I was going to the Southern Dungeon.
The catalyst for this trip had been the night of this year’s Martial Arts Tournament. Specifically, during the banquet. Representatives from both the Southern Dungeon’s Lamia race and the Northern Dungeon’s Giant race had attended the tournament. I’d thought the two groups were getting along reasonably well, but then a fight broke out.
"The Lamias have been entrusted with a Labyrinth Shining Stone by the Village Head!"
"Hmph. The Village Head has personally visited the Northern Dungeon before!"
It was a full-blown brawl right there at the after-party. Even though the tournament was over, it was a surprisingly fierce confrontation. Seriously, that wasn't something worth fighting about. However, it seemed the roots of the issue went deeper than I’d imagined.
Since then, the Lamias and Giants had been acting normally. Well, mostly normally... They kept looking at me with pleading eyes. Yeah, I got it. I understood.
However, Lu and Tia were of the opinion that it wouldn't be good to grant their request immediately. Is that how it works? Apparently so. Thus, we waited for a while, and that brings us to today.
Our group consisted of me, Lu, Tia, Hakuren, Urza, Alfred, Tiselle, and five Lizardmen. We traveled on the back of Hakuren, who had transformed into her dragon form. Additionally, thirty of Kuro’s children and five High Elves had departed a few days earlier to serve as an advance party. I’d given them plenty of notice, but apparently, an "advance party" was a necessary formality. Plus, they wouldn't have all fit on Hakuren’s back anyway.
Besides the passengers, Hakuren was also carrying a massive amount of souvenirs for the Lamias. Was all of this really necessary? To me, it felt more like I was just dropping by a friend's house.
As we drew near the Southern Dungeon, the sight that greeted us was a shock. Lined up neatly in front of the entrance were the Lamias and a host of monsters and magic beasts that were presumably their subordinates.
Seriously? Isn't this a bit much?
Ignoring my surprise, Hakuren landed directly in front of the assembled crowd. A massive cheer erupted.
Wait, wait, wait.
We disembarked from Hakuren’s back one by one. Wait, I’m the last one? Why? Well, fine, I guess...
The Lizardmen went first, followed by Urza alone. Then Tia got off with Tiselle, and Lu with Alfred. Finally, it was my turn. The cheers grew even louder.
Uh... why are the Lamias crying?
I hoped Kuro’s children hadn't been bullying them while I wasn't looking. At my questioning gaze, the wolves all shook their heads in unison, as if to say, "Not us!"
No, I was joking. I knew they’d never do something like that. But still... it was the middle of winter and freezing cold, so what was with all this heat and enthusiasm?
Junea, the leader of the Lamia race, guided us into the dungeon. The interior of the Southern Dungeon consisted of passages about five meters wide and high, branching off into various large and small rooms. It really did look like an ant nest. The corridors were three-dimensionally complex, forming a labyrinth so intricate it had to be intentional. The maze extended southward and apparently connected to the mountain where Draim lived. It was incredibly vast.
I was told that if an inexperienced person entered alone, it wasn't uncommon for them to starve to death before finding the exit. That was a terrifying thought. Normally, the dungeon was supposed to be pitch black. However, because of our visit, the Lamias had placed shining stones throughout the tunnels, so it didn't feel dark at all.
I appreciated the gesture. Also, I was very interested in those stones. Were they the same kind of Shining Stones that Progenitor-san had brought before? The light they emitted was a different color, so they might be something else entirely.
We were led to a large room near the entrance. It was roughly thirty meters square with a ceiling about ten meters high. They explained that they were holding a welcoming banquet for us there, but the most conspicuous thing was the throne set on a raised platform at the back of the room.
...Wait. I’m supposed to sit there? Not Junea, the leader?
It was more than a little embarrassing, but... fine. I'll sit. Just please stop looking so devastated that I’m hesitating.
As soon as I sat on the throne, the Lamias erupted in a full-throated cheer. The sound echoed powerfully through the cave. Alfred, Tiselle, Urza—you guys don't need to join in the shouting. Lu, Tia, and Hakuren too. And I could hear Kuro’s children howling quite clearly as well.
Honestly, how long was this going to—oh, right. I raised my hand to signal them to stop.
It was impressive. Everything went silent instantly. Well, everyone except Urza. I get it, I get it. Now, every single eye in the room was fixed on me.
...Oh? Is this the part where I’m expected to give a speech?
I was reminded once again that I had absolutely no talent for ad-libbing. I wonder if that was good enough? I honestly couldn't remember exactly what I said. I didn't think I’d strayed from the main point of thanking the Lamias for their cooperation, though.
"I’m so moved!" "To have our efforts acknowledged like that..." "I'm so glad to be alive!"
Well, it seemed there weren't any problems. Even if they were being a bit dramatic.
After that, Lu and the others introduced themselves. Alfred and Tiselle did a great job. They were adorable. Urza was perfectly dignified. In fact, she was more impressive than I was. She’s definitely going places. Still, we weren't exactly heading into a war zone, so I didn't think she needed to get the Lamias quite that fired up. It was just an introduction, after all. Not a rallying cry... well, at least the Lamias were into it. Seriously, who were they planning to fight?
Following the introductions, the souvenirs I brought were presented. The banquet just wouldn't start. Maybe it was because I messed up the order of operations with my speech? I felt a bit of regret. And I was getting hungry.
Finally, the banquet began. It was a very lively affair. Most of the food served was either raw or simply grilled. This was because the Lamia diet traditionally consisted mostly of raw meat. However, they shyly brought out a few dishes they’d learned to cook through their interactions with the Village of the Great Tree. While they weren't quite as good as the food back home, the sentiment behind them was clear. I enjoyed them thoroughly.
That being said, I really wanted to pass on the massive piles of assorted monster eggs. It wasn't that they were raw, exactly... and no, I wasn't going to eat them shell and all.
As it was a banquet, the Lamias performed dances and songs. I was impressed yet again by the richness of their unique culture.
The plan was to stay the night and head back the following afternoon. They had gone to the trouble of preparing a bath and an outhouse specifically for us, and I was touched by their hospitality. I wondered if I could be that attentive to a guest.
Thanks for the bed, too. But I don't need anyone to sleep beside me. Look, Lu, Tia, and Hakuren are right here. Don't look so disappointed. I wasn't going to budge on this one. Besides, the children were here. Yes, the children were present. So Lu, Tia, and Hakuren—you three behave yourselves too.
Hey, stop trying to use magic to force the kids to sleep! Oh, Urza resisted it!
A lot happened, and it was a bit hectic... though the hectic part was mostly our own internal issues; the Lamias were perfectly fine. Yes, it was a very educational visit.
Let's see, the next step was one night back at the Village of the Great Tree, and then the Northern Dungeon. I’d be returning on the same day for that trip, without staying the night. I knew that. But was it really okay not to treat them the same?
They told me that since treating them exactly the same was impossible, it was actually better to make a clear distinction instead. Diplomacy is hard.