Year 7445, Month 7, Day 25
"Let go of me!!"
The Rindobel couple is struggling under Gwine and Ralpha. Kamu who was dumbfounded seeing this development on one side of Haruku walked forward and crouched down near the Rindobel couple.
"Koritto-san, Meiria-san. I'm interested in what Haruku-san was going to say as well. Please be quiet for a short while."
"Kamu! What are you saying!"
"What's going on?"
"Now, let's change places."
"I know."
Someone muttered.
"In any case we somehow wanted to replenish our forces. There what we set our sights on was the {Slaughterers}. Was it near the end of the last year? Around the end of summer the dark elf sis joined you followed by another young fellow right? The young Cat-people guy. Up until then we heard rumors that the {Slaughterers} might split their party into two as well but since there were 10 people, we couldn't be sure of it. However, after seeing you enter the dungeon with 11 people we were convinced of it. If it's this then if things go well we might be able to pull out one or two members."
The Rindobel couple started struggling again but they're still being properly held down.
"The Rindobel-sans, Bin, and I discussed it a number of times. In any case there was no starting it unless we investigated things. While were investigating things we found out that you were reasonably familiar with those knights who came along. You often ate meals together with them right? That's why first we decided to get close to them. Since it was certain they were true knights after all, they should have a reasonable level of abilities as well. We even thought that depending on the case it might be good add them to put our forces back into order."
Haruku took the rubber cork off of Toris's flask and drank a couple of sips.
"..Fu..Even though Rodrick and Fio were true knights, since they were newcomers as adventurers the Rindobel-san's were easily able to approach them. However, it seemed like they didn't really understand how strong the {Slaughterers} were either. There we decided to try testing things out. We thought of sending someone in and then trying to invite them from inside. You can already guess the method to invite members right? It's the charms. The fact that I had real charms was one of the deciding factors. After that, we got the information that you were looking for a combat slave who can already use the shield skillfully. Conveniently I had a bit of confidence in my ability to use the shield. It's something that's often said in the rumors right, something like a group of softhearted, brainless brats would easily accept it was it right? Koritto-san."
Koritto is silent, he's not replying at all.
"I thought it was impossible. I could feel it when I talked to Greed-kun previously. There's no way you would make someone like me into a companion, even more so I thought you were such a fool that you would get caught in this sort of trap. Of course I said that. But, since Bin said that if it succeeds we profit and even if it fails we might be able to shake you up so I had no choice but to do it. However, the {Slaughterers}..saved Binsu and Ginger. You saved them for an amount of money that was almost free. You even let us use the shower on the 5th floor. In the worst case if you chose to accept me I intended to say something about it. That's why I was even relieved you turned me down. After that even when I was told to go again I just pretended to do it."
Honestly speaking, I did find it strange he backed off awfully easily and didn't come again after that though...Since going off the timing Faruergaz and the others joined {Sun.Ray} several months after that I didn't think too deeply about it. So it was that sort of thing huh?
"It dragged out a bit long but just now was my reply to Greed-kun. Next is..in regards to the members selected for going to the 6th floor the first time...Hey, Rokko, tie up those two with some random vines."
It was just then, Zenom and the remaining members of the {Slaughterers} started to arrive as well. Zulu came over to my side and knelt before handing up the magic stones.
"We appreciate the rescue. Greed-sama. In regards to saving us, I bow before you offer my gratitude. These are the magic stones of the ogres we were up against. Though it's something meager, please accept them."
When Zulu said that, Zenom, Bel, Basutoral, and Angela who came along as well lowered their heads. Angela and Basutoral are kneeling. Matching with that Toris, Ralpha, Miduchi, and Gwine also lowered their heads to me again.
I received the five magic stones from Zulu and just like that place them in front of Koritto and Meiria.
Rokko was using his knife to cut off some vines from a nearby tree and using that to tie up the Rindobel couples legs and arms. Of course, he was borrowing the help of Kevin and Jeru as he did it.
Haruku looked at their state a with a slightly sad face before starting to talk again.
It seems Miduchi realized it.
"I understand, we'll slowly talk over that matter when we return to the surface...Also separate from that, everyone from {Sun.Ray}, I can certainly use {Cure All} but I'd like to avoid unnecessary chaos. Would you please remain quiet about the {Cure All} from today? If anyone were to come asking me to use {Cure All} on them that would mean one of you ended up exposing it and from that point on {Sun.Ray} would become our enemies. Of course, we wouldn't do something like attacking you but you should take care of your good health and remain careful when walking alone inside of the dungeon."
That's right. Even in the first plan that was something Toris or Bel were supposed to say. You too as well stop making faces like you've suddenly remembered it.
"..That's certainly true. Got it. I promise not to say anything. We have one request to make as well."
Karuku replied. Now that the Rindobel couple is restrained he's naturally acting as the leader.
..It would have been great if I hadn't had a drink of water. As expected I wasn't forced to do it with everything seen but being at a distance where the sound can be heard is unpleasant. If it was the large one then even the smell would reach...