Misha was kidnapped, and in the city. It sounded like something serious had happened, but I calmly listened to the circumstances. If this is true, then it is strange that Ainar slept peacefully in her room.

"Kidnapped?" Explain it properly. What happened and when?

"It happened yesterday!"

The incident took place just a day ago. Apparently, Einar and Mike were returning from a snack in the fresh air, but when they returned to the tavern, a group of beastmen in black clothes was already waiting for Mike.

"Oh!" It looks like they came from Misha's house!

This meant that they were sent by the head of her family.

— ... And?

"What do you mean by 'and'?!" The beastmen whispered something to Misha and forcibly took her away!

Hmm, can you call it forcibly?

Just in case, I asked:

"Did Mike tell you anything?"

"She said she'd be back tonight, so I'll have to be alone." And she also told me to meet you... But I was so worried that I had trouble sleeping and ended up oversleeping!

I couldn't help laughing.

In addition to the fact that she overslept, Misha even left her a message before leaving, so what side is this kidnapping?

When I asked about it, I received a pretty impressive answer.

When she said that, Misha looked like she really didn't want to leave! If it's not a kidnapping, then I don't know what it is!

To take someone who does not want to go is kidnapping seems to be the usual barbaric logic.

But I was also one of these barbarians.

"Yes, so Misha was really kidnapped.

I knew how pointless it was to argue with a barbarian about whether something was a kidnapping or not.

"Really?" I was so surprised that I even went to see Aruru, but I was upset because she was talking like it was nothing!

"And what did Raven say?"

"That I shouldn't do anything stupid and wait at home until you come back, Bjorn. That's why I haven't even reported it to the police yet!

Well done, you did a good job.

The best thing was to leave the barbarian to the barbarian. If this does not work, then it is better to remain silent altogether.

"So!" What are you going to do, Bjorn? Of course, we're going to break in, right? After all, Misha is our teammate!

Do you know what will happen if we do this?

I said it bluntly.

"Misha is also a warrior. You should give her time to figure it out on her own.

"This... I see!

"She said she'd be back today, so if she doesn't come back by tonight, I'll go look for her tomorrow."

"Good!"

When I explained in a barbaric way what was going on, Ainar readily agreed, without stubbornness.

"It's morning, aren't you hungry?"

"Of course I'm hungry!"

First I took Ainar to breakfast.

Then he listened to what had happened during my absence. There was nothing particularly remarkable, just repeated days of training, eating, and coming home. It seems that even Raven and Mr. Bear have decided to postpone regular meetings until I return.

"Oh, Misha admired you then. She said that, although it is not noticeable, Bjorn is the core of the team, so without you we cannot get together!

"Oh... I see.

Out of nowhere, a wave of embarrassment came over me. Well, that was a hundred times better than gossiping behind my back...

I changed the subject.

"Did Misha give you money for food?"

"Yes, but I've used it all.

—... I'll leave you the money, so use it to buy food until the evening.

"Are you leaving?" Without waiting for Misha?

"Staying at home won't change anything. I need to do what I have to do. Misha would have wanted it too.

After eating, I sent Einar to her room and went about my business.

My first stop was the Magic Tower.

"Oh, have you been released?" How are you feeling?

"Thanks to the antidote he received from Mozlan, everything seems to be fine.

"That's good. You must have been through a lot. Anyway, have you heard of Ms. Karlstein?

— Yes. I plan to check it out myself if she doesn't come back today, so don't worry.

"I wasn't worried. It's Miss Einar making a fuss. And why was she upset that she was going to her parents?

I smiled bitterly and said nothing. Unlike Raven, I knew the circumstances surrounding Misha and her family, so I had no choice but to worry.

"Anyway, I heard you couldn't do the division because I wasn't there. Let's meet tomorrow.

"What if Miss Karlštejn is late?"

"Then I'll come and let you know."

After that, I briefly asked her about the latest news, agreed on a time and parted. The next stop was Mr. Bear's tavern.

"Oh, you're back at last. You're probably tired.

"Did anything happen while I was gone?"

"Nothing special. But shouldn't I be asking you about it? How did you live in Biphron?

"Not bad. A comfortable place to live.

As with Raven, I exchanged brief reports with him and told him the place and time of the meeting.

"We can finally divide this money," he said.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting. I could have asked for my share first.

— No, such things should be done officially, in front of everyone, in order to avoid trouble. Besides, you didn't rest there.

—… Thank you for your understanding. Then I'll go.

As I walked out of the tavern, I wondered what to do. There was still a lot of time left before dinner, so what to do next? After a little thought, I went to the library. Not only was it the perfect place to kill time, but it was also the perfect place to let someone know about their survival.

—... Bjorn Yandel.

As soon as I entered the library, Ragna froze when she saw my face.

"It's been a long time.

I grinned and spoke casually.

I was about to explain why I hadn't appeared for the last 20 days, but before I did, Ragna was the first to speak.

"I heard that you were exiled to Bifron for not only using special abilities in the city, but also breaking the rules for entering the labyrinth.

Oh, so she knew. Well, from what I heard at the Round Table, it seems that this story became quite famous because it was a political punishment.

"I'm glad you seem to have returned safely. And I apologize.

"Forgiveness?"

The apology was completely out of context.

As I tilted my head, Ragna continued cautiously.

"I asked the butler if I could help you, but he said I couldn't do anything...

I still couldn't understand. Why did she apologize, and who was the butler? When I asked her about it, Ragna fell silent, as if she had blurted out too much. So I didn't dig into it, because she wouldn't have told me anyway.

It seems that she was talking about her family situation...

My faded interest in Ragna was rekindled. She had been a Magus for 20 years, at least rank 5, and her clothes, wand, and even the butler smelled of wealth. There were times when I doubted because she worked as a librarian, but she was definitely a noblewoman.

This is also a little strange.

At one time, out of curiosity, I looked into this topic. There was no noble family with the surname Peprok. Then who is she?

—... Are you going to read?

"Oh, yes. Going to.

Unable to stand my gaze, Ragna changed the subject. So I just went to read a few books.

Well, I'm sure I'll have a chance to find out about it later.

She didn't do anything bad to me. It is not good when a stranger delves into the affairs of someone else's family, when she does not want to talk about it. Whoever she was, our current relationship was not bad.

… By the way, I didn't find the [Full Books] series today either.

After reading in one place until it got dark outside the window, I slowly tidied up the place and got up. Accidentally finding [the Complete Book] here, I continued to search for them from time to time, but I did not find them this time either.

"Are you leaving?"

"Someone is waiting for me.

—... Got it.

Back at the inn, I had dinner with Einhar and asked her what she was doing that day.

"Today?" I took a nap, and when I got bored, I visited the Holy Land.

"The Holy Land?"

"It's interesting to teach young warriors there. It reminds me of the old days.

As I can see, it is no different from these earlier times... Well, its combat power had indeed increased a lot.

"Let's go together next time." Everyone wants to see you. It's been 20 days now.

"Okay, let's go together next time."

Since I had declared my intention to become a tribal leader, I visited the Holy Land whenever I had time to engage in "preschool" education, so I agreed without much hesitation. After all, I needed to increase my approval rating within the tribe in advance.

"Haha, the young warriors will be delighted.

Since we were both barbarians, when the conversation ended, our meal was over. We did not return to our rooms, but waited on the 1st floor, where the restaurant was located, because Misha had not yet returned.

Did something really happen?

As the night fell, I became more and more worried, but, fortunately, Misha appeared about an hour later. Unlike her usual bright clothes, she was dressed in black.

"Huh?" Bjorn?

"It's Misha!" Misha is back!

Einar rushed to Misha and hugged her.

"Oh!" Do not. I'm not in the mood for that!

Mike sighed and unhooked Einar from her. Then she came and sat down opposite me.

—... What a pity. I was going to wait for you at the exit.

"It's all right. I'm not a child. In any case, what happened there? Judging by what Ainar said, it seems that something has happened.

Mike looked at Einar and stammered. "Ainar, you go to bed.

"Huh?" What for?

"Well, please...

"All right!" I'll go to bed!

First she sent Ainar upstairs, and then we started talking.

"So, why were you called home?"

"Well... One of my brothers had died, so I had to attend. After all, I'm still a member of that family.

"Funeral, then?!"

Contrary to my fears, it doesn't look like she was actually taken by force. However, one thing remained in question.

"Strange. At this time?

It wasn't right after the maze closed, so a funeral at this time usually meant that a fatal incident had occurred in the city.

"Don't worry about it. He was always sick. I had to call a priest every day to treat him.

"So this isn't the guy from the Floor Lord incident.

I asked directly:

"Then who was it?" Judging by your gloomy expression, was this the same elder brother who used to be nice to you?

— ... You probably don't know him. I've never talked to you about it.

"Really?"

That probably meant it was one of those guys who bullied Misha and ignored her. Then why does she look so sullen?

"So something else happened besides the funeral.

—... How do you know?

This was nothing new. If I had said that I had only guessed from the expression on her face, she would probably have been angry, so I was joking a little.

"If it were only a funeral, you wouldn't have escorted Einhar.

"Why do you notice such things so quickly?"

— ... Tell me. What happened?

Mike sighed and continued. "Father... No, this man wants me to bring you home again.

Why can't everyone leave me alone?

***

The head of the Karlštejn family wanted to see me again. I wondered if he had a new clue about the Frost Spirit Ring.

— In any case, that's all. You don't have to go there. I have already drawn a line and refused.

Since Misha has settled everything, I don't think I will have to worry about this matter anymore. Apparently, she told him to come himself, and not to order me to come. If there was no news, then nothing terrible happened.

If he really comes and finds me... I will listen to him and then I will think about it. It seems to me that if I go there myself, something unpleasant will happen.

So, this is the end of the issue.

"Ahh, the more I think about it, the more it me off. Who the hell does this man think I am? Now, whether it's a funeral or whatever, I'll never go there again.

After that, I talked to Misha, in whom the determination to become independent was raging again. Before going to bed, I told her about the past 20 days.

***

Morrow.

"It's been a long time since we've been together. How are you all doing? Raven said.

All members of the Apple Narak team were assembled. The gathering place was a three-story tavern, where we gathered from the very first day.

The goal is the final allocation, which has not yet been completed.

"I've heard it before, but I want to hear it again. What is the total income?

"Taking into account the "Fox Flame Knot", sold a few days ago, it is 159 million stones.

— Is this taking into account your labor costs?

— Yes. I thought about it, but in the end we killed everyone on the other side. Now it seems ridiculous to me to demand what I was paid for my work before. So I took only the cost of the test tube in advance.

Well, even if it hadn't been for that, the loot would have fallen into our hands after the battle.

Still, I was surprised. To be honest, I thought she would take it all for herself. Lately, it has become a little softer, at least compared to the time when we first met.

"In any case, I've collected all the details of the final payment here. This will make it easier for everyone to refer to it.

After reading the document prepared by Raven, to which even receipts were attached, we proceeded to the final payment.

The income from mana stones was divided equally.

Even the income from researchers and combat income was divided equally.

However, the herbs collected from the Forest of Doubles were classified as special loot, so Raven got 40%.

Potions were not sold, but were classified as common items.

Since the documents were drawn up in an easy-to-read format, complex calculations went smoothly.

- 30 million stones...

Aside from small errors, a whopping sum of 30 million stones fell into the hands of each of us, our largest income ever. But from that moment on, we had to start paying.

"Now all that's left to do is pay off your personal booty. Actually, I had some free time these days, so I put that a little in order. As usual, the price is around 70% of the average market price, so it will be much cheaper than buying.

Raven spoke, looking at each of us.

"First of all, Miss Karlštejn. Half-troll leather boots with [Speed Boost] and [Size Adjustment] magic cost $2.1 million. Litinum Engraved Necklace [Cold Enhancement] – 2.7 In total, 4.8 million. But since your share must be deducted... You have to pay 3.84 million stones.

"Oh...

"Miss Einar's expandable backpack costs 1.5 million and... all. Just pay 1.2 million stones.

"Oh...

"Mr. Urickfried's subspace quiver is 2.1 million." Steel breastplate - 550,000... But why did you take a bib?

—... I'm going to put [Size Adjustment] Magic on it and give it to the Iron Bear.

"Not a bad idea. Although it will be troublesome to put it on every time you are summoned. Either way, you can pay 2.12 million stones.

Except for Raven, who had taken nothing for herself, everyone had put their wages on the table. Then came my long-awaited turn.

"And finally, Mr. Yandel.

How much will I have to pay?

"At first, 3.1 million for Idium Gaiters. Then 3.3 million for No8667, "Rogue of the Wildlands".

"Wait a minute, don't count the Wildlands Rogue. I'm going to keep this as a command item, not as my personal loot.

— ... A command item?

"It can be useful against that monster on the 5th floor. It would be a good idea to hold it back until then.

"Hmm...

Raven looked at me like an IRS officer looking at a tax evader. But in the end, she agreed.

"Sounds reasonable. Although I feel that I am being scammed. Let's move on to the next one.

Before I could feel relieved that I had saved some money, Raven moved on to the last points, which can be called the cherry on this distribution.

- Manticore Essence and No2988, "Badge of the Guards Corps".

—…

"To begin with, the essence of Manticore costs an average of 50 million on the exchange, but the cost of the test tube has already been deducted, and the cost has also been calculated based on the official price of the guild.

"And what is the official price?"

– 32 million stones.

Bloody hell.

Then, if I add here a 70% discount as is customary and deduct a fifth, since after payment I will get 20% back as my share...

"For Manticore, you will pay 17.92 million stones.

It's still a bit expensive.

—... What about the "Badge of the Guards Corps"?

– 52 million stones at the average exchange price.

It wasn't much different from the market price in the game. If you add the discount here, the total cost will be 29.12 million stones.

"And if you add the Idiom Gaiters here, you get 48.77 million stones. Raven chuckled and continued, "You've saved some money, haven't you?"

—…

I said nothing and looked at Einar.

"Huh?" Why are you looking at me all of a sudden?

"Ainar, how much money did you borrow from me?"

"Are you stealing my money...!?"

No, I'm just putting them back.

***

Indeed, this expedition brought a record income.

However, after paying for everything that needed to be paid, even my savings were not enough. Even if you consider the money I lent to Einar, the amount was too large to pay off immediately.

Of course, this was not a problem.

"Ainar, while you're getting my money back, lend me some more."

"Hm? I was told that monetary transactions between colleagues are not allowed...

"Oh, I'll give you your money back.

"Good...!"

"Misha, I'd like you to lend me some too."

"Well, how much do you need?"

The 13 million that I lacked was replenished by loans from Einar and Misha. As a result, I found myself in debt. When can I pay? Maybe pray to meet the looters in the labyrinth?

"I'm rich now!"

Her discouragement from the fact that she had lent me money was short-lived. Ainar, whom Misha and I took care of until recently because she did not have a salary, began to spend money like crazy. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration. She did buy snacks generously, but because they were so cheap, it wasn't an expense that really stood out.

"Bjorn, what am I going to do with this money?" Mike asked.

"Just hold them. You will be able to buy a new set of equipment when we return.

"Good.

"Oh! Me too! I want new gear too!

"Be patient this month. Some items will be made to order, but they will not be finished until the maze is opened.

Due to the fact that the division was delayed, I decided to postpone serious expenses until next month. Now that a large sum of money had arrived, I planned to make parts that would allow us to climb to the 7th floor, even if it only required one or two parts.

Of course, I couldn't tell her to spend all her money there.

"Still, since you've earned a lot, don't save all your money, and use it wherever you want. Isn't that why you earned them?

"Huh?" Is it possible?

Who does she take me for?

Height is important, of course, but I wasn't going to force her to give up her daily life for the sake of it.

"Looks like you wanted to do something?"

— Yes.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" You're spending your own money.

"Well, it's not just that...

—…?

When I sent a questioning look, Misha spoke cautiously.

"Maybe we'll move somewhere else?"

— ... A what?

"Now that we're making a lot of money, I'm thinking about moving somewhere better... I can't even cook here.

Hmm, no wonder she was watching our reactions like that. I thought for a while and agreed. Because I felt cramped in this tavern. In addition, Misha's food was much tastier than in the local restaurants, and healthier.

"Well, we'll deal with the place of residence later. In the meantime, we need to prepare for the entrance to the labyrinth.

"Good!"

After that, the first normal day in a long time came. It was a quiet time. We would meet together to plan the expedition, I would attend Rothmiller's guide courses that had been postponed, and sometimes I would go to the market district to see if there was anything to buy.

As always, these days flew by.

"Since everyone has gathered, let's go."

Like last time, we met at Mr. Bear's tavern.

[You entered the Crystal Cavern on the 1st floor].

It's time to enter the labyrinth.