Chapter 120: Hidden Motives

“Princess, and you two noble ladies, it looks like you might be short on hands. Would you like to form a party and enter the dungeon together?”

A man with short, wavy blue hair, dressed in a white knight’s uniform with a sword at his waist, bowed and invited Liyakade and the others.

“I am Anatoli Seires from the Seires Family. Judging by your attire, you must be students from the Royal Magic Academy as well. I’ve already graduated from the Academy, so that makes me your senior.”

Anatoli introduced himself to Liyakade and the others.

When the three of them had just arrived, there were indeed some Adventurers who wanted to approach them or form a party. But once they recognized Field, most of those thoughts vanished like smoke.

So, when this man stepped forward, both Liyakade and the surrounding Adventurers were a bit surprised.

“Hello, Senior.”

Out of courtesy, Field simply nodded, but she didn’t introduce herself. After all, Anatoli definitely knew who she was. Field also didn’t introduce Liyakade or Alice to Anatoli. After a simple greeting, Field calmly refused Anatoli’s invitation.

“No need to form a party. We’re not short on hands.”

Field had some impression of the Seires Family. It was a family of high status and influence, with several members in the upper echelons of the Kingdom.

Although Field didn’t know Anatoli personally, it was likely that he really was a graduate of the Royal Magic Academy.

She didn’t know why Anatoli would come up and try to talk to her when he already knew her identity. Maybe he wanted to build a relationship with the Princess?

Or perhaps for some other reason?

In any case, Anatoli had been talking only to Field from the start, treating Alice and Liyakade as mere followers, and this attitude annoyed Field somewhat.

Besides, Field only wanted to enter the dungeon with Alice and Liyakade, to enjoy their own world of three, and didn’t wish for anyone else to interrupt.

Moreover, Field was never much interested in the relationships and social interactions among nobles, so there was no need to spare Anatoli’s feelings—she simply rejected him directly.

Hearing Field’s straightforward refusal, Anatoli’s polite smile stiffened for a moment, but he quickly recovered.

“I see. Then I’ll take my leave. I wish you all a safe journey.”

After being refused, Anatoli didn’t persist but instead left tactfully.

Seeing Anatoli rejected so directly, others lost any desire to approach as well.

After this little incident, the three quickly arrived at the entrance to the Nasca Labyrinth. They presented the Academy’s permit to the guards, who then allowed them to enter the labyrinth.

Not long after the three entered the labyrinth, Anatoli also arrived at the entrance.

“Lord Anatoli, are you going to enter the labyrinth with Princess and her party?”

A subordinate beside Anatoli inquired.

“Of course.”

Although Anatoli’s expression was not as gentle as when he faced Field earlier, he looked as usual, showing no resentment towards Field for the earlier rejection.

In truth, when Anatoli saw Field, his intention was indeed to show his face before the Princess and leave an impression, making it easier for him to navigate the nobles’ social circles in the future.

If Field had agreed to his invitation to form a party, it would have been even better—Anatoli could seize the chance to make a good impression in front of the Princess, perhaps even become more familiar with her and build a good relationship.

Of course, Anatoli also had his eyes on the beauty of the three.

While Field, as a Princess, might have high standards and countless suitors, requiring even the King’s approval, which was beyond Anatoli’s reach, the two “followers” beside Field were different.

Their beauty was in no way inferior to that of the Princess, and they hadn’t been seen in the noble social circles before. So, it was likely they were merely minor nobles.

For such minor nobles, Anatoli had confidence in his own charm.

Even though his invitation was refused, Anatoli still intended to follow the three into the Nasca Labyrinth.

He didn’t believe that three girls who had just enrolled could move through the dungeon unhindered.

As long as the three encountered danger, Anatoli could step in and play the hero, saving them.

This way, not only could he impress the Princess, but he might also win the hearts of the other two.

Anatoli had graduated from the Royal Magic Academy and, theoretically, could participate in the cultural festival as an alumnus.

But these days, he’d been exploring the Nasca Labyrinth and preparing to conquer it, so he had no idea what happened at the festival, nor could he know the true strength of the three.

Thus, his idea of heroically saving beauties was nothing more than a fantasy.

“Follow them quietly. When they’re in danger, we’ll act together.”

Anatoli instructed his group, then led his subordinates into the Nasca Labyrinth.

***

At another entrance.

“Hmph, Royal Magic Academy my ass. They’re just three snot-nosed brats.”

The bald man who had been mocking Liyakade and the others earlier now removed the human-skin mask from his face, revealing a completely different visage and a deep scar.

The bald man’s name was Manuel.

He was a notorious Adventurer.

During previous adventures, he often targeted other Adventurers who had acquired treasures, leaving no survivors.

In one incident, his victim fought back and escaped, leaving a scar on Manuel’s face.

After the victim reported the matter, a Kingdom investigation uncovered all of Manuel’s past crimes, and a Wanted Order was issued against him.

Since then, Manuel could only live in hiding, wearing a human-skin mask in public, yet he continued to prey on other Adventurers.

After all, the Adventurers’ Guild existed not only in the Royal City but in other towns as well, and the Guild’s oversight in other cities was much weaker than in the Royal City.

Therefore, disguised, Manuel could still live as an Adventurer.

After their previous failure, Manuel and his group showed no remorse or self-reflection.

Instead, they became even more ruthless, killing all witnesses and destroying the evidence.

“Hehehe, Boss, those three little girls look pretty nice. How about…”

A skinny, hunched man rubbed his shriveled hands together, a lecherous expression on his sallow face, obviously entertaining some sick thoughts.

“Hey, that’s the Princess. Do you want to die?”

A relatively calm member of the group scolded hurriedly.

“Heh.”

At that moment, Manuel spoke.

“So what if she’s a Princess? Once inside the dungeon, she’s no different from an ordinary person. As long as the bodies are handled well, anything is possible.”

“Besides, I don’t plan to kill those three beauties so easily.”

Manuel recalled the graceful figures of Liyakade and her companions as they got off the carriage earlier, unconsciously licking his lips.

“This time, let’s stay in the dungeon a few more days.”

What aroused Manuel even more was the collar and leg ring on Liyakade’s neck.

Despite her petite, innocent appearance, she wore such things openly, likely marking her as some noble’s forbidden property.

Who knew what kind of games she played in private?

Manuel certainly wanted to sample the pleasures of a nobleman’s toy.

“Boss is wise.”

The skinny man rubbed his hands, as if Liyakade and the others were already in their grasp.

“Why don’t we take turns guarding the labyrinth? That way, we can have fun for several days, hahaha.”

As they plotted how to toy with Liyakade and her companions, they entered the dungeon.

Yet, they were completely unaware that these thoughts would soon bring upon them a depth of blood-soaked terror.