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Chapter 43: Escape from Miralda

 

Nelfie’s hideout was in a back alley in the east district.

The building was apparently used as an inn and a bar before. But now, it looked like a rundown building from the outside due to deterioration.

There were already 10 elves, dwarves, and beastfolk inside. Adding the number of people who were freed this time, there were a total 25 people.

The people at the hideout seemed frightened at first, but they relaxed when they saw Nelfie and the people who had been freed.

Some cried tears of joy as they were reunited with their family.

「Let us introduce ourselves first. We are an S-rank adventurer party called [Black Thunder].

In order of size, Drake, Shinku, and Kinu.」

As I introduced the party, Nelfie bowed deeply.

「I’m sorry for doubting you earlier. I’m Nelfie, a member of the Dark Elf tribe. Thank you for your help in freeing these people.」

She took off her hood and slowly raised her head. She had brown skin, golden eyes and silver hair.

「Anyone would have doubted me in that situation. Rather than that, let’s talk about the future.

To begin with, do you have any idea where to go from here?

If you continue to stay here, you’ll be discovered eventually…」

「The truth is… we have nowhere else to go.

We were thinking of escaping to some forest and living there instead.」

「Wait a minute. Where are you guys from originally?

Can’t you go back to your hometown? If you are so inclined, we will help you out with anything.」

There were children among those who had been kidnapped.

If that’s the case, there must be a village or town somewhere where they used to live, and their families must still be there.

「Our hometown used to be in the Forest of Illusion to the west of this city… but it has already been destroyed…」

「Huh? I’ve heard of the Forest of Illusion before. Apparently, the trees and topography change frequently, so if you’re not an elf, you’ll get lost in there… What the hell happened?」

「No one can reach the village without the guidance of an elf or a dark elf… or that’s how it was supposed to be.

However, they suddenly appeared and burned the village. They killed the men who resisted, kidnapped the elves, the dwarves and the beastfolk women and children who lived together with us.」

「Do you know who the culprit is?」

「I did not see them.

I am also an adventurer. When I returned to my village after finishing a quest, the village had already been destroyed…

However, I heard from one of the people who was kidnapped that among the main culprits was a red-haired man who used a flaming sword.

His name is Bride.」

「Red hair… and Bride… you say…?」

「Bro! Could it be the red-haired bastard who stabbed me with the magic sword!?」

「Aun… Are you okay?」

「Y-Yeah… Nelfie, is that information accurate?」

「No doubt.

While being brought to Miralda, one of the children was listening to an adventurer and a slave trader talking.

It seems that he mentioned his name at that time.」

「……I see. I actually have an idea as to who that man is. It’s probably the same guy who stabbed Drake with the magic sword.

However, let’s talk about this further after we’ve safely evacuated.」

「You’re right. And so, I would like to ask for your advice. Do you know someplace safe where we could take refuge?

I’m fully aware that I am asking for too much even after having received your help, but you people are the only ones I can rely on at the moment…」

「Hmm… For the time being, there is a way to solve both the movement issue and the place of evacuation.

However, proposing this method to people who were about to be enslaved… it’s honestly painful.」

「What!? What kind of method is it! Even if we stay here, we’ll just get caught.

Furthermore, it’s quite dangerous to evacuate this number of people out of the city.

If we can solve this matter safely, I’m sure everyone will accept it!」

「…Then I shall tell you our secret, Nelfie. Promise me you won’t tell anyone else.」

「Of course! I don’t mind even if I have to become your slave, Aun!

That way, you can shut my mouth with a slave contract!」

「No, I won’t force you to that extent. I just want there to be trust between us.

However, I have seen your resolve now.

The truth is, I am a dungeon master who manages a dungeon. And there is something called a subordinate contract in the function of the dungeon. By doing this, it will be possible for you to teleport to a safe place in the dungeon I manage.

So if I make a contract with everyone, everyone can then transfer to the dungeon’s residential area in an instant.

Of course, we will also accompany you.」

「Nn. The three of us also have a contract with Aun. Aun takes great care of us.」

「A Dungeon Master…?

I’ve heard about their existence in old tales from the elders of the clan. It was said that not even a member of the long-lived race such as the elves or the dark elves has ever become a Dungeon Master.

…In that case, please make a contract with everyone.」

「Are you sure? You can cancel it at any time, but you’ll become my subordinate for the time being, you know?」

「I don’t mind. Can we live in that dungeon? …Is it not dangerous?」

「There is no danger. In fact, even if there is an intruder, the monsters in the dungeon will protect you.」

「Then there is no problem! I will explain it to them.」

「I understand. Please don’t force them. Even if they agree unwillingly, the contract probably won’t be established.」

For about 10 minutes after that, Nelfie explained things to the elves, dwarves, and beastfolk.

No one objected and it seemed that they were rather pleased.

In the meantime, I also explained the details to Ars, Irs, and Barbaru via telepathy.

They should be ready to receive everyone at the dungeon.

After that, I made contracts with everyone. Kinu and Shinku transferred to the Foret Noir dungeon first. After confirming that everyone has successfully teleported, Drake and I teleported back to Foret Noir.