“Oh my…”

I couldn’t help but mutter at the sight visible from partway down the stairs.

The lobby in front of the dungeon, located underground in the Adventurer Guild, is stylishly designed under Seriana’s supervision.

Although the main users are tough adventurers, so whether it really suits them is questionable…

Anyway, it was bustling today as well, and every seat was perfectly occupied.

“Yo! Vice-Captain!”

One of them noticed me coming down the stairs and raised a hand to call out my name.

They were sitting six around two tables pushed together, but there was a somewhat worn-out atmosphere — probably just back from the dungeon?

However, that tired look was only superficial; there were no signs of damage.

Even without the snakes or 【Fairy’s Eye】, their strength was evident from their demeanor.

They were drinking tea and had several relics lined up on the table, talking about something.

They were probably having a debrief here before going out drinking properly.

“Hey hey! Finished hunting for today?”

“Yeah. We were holed up in the mid-layer since last night and just got back a moment ago.”

“We’re not drinking alcohol though.”

At those words, they smiled wryly and raised their cups.

Indeed, it’s a little funny to imagine a group who can hunt in the mid-layer drinking tea in such a fancy space.

“Vice-Captain, there was a request from Fiora-sama. Have you heard anything about it?”

“Hm?”

When I asked, they said adventurers collecting materials in the mid-layer have increased recently due to Fiora’s request.

They too accepted that request and attacked the mid-layer, but they don’t know what those materials will be used for.

Well, even if the information necessary to complete the request is written down, the purpose is rarely included.

By the way, I know what it’s used for.

I know, but… is it okay for me to just tell them without permission?

Hmm…

“I’ve heard a little. But I’m not sure if I can just tell you… It’s not being used in a weird way, so maybe ask when you accept the request?”

“Hm… well, I’m not that desperate to know…”

He sounded vague in response to my words.

Not only him, but the others as well.

Generally, it’s considered poor etiquette to pry into how requested items will be used, but since this time Fiora is the requester and the use relates to the territory, it seems like they would tell if asked…

Maybe for veterans like them, asking a lot of questions when accepting a request goes against their style?

“Well, if you want to know more, just ask.”

“Ah, sorry for stopping you. We’re satisfied with the request itself since the knights are supporting us too.”

“I see… then, I’ll be going.”

With that, I waved to them and left the lobby.

Even if not as skilled as Zighart, the number of good hunting spots for capable adventurers is limited.

Dangerous areas are exactly like that, but sometimes getting there is so troublesome that you’re already worn out when you start hunting.

Hunting grounds with solid support like this dungeon are probably rare and valuable.

Maybe they avoid asking detailed questions about the request because they don’t want to cause displeasure.

I think it’s okay, but I wouldn’t want them to bottle up dissatisfaction either… I should consult Fiora a bit once I get back.

◇

After returning to the mansion, I reported to Seriana, and that was the end of today’s work.

But… remembering the earlier conversation, I decided to go see Fiora.

Usually, I’d be done for the day and just laze around, but… overtime it is!

So, I headed to the underground laboratory.

Until recently, Fiora was stationed at the mansion, but now that various matters have been settled, she had started work here.

“Fio-san, are you here?”

“Yes, come in.”

I opened the door slightly and called out, and she immediately answered.

“I have a quick question… what are you doing? Designing?”

This room had a big desk right inside the door.

It’s used for meetings or spreading out tools for various things, and right now there was a large sheet of paper spread out on it with Fiora using various instruments to draw something.

At a glance, it looked like lines and symbols, neither letters nor pictures, giving the impression of a blueprint.

I knew Fiora was involved in the mansion’s design through magical circuits and such, but this was the first time I’d seen her actually drawing something.

Of course, there’s no convenient CAD software in this world; everything must be done by hand.

I understand that, but seeing it firsthand makes me think this woman really can do everything… it’s impressive.

“Hmm…” I was staring with my mouth slightly open when Fiora put down her tools and turned to me.

“This is what you ordered. So, what’s up?”

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Sera・Blessing・【Hideout】+1【Prayer】【Mira’s Blessing】【Wind’s Garment】

Blessed Item・【Floating Orb】+1【Shadow Sword】+1【Scarlet Bee Needle】【Fairy’s Eye】【Dragon’s Lung】【Amber Sword】【Danrem’s Thread】【Serpent’s Tail】【Ankle Bracelet】【Amber Shield】【Purple Wings】【Red Sword】【Monkey’s Arm】・8 cards

Seriana・【Area Identification】・【】・0 cards

Elena・【】・【Green Fang】【Amber Sword】・4 cards

Alec・【Strong Strike】・【Red Shield】【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards