kscans

Chapter 159 - Emergency Quest

Following Yanagi-san's orders, Maede-san hurried back.

"Yanagi-san, please explain while we wait."

Yoshino-san requested an explanation from the dejected Yanagi-san.

"Right... The day before yesterday, after we finished our survey, I reported the existence of the stairs to the basement to my superior."

"Well, that's to be expected."

"My superior relayed that to his superiors, and they apparently decided to investigate the basement for safety reasons, judging that the Witch knew about it from the start."

For safety reasons (lol).

"They were hoping to snatch it if they got the chance, weren't they."

"I think so. 'For safety reasons' was likely an excuse."

Probably. The reason Yoshino-san and I realized the SDF's scheme was because there were many strange and suspicious points. But more than that, it's because if we were in their position, we'd think and do the same thing.

"Did they go to the basement yesterday?"

"No, apparently it was this morning. The wall survey yesterday took longer than expected, so they were delayed. That's why I was instructed to have you investigate the second floor first this morning."

Maybe they had trouble finding the light switch?

"You didn't know they were going to go behind our backs?"

"No. Maede and I were both assigned to the wall survey the whole time. After that, we were off duty."

"So that's when you heard the details... How many are missing?"

"Four. They shouldn't have been taking any unnecessary risks..."

Maybe they found the gold bars and let their guard down?

Still, it can't be helped. Gold has a magical power that captivates people to that extent. So I can understand why the higher-ups went rogue, and I can also understand if those four SDF personnel found the gold bars and let their guard down. Because everyone is the same in that regard.

There was early-days Eleanor-san, blinded by a large sum of money and immediately found out by Kaede-chan. There was Nanapon, getting completely carried away and captured by those strange men in black suits. And there was Yoshino-san, who acted on her own and was slipped a Sleeping Potion by Eleanor-san.

Every single one of them failed because the magic of gold clouded their judgment.

...And just for the record, it's not because they're unique skill holders.

"Four of them... Eleanor, what do you think?"

Yoshino-san, who had been standing off to the side, tossed the question to me.

"What do I think about what?"

"Do you think they were taken out by an Eight-Armed Skeleton?"

"Not a chance. The SDF is strong, right? Even if it had eight arms, considering Yanagi-san and Maede-san's strength, I can't imagine four of them losing."

I've never fought an Eight-Armed Skeleton, but from what I've heard, Yanagi-san and Maede-san could probably beat one on their own.

"In that case, it was either a trap or a monster stronger than that..."

As Yoshino-san sank into thought, I looked at Nanapon. She shook her head. That must mean she can't see any traps or monsters.

"We can handle something like that, can't we."

"Well, we can probably avoid any traps. But there might be a strong monster."

In the first place, assuming this is the King's hideout, it's hard to imagine there would be traps. At most, they would be for stalling. I doubt there'd be any lethal traps capable of killing four SDF personnel.

"Strong? Hmph..."

Whatever it is, it's probably just a small fry.

"As expected of a thoroughbred of Provocation..."

This is bad. I'm going to end up on the same level as Lin-san...

"I meant that it would be no match for an A-rank like you."

Yoshino-san, you're amaaazing.

"Liar. You definitely meant, 'Don't lump us in with you,' didn't you."

"Stop trying to belittle me. I meant that you haven't done anything this time, so you should get to work."

"I did plenty, like the advance negotiations and preparations."

Negotiations? Ah, this woman is definitely skimming off the top.

"Is that so. Try not to overdo it."

"I'm not skimming."

I didn't say anything. That's the reaction of someone who is.

"Enough already. Do as you please, Miss Unique. Nanaka-san, it's going to be dangerous from here on, so be careful. Do not, under any circumstances, go ahead of me."

Nanapon may have Clairvoyance and magic, but other than that, she's just a weak little shrimp, so she's in danger.

"Understood!"

Nanapon nodded forcefully.

Nanapon's good quality is that she knows her own weakness. People who don't get that move on their own and cause the party to collapse. We don't need that.

That's why...

"Yanagi-san, you and Maede-san should also stay back."

"Why is that?"

"Because you're weak, of course."

"Lin would be delighted to hear that."

Shut it, you perv! I'll grope you!

"We've undergone training, we are not weak."

"And yet four of your trained personnel were defeated, weren't they? If you proceed normally, the same thing is bound to happen. Besides, it would be a problem for us if you died."

"What do you mean by that?"

"You people, who tried to steal my treasure, die, and only we return. What would your comrades think? I'd rather not be falsely accused."

They'll definitely think I killed them.

"That... well, you're right. You do have a lot of bad press."

Even though I haven't done anything wrong, everyone sees me as a villain. It's bullying.

"That's why you should leave the monsters ahead to us."

"Sorry. I'm counting on you."

"It's fine."

We were planning to go even without the SDF, so it makes no difference. In fact, it might be a good chance to get some experience points. Skeletons probably don't give much experience anymore, but the Eight-Armed Skeletons seem like they'll raise my level.

As I was wondering what I'd be able to make if I leveled up, Maede-san returned, bringing Miura-san from before with her.

"Maede, what did your superiors say?"

Yanagi-san asked the returning Maede-san.

"They will be issuing an emergency quest. However, it will be issued to Eleanor Ocean personally."

Huh?

"What do you mean?"

Doesn't make sense. They should issue it to Yoshino-san too.

"Eleanor, don't worry about it. It's a matter of appearances. If they issued a quest to me, an A-rank with connections to the head office director, some people would get noisy."

Yoshino-san explained the adult circumstances.

"It doesn't matter to me either way, but how much is it for?"

"It will be around three million yen. The details will come later."

Isn't that cheap? Is that the price of four lives? Well, I guess it's already too late for them, but...

"Eleanor, come here for a second."

Yoshino-san pulled me to a corner of the room, put her arm around my shoulders, and tried to start whispering secrets. Incidentally, her arm was pressing against me, which was lucky.

"...What is it?"

"Emergency quests always pay less."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, that's just how it is. What's more, the SDF intends to cover up this incident, so they can't pay out a large sum of money."

A cover-up, huh.

"Everyone loves a good cover-up."

"That's just how adults are."

Well, I can't say I don't understand. Adults are creatures that hide their mistakes and push the blame onto someone else. That's how people get ahead.

...That damn, worthless boss of mine!

"But don't you think they could give a little more?"

Give us at least five million.

"Now, now. Let's think of this as getting some dirt on the SDF, or rather, putting them in our debt. With this, the SDF will be completely unable to touch you."

So, she's saying I should take out some insurance? Hmm, maybe that's the better option.

"...Very well. My true objective is something else anyway. A few million yen is just pocket change."

"Exactly. With this, no one can complain or find fault when we get that thing and sell it off. Even if the origin is questioned, the SDF will vouch for us."

Hmm, hmm. Yoshino-san looks happy. But man, she really is huge. Ah, I mean her character.

"I understand. It's probably best to leave these things to you."

"Leave it to me... Ahem! Eleanor says she cannot overlook this emergency. She would be honored to cooperate!"

Yoshino-san moved away from me and spoke to Maede-san and the others.

"...We're counting on you."

"...Please."

Maede-san and Yanagi-san had strange expressions. Well, they probably understand our true intentions. Maede-san, in particular, has a unique skill, so she probably heard everything.

"Yes, yes. By the way, who are you?"

I looked at Miura-san.

"I'll be on standby here. You have two hours for the search. If you don't return after that, we'll send backup, so be aware of that."

Two hours, huh. Well, if the basement is large, we can just come back once.

"Understood. Well then, shall we go?"

I took a lantern out of my bag, held it in my hand, and turned it on.

"First, we look for a switch, right?"

Yoshino-san confirmed.

"Right. I'll go down first, then Nanaka-san. Yoshino-san, you're next. Yanagi-san and Maede-san, I'm entrusting the rear to you, so I'm counting on you."

With that, I began to descend the dark stairs into the basement.