“I thought the same when we were heading to the mountain and while we were climbing it... but Seto really is a godsend.”
Phron spoke as they walked along the highway. Since descending the mountain, they had continued walking with almost no rest, and the City of Gilm was already visible in the distance.
It was only between 3:00 and 4:00 in the afternoon—a perfectly reasonable time to request an audience with the Lord.
When they had first headed to the mountain to fulfill the request, they had moved slowly to conserve their strength for the night raid and the steep climb. However, following Brasso’s advice that they should return as quickly as possible, they had pushed through at a pace that was practically a forced march. Consequently, the journey that had taken ten hours on the way out had been shortened to roughly six or seven.
“Well then, should we head to the Guild first? Or the Lord’s Mansion?”
Ray called out to Brasso, who was walking beside him.
After a moment of consideration, Brasso spoke up.
“Let’s see. I suppose we should report to the Lord first. We could go to the Guild afterward, but if we do that, we might lose track of time and miss our chance to meet with Margrave Larkus today.”
“I agree,” Phron added. “Besides, I’m not exactly thrilled about having this hanging over our heads after we turn in the request.”
Ray nodded slightly, finding no reason to disagree with their logic.
As they conversed, the party eventually reached the City of Gilm’s Main Gate. They completed the entry procedures with Ranga and the other guards as usual before stepping into the city proper.
“Now then, we’re relying on your connection with the Lord, Ray... can you get us in?”
Ray nodded at Phron’s question and led the way toward the district where the Lord’s Mansion stood, following a path he had traveled several times before.
They encountered knights on patrol a few times along the way, but because the sight of the Gryphon, Seto, had already become Ray’s calling card, they weren't treated with any suspicion. They arrived at the gates of the Lord's Mansion without incident.
As they approached, the two gatekeepers fixed them with sharp gazes. Ray walked forward unperturbed, while Phron and Brasso followed behind him looking decidedly uncomfortable.
No matter how veteran they were, they were still only C-Rank adventurers. Usually, only B-Rank or A-Rank adventurers would have the chance to meet a Lord through Nomination Requests or other high-level business. Brasso and Phron had no such experience. In truth, Ray was the anomaly; he was only Rank D, yet he had already caught the eye of Lord Daskar, the Lord of the City of Gilm.
Ray called out to one of the gatekeepers while inwardly wondering why his companions were so tense.
“I am Rei, a D-Rank Adventurer. I have an urgent matter to discuss with Margrave Larkus. I’d like to request an audience.”
“...I certainly know who you are,” the gatekeeper replied. “And I recognize that Gryphon. However, surely you understand that I can’t simply grant an audience with Lord Daskar just because someone asks for one?”
Phron and Brasso both let out a sigh, as if they had expected this hurdle. They had hoped Ray’s connection would smooth things over, but it seemed they had been too optimistic.
Ray, however, ignored his companions’ dejection and pulled a Lump of Flame Ore—the one Brasso had mined in the cave—out of the Misty Ring on his arm.
“Whoa!”
The gatekeeper let out a startled cry, stepping back a few paces at the sudden appearance of the mineral. “This is...”
“As you can see, it’s Flame Ore. I was out on a subjugation request with these two at the place inhabited by harpies... are you familiar with it?”
“Y-yeah. That mine is vital to the City of Gilm. Of course I know it.”
The gatekeeper nodded, his expression turning serious as befitted someone in the Margrave’s service. Ray smiled and gestured toward the ore.
“We found a massive deposit of minerals in the cave the harpies made their nest in. This Flame Ore came from there. I thought it best to report this immediately, but...”
The gatekeeper realized he couldn't simply turn away someone bearing news that directly affected the territory’s wealth—especially someone his master was keen to recruit. He took the ore from Ray and handed it to his colleague.
“Sorry, but go report this to the Captain immediately.”
“Understood.”
The second guard nodded and hurried into the mansion with the Flame Ore.
“I’m sorry, but please wait here for an answer,” the remaining gatekeeper said. “With a matter this significant, even our Captain won't be able to make a snap judgment.”
“I understand. Sorry for pushing the issue.”
Ray replied casually before turning to look at Phron and Brasso, who were both fidgeting restlessly. “Hey, what’s wrong with you two?”
“No, what’s wrong with you?!” Phron hissed in a low voice, careful not to let the guard overhear. “Do you realize where we are? This is the Lord’s Mansion! We’re dealing with a Noble! How can you be so damn calm?”
Ray took the scolding nonchalantly. Having grown up in a world entirely devoid of nobility, the concept didn't inspire much reverence in him. Furthermore, his acquaintance with Elena and her circle had desensitized him to the status. He had dealt with the typical arrogance of Kyuste and the commanding presence of Elena, the daughter of Duke Kerebel’s House. Even Ara, while technically a noble, was so focused on Elena that she didn't give off much of a high-society vibe.
“I’ve been here a few times before. I guess I’m just used to it,” Ray said, offering a vague excuse.
While they waited, Ray spent his time in idle chatter or petting Seto until the gatekeeper finally returned from the mansion.
“You’ve been granted an audience. Lord Daskar will see you now. Please, come inside.”
“Thanks for the help.”
Ray gave a small nod of thanks and entered the mansion, followed by a stiff and nervous Phron and Brasso.
At Ray’s request, one of the guards led Seto away to the stables.
“...Hey, Ray. Is that really okay?” Phron whispered, watching Seto’s retreating back.
Ray nodded casually. “Yeah, it’s fine. Seto’s been here with me before.”
“If you say so...”
As they stepped further into the mansion, a butler who looks to be in his 50s greeted them.
“I shall escort you to my master. Please, follow me.”
They followed the butler, whose every bow was a picture of grace, until they reached the office Ray had visited several times. Phron and Brasso stood wide-eyed at the sight of the door, which was adorned with carvings so intricate they could have been museum pieces. Ray felt a surge of sympathy; he had reacted the same way during his first visit.
The butler offered a pleasant smile and used the knocker beside the door.
“Lord Daskar, I have brought Ray-sama and his party.”
“Very well. Enter.”
The door opened at the Lord’s command. Ray stepped inside and bowed to Daskar, who was seated at his desk watching them.
“It’s been a while, Lord Daskar.”
“Indeed it has. And yet, you always seem to bring some sort of commotion with you. Though I must say, I welcome this particular brand of trouble quite heartily.”
Daskar smirked, his eyes drifting to the Flame Ore resting on the reception table. Despite his mock complaint, he looked genuinely pleased.
It was hardly surprising. He would have been in a good mood just from hearing that the harpies—the nuisance blocking the mine—had been dealt with. To be presented with a massive, high-quality piece of Flame Ore on top of that was more than he could have hoped for.
“Sit. Have some tea.”
“Thank you, we’ll do that.”
As Ray, Phron, and Brasso took their seats on the plush sofas, the butler entered and served them cups of tea. Once Ray had taken a sip of the black tea and seen that his companions had settled their nerves, Daskar spoke.
“I was told this Flame Ore was found in the cave the harpies made their nest in... is that correct?”
Ray looked at Brasso, but the Dwarf gestured for him to do the talking. Ray let out a small sigh and began.
“To be precise, no. It seems that the Flame Magic I used during the raid last night reacted with the minerals inside the cave, transforming them into Flame Ore.”
“...You created it?”
“Yes. However, it was a fluke—a miracle born from a series of coincidences. If you asked me to replicate the process, it would be practically impossible.”
“I see. If we could produce Flame Ore consistently, this city would be far more prosperous. Did you get that explanation from the Dwarf there?”
Daskar turned his gaze to Brasso. Realizing he couldn't stay silent any longer, the Dwarf set his cup down on the saucer.
“Beggin’ your pardon, my Lord. I’m a Dwarf by birth, and I’m not exactly skilled in the proper etiquette for addressing nobles, so I’d appreciate it if you could overlook that.”
“I don’t mind,” Daskar replied. “I’ve never been one for formalities myself. As long as you maintain a minimum of decorum in public, we won't have a problem.”
Relieved by the Lord’s bluntness, Brasso relaxed and began his report.
“Any expert would know at a glance that the Flame Ore is fresh. And since it was found in the Harpy Nest, it wouldn't take a genius to check the Guild and see who handled the subjugation. Especially for someone with the resources of Margrave Larkus. We thought it best to tell you the truth before the rumors got twisted. Fortunately, Ray mentioned he had an acquaintance with you.”
“...I see. You were worried Ray would be worked to the bone trying to manufacture more.”
“Exactly,” Brasso confirmed. “He’s done it once, so those who don't know any better would never believe it can't be done again. I’m glad to see you’re a reasonable man, my Lord.”
Daskar rested his chin on his hand, lost in thought for a moment before looking at Ray. “So, the creation of this ore was truly an accident?”
“I’ll stake my reputation as a Dwarf on it,” Brasso interjected firmly.
“...Very well. I promise not to press Ray on that matter again. Now, tell me, how much of this Flame Ore is in that cave?”
Brasso hesitated for several long seconds before answering.
“Nearly the entire cave entrance... my Lord.”
“...What?”
“The area where Ray’s Flame Magic hit. It’s all been turned to Flame Ore. The sheer volume is incredible—enough to make any Alchemist or Blacksmith lose their mind. And that’s not all.”
Brasso continued, even as Daskar reeled from the implications of the ore’s value.
“There’s more?”
“Yes. Deep in the cave, where the harpies nested, the ceiling is covered in Wind Stone Crystal stalactites. There were also deposits of Emerost Ore.”
“...Are you certain?”
“Ray and Phron saw it as well. There’s no mistake. The value of that much Magic Metal is beyond my imagination. That’s why we came to see you so urgently.”
“...I see. You did well to bring this to me. I’ll send an expedition of experts along with a unit of the Knight Order to secure and survey the cave as early as tomorrow. I assume you haven't spoken of this to anyone else?”
Ray, Brasso, and Phron all shook their heads.
“No, we haven't told a soul.”
“Good. I appreciate it. As you know, the City of Gilm is on the Frontier. This will be another great step toward our development.”
The Margrave actually bowed his head slightly in gratitude.
“I will oversee everything regarding this matter from here on out. If you want to avoid being caught in a whirlwind of trouble, keep your mouths shut.”
The three adventurers nodded in silent agreement.
“Is there anything else?” Daskar asked, preparing to wrap up the meeting. “If not, I need to start organizing the expedition.”
“Actually, there is one more thing,” Ray said.
Brasso and Phron looked horrified that Ray would interrupt the Lord, but Ray continued regardless.
“It’s not directly related to the cave, but I was recently approached by a man named Boruntar, the Chairman of the Azoth Firm. He demanded I hand over my Magic Items and Seto. Have you heard anything about this?”
Daskar’s brow furrowed. “...No. I haven't heard a word. Is that true? No matter his status, he has no right to seize an adventurer’s Magic Items or Tamed Monster.”
“I learned as much from the Guild. It seems he’s a man with a very dark reputation. I refused him, obviously, but I suspect he won't give up easily. If he tries something forceful, it might cause a bit of a scene in the city.”
Daskar’s expression darkened. He was well aware of the rumors surrounding Boruntar, but the man was a persistent disease within Gilm—one that paid its taxes and had enough influence to make him difficult to excise without causing wider instability.
“Understood. I will use my Lord’s Authority to give the Azoth Firm a stern warning. If he persists in being stubborn and takes aggressive action, then you are free to do as you see fit. Fortunately, I believe he has a younger brother who is far more competent. We needn't worry about a successor.”
Ray caught the lethal subtext in Daskar’s words. He tightened his expression and gave a firm, understanding nod.