Chapter 378: Chapter 378

“Then, with this, today’s meeting is concluded. Everyone, make sure to convey what needs to be conveyed to those who need to hear it. Our stance has been declared. There is no turning back now.”

When the meeting ended, Vias-san immediately approached me.

“Seimu, was it? If you’ve cleared a dungeon, that means you’re pretty damn capable, huh? How about it, wanna have a spar with me sometime? You’ve been on my mind since the time we met in the bath.” (Vias)

Hieeeh! Spare me. Personally, I think this guy is the most dangerous one here…

“My, my, my! To say such things like ‘fight’ and ‘meeting in the bath’ and ‘been on my mind’… Vias-sama, I must ask that you refrain from uttering such sweet words that tempt me away from chastity, especially in front of me-desu wa. Do you perhaps wish to develop that kind of relationship with Seimu-sama? Oh dear, this is troubling. By rights, I should be the one condemning such unproductive relationships, and yet…” (Shian)

“Hah? What the hell are you babbling about?” (Vias)

“…Vias-san, I’ll have to decline your invitation.” (Shizuma)

Good grief, there was an even more dangerous person right here. Shian-san is a bit rotten**.

“Ahh…my poor, pitiful Vias-sama. …Well, I’ve had a fine sight to enjoy, so I’ll be taking my leave now-desu wa ne.” (Shian)

One after another, the participants began leaving the conference room.

And then, when Shuris-san was about to step out…

“…May I come visit your house sometime?” (Shuris)

I, who will soon become Shilent, cannot nod to that question.

“How about today? I’ll soon have to leave the city to call for Shilent.” (Shizuma)

“I-Is that really okay? …You’re right, you’ll be away again soon. Understood, then let’s head back together.” (Shuris)

I invited her on the spot. Somehow…I feel like I have been neglecting Shuris-san a little.

At least, as Seimu, that is.

“Hm… Kokuri, what do you think we should do?”

“Well, if it’s Shuris-san, wouldn’t it be fine? She’s practically the same as being directly under the Holy Principality.” (Kokuri)

Kokuri-san and the Queen were having this kind of conversation, while everyone else was leaving.

Wait, what’s this about?

“Normally, only those at the core of the nation, like Kokuri and I, would know this. But if it’s Shuris, then she may also be present. Kres, you too. As captain of the knights, you should know of this as well.”

“Yes. I shall accompany you anywhere.” (Kres)

“Um, what exactly are you all talking about?” (Shizuma)

“You’ll understand soon enough. Seimu, I will also be heading to your home later. Could you go on ahead?”

Umm…is this about the use of the Dungeon Core? Some confidential matter that can’t be discussed within the castle…?

“Come to think of it, I’ve never actually seen your house before, Seimu-san. I’ve heard where it is, though.” (Shuris)

“It’s a really nice house. Quiet at night, and it even has a big bath.” (Shizuma)

On the way back from the castle, I walked alongside Shuris-san, who seemed to be in high spirits.

“What! A house with a bath!? Ahh, if only I had brought my bath set with me…! Kuhh…! May I come by again later just to bathe!?” (Shuris)

“Ah… well, sure. Even if I’m not around, Melt will be at home most of the time, so…” (Shizuma)

“I see, I see. If Melt-kun is there, that’s perfect. We can deepen our bonds through a proper naked friendship!” (Shuris)

Ahh… I can already see Melt’s tail being scrubbed to a bubbly mess again…

When we arrived at the house, Melt was already back, working on something at the edge of the garden.

“Melt, I’m home.” (Shizuma)

“Ah, welcome back, Seimu! …And you brought Bubbly-san with you too, huh?” (Melt)

“Hey there, Melt-kun. Long time no see, perhaps? You must be tired from that long mission with Letty the other day.” (Shuris)

“I was glad to have Letty-chan with me. She taught me a lot.” (Melt)

For just an instant, I caught the look of wariness on Melt’s face.

“So, what are you doing?” (Shizuma)

Looking over, I saw that Melt was digging a channel from the nearby stream to the garden, creating what looked like a pond.

Melt’s nature magic sure is convenient. She can handle civil engineering work all on her own, perfectly.

“Aha! I get it, Melt-kun! You’re making an outdoor bath here, aren’t you!? Very nice! You’ll be able to enjoy a bath while soaking in the forest atmosphere… Quite a tasteful idea!” (Shuris)

“Wrong! Bzzzt! Bubbly-san, you’re way off! This is just a pond. Later I’ll transplant some water plants and make it a comfy place for shrimp to live! I’ll also cover the drainage with a net so they can’t escape. That way, shrimp will gather and breed here!” (Melt)

…Oh. So Melt was planning on farming shrimp for deep-fried shrimp…!

Well, there’s no reason to stop her. Besides, she looks like she’s having fun.

“Shrimp… I-I see. I don’t fully get it, but I hope it works out.” (Shuris)

“It will, for sure! That stream flows pretty fast, so I’m sure shrimp will come to take refuge here. And if they find a place …no current, lots of hiding spots…they’ll definitely settle in!” (Melt)

Hmph. Melt really is smart. She doesn’t just act on a whim…she’s got reasoning behind her actions.

I headed inside the house with Shuris-san, since Melt said she’d continue working on the pond.

The Queen was supposed to come later after all… I should at least prepare tea and snacks.

“I’ll be intruding. Fufu, it really is a nice house. A spacious kitchen…and the room next to it is a parlor, perhaps?” (Shuris)

“That’s right. There’s also a sunroom and a piano.” (Shizuma)

“Ooh. Oh, that reminds me…I met your musician friend. Quite an interesting fellow.” (Shuris)

“Ah, you mean Hash. He should have returned to the brigade, but knowing him, he might be wandering alone somewhere again.” (Shizuma)

“Haha, I see. I’m glad it was him who wandered off, and not you. To be honest… I was worried.” (Shuris)

After looking around the house, Shuris-san straightened her posture and turned toward me.

As if declaring she was about to say something important.

“You had a Dungeon Core from the very beginning, didn’t you?” (Shuris)

“Yes, that’s right.” (Shizuma)

“Perhaps because of that, you were always on guard. And yet, I selfishly approached you just to satisfy my curiosity…even sent Alice at you. When you must have been ever watchful, evaluating this country as someone in possession of a Dungeon Core…” (Shuris)

“…That did happen, didn’t it. Feels nostalgic now.” (Shizuma)

“…Once again, I want to apologize. I’m truly sorry.” (Shuris)

She bowed her head, but I quickly made her raise it.

“Please, raise your head. I was just a little too sensitive back then, having just arrived in the city. It’s all in the past now.” (Shizuma)

“But if even a part of that made you distrust me, or this nation… The thought terrifies me. I have many subordinates and colleagues, but… friends? You are my first.” (Shuris)

“T-That’s… truly an honor.” (Shizuma)

“That’s why I don’t want you to hate me. After you bought this house, you were away from the city so often. I worried that it meant ‘you bought the house for Melt-kun, but you yourself planned to set off again.’ So I kept making up reasons to call you out. And now with this Dungeon Core… I’m afraid that if it enriches the nation, you’ll disappear somewhere again.” (Shuris)

…How should I put this… Shuris-san suddenly felt like a little girl, desperately trying to keep a friend from leaving. It made me want to protect her.

“It was all for the sake of discussions with the brigade. I’ve decided to put down roots in this country, and the rest of the brigade has accepted that. That’s why I went to the castle today with this conclusion in hand.” (Shizuma)

“I see… Thank goodness. That really was my biggest worry.” (Shuris)

“And you’re the first friend I made in this city, Shuris-san. I’m not just going to up and leave. Of course, as an adventurer, I’ll still take jobs that send me far away, though.” (Shizuma)

“Is that so? …Well, yes. An adventurer must never forget adventure. Just…if you can, don’t forget to bring souvenirs and stories back with you. Preferably bath-related ones.” (Shuris) Googlᴇ search 𝙣𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙡⚑𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚⚑𝙣𝙚𝙩

She doesn’t break character. But yeah, if I do travel, I’d like to check out baths and hot springs too.

Just as Shuris-san’s hidden worries were being dispelled, Melt came rushing inside.

“Seimu, Seimu! Big trouble! The Queen! The Queen is coming this way!” (Melt)

“Ah! I forgot! Melt, could you hurry and get cups and ice for everyone?” (Shizuma)

“Got it! I’ll add extra syrup today! I’ll make a strong cola!” (Melt)

“I’m counting on you! I’ll go grab the sweets Seira left behind!” (Shizuma)

I quietly pulled out snacks from my menu screen.

Wait, wouldn’t tea go better here? Hold on, why am I pulling out so many potato chips instead of tea cakes…!?

Damn, the thought of cola must’ve influenced me!

“I’ll set aside some for you too, Shuris-san. Melt, can you arrange the cups in the parlor? It’ll fit everyone better.” (Shizuma)

“O-Okay! But why is the Queen coming here, anyway?” (Melt)

“Actually, I knew she was coming… Forgot to mention it.” (Shizuma)

“Seimu-san, is there anything I can help with?” (Shuris)

“Ah, could you go greet her? She should be right outside by now.” (Shizuma)

“Leave it to me!” (Shuris)

Preparations underway. Chips are fine, right!? Cola goes with chips!

I set out a few extra chairs… Done.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.” (Shuris)

“Fufu, to think it would be Shuris welcoming me. …You seem like a new bride.”

“Hahaha! Your Majesty, what are you saying? If you say such things, Melt-kun will get mad at me.” (Shuris)

I could hear them from inside. No, Melt’s already family… A little sister? Or maybe a daughter? Something like that.

“My apologies for keeping you waiting, Your Majesty. Please, this way.” (Shizuma)

“Yeah, sorry for dropping in unannounced.”

“I’ll intrude as well… Hm, you’ve been taking good care of this place, I see.” (Kokuri)

Kokuri-san also entered the house.

…Come to think of it, this was the home of the former head of the research institute. Which would make this…Kokuri-san’s former lover’s home? And she was the one who maintained it all this time… No way I can treat this place carelessly.

Uh… Melt is planning to make a shrimp farm in the yard, though. Is that still okay?

“Excuse me… Hm. It really is a fine house. Calm, and somewhat nostalgic.” (Kres)

“Kres, you’re here too? With both Her Majesty and Kokuri-san present… Seems is important business.” (Shuris)

“Indeed. Seimu, Her Majesty wishes for you to bring the Dungeon Core to the parlor.” (Kres)

“Eh? Understood.” (Shizuma)

So they actually left the castle for this. Meaning, the Dungeon Core must be deeply tied to this house?

“Let me be blunt, Seimu. The reason I entrusted this house to you was because you held a Dungeon Core.”

“…So, it wasn’t just about keeping me close, but also because this place is convenient for keeping the Core nearby, is that it?” (Shizuma)

“That is correct. I regret having to use you so, but I hope you understand. That is how desperate our nation’s plight is. On the surface, it may not seem so, correct? How does it appear to you, as an outsider?”

“Indeed, clothing, food, shelter…nothing seems lacking. When I arrived in autumn, the nearby mountains were rich with fruit as well.” (Shizuma)

“Yes, and that is only because fragments of a Dungeon Core are enshrined deep underground here. And with the help of the artificial dungeon, regularly generated fragments are used to sustain the harvests around this city.”

I see. That’s why the city looks prosperous on the surface.

But I still don’t know much about the rest of the nation’s towns.

“And by relying on imports from the neighboring continent, we are not short on goods either. But what we export in return are Kokuri’s newly developed magic tools, their prototypes, and a portion of the artificial dungeon’s fragments. Surely you understand, wise as you are, just how precarious our situation is?”

“…Yes. The primary industries are far too weak. Agriculture on fertile lands…is only just enough to feed the population, isn’t it?” (Shizuma)

“Exactly. Right now, sixty percent of our population is concentrated in Lindblum. But outside of that, the lands are steeped in poverty. Distributing to those areas and sustaining Lindblum’s consumption has been a constant struggle.”

Somehow… I can’t help but feel this issue hits close to home, as a former Japanese.

“But now, with a natural Dungeon Core, that problem can be solved. Seimu…this house is in fact filled with remnants of ancient technology. The previous owner, the late head of the research institute, modified this place into his home and spent years studying and testing its structure. It was here that he discovered the method of returning artificial Core fragments back into the earth.”

“But in the past half year, no one has conquered the artificial dungeon, worsening our plight. We thought this house would no longer serve any purpose…until word reached us of your natural Dungeon Core.” (Kokuri)

“There are still ancient mechanisms here with inscriptions we cannot decipher, but we have compiled instructions on how to use them. Seimu, please…use your Dungeon Core with this mechanism to return its power to the land.”

So that’s what this place was… A facility for using Cores, long maintained by the institute.

“Then, from now on, I’ll be the one managing the fragments?” (Shizuma)

“…About that. Actually, I’ve received something from Shizuma-san.” (Kokuri)

Saying so, Kokuri-san produced the oddly-shaped artificial Core I entrusted to her before.

“The artificial dungeon has disappeared. Most likely, something went wrong with the Core fragment that governed it deep in the Underside. And yet, the ancient mechanism to enshrine it has been completely destroyed. Seimu-san…perhaps with this Core’s power, we could revive the artificial dungeon. Could you try using this one as well?”

The artificial dungeon disappeared…? Even if the nation prospers now, losing an entire established industry would still be a major problem.

“I’ve already heard from Shizuma about that Core. I’ve been entrusted with its use, so let’s give it a try.” (Shizuma)

“My thanks. Then…take the Core to the device. Do you remember the window that showed the surrounding area when you used the key? Hold the Core up to it.” (Kokuri)

“I see… Understood.” (Shizuma)

Now that I think about it, that window alone was called a radar, something very close to science.

Other convenient functions existed, but that window alone felt…distinctly out of place.

I held up the natural Dungeon Core to the window.

[Administrator information unknown. Temporary authority holder: Diedrich, authenticated.]

[Select management category.]

[Territory Enhancement]

[Function restricted]

[Function restricted]

[Function restricted]

“!? What the hell is this!?”

The characters displayed on the window gave me a strong sense of unease and deja vu.

This…looks like Japanese. Not this world’s script.

“Hm… The characters have changed… They are in a complex shape now.” (Kokuri)

“…Does that mean we can’t operate it? Kokuri, can you analyze it?”

“No… Unfortunately…” (Kokuri)

…Could it be reading the user’s consciousness? Displaying text in the most familiar language to them…?

“Please don’t worry. I’ve been taught a bit about this script by Shizuma. This is…the language of another world.” (Shizuma)

“! So it really is! Seimu-san, please teach me sometime!” (Kokuri)

“So it can be operated…? Then I beg you, Seimu. Save this country.”

From the options, I chose what seemed most correct: [Territory Enhancement].

[Territory Enhancement requires abandoning temporary authority.]

[Return temporary authority from Diedrich and perform enhancement?]

[Crop growth speed and monster activity will increase in territories shown on the map.]

[Average annual temperature will rise by two degrees due to climate changes.]

[Some production areas that existed in the past will be restored.]

[Confirm the map and return authority if you consent.]

…Is this world being used as a simulation by some higher being?

I don’t think this world is a game, but clearly, there exists some entity manipulating it as if it were one.

Dungeon Masters probably don’t hold formal authority.

And this Dungeon Core is also the Heart Core of a Dungeon Master.

If it’s being recognized as a temporary authority holder…

“This really is…a terrifying world.” (Shizuma)

I felt like I took one step closer to this world’s mysteries.

But for now, I focused on reading the map’s details.

“Your Majesty, this map shows the following: the revival of the former Lens Valley mines, a two-degree annual rise in average temperature, accelerated crop growth, but also increased monster activity. If the nation is to be enriched, these will occur. Is that acceptable?” (Shizuma)

“What…! The mines’ revival!? Truly…! A rise in temperature is also welcome… As for the monsters, I’ll immediately order countermeasures. Seimu, please…do it.”

“Understood.” (Shizuma)

I selected [Execute] without hesitation.

The Dungeon Core, [Heart Core of Diedrich], which had been glowing in my hands, scattered into particles of light and vanished.

“…It is successfully complete. With this, not only the Holy Principality but the entire southern half of this continent will prosper.” (Shizuma)

I informed the Queen that the core had indeed been properly restored…

(´・ω・｀) I currently have no stock left, so I’m updating with same-day writing, same-day editing, and same-day posting.

(´・ω・｀) Also, I’ve started a trial posting of a new work exclusively on Kakuyomu.

(´・ω・｀) If you’d like, I’d be grateful if you could take a look there as well.