At first I couldn't believe my ears when I heard the news of our visitor.

　I was inspecting the roadside streets that were undergoing maintenance when the hawker girl came to me in a hurry to tell me the news and said the same words again to me, who was stunned.
''A messenger from the frontier city of Batcombe is here at the town hall.

　As I hurriedly returned to the town hall, I was greeted by Foldente and Unja.
I'm sure it's not a good idea to have the guards in attendance, but I think we need to be prepared.
　According to Foldente's instructions, the chief of the guards, Dog People Googus, and several guards, including Beast Fiend Lil Pop, were already waiting in the next room of the reception room.


　Frontier City of Batcombe
　It's a frontier city that is widely rumored to have repeatedly launched skirmishes against surrounding villages and small frontier cities, calling them "exercises", and lost in the confusion of these skirmishes, looting them.
　Although fighting between cities is strictly forbidden by the royal capital, it is said to be tolerated by a large amount of tribute.


　Why did the emissaries from that city come to Liberty Village, which does not border the city?

　Even if you think about it, there's no way you can get an answer.
　Moreover, as long as the visit was with an official messenger, it would be hesitant to disregard it.

　Even though there are no borders between the cities, we must consider the risk that they might use that as an excuse to send something to us.

If you're in any danger, I'll protect you, even if I have to pay for it with my life.
I'm flattered, but I'm about to go to the press conference and I don't want you to get so worked up at the beginning.
　When I said that and laughed bitterly, Unja smiled a little and softened the killing spirit that had been leaking out of her body.


I'm not sure I've ever seen such a thing. You're younger than I thought.''
　When I entered the reception room, the messenger greeted me with a big smile.
　He appeared to be over 50 years of age.
　As it seems that he is a knight, the figure dressed in armor shows the manners typical of a warrior, and I could sense that he himself has considerable ability.
"Well, don't take a stance like that.......but I know it's hard to get people to trust you like that.......
　As he said this, the messenger raised his hands to show that he was unarmed, then gave a big bow and
My name is Götter Gö. I'm the lord of the frontier city of Batcombe.
　Then he grinned.

　.........huh? ...my lord?

　At those words, not only me, but also Unja's expression hardened.
　Probably the same is true for Gugs and others in the next room.
　I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one who's taken a seat.
''I guess the young lady over there wasn't surprised it's a bit of a shame.
Just because I'm not old, you know?　I guess it will depend on what happens next, if you're surprised or not?
　At Foldente's words, it was Geltor who laughed outright, 'That's right,' he said.

I'm not very good at talking about all the details.......let me just get straight to the point.
　With that, Gelter leaned forward from his chair.
I need my guys to use that dungeon or whatever it is called, but I need my guys to use it.

　According to Geltzer.
　When he heard about the construction of an underground dungeon in the village of Liberty, he thought to himself, "It's probably a sneak attack anyway. I heard that they only thought it was a good idea.

　However, when adventurers and knights who were returning to King's Landing after experiencing the dungeons stopped by Batcombe on their way home, they were all praising the dungeons.
　Hearing this, the fierce men of Batcombe's army said "We want to try it too".

I'm sure you're aware of this, but... well, you know... because of all the rumors about our city, there are severe restrictions on military personnel leaving the city.
　Saying that, Gelter ducked his head with a bitter smile, looking bummed out.

　Batcombe has set strict restrictions on the actions of those who belong to its army, as there are too many acts of blowing up battles in surrounding cities and other areas.
　One of these restrictions is that they cannot enter cities and villages that have not signed a treaty with the military without permission.
　In addition, when going out of the city, military personnel are required to carry a memory crystal that records all of their activities, and if someone fails to do so, no matter how much money they have paid in tribute, they will not escape severe punishment.

　I didn't dare to mention the part about 'unworthy rumors'.
'I appreciate your appreciation of the underground labyrinth (dungeon), but isn't it too much to ask for the people of Batcombe to come to this village? After all, we don't border the city and...
　At my words, Gelter nodded broadly.
'So I was thinking, could you get a stagecoach out of this village?
　Naturally, the armor used in the underground labyrinth (dungeon) should be sealed in a magic box. Its opening will only be done when challenging the underground labyrinth (dungeon).

　It seems to me that there is some truth in wanting to challenge the underground labyrinths (dungeons).
　I've heard that many of those who belong to Batcombe's army are very belligerent and prefer fighting.
　However, when it comes to concluding a treaty of passage with Batcombe, which is constantly notorious for various things, I can't help but think of various disadvantages.

Then, will you accept this condition as well?
　Beside me, who was thinking, Foldente approached Geltor, giggling as usual.
'What terms?'　I'm going to agree to most of them, okay?
　Geltar turns to Foldente and leans forward.
　To Geltar, Foldente informed him of the following

In the event of a treaty of passage, cities and villages that have signed a treaty of friendship with Liberty Village will not be subject to combat activities - including exercises - if they have signed a treaty of passage.
The number of people who can stay in the city at one time is limited to 50, and the next one will not be accepted until 50 people have returned to the city.
These terms and conditions should be put in writing and exchanged with each other in the same sentence.

Fifty people... hmmm...
　Although Gelter only had difficulty with the number of people in the room, he finally agreed to the whole idea.
Our guys....I'm embarrassed to say, but there are a lot of fast and furious people here...they're a little uncontrollable...so I think if we let them vent in an underground dungeon or something like that, they'll calm down a little...
　Saying that, Gelter laughed out loud.

　When I told him that if we are going to run the stagecoach from Batcombe to Liberty village, we have to pass through the small frontier city in between, and we can't give permission until we get permission from that frontier city.
　We decided to have another discussion with the small frontier city of Pix, which currently has a friendly relationship with Liberty Village and borders Batcombe, after discussing the matter with them, and that was the end of the day.

.... but...

Hey, my lord.........well, what.......that's it for today, but.......the underground dungeon......can I have a go at it? Can I have a go at it?
　Saying that, Gelter clasped his hands together towards me and asked me to do it.
　I couldn't help but giggle in front of that childlike gesture.

　As a special case, Gelter took on the challenge of an underground labyrinth (dungeon).
Hey, hey!　This is even more fun than I thought it would be!
　He enjoyed it to the fullest while shouting with glee, and in the end, he challenged the solo/advanced level five times, and advanced to the maximum of five levels.

　Gerther returned to Batcombe while joyfully holding the large shield of dragon scales, a rare item he was able to obtain with a drop item, and returned to Batcombe.

It's like having a big kid to deal with.
　At Foldente's words, I couldn't help but nod with a chuckle.

　Just.
　It was also true that he felt somewhat more comfortable than he had after the meeting with Greencombe, which had been somewhat of an afterthought, as he felt uncomfortable.

　Anyway, he'd have to go and talk to Picks first.
　I started to check my plans for tomorrow for now.