.
　With his eyes, he said, "Now give me your supremacy. I can see that he is saying "Hegemony". But it's not something you can get out if you want to. I gave a small shake of my head.

　Seeing this, Snow puffed out her cheeks a bit and turned to Siddharth-san.

'Kanami is an excellent master. Without a doubt.''
'Definitely?　I'm surprised. It's been a long time since I've seen you so cautious as to assure me. That's how competent this man is.
Yes, we're the masters of 'Epic Seeker' ....... Most importantly, he's the only partner I approve of.

　Clearly, Snow called me his partner.
　It was the first time I'd ever heard such a word from Snow, a man of few words. I felt embarrassed and scratched my cheeks. If you look closely, you can see that Snow is also blushing a little bit.

　Seeing this, Siddalk-san makes a slightly uncomfortable expression.

''...... alright. If Snow says so much, I'll decide that he is a person worth trying. It's also convenient for this request for cooperation.
"Do you need help? ......?
Yes, there is a vacancy in the Lauravian project we had planned for today. We're relying on our now reputable guild, Epic Seeker, to fill it.
...... tell us more about your plans.
'The plan is simple. It's to have Lauravia's hands on the labyrinth's tenth and twentieth levels of the 'righteous path', which a few days ago became just a room.
''You're working on the 'right path' ....... You're putting up new wards in a room that has lost its guardians (guardians) and magic power.
You're the man, Snow. You're very perceptive.

　The previous tenth layer was obstructed by the raging flames, so the 'positive path' was only minimal. As I recall, there was only a thin 'magic stone line' (line) to connect the 9th and 11th layers.

　It was said that he was going to rebuild it properly and build a ward to avoid the monsters.
　So the guild Supreme came to ask for help with that task.

''I'll check with the master.
...... Yeah, okay.

　Snow moves closer to me as I step back, and then he pulls back - even more. Then, making sure Siddharth can't hear me, Snow steps on my foot.

'Ouch!'
...... Kanami, why did you step back without me?
'No, you're friends from the academy, right?　I thought I was being clever.
...... I see...the worst kind of meddling. So next. Why don't you say anything back?
"Lack of ambition," you mean?　It's not something you should talk back about. I know it sounds patronizing, but I don't think it's anything to do with me. Also, I'm sure it's true that you have no dominance.
...... Kanami has the right kind of supremacy!
'Yes, no, I don't think so: ......?'

　I've never been told I have high spirits in my life.
　Now Snow is the first time.
　I'm not sure what to think about being disgraced by something so vague as supremacy in the first place, so I can't help it.

...... Either way, we can't afford to be licked. Kanami represents us, so talk back a bit.
'That's not my principle. I don't like talking back because I don't want to be licked, or trying to satisfy my vanity for the sake of face value. ...... If you show it in action, people will naturally understand. I think that's a good thing for me.
...... another sweet thing. Anyway, I can't stand the fact that Kanami is being looked down upon now.
'Oh, thanks. But we'll just have to look back at it later, right?
............

　Snow falls silent when he hears my policy.
　I haven't lost the words to reply.

　I can tell by the look on his face that he's not convinced. Definitely, Snow is not happy with my restful way of thinking. I guess he's just given up on trying to convince me.

''-- Snow, are you done yet?''

　Siddharth sees us talking for a long time and shouts out.

　Snow takes a deep breath and regains his composure.

'...... Huh, so Kanami. How do you want to help with the construction of 'Masamichi'?
'We'll help you as much as we can. It's the duty of the Lauravian guild.
...... Yeah.

　Hearing my answer, Snow turns back to Siddharq-san.

''The Master is agreeing to a request for help.
That's good to hear. Thank you, Snow.
If you want to thank the master for ......

　Snow retorts, looking tired.
　His tone is on the verge of returning to its usual slackness.

'Of course. He also thanks the guildmasters and members of Epic Seeker for their support. So let's talk about the details of our plan right away. We're short on time.
...... yes. Now let's discuss this in The Epic Seeker.

　Snow led Siddharth and his group through the building.

　As I watched them, I was thinking about something else than work.
　Apparently, Snow doesn't slack off when a great man is around. I began to ponder on how to make use of that in future labyrinth explorations.

　As I was slowly thinking about it, Snow called out loudly for me, and I rushed into the Epic Seeker.


◆◆◆◆◆ ...


　After a short discussion, on the same day, the Lauravian Nation-led "Orthodox Road" construction project was launched.

　The number of people taking part in this project is small.
　There is a small number of people participating in this project: an official from the state and three magicians to reinforce the "right-of-way". And there are a few elite guilds from each guild as guards.

　All of the participating guilds are the main guilds in Lauravia. When it comes to those elites, their individual abilities are quite high.
　And the one who stands at the top of them all is Elmirad Siddharq-san.

　The influence of the guild 'Supreme', his personal power, and his family background are all top class.
　In fact, he was the one who was in charge of today's search.

　It seems that even the officials dispatched by the state are not overjoyed with Siddharth. From what I've heard, it seems that the Siddalk family is of the Lauravian royal lineage and is an influential aristocrat within the United Five.

I'm not sure what to make of it. In other words, they're royalty?　No, is it called a duke?
'You didn't know that, Kanami-kun?

　The skilled wizard of 'Epic Seeker' walking next to me - Teyri-san was dumbfounded.

　Incidentally, the three members from the guild "Epic Seeker" are me, Snow and Tairi-san. In fact, I wanted to bring Volzak-san along with me, but I couldn't make it in time because it was an urgent matter.

　At the back of the long line of people making their way through the labyrinth, I was chatting with Tairi-san.

''Excuse me. I'm from the countryside. ......
'Well, it can't be helped, ....... That's why I and Volzak are here. If there's anything you don't understand, feel free to ask.
'Yes. I'm going to have some free time today, so I'm going to ask you a lot of questions.
'In my spare time. ....... In case you're wondering, we're in a labyrinth.
''With such a strong group of members, if it's up to 20 layers, I think we'll have a lot of time on our hands, right?
Still, if you're not careful, people will die in the maze.
I'll be watching you all the time. I won't let anyone else die.
'...... You don't have to help the other guilds. These things are your own responsibility.
'I know that, but ....... If someone is about to die, I'm sure my body will move on its own. Even if it's someone other than the 'Epic Seeker,' I'm sure.
'Huh ......, that's sweet. How many lives can you have if you do that?
'Yes, ....... Snow has told me that a lot: ......

　But that's okay.
　You have to help as much as you can, or I'll probably be crushed by regret. I was born and raised in a different world, and I need to live with those values. If I can help someone, I will help them as long as I can. I've already made that commitment.

　--The moment I made that vow, I felt a sense of discomfort.

　It's a strange feeling, as if we've misunderstood something at the root of the matter.

　...... Was that really the kind of resolution I was prepared to make?

　.............
　No answers are forthcoming.
　With a little anxiety, I walk through the labyrinth.

　It's easy because the people in front of me will defeat the monsters that come out.
　It's mostly just a job of walking.

　Incidentally, Snow is in front of me, invited by Siddharth.
　You can see from the Dimension that he's struggling to disobey Siddaruk-san's strong instructions.

''So, what do you want to ask, Kanami-kun?''
'Yes. I would like to hear more about the nobility. I didn't know that Mr. Siddharth, whom I met today, was such a great guy: ......
'Well, it's a problem that you didn't know the Siddharth family. Well, I'll tell you from the top.

　Thus began Teili-san's lecture on the otherworldly nobility.
　Teili-san cleared her throat and spoke like a teacher.

''First, the royal family. Although the authority of the royal family is declining these days, it's still going to be the royal family that's at the top. However, the church is the only one that's above the Fooziers.
Churches: ......
''Only the Hoosiers have less royal power. It's a special place in terms of the system. When you go over there, watch out for the church rather than the royalty.
'I understand. Different cultures in different countries.
Now the nobility. But it's only the upper nobles that are powerful. A middle class nobleman can be lower in status than a merchant.
Yes, I hear there's a lot of things that go on in the nobility.
You have to be careful with the Siddharth family I mentioned earlier. They're one of the four great noble families, as they're commonly known. For now, you can be sure to bow to Helvilleshain, Siddharth, Walker, and Alais, these four.
'I've learned ....... I won't go against those four names.
'Yes ....... Then, while you're at it, be a little nicer to Snow 'Walker', too.
Yeah, I'm being nice, okay?
'Snow would want you to protect her at a time like now, I'm sure. You're a girl now.
...... I'm still using Dimensions to protect you.
'No, it's not, it's ....... Huh, that's enough. Let's move on. I'll tell you about the dangerous aristocrats, great families, and powerful merchants: ......
Please.

　Perhaps Teri is telling him to get Snow away from Mr. Siddharth.
　It's obvious at a glance that Snow is not good with Mr. Siddharth. He really wants to slack off, but he can't slack off when he's dealing with a man of high status. It's safe to say that the chemistry between them is the worst.

　But I think that's what will help Snow grow. If it helps him get rid of that slacker habit, that would be great. So, unless there's something very special, I'm not going to help you with this case.

　Thus, as me and Teyri-san talk, the group goes through the layers.

　Since we're basically advancing on the 'right path', there's not much fighting. However, perhaps because of the large number of people, we still attract more monsters than usual. Since there is a long line of people, it is probably easier for the monsters to attack.

　I've noticed that the enemies are approaching with 《Dimension》. However, there's no way for me to deal with monsters of rank 1-10, since people close to level 20 are dealing with them.

　All I was doing was watching from a distance to make sure no accidents happened.

　On the other hand, Siddharth is always giving instructions to someone else. He seems to have a strong personality that wants to be the divider. He is supposed to be the opposite type of person to Snow, but for some reason he likes Snow a great deal.

　I wondered about it, so I asked Teyri about it.

'- because he's my weak boy, despite his good family background. Snow doesn't assert himself. I suppose a good, easy-to-handle woman of a good family like Snow is ideal for him.
'My weakness in Snow ......?　You're always being selfish to me, aren't you?
'Really?　Snow is supposed to be the kind of guy who doesn't go all out, but does the bare minimum in silence?
No, you're forcing papers on me and stuff. You're always complaining about it, aren't you?
'Heh, that's it: ....... I'm sure he likes it. My brother, Glenn, was the same way with you.
Is that so ......?
'I miss it. I was the youngest member of the guild back in the day when you were in Epic Seeker," said Glenn. But even now, I remember the scenes of those days. Snow always used to nag in the back of the room with the brilliant but timid Glenn.
'Heh, you seem to be getting along well. Snow said they didn't get along, but that was just embarrassment.
Well, we used to be close. I'm not so sure about the current situation. Both Glenn and Snow have changed their people after an incident ....... I'm sure they don't get along as well as they used to .......
A case: ......?
You'll have to ask him. If I tell you, you'll be sabotaging the dramatic story of Kanami and Snow.
'Do, drama is ......'

　I thought Teyri was one of the more serious members of The Epic Seeker, but she seems to be a definite member of The Epic Seeker. She's dreamy and somewhat strange.

'That's a very important part of the story. I'll tell you something else interesting instead. --You asked me earlier why Elmiraad Siddharth cares so much about Snow Walker. Actually, it's a lot simpler than that.
Ha, ha. ......
Oh, my God, they're engaged!

　Teyri, as he said, seemed to be very happy to tell me the new facts.
　No, isn't that the kind of thing you need to hear from him: ......?

Are you engaged?" ......
'Oh my, you're not surprised. I thought you'd be more surprised or impatient: ......

　Apparently, you don't like my reaction.
　I'm starting to realize, if only faintly, that he's not happy with my reaction. I'm sure you're not the only one who's looking for the hero and heroine of the story.

I'm sure you'll be able to find out more about this. Considering the way Siddharq-san handled it, I thought it wasn't an impossible story.
Okay. So, how's it going?　What did you think when you heard they were engaged?　Let your sister hear it?
'No, nothing in particular. I'm sure it's a good match: ......?
'Yeah, yeah ....... I'm serious, Kanami, .......
'For what it's worth, I think their interests are aligned. ...... And from what I've seen, Siddharth himself doesn't seem to be a bad person either. People like that are hard on their external enemies, but they are kind to their people. He seems to have a lot of talent and high ambition, so I'm sure Snow's future is secure.
...... Yea, no. I knew you were a little crazy.
Yeah, yeah?　Was there any element of the current answer that you found strange?　And even if I did, I wouldn't want Mr. Teri to tell me.　

　When I told Teili-san about my objective assessment of their matchmaking, she gave me a twitchy look and worried about my head. But I don't want to be told by Ms. Teyri, who tends to be a dreamer for her age.

'I'm the one who doesn't want you to tell me that. ...... Hey, Kanami, don't you think you like Snow?
'I don't know about that. I haven't seen you for a short time.
'But you still have a few likes and dislikes, don't you?　How's that?　Do you like our snowflakes?　Don't you want me to call you?
'No, I can't afford to think about that ....... I'm working tirelessly for my sister and ......
If your sister is going to be in there, then she really is a ciscon, as Palinkron said: ......
How can that be?
Now, if you don't want to be a certified Syscon, you'll have to be honest with me right now.

　Teyliri gives me a serious look and corners me.
　I've never seen Teri so serious before. It's still strange to be a member of the "Epic Seeker". It's a little weird to get serious.

　Honestly, I don't mind being certified as a Syscon.
　In fact, the most important thing in the world is my sister. Without a doubt.

　However, I'll answer this question to calm Teyri's mind.

'Yes, I do. I like Snow. She's a beautiful girl.''
I hate it when it's so easy to say that.
Then what do you suggest I do: ......
'Hmm. I wonder if Kanami-kun was this dry: ......?
'What, was it dry ......?'

　I tilt my head in the direction of something that hasn't been said very often.

　I don't think of myself as a dry guy. In fact, I'm sure I'm more of an emotional person. But - looking back, the earlier exchange may indeed have been a bit dry. I was cold toward Snow.

　Have I been such an unassuming, rational guy ......?
　This is like me when I can't afford it.
　I know that I tend to be dry when I don't have any room to spare.

　But now I'm supposed to be able to afford it.
　I have everything now .......
　So why do I have so much .......

　I hold my aching head in place and smile at Teri.
　After that, we continued to talk about all that nonsense and pass the time.

　On the way, a monster attacked us, but it was no match for us.
　We made it to the 10th layer without any problems.

　Of course, it's taking more than twice as long as usual.
　Even though we headed straight for it, it took us 10 hours to get there.

　Then the construction begins, with those who take a nap and those who are on alert divided into two groups: those who take a nap and those who are on alert.
　I take a free moment and approach the Connection in the corner of the room. Since it is covered with inconspicuous cloth, the darkness of the labyrinth doesn't help, but no one finds it.　

　Since the construction work is based in the center of the room, no one seems to be trying to go to the corners of the room. I went back to work, feeling relieved.