“Thank you. Let’s settle the payment for these two sets of women’s leather armor along with the trade funds in a few days.”
Though it was the Royal Princess’s whim, wearing noble gowns was really inconvenient for adventuring, so Su Yao provided them both with two sets of casual clothes and leather armor.
By the way, the outfit change took place in the storeroom of the Maze Tavern.
“Are you sure you don’t want someone from my side to accompany you?”
“No need, Miss Su Yao, please don’t underestimate the power of love between me and Hilvi.”
Hilvi, standing nearby, was already used to the Royal Princess’s passionate declarations.
The blonde loli’s cheeks twitched slightly.
It seemed the Royal Princess didn’t want anyone to disturb their little world.
“Alright then, I wish you both a smooth journey.”
Su Yao saw them off in the entrance hall. Eveleel clung to Hilvi’s arm, picked a wooden door, and pulled her into the Maze.
She rubbed her eyes. The noble girl with pale blue eyes seemed to have smiled just now—was she imagining things?
No matter, at least the worst situation was avoided.
“Kroel, you’ve worked hard enough. No need to go to Moravia today. Let’s head back to our room first.”
Su Yao said to the ice-cold chestnut-haired girl beside her.
The princess of the enemy nation was right in front of her, yet she had to pretend nothing was wrong and keep a distance. That was also a form of effort.
Kroel nodded. “It’s nothing. I’m no longer that clueless princess. I still know what to do.”
She was probably putting on a brave face. Su Yao, having spent so much time with her, could tell.
“If, as Eveleel said, no one else is accompanying them, I’m willing to create an opportunity for you to try talking with her. And with Lilith’s Mental Magic, it won’t be a problem.”
That was probably the best plan Su Yao could come up with. Kroel could gather information from Eveleel and avoid being remembered by her with Lilith’s help.
The chestnut-haired girl nodded, approving Su Yao’s proposal.
Although they couldn’t openly act against the enemy princess, gathering useful intel was still beneficial.
Such opportunities were rare. Su Yao opened the Shop and spent 2,000 DP to purchase a Boss Room with the attributes “No Teleport,” “Soundproof,” and “Time Limit.”
At the same time, she also bought a new Binding Card.
Soundproof—no sound from inside the room would be heard outside.
Time Limit—before the Boss inside is defeated, no one outside can enter, and no one inside can leave.
This new Boss Room was set directly beneath the second floor’s “Mushroom King.” As for potentially disturbing its roots, that would have to be addressed later.
Once Hilvi and Eveleel reached the second floor of the Dungeon, Su Yao would find a chance to lure them into this room.
Soundproof and Time Limit were naturally to ensure Kroel and Eveleel had enough time for their conversation without others overhearing.
From her interactions with the Royal Princess, Su Yao didn’t think she was a bad person.
Though there was always a subtle sense of dissonance whenever they met, the princess’s mind was probably occupied only with her love for Hilvi and likely not involved in the war decisions between their countries.
If possible, Su Yao hoped Kroel and this princess wouldn’t become enemies.
Perhaps the war stirred up by the Vichy Royal Family was suspicious from the start, but that would have to wait until after Kroel and Eveleel met.
For now…
Use the Binding Card.
—————
“So this is what a Dungeon Maze looks like? Seems pretty fun. Wait, it looks like there’s no way forward here.”
“Of course not, Your Highness, please wait a moment.”
Hilvi stopped in front of a stone wall. After a moment, she took out a Mithril Sword from the Space Ring Eveleel had given her.
Mithril was a metal with excellent magic conduction. Weapons forged from it could also be used to cast magic, though the material was quite expensive.
Swinging the sword, Hilvi looked impressive as she slashed down the monster disguised as a wall with her superb swordsmanship.
“Tch.”
Eveleel naturally knew the wall was fake. She had sensed a faint airflow between the two walls.
Her pretending not to notice had another purpose—to take a longer route and enjoy a little more time in their own world.
Too bad that plan didn’t work; Hilvi was no fun today at all.
And just now, her lover who had given her the ring was right beside her, but she was busy chatting about business with that little loli.
If she were an ordinary girl in love, she’d surely ask, “Is business more important or am I?” But thankfully, she wasn’t that thoughtless.
“What’s wrong, Princess Eveleel?”
“Hilvi, which is more important, business or me?”
“Of course, Princess, you are more important.”
Well, even if it was just for appearances, Eveleel was happy and let it slide this time.
……
“Sorry, Hilvi, it’s my fault. It seems we’re trapped.”
Gotta say, that blonde loli designed an excellent maze. If it weren’t for this room, Hilvi might have been completely stuck.
She had been choosing the optimal route since entering the maze, which was no surprise—after all, she was someone who valued efficiency.
But since they were out for a rare break, hopefully she could stop thinking only about work.
“It’s not your fault, Princess Eveleel. This trap just takes some time to disable. We aren’t truly trapped.”
Moreover, the floor of this room seemed to be slowly shifting. So that explained it—it was a room that changed the direction of intruders.
Well done, blonde loli!
“Strange, I remember the report said this kind of room should have lots of monsters and treasure chests.”
“The monsters were probably just defeated recently. There are battle marks here. The treasure chests were likely taken by previous adventurers.”
Too bad. If only the Record Crystal could capture more of Hilvi’s battle movements; after all, seeing this side of her was rare.
Wait, no, better not. If she got hurt by the monsters, Su Yao would feel awful.
“By the way, Hilvi, how about we try collecting as many treasure chests as possible in this maze? Although maze games can be a bit boring.”
“Um…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help with your Chamber of Commerce work when we get back. For now, just enjoy the honeymoon vacation.”
“Please watch yourself, Princess Eveleel… but you’re right. For now, let’s enjoy this treasure-hunting game.”
Finally, this blockhead had woken up…