Volume 1 Chapter 51 Changes In The Cave
"Oh, I see. So that's what's going on."
After explaining to Chester what had happened, Chester said as he took a sip from the teacup the waiter had brought him, tasting the tea.
"Yes, so it's not guaranteed that the results will be exactly what you wanted, Chester-san. However, I will do my best after this matter is resolved."
Mel earnestly tried to convince Chester.
The reason for her seriousness was that the act Chester had mentioned, "saving the princess and creating a debt," was unlikely to be achieved in the current situation.
King Cretia had hired an S-rank adventurer to conquer the dungeon and obtain the three keys. On the other hand, Mel was trying to destroy the keys.
If she were to cooperate with Chester, it would even seem possible that the Clow Merchant Guild was rebelling against the king.
"No, it's okay. That's not our only goal as the merchant guild."
But Mel responds casually with a smile.
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Although Trasverum exists within the Cretia Kingdom, it is currently under the autonomous management of several powerful merchant guilds. I don't mean to boast, but our Clow Merchant guild is one of them."
Come to think of it, Elliot, Chester's father, mentioned something about the Wiol Merchant Guild when they first met.
"However, the Wiol Merchant Guild currently holds the most significant influence. Their reputation has risen since they recently hired an S-rank adventurer party, and many fear their involvement in conflicts. After all, they are the strongest among adventurers, so even hiring mercenaries might not guarantee a win."
In other words, in this city, instead of the Cretia soldiers maintaining public order, it seems that the power lies with the merchant guilds. The stronger the guild's power, the more control they have.
"This is just my speculation... but it seems that the S-Rank adventurer, Allen, may have learned how to enter the lower layer of the Aquaflow Cavern from my father. So he was probably searching for someone with the skill [Teleportation Magic].
As Mel mentioned, Allen being employed by the Wiol Merchant Guild is likely part of his plan.
This means that he has likely already started exploring the lower layer.
"It is highly possible that what Merletta-sama--no, Mel-sama, is correct. And we are also troubled by this. We have heard that many shops in Trasverum are being threatened by a person named Dolthos from the Wiol Merchant Guild and forced into unfair contracts."
"It's terrible... I absolutely can't forgive that!"
Fatina said with a strong tone, her cheeks puffed up.
I remember when we entered Toto's shop, a man with adventurers came. She also said that he was from the Wiol Merchant Guild.
It felt like all the events we saw in Trasverum were connected.
"There are many people who are dissatisfied with Dolthos' wicked methods. And above all, I can't forgive him for trying to hurt Toto-san!"
Chester said while tightly clenching his fist.
She must be really important to him.
Seeing his expression, both Fatina and Mel exclaimed, "Oh!"
Then Chester suddenly snapped back to reality and cleared his throat.
"Well, um... going back to what I was saying, let's say we conquer Aquaflow Cavern before the Wiol Merchant Guild. What do you think would happen?"
"The reputation of the Wiol Merchant Guild will be completely ruined."
"That's right! On the other hand, if the adventurers we hired successfully conquer the dungeon, the stock of the merchant guild will rise, and the S-Rank adventurers will lose their reason to be employed by the Wiol Merchant Guild. This way, they will instantly lose their influence in Trasverum."
I see.
So, even if the promise with Mel is not fulfilled, Chester and the others will still benefit.
"Therefore, please rest assured. For the sake of Trasverum, I will go with all of you."
Upon hearing Chester's words, Mel bowed her head and said, "Thank you very much."
"Alright, let's go right away! I'll get ready!"
Fatina quickly finished her tea, stood up confidently, and returned to her room.
"I'm grateful for your cooperation. Thank you so much."
"No, the pleasure is mine, Ark-san. Hey, why don't we stop by the Adventurer's Guild for a bit? There might be some new information there."
"Sure, let's do that."
We decided to go to the Adventurer's Guild at Chester's suggestion.
After leaving the dining hall, we each prepared ourselves.
Some time later, the three of us gathered in the main hall, where Chester had prepared essential portable food and potions in beautifully decorated bottles. They must be items handled by the merchant guild.
Chester informed the staff about our departure, and we left the mansion together.
"...hmm?"
As we approached the Trasverum Adventurer's Guild, we sensed a different atmosphere compared to our last visit.
Inside the building, we could hear adventurers chatting here and there.
"I heard a wraith appeared on the upper layer..."
"That's a joke, right? I heard those monsters are supposed to be on the lower layer."
"If that's true, maybe it's better to stop going into the dungeon and take on some easier requests."
Yesterday's events have already become a hot topic among adventurers.
In the current situation, it is natural to hesitate, as there are limited ways to deal with it, and people may also encounter deadly wraiths as soon as they enter the dungeon.
Now, we proceeded to the counter and stood in front of the receptionist, Sierra.
Sierra bows towards me, just like before.
"Good morning. I would like to contact you before asking for your assistance. Currently, many monsters have been confirmed to be moving far beyond their habitat range in the southern dungeon. Therefore, please be careful when exploring."
We all looked at each other at Sierra's words.
"What!? Many? Isn't it just wraiths?"
Fatina exclaims in surprise.
Sierra also looked a little confused by her reaction.
"Yes... I received a report this morning that monsters of C-Rank or above, which should be in the middle layer, have also appeared in the upper layer. Currently, the guild is considering blocking the dungeon."
"Oh, Ark-sama...this is--"
"Yeah."
I think she probably wants to say something like this.
--It's just like the time in the Emerald Green Dungeon.
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