## Chapter 165 – Kobolds and the Underground Labyrinth
Having seized the map, we surged towards the surface with the force of a tidal wave.
It was fortunate that Winnia could read the map so well. Displaying the poise of a clever mage, she expertly guided us. We encountered other adventurer parties along the way, but thankfully, no bloodshed occurred.
Conscientious folks are everywhere.
It was a testament that hope still existed in this world.
Wasn’t there still misfortune left in Pandora’s box?
No, it was hope in Pandora’s box.
“Oh, oh…!”
It didn’t take long. Before we knew it, we reached an exit overflowing with sunlight. Receiving actual natural light, not artificial illumination, felt like my entire body was producing vitamin D.
“Ugh… We’re finally out. I just want to go back and rest.”
Claudie stretched. I followed suit. My body was stiff… It seemed like it was still early morning outside. How long were we down there? At least a day.
We really suffered.
Damn, that was exhausting.
“What should we do? Should we take a nap here, or just take a carriage back?”
I was so tired I just wanted to fall asleep immediately. I wanted to sleep, no matter how much the inn charged. Now that I could relax, my eyes started to close.
“Does our ‘Darkie’ want to stay here longer?”
“No.”
“Then what nonsense are you spouting? Get a grip and let’s catch a carriage.”
“I guess it’s better to rest at the inn… But aren’t you hungry?”
ㅡGrowl.
My stomach was rumbling.
We had eaten all the food we brought. Considering it would take several hours by carriage, it would be best to eat before leaving. So, we decided to have a meal at the restaurant we visited before entering the dungeon.
We grabbed a seat and ordered stew.
“We have so much to do.”
Our work wasn’t over yet. We had to sell all the junk items filling our bags, the two bags we stole from the bandits, and the weapons and leather armor to turn them into cash. Only then could we say the job was done.
Just thinking about it made my head spin.
When can I finally rest?
“Good job, Katt. But there’s no more hard work left, right?”
“I always get super tired when it comes to finishing up.”
The end is always the hardest part. Claudie massaged my neck. I almost dozed off, but just then, the stew arrived, and I grabbed a spoon.
Maybe it was because I was hungry, but it tasted pretty good, even though it was the same as before. Feeling full made me sleepy again… I guess I’ll just sleep in the carriage. I need to wash up first.
After finishing our meal, we decided to rest for about 30 minutes. I found a well nearby and washed my face. My whole body was soaked in sweat, blood, and tears. Once I get back, I’m dropping everything and taking a shower.
Anyway, it’s time to go.
We gathered again and caught a carriage.
“Heading to Isvant!”
Everyone was tired, staggering onto the carriage like zombies. I felt like I was about to pass out. I carefully stacked the luggage on the floor, sat down, and closed my eyes.
Winnia leaned against my shoulder. Looking ahead, I saw Claudie and Eliza. Did Claudie lose her spot?
“Why? Are you unhappy it’s not ‘Darkie’ Unni?”
“Of course not. Sleep well.”
“Why do you look so displeased?”
“I said I’m fine.”
Winnia, looking suspicious, ended up lying down, using my lap as a pillow. Being short worked to her advantage, allowing her to lie comfortably in the cramped carriage.
I kept my eyes open for a bit, then fell asleep.
***
Arriving in Isvant, even the air felt different.
I don’t know exactly what was different, but something definitely felt different. It was so refreshing. This is practically my second home. Yes, indeed.
“Please use us again next time!”
I waved to the coachman as he said goodbye. It was still midday. If it were dark, I would have dropped everything and gone to sleep, but a capable adventurer knows how to use their time efficiently.
“Eliza, we need to settle the accounts, but as you know, we brought back a lot of stuff. It’s going to take some time. We’ll handle the selling, so can you meet us in front of the Adventurers’ Guild around lunchtime tomorrow? I’ll give you your share then.”
Eliza had to return to Krasheim anyway. But since she said she would stay for the day to write her report, it would be easier to just meet her tomorrow and give her the money.
“Whatever is convenient for you is fine. I am simply grateful that you are willing to do it for me.”
“It’s nothing. I just think it’ll be easier that way.”
There was no need to drag Eliza around like a grasshopper. I was planning to stop by the inn anyway, so it would be awkward to make her wait.
And there was no way I would ever scam Eliza out of her share. She and I were like soul brothers.
As much as I trusted her, she trusted me.
We were united by faith.
Then, instead of soul brothers, are we divine brothers?
Whatever the term, we had that much trust between us.
“Then I’ll see you tomorrow. Meet us in front of the guild around lunchtime.”
“Thank you for your consideration. Then, goodbye, Saint. I will see you tomorrow. Please return safely.”
Eliza said goodbye and walked away. Clink, clink. She really was a hard-working nun. She was probably planning to stay somewhere nearby. She had the cash we took from the bandits, so she wouldn’t starve.
“Well, shall we head back to the inn?”
“Finally, we can rest? Hehe, Katt. I’m so tired, will you comfort me?”
Claudie, who had wrapped her arms around my neck, clung to me as she spoke. I don’t even have the energy to move my hips, Unni… I don’t think I can do it today. Of course, Claudie wouldn’t care about my condition at all.
“No. We have to finish everything first.”
“Really?”
“Can you back off a little, Unni?”
We went straight back to the inn.
The inn where we were staying long-term. This place was literally like my home. Had I ever grown so attached to a place since coming to this world? I don’t think so. So, this feeling of ‘home’ was always fresh.
As soon as I entered, I peeled off Claudie, who was clinging to me again, and headed straight to the shower. ㅡShuaaa. Kobold blood, bandit blood. And sweat from squeezing out every last bit of energy. And tears… All of it was washed away by the cold water.
Now, I need to change and go see the witch.
I’ll leave the junk items that can be used as magic ingredients to Winnia, and ask Claudie to sell the various equipment.
“Hey, I’m out.”
When I came out after washing up, Winnia and Claudie were waiting. Should we move to a bigger room? It’s a bit cramped for the three of us to share one shower room.
“Winnia. I’m going to sell what the queen was wearing right away, so can you sell the kobold materials?”
“I need to wash up first too. I should go sell them before the price drops.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
“Thanks for what… Just sell that stuff well, ‘Darkie’.”
Winnia went into the shower. I changed clothes right away. Of course, I had to put on all my equipment. I was going to the slums now, after all.
Who knows what might happen in that trash heap.
I need to prepare for any unexpected accidents. Well, it’s just become a habit to be careful.
Would they even attack me knowing anything about me?
“I’ve arrived.”
The eerie witch’s house was still there. I slowly approached and stood in front of the door. Come to think of it, she said it was hard if I came in the morning? Damn it. I steeled myself and knocked on the door slowly.
ㅡKnock. Knock. Knock.
ㅡCreak.
The door opened right away.
…I can take that as a welcome, right?
“…Hello. It’s Katt. Is the great witch here? I brought some amazing stuff again today. I thought she would like it, so I brought it… Hello?”
It wasn’t that dark because the faint light was coming in through the slightly opened window. I looked around. Was she not here?
“I’m here… You’ve come at a rather early hour. Sit down over there for now.”
I heard a voice from inside.
Looking there, I saw Risha looking a bit tired.
“Ah, did I come at an inconvenient time? I’m really sorry.”
“It’s okay… but you’ve come quite late? It would have been better if you had come a little earlier.”
“Well… I’ve been a bit busy. I always thought about it…”
“Sit down for now.”
Still in her negligee, she gestured for me to come over. The same luxurious sofa as before. I took off my bag and sat down.
“Oh? What’s that? I can feel some good energy. Can you take it out?”
“Ah, yes.”
I opened my bag and placed the Kobold Queen’s crown and restraints on the glass table. Risha, watching with interest, asked for an explanation.
“This is, uh, what the Kobold Queen was wearing. I think there’s a high probability that some evil being deliberately put it on her. Kobolds don’t usually make crowns and wear them, do they? Anyway, that cursed queen was like…”
I finished my explanation, exaggerating the details. Risha, seemingly satisfied with the explanation, smiled at me.
“I see, I see…”
I wonder how much she’ll give me… I nervously watched her. The witch, resting her chin on her hand and crossing her legs, felt like an authoritative queen. Snow-white skin. Silver hair. Red eyes that seemed to contain festering blood. And long ears.
In many ways, she was an ominous-looking woman.
“…”
Hey, don’t just smile, say something…
“There’s no need to rush so much.”
“Huh?”
“Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Ah… Yes. Thank you.”
A cup of black tea was placed on the table.
I picked it up without thinking.
“Drink it. It’s okay.”
“Then, if you don’t mind…”
ㅡGulp.
The tea moistened my mouth. I’m not a tea expert, but it seemed like a high-quality product with a good aroma and taste. Tea ceremony… That hobby might be good… Huh?
“…Huh?”
…What’s this? This dizziness?
In an instant, the world distorted, and I started to feel extremely dizzy. Trembling, I barely managed to put the cup down… What is this…
“Oh? What’s wrong?”
“Uh… well… my, my body…”
“Oh dear? Are you sick? You work hard, but you need to take care of your health.”
Risha’s face, looking worried, started to appear as two. No, two? Three? Four…? ㅡPoof. Then, my vision went dark as if the lights had been turned off.
The last thing I saw was Risha’s face with a twisted smile.
