“After all that trouble to return to the surface, to find that the battle was already over…”
The massive army of Flame Orcs, which had filled the underground tunnels, was nowhere to be seen. I watched the expedition team, composed of the Dwarf warriors and adventurers, preparing to withdraw with a sense of emptiness.
“Chrono-san, thank you for your hard work.”
“Yeah, it was a pointless fatigue.”
By the time I realized the Flame Orcs were advancing, I was already right in the middle of their route. Though it was a serious situation, I had to return to the surface while avoiding detection by them.
Nervously pacing around, I played hide-and-seek with those lurking about, occasionally ambushing and eliminating them, only to be chased down, or stuck hiding for days without being able to move… After much struggle, I finally thought I had made it back, only to find that the war was already over.
“Maybe being in that hole for days made me pretty dirty. You can go take a shower first.”
“You’re pretty relaxed, Fiona.”
“Yes. The Fire Dragon took care of things, so I had it easy.”
I had heard the details.
In the end, while we were dawdling underground, the main force of the Flame Orcs emerged to the surface, attempted to breach the defense line by unleashing the Fire Dragon… only to have Fiona send it against them and wipe them out.
“That’s quite the achievement. To eliminate that many all alone.”
“It was very helpful because it was a good child who listened to what I said.”
Though it was the Fire Dragon’s act, it was Fiona who turned the enemy’s secret plan against them. There was no room for complaint; the success reward for the emergency quest ‘Elimination of the Flame Orcs’ would undoubtedly go entirely to her.
“I’m glad we had Fiona in Damascus. I wonder if even we could hold off against the Fire Dragon.”
“You can praise me more, you know.”
“It’s frustrating, but this time I will praise you.”
“Then I would like Chrono-san to reward me with your body.”
“No, that is… well, yeah.”
“Make sure to prepare delicious dishes for Sariel.”
“Yes, Lady Fiona.”
“Lily-san, please stay quietly in the corner.”
“Muu!”
Thus, alongside the selfish Fiona, we returned to Damascus.
The next day. On the 21st day of the Blue Flame Moon.
At the Adventurer Guild, I reported the completion of the ‘Third Prince Search,’ while Fiona reported on the completion of the ‘Elimination of the Flame Orcs.’ Now, we were free to rest.
I was quite tired myself. Running around the underground tunnels for days in a state of anxiety had accumulated mental fatigue more than physical. On top of that, if our efforts turned out to be in vain, it was even worse.
Sariel displayed her usual emotionless demeanor, showing no signs of fatigue, but I couldn’t imagine it was zero. I had let her rest.
Lily seemed to have accumulated the most fatigue in her young body. She was quite exhausted towards the end. It was tough for someone with limited transformation time like Lily to continue in a state of alertness and combat for several days. It was a subtle weakness.
In contrast, Fiona, who had the maximum achievements, was the most energetic.
According to her, she only made requests of the Fire Dragon and didn’t do much work herself, nor did she spend much magical power.
This morning, she was happily devouring breakfast prepared by Sariel.
“I don’t want any more hard bread. I don’t want the thin soup or the salty dried meat either.”
She said, appearing somewhat happy. Had the food been that bad while Sariel was gone?
In any case, once our holiday was over, we had to fulfill the primary objective of coming to Adamantoria: the Original Monolith in the Iron Blood Tower located in the Royal Castle.
Since Fiona had greatly excelled in the ‘Elimination of the Flame Orcs,’ I thought I might have some leeway for a small request, at that moment,
“A letter of invitation has arrived from the Royal Castle.”
It seemed they had reached out to us.
By the way, the content of the invitation was a straightforward expression saying, “You amazing person who controlled the Fire Dragon and turned the Flame Orc army back, I was moved! I want to thank you directly, so please come quickly!” Avalon Palace should take note of such clear and concise communication, avoiding unnecessary complexity.
“Chrono-san, could I ask for you to escort me to the Adamantoria Royal Castle?”
“With pleasure, my lady.”
And so, on the following day, the 22nd of the Blue Flame Moon.
I set out with Fiona to the Royal Castle. With her as my escort, we held hands the entire way, while Merry was riding two-seater style, leaving Lily sulking, “Muu.”
However, in front of Fiona’s accomplishments, she was seemingly enduring quietly. I was wary of what would come next, so I also needed to be careful about Fiona’s whims not going too far.
The Adamantoria Royal Castle we arrived at was a massive fortress that surpassed Spada and Avalon in size.
Yet, its exterior was an imposing gray, seemingly designed for strength above all else, evoking the atmosphere of an impregnable fortress rather than a symbol of a nation.
It had no decorations whatsoever; the only noteworthy features were the large stone statues depicting Dark Gods and ancient heroes. The construction of massive rough columns gave it the appearance of a primitive temple.
“Isn’t it possible to create a more flamboyant and luxurious castle with Dwarf technology?”
What first caught the eye with Dwarf craftsmanship was their excellent performance. With swords, it’s sharpness; with castles, their sturdiness.
However, in every field, their design sense is remarkable as well.
In fact, Dwarf architects are renowned even in Pandora for constructing splendid palaces, noble residences, and temples. The royal castles of both Spada and Avalon were crafted by Dwarf artisans.
Yet, it was strange that they wouldn’t apply their design sensibility to their own kingdom’s royal castle.
“They say the ancient Dwarf kingdoms perished due to their extreme opulence and excess. The sturdy build of the royal castle serves as a lesson from that legend.”
“I see.”
Sariel has really taken to her explanatory role lately.
Though she possesses a doll-like personality, perhaps she is surprisingly adept at gathering information. Riding in on a Pegasus ahead of us into town, she has been a quiet help, acquiring basic information.
Given we were heading to the Adamantoria Royal Castle, she had also taught us about the bare minimum etiquette expected in this country. Compared to Avalon, the noted points were far fewer, and it seemed to be quite a lenient environment, so it was fortunate we could take things relatively easy. Fiona would likely not cause any natural disasters this time.
While reassuring myself, I proceeded through the cold, gray royal castle following the guide.
And then it was time to meet the King of Adamantoria.
“—First, allow me to express my gratitude. Your deeds in battle have truly been noble, Adventurer Fiona.”
The heavy words came from His Majesty, King Dvorul Balrog of Adamantoria.
Indeed, he was the quintessential Dwarf king, with a grand beard and impressive stature. Seeing him so aligned with my expectations almost moved me.
“Thank you very much.”
Receiving heartfelt praise, Fiona gracefully bowed her head. When she presents herself like this, she truly is beautiful. Especially dressed for the royal castle, she appeared even more so.
After some relatively candid expressions of thanks, followed by a simple discussion on rewards, the audience seemed to be going smoothly… or so it seemed.
“Adventurer Fiona, I have a proposal for you.”
“Yes, what is it?”
“Well, that is—”
“Wait, Dad! That’s something I ought to say myself.”
The voice that interrupted belonged to the first prince, Bleda, who was present as he had commanded the expedition. Naturally, he was supposed to be here.
“Fiona. I’ve fallen for you. Become my wife!”
“I refuse.”
Now was my turn to raise my voice! But just as I thought that, Fiona promptly denied him.
W-wait a moment. At a time like this, shouldn’t I at least try to step in as her boyfriend…?
“If you marry me, you’ll be the princess of Adamantoria. You won’t have to suffer at all. I will definitely make you happy!”
“No, thank you. I refuse.”
“If you don’t like how I look, I could change to suit your taste with a Dwarf treasure!”
“I really don’t want to. I refuse.”
“W-why…? What is it about me that you dislike?”
“I have already dedicated myself, body and soul, to one man. It’s not that I dislike you; it is that I would never accept anyone, no matter who they are.”
W-what should I do? Should I shout “Fiona is my woman!” right now? Or would it be better to stay quiet and let things smooth over? But if I don’t introduce myself here, I wouldn’t have the face as a man.
Alright, I’ll say it—
“I understand. If you say it that way, I won’t force you. I’ll completely give up on you.”
“Thank you for understanding.”
“But know this: my desire to make you my bride was serious. I don’t want your power to control the Fire Dragon. I fell for you that day, at first sight.”
“I appreciate your feelings.”
At that, Prince Bleda stepped back, looking somewhat lonely yet dignified, settling down quietly.
Huh, was it my turn now…?
“I apologize for the sudden proposal. Honestly, the ability to manipulate even a small Fire Dragon is a tremendous power that cannot be ignored in Adamantoria. I won’t force you to marry Bleda, but I do wish for you to at least contract as a shrine maiden here at the Pandora Temple.”
“I understand. I will swear an oath.”
In Adamantoria, the Fire Dragon is a special being. It is revered and feared like a raging god. If a being with animalistic instincts could rampage like a volcanic eruption, it would naturally be treated as such.
If one could easily control the Fire Dragon, there wouldn’t be this level of fear surrounding it. It should rightfully be utilized as the strongest defense weapon limited to Balrog Mountain Range. However, in reality, that’s not the case.
In other words, it indicates that there has been no technique to control the Fire Dragon, neither in ancient times nor now.
Yet, what overturned that was Fiona and the Flame Orcs that had attacked.
Even merely summoning the Fire Dragon is a remarkable feat, and to communicate and send it away from the advancing Fire Dragon was something that could only be termed godly rather than magical.
Perhaps the Adamantoria royal palace summoned Fiona not just out of gratitude, but rather with the clear intent to establish a friendly relationship.
Even if Prince Bleda had not fallen for Fiona at first sight, discussions regarding marriage may have been brought up as a formality.
“Very well. Then, I will accept your request.”
“Then…”
“Yes, you will be allowed to access the Original Monolith located at the deepest point of my Adamantoria Royal Castle, the Iron Blood Tower.”
Thus, everything proceeded smoothly without me needing to say anything in particular.
What can I say, I really am getting no spotlight this time around.
Having been granted entry into the Iron Blood Tower, we headed straight to the location.
Of course, there was a guide, but that person was completely unexpected.
“I apologize greatly for the trouble I caused this time.”
“…No, I’m just glad you’re safe, Prince Karl.”
I replied somewhat awkwardly.
Before me was none other than the Third Prince Karl, who had been the subject of the search quest.
Why is he alive? How did he end up here? The answer is both straightforward and simple.
He made it back on his own.
“When I found this jewel in the belly of the Lava Gigantopede, I had given up on survival.”
“Ah, so it was indeed in its stomach. I thought I was done for when it attacked me…”
It seems that the ancient jewel had been kept in his bag. When he was attacked by the Lava Gigantopede, that bag was eaten. Fortunately, he escaped with his life, but the bag containing the jewel remained in the giant centipede’s belly.
It’s only natural to assume he was devoured when he finds it.
“However, you’ve just returned from the abandoned mine. Shouldn’t you be resting?”
“No, with this experience, I have realized just how much I’ve been coddled. I’m not as strong as my brother Bleda, nor as wise as my brother Dales. But that’s precisely why I intend to do whatever I can.”
It seems that surviving alone in a dungeon has cultivated a strong sense of independence. It’s like he’s grown a bit as a prince and as a man.
“Then I will rely on you.”
With that said, there was no reason to decline his offer as a guide.
“Yes, please follow me.”
So, accompanied by the Third Prince Karl and a few attendants and guards, we all entered the Iron Blood Tower.
The tower was about 20 meters tall, and seemed smaller than I had expected. I envisioned a massive iron tower standing tall like a Central Hive, but the lone Iron Blood Tower poking up from a corner of the vast royal grounds had a rather lonely feel.
Its exterior also showed prominent rust, lacking any decorative elements—it was truly just a plain iron tower. Inside, it was the same, with only an empty space stretching wide.
“This Iron Blood Tower is famous as a ruin from ancient times, but as you can see, it doesn’t stand out in any particular way, so there are few who go out of their way to visit.”
The main reason it is known is that it’s located within the royal castle. Plus, the Original Monolith is located within, so priests from the Pandora Temple come and go regularly, keeping it from being forgotten.
However, it is indeed true that there’s nothing remarkable enough to attract visitors. If someone were to visit for sightseeing, they would certainly be disappointed. If there were a guidebook featuring the top three disappointing points of Adamantoria, this tower would definitely be at the top.
“Chrono-san, do you know the precise height of this Iron Blood Tower?”
“Just looking at it, it seems about 20 meters.”
“No, you’re completely wrong. Way off.”
Prince Karl smiled mischievously as if a child with a successful prank.
What is this reaction, is there some secret beyond what it appears?
“The true height of the Iron Blood Tower is approximately 3 kilometers.”
“What?!”
I instinctively blurted out in shock.
No matter how hard I squinted, the height of the tower was 20 meters, and no matter what I did, it wouldn’t reach 30 meters. Beyond that… perhaps it’s transparent from there? No, wait, it’s not up.
“Could it be that the tower is buried underground?”
“Yes, that’s correct. The Iron Blood Tower still stands in the ruins of the long-vanished Dwarf kingdom. In other words, this tower connects to the deepest part of the Balrog Abandoned Mine.”
What a surprising direct route exists.
“Then, passing through here allows exploration of the underground city?”
“Unfortunately, the door at the lowest level of the tower seems to be tightly sealed, so you cannot go outside. You can only catch a glimpse of the outside world through a small window.”
That’s unfortunate. An ancient city submerged underground, especially one that hasn’t been thoroughly explored, should be home to many treasures.
I can’t help but think how this shows just how much of an adventurer I am. Or is it just greedy?
“The Original Monolith is at the lowest level, but there’s an elevator used in the tunnels, so don’t worry.”
Thank goodness, ascending and descending a 3-kilometer staircase would be way too tough. I’m grateful for Dwarf craftsmanship.
“Well then, let’s go.”
Thus, we were to embark on a brief underground journey.