The Mysterious Child: An Adventure Tale Beginning with Numerology

"There it is! Get it, Nagi!"

"You're noisy."

As Nagi swung her sword while cursing, the monster let out its death cry and turned into materials.

We were on the 48th floor of the underground dungeon in Foosu, the dragon capital of Bargia.

Our S-rank adventurer party [Rozewill] was in the midst of conquering the dungeon.

Six months ago, since everyone except me and Elen were dungeon novices, we decided to try conquering it properly.

With Nagi in the vanguard, Saaya and Punisuke in the middle, and Seori in the rear (or rather, as a cheerleader), we've explored up to here. Of course, since this was also for training the newcomers, Elen and I have barely intervened.

Come to think of it, our party members have increased rapidly in just a few months since Saaya joined.

I watch from a distance as they gather monster materials.

...They're all so small.

It's been about half a year since we became S-rank adventurers. I've lost count of how many times we've been approached by other adventurers in the guild and dungeons.

The oldest is Elen, who's now 23. However, her appearance hasn't changed at all since we met, still maintaining a young girl's physique.

Saaya has been growing according to her age, and she just turned 11 a little while ago.

Nagi should be 18 already, but for some reason, just like in her previous life, her growth seems to have stopped at around 12 years old.

These three are still very small.

Which means Seori is the tallest among them.

Though, her mental age is the youngest, and her gothic lolita chuunibyou fashion makes her look younger than her height suggests.

For the sake of my honor, I should mention that our party being full of lolis is just a coincidence and not my preference.

I'll say it again, my type is older elf women.

"My favorite type is Master~"

"Why is this familiar so cute?"

Punisuke was nuzzling against me while riding on my shoulder.

So soothing.

"But Ruruk, did you know? There's a rumor going around the guild lately that there's a mystical technique that stops growth."

"That's news to me. Is there such a technique?"

"Objectively speaking, our party looks like a harem, right? There's a rumor that the famous 'Child of Mystery' is stopping our growth..."

"Hey, who spread such a rumor! I'll teach them a lesson!"

It's defamation! I'll take this to court!

Saaya said with exasperation:

"It seems to be Lakirala."

"That dark-hearted witch! Next time we go drinking, I'll secretly put super spicy peppers in her drink... Just you wait..."

"But it's your fault, Ruruk. You forgot about your promise to drink with Lakirala, didn't you?"

"Ugh..."

Actually, since that demon realm quest, Lakirala and I had hit it off and become drinking buddies.

[White Tiger], whose leader Furat had died during the monster incident, had been on hiatus for a while. Until Besmond, who had been critically injured and hovering between life and death, finished his rehabilitation, I often met with the remaining three.

With Kemuna becoming the new leader, Lakirala made a big move. Saying that in the dangerous profession of adventuring where you never know when you might lose your life, it would be too late to regret later, she used various tactics to entrap Kemuna, and finally achieved her long-cherished adult relationship (they kissed. I'll say it again, they just kissed).

We were supposed to have a strategy meeting to celebrate that and plan for further development of their relationship, but because the Dragon King suddenly visited me and we ended up in another serious fight, I stood up our meeting at the tavern.

"It's true that it was my fault, but... It was a 'Surprise Visit from the Neighboring Dragon King'! Can't be helped, right?"

"I sympathize, but you could have gone afterward. You forgot, didn't you?"

"Yes... I'm sorry."

"But I apologized on your behalf and set up the next drinking session. Make sure you apologize properly without being stubborn, okay?"

"Yes. Thank you for everything..."

"Very good. There, there."

Saaya pats my head with a smile as I look dejected.

As expected of her big sister power, which has won the 2nd and 3rd Big Sister Determination Contest.

"Saaya takes too much care of Ruruk."

"You think so?"

"This useless man gets carried away as soon as you spoil him. Nagi's level of strictness is just right."

The one looking exasperated was Nagi.

I feel like I've heard that line somewhere before... Hmm, I can't remember.

Though, you're too strict.

"Besides, the heckling during battle is annoying."

"What's wrong with that? I'm just cheering you on."

"Ruruk's voice is grating. Come back when you have a sexy voice like my brother."

"I don't even know what your brother's voice sounds like."

"Then I'll tell you. It's low-pitched but pleasant to the ear, with a sweet core that melts like candy, giving a gentle sugary flavor, but also containing a slightly refreshing taste, beautiful like a white horse galloping across a prairie."

"I don't understand at all!"

This brother-complex demon, I wish she'd stop turning into flavor text whenever it comes to her brother.

"In other words, Ruruk's cheering is noisy. Just watch silently."

"Eh~ But it's boring to just stand still."

"Are you a tuna?"

"...Are we talking about in bed?"

"Hmph!"

"Guheh!?"

I groan as I'm elbowed hard in the solar plexus.

Nagi's gaze was like looking at trash.

"V-Violence is wrong..."

"That one was your fault, Ruruk."

"Mm. Bad."

"Master..."

I had no allies.

After finishing the 48th floor like this, we set up a transfer point in the first room of the 49th floor, then warped to the transfer room on the 40th floor. Normal adventurers can't escape unless they progress to or return to the dungeon's transfer device, but with my skill, we can return anytime, so we properly go back to the inn every day.

We complete the exit procedures at the dungeon reception and take a look around the stalls in the square. Although we can buy what we want at the Luney Guild, sometimes there are hidden gems at the stalls, so we never skip checking them out.

"Hey, look, even a group of kids like that can play in this country's dungeon? This should be a piece of cake for us then."

"You idiot! They're the famous [Rozewill]!"

"...Who are they?"

"You don't know!? They're all S-rank child adventurers!"

We occasionally hear adventurers buzzing like this when they see us.

Our name value has really grown. I guess that's what it means to become S-rank adventurers. We try to ignore it, so as long as we're just being watched from a distance, there aren't many problems.

...Not many, but...

"Hey, shrimp, are you the 'Child of Mystery'?"

A rough-looking man who seemed to be an adventurer approached us with a leering smile.

Sometimes we get accosted without warning like this.

His companion hurriedly grabbed his shoulder.

"H-Hey! Stop it!"

"Shut up. Don't be a coward just because the kid's carrying a big sign."

The adventurer shook off his companion's hand.

By the way, I'm continuing my shopping without paying attention.

"Hey, don't ignore me, S-rank. Or are you scared?"

"Uncle shopkeeper, how much is this accessory?"

"You bastard, don't get cocky!"

The adventurer grabbed my shoulder and raised his fist.

My companions nearby narrowed their eyes in exasperation.

"[Reflection]"

"Wha-- gah!"

I rewrote the vector with my fingertip.

The man's fist was drawn into his own face. He was blown backward by his own punch.

"W-What was that just now?"

"Was that mystical arts...?"

"As expected of the 'Child of Mystery'."

While the surrounding people voiced their admiration, the man who had been blown away stood up with a nosebleed.

"You bastard, you've made me angry!"

"Um... who are you in the first place?"

"You don't know me!? Listen and be amazed, the 'Champion' of the Slaughter Arena, the great Guraga, has made his adventurer debut!"

"...Who?"

I ask my companions.

They all shook their heads. Apparently, no one knows him.

The self-proclaimed Champion man finally lost it at our reaction.

"You brats who've never even killed anyone! Don't underestimate me!"

"We're not underestimating you, we just don't know you. Besides, 'Slaughter Arena' sounds like a name a kid would come up with."

"I'll kill you!"

The self-proclaimed Champion man drew the sword at his waist. The people around us were watching from quite a distance. General public, women and children... yeah, none nearby.

He's probably a rookie adventurer from the underground business, but it's best to deal with such misguided fools early. Causing a disturbance by drawing a weapon in a place like this is a problem even before being an adventurer.

"Mm, I'll do it."

"I want to do it too~!"

"It's Nagi's turn."

"No, wait, I was the one called out."

I restrain my bloodthirsty members with my hand.

We're being watched so publicly. Let's do this a bit dramatically to prevent similar confrontations in the future.

"Prepare yourself, you damn brat--"

"[Conqueror's Radiance]"

I unleashed my intimidation skill.

It's a skill that forcibly puts opponents below royal rank into a state of panic.

Naturally, the man collapsed to the ground, trembling all over with fear.

Of course, it's meaningless if it only affects him, so I intentionally loosened my control to let the aftereffects leak to the surroundings to some extent.

Silence falls over the square in front of the dungeon.

Well, this alone might not have enough impact.

I slowly walk towards the Champion man who's wetting himself in fear.

"Never killed anyone... huh. Well, I'm still a kid too, so I guess it can't be helped if I'm judged by my appearance. But old man, an adventurer shouldn't be fooled by appearances. For example, like this."

I came right in front of the Champion man and snapped my fingers.

At that moment, the ground around the man transformed into ten spears, pointing at his throat. Of course, I just used [Alchemy] with my foot, so snapping my fingers was just imitating my master.

"Eek!?"

"Didn't you think that my childish appearance might be to lure people into letting their guard down? That having only one short sword as a weapon might be to make me look weak? If you hadn't thought about any of this, old man, you'll die soon as an adventurer. I don't know if you're the champion of some arena or whatever, but adventurers are always on the verge of irregular death. The strength to win against prepared opponents won't even be half as useful here."

Saying that, I retracted the spears from the ground.

I turn my back on the Champion man, who's wetting himself and starting to foam at the mouth, and return to my companions.

Finally, let me give one more piece of advice.

"Besides, even I sometimes think I'm still weak. You should abandon the idea that you're strong as soon as possible."

By the time I finished saying those words, the Champion man had fainted.

As his companions rushed over in a panic, a great cheer erupted from the surrounding people.

"You should abandon the idea that you're strong as soon as possible... indeed."

"Stop it already, Nagi! It's embarrassing!"

At the tavern that night.

Nagi, imitating me and trying to look cool, was grinning fearlessly with a fruit water in hand.

"I'll reenact it once more. Now, Seori, if you please."

"As you wish. Hehehe, prepare yourself, you damn brat~"

"[Conqueror's Radiance], indeed."

"G-Gwaah!"

"Never killed anyone? Hmph, you shouldn't be fooled by appearances. For example--"

"Stop! It's over! Finished! Please, I beg you!"

As I step in between Nagi and Seori, who are reenacting my earlier exchange with the Champion man, I try to stop them.

You know? Sure, I was trying to look cool a bit, but when it's reenacted like this in a skit, it makes me want to bury my face in shame.

"Hey, don't stop them, bro! Let us see it again!"

"Yeah, S-rank! That speech was great!"

"Shut up, you drunkards! Control yourselves!"

"Booo!"

The surrounding drunks boo me.

We've been frequenting this tavern for the past few months. Most of the customers are regulars, so we know almost all of them by face.

Drunk tavern-goers are too enthusiastic no matter which country you're in...

"It can't be helped. We'll do it again another day when Ruruk isn't here."

"Stop it! What are you trying to do to me, Nagi!?"

"Of course, to humili-- ahem, we just want to share our leader's heroic deeds with many people."

"You were about to say 'humiliate,' weren't you, you sadistic girl!?"

"But my lord, your earlier gallant figure must be spoken of! Even bards would give a thunderous applause!"

As Seori strikes a flowery pose, the drunks agree with a "That's right!"

Nagi just wants to tease me, but Seori seems to genuinely think I looked cool earlier, which makes it even more troublesome. Sometimes 100% goodwill can be scarier than malice...

"Hey Saaya, can't you stop Nagi too?"

"Huh, what? Sorry, I wasn't listening."

At the next table, Saaya, Elen, and Punisuke were engrossed in their food.

Our party's glutton trio starts fighting over meat as soon as the food arrives, so unfortunately, I had no allies.

As I drop my shoulders, Nagi and Seori start their skit again in that opening. The drunks are egging them on with whistles.

Damn, I want to stop them somehow... but it feels endless.

"Ruruk-sama, excuse me for interrupting your meal."

I turn around as someone suddenly calls out to me.

Behind me stood a dragon species dressed like an old man - Radon. He's in a position like the Dragon King's butler.

"Radon-san!? What brings you here?"

"I have a report for Ruruk-sama, do you have a moment?"

"Of course. Ah, would you like a drink if you don't mind? If you're okay with human alcohol, that is."

"Alcohol is one of my favorites."

With that, we move to the counter seats.

I ask the bartender to prepare a drink for Radon.

"It's been a while. Since Seori's birthday, right?"

"Indeed. I heard the Dragon King paid you a visit the other day, did he cause you any trouble?"

"It was quite something. We were shopping with Seori at the time, so he flew into a rage saying 'I ain't givin' permission for no date!' Well, we moved to the sky and spent half a day just punching each other, so I was tired... but there wasn't any real problem."

"I see. That explains why the Dragon King was in such a good mood when he returned."

"Good mood? Not a bad mood?"

As I tilt my head, Radon just smiles gently.

That Dragon King, I really don't understand his emotions...

"So, Radon-san, what's this report about?"

"Regarding the mansion you requested as a reward the other day, I came to report that it's completed."

"Really!?"

The Bargia base is already done?

I was expecting it to take about a year, but this is surprisingly fast.

"We've also prepared some furniture to a certain extent, and arranged everything according to the requests of the princess and your companions, so it's ready for you to move in immediately."

"Oh, that much... wait, according to their requests?"

"We asked for detailed requests about the layout and furniture."

When did that happen!?

No one said anything to me... Well, I guess it's natural since the other members are girls. Girls probably have various things they want.

"How about it? We can take a look right away, or shall we do it tomorrow?"

"Let's see it now! Hey everyone, the mansion is ready! We're going to check it out now!"

"Alright!"

My companions replied without hesitation.

They must have been looking forward to it. So am I.

And so, we were led by Radon to see the mansion given to us by the Dragon King, but...

"This is too grand!"

In the park on the north side of the dungeon, right next to it.

What stood there was a mansion even larger than the noble houses in the First Central District.

It's far bigger than my family home.

It's two stories, but the site area is abnormal. It's a building that doesn't lose out to the Adventurers' Guild, Merchants' Guild, or even the Luney Guild in size.

Of course, the garden is also spacious. You could easily play soccer there.

I certainly didn't imagine a mansion like this.

"It's only natural for the princess's residence."

"Ah, that's right..."

Come to think of it, Seori is the only princess of this country, the largest on the continent.

Of course, they couldn't make something smaller than a human mansion.

This is my fault for not considering it.

Radon says a word to the maid standing outside the gate, and immediately the maid opens the gate.

With her bare hands, she pushed it open. She's muscular.

"About twenty staff members will be stationed for the maintenance and management of the mansion. They are all dragon species vassals, but if you wish, we can hire human slaves as well."

"Um... the dragon species will be fine for now."

"Understood. Of course, we've made sure that unauthorized servants are strictly forbidden from entering the second floor at night, so you can feel at ease in your endeavors."

"That consideration isn't necessary!?"

What do they think I am?

"Oh? I've heard that humans are adept at breeding."

"I... can't deny that..."

As we were talking about such things, we passed through the front garden to the main entrance.

Of course, there was a maid at the entrance who opened the door for us.

The entrance hall was also splendid.

The floor and walls were predominantly pure white, using plenty of the white stone unique to Bargia. There were light pink patterns here and there, probably representing Seori's scale pattern. It is the dragon princess's mansion after all.

Radon then showed us around the main rooms of the mansion. The corridors were wide, and on the first floor there was a large hall suitable for parties, reception rooms and guest rooms, several multi-purpose hall-like spaces, and kitchen and water-related facilities scattered in several places.

The stairs were near the center of the building in the lobby.

Going up the stairs led to the living space, with a large living room and dining room, and several toilets and washbasins. All of these were not magical devices, but normal faucet-type plumbing. While I'm used to it, Nagi, who must have found it inconvenient until now, was moved by the sight.

I totally understand that feeling.

And then there was the issue with the bedrooms.

"...Huh, what's this?"

"This is everyone's bedroom."

In the bedroom, which seemed to be about 20 tatami mats in size, there was a canopy bed.

It's a super-large bed about three times the size of a king-size bed.

"Wow~! It's so fluffy!"

"Mm, amazing."

"Hmph, this is the height of luxury."

"It's amazing."

My companions jump onto the bed and frolic.

I have a bad feeling about this, so I ask Radon while hugging Punisuke.

"...By the way, what about individual bedrooms?"

"As per your request, there are bedrooms for everyone except Ruruk-sama. They're just spares, though."

"I'm the only one without a room!?"

"Yes, as per your request."

"Hey, everyone gather round! What's the meaning of this, me being the only one without a bedroom?"

When I say this half-angrily, everyone averts their gaze.

They did this on purpose...!

"And Nagi, are you okay with this too? At the inn, you were reluctant to sleep together even when it was your turn in the rotation."

"That's... after thinking about it, I realized that on rotation days, it's a chance to get back at Ruruk while he's sleeping."

"Huh, so that's why I've been feeling tired when I wake up lately? It's Nagi's fault? What have you been doing!?"

Scary. This girl is scary.

"You're not being honest. Nagi said she wanted to be together all the time too. She said she feels lonely on days when she sleeps alone in the living room."

"S-Saaya! Stop telling lies!"

Nagi hurriedly covers Saaya's mouth.

"Hmm. Nagi-chan, you really are tsunde--"

"Die!"

"Guheh!?"

I fall onto the bed after receiving her usual elbow strike.

Such a grand mansion... so many countless rooms...

I always say I prefer a single bed, you know.