We finally reached our destination: the City of Roils. Our two-week stint living out of a carriage was over at last.
"Listen up. I’m going to briefly explain our next steps, so pay attention."
At my call, the four who had been chatting fell silent and turned toward me.
"As I mentioned before, we’ll be staying at a nobleman’s mansion starting today. They know we’re explorers, so I don't expect any trouble, but please be on your best behavior whenever you’re outside your assigned rooms."
The four of them nodded with serious expressions.
"As you grow more famous, you’ll eventually attract sponsors. Use this as an opportunity to practice so you don't panic when that time comes. Carol, I expect you to use polite speech when speaking to anyone associated with the Count House."
"Yeah, I get it."
It wasn't that Carol couldn't be polite. She was perfectly capable of formal language when the situation absolutely demanded it. However, she clearly disliked it, avoiding formality with anyone who wouldn't call her out on it. Her ability to identify that line upon a first meeting was a testament to her keen observation.
"Also, Log."
"Yes, Master."
"I'll be the one dealing with the nobility, but I may have you sit in on some meetings. It’s standard for the party leader to represent the group when speaking with nobles. It's best if you get some experience now."
"...Understood."
Log's tension spiked at my instructions. To ease his nerves, I gave him a reassuring smile.
"It’s okay. While some nobles are sticklers for etiquette, most won't complain as long as you observe basic courtesy. You were taught how to address superiors as rookies in the Clan, right? If you can do that, you'll be fine."
"Yes, I'll do my best!"
While we were talking, the carriage entered the grounds of a mansion that stood out as particularly grand, even for Roils. A moment later, we came to a halt.
When we stepped out, an elderly butler and two maids were already speaking with Elvis.
"Well then, our escort duty ends here," Henry said. "These two weeks were a pleasure. We’ll likely be the ones taking you back as well, so we’ll see you then."
"Likewise. We were able to travel in comfort thanks to you and your men, Henry. Thank you for everything."
As I thanked him, Log approached.
"Henry-san, thank you so much for the last two weeks!"
"You're very welcome. Are you nervous, Log-kun?"
"Ugh... yeah."
"Ahaha! Don't worry. The Lord is a wonderful man who treats even us commoners without discrimination."
While watching Log and Henry chat, the butler approached me. Luna called Sophia and the others over, and they lined up behind me.
"A pleasure to meet you. I serve the House of Eddington; my name is Louis. I thank you sincerely for traveling such a long distance to join us."
"The pleasure is mine. I am Orun Doura of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky. These four are explorers belonging to the Twilight Moonbow, a party within our clan. We look forward to working with you."
After offering Elvis a final word of thanks for the journey, we followed Louis into the mansion. After a long walk through the halls, we stopped in front of a certain room. Louis knocked.
"Young Master, the members of the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky have arrived."
"............"
His voice was reasonably loud, so I doubt we were unheard, yet there was no response.
"Again...?" Louis muttered a brief complaint to himself before turning back to us. "I am terribly sorry, but please wait just a moment."
He stepped into the room alone. Shortly after, I heard the faint sound of scuffling from inside. A few minutes later, the door opened.
"Please, come in," Louis invited, and we stepped inside.
The interior was a standard reception room. In the back sat a young man who looked to be in his early twenties. Up to that point, everything was normal.
However, behind him sat a literal mountain of books, stacked nearly as high as he was while seated.
"Ahaha... Don't mind the books in the back. Come, please, everyone take a seat."
As I glanced at the stacks, the young man gave an embarrassed smile. To be honest, they were far too conspicuous to ignore, but since it wasn't my place to comment, I sat in the provided chair.
I sat facing the young man, while the members of Twilight Moonbow stood a short distance away.
"Ahem. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Abel Eddington. My father is currently away on an inspection tour, so I’ll be handling things today."
"A pleasure to meet you. I am Orun Doura. These are my colleagues: Logan, Sophia, Caroline, and Luna. It is an honor to be invited. The five of us will be handling the Labyrinth Investigation you requested."
"Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Your reputation precedes you, even here. You're the one who restrained the Hero during his rampage and quelled the stampede that followed, aren't you? Truly, a hero of the kingdom."
"You flatter me. However, that incident was not my achievement alone. It was only possible through the cooperation of many people. My own contribution was minor."
"A humble man, just as my grandfather said. Well then, let's get straight to the point."
Abel took out a booklet of bound papers.
"I believe you've heard the basics, but about three months ago, three new labyrinths were suddenly discovered within the Regrif Territory. We've tasked our own explorers with one, but we didn't have the manpower to investigate the other two. That's why we reached out to the Silver Rabbit of the Night Sky."
Among explorers, some are kept under the direct employment of a lord. They receive financial support in exchange for exploring only the labyrinths within that lord's territory. Naturally, not every explorer dreams of conquering a Great Labyrinth; many prefer the stability of documented dungeons. For them, these contracts are a godsend. From the lord's perspective, having their own explorers ensures a stable supply of Magic Stones and materials.
"Understood. We will put forth our best effort. Regarding the details of the investigation..."
"Yes, I'm sorry to tie you down for so long, but I'd like you to handle both remaining labyrinths in their entirety."
"Understood. Are the sites nearby?"
"Yes. About a twenty-minute walk east of the city. Though, we’ll provide a carriage for your use during the investigation. And here—these are the investigation logs up until yesterday. This is a transcription, so feel free to use it as you see fit."
Abel handed me the booklet.
"Thank you. May I?"
"Go ahead."
I flipped through the pages. After scanning to the end, I handed it to Luna, who had come to my side. She took the papers back to the others so they could look as well.
"It’s very well-organized and easy to digest. We’ll make good use of this. Thank you."
"Wait, can you use Speed Reading too?" Abel asked, his voice rising with excitement.
The fact that he said "too" meant he was likely a practitioner as well.
"Yes, I can."
"I knew it! The way you flipped through those pages was so practiced! Do you read often!?"
"E-err, yes. I'm quite fond of books."
"To think I'd meet a fellow bibliophile here! Tell me! Are you well-versed in history!?"
Abel’s excitement was beginning to redline. I couldn't exactly be rude to the son of a count, but I really didn't want to deal with someone this high-energy—it was exhausting.
"I... I suppose so. I'm an omnivorous reader; I tend to look through anything I can get my hands on..."
"In that case—"
"Young Master."
Louis interjected, cutting Abel off before he could spiral further.
"...Sorry. I showed you a rather pathetic side of myself."
With that one word from the butler, Abel’s energy plummeted back to normal. I think I understood why he hadn't answered the door earlier.
"Not at all. Shall we return to the topic?"
"Yes, of course. But before that, would you be willing to set aside some time to talk with me later?"
"Certainly. But for now, let’s discuss the schedule."
"Right, let's."
From then on, the conversation proceeded in a much calmer atmosphere.
"I think that covers the general details. The house will provide your room and board during the investigation. If you have any issues with the living arrangements, don't hesitate to speak up. I'll accommodate you however I can."
"Thank you for your generosity."
"It's the least we can do. When do you plan to start?"
"The full investigation will begin tomorrow. I intend to do a light solo scout of the labyrinths today."
"Will you be back late?"
"No, it’s just a preliminary look. I'll return once I’ve gotten a feel for the environment."
"I see. My father should be back this evening, so I’ll introduce you then."
"Understood. I look forward to it."
"Louis, please prepare the carriage and show the others to their rooms."
"As you wish. Everyone, if you would follow me."
Louis led us to the guest wing. It seemed we had each been assigned our own private room. Currently, the five of us were gathered in my room with Louis.
"Please feel free to use these rooms as you wish. Orun-sama, I shall go see to the carriage. When you are ready, please meet me at the front entrance."
Louis gave a deep bow and departed.
"Phew... that was stressful," Log muttered, finally letting out a long breath.
"Good job. The nerves never truly go away when you're dealing with nobles. You just have to get used to them."
"Were you nervous too, Master? You didn't look it at all."
"I've dealt with my fair share of nobility by now. I've just learned how to manage the tension."
"I don't think I'll ever get used to it."
"Everyone says that at first. Don't sell yourself short."
I patted Log's head.
"Ah, no fair!" Carol chirped. I gave a wry smile and patted her and Sophia's heads as well.
"Alright, as I said, you three will be diving in starting tomorrow. You're free to relax for the rest of the day. Rest up and shake off the travel fatigue. I'm heading to the labyrinth."
"Understood!" "Okaaaay!" "Yes, Master."
"Orun-san, should I come with you?" Luna asked.
"No, I’ll be fine alone. I want you to stay here and look after the kids just in case. I doubt there will be trouble, but this is a noble's house—it's better to be safe."
"True. Understood."
"Thanks."
With that, I headed for the carriage Louis had prepared and set off for the new labyrinths.