Into The Mine

“Ohh… so this is a mine? Incredible!!”

Arthur raised his voice in wonder as he stood before a gaping tunnel carved into the mountainside. Raised within a castle, he had never entered a mountain so vast. The entirely new experience filled him with a twinge of excitement.

And there was one person watching over him.

“Lord Richard… are you really going into the mine?”

“Of course I am. I came here to meet the dwarves. Marianne told you that, didn’t she?”

“She did… but still…”

Gawain answered Arthur with clear surprise in his voice. Let’s explain why Arthur was even here.

For some reason, Marianne also began insisting that there was no need for him to use healing magic. So, in order to fulfill the goal listed in the Good Deed Notebook—“Help the dwarves”—Arthur asked where he could find them. Marianne then said, “I see… So that’s the key to saving Prim. I understand now, Lord Arthur,” and led him here.

Wait, he didn’t get it at all… he thought, but played along anyway.

Apparently, aside from a few like Gale who were teaching Bedie and the others, most of the dwarves were working inside the mine.

So Arthur had come to find them. Why was he doing this?

‘There’s no way I can figure out what’s bothering these guys just by guessing. Better to go ask them directly!!’

That was his thinking. Truly a meathead solution. Gawain had been asked by Marianne to accompany him as a bodyguard.

“Alright, let’s go already.”

“Understood! I’ll take the lead, please follow me.”

Arthur entered the mine alongside the armored Gawain. A cool breeze wafted through the tunnel, and Arthur, still buzzing with anticipation, looked around. The mine was dimly lit, with only the torches on the walls to guide them.

“The dwarves are said to be working deep inside, but there are reports of monsters appearing here occasionally. Please stay close.”

“Yeah, got it. Still, I don’t get why everyone’s so into gemstones. They’re just shiny rocks, aren’t they?”

It wasn’t exactly small talk, but Arthur had been wondering. Although many nobles had gifted him gemstones, he had no interest or knowledge of art or beauty.

Gawain replied carefully, choosing his words.

“Well… Perhaps it’s because wearing something expensive makes one appear dignified? Possessing something as valuable as a gemstone proves you have the power or influence to obtain it. That makes you seem capable…”

For a moment, Gawain’s expression soured, as if recalling something unpleasant. Naturally, Arthur failed to notice and continued speaking.

“Is that so? But I think a person’s worth is determined by their skills and abilities. Kei and Marianne are excellent maids. I think they’re far more competent than the nobles who hang around me. Besides, someone like me, with strong healing powers, doesn’t need to wear jewelry to prove how amazing I am.”

“Wha…”

Arthur wore a smug grin. In short, he was just bragging about how awesome he was.

But to Gawain, Arthur’s words came as a surprise. He widened his eyes, then gave a faint smile as he looked at Arthur. Somehow, he seemed more fond of him than before.

“That’s true… That’s how it should be, but reality doesn’t always work that way.”

“Man, what a messed-up world. If it were up to me, I’d never allow that.”

“I see… So that’s why you’re helping commoners learn trades—to judge their true potential…”

Gawain’s murmur went unheard, as Arthur was too focused on scanning his surroundings. Soon, sparkling minerals began to appear here and there along the walls.

“Whoa… That’s actually kind of pretty.”

Arthur revised his opinion slightly upon seeing the glimmering stones.

Still, he wouldn’t pay a fortune for them. If someone gave him one, he’d take it… but he’d rather eat something like Gokuuma Bird and enjoy it with Kei… he mused, when Gawain, now smiling more gently than before, spoke again.

“Indeed. Not just people in power—women also enjoy gemstones. They find joy in wearing such beautiful things. Perhaps Lord Richard should give one as a gift…?”

“Really? In that case, maybe I should have a dwarf craft something once this whole situation’s resolved…”

Arthur’s voice perked up at the thought of giving something to Kei.

Although… he felt like she’d prefer smoked meat more…

In Arthur’s mind, Kei had fully become the type to prefer dango over flowers—practical pleasures over beauty.

“Fufu, I’m sure Lady Morgan would be delighted. Giving a gemstone to the one you love is a lovely gesture. I plan to give one to Marianne. Ah, but even the finest gem pales in comparison to her beauty.”

“Huh…? Me, give something to Morgan…?”

Arthur’s face twisted in disbelief at Gawain’s proud proclamation of love for Marianne.

Why the hell would he give a present to that damn woman? He was giving his to Kei, obviously.

“Oh? Was I mistaken…? I’d heard Lady Morgan helped with this mission and that you and she were close, Lord Arthur…”

“That’s absurd. The one I’m giving it to is… well… someone who’s always been there for me.”

“Someone who takes care of you… Don’t tell me…”

Arthur had intended to say Kei but got embarrassed and trailed off. Gawain narrowed his eyes, but Arthur, deep in thought over what kind of gift to give, didn’t notice.

After that, they walked in silence until reaching a roughly constructed corridor. The sound of tools clashing echoed from deep within—it seemed the dwarves were hard at work.

They had finally arrived at the dwarves’ location. Arthur, puzzled by Gawain’s sudden silence, continued onward toward the source of the noise.