Volume 8 Chapter 2 Arrival, Alexander
As we completed the formalities with the guard and passed through the gate, a sprawling town spread out before us.
"This is the territory of Margrave Graz. The king, the commander-in-chief, Wade-kun's party members, and the Great Dungeon are all gathered here," Roman explained.
"There's a Great Dungeon on the border?" I replied.
"Yes. Even though it's a vulnerable location, the king seems to think it's better to let it run wild for a bit before handing it over. I really felt grateful for our king at that time."
"Alex looks like someone you wouldn't want to make an enemy of, though..."
As we were talking, the carriage stopped. We arrived at the front gate of the lord's mansion, and Windy went through the same procedure as the city wall to open the gate. We continued on our way.
And so, we got off the carriage at the entrance of the Margrave of Graz's mansion. Servants came out in droves and guided us, saying, "You must be tired. Duke of Württemberg, Count of Mannheim, and Moruru-sama and Ridge-sama, this way."
"The rest of you will be accommodated at another residence. Please rest there."
The carriage started moving, and everyone who was considered a servant was led away. I guess it means that they get to rest, but we don't. It feels like the responsibility of those who stand above.
We were welcomed in and immediately thrown into the bath. Maids bustled around and quickly washed our bodies, leaving no room for modesty.
A few minutes later, we, stripped of the dirt from our long journey, were all dressed in noble attire. Moruru was also dressed like a noble young lady. The collar that she couldn't resist was also removed.
"I feel uneasy without it..."
"I guess it's time to graduate. Moruru is a noble from now on too. Get your spirit up."
"Hmm... I got it..."
She seemed unhappy, but she was obedient enough to accept it. I wonder if Moruru will be an adult if I leave her for 3 days. Will I be able to endure being apart from her?
"Then, this way."
a haughty-looking maid among the maids guided us. She opened a heavy door at the end of the corridor.
Beyond that, everyone was gathered.
"Wade-kun!" "Wade!" "We've been waiting for you, Wade!"
Ice, Toxy, and Sandra lit up with joy as they saw me. I was happy to see them too, and I ran up to them, saying, "Hey there! It's been a while!" I embraced them all in a hug.
"Oh my!" "Wow! You scared me!" "How bold. I like it."
"I'm so glad to see you all too! I've missed you guys!"
The 3 of them chuckled at my beaming smile. They were all dressed up in their finest noble attire, looking absolutely stunning. My heart swelled with joy at our reunion.
Just as I was releasing them from my hug, a large figure approached us and spoke up.
"Well, well, Wade-kun. It's good to see you in good health."
"Oh, hey Clay. You look well too. ... Yeah, I can see it. You've all gotten stronger."
As I said that, their faces tightened into serious expressions. I couldn't help but notice a hint of sadness in Ice's eyes, which made me frown.
But for now, that could wait. Alright, I turned my gaze towards the innermost part of the hall.
I approached it, then knelt down on one knee and bowed in the traditional noble manner.
"Belatedly, I greet you. It has been a long time. My lord the King―― Is this okay?"
"You're quite the nobleman now, aren't you, Wade? It's been a while."
Alex, who was seated on the throne, ruffled my hair affectionately. I chuckled and said, "Alex always feels more like an older brother than a king, no matter when I see him."
"Well, with this, everyone but Sieg is here."
"Oh, right. Sieg isn't here. Where is he?"
When I asked Alex about it, he said, "Hmm? Scouting."
"Scouting?"
"I told him to go check out the Grand Dungeon this morning. He should be back soon."
Alex said that, and at that moment, I heard heavy footsteps from the corridor behind me and turned around.
"I'm back, Alex. Oh! Roman and Wade! You're back!"
"Yes, I'm back, Commander-in-chief."
"It's been a while, Sieg."
Sieg appears with his usual massive body. Roman, after high-fiving me in order, Sieg then kneeled down beside Alex.
"I've completed my reconnaissance of the Great Dungeon's 99th floor. I didn't defeat the 100th floor's guardian, but that was according to your instructions, right?"
"Yes, it's best to avoid killing that guardian if possible. Especially when the goal is to defeat the Demon King, like this time."
I could feel the tension in the air rise palpably as Alex's words implied caution.
Defeat the Demon King.
That's why we were gathered here.
"Well, I guess that means everyone's here now."
In response to Alex's confirmation, everyone present turned to look at him. Alex maintained his relaxed demeanor despite the attention, and he smirked at us with a sweeping gaze.
"First of all, I want to thank you all for coming. I feel truly blessed to be admired by seasoned veterans like you guys. But enough with the preamble."
The playfulness faded from Alex's expression, replaced by a detached and menacing grin.
"I gathered you all here for the Demon King's defeat, with the Wade Party as the main force. Sieg and Roman, you've worked hard up until now to support and train the Wade Party members. Take a break for a while and await further instructions."
""Yes!""
Sieg and Roman bowed their heads in a subordinate's salute. Alex nodded magnanimously and looked at us, saying, "And now, the Wade Party."
"First, I'd like to hear a report on your progress. Then we'll move on to the Demon King's defeat ―― how we're going to kill Queen Hell. So, first..."
Alex locked eyes with me and grinned.
"Wade. Let me hear your report."
I nodded and opened my mouth.
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