Six Explorers

"First things first, a bath."

Returning to the mansion, Ria borrowed the bathroom in the middle of the day, and amazingly with her own hands, she effortlessly carried barrels brimming with water to fill the bathtub. Then, using fire magic she could manage to some degree, she heated the water in no time.

Closing off the room, Ria stripped down in one smooth motion, going completely naked.

She grabbed Maal, who was blinking in confusion, and stripped her clothes off just as vigorously.

"Awawawa"

She poured warm water over the confused Maal.

"Hold your ears closed so water doesn't get in."

"Y-yes."

Using the provided soap, she lathered up Maal's fur thoroughly. Of course, she made sure to carefully wash her squishy paw pads.

After rinsing off all the bubbles, she lifted Maal from behind and got into the bathtub together.

"Phew～, baths wash away life's troubles."

While saying that, Ria stroked Maal's body all over, enjoying her soft, short fur.

"Now then, my goal is to conquer the labyrinth, but…"

"Haa."

Maal had already given up and gone completely limp.

"Once my wish is granted, I'll set you free. Even if it isn't, after two years you can go wherever you want."

Maal's ears twitched.

A cat beastkin's ears speak as loudly as words.

"But until then, I want your cooperation. This labyrinth apparently only allows up to six people to enter together, and now we have exactly that number."

"Haa…"

"Maal's role is as my companion and body pillow!"

Hugging her soft, limp body, Ria declared.

"I think it's a good idea. Stealthy movement, keen hearing, lockpicking—she's got all the skills a scout needs at a competent level."

Having appraised her, Serge was in favor from the start. He had thought all along that this party lacked a scout.

However, Lulu and Carlos were opposed, though only passively.

"Are you going to take such a cute child into the labyrinth?"

"That's right. A small child like this should be made into a maid at the mansion."

It seemed the elf-lover was also a furry. He was a man of deep vice.

Lulu had already healed the scars on Maal's ears with magic and had grown attached to her.

In the end, Ria's opinion prevailed. The appraisal result showing Maal's level as 20 was decisive.

"Alright then, we'll gather equipment tomorrow morning and head into the labyrinth in the afternoon."

Ria's single declaration settled the matter.

That night, as declared, Ria used Maal as a body pillow.

She dragged Maal, who politely declined saying she'd sleep on the floor, onto the bed. Both in their underwear, she caressed Maal's fur.

"How did you end up becoming a slave, Maal?"

Having her head petted loosened Maal's tongue.

"I was living in a village to the southeast of here, but one day when I was out gathering herbs, I was caught by slave hunters…"

It was a tragic story, but apparently not uncommon in these parts.

Maal possessed an ability called Fairy Eyes that allowed her to visualize magical power, which made her useful in the labyrinth. She was bought by an explorer party and had been delving into the labyrinth for two years since then.

Then just recently, her party was wiped out inside, and to replace the lost equipment, Maal was sold once again.

"I see, you've had a hard time. But don't worry. I'm not in a position to be troubled by money."

That was apparent from the fact that she was staying in such a grand mansion.

"Speaking of which, Ria-sama's…"

"No need for 'sama.' If you really want to use an honorific, call me Ria-chan."

"Um, what exactly is Ria-chan's position?"

"You know there's a country called Casalia to the south of here?"

It was a major nation. Even Maal knew the name.

"My father is king there."

Maal's tail stiffened with tension.

"Casalia is a good country. There are slaves there too, but slave hunting would be a crime. I'd like to show you around someday…"

Being petted while being told such things, Maal drifted off to sleep.

It was the first peaceful sleep she'd had in a long time.

The next day, the group proceeded as planned. Serge, Lulu, and Carlos went out to buy consumables.

Serge's storage space had the convenient property of stopping time's passage. It could store several months' worth of fresh vegetables and meat for six people.

Meanwhile, Ria, Maal, and Gig as their escort went around looking at Maal's equipment and other things needed for the labyrinth.

Maal was equipped with black leather armor matching Ria's, two knives, and a crossbow as her weapon. She also had a set of lockpicking tools for opening treasure chests found in the labyrinth.

"Up to the fourth floor, there aren't any particularly dangerous monsters. Of course, it depends on your level."

Now, what exactly is a labyrinth?

In this world, magic supports much of daily life instead of science. What serves as the material and fuel for magic tools are things called magic crystals.

These magic crystals are produced by refining magic stones obtained from monsters or from land with extremely strong magical power. However, wild monsters rarely possess these.

But labyrinths are different. The monsters that spawn there all possess magic stones without exception.

In other words, labyrinths are magical domains with dangerous monsters, but they're also mines that produce magic stones.

Furthermore, labyrinths for some reason also yield precious ores, and treasure chests contain weapons, armor, and magic tools.

It's said that the master of a labyrinth prepares these things, and these labyrinth masters are said to range widely from dragons to fallen gods to fairies.

Many labyrinths have structures that change completely each time you enter, and most remain unconquered.

The master of the Shashmeer Labyrinth is also shrouded in mystery.

Considering it appeared 1000 years ago, it's thought to perhaps be a survivor of the demon race. Yet for that, it's built in a way that's kind to humans.

After all, you don't die there.

Explorers who should have died are stripped of all but their minimum equipment and teleported to the surface.

At this time, their magic power and life force are drained, so treasures are probably created from that, but…

"And this is the Labyrinth Guild."

Guided by Maal, who knew the place well, the group had come to the west of the city, to the entrance of the labyrinth.

On a gentle hill, there was a massive gate. Beside it stood a large building.

"Explorers first register at the guild, then enter the labyrinth. They also buy magic stones obtained in the labyrinth, monster materials, magic tools, and such."

"Kuah～, I'm getting pumped～!"

Only Serge was openly showing his excitement, but Ria and the men were equally restless.

Labyrinth exploration is a man's romance.

Opening the door and entering the building, they were met with a space filled with the smell of sweat.

Among the rugged men, the occasional female explorer could be seen. Proportionally, warriors were more common, and as expected, mages were few.

Approaching the counter further inside, the receptionist raised her voice upon seeing Maal.

"Maal! You made it back?"

She probably knew the circumstances.

"Yes. This is my new master. We'll be going into the labyrinth, so please register us."

"Let's see… the ogre, the knight, and the elf are fine, but… two children?"

"Is there a problem?"

"There isn't, but…"

Looking at Ria's appearance, the receptionist guessed she was probably a noble.

It wasn't uncommon for noble children who admired heroes to recklessly challenge the labyrinth. This labyrinth, where no one dies, was perfect for that.

Without saying anything more, wooden identification cards were made for the five excluding Maal. For Maal, it was a reissue, which cost 10 copper coins.

Once you submit a certain amount of magic stones, the identification card becomes metal, and you no longer have to pay to enter and exit the city.

In any case, preparations were complete.

"Our exploration starts now!"

"Nah, bro, that's a 'series got cancelled' ending."

Serge retorted to Carlos.