161-Episode 148: Sage, Makes a Bad Face




 Well, let's go.
 Let's go to the undersea labyrinth...
 Hmmm... I'm looking forward to it.

 Lately, the only dungeons I've seen are the ones managed by the academy.
 I've largely finished exploring that place as well, and the modding and upgrading of demonic beasts is at a standstill for now.

 We've just wanted the right to explore new dungeons by now.
 It would be difficult to explore them with the degree of magic technology in the Saw Trading Country anyway.
 It's not a bad idea to talk to the Merchant King of Aeglia and buy the entire labyrinth.

''Somehow Lacelle has a bad smile on her face.
You got some kind of funny idea for a training exercise, huh?
It's Lacelle, you know. That's the way it is.
Brother, you look like you're having fun.

 Feeling the eyes of my friends, I stepped out into the broken sea.

"Wait a minute, boys.

 Oh, shit.
 What is it now?

 We turn around.
 The ones standing there were men dressed in black vestments.
 Probably all of them are 【Mages(wizards)】.
 They are not students.
 They were clearly older than us.

''Who are you guys?''

 It was Sheila who quickly took a stance.

 Maybe she thought it was a demon and was alarmed.
 But I confidently dismissed that possibility.

'Okay, Sheila. Stand down.

"Yes, sir. My brother.

 Sheila obeyed my orders honestly.

 I turn to the men.

'Who are you?'

We are a magical unit of the Saw merchants.

"Magicians?

 In short, it's like a part of the Saw merchant army.
 From the name, it must be a specialized unit that gathers only 【Mages(Wizard)】.

''So what?''

A few minutes ago, I had a huge magical reaction and came to you. Who split this ocean?

It's me.

 I take a step forward.

'What kind of correspondence can do this? The Sow Commercial State is a land of merchants as well as a land of tourism. It is a violation of the laws of our country to make any significant changes to the terrain.

'I didn't know there was such a law. I apologize for my ignorance. However, I have the permission of the Merchant King of Aegyria to explore the undersea labyrinth.

I've heard about it. But don't you think you've gone a little overboard?

What can I do? The dungeon is in the middle of the ocean, you know. The only way we can all explore it together is if...

 Cecil raised his voice.
 He bites into the magician's unit.
 The man who looks like the troop leader talking to me looks at Cecil lightly sideways.
 He quickly turns to me.

'You're Lasser Singh Stark, aren't you?

Gillel, to be precise. Squad leader.

'Excuse me..... His Excellency the Count (I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry). But I've heard that you are an excellent [villager]. You could have gone to the undersea labyrinth without doing this, couldn't you?

I'll grant you that. But I've decided that draining the underwater labyrinth is the safest way to go.

Is this a priority for you, even if it means destroying the beautiful scenery of the Sow Trading Company?

I accept the reprimand with open arms, but it is easy to undo. I would like to reiterate that I did not understand the laws of your country. "If you had only put up a note saying, 'Don't split the sea,' I would have thought of something else.

'Hm. At least you're the only person that's been that insane since I've led my unit.

Let's take that as a compliment. 'By the way, Troop Leader. I think it's time you told me what you want to do, sir.

 If it's against the law, all you have to do is arrest me.
 But I haven't seen any sign of that in the Magic Division.
 The unit commander just questions me.
 It's not a unit that has the power to arrest you in the first place, but it seems to me that they clearly have a different goal in mind.

''Let me guess, it's about the undersea labyrinth........''

I see. You certainly seem to be smart. You seem to understand our purpose.

Our purpose?

 Cecil, who had been listening beside me, raises an eyebrow.

'Yo, I'm trying to take the credit for it, Cecil.

'Hey! It's not fair!

'That's a terrible thing to take in. Where do you think the undersea labyrinth is located? That's right. It's a sow merchant state. Then I suppose it's only natural that we should excavate and present what's in it to the king.

"The king said. "The king said, 'I'm free to explore.'

I haven't heard that much.

 The commander of the squad lowered his eyes and lightly mocked Cecil's protests.

 Buh, it wasn't just Cecil who had his mouth agape.
 The other comrades were also glaring at him with a terrific swordsmanship.

''I understand.''

'What? Hey, Lacelle! Are you sure?

However, (I'd like to) --!

 I strained my voice.
 I stifle Cecil's protests.

'However.............what?

'Would you be willing to let me observe the exploration of your seniors (sic)?'

Does this mean you guys are coming with us?

'Yes. Originally we are here on a school trip. It's in line with the students' nature to learn how to conquer dungeons and see how other countries do it. What do you think?

Hmm. That makes sense. Very well. However, you are forbidden to touch anything in the dungeon. And no more than six people can join, and we don't have time to look after 600 chicks. Okay?

'Yes. That's fine.

Huh....

 Finally, the troop leader raised the corners of his mouth as if he was proud of his victory.
 He led his magic squad and stepped into the broken waters.

 We looked away from it.

'No thanks! Lacelle!

 Quickly, Cecil bites me.

 But it seems Sheila knew what I was going to do.

''You must have something in mind, brother.

'Of course. What's the fun in having to go on a fun dungeon quest with another army?

 My speech was so rough that I could feel it myself.

 Apparently I was angrier than I thought I was.

'But there's always trouble in a dungeon,'

 I grinned.
 Then Cecil's red face immediately turned blue.

''You......... What the hell are you thinking about?

"The duck came carrying an onion.


 It's only polite to eat well.


 Thus began our underwater labyrinth exploration.