“It’s not the result I was expecting, but this might actually be more favorable.”
As I observed the trap dungeon, these words escaped my lips.
There was a bit of a gap after the second group of dwarves had invaded, but they eventually returned to the dungeon. Considering how effective the traps had been, I was almost resigned to the idea that they might never come back, so I felt a wave of relief.
“Surprisingly thoughtful, aren’t they?”
“Indeed. I assumed they were a race that only cared about smithing and alcohol.”
“Well, that’s exactly why, isn’t it? If they can acquire the stones they need for smithing and the materials for brewing, it’s only natural to think they’d prefer not to tackle a dungeon alone if they can help it.”
Rigma shared his thoughts with Pilkaya and Lady Fiona, who seemed surprised.
It’s true—that’s the main difference between them and the beastfolk.
The dwarves’ sole objective is to gather stones. No matter how dangerous it is, they can’t resist that drive. But if necessary, they’re willing to seek the cooperation of other races.
Because of this, members of other races have started entering the dungeon as well, which has resulted in more experience points and magical power than I initially expected.
I see… If I properly prepare worthwhile rewards, it seems I can turn this into a mutually beneficial arrangement.
“Those tiny humans—doesn’t look like they’re kids, though.”
“They’re halflings. They’re a dexterous race known for scouting, map-making, and disarming traps.”
“Sounds like the perfect fit for this dungeon, then.”
At first, I thought they were elven children. But after observing them, it seemed clear they were adults, just small in stature.
That’s a unique trait of their race, I guess. Like Primilla, who looks small but is actually far older than me. Judging by appearances alone can be dangerous.
“Is something wrong?”
“Ah, no. I was just thinking how impressive Primilla is, being able to do so much.”
“Not at all. Rey, you’re far more capable and skilled than I am.”
“That feels like an exaggeration…”
All I can really do is create dungeons. I don’t have any remarkable knowledge or abilities.
Well, as long as I’m aware of my limitations, the only thing I can do is focus on doing my part.
“With both Rey and Primilla being so competent, I can take it easy. It’s a big help.”
“Please do some work.”
“Ehh…”
Fiona-sama said it casually, but I doubt Primilla really expects her to work harder.
It’s probably for the best that Lady Fiona, being the Demon Lord, only takes action when things are extremely dire.
If we rely too heavily on her, it might attract the attention of the heroes, something we’ve been wary of. Before I reincarnated, it seems that they also tried to resolve things without involving Lady Fiona whenever possible.
Though, the result of that approach—everyone but Lady Fiona being wiped out—makes it feel all the more tragic.
“Still, even if they’re good at disarming traps, they can’t possibly deactivate all of them, can they?”
“That’s probably down to individual skill. There are always some exceptional ones, no matter what.”
Right now, I’m watching a halfling who noticed a falling rock trap before anyone else.
They’re trying to trigger the trap by throwing a large stone, but it seems my traps are equipped with pretty reliable sensors. They didn’t activate just from that.
The halfling, looking resigned, pulled out something resembling a decently-sized lizard. When they threw it, the trap activated, and the halfling led the dwarves further into the dungeon.
“So the traps respond to any living creature, huh? Maybe I should tweak the activation conditions if possible…”
“Recently, it seems that hasn’t been the case, but it looks like it was activated when wild monsters entered the underground demon world. It takes care of those kinds of creatures too, so I suppose it’s convenient as it is?”
“Did it go that far?”
“I guess I’ve underestimated the effectiveness of the traps.”
“This halfling over here… Ah, looks like they’re going to keep moving without noticing.”
“Well, given the height and the darkness, it’s kind of unreasonable to expect them to find a trap in a place like that.”
“Yeah, it just so happened the ceiling was high. I didn’t choose the trap locations, it was just a good spot.”
A large area with cages hanging from the ceiling.
Neither the halfling nor the dwarf notices it and continues forward.
Naturally, when they do something like this…
“Oh, oh, it’s like shooting fish in a barrel.”
“The halfling has been caught too. What should we do with the others, Your Majesty? The ones that aren’t dwarves?”
“The halfling… the treasure chest… do you think they know any tricks or something?”
“I feel sorry for the halfling being asked for such unreasonable things.”
While Lady Fiona says something strange, the dwarf and halfling in the cage are arguing.
It seems to be more about shifting blame or accusing the halfling due to unreasonable demands.
Though they are cooperating, it doesn’t seem like their races are particularly close.
From the conversation, it sounds like their relationship is purely one of employer and employee.
“Looks like… they’re taking a break.”
“It’s a long way ahead, but they seem really tired. It must be tough.”
“They’ve managed to disable all the traps so far. That halfling seems to be quite capable. I couldn’t do that.”
“Ripianem. Even if there are traps, she’ll just break them all and keep going.”
“Yeah, that’s my specialty.”
It’s likely Pilkaya was being sarcastic or teasing, but it doesn’t seem to have had any effect.
Ripianem’s reaction is straightforward and impulsive, just like her usual self.
“But they’ve worn themselves out too much by now, and it seems impossible to continue further.”
“If they can properly assess the situation, that’s what will happen. Whether they push forward or not is up to them… but it seems like they are quite capable in that regard as well.”
During their break, the halfling and dwarves were discussing their next move.
The halfling suggested that they couldn’t continue beyond this point, and the dwarves agreed.
Their employment relationship seems to be quite good, and it seems that their dynamics are more influenced by individual differences than by their races.
“Well, if they decide to turn back, that’s fine too.”
“We didn’t get into any real danger, but we’ve spent a lot of energy without much to show for it. Those kinds of people seem like they’ll make good repeat customers.”
Rigma smiles with a mischievous look.
Maybe I’ve got a similar expression right now.
Anyway, we’ve managed to defeat the group.
They either retreat, get captured, or scatter before the traps.
The result seems pretty good.
“At this rate, if we had shops or inns here, I wonder if they’d do well?”
“Well… it would be convenient, but… why are you looking at me?”
“You know already~. I envy Rigma-san for being so capable. I want to contribute more and earn some achievements too.”
“Rigma is capable, but Pilkaya is also quite capable. Being able to easily grasp the state of the dungeon… that’s a skill only you have.”
Fiona responds to Pilkaya’s teasing of Rigma with those words.
Pilkaya seemed a bit taken aback, but soon broke into her usual smile.
“Yeah, that’s right. I’m so capable, I’m an indispensable member of the Demon King’s army, right~?”
Whether it’s to hide her embarrassment or if she’s being sincere, she seems to be in a good mood, so that’s a good thing.
“Well then, to prove my capabilities, it would be good if I had more places to monitor, right? Please take care of the shops and inns, Rigma-san.”
“Ugh… are we really going back to that?”
“But isn’t it a little too early to create them now? The dungeon has only just been discovered, and if we prepare too efficiently, people might get suspicious about where we heard the rumors.”
“Right! As expected from Primilla, I knew I could trust you.”
“…So, does that mean Rigma will be working like a horse-drawn carriage in the near future?”
Rigma, who had looked relieved after hearing Primilla’s words, now looks deflated after hearing Ripianem’s comment.
Well, that’s how it is. Primilla just suggested not doing it for now, but she seems to think it’ll be fine in the future.
Now, I need to prepare for the shops and inns too.
For employees… since we’ve caught some, maybe I’ll put the halfling to use?
By the way, I haven’t seen any reincarnated people among the dwarves or halflings so far, but I’m sure they exist, right…?
