"Well, well, what exceedingly lovely young ladies. I thought you were goddesses rather than spirits."
An archetypal blonde prince in a lavish white military uniform flashed a sparkling grin the moment he saw us.
A chill ran down my spine. What was this... a cold? Or had he done something? No, I probably just had the shivers.
The prince looked to be about twenty years old. For a man that age to call Tria-chan a "lovely young lady"... Oof. Was he a lolicon?
"...It’s true that Tria-chan and the others are cute, but I don’t like the way you’re looking at us."
"Ugh, can I just go home, o? I'm getting goosebumps. Stop looking this way, o."
"Now, now, you two. Since we’ve come all this way, we should at least hear him out, ssu."
Tch. If Pen-pen said so, I guess I could at least listen.
"...M-my apologies. Have I offended you? Among the nobility, wooing a charming woman is considered a proper greeting."
"That’s one thing, but... I'm pretty sure Tria-chan is still just a kid, isn't she?"
After all, her appearance was young enough that she'd be stopped if she tried to buy alcohol.
"...I apologize for that as well, but it is a misunderstanding. I possess a passive skill that causes anyone in my line of sight—provided there are no obstacles—to feel as if they are being watched by me."
"Hm, is that so? It sounds like it’d be good for an actor. Or maybe a politician? It seems like it would be incredibly effective for giving speeches."
"Excellent insight! It is exactly as you say. If I did not have the right of succession, I would have wanted to become an actor."
Hmm, hmm. He was actually a pretty easy guy to talk to.
"Oh... Then who were you wooing, o?"
"That would be, of course, you—oops, I am facing everyone again. I did not mean you, the black-haired one."
"Then is it me, ssu?"
"It’s the boobs."
"It’s the boobs, isn't it, o?"
I had to agree with that. Pen-pen was attractive in many ways, and her "attractiveness" was particularly prominent.
And yet she claimed she hadn't tweaked her appearance? That was the mystery.
"Anyway, what was the request?"
"Ah, yes. I wish to request an escort. Could you please lend me your strength?"
"...I see. With a skill like that, monsters must be constantly flocking to you, o."
"...Indeed. Exploring a dungeon is difficult enough as it is, but this skill interferes and makes things disastrous."
I see. It meant he was spotted by monsters indiscriminately because they all felt "watched."
"...I was thinking, wouldn't it be fine if you just wore a mask, ssu?"
"A mask is no good. My 'Good Looks'—ah, that is the skill name. 'Good Looks' recognizes a mask as part of my face. I even tried wearing a bucket once, but that only caused the effect to trigger indiscriminately in every direction."
I see. He’d already done the legwork.
...No, seriously? That went beyond inconvenient. It was a curse.
"You really were born for the stage or the throne."
"Or to be a target or a decoy. It is a troublesome thing. If I could get rid of it, I would discard it as a dud skill."
"That sounds like a real pain, o. ...So, why an escort to a dungeon, o?"
"I believe there is a way to seal this skill at will, and it is said to be deep within the dungeon."
Oh, I see. The pieces were coming together.
"But the person themselves has to reach the very bottom. Right?"
"You are quick to understand. It is a great help."
Because of the skill, average guards weren't enough, which was why the request had been sent to us.
When it came to dungeons, you couldn't just bring an army of soldiers. A massive group would only be a hindrance in narrow corridors.
"The ideal is to go in quickly and leave quickly. A small group of elites is preferable. And, lovely lady—ah, Pen-pen-dono, I hear you are in charge of preparations. I will spare no effort to cooperate as much as possible so that you can work to your full potential."
"Ho-ho."
Pen-pen's eyes gleamed.
"F-for the sake of preparations, it’s okay if I use somewhat luxurious materials, right, ssu?"
"I do not mind. They shall be counted as expenses."
"Whew! Prince, you really know how to talk business, ssu!"
"Ah, I might bring Miti-chan along too. You can leave the potion-making and such to her."
"What? I heard only three of you came to the Royal Capital..."
"We have a secret means of transport. It's a secret, okay?"
"I see. It is probably better not to ask for details; it must be a method unique to players."
The Prince nodded understandingly.
"Oh, by the way, I haven't asked for the Prince's name yet. What is it?"
"Ah, how remiss of me! I completely forgot to introduce myself. ...My name is Leonhart. Leonhart Majark Aurelia. I look forward to working with you."
Huh? Oh. So this country was called Aurelia?
That was news to me.