Episode 137

At last, the day to challenge the dungeon has come.

That said, nothing in particular is different from usual.

We have breakfast, and then head to clear the dungeon.

Once the clearing is done, we’ll finish with a light victory celebration.

It’s the breakfast hour that starts it all, but in the dining hall Sir Rigard looked blatantly pale.

Alicia was seated too, and as always I sat down next to her.

“Good morning, Faik.”

“Good morning, Alicia. …Is Sir Rigard all right?”

I whispered the question to Alicia.

There’s no doubt he holds negative feelings about the dungeon run.

He looked like someone you’d even accept collapsing from illness at any moment.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s kind of my brother’s act.”

‘Kind of an act,’ huh.

Is it really okay to brush it off with words like that?

As I thought that, Alicia looked at Sir Rigard.

“Brother. Should we change the day of the run after all?”

“Yeah! Let’s change it!”

When Alicia said that, Sir Rigard’s eyes suddenly brightened.

Alicia sighed at the momentary change.

“Brother. It’s already decided, so no. Today, you have to try your best.”

“…Ugh… ah, I hate it… I really do.”

Sir Rigard hunched over and muttered to himself.

He really hates it, huh…

At that moment, Sir Rigard turned his face toward us.

“Faik. Could you disguise yourself as me!?”

“I think that would be difficult…”

“Th-then how about someone taking my place!? Wouldn’t that be a feat to brag about!?”

“No, it’s Sir Rigard’s job… so please do your best.”

I gently declined.

Saying that, Sir Rigard’s face went listless again.

“Ah, I hate it. I hate it… Maybe I should just take the day off with a stomachache like this…”

As he rambled on, meals were brought into the dining hall.

“Oh! Isn’t it hamburg steak today!?”

Sir Rigard’s eyes shone as he turned his gaze to Refy, who had brought the food.

Refy smiled gently,

“You mentioned a stomachache earlier, so shall I make the portion a little smaller?”

“No, no, this stomachache is already cured! I’ll be fine until I finish eating, so don’t worry.”

“Brother?”

Sir Rigard ignored Alicia’s sharp glare and immediately began eating.

Well, I’m glad he’s lively after all.

After breakfast we headed outside the manor.

In the yard, the members for the dungeon run were already assembled.

There are ten members in total for the dungeon clearing.

Among them are me, Alicia, Sir Rigard, two of Sir Rigard’s guards, and Refy as the guards for me and Alicia.

The faces of the party members were all full of determination.

Before departure, Sir Rigard needed to say a few words, so he stepped forward in front of them.

His expression was entirely serious.

He even looked a little strained with desperation, but that was probably just my imagination.

“Everyone. First, I thank you for deciding to participate.”

Sir Rigard said that and bowed his head.

A few of the soldiers looked surprised at that gesture.

Indeed, even if someone says thank you, it’s rare to see them actually bow their head.

As I thought that, Sir Rigard continued speaking.

“This dungeon is by no means highly difficult. If you all use your abilities, you should be able to accomplish it for sure… but do not be careless.”

The air coming from Sir Rigard sharpened noticeably.

Seeing him like that makes you realize he’s Lord Goral’s son.

While thinking that, Sir Rigard raised his voice even higher.

“You never know what will happen in the dungeon. Exercise utmost caution and give it your all!”

When he finished speaking, cheers rose from the soldiers.

Sir Rigard turned his back and climbed into a nearby carriage.

We followed after him.

What an impressive speech.

He’d boosted the soldiers’ morale so well I couldn’t believe he was the same person who’d been terrified this morning.

Maybe Sir Rigard had steeled himself.

We were to ride in the same carriage as Sir Rigard to the dungeon.

When we climbed into the same carriage, Sir Rigard was there curled up, sobbing softly into his knees.

“I-I hate it… I really have to go to the dungeon…”

Wh-where did the Sir Rigard who was just talking go?

“Sir Rigard, are you okay?”

“Do I look like I’m okay…?”

“You don’t, no…”

“Faik. You don’t need to deal with him.”

Alicia quietly interjected from the side, and Sir Rigard turned a tearful face toward her.