Chapter 200 – The Daughter of the Previous Generation

“Is everyone injured?”

“We’re fine on our end.”

After dealing with the Flame Demon, the Giant, and the commander, then mopping up the rest, the situation had calmed down somewhat.

No one seemed particularly injured. Well, since monsters like Bomb Rocks appeared inside the castle, the Armors probably weren’t much of a threat anyway.

The deactivated Living Armors and Heavy Armors could either have their Magic Stones extracted or be collected as-is for armor or metal materials. Irmhild’s arrows had left the original forms of the Living Armors largely intact… They’d likely fetch a good price, which was quite fortunate.

The Giant and Flame Demon had their Magic Stones extracted. These turned out to be quite high-quality stones. I’d have to think about how to use them later.

…And so, after finishing collecting our spoils, we returned via the stone monument located just past the castle gate.

“…The Blazing Fortress? Does this mean you defeated the gatekeepers?”

Receptionist Heather’s eyes widened as she looked over the arranged trophies.

“Essentially, yes. But those guys eventually respawn even after being defeated, right?”

“That should be the case. The records are quite old, but they do mention revivals.”

In BFO, it was based on moon phases. In reality now, it seems they won’t revive for a while… but eventually they will. Having Flame Demons and Giants that respawn for practical combat training each time isn’t such a bad idea either.

“They say it’s the Blazing Fortress…”

“Heard they took down the gatekeepers. Should we give it a try?”

“Don’t be stupid. First of all, reaching the lower levels is practically impossible. And even getting to the castle gate is supposed to be pretty dangerous, from what I hear.”

“Yeah. That kid… isn’t that the one who built the theater recently?”

“Looks can be deceiving, as they say.”

“That’s it. She must be a magician who’s trained for hundreds of years.”

“I see…”

…Ah. Rumors are spreading on their own and they’re reaching strange conclusions, but I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that. Heather wore a wry smile at the surrounding gossip.

“Anyway, it’s been a very long time since we’ve had a party capable of exploring inside the fortress, so the Guild has high expectations for your spoils. But please be careful not to get injured.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“You’ve got a lot on your plate too, Theo-kun.”

“Absolutely.”

When I told Alfred, who had come to visit, about what happened at the Guild, he gave me a wry smile—as expected, or rather, just as I anticipated.

“So, this is that Magic Stone?”

“Yes. But… this stone already has an element attached from the start.”

The Flame Demon’s Magic Stone placed on the counter in the recreation room felt warm to the touch. Among high-quality Magic Stones, some like this with attached elements appear. They lack versatility but can be quite powerful in their specialized areas.

“Have you decided how to use it?”

“Not yet. I’m thinking about uses for both this and the Giant’s Magic Stone, but haven’t decided.”

While bringing this to the workshop would be fine, I’m unsure how to utilize it. With quality this good, it could be used for large-scale magic tools, or perhaps I should challenge myself to create something entirely new.

While Alfred and I were discussing various potential uses, Cecilia appeared in the recreation room.

“Master. Lady Isabella is here to see you.”

“A guest? Don’t mind me, you should go.”

“…Understood. I’ll head to the reception room immediately. Could you call Sheila for me too?”

“Certainly.”

Cecilia bowed slightly and left.

“Hmm. Sorry about this.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’m just here to hang out anyway.”

Alfred smiled and glanced toward the billiards table. He’d really taken a liking to it.

“If you like it that much, should I put one in the workshop too?”

“I’d appreciate that, but having too many distractions could be problematic… Eventually, I’ll be able to play at the Royal Castle too, so I should keep it moderate.”

Saying this, Alfred began playing billiards with the Labyrinth Village residents who were on break.

When I headed to the reception room with Sheila, Isabella and another person were there.

Let’s see… I feel like I’ve seen her somewhere before… Ah, she was the receptionist at the brothel, right?

“Thank you for your generous treatment of people like us despite this sudden visit. This is Dorothy.”

“My apologies for not introducing myself the other day. I’m Dorothy.”

As soon as Isabella saw me, she bowed her head along with Dorothy, the receptionist beside her. Isabella’s appearance had changed again from when I last saw her. Unlike her workplace dress or the mobility-focused Thieves Guild outfit, both she and Dorothy wore chic, subdued formal clothing. Her speech was also much more formal now…

“Not at all. I should apologize for keeping you waiting. I’m Theodore Gartner. This is Sheila.”

Saying this, I sat down with Sheila. A servant immediately brought us tea.

“I came today regarding the matter from the other day.”

“Isabella-san. I’ll take it from here.”

Dorothy took over from Isabella, then bowed her head while kneeling on one knee.

“Thank you for avenging my father.”

So it’s about the Thieves Guild incident. Since Isabella came along too, she must be the previous leader’s daughter. Probably, while dealing with Randolph’s aftermath in connection with the Thieves Guild, information must have leaked from somewhere.

“Please raise your head. That was part of my job as well.”

“Even so. After my father passed away, Isabella-san took me in… I’ve been in her care but haven’t been able to repay her at all. But… no. Precisely because of that, I cannot forget the kindness I’ve received. I may not be capable of much, but if there’s anything I can do to repay you…”

At Dorothy’s words, Isabella smiled slightly with a somewhat troubled expression. Working as a receptionist at the brothel was probably… Dorothy’s own idea.

“I’ve certainly received your words.”

“Yes…”

“Well, as I said earlier, it was part of my job. From my position, I might occasionally ask for cooperation through acquaintances. That’s about all I can say. Besides, I don’t particularly like heavy debts.”

I vaguely implied that I might use her as an information source for the Thieves Guild in the future.

I paused there and glanced at Sheila. She nodded slightly and took over the conversation.

“Randolph was my enemy too.”

“Isabella-san told me.”

Dorothy smiled wryly with a somewhat lonely expression.

“My parents and Dorothy’s father… apparently knew each other through work, but we’re meeting for the first time. So…”

Sheila extended her right hand and said,

“I’d be happy if Dorothy would be my friend.”

“I-I’d be delighted if you’d have me…!”

Dorothy took Sheila’s hand and stood up.

Friends, huh… Well, I think that’s fine.

“Since we have the opportunity, why don’t you go play together in the recreation room for a while?”

“Mm. Dorothy, want to come with me?”

“Eh, um?”

“You should go.”

Seen off by me and Isabella, the two left.

Even though they have deep connections to the underworld… both Isabella and Dorothy are in positions of influence in the town. Since they operate with a sense of duty and human feelings, if the Thieves Guild is favorable toward the friendly monsters, that should be something I welcome.

“Is the Guild doing alright?”

“I’m managing to organize the remaining members. I heard from some of those captured by Randolph… Well, that’s how I learned what Randolph did to the previous leader.”

“…I see.”

So there were Thieves Guild members among those imprisoned in Randolph’s mansion.

“Like the young lady, I also consider this an unrepayable debt… but considering the Ambassador’s position, I thought it might be troublesome if people like us showed up in large numbers. Still, a debt is a debt. I had to convey my gratitude.”

“So you came as individuals rather than representing the Guild?”

“Yes. I also want to tell you that from now on, we will be on the Ambassador’s side. Given your position, you probably can’t announce it publicly, but if anything happens, we’ll come running anytime.”

“I’ll remember that.”

When I answered, Isabella nodded quietly.

“Well… that’s enough about that. Isabella-san, why don’t you stop by the recreation room too?”

At my words, Isabella blinked in surprise.