Dangers Of A Single Dose

After staring into my eyes for a while, the Chief repeated his question without changing his tone.

“You said ‘first of all,’ which implies there are other things as well?”

“Yes. My second request is for assistance in exploring the subterranean labyrinth. As it stands, we are understaffed, and I’d like to have some helpers.”

“And that is why you recruited Lady Mia?”

At the Chief’s question, Ute-san’s head snapped up. Her face had returned to that of a mother worrying for her daughter. I hurried to explain to reassure them both.

“I had intended to send her back at the entrance, but since Mia-san insisted on coming inside, we ended up exploring together. I apologize for causing you such worry.”

“That girl… she means well, but she’s a meddler. I’m sure she followed you because she was worried. I’m sorry for the trouble she caused.”

“Not at all. Mia-san’s aptitude as a mage is quite remarkable; she was a huge help to us.”

“And that was the result?” Ute-san asked, casting a cynical glance toward the scorched fireplace. She let out a small sigh and continued. “My daughter might be a bit flighty, but she’s a kind girl at heart. She’s not suited for work that involves hurting people.”

In this world, where monsters only appear in mana pools, magic and sorcery are overwhelmingly directed toward other humans. A mage would be headhunted by the military or mercenary guilds, but for a simple village girl, it would be a harsh world.

However, I already had more than enough ideas for a place of employment.

“Rest assured, Ute-san. That is exactly why the subterranean labyrinth is perfect. When you’re facing monsters, you don’t need to hold back. You can defeat them, gather materials, and become very wealthy very quickly.”

“Can it really go that smoothly…? I thought labyrinths were places where Knights went to subjugate things.”

“Yes, but the current Mia-san is easily stronger than your average Knight.”

This time, I turned my gaze toward the fireplace as proof. Ute-san rested a hand on her cheek, looking conflicted.

“Besides, she has an excellent Monster Tamer with her. Not a single person was injured today.”

“True… when you put it that way.”

“And I have proof that we made it to the fifth floor right here.”

Ute-san’s eyes darted between the White-Glow Stones and the Mana-Vitality Potions on the counter. She seemed to be wavering, but the Chief’s calm voice cut through the air.

“I apologize, but I intend to decline Sir Nino’s proposal.”

Well, I expected that.

The day after I arrive, a labyrinth is suddenly found; I control eerie monsters like they’re my own limbs; a village girl becomes a mage in half a day; and then I start giving away incredibly expensive items for free and offering a cut of the sales. He doesn’t necessarily think it’s a scam, but it’s only natural to suspect an ulterior motive. I wouldn’t believe me either.

“As the Chief of this village, my job is to put the safety of the villagers first. From what you’ve said, the danger may be low at present. However, no one knows what the future holds.”

True. If asked for an absolute guarantee, I’d have to shake my head.

“Even if it is safe now, we don’t know what will happen in six months, or half a month, or even tomorrow. I believe a subterranean labyrinth possesses a high level of inherent risk. And unless safety can be guaranteed, the appropriate response is to make the labyrinth public and seek the Lord’s judgment.”

He was a straight arrow in the game, and he’s the same here. I felt a surge of happiness and couldn’t help but smile inwardly. However, there is a specific reason why Chief Dirk is so obsessed with safety.

Emma, the main heroine of the game and the Chief’s daughter. Last year, she was attacked by a monster in the forest near this village and lost her life. Having been deeply grieved by that incident, the Chief began to prioritize human life above all else. When Old Man Eugen told me that story during last night’s drinking session, I felt incredibly dejected as well.

“A daily life where everyone can live without fear or worry for tomorrow—that is my goal as Chief.”

“But if the village is gone, that’s impossible,” Ute-san interjected. It was a wonderful sentiment for a frontier official, but her retort was unavoidable. Besides, the ideal the Chief aims for will only drift further from the reality that worsens by the day. In fact, it is for the sake of safety that we should delve into the dungeon.

Persuading him was going to be difficult, as I’d anticipated. And this is exactly where transmutation comes in. The timing is just right.

“I don’t think we need to rush to a conclusion just yet. Why don’t we take a short break? I have another souvenir from the labyrinth.”

As I spoke, I pulled a Slime Pouch filled with Labyrinth Water from my item list and placed it on the counter. Hans-san, unable to overlook it this time, asked with wide eyes:

“I wondered about this earlier, but where did you bring such a large item from!?”

“Oh, this? I actually have a magic tool that allows for storage in a special space.”

“I’ve never heard of such an incredible thing! Could I see it?”

“I’m sorry, it’s an extremely difficult item to handle…”

“No, of course. It would be a disaster if it were broken by a clumsy hand.”

As Hans-san stepped back, Ute-san took his place. “And what is this? It looks like it’s filled with water.”

“It’s precious water gathered from the labyrinth. It’s delicious, so please try some.”

The Slime Pouch has a mouth with a series of tiny holes; when squeezed, the water leaks out. I demonstrated by filling a mug, and they caught on immediately.

“Haaa… it’s been a long time since I’ve tasted water this good.”

“Yes, my head feels somehow clearer.”

“Please, everyone, have some.”

I pulled out the large Boss Slime pouch and placed it on a table, drawing a great cheer from the crowd. Paula immediately stepped in, drawing water into mugs and handing them to the villagers one by one. The fairy fluttered above her as if helping out.

I smiled secretly at the reaction of the villagers, who were rejoicing and looking at each other as the water rapidly vanished.

“What do you think, Chief? How is the labyrinth water?”

“Eh? U-um, it is indeed very delicious. I am surprised.”

“The river water was in a terrible state. It looked like it would dry up soon.”

“Y-yes… Could that have something to do with the labyrinth?”

“No, the cause is the moon. Because of that ominous moon, the water is becoming murky and drying up.”

“That’s absurd! Her Majesty declared it an auspicious omen!”

“Revealing the truth would cause mass chaos. However, based on the texts I researched in the Capital, that moon is the source of the trouble.”

“I-is that so?”

In the city, I was a nobody, but in this village, I am a Sir Alchemist everyone listens to. As someone who has tasted failure once, I am determined to succeed in this persuasion. Honestly, if I fail here, there’s no turning back. So, I used a slightly underhanded tactic—please don’t blame me.

“However, if we have that labyrinth, I can provide everyone with water this delicious every day.”

“Y-yes. It really is delicious. May I have another?”

“Sister, me as well, please.”

“Wait! After I’ve had mine!”

“I understand your feelings as Chief, prioritizing safety. However, that is exactly why the labyrinth is important.”

“How so?”

“There is a very high probability that we can gather materials for medicines that can instantly heal any injury there.”

“What! Is such a thing possible!?”

“We can also gather materials for superior armor and many tools to make life more comfortable.”

“B-but… however…”

“Oh, stop being so stubborn! Here, have another drink!”

“Sister, for me too.”

“Ah, what magnificent water. But for the sake of the villagers’ safety…”

He was almost there.

“Then, let’s do this: Chief, please accompany us on tomorrow’s exploration. If you see the interior of the labyrinth for yourself, I think your doubts will be cleared.”

“Oh, that’s a great idea!”

“I’m jealous! I’d love to see it too.”

At the enthusiastic words of the siblings, the Chief’s face looked as though he were enduring something. However, unable to resist, he drained another mug and turned back toward me.

“Ah, magnificent. Everyone in the village is smiling. Could there be a sight as happy as this?”

Eh?

Looking closely, the Chief’s satisfied gaze wasn’t fixed on me. He was looking behind me.

I turned around hurriedly, and a roar of laughter hit my ears. I was stunned by the sight. I’d been so focused on the Chief and the others that I hadn’t noticed the tavern had devolved into chaos.

Like moths to a flame, the villagers were swarming the Slime Pouch on the center table. They were fighting over the water being distributed, gulping it down greedily. Joyful laughter erupted from the bottom of their lungs. Their eyes were unfocused, yet they shone with an intense, glaring light. Eventually, men and women were mingled together, splashing water on each other and rolling around in fits of laughter.

In truth, I had secretly mixed one particular material into the labyrinth water I gave the Chief and the others.

The secret ingredient was Fairy Dust.

It’s a slightly dangerous substance that has the effect of inducing euphoria. That said, it’s not addictive and doesn’t leave lingering side effects; it just makes one’s mood feel a bit “up.” Naturally, it isn’t a poison, so the Natural Healing, Oni race’s has, has no effect. It’s said that the reason fairies are always laughing is because they inhale their own dust.

I’d slipped it in to get Chief Dirk to consider the labyrinth more positively… but looking over in a panic, I saw Paula blushing happily. Something shimmering was falling from the wings of the fairy flying around her, raining down into the mugs.

Just as I moved to stop it, the Chief suddenly raised his voice and bowed deeply to me.

“Sir Nino, I look forward to tomorrow’s exploration!”

“A-ah, yes. Likewise.”

“Do your best, Chief! Come on, you have a toast too!”

“Sister, another for me as well.”

“Oh, no, I—”

“Don’t be shy! Here, down it!”

“Could it be you won’t accept a cup from us?”

“Come on, in one go! Sir Nino!”

“Eh, wait, ah—”

And so, my consciousness was also swallowed by the haze.