Chapter 53: 53 Episode 53 "Work Counseling for Shrine Maidens and Visitors".txt

The day after Rafilia and I signed a master contract.

Me, Cecil, and Rafilia were visiting Iris's mansion.

Cecil is my escort.

Rafilia is meeting Iris for the first time, so we also introduce her to him. Of course, she's wearing a disguise while walking outside, hiding her elf ears in a hood made by Aine's handiwork.

The reason we're meeting Iris is to greet her as she arrives in Irgafa, and to hear about the situation of the Knights of Divine Life and the Adventurer's Guild at the moment.

The "Ilgafa Lordship House" - Iris's house is a building that looks like a scaled-down version of the royal palace, with a huge double-ended door at the entrance and a gatekeeper waiting for me.

He was the gatekeeper who received the letter addressed to Iris when I visited here this morning. He seemed to have let me through and politely told me to go around to the service entrance.

We were guided through the service gate and led by the maid through a wide corridor.

"Actually, we would like to ask Souma-sama to investigate the sacred site of the sea dragon.

We were to hear about the quest from Iris, who was waiting in the parlor.

''Wasn't the Sea Dragon Sanctuary the place where the 'Sea Dragon Festival' ceremony was held?

I asked Iris.

Rita and Aine taught me everything I needed to know about this place.

In the morning, I had them both go out and ask around. Thanks to Aine's good communication skills and Rita's auditory skills, I've been getting a lot of information.

A few days later, there's a festival of the sea dragon Kerkator, the guardian deity of the port city of Ilgafa. Iris is a priestess at the festival, but something seems to be going wrong with the festival.

At the tip of the peninsula. I've heard the rumors that a demon has appeared there too.

''Yes. It's a rare occurrence, but the wards around the Holy Land seem to be weakening.

Standing at the window, Iris began to speak.

She is wearing a yellow dress. Accessories of the same color on her head and arms. Her green hair was swaying in the wind that blew in through the thin open window.

'There is a cave - a small dungeon - in the holy place that is used for rituals. There are reports of demons coming in and out of there.

What is the nature of the demon?

I don't know. But seeing that he is not clearly visible, he seems to be a very cautious person. The dungeon is a difficult place for a large number of soldiers to deploy, and, after all, I think it's best to ask the adventurers to investigate.

The holy place is where the sea dragon Kerkator appears during the festival.

If there are demons there, the sea dragons might be wary and not go near it, and Iris can't go there either.

The dungeon is not a good place to deploy a large army. If they tried to get rid of the demons and razed the holy ground, the sea dragons might not come back. That would be useless.

''That's why I want to send someone skilled to investigate and get rid of the demons. Because the strongest and most trustworthy person Iris knows is Souma-sama and his party.

Iris announced, her green hair fluttering in the wind from the sea.

''Of course, this is an official request from the Ilgafa lord family. Iris will be responsible for the 'contract' (contract).

What about compensation, deadlines, and other terms?

The reward is 4,000 arsha. It is a success reward. There are no penalties for quest failure. Even though it's a dungeon, it's small enough that Iris can get to the center of the room by herself during the ritual. It's probably a couple of hours long to conquer it. The deadline is ...... preferably by tomorrow.

I'll take that as a yes.

'Naruhaya'?

I'm sorry. I just figured you were in a hurry.

The festival is in six days. I know I'm in a hurry. But I think it's a bit hard to make a request today and have it done by tomorrow.

''The reason I'm setting a deadline of tomorrow is because after that, the request will go to the Adventurer's Guild.

Iris lowered her eyes and told him.

'Then that Order of Divine Life (・・・・・) will have to move.

...... ugh.

Raphilia held her mouth in hearty disgust. 'Yeah, I know.

'They're strong, but the way they do their job is a mess. That's why I don't want them in the Holy Land as much as possible. That's why we're in such a hurry to get your work done.

Iris's tone of voice also seemed to be very unpleasant.

How much do they hate you, the Order of Divine Life?

I also saw them yesterday, but who are those guys?

'Iris doesn't know the details either. But I do know that he brought a letter of introduction from a nobleman in King's Landing and that they are a powerful party.

I saw how they did it too. Frankly, it made me want to puke.

I'm glad Lady Souma has the same values as Iris.

I think so too.

Raphilia is cowering with a very pale face, as if she's remembering yesterday. Cecil is stroking Rafilia's back, and her face looks like she's swallowed something sour.

I think they deserve to be recognized as enemies just for making my slave look like this.

''If it's true, we ask the Adventurer's Guild to investigate the holy place every year. We have to make sure there's no danger before we perform the rituals on the festival day. But right now, because of the Knights of Divine Life, the Adventurer's Guild is not functioning.

It's not working.

I nod back at Iris' words.

...... That's right.

Raphilia was getting a pressure interview, and she was left out. I even brought up "God of Contracts" and finally gave up on the Knights of Divine Life. If it was true, the guild would have stopped him. If it was the original world, they would just keep bashing the people who came for the interview, and continue to do so until they took the case to court, and then the people who introduced the job to them would just turn a blind eye to it.

It would be better to go down now.

''There's no doubt in my mind that the Knights of Divine Life are high-ranking adventurers, right?

Yes, I will fulfill your request. But it will do more harm than good to those around it.

What do you mean by that?

"To defeat the demons that are attacking the stables, I'd fire a bunch of flaming spells and turn the animals into ashes.

...... Huh?

'Driving demons that appear on the streets towards travellers and caravans, and making more victims.

Go to ............

'We basically leave our seriously injured companions alone. So I've heard that there are either corpses or severely injured people lying around in the wake of their quests. I've heard that there are more than a few dozen party members, with the exception of the higher-ranking ones, who are constantly being replaced. And because of their extremely high fighting ability, they are said to have a monopoly on the most difficult quests.

Why does the Adventurer's Guild allow it?

''They voluntarily pay thirty percent of their reward up to the guild. Therefore, it wouldn't be a bad party for the Adventurer's Guild. Furthermore, all they are doing are high-difficulty quests. Compared to leaving demons unattended, it's unavoidable that there will be some damage ...... that's what it's all about.

Go down, after all, the adventurer's guild of Ilgafa. Or rather, take a look at Aine's commoner's guild.

That's why the Knights of Divine Life (Black Company) are doing whatever they want to do.

Like they did to Raphilia, they forcefully recruit people into their party and take them on difficult missions and disposable. You're going to have to forcefully recruit the reduced number of members again and add .......

The question is, why would a disposable member put up with such a situation, but this is most likely a forced 'contract'.

For the guild, they get a top-up payment, so they are grateful for it. It's a good thing.

...... It's very annoying for us.

Okay. I'll take Iris's request.

I said.

It's not a bad deal either way. As an employer, I trust Iris-Hapheumea.

He's paid me well in the past, and he's given me a catalogue of loose goods.

This quest is just about getting rid of the monsters in the dungeon. They just need to be safe until Iris strengthens the wards.

...... I really wanted to laze around at home for a bit longer.

But now that the Adventurer's Guild isn't functioning, there's little chance of getting a decent job. There might be some low-level quests, but the Adventurer's Guild has the Knights of Divine Life. Honestly, I don't want to get involved. I don't want to be spotted.

That's why we don't have the option of turning down the work of Iris-Hapheumea - a valuable "trustworthy partner". And I can understand why Iris would want nothing to do with those guys.

I'm sure you're aware of the fact that the Knights of Divine Life are involved in this, and that the holy land of the sea dragons will be damaged. That's why we're here, right?

At my line, Iris nodded with a look of relief on her face.

Iris doesn't want that place to be trampled by misbehaving people.

All right. Then I want you to tell me more about the Holy Land. Also, if the wards have ever been weakened before, like a list of the demons that appeared at that time.

'That's of course. I'll get you a map and documentation later.

Iris is a quick talker and a big help.

Of course. Iris and Master Souma are your friends, aren't they?

Iris smiled somewhat embarrassed as she said that.

''I'm glad to be of service to you, Souma-sama. It makes me feel kind of happy. ...... That's right.

As if she had an idea, Iris clapped her hands together.

'Or better yet, why don't you accompany Iris to the dungeon?

Iris?

''Yes. Either way, after we get rid of the demons, Iris will have to go in and perform a ritual to strengthen the wards.

Saying that, Iris stretched out her chest with an ehemism.

Originally, the sacred ground was warding off demons. It borrowed part of the sea dragon's power, and only Iris can control the wards. After getting rid of the demons, I can perform the warding strengthening ritual at the end of the dungeon. That's what it seems to be about.

'Iris is the one who knows the structure of the sea dragon dungeon the best. Every year, I used to guide the adventurer's guild during the survey. If there are no demons, it's about an hour and a half's journey to the center of the dungeon. It's not a problem at all. It's a year-round event.

She was an amazingly convincing miko.

A year round event. Then it can't be helped: .......

"It is also the duty of a miko to make sure that the holy place is kept clean. Failing to do so might incur the wrath of the sea dragon Kerkator.

A maiden's duty. Then...

'Besides, the only person who can go to the center and reinforce the wards is Iris. See, it's perfectly fine, isn't it?

Only Iris can enhance the results, then: ............

No, wait a minute, that's a stretch.

I almost inadvertently convinced him.

'If you're going to reinforce the wards, you can do it after we sweep up the demons, right?

The only thing you need to know is what kind of demon entered your home and why the wards have been loosened. In order to do that, she'll have to go with Souma and the others.

'I'll tell you what kind of demon it is, and we can find out why the wards have been loosened later when we're all settled in, right?

Dear Souma.

Iris looked at me, resentfully.

She had teary eyes.

She was squeezing the hem of her dress with her little hands.

'A girl is trying to be brave and have an adventure, you know?　As a brave man, don't you think you can take him out?

I don't think so.

Why?

What's the point of taking a miko with you when you're investigating for her safety? Also, I'm not a hero to begin with.

Uh-oh.

No bellowing through teary eyes.

Please don't treat Iris like a child!

With a bang, Iris tapped the table with the palm of her hand.

''Iris's suggestion was based on a calculation of the speed and efficiency of the quest attack!

My refusal to do so is based on a calculation of my employer's life risk.

Don't be such a stranger. Lady Souma and Iris are your friends!

Yeah. So. I can't take my friends to a dangerous place.

......

Iris gulped at my line.

There was a winner.

Iris turned her head to the side with tears in her eyes, breathed for a while, and then sighed, huffing and puffing.

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'It seems that Souma-sama is more correct. I understand. Let's let Iris pull here.''

That would be great.

Then I think Iris will enter the dungeon to reinforce the wards once Souma and the others are safe.

Oh, good. He's convinced.

'Of course. That's what I was going to do all along.

Pinching the hem of her dress, Iris laughed.

You lied. You were ready to follow me to the dungeon, now.

Didn't I tell you before that Iris can't even walk around freely? Maybe the festive ceremonies are the only time Iris can impose her will.

Then Iris will wait on the ground until Souma and the others have finished their investigation. So, in the meantime, would you be willing to have a companion of Souma's to escort you?

Saying that, Iris looked at Cecil and Raphilia.

Receiving a straight gaze, the two of them involuntarily open their eyes.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make your life easier," he said, speaking calmly as if to reassure them.

''I intend to have the regular soldiers accompany me, but I would like Souma-sama's companions to stay with me as well.

As a liaison to Iris?

''That's right. As soon as Souma-sama and the others return from the dungeon, Iris will be inside to perform the warding reinforcement ritual.

When we return, we'll report back to Iris and the regulars on the state of the dungeon.

And when we bring Iris back inside with us, it will be easier for us to coordinate with them if our companions are close to Iris.

"──and is that what you mean?

That's part of it, but ...... really, I need someone to talk to because I get anxious while Iris is waiting.

You are too weird, Iris.

Friends don't hide things from each other, you know.

Indeed, I can understand Iris' convenience.

As soon as she gets rid of the demons, Iris will go to the dungeon to perform the warding strengthening ritual. In order to do that, he'll have to wait by the dungeon the whole time. And as we found out in the last battle, the regulars can't be relied upon to do much. So it's not unreasonable to think of us as guards.　

''I get it. In that case... Rafilia.

Huh?

Raphilia, who was sitting on the couch in a daze, jumped up.

'Oh, it's me, it's me?'

Okay. Stay with Iris while we get in the dungeon.

The master of ...... trusts me, sir. ......?

Yeah. I'll have you team up with Aine.

First of all, Cecil's "Ancient Language Magic" requires support from Rita or me. And Rita is essential as a combatant. Naturally, I can't have everyone hiding in the dungeon waiting for me, so I'm going to accompany them. In other words, these three will be going to the dungeon.

Iris will teach me the structure of the dungeon. It's a dungeon for rituals, so it's not very large. Apparently, there's no record of a powerful demon entering the dungeon. So, as long as Cecil and Rita are around, we should be able to handle it. If they're tough, we can go back and come back with a full team.

That's why Rafilia and Aine will be in charge of protecting Iris. Rafilia can use both archery and magic, and if she's in a pinch, she can use her "Bad Luck Annihilation Lv 1" cheat skill to raise her luck level (rack) and escape.

Aine can use "Increase Sewage" if she's near water, and if she's a low-level demon, she can blow it away with "Demon Wipe".

I'm still a bit worried about it, so I'm going to strengthen Raphilia a bit when I get back. I'm pretty sure I still had some of the 'watering down' skills that Iris gave me. After that, I'll stop by the skill shop and...

─ ─ I explained to everyone, except for the cheat skill thing.

"You're on it, master!

Raphilia tapped her chest with a pop. She coughed out, "Geho-gaho-gaho-gaho.

"This Raphilia-Grace, I am going to test my new self. I am determined to fulfill my mission from the Master, even if it means turning it into a life!

And, Iris. The guards are on a separate contract, so you'll have to pay Raphilia and Aine directly for their services.

I said.

Raphilia's "master-servant contract" is costing her a lot of money because of the "bad luck invitation" curse. I want to cut those things out as much as possible.

Aine is going to buy everyone's stuff even if I give her ...... compensation. She's a 'sissy'.

'So, the quest starts early tomorrow morning. We're good to go.

Okay. By the way: ......

Iris comes to my side.

She stands tall and looks up at me with her hands folded in prayer.

''Souma-sama, what did you do with the 'Crude Inventory' that Iris gave you earlier?''

"?　That one is still there. Iris, you forgot to write the name of the item, didn't you?

Have you signed for the pickup or have you gone to ......?

'I won't. I don't want some weird 'deal' to be made.

......

Huh?　Why are you looking at me like that?

Iris looked me up and down and then smiled, stroking her hair as if to cover it up.

'No, it's nothing. For that matter, when you're done with your quest, Iris will show you the dungeon of the sea dragon. This is a sightseeing tour by a priestess. This is something that doesn't happen very often, it's amazing.

Touring the dungeons of the sea dragon.

That's certainly impressive. It is.

''I recommend the cave where the sea dragon's daughter and the brave were united. It is said that only a select group of people can enter this cave, and it is a place that Irgapha's lovers have longed for. It's very beautiful and has a nice atmosphere, so the two of you who wandered in there may find yourselves inadvertently...

You can't do that if you're only allowed in if you're selected.

'Right. That's right. I'm looking forward to it.

Iris nods repeatedly, "Mmmmmmmm," she says.

I stand up with Cecil and Rafilia. Iris, who has a kind of grin on her face, slaps me on the cheek, as if she's trying to get into the swing of things, and returns to her 'daughter of the lord's house' face again. Then she picks up her dress and bows to us.

Then, tomorrow, thank you. Please help me to protect the "Sea Dragon Dungeon". Soma-Nagi-sama, ladies and gentlemen.

Taking Iris' words as our cue, we left the room.

This is how we set out to investigate the dungeon of the sea dragon.

After Nagi and the others left, there was a knock at the parlor.

'Iris, are you here?　It's your brother, okay?

...... brother.

I opened the door and in the hallway stood a tall man with gray hair and blue eyes.

It was Neuel-Hafeumea, Iris's brother.

'I have something to discuss with you, if you don't mind.

Without waiting for Iris' reply, Noel walks into the parlor.

''Regarding the investigation of the Holy Land, why didn't you ask the Adventurer's Guild for help?''

With your father's permission, sir.

I know. But Iris didn't ask you what the cost was over there, did she?　From what I've inquired about, the 'Order of Divine Life' will take it for 3000 arsha. Furthermore, I was the intermediary for the job, and there is an honorarium of 1,000 arsha for me.

You see, Iris, there's no need to hire someone who costs more than them...

''The amount Iris offered is the same as last year. I'm just adding on the amount of money I have to kill the demons. And that's a fair price.

Why do I have to repeat what I've said before?

It was so much fun earlier.

''Besides, the Holy Land is a sacred place to meet the sea dragon. Even if it costs a little more, isn't it natural to leave it to someone you can trust?''

'Ha!　Old Iris.

Noiel-Hafeumea tapped on the wall in irritation.

'Where's the guarantee that the sea dragons won't come when the Holy Land is a little rougher?　No, even the Knights of Divine Life know the importance of that place. You might be able to do a polite job with the Ilgafa lord family's request, right? The cost is practically half the cost, half the cost!

Do you really want that much in return for your reward of 1,000 arsha, brother?

'It takes a good deal of investment to seduce a marquis lady. The child Iris wouldn't understand, though.

"'A ship laden with more cargo than its vessel is inevitable to become seaweed' - do you know what the Ilgafa proverb says, brother?

You know what?　What do children know about me?

Don't scream. Iris is very calm.

Why does this always happen?

My brother and sister are thoroughly out of character with each other. We have different values.

The Ilgafa Lords are a prosperous family with shipping and commerce, and I understand that cost is important.

It's not that Iris doesn't understand the logic that a connection to the nobility would help with commerce, too. I'm just saying that you have to choose your means.

The port city of Ilgafa is a town protected by a more than human being called a sea dragon. We shouldn't do anything to lose that blessing. Using the Knights of Divine Life is out of the question.

Even your brother couldn't possibly not know what they are doing.

''You know that the Divine Order uses our party members as disposable items.　Brother.

What does that have to do with us?

Doesn't your brother feel any differently about it?

If you don't like it, you can walk away. If you don't like it, you can walk away. That's it. It doesn't matter to me.

...... There's something dangerous about those masked people. We don't even know how many members they have. We don't even know why those who wear masks are indulging in terrible conditions of employment. Most of all, maybe why they go too far in the face of the enemy.

Iris looked at her brother Noel with a clenched face.

Her brother, who had a thin smile on his face, shook his shoulders slightly for a moment.

''Iris is a sea dragon priestess. I cannot leave the security of our sacred place to such people.''

Don't feel good about being a ...... priestess.

Now is the time of year for the festival. Iris has a duty to do her duty well. That's all!

'Yes, I suppose that's the case this time, Iris.

...... What do you mean by that?

'I know what Iris wants. You want to give up your position as a priestess, don't you?　I'm telling you that I might be able to give you that wish.

You may leave, my brother.

Iris pointed towards the door.

'There is nothing more to say. I have entrusted the service of the Festival of the Sea Dragons to Iris.

Yeah, I'm sorry about that. Just remember this, Iris.

Noel's lips twitched and he smiled.

'Your brother is always thinking of Iris' happiness,'

Thank you for ............, brother.

He could barely answer that.

After her brother left, Iris sighed and sat down on the couch, sighing.

'...... Souma-sama,'

I wonder if Souma-sama still has that 'crude inventory'?

Did that person understand the meaning of it?

If you don't tell him, it's ...... from the mouth of Iris. That's why I wanted to connect with that person.

I promised you that I would give you a touristic guide ......

If it has to do with the festival, Iris's opinion will be accepted.

At that time - in the heart of the holy land, let's talk about everything.

Maybe Souma-sama will be able to attend.

The moment Iris and Kerkator face each other at the Sea Dragon Festival, that's the moment.

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