It’s Dangerous Outside the Dungeon, Master

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– 1 –

Actually, there was a reason why the Alraune Queen sent someone to ask me for news first.

Well, it has already been a month since I received a positive response from her.

After enjoying the ball at Copgerin and confirming the rumors, I captured Elenore, the perpetrator of the terror attack.

I stopped by Mozakar, where Claymel House was hiding and Yuran was lurking.

I went to Sonataph, where an auction was held, and there, I was briefly tied up by Elias.

On my way back, I created ‘Dungeon Entrances’ all over Kaisen and hunted nearby monsters while moving.

“It was truly a packed month.”

“It seems so. Seeing someone who shouldn’t feel fatigue looking weary.”

Fortunately, I managed to reduce the travel time by about a week on my way back.

I quickly crossed over using the ‘War Gate,’ which was originally used for battles between dungeons.

If I hadn’t, my promise with the queens would have really turned into “let’s meet sometime.”

“I’ve been periodically sending news, but I was worried. Libertus.”

“I’m sorry, Kamaya. But it was a necessary thing, and consecutive events kept occurring.”

Thus, when I met the Harpy Queen, Kamaya, again, I could only offer my apologies.

It was only because we had established a ‘friendly’ relationship that I could even make excuses.

In fact, this meeting itself was due to my thought to meet after having an audience with the Alraune Queen’s envoy, so I felt quite ashamed.

Otherwise, our reunion might have been delayed even longer.

“Of course, life doesn’t always go as planned. However, other queens were rather upset. They couldn’t comprehend the situation that the Dungeon Lord went out.”

“I should apologize. It was unavoidable.”

As I spoke, Kamaya suddenly widened her eyes and smiled a moment later.

As she widened her big eyes with her large frame, her clear white sclera stood out before disappearing.

Not understanding the reason, when I met her gaze, she soon explained why she was surprised.

“I know with my head that you are different from other Dungeon Lords, but I get caught up in preconceived notions. A Dungeon Lord apologizing! It’s quite shocking.”

It was a believable reason.

At the same time, it was a reason that could elicit a somewhat disappointed reaction.

I had yet to show her my true self.

Compared to other Dungeon Lords, I indeed displayed a calm demeanor, but I also exhibited some arrogance.

So, this level was probably appropriate.

“My apologies. I believe I have shown a consistent demeanor since the first time we met.”

“Even knowing that, there are biases regarding Dungeon Lords. I apologize.”

Kamaya, who was roughly scratching her rough red hair, spoke politely.

Seeing her size, one might suggest having drinks instead of apologies, but her sincerity came through, and I found myself nodding in response.

Of course, my body’s characteristics wouldn’t allow me to leave it that way without a good reason.

“I suggested we hold a meeting, and I got delayed, so you must have suffered during that time too. Let’s consider that settled.”

“That’s not the case. It was merely my responsibility to lose. So… as a gesture of apology, I will send my daughter to accompany you to meet Libertus.”

After a moment of contemplation, Kamaya finally proposed one thing that would help me.

It was certainly helpful to me, but it was also a proposal that benefited her.

“How clever. You’re trying to showcase the heir to me and the other queens, aren’t you?”

“You got me!”

Kamaya, breaking into a broad smile, quickly agreed.

While that reaction was a bit annoying…

She had also facilitated the queens while I wasn’t around, so it wouldn’t be right to press further.

It was truly a beneficial proposal.

“Alright, I’ll accept. But is it okay for me to go with her? She seems to cover her face quite a bit.”

Having already met her, I felt a bit worried.

Unlike the boisterous queen Kamaya, Serika had appeared quite shy the last time I saw her.

“It should be fine. I’ve accompanied the heir with the queens before… oh, look over there.”

“Ah.”

“She’s been waiting because she wanted to see you.”

Pointing to where Kamaya indicated, her daughter Serha peeked with her pink hair, cautiously observing us.

The small, cute face she revealed, trying to sneak a look, had turned slightly red, still retaining its adorable appearance.

“Serha. Come over here. If you’ve come, you should greet properly.”

“Yes… yes!”

In a high-pitched voice, Serha responded, fluttering over and half-flying towards me.

Then she bowed her body to greet me.

“I, I am Serha, daughter of Mother Kamaya, and I pay my respects to the Queen of the Dungeon! … Huh!”

Ah, she bit her tongue.

“Pfft!”

Hearing the sudden sound, I looked aside to see Kamaya already biting her lip, desperately trying to suppress her laughter.

“I’m honored… heh.”

When I looked back, fortunately, she quickly regained her composure, but Serha’s face was still flushed with embarrassment as she continued.

While glaring intensely at her mother beside me.

“Are you alright?”

“I’m fine…”

“Let me see. I can cast a simple healing spell.”

“Eh, ah…”

I approached her to briefly examine her mouth, but as she said, there was no major injury.

I simply touched her cheek and infused some mana to finish the treatment.

It was simple mana application to relieve pain that didn’t even require a spell.

“Wow! It doesn’t hurt anymore!”

“Isn’t that great?”

Serha sparkled her eyes, holding her cheek with delight.

Seeing her pure appearance, I couldn’t help but smile.

“You didn’t even use magic, yet that’s amazing!”

“It’s just a parlor trick. So, I heard you would guide me, is that right?”

“Yes! I volunteered!”

That was quite an unexpected statement.

So, this means it had been planned from the beginning.

“Ahem.”

Looking at Kamaya, she awkwardly cleared her throat and avoided my gaze.

So it was indeed planned from the start.

The apology was just an excuse.

Let’s keep this under wraps.

“Ah…”

It seemed like Serha noticed this as well, covering her mouth while her eyes widened.

Her expression clearly showed concern that “What if my blunder becomes an issue?”

“I’m sorry… I really wanted to serve you.”

“It’s alright. I won’t hold anything against you for this.”

As I patted her head, I thought.

‘While pure cuteness like Serika is nice, this cunning cuteness isn’t bad either.’

… I mean, I couldn’t overlook that wisdom sparkled deep in her eyes, nor could I miss how she diligently observed my reactions while appearing flustered.

The cunningness of someone who knows they’re cute and understands it earns them favor is a weapon.

A powerful weapon in the field where attraction operates deeply.

There’s no reason to shy away from a child who knows how to use their weapon well.

As long as that blade isn’t pointed at me.

“Hihi.”

Besides, at least it seems the goodwill directed at me is genuine.

“Looking forward to working with you, Serha.”

“Yes!”

I was looking forward to the short adventure with her.

– 2 –

In fact, this was the first time Serha had ventured out without Kamaya.

However, the reason wasn’t that she was weak.

It was simply because she was small despite being already an adult.

Since monsters often looked down on her and considered her prey, going outside alone often led to little battles.

“Finally! A journey without my kin!”

Being smarter than her kin of the same age but smaller in stature, Serha had always felt unsatisfied with being protected, but now she was finally going out into the world without her kin’s protection.

Her heart was racing quite a bit, and there was also a presence beside her that further increased the pounding of her chest.

“Wow, wow… she’s really beautiful.”

That presence was none other than the Dungeon Lord, Lady Libertus.

With her long black hair cascading down to her legs and dressed in a black dress to match, she emanated a calm vibe.

Her purple eyes sparkled like gems whenever she contemplated something, and her naturally rosy lips glimmered beautifully.

Also, occasionally smiling gently, it even felt as if sunlight was breaking upon her.

‘Could I become like that…?!’

Though Harpy’s ideal type typically embodies a strong warrior like her mother, Lady Libertus was simply unavoidably enchanting.

Since she was small anyway, she never expected to become a brave warrior.

“Are these the orcs?”

So, the first encounter they had as they embarked on their journey was with the orc tribe sent by the Alraune Queen to Libertus.

“Are you planning to subject them to the dungeon as they are? If so, you can conduct the contract through that staff…”

Seeing their demeanor, something suddenly struck Serha’s mind.

It was related to a ‘test’ that would satisfy her curiosity about Lady Libertus.

“No, there’s no need for that. I intend to scatter them around and let them live on their own.”

“Is it really necessary? We can also utilize them immediately for strength…”

‘This girl seems to be testing me.’

Lady Libertus had already caught on to Serha’s intention from her first question.

Questions with subtle testing intent could be harmless to those who didn’t perceive them, but they inevitably stir hostility from those who do see it.

Thus, she became worried that her forces’ successor might suffer an accident.

There were quite a few examples of those who came to grief for failing to heed their words.

Such as the master craftsman who became the basis for a spider-human race.

“If there are no suitable monsters around, people will eventually find out about the dungeon here. Do you really need to ask what you already know?”

Though her gaze hid her intent, her gentle tone bore a clear warning.

‘You are not the one I wish to test.’

However, the hostility contained therein was not strong; rather, it carried a warning that if one doesn’t exercise proper restraint, they will face hardships.

‘You picked it up!’

“Ah, you realized… I’m sorry!”

Recognizing this, Serha quickly bowed her waist and head in apology.

“Very well.”

Serha soon followed the disappearing presence with swift steps and flapping wings.

While she did so, her eyes sparkled.

‘Did I hurt her pride? She looks young, so I should be careful.’

‘She is definitely wise and patient!’

Lady Libertus observed if Serha was at all offended, but.

Serha instead found her feelings towards Lady Libertus growing deeper.

It was truly ideal for a representative of the cooperating force, and personally, she found her extraordinarily likeable.

“Lead them near the lake to the north, the city to the east, and under the mountain to the south of my dungeon. Each of you should take them there.”

After distributing three staffs to Skeletons, Lady Libertus had them lead the orc tribe.

These orcs, made more violent and cunning due to the Alraune Queen’s magic, would catch humans approaching on their own and offer some as sacrifices to the dungeon.

This would naturally become a resource for the dungeon.

“Let’s go. Will you tell me what you know about the Alraune Queen?”

“Ah, yes!”

Taking a moment to gather her thoughts in response to Lady Libertus’s question, Serha eventually blurted out one word while looking troubled.

“Dimwit…”

“Huh?”

A word that would surely leave Lady Rita puzzled.

When the Dungeon Lord looked at Serha with a face full of questions, she pressed on, still looking sheepish.

“Alraunes really like attractive people. They would often capture pretty faces to simply talk, and even let them go afterward.”

“Then…”

“Maybe it’s the reason why the Alraune Queen keeps sending goodwill toward you, Lady Libertus.”

“…”

That was genuinely good information, but at the same time, it was something that made it difficult for Libertus to utilize.

‘This won’t be easy.’

As mentioned before.

Her, and her own body as well.

She dislikes using beauty as a weapon.