Chapter 77: Chapter 75: Three’s a Charm

“What is…” Maven trailed off as she saw the tall angel in front of her. Given Maven’s sudden teleportation out of the dungeon, there was only one person this could really be – the goddess of Dungeons herself.

“Apologies for the sudden transfer.” Dungeons said. “But I saw you had cleared the dungeon and it was earlier than I had expected and…” She trailed off, then took a deep breath. “That’s not important. What’s important is you and me. So, I’m just going to cut to the chase; I’m in the market for an Appointed, and I think you really have promise.”

“M-me?” Maven asked in a small voice. “B-but I wasn’t even a real freelancer until a few months ago.”

“Immaterial.” Dungeons said, waving a hand. “Your statline is decent, you’re well connected, and you’re pretty amiable. As a bonus, you’re in a party with Ellie and Tess, which makes a lot of things a lot easier.”

“But my stats are just…above average, not Appointed-tier!” Maven protested. “Surely there’s someone better suited for the job!”

“And why should stats be the most important part of this equation?” Dungeons asked, raising an eyebrow. “Yes, there are some Appointed who are practically required to have amazing stats, but mine is not one of them. Most of the work will be done in dungeons, and believe me, with my Blessings, even someone with Tess’s stats could make something work. It’d be harder, yes, but not a dealbreaker by any stretch of the imagination.

“I’m more in the market for someone who’s got the proper mindset, people skills, and connections.” Dungeons continued. “By virtue of being a crown princess, you fit two of those categories practically by default.” She paused, giving Maven an expectant look. “You do, right?”

“I…perhaps?” Maven said. “I don’t know what connections you’re referring to. But…I’m planning to abdicate the moment I get the throne, that’s…a problem, right?”

“Not at all!” Dungeons grinned. “In fact, it’d be more inconvenient if you didn’t abdicate. Being tied down by all that…busywork just isn’t my style. We could make it work if something happens, but it’s just a pain, you know?”

Maven blinked in surprise. “Yeah, I do.” She said. “I…didn’t expect you to feel the same way.”

“Absolutely.” Dungeons said. “It might work for someone like Subterfuge, but my sort of work would all but require you to be away from Paumen for long periods of time, deep in unexplored territory. There’s a high chance you’d be away from civilization for a while, just you, your vehicle, and perhaps Tess and Ellie for company. It can be a demanding lifestyle at times, do you think you could handle that?”

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Heart beating in her chest, Maven nodded. “I don’t mind if I’m just living out of a hoverer.” She said. “The comforts of home are more…bindings than anything, I can absolutely make do with just the simple stuff, especially if it means I get to go explore and be…active.”

“Good.” Dungeons said, giving her a smile. “And that’s the mindset I was talking about. So, you fit all my criteria perfectly, would you be up for the job?”

“Absolutely.” Maven said firmly. “I…have to admit I would be lying if I hadn’t thought…no, dreamed about something like this happening before. I’m more than happy to accept.”

“Perfect.” Dungeons said, grinning. “Time for the fun stuff, then.”

“The fun stuff?” Maven asked.

“Well, I gave you a minor Blessing, but if you’re going to be my Appointed, you need my strongest Blessing. It’s sort of a…well, a given for any Appointed, and I’m not gonna let mine be different.” She waved a hand, and Maven received a window.

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