On our way back since we took the same path we came it was a bit easier than the way here since we didn't encounter any ogres. In regards to the Rindobel couple but putting aside the wife, the husband is a magician. On Rokko's suggestion Kevin and Jeru broke the fingers on both of his hands to make it so he can't use magic. Also, in order to prevent the two of them from exchanging looks or discussing things we properly left a distance between them as we brought them along.
During the time we were returning everyone was asking Haruku various questions. But, it's only there was some things that Haruku didn't know either. During those times they directed the questions to the Rindobel couple but neither of them would give a reply.
On the way, Kamu who wasn't remaining quiet without joining the conversation the same as me said to everyone.
"This time, by chance I wasn't injured. That's why I might not have the right to say anything. But, if we had made even a single mistake I think the chances were high I would have suffered a serious injury as well just like that. Though since Greed-kun is here I don't think I would have died...But, I can't forgive what the Rindobels did...I think I've paid 7,000,000 for two charms up until now. I used one of them but I still haven't received the other one.."
Hearing that Misu replied.
"It's unrelated whether you were injured or uninjured. In the first place didn't we already hear that this wasn't something that just started this time. On the contrary if it weren't for this time then I think we would have been preyed on forever. Right now, even this moment I feel like my insides are burning up to the point I want to hit them with a {stone Javelin}."
Rokko and the three suckers are saying, that's right, that's right, as well and pushing the Rindobel couple.
"Kevin, Jeru, stop doing such dull things. We can do that sort of stuff as much as we want later. Rather than that we need to properly remain cautious...Though I don't think they can do anything at this point. I won't recognize these two as leaders anymore. Even Bin I can't think of as an ally anymore."
Kimu said as if spitting it out. Hearing that everyone made angry faces while agreeing.
It took until evening for us to return to the place we teleported into the 7th floor.
A short while before we grabbed the crystal rod to teleport to the 6th floor Haruku said to me.
"Greed-kun. After this if you were to return to the {Slaughterers} there's no one who would blame you. No, in the first place I'm sure there's no one with the power to blame you... If possible, I'd like for you to stay in {Sun.Ray} and bring everyone together but I don't know what will happen to those two, including myself and Bin. I think the chances are even high we could be lynched and killed. ..Ginger might throw a rock at me as well...Honestly speaking, if the four of us end up leaving {Sun.Ray} our combat forces will drop to the floor so there's probably no merit to remaining. It's difficult to say anything unreasonable. Since the {Slaughterers} have already say they want you to return, I think it would be more intelligent to ignore this {Sun.Ray} and return...Since you're still young I'm sure you have your own pride but it's the best when they're still lowering their heads like that. I think it would be best to just honestly return."
It was a bit unexpected that he would say this far.
"Even if they decide to lynch you, you just intend to silently obey?"
I wonder if he obediently intends to abide by the judgement of the members?
"..As long as they properly think about the order..If everyone wishes for a lynch then I intend to silently obey. I don't know what Bin will do but he's not the type to just quietly be finished off. I'm sure he'll resist. That's why, we need to get to the point of restraining him. If I'm the last one of the four to be killed then I intend to just quietly die. Now that I've already exposed everything to the public, also, since I was the first one who confessed all of it, I'm sure that's my responsibility."
Before we noticed everyone had gathered around us and was listening in on what Haruku said. By the point we arrived here Koritto and Meiria, the Rindobel couple were tied up again by both their arms and legs. We've properly gagged them as well. Hearing they might be lynched fear appeared on their faces but no one tried telling them to relax.
"It's just right, everyone make sure you listen well. Alright, don't forgive me. Don't misunderstand. I'm not doing this because I want everyone to pity or sympathize with me, even more so it's not like I'm reflected on my actions up until now. I've just snapping at this couple on the spot for cutting me down after all these years. Everything these two two have built up, I just wanted to destroy everything. Don't forget it. I'm a man that in the past killed his own party members from behind who had done nothing wrong at all."
After saying that he took a breath and continues his words.
"..From now on everyone, for the time being look to Kamu for instruction. Rokko is older but since you're too much of an idiot, even if it's only temporary give up on leader. In terms of ability Greed-kun is fine as well but he only just entered {Sun.Ray} after all. If he blatantly tries to approach then it's possible Bin will get cautious."
He said that and grabbed the crystal rod while everyone looked daunted. Four of us including me forced the Rindobel couple to grab the crystal rod while they were struggling.
"Barruhato"
And then we teleported into the teleport room on the 6th floor.
.................
The {Slaughterers} were waiting in the room. Since there's only a distance of about an hour from that monster room to the teleport room on the 7th floor, it's only obvious they would arrive here faster than us. After the {Slaughterers} confirmed that I safely was able to return here and they said "We're going ahead" while looking at {Sun.Ray} gathering their belongings and teleported to the 5th floor. I feel like we'll end up meeting them again around the 4th floor.
"They were worried about you right."
Misu smiled at me. I just shrugged my shoulders while gathering my bags as a reply.
"Kamu, confirm the plan."
Haruku said to Kamu. If we're unlucky then it's possible there might be other parties on the floors above this. Even the remaining thee top teams, it's not as if they don't come to the teleport room on the 5th floor at all. It would be troublesome if we end up being overheard while talking after we teleport. It's best to think that this will be our last chance to discuss things without anyone else definitely overhearing us.
The discussion centers around Kamu and we went over the arrangements to restrain Zemyunel.
The time right now has just passed 6 pm.
The members of the second party of {Sun.Ray} are most likely still searching for ores on the 3rd or 4th floors while using the teleport rooms there as a base. It seems that judging from the time they'll return to the room at latest in one or two more hours.
We confirmed the procedures in both cases of whether they've already returned or haven't returned yet. Since it's the teleport crystal room you could say the salvation is that there's not much need to worry about anyone interfering. There's no way other adventurers who were already in the room would meddle after all.
In any case, we considered restraining him without giving him a chance to say anything. Centering around Kamu the ideas were gathered together. Fundamentally Misu will(it's only obvious though) act as if she doesn't know anything and freeze even just one of Zemyunel's legs in ice, with his movements largely dulled Rokko and the others will lunge at him, remove his equipment, and tie him up.
At first the role of freezing him in ice was thrown to me but if a newcomer like me were to suddenly do that, putting aside Zemyunel himself, Ginger, Binsu or the others who don't know the circumstances might react so I said that refusing it.
I had the feeling that if things came to that Hirosukol would gleefully point his sword towards me after all. If I'm careless he might end up using an attack spell. If I'm suddenly hit with an arrow type attack spell from close range even if it's me I can't evade it and if it hits the wrong place I might suffer a serious injury. Pardon me from something like that.
We broke Koritto's fingers again when they still haven't recovered causing him to pass out and chipped away at his will to resist again before we teleported consecutively into the 5th and 4th floors. Just as I guessed the {Slaughterers} were on the 4th floor but I just lightly nodded towards Toris. It seems it's fine for them as long as they can confirm I'm safe. Other than that, there was equipment in the corner of the room that probably belongs to {Gehenna.Flare}.
Kamu, Misu, Rokko, Kevin, Jand Jeru those five went ahead to teleport. In the worst case, if the second party is in the 3rd floor teleport room then they'll charge as Zemyunel first and restrain him. If we all teleport together he might see the Rindobel couple tied up and be suspicious of it after all. After waiting for about 5 minutes the remaining five of us teleported.
When we teleported to the 3rd floor there was an uproar.
There the five of us teleported in late. If you teleport in from a lower floor you end up being placed in random places that are open around the room. Kimu ran over to Koritto who's legs are tied up and kicked his still broekn fingers that were tied behind his back. I quickly looked around the room and after discovering Meiria stuck my sword to her as well.
Zemyunel has his right leg solidified in a large block of ice like a jerry can and Rokko is on top of him punching him. Ginger and the other members of {Sun.Ray} who don't know the circumstances are trying to stop that. Misu is holding out her right hand with it stretched out to hold those second party members in check. Under Kamu's order Kevin and Jeru are knocking Zemyunel about quite a bit as well. And then there's 20-30 outsiders watching and jeering that on from a distance.
"Greed-san! What is the meaning of this!?"
Faruergaz shouted but I didn't even turn to look at him.
"Shut your mouth, brats!"
With Haruku's roar the tumult all of the members of second party of {Sun.Ray} were making stopped in an instant.
"Is it a {Coup}? Or an hijacking? Regardless I'd like an explanation that I can agree with!"
Hirosukol said in protest but from just a single glare from Haruku he shut up.
Rokko and the others are using the rope they prepared to tie up the Rindobel couple and Zemyunel together.
"I'll explain things now so remain quiet."
Haruku said that and went to the side of Zemyunel who is gasping from beating beaten half to death by him and sat down. I guess he's saying to tie him up as well. Urged on by Kamu, Rokko and the others tied up Haruku without even making an apologetic face. I guess that's only obvious, after all I'm sure they hold a grudge.
.................
Haruku exposed everything he knew.
"This is just about all of the outline of it..Sorry about that, Ginger. I was this sort of man."
Haruku made a smile that could be taken as self-derision and turned his eyes away from Ginger.
"Everyone, you can feel free to lynch us or hand us over to the knight group, whatever you want. I won't complain even if I'm lynched and killed right here and now. It's fine if you hand us over to the knight group but I don't really get what kind of crime it would be. But, since Binsu is here after all. If you were to make an accusation I think the knight group would listen to it. I'm sure it's not like the preparations have been made for your charm yet after all."
Binsu aka Binnodo.Gekudo is the third son of a sub-Baron family. His litte sister Yuriel aka Yoranfinu, who died last year was the second daughter was it? If I remember correctly the punishment for fraud in Marquis Webdos territory was 1 lash with the whip. Though I don't know if it's the same in the royal territory but I doubt it would be much different.
However, I don't know when it's a case where the victim is a noble. I'm sure it'll get a bit heavier but I don't think it would go to execution. Most likely the number of lashes would increase. They might demand an even larger fine? I don't know if it changes when it comes to principal offender or accomplice either. I feel like it probably wouldn't change.
But, if Binsu's accusations are recognized then if the other members of {Sun.Ray} who paid money accuse them as well then theirs might be accepted too. Obviously the number of times they're lashed with the whip will increase and the fines will increase as well. I don't know how much wealth the couple has amassed but I'm sure not just a few hundred million will be enough. They probably can't avoid being made into debt slaves. Prior to even that if the lashes increase enough it's very possible they could die before that.
But, rather than something like that the problem is what to do right now. Though I say that, I have no intention of saying anything unless I'm asked.
"The money for the charms..What's going on with it!"
Binsu yells. It's only obvious.
Even he's been continuing to pay money since the time he wasn't rich. 2,000,000 was it? It's cheaper than the other members but even that's 2 gold coins. It's plenty to consider a large amount.
"Binsu, calm down for now. Let's discuss what to do. After that, it's just temporary but I'm the current leader of {Sun.Ray}. Listen to me."
Kamu is calling out not just to Binsu but to Hisu and Ginger as well.
"Rodrick, Fio, Sanno, Ruttsu. How about you all? You all heard about the charms last month right. Did you already pay for them?"
She continued calling out to Faruergaz and the others.
"Ah, that is, I paid 2,000,000..Also, 4,000,000 for both of my slaves.."
Faruergaz replied with a pale face. Seriously 6,000,000....That's not even a joke anymore...
"Uu..I paid 100 as well.."
Hirosukol replied with a pale face as well.
"I..I did 500,000.." "I did 500,000 as well.."
2,000,000 for these three huh? In terms of damage they're probably the lowest.
"When did you pay?"
It was near the end of last month for everyone. Roughly one month ago.
"The amounts are all over the place but the number of victims increased by four..Haruku-san. Do you think they've already started moving to obtain the charms?"
Kamu crouched down on the side of Haruku who was tied up and left rolling around while asking.
"They might have already started moving for about one persons portion. But, most likely they haven't even properly started moving yet...I've already spoken everything I know. If you want to know anymore than this ask the person them self."
Haruku replied with his hands still tied up behind his back. Hearing that Kamu sighed once, nodded that that's true, and then stood up.
"Kevin, take off Koritto's gag."
Ordered by Kamu, Kevin took off Koritto's gag. Kamu pulled out the dagger at her waist and stuck it in front of Koritto's eyes before crouching down again.
"Answer my questions. I won't forgive any lies. If I think it's a lie then I won't forgive it either. I won't forgive remaining silent as well. First off, have you already started moving to obtain the charms with the money you gathered from everyone?"
"..Obviously. I haven't deceived anyone."
"Got it. Then, then you've already used all of the money you gathered from everyone as labor expenses is what that means right?"
"That's right.."
"I'm sure that you can't say anything but that. That's fine. If you said something like you still had it then that itself would be fraud after all."
"That's why I said I haven't commit any fraud. Rather than, let me say one thing."
"That's no good. I already know that you're good at talking. It's fine as long as you answer our questions."
Kamu flatly replied and continued.
"How did you move in order to obtain the charms?"
Around this point there were voices raised in question from the surrounding adventurers. In regards to charms and maneuvering around. I'm sure it's already common knowledge that there's internal discord between {Sun.Ray} but in regards to the cause for that, they must by questioning it because even when it's being talked about right in front of their eyes now they can't understand it.
Misu who was watching over the four rolling on the ground stepped up and glared at the surroundings while saying.
"You're all too noisy, don't interfere in our business. If you can't remain quiet then go off and earn on the 3rd floor or return to the surface."
Somehow I completely had the impression of her as a loose person but as expected of a member of a top team. With just a single line and glare she silenced the masses. Rather, I'm sure it's because no one wants to make {Sun.Ray} into an enemy after all.
After confirming the surroundings have gotten quiet Kamu started interrogating Koritto again.
"Who do you have making maneuvers for the charms? Which temple is it?"
After all it was just as I imagined, they gathered up and bribed some appropriate individuals and had them line up at the temple it seems. However, I guess they were afraid of it being exposed by the adventurers, they were doing it across multiple temples in Rombertia. They also said since the cost of buying it isn't fixed there's a difference in the amount they charged for it. Though I think that's not the case. I'm sure they just made it cheaper for nobles right?
"What was that about having special connections! There's nothing special or anything at all about that!"
Jeru shouts. However, the fact that they were able to think of it, put it into practice, and get their hands on a reasonable amount of real ones is something that honestly deserves praise. In the first place, you all paid money because you accepted that didn't you?
"After this we'll investigate whether you were really in the middle of maneuvers and even if you were in the process of it whether you properly paid all of the money from everyone. I'm sure if it came to hiring people then you should have someone in the capital gathering people as well right? Tell me their location and how to get into contact with them."
She said that while trying to ask about the contractor that dispatches the labor but he stubbornly wouldn't reveal it. Though there might really not be one. Just from what I've confirmed they always make the day of a full moon a holiday but for {Sun.Ray} close to half of the month is a holiday. It wouldn't be strange even if they went to the capital and called out gathering up the poor and broke themselves.
"I've already told you everything! We haven't deceived anyone! That..That's right! Rather than that, Greed! You bastard! You're the one trying to deceive us right!"
Huh? The fact that I left the {Slaughterers} just in appearance doesn't count as deceiving. The ones who misunderstood at your own convenience and invited me is you all. I never said a single lie in regards to the ogres as well. I just didn't talk about the information that they're weak to paralysis poison or that ogre mages might be mixed in as well. I didn't think they would ask about something like that pinpoint but in order to avoid the clatter later in the off chance they do ask I think I did said "that might be the case".
"Deceived? What in the world are you talking about?"
"The ogre mages! I won't let you say you didn't know! Even though you explored the 7th floor all the time with the {Slaughterers} over there..you should have known about them!"
"Ha? I was wondering what you were going to say but that? Then on the contrary I'll ask you but you've been an adventurer for over a decade so I won't let you tell me that you didn't about the existence of ogre mages, ogres that can use magic. Or else what is it? If humans, elves, or dwarves every appeared as enemies in the dungeon, do you really think they wouldn't use magic? Since it seems ogre mages often attack the caravans carrying food along mountain roads in Kanbitto to the East, isn't there quite a few people here that know about them? Everyone who doesn't know about ogre mages please raise your hand."
After I said that I didn't just look around at the members of {Sun.Ray} but at the adventurers surrounding us. Previously, it's something that the members of the {Slaughterers} talked about before we challenged the 7th floor for the first time. Let alone ogre mages, the only ones who didn't know about ogres were I who came from the remote country side, and Bel and Zulu who were born in Devas. Though it seems Gwine didn't know how strong ogres were. Since she was a merchant that only circled around the royal territory, so that's not unreasonable.
It's only obvious for Zenom who had actual experience against one, Toris and Angela knew the name as well. Also while they had never seen an ogre mage it seemed like they had at least heard of them. Just as predicted the number of people who raised their hands was low enough they could be counted. In {Sun.Ray} including even Faruergaz and Hirosukol, everyone from the first and second parties knew about them.
Well, I'll admit it's sneaky. Since it seems that ogre mages only appear on the mountain roads in the space between Kanbitto and Rombert so if you were to see a group of ogres other than there you normally wouldn't worry about an ogre mage being mixed in with them. However, it's already been investigated that they're known as an extremely powerful monster. There was plenty of time to investigate them..I killed one for the first time last year after all.
"Also, if you'll allow me to add to that but this is the firs time I've genuinely fought against an ogre mage. When I was in the {Slaughterers} we almost always ambushed them and finished them off before they could use magic. Ah, even if you check their status it only shows them as ogres. Only after you check that they have magic special skills can you identify that they're not ogres but ogre mages."
I said that and shrugged my shoulders.
"That's right, what Greed-kun is saying isn't strange. We just assumed that ogre mages wouldn't appear other than in the North of Mount Kinru. Well I also feel like it would have been nice if you had at least said one word about them though...And also, wasn't all of the information that Greed-kun explained to us correct? It's the same for his movements and combat abilities. Even this time it was a group of 11 ogres with ogre mages mixed in that we attacked but I heard that Greed-kun was the one who defeated all of the ogre mages. He even defeated them right in front of our eyes. It wasn't just the ogre mages but even most of the ogres were defeated by him alone. Out of 11 ogres there was he defeated 7 of them himself. I even saw him defeat another 1 or 2 of them shortly before that as well. Didn't he even try to take on the most dangerous role of decoy by himself at first? I don't want to say something like this but isn't it strange that even though you all had six people you weren't even able to defeat one of them! If Greed-kun hadn't gone over wouldn't you have even been wiped out!?"
Rokko said. Did he see me cut down the ogre mages magic? No, I guess if he checks the status of it while collecting the magic stone afterwards then you can tell huh?
"..In regards to that we're equally at fault as well..Since Misu, Kimu, and I were all in that group after all..I wonder if it was just strangely strong individuals that came.."
Kamu said. I guess she was able to carefully observe since she was in the back firing arrows?
"There's no way that's the case right. Even the ones we were up against weren't any different from the ones up until now. And also, even the ogres that went over there were quickly finished off by Greed-kun right? They're the same."
Kevin said. Oh~ I'm sure the effect wasn't very good but I did hit it with a throwing needle after all. It's movements got a bit duller right?
"Though if I think carefully about it, since it was a room boss it wouldn't be strange if there was a slightly strong one mixed in as well."
Kimu said. Ah, I guess there's that way of thinking about it as well. But when it comes to the room bosses on the 4th floor, occasionally you get {Ork Zombies} instead of {Ghouls} but they're no different from the ones in the halls. Of course, the ogres are the same ones as the halls as well.
"And also, just as Greed-kun said at the start, only half, four of them came over to us.."
Misu said. Yeah, I'm thankful for the praise but that was completely by chance. I mean it's not like I can do things to that point. Though it is true that I made sounds in the rear of the ogres urging them to remain cautious of the rear though.
"..Something like ogre mages doesn't matter at all. We've gotten off topic from the charms but the problem during the combat with the ogres was that they tried to retreat right after Haruku-san collapsed. It was clear to everyone that he was still alive. Also, it was clear that Rokko and the others were still fighting on the other side as well. Up until there it wasn't clear at all if there even were any ogre mages. Since they never used magic. Well, even if everything up to there is fine, following that right after Meiria was injured by the ogre mages magic you suddenly said something like holding our ground. Retreating after one person is taken out, then remaining after it's two people isn't that strange? After that, after the combat, the order for healing was clearly strange as well.."
Kamu summarized it all together...I thought that Koritto wouldn't be able to answer back to that but when he said, "Meiria is a leader. It's only obvious that leaders and everyone else are different." it just poured oil on the fire. Those words themselves aren't mistaken but isn't that when someone other than the leader says it right. I don't know why but for some reason it reminds me of customers who say, "the customer is God". Simultaneously I also remembered a manufacturer thay said the "seller and buyer are equal". It's the same as those, while they all might be the truth, there's people who are allowed to say it and people who shouldn't be saying it. Even in our past life among splendid members of society there were a lot of people who would say things like this so it's not strange for Koritto to say it but I wonder if somehow I wanted the people of Orth to remain simple?
Hearing that not just Ginger, Binsu, and Hisu but Sanno, Ruttsu, and Faruergaz and the others all were enraged. A short while after their conversation continued, Jeru started talking as if he was irritated.
"It's already fine. I'm grateful to Haruku-san for helping us realize it but after all I can't forgive this. In the first place, I don't like how they're acting so composed. You know I'm sure its just, since they still have plenty of unsigned charms remaining they thought they could cover it up. Though things won't go that way. Just now I remembered, Santos's portion. He died in April. You know, he was born in Rombertia. I've gone to his parent's house before as well. Since three months have already passed since then, you have no way of covering it up. Did you properly send the money that Santosu paid to his family? Of course it's fine if it's a charm as well though. Ha..Judging from that face I'm sure you didn't pay them. These people, I can't forgive them. Even if were push them out on the day of judgement, since either way it's not like our money will come back, let's just finish them off here."
After saying that he stuck the end of his spear to Koritto's chest. Though I thought about looking for the timing to bring up the matter regarding Santosu.
Ginger is looking sadly down over Haruku.
Haruku was making sure not to meet eyes with Ginger.
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