Chapter 45: Towards The Dungeon
After enjoying several pots of tea and expensive biscuits, Kathryn kicked Ryuji and Alan out. They looked satisfied to see her angry face while rushing away with their stolen snacks.
"Ryuji, don't mind that crazy girl. I am sure she means well."
"Ah, she's too cute to be scary."
"???"
'Is my guy Ryuji okay in the head? Where is that girl cute!? Well, whatever. He accepted things without complaining. I cannot be happier. But...
that hidden rage and his sudden change makes me feel worried.'
"Don't worry, I will deal with Qwass should he try to do anything." Alan felt a sense of connection to Ryuji, the easygoing side of him and the way he saw the world so different from the usual heroes who all seemed a little entitled and treated the world like a playground or game.
"It's okay if he causes too many issues. Should I crush him?"
Ryuji's simple response caused Alan's heart to race, though he was far greater in prestige and blood.
Lord Qwass held connections with many nobles throughout the kingdom, and his mother's family actually hailed from a neighbouring kingdom. This kingdom, named Lebara, acted as a barrier nation to stop the many enemies of the Grisaia Kingdom.
"Let's just crush his chosen and reap the money and benefits."
"That sounds pretty sweet, Alan. You're smart. So, who was the second Chosen you snagged?"
'This kid again, why is he so perceptive!? I'm sure he heard it once in a passing conversation! It's okay, Alan, he's your ally.'
The pair seemed to have bonded after meeting Liana and enjoying the tea ceremony together, although the expensive treats seemed more to their taste as they stuffed their pockets with the packets hidden in the pantry.
"Well, of all the heroes, she's the only one you seem to have a good relationship with."
"Hmmm? I don't really know them, you know? They are just strangers to me."
"How about this then, blonde, amazing breasts, a tight figure with blue eyes and blonde hair?"
"Yumiko? She's already mine; hands off, old boy!"
"..."
'I forgot!? Is that his type? Thick women with blonde hair and blue eyes! Good Alan, now we can trick—tempt him to help you in the future!'
Alan felt the sheer amount of danger to his life the moment Ryuji mistook his taste and object as Yumiko, so much so that a cold sweat lingered down his back. Despite being far superior in level and power, he felt fear!
"Don't worry, I like older women with black hair and red eyes."
"Eh, wasn't that identical to your mother in the portrait on the second floor of your mansion?"
"..."
'This kid, why does he know the floor I placed it!? That's my secret treasure!'
"Did you go exploring the mansion?"
"Not really, the picture just looks so different compared to the others full of war, bravado and fighting." Ryuji's sapphire eyes seemed to shine when he looked in thought for a moment as if recalling the picture. "Her portrait is of a beautiful woman with red eyes, black hair and a beauty spot beneath her left eye. It reminded me of someone. So I found myself staring at the picture when passing."
'He remembers such fine details...'
"Ryuji, please don't seduce my mother."
"Ah? Mm..."
'What is that 'Mm' Ryuji!?'
"I'll do my best, Alan. Don't look so scared. Why would I want to become your dad? Do you have a sister?"
"..."
Alan didn't respond because he really did and feared what such a muscular monster would do with his petite and gentle older sister, who was frail from birth.
The pair finally arrived at what seemed to be a private barracks.
"We've arrived—this place is where you will train with the other chosen, though Yumiko cannot enter here."
"Hah!?"
Ryuji's death stare intimidated Alan, but he couldn't change or rush protocol. This is a room only the chosen can use.
"I know you doubt the kingdom because of her treatment, but it's really not about her race this time. This place is special and will need permission from the king first, which I've already applied for because I understand the importance of her to you."
"Alan, you were actually one of the good guys?"
"Don't give me fake praise; you know damn well I am a good guy! Who do you think paid for those high-quality maid outfits that match your little fox wife's growth armament?"
"Tch, I'm not paying you. Cheapskate!"
"Just fight, then I'll make coin."
"Share half the profit!"
"Ryuji, you know I am technically your lord, right? I am your superior. Why do you speak down to me now?"
"Because you're Alan."
"..."
Alan's lips twitched because Ryuji turned to him after saying such a cheeky thing and curled his lips into the most angelic smile he had ever seen.
In the past, it might have been a terrifying look, but after his eyes became like blue gemstones, his gaze softened normally, creating this fake angel that tormented Alan.
'Why does this fake smile on his angelic face... make me want to forgive all his sins!?'
"I can give you thirty per cent; that's my limit. Big brother Alan needs to pay for his future wife's spending issues!"
"Well, that's better than nothing. Make sure you don't forget, or I'll fix the matches so you always lose money."
"An official match-fixing declaration!?"
"Let's go inside already—I want to meet the girl you put on a level with Yumiko. If she's ugly, I'm going to marry your mother."
'Oh goddess, why did you send such a strange hero to my side...'
Alan felt that Ryuji somehow destroyed his noble demeanour and desire to act that way, even though others would snub him.
For Alan, it was a moment of fresh air and relaxation he wished to keep forever.
****
⁜ Ryuji POV
Ryuji didn't know why, but somehow, his affinity with any man named Alan would skyrocket soon after their meeting.
He didn't trust this noble fully, but that was because of his mother's strict training, and it would take more time to earn. However, he felt that his trust would come sooner rather than later.
'So he has a sister who looks like that picture...'
This wasn't because Ryuji became lustful or desired another woman—he just felt attracted to women similar to his mother, and most of the women he slept with in the past shared the same traits.
Yumiko was the first with unique features.
The craftsmen used thick black wood to make the special room's door. When Ryuji placed his hands on the smooth surface, a slight gloss appeared. He felt it would be impossible to damage the door even if he used his full rage and raging blow.
'It seems Alan didn't lie about these being special rooms. I cannot even hear a sound from inside.'
"See, the door is pretty sturdy, right?" Alan grinned while patting Ryuji on the shoulder with a small silver key in his hand.
Ryuji tried to snatch the key, but each time, he took it from Alan's palm. The key would vanish and teleport back to Alan's hand, who then swirled it around his fingers, showing off.
"These keys can bind to a person's magical imprint, ensuring someone cannot steal them."
Alan then took out a black box sealed with a beautiful red ribbon. The creator had written the name "Ryuji" in beautiful gothic-style writing.
"For me? It's not my birthday, though."
"Well, call it a welcoming gift from me. This is your key. I'd say don't lose it, but you can't. Haha!"
"You're not funny..."
"Ryuji, you're the only person in the kingdom except the king and the witch who would speak to me in this way. It feels so refreshing."
"Are you a masochist?"
"Hahaha!"
Because Alan seemed to wait for him to take the key, Ryuji unfastened the ribbon which danced along the wind before wrapping around his index finger. Then, the moment the box opened, the ribbon vanished into his flesh.
Replaced with a key in his palm.
"Oh!? Magic!"
Ryuji's genuine shock at the sudden magic caused Alan's eyes to widen, his lips trembling as if to resist the desire to laugh.
"This key, it feels strange as if part of my hand. Alan, how do I make it vanish?"
"Well, imagine the key somewhere else on your body or hidden. Like this."
Alan showed his key, then it vanished, appearing in his chest pocket, then his trouser pocket before vanishing completely.
"It can enter item rings, storage space and the like, but it takes a second or two to summon it if you do."
"Thanks, Alan, this is really helpful."
'I wonder if I can unlock it from a distance and then rush inside to see that other chosen while she showers?'
The key in Ryuji's hand vanished, and he copied Alan's actions before turning to face the door. Alan watched from the side, curious about what he planned. While Ryuji closed his eyes, taking a long, deep breath before his eyes snapped open.
Clack!
His key appeared inside the door and twisted on its own!
"What!?" Alan's shocked tone sounded, his face changing, with wide eyes, loose brows and his mouth wide open. "Ryuji, your class, you said you couldn't use magic... right?"
"Yeah, it doesn't have mana or anything you mentioned."
"Then why is your magic manipulation on a level with a wizard? No, maybe it's superior. How did you make it appear in the door?"
"I just thought, 'Wouldn't it be cool to unlock the door from a distance so I can charge inside?' Then it worked!"
"Damn monster... I practised so hard and cannot do that..."
"Do you want me to teach you? It's really easy, you know, Alan!"
Ryuji curled his lips into a smirk, watching Alan's face scrunch up with a slightly angry face before he noticed Ryuji's gaze and pretended to be normal.
'I'm beginning to enjoy this world,' Ryuji thought as they both entered the special room, awaiting the appearance of this special woman.