“Madam!? Are you safe…?”

After we exited the passage and returned above ground from the well, Rick noticed us and rushed over.

We were aware that Wraiths had appeared and a battle took place above while we were below, but looking around, nothing seems particularly damaged.

If there’s anything noticeably different, it’s that pillars and a roof made from scrap materials have been constructed to surround the well.

Come to think of it, even though Sera’s blessing had worn off, I didn’t get wet from the rain.

“I’m fine. More importantly, what about all of you? There was a battle, wasn’t there…?”

“Yes, ma’am. Seven Wraiths appeared, but they came in small groups of one or two across four waves, and we successfully defeated them all without letting any escape.”

I see… Since they came in small groups, they were able to choose how they fought.

There were only a few people capable of properly fighting the Wraiths who remained above, but at this rate, it seems there were no casualties.

“Good. The problem below has been dealt with.”

“Ohh! That’s excellent news. …Was Vice-Captain Sera injured?”

Upon hearing my report, Rick showed a look of relief at the resolution, but he quickly noticed Sera’s condition.

“I just overexerted myself a bit. Now we need to address the situation above… Fiora, could you take Sera to the mansion? We’ll be fine here on our own.”

“Alright… I’ll also treat that girl while I’m at it. Any message for Elena?”

Fiora took Sera into her care and asked, but Elena is currently with the nanny and Rose.

It would be difficult to have a complicated conversation in that setting.

It’s enough if she knows things have been resolved.

“Nothing in particular. I’ll return once things settle down here, so please look after the mansion until then.”

Fiora replied with just a soft “Understood,” then cloaked herself in wind magic and flew off.

It seems to have a similar effect to Sera’s 【Wind’s Garment】, repelling the rain with wind.

It’s my first time seeing it—she must have created it recently. Quite the skillful one.

“Madam, I’m considering relocating the command center to the Adventurers’ Guild. Would that be acceptable?”

As soon as Fiora disappeared from view, Rick, who had been standing by, proposed this.

It’s raining, and there’s still time before dawn.

Considering what lies ahead, it’s better to move somewhere well-lit and indoors.

“Very well. Teresa?”

“Yes. Let us go. Captain Rick, we will head there first. That well may be secure now, but continue surveillance just in case.”

“Understood. We’ll follow once we’re ready.”

With a nod from Teresa, we departed for the Adventurers’ Guild aboard a 【Floating Orb】.

◇

Upon arriving at the Adventurers’ Guild, we made our way to the Branch Chief’s office.

The room is a bit cramped for gatherings, but it’s still the best place to spread out a map detailing the city.

When we left the mansion, Branch Chief Karn wasn’t present, but he must have received a report while we were in the church district—he was now waiting in the lobby alongside other adventurers.

Though the undead threat has been handled, we may need the adventurers’ assistance for future investigations underground, and Karn is essential for that.

However…

“It’s quite messy in here.”

“My sincerest apologies…”

Before Teresa, Karn seemed to shrink despite his large frame.

As she pointed out, the room was indeed in a state of disarray.

It wasn’t dirty, but there were papers and documents stacked everywhere, making the already-small room feel even more cramped.

Rick had apparently informed him in advance about relocating our base here, and there were signs he tried to tidy up… but the sheer volume of materials made it impossible.

Come to think of it, Sera once said something similar…

When this building was rebuilt, it was designed with extra space in mind, but perhaps it’s time to consider an expansion.

That, however, is for later.

“Rick and the others will be arriving soon, so we don’t have time to clean. Let’s relocate. …Karn?”

“Y-yes. How about the conference room? It’s not as secure against eavesdropping as this one, but at this hour, it should be fine.”

“Good enough. It’s not like we have anything to hide… Let’s move.”

It was still before dawn.

Unlike during the day, there were very few people in the building.

As long as we prohibited staff from entering, even if we opened a map, it shouldn’t be a problem.

We decided to relocate there.

◇

The conference room we moved to was about the same size as my room in the mansion.

It had two entrances, but one was guarded by soldiers restricting access.

While not ideal for confidential discussions, as long as we do pre-checks, it should be fine.

Aside from us, the branch chief of the Commerce Guild was also present.

When Rick moved from the church district to here, he must have deemed the man necessary and brought him along.

You could say he was dragged along…

The Commerce Guild hadn’t been informed about this matter, so the chief seemed unable to follow the situation that began with the sudden appearance of the 1st Squad’s captain, and remained visibly intimidated.

It was a bit pitiful, but we needed him to stay for the time being.

“Now then, we’re heading out to make the arrests.”

“Yes. Just be careful not to make a scene—it’s a residential area.”

“Understood!”

With a sharp reply, Rick quickly exited the conference room.

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

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 ・【Power Strike】・【Red Shield】 【Fierce Horned Trumpet】・10 cards