Live Dungeon!

Chapter 225: Leleia, Stoking the Fire

Having broken through House Kantjelucias Shields, which she considered her masterpiece, Orbis made it to the top of her list of perceived threats to nobility, taking priority over the Explorers. Therefore, for this occasion only, House Babenberg agreed to set up their Shields around the Royal Capital and even personally approached the explorers to discuss future plans.

Brooklyns been much more enthusiastic these days. Love to see it!

Well, considering what shes been through, I guess its not so surprising that shed change her stance, Tsutomu replied, slightly exasperated at Leons wide range of interests in this case, a woman as androgynous as Rook.

Still, it could not be denied that House Kantjelucias increased cooperation with the Explorers was a welcome development to Tsutomu.

With what was effectively the apex of nobility lending their support, other noble households were sure to follow suit. Unlike before, where cooperation was merely lip service, there was now a sense of unity in cooperating to defeat a common enemy.

The distribution of Magic Stones, which had been monopolized by nobles until now, was now being negotiated to be handed over to Ealdred Crow, and the placement of Shields to protect the Royal Capital was being discussed with Christia and House Babenberg.

[And in the end, we still have no idea what Orbis is trying to achieve]

According to Brooklyn, who had faced Orbis directly, the latter seemed to have discussed regulating the Gods Dungeon. While it was understood that he had tried to recruit Brooklyn, who was notorious for disliking Explorers, Tsutomu could not fathom why he went through the trouble of using a magic sac to emulate the Devourer Dragons power.

Normally, if one was trying to recruit an enemy to their cause, they would propose it discreetly, away from prying eyes. However, Orbis had appeared conspicuously in public, and even injured Brooklyn, whom he tried to recruit. This would only serve to fuel hostility rather than foster cooperation.

While it was understood that his main goal was to capture the Royal Capital, the most prosperous and influential city capable of moving other cities, even so, Meena and Orbis attacks seemed too straightforward. Despite their ability to manipulate underground or aerial ambushes and sabotage the Magic Stones inside monsters, their actual assaults were clumsy.

Meena had failed miserably in her attempt to capture Leon alone, exposing the true nature of Orbis Church as the manipulator behind this Stampede. Orbis use of a magic sac revealed the existence of a powerful weapon in their possession. Meenas childish behavior could be explained by her appearance, but the same could not be said for the Pope.

[What if theyre announcing their power to put the Royal Capital on high alert, distracting us while they capture Dungeon City Yeah, maybe thatd work, but if they dont capture the Capital, theyll eventually be surrounded and none of that will matter in the end.]

Most cities obeyed decrees issued from the Royal Capital, so first and foremost, the King must be removed or else they would be fighting an uphill battle. Tsutomu could not quite picture it, but it was a fact that the King wielded that much power.

[Sir Melchor and the Labyrinth Conquerors vice-captain are still missing, too Well, from what I see, we still have enough force to win. The issue is how theyll attack.]

With high-speed information relayed by Leon, Rooks Eidolons, Weiss combat prowesses, Christias leadership, the nobility rallying together, the marching band and the knights on standby, and over a hundred high-level Explorers, they would not lose to ordinary monsters.

So Leon said, Whats on your mind?

Just wondering if Sir Melchor is all right, thats all.

Yeah, still nowhere to be found but Im sure hes fine. I cant imagine that old man being dead.

True.

Considering that Melchor had single-handedly defeated the Winter General, it was unthinkable that he would be taken down by monsters. Leon showed no concern at all, and upon hearing Tsutomus answer, he suddenly grinned impishly.

Oh, by the way, theres gonna be another Amy concert tomorrow, right? I missed the last one, so Im definitely going to be there this time!

Leon, youre not allowed in.

Huh?! Why not?!

Your face looks like that of a criminal, thats why. And dont you already have a knight you should be taking care of?

Tsutomus expression grew even more exasperated, remembering that he had seen that Leons bed sheets were oddly wet during his treatment period. Leaving Leon slightly startled by his remark, Tsutomu got up to leave, returning to his room to get ready for todays guard duty shift.

Amy was preparing for the concert scheduled for tomorrow, with Korinna, Daryl, Xeno, and Diniel by her side. Tsutomu knew Amy was someone who excelled in such areas, so until there was an attack, he planned to let her do as she pleased.

Since Garm and Amira had already headed out for their shifts, Tsutomu, along with Leleia and Hannah who were staying at the inn, headed toward the outer wall. Just as they were getting ready, there was a modest knock on the rooms door.

Teach?

Just as Tsutomu attached Potion vials to his belt holder, Hannah slightly opened the door and peeked her head through. Observing that Hannah was a little less energetic than usual, Tsutomu looked at her with a puzzled expression, and then Leleia also appeared from behind her.

Preparations are in order, I assume?

Uh, yeah.

It seems Hannah wants to talk with you about something. Well, I can pretty much guess what its about, so Ill stay here and listen.

Why!?

Enough already just spit it out. Im sure it wont last that long anyway, Leleia urged, letting herself into the room and sitting on a chair, then she nodded as if prompting the continuation of the conversation.

Hannah, with a troubled expression, immediately locked eyes with Tsutomu, who himself tensed up slightly.

So, whats this about?

Well, you see, I overheard you talking with the conductor the other day, Hannah spoke hesitantly, her blue wings drooping slightly. You didnt mean it, right? When you said you didnt particularly care?

Umm, could you be more specific?

I mean, you said you didnt particularly care about other people! Thats what I heard! Do you really not care about them!?

With her wings spread out menacingly and her tone becoming more intense, Tsutomu looked at Hannah with a perplexed expression. Thinking that Hannah must have misunderstood something, he carefully chose his words to respond.

I didnt say that. I do value our Clan members and feel responsible as the leader. And if possible, I hope the people of the other Clans can safely overcome this Stampede too.

Huh?

But its just that the people of the Royal Capital and other cities have a lower priority. I wont put us in danger for their sake.

Hannah looked a bit flustered, feeling deflated after being rebuffed and being spoken to so bluntly. Yet, even so, she grimaced at the final part of Tsutomus statement.

But why!? Youre meant for much more if you just try a little harder, you could save so many people! Youre not even trying at all! Its like you have way less motivation now than when you were in Gods Dungeon!

If thats what I wanted to do, I would have joined the Labyrinth Conquerors already. I have no interest in total strangers, and I dont intend to help them.

Why!? Why are you being so cold!? Youre ignoring people in trouble when they could very well die without your help!?

Listen, Hannah youre taking all of this too lightly.

Hannahs desperate questioning seemed to hold no weight to Tsutomu. With that pointed out, Hannah looked bewildered.

Whats that supposed to mean!?

Back in Dungeon City, I knew you helped with the reconstruction efforts up north. And Ive seen you lend a hand to those in need here and there. But youve never imposed that onto others before.

Hannah was not acting out of hypocrisy to present herself as a good person; she was genuinely kind and pure-hearted. Tsutomu understood that much, but since arriving in the Royal Capital, Hannah had clearly changed. She became even more proactive in helping others and seemed to trumpet her sense of justice to those around her.

Maybe seeing the Labyrinth Conquerors helping people influenced you. Its not necessarily a bad thing, taking in the inspiration and all that, but its not right to impose your views on others, dont you think? Besides, youve never defended against a Stampede before.

Uh

If the opinion was from Miss Christia, whos been working to protect humanity from the Stampedes for centuries, I could understand. But you, Hannah? The words out of your mouth just feel like what youre thinking at the moment weightless and inconsequential.

Fine, then! If thats what you say, then so be it! But I still want to save people, even if its just one person! If youre not gonna let me do that, then Ill leave the Clan!

Uh, I mean, Ive never said anything about leaving, have I? I dont know what kind of help you think youll be offering, but if its something youre doing on your own, I wont stop you. Thanks for letting me know beforehand. I appreciate it.

Huh?

Surprised by the unexpected response, Hannah looked wide-eyed at Leleia. Tsutomu, observing her, gently patted down her bouncing blue hair and lowered himself slightly to her eye level.

But remember the situation is dangerous and unpredictable, so itd be helpful if you could do it where I can keep an eye on you. You never know whats going to happen.

O-okay?

Good.

With Tsutomu releasing her hand from her head, Hannah steadied her bouncing blue locks. Then, with a vigorous shake of her head, she quickly reached for the door handle, as if eager to escape.

Dont run off on your own just yet, all right? Wait for us outside!

Y-Yeah, got it!

As Hannahs footsteps faded away, her defiant departure reminiscent of a rebellious child, Tsutomu withdrew his calm expression and shot Leleia a sharp glance.

Man, I wonder whos been putting ideas into Hannahs head

Whatever are you talking about?

Tsutomu sighed heavily at Leleias feigned innocence, then picked up one of Hannahs fallen feathers from the floor and turned it over in his hand.

Were you expecting me to tell her to leave the Clan? You really dont know her well enough but its clear to me that your views clash.

I merely spoke the truth. If I were to act against your wishes, I run the risk of being forced to leave the Clan myself.

Look, if you have a problem with anything, just tell me.

I dont have any problem in particular. Its just that I grew frustrated with Hannahs idealistic talk.

Indeed, Hannah had recently shown signs of awakening to a strange sense of justice, perhaps influenced by the Labyrinth Conquerors. Yet to Leleia, who had been raised in a knightly lineage, it might have seemed like blatant hypocrisy especially apparent in how Hannah currently was not exactly toiling away like the Labyrinth Conquerors were.

With a rough idea of the situation, Tsutomu sighed heavily once more, but he was not particularly angry. The fact that Leleia had incited Hannah this time was problematic. However, Hannahs proactive approach of thinking things through and informing him beforehand was a positive sign. Given the current atmosphere, it did not seem like things would spiral out of control.

Ugh, all right, then lets leave it at that. Ill consider this an opportunity for Hannah to reflect and sort out her thoughts. As for you, dont go stirring up trouble like this again.

Yes, I understand.

Sure hope you do. The way your work is going, you might even make it to Team 1 next time, so try not to do anything weird.

Wait, really!?

Tsutomu reassured Leleia, whose eyes brightened at the mention of making it to Team 1, and then finished preparing to leave the inn. Meanwhile, Hannah did follow her orders properly and waited for everyone in the lobby.

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