It’s Dangerous Outside the Dungeon, Master

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Sonataph exists as the transportation hub connecting the Kaisen Kingdom and the Kiza principality to the northwest of this country, acting as a border and a fortified city simultaneously.

However, curiously enough.

There are almost no records of wars fought between Kiza and Kaisen over this place.

Even though it is a strategic port city situated next to a great river.

“That’s strange.”

This was Serika’s assessment as we sat side by side, perusing the same book.

I randomly picked a book when she said she was bored, and it just so happened to be a history book.

But contrary to my thoughts, she was quite focused. Even while fidgeting with my hand tightly, her brows furrowed in concentration on the book, which was rather diligent and cute.

“In what way do you think it’s strange?”

Her eyes, turned towards me, were tinged with curiosity.

“Here on the map, it shows Kaisen completely blocking Kiza’s land. The only openings are the sea and the west. Yet, to say they’ve never fought is odd. Humans are quite greedy, after all.”

“Excellent. You’re right.”

While it may be credited to her education in the Marquis family, it was still impressive insight for someone who had spent most of her life alone.

However, one element in the book presented a counterargument to that statement.

“But what if they’ve been blood-related siblings this whole time?”

“Siblings? The nations?”

“It seems that way.”

The most important reason there’s been no war here is simple.

The Grakhisen region is a quasi-basin surrounded by mountains to the south and east, and by the sea to the northwest.

Most of this land is held by the modern Kaisen Kingdom and Kiza principality, having grown and expanded as sibling nations from their origins.

“Moreover, it seems they will soon become one nation.”

“I see…”

Additionally, the royal family of the Kiza principality, which originally held the elder position, currently has no heirs, so they are naturally expected to be absorbed by Kaisen soon.

Although there are heirs to the Kiza royal family, with the vast Norn Empire to the west and the Norn Empire eying the Kaisen Kingdom to the east, this decision at a grand level was made by the two nations…

…or so it was written in the history book.

“Still strange, though.”

“In what way?”

“Humans are as greedy as demon clans, you know. They’re smart.”

I found myself agreeing with her statement as well.

The history of the two countries goes back nearly five centuries. It’s already been said that the solidification of the current situation has lasted a hundred years…

Also, by the time of Mill Don 1, they were both under counts.

No matter how much they originate as sibling nations, it seems there have been many instances where the strengths of both nations were similar and the situation was stagnant.

Yet, for all that long time, they have never fought even once in a significant way.

It’s only natural to feel it’s odd.

“Even if they actively intermingled the bloodlines of their high nobles and royal families, it’s still odd.”

If matters between nations were that simple, there wouldn’t be so many complex issues in this world.

Even real siblings fight over wealth, so isn’t it strange that nations, which are collectives of humans, don’t fight like brothers?

“…Well, that’s not our concern.”

“Right. True!”

I noticed the carriage had come to a halt, so I closed the book and stood up, taking Serika’s hand to help her up. It was the hand she had been holding onto throughout our time in the carriage.

She only grabbed the book as a way to pass the time, not with the intention of reading it seriously and discussing it.

Of course, I would need to take another look later.

“This city of humans is enormous…! It must be at least twice the size of the cave that was my dungeon.”

As I stepped outside, the view revealed a commercial city bustling with countless people amidst towering castle walls. In the distance, I saw two ships docked at the port.

Without a doubt, it was the sight of Sonataph.

Now a border fortress of the Kiza principality, it seems to be envisioned as the western capital of the soon-to-be-unified Kaisen-Kiza Kingdom.

“Be careful with your words.”

“I couldn’t think of a proper analogy.”

According to the contact we had prior, the black market auction would have already started.

Today is the second day of the auction, and since the schedule is for three days, it’s the day before the core items are put up for sale.

Of course, this was made known by Baroness Hailey.

[The most important items usually come up on the last day, so you can afford to come leisurely, Master. I’ve saved a spot for you, and the order of the items is near the very last, so you can come on the same day without issue.]

[Thank you for your hard work.]

[It’s nothing. It’s my joy to serve you, Master.]

Hailey, an outside collaborator of the Underworld Trading Company discovered in Copgerin, allowed me to move without haste in coordinating our schedule.

‘No matter how I think about it, it was a good choice to keep her under control.’

Of course, the option to control people isn’t the most appealing.

It’s merely because I’m still weak and there are many potential enemies, thus I resort to whatever means necessary.

It’s a method I’d rather not use if I could help it.

Yet at the same time, this method brings me the most peace of mind.

‘Controllable variables ultimately stem from people. If I want to block as many variables as possible, controlling their actions is the most effective way.’

Perfect domination over people doesn’t exist.

Power, rewards, violence, mercy, or justice.

All of them have their weaknesses. The gaps created by human desires or situational changes from profit and loss.

‘In that sense, magical power is far more intuitive and stable than those methods.’

When domination breaks, the resentment harbored by the subject towards their former master is indeed much greater, but then again, that’s not all that different from the irrational hatred any betrayer might have.

Moreover, if domination is forcibly broken by an outside force, feedback returns to the user, allowing them to foresee the retaliation from the formerly dominated.

As long as I can bear the inevitable moral hazard…

‘The more I think about it, the more I have no choice but to go that route.’

“Princesses. I’ve been waiting for you.”

After passing through the gate’s inspection and waiting a bit, a figure approached us, the result of such deliberation, and greeted us.

“Hailey. How have you been?”

“Good morning! Hailey.”

“Of course. I hope you princesses have been safe as well.”

At present, Serika and I were mysterious foreign princesses intrigued by rumors of the black market, while Hailey was an audacious lady who approached such princesses to elevate her standing within the Underworld Trading Company and social circles.

If Hailey, who had until now languished in her position, suddenly started to show ambition, some might find it puzzling.

However, she has lived a lavish life so far, so the depth of suspicion wouldn’t likely be that profound.

That’s just how human greed tends to work.

“This is actually a secret, but the sale of the items you ladies want is scheduled for tomorrow. How about taking a tour of the city today? I’ve arranged for restaurants and accommodations.”

Those who are greedy tend not to receive much suspicion for spilling such trivial secrets.

Of course, it would affect her reputation, but if we kept our mouths shut, it wouldn’t matter.

“I’ll follow your intentions, seeing your sincerity.”

“Okay! I’ll follow along!”

“Hehe, then this way.”

Thus began our tour of Sonataph.

“This house is the villa of King Friedrich, the second king and a hero of the Kaisen Kingdom. It’s open to the public now. You can see the noble lifestyle of the time inside, making it quite popular.”

“It’s said that at this plaza, Kaisen and Kiza became nations and swore eternal brotherhood.”

“This port here, Sonataph’s harbor, is the largest in Kaisen. There’s also the capital, Hiraresh, but it’s said to be lacking compared to Sonataph. Here is where all sea-related logistics from the northern part of the continent converge.”

Hailey’s tour guide was more thorough than expected, and it was quite enjoyable.

“If it’s by the sea, then perhaps pirates come… too? I’ve never seen a pirate.”

And Serika, who had been holding my hand all along, was very active in this tour.

Currently, we both had golden-colored hair, and as she remarked on how fascinating it was for our hair to match, she was looking at Hailey with eyes still sparkling from that moment.

So cute.

Even though her speech was awkward, her trying to imitate my manner of speaking suited her appearance quite well.

“Of course, Miss Princess. This is something I can’t officially confirm, but many pirates disguise their identities and flock here to sell their plundered goods. Most of those items will reach the special place we’ll be going to tomorrow.”

Hailey’s words were about to lead us to the black market.

Speaking of pirates.

In this world’s ocean, there are many marine monsters and two ‘Magical Realms’ centered around the sea, making it difficult for ordinary pirates to operate.

I’ve heard that the environment makes it hard to even set sail, so how could there be so many pirates?

“Are there many of them? It’s hard to operate without beastmen sailors in the ocean.”

“Your words are wise, Miss Princess. Without beastmen crewmen, detecting the movements of marine monsters is quite difficult. However, surprisingly, there are more pirates near the coast. This one is a secret, but they are people benefiting from the nation.”

“I see.”

So they are privateers.

If they have the nation’s support, sensing monsters would surely be easy. Even if they don’t have sailors used to the sea, they could just take along a mage capable of detection magic instead.

Many nations border the sea, so cultivating maritime trade and navies is essential for most countries on the continent.

‘There are indeed the Duke of the Sea’s magical domains, Gaf and Astaroth, but they aren’t nearby.’

However, the navy formed this way is just a money-eating monster most of the time. Even if I want to train them, I can’t predict when monsters might show up to cause havoc.

They likely disguise them as pirates because they want to extract some profits out of them.

Of course, it’s probably not just one or two nations doing this.

“Hey there, missy. You’re quite beautiful, huh? Hmm?”

“Call the guard if you don’t go away right now.”

Once I was aware, I noticed quite clearly that not all the people in the crowd were ordinary citizens.

Though they might call themselves privateers, in the end, those who benefit from stealing others’ wealth are inclined to become corrupt if they don’t watch themselves.

Especially privateers often fall into the illusion that they are close to nobility just because they work for them.

Just like the scene right now.

“You look like a precious lady from a noble house. I’ve got plenty of money.”

“I have a husband and a child. If you keep this up…”

“Oh come on, are you saying you can’t get some oil on someone who’s got an employer?”

While we were distracted by a stall for a moment, a man approached Hailey, making a scene. He was quite flashy but utterly vulgar… adorned in a garish outfit covered in all sorts of jewels.

No matter how I looked at it, it wasn’t the style of a noble.

At best, he looked like a wealthy merchant, or perhaps…

“I’m the first mate on the sea.”

Yeah. The pirate we were just talking about.

It seems when you speak of the devil, he comes.

‘What a stupid hassle.’

Of course, I’m not saying people shouldn’t be corrupt at all.

As long as they don’t harm others, it doesn’t matter how they live. … But it’s just unpleasant seeing those who live on causing harm to others.

Even if that harm might be minor compared to the harm I will inflict on humanity in the future.

Saying this makes it feel more like a sort of xenophobia, and I find that even more distasteful.

“Hailey, how long do I have to wait?”

“Princess, I’m sorry.”

“Wait. Princess? What the…”

Yet even as he shows some awareness of social standings, once our titles are mentioned, he pulls back a bit.

Maybe he wasn’t really considering trying to gain favor with high nobles after all.

“Let’s have a chat…”

“Just a moment, escort. We’re leaving. I’m sorry. Okay? I’ll just leave the money here. Miss… I mean, Princess, please forgive me, okay?”

As Sué, my escort, approached, the first mate retreated as if he’d seen a giant beast, directly addressing me about his coin pouch.

If he was just an ordinary high noble, he would have found it offensive for a pirate to speak to him. But it seems he knew that high nobles could be dangerous without knowing the depths of the situation.

I nodded towards Sué, who looked at me to check my intentions.

“Consider yourself lucky…”

“Oh, thank you! Thank you so much!”

There was no need to cause a big ruckus.

I planned to participate in the black market tomorrow and leave this city asap, so I’d rather avoid any hassle.

“How dare you ruin my time with Rita…?”

However, it seemed Serika wasn’t on the same page.