Chapter 29
“No one asked you to be a hero. You’re not a saint, nor are you some special being. There’s no reason for you to sacrifice yourself for total strangers.”
“…….”
I just got scolded by a ten-year-old.
[‘The World-Building Verbalist’ asks incredulously if it’s true that a guy who hasn’t even returned yet dared to belittle an S-rank vessel by saying it’s not special.]
[‘The Skyscraper Architect of Trials’ remarks that it seems like someone exempt from rules is taking advantage to speak freely.]
[‘The Balancer of Critique’ finds it pathetic that the gods have such fragile minds, questioning what kind of ‘free talk’ that even is.]
[‘The Celestial Disclosure Inspector’ groans, claiming there’s an error in the protagonist’s stats.]
Only after reading the Inspector’s messages did I come to my senses.
That’s when I realized why I had been too stunned to say a word.
Tesillid had just violated ‘humility’ and ‘kindness,’ committed the sin of ‘anger,’ and denied the selflessness corresponding to ‘charity.’
It was a rule violation unimaginable for the original Tesillid, but thanks to my vessel privileges, it was possible against me.
“Being exempt isn’t all perks, huh.”
Tesillid’s heartfelt confession also had a big impact on Ifail and Hestio.
“Hey, Hestio. Did you hear that? Is he actually speaking sensibly?”
“Right? I feel relieved for once.”
What is this atmosphere?
This makes me feel like I’m in charge of all the potatoes here!
I felt the need to quickly smooth over the situation.
“Okay, I was wrong. I won’t do it again, so ease up a bit.”
“……Okay. Sorry for getting angry.”
The conversation was settled for now, so it was time to regroup. I looked around at the Grim Reapers flying nearby and made a suggestion.
“Let’s move somewhere safe.”
I didn’t forget to loot while Tesillid, uninterested in the spoils, stayed out of it.
I collected scraps from the fallen mole doll and something shiny from the fireplace, adding them to my inventory.
After scouting an appropriate spot, we entered a guest bedroom. This time, instead of hiding in the wardrobe, we moved furniture to block the door.
With the four of us seated in a circle, it was time for proper introductions. Tesillid took the lead.
“I’ll introduce everyone. This is Ailet; she can do alchemy and has plenty of potions. And these are Hestio and Ifail. You can tell from their clothes—they’re Saintmark followers.”
“Nice to meet you, Tesillid’s friends.”
Ifail and Hestio’s expressions crumpled again. This time, they seemed ready to confront the person directly.
“Hey, Tesillid. Did you really just call them friends with your own mouth?”
“That’s……”
Why hurt my potatoes like that?
Then it happened.
Rumble, rumble.
Two locations, judging by the offbeat rhythm.
“Not friends? Then I guess there’s no need to share something delicious?”
I pulled out a mouthwatering sandwich and said this.
“They’re friends. Really friends.”
“They’re my closest. Besties.”
“Really? If they’re besties, you should get another one. Here, Ifail, eat up.”
“Yes!”
Ifail got an extra one, and Hestio looked frustrated and resentful.
You can’t be stingy when it comes to food. I gave Hestio one too with a reasonable excuse.
“We’re going to stay close to Tesillid from now on, right?”
“Okay. And this is really tasty.”
“Want some more?”
“Yes, yes!”
I also handed out other food and drinks as if I were a parent entrusting my kids to someone’s care.
Tesillid observed all this with slightly strange eyes.
During our rest, we shared various stories: about my mysterious subspace inventory as large as growing children’s stomach capacity, and how I detoxified the kids who had taken hallucinating potions.
“You carried a whole cart of detox herbs? That bag’s incredible! Buy me one, Hestio!”
“Shut up. I knew Tesillid didn’t do that. He doesn’t have the brains for such things.”
“…….”
After talking about Tesillid behind his back, we had a meeting.
“What’s our next move?”
“We have to defeat the dungeon owner.”
Tesillid answered firmly to Hestio’s question. Ifail sighed.
“We wandered around the mansion playing hide-and-seek, but we couldn’t find a single exit gate. That means the gate is controlled even before the boss fight. Rescue from outside is impossible.”
Hestio shared some additional intel.
“Tesillid, you might already know, but the eastern and northern annexes are wiped out. I heard it from the demon butler earlier.”
“Then it’s just us.”
The atmosphere turned somber. They seemed pessimistic about whether four children could clear an S-rank dungeon.
I pointed out a positive angle.
“Our team composition isn’t bad.”
Unlike the original story, we have an alchemist. A lower-tier healer, but still a healer.
“I also know the way.”
Honestly, all that mattered was reaching the boss room. Right, kids?
It didn’t seem like encouragement was working; the atmosphere remained tense.
Ifail then spoke up.
“Ah, this isn’t my type. Let’s just pray.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You never know. Maybe the ‘Strict Order and Goodness’ will grant a miracle. Like last time, a divine manifestation happens instantly.”
“Divine manifestation?”
I flinched and asked, and Tesillid explained.
“Recently, the kingdom of Winchester detected the aura of a divine manifestation. A new saint is being born, and the church is searching for them.”
“…….”
Hmm, this seems…
[‘The World-Building Verbalist’ brags that the reputation of his first disciple has already spread to a neighboring country.]
[‘The Balancer of Critique’ asks if they might consider this heresy.]
[‘The Soul-Judging Scales’ doubts whether the church really seeks a saint or has dispatched a heresy investigator instead.]
[‘The World-Building Verbalist’ yells that, as a god being served, who are they to call it heresy.]
Seems like I was right. I asked cautiously.
“What does the church plan to do when they find that person?”
“Those who awaken divine power are meant to obey the church. They’ll be recognized as a saint and bear all related responsibilities.”
In other words, they’d force them to dedicate their talent for life.
I resolved not to use divine manifestation recklessly in front of others anymore.
Speaking of a saint… I quietly looked at Tesillid.
“Huuuu……”
“……Why are you staring like that?”
-You’re not a saint, nor a special being. There’s no reason for you to sacrifice yourself for strangers.
His words from before about me not being a saint felt hollow.
“Nothing. Huu.”
“…….”
Ifail summarized again.
“Anyway, Plan A is the boss fight. If that fails, we’ll switch to Plan B.”
“What’s Plan B?”
“Hestio, you know. Kill everyone and survive alone.”
Ifail sounded playful, but I couldn’t ignore it.
Before the mood sank further, I jumped up.
“Let’s head to the boss room once we’ve rested. Before the flowers grow more.”
The sign flower on my head couldn’t be fixed with a potion.
After clearing the mole dolls, my growth rate slowed, but as time passed, my body would surely be affected.
“Right, let’s go.”
The three Saintmark followers stood with resolute faces.
✠
Third floor of the Orschu Count Mansion.
After dealing with about four mid-bosses, we arrived at the boss room.
“Ready? Let’s go in.”
Ifail tossed the empty potion bottles aside.
Ever since discovering my potions tasted like fruit juice, he seemed to enjoy getting slightly hurt on purpose.
“Ailet, stay in the corner during the fight. Don’t draw the boss’s attention.”
Hestio checked on me.
“Okay, I’ll avoid attacks. You’ll be the top priority target.”
“…….”
Tesillid, acting as the tank, tried to reassure me.
“As long as the violet sign flower is present, the boss won’t attack Ailet. Let’s open it.”
Rrrrrr!
The massive archway creaked open.
[<System> Entered Boss Room: ‘Count’s Office’]
Against walls lined with books, a massive mahogany desk dominated the center, making everything feel giant-sized.
Kugugugung!
With a vibration, a chair slowly turned toward us.
A middle-aged gentleman with an egg-shaped physique sat there.
“Welcome. I’ve been waiting.”
A fitting line for a boss.
The Saintmark kids flinched slightly at the imposing aura.
The system introduced him for me.
However…
[<System> Dungeon Owner, Demonic Realm Rank ■■■: ‘Count Orschu ■■ ■■■’ has appeared.]
A blind spot? System error?
“Master Verbalist, are you there? Why is this happening?”
No answer. Had he sensed a bug reward and disappeared?
“Let’s go.”
“Yeah!”
“Charge, Ifail!”
While I was distracted by the system glitch, the three of them charged in.
“Wait, guys! Now I… huh? They’re fighting well?”
Clearly, the three of them were pressuring the boss.
Count Orschu was massive but slow, leaving many gaps.
This fight looked advantageous for us. Unlike the original story.
‘Maybe because I optimized their condition with potions and food?’
But something felt off. Why?
‘It’s an S-rank dungeon, yet the boss is too weak.’
I had enough experience to judge.
He was only slightly stronger than the bear and mole bosses we had fought. Not even comparable to Ardiman, an A-rank dungeon boss.
Then a thought struck me:
The entrance gates had been controlled the moment we entered the mansion. What did that imply?
‘Could it be…!’
Thud! The egg-shaped gentleman collapsed to the floor.
Of course, no conquest message appeared.
“Defeated…!”
“Hestio!”
As I shouted his name, he instinctively stepped back. By a hair, a few strands of his black hair were cut.
Fortunate, since his previous spot had completely collapsed.
Of course, he would have targeted the supporter first.
“What… what’s going on! Where are we?”
“Don’t be dawdling! Everyone, gather!”
The obedient kids returned upon my shout. Tesillid asked cautiously.
“What exactly happened?”
I gazed into the air and spoke.
“Yeah, it was strange from the start. Why wasn’t there a gate when we entered? Simple. It’s because we already faced the boss. Now, come out!”
A reply came.
“……Ah, ma’am. You truly are amazing!”
Ziiiiiing-
With a pulse, a space opened.
A young man in an elegant coat, not a tuxedo, revealed himself, white hair flowing.
He bowed politely.
“Let me properly introduce myself. I am……”
[<System> Dungeon Owner, Demonic Realm Rank 778: ‘Rodrigo Orschu’ has appeared!]
“This mansion’s owner, Count Rodrigo Orschu.”
Rodrigo, who had disguised himself as a butler, was the true boss here.
