Is It Wrong to Explore the Dungeon Even Though I’m Overpowered? (Danmachi SI- WC) (Patreon)

Chapter 18: Looking for a Princess

After hours of soaring through the sky, the clouds parting peacefully around us, I finally spotted a small oasis nestled within the golden expanse below. A glimmering patch of green and blue amid the endless sands. It looked serene—perfect for a quiet lunch break.

With Ram nestled gently in my arms, the wind held no sway over us thanks to my Divine Protection of Wind Evasion. The air around us remained still, almost reverent, as if the sky itself bent to accommodate our flight. Ram gazed down at the world below, her usual stoic expression softened by tranquility. She looked… content.

“Ram,” I called her name gently, drawing her attention to me. Her pink eyes shifted upward to meet mine, curious.

“How would you feel about taking a small break for lunch?”

As if on cue, a small rumble betrayed her composed demeanor. Her stomach growled quietly, and a faint pink tinted her cheeks. She quickly brought a hand to her abdomen in surprise, then buried her face into my chest, clearly mortified.

“…Don’t say anything,” came her muffled voice.

I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped me. “I wasn’t going to,” I said softly, holding her a little tighter. “But it’s good to know even the great Ram can’t hide her appetite.”

“...Ram will pretend she didn’t hear that.”

We descended gently into the heart of the oasis, where the shade of swaying palms offered a welcome reprieve from the sun. The quiet trickle of a small spring nearby filled the air with a soothing rhythm, and soft grass blanketed the ground—lush, green, and perfect for resting.

I set Ram down carefully, and she immediately took a seat beneath one of the larger trees, her arms crossed in an attempt to recover her dignity. Even so, the faint blush still lingered on her cheeks.

“Ram will allow this break… but only because she is gracious,” she said with a light huff, trying her best to seem aloof.

“Of course,” I replied with a smile, then reached down and gently held the pommel of Est at my waist. “Est, time for lunch.”

At my call, a small flash of light enveloped my sword, and when it faded, my sword spirit stood before me in her human form, her large violet eyes already fixed on mine.

“Reinhard. Takoyaki,” Est requested immediately, just as she often did.

I chuckled softly at Est’s predictable request. Lately she had been requesting a lot of Japanese dishes.

“I should’ve known,” I said warmly, ruffling her snowy white hair gently. “Alright, one batch of takoyaki coming right up.”

Est nodded once, clearly pleased, and took a seat beside Ram without another word—though she did scoot ever so slightly closer to me when I turned my back to begin setting up the cooking area.

I summoned a portable stove from my inventory, followed by the ingredients I'd carefully prepared in advance. Diced octopus, green onions, tempura scraps, pickled ginger, and that secret blend of batter I had perfected just for Est. As the sizzling began, a savory aroma quickly filled the air.

Ram watched the entire process with an impressed expression, her eyes following every flick of my wrist. She even leaned in slightly toward the scent as I expertly flipped each golden sphere with practiced timing.

“I see… you’ve turned making takoyaki into an art form,” she murmured, her usual composure returning. “As expected of Reinhard-sama. Ram approves.”

I chuckled softly. “That’s high praise coming from you.”

Est remained silent, her eyes locked onto the sizzling pan with laser focus. By the time the first batch was ready, she was practically vibrating with anticipation. I plated the takoyaki with a flourish, drizzling a line of sauce over each one and finishing with a light dusting of bonito flakes.

“Here,” I said, offering the first plate to Est.

She accepted it without a word, but the faint, gentle smile that curled her lips—one she reserved only for me—spoke volumes. It was small, almost fleeting, but to me, it meant everything.

Ram received hers next. She hesitated for a moment, perhaps reluctant to indulge in something as silly-sounding as “octopus balls,” but the moment she took a bite, all hesitation vanished. Her eyes fluttered closed, and a soft sigh escaped her lips.

“…Okay. That’s—actually good,” she admitted in a whisper, quickly clearing her throat. “Even better than Rem’s, as much as I hate to admit it.”

“Thank you, but Rem is steadily catching up,” I replied with a warm smile.

We sat together beneath the shade of the palms, the quiet of the oasis wrapping around us like a gentle breeze. The sound of the spring in the background, the warmth of the sun, and the simple act of sharing a meal created a rare kind of calm—one that didn’t come from strength or victory, but from the small, fleeting moments shared between people who trusted one another.

And that made it all the more precious.

“What’s our first plan for this mission of yours, Reinhard-sama?” Ram asked, glancing at me once she finished her meal.

Wiping my mouth clean with a napkin, I reached into my coat and pulled out my Company Phone. A few taps later, I found what I was looking for and turned the screen toward Ram.

Displayed was the image of a girl with jet-black hair and striking purple eyes.

“Before anything else,” I began, my voice calm but purposeful, “we need to track down this girl.”

Ram’s eyes narrowed slightly as she studied the screen with quiet interest.

“Luckily,” I continued, a faint smile tugging at my lips, “thanks to my earlier purchases, that should be fairly simple. The Bounty Tracker perk will make sure of that.”

“This is Arry Raza Shalzard,” I explained, gesturing to the image on the screen. “The missing prince of Shalzard—or rather, princess, as you can clearly see. She was raised as a boy because the king had no male heir. Our job is to ensure her survival so she can take the throne and lead her kingdom.”

Ram studied the image for another moment before giving a thoughtful nod.

“Your intuition is as sharp as ever, Reinhard-sama. It looks like all those purchases you made are already proving their worth,” she said, offering me a small smile—a rare sight compared to her usual smirks or smug expressions.

A smile naturally tugged at my lips as I closed my eyes. “Thanks, Ram.”

For a moment, she went quiet, and I felt a flicker of embarrassment ripple through our connection.

“…Ahem. And I’m assuming the Resheph Familia is involved in this, based on your earlier words?” she asked, quickly shifting the conversation.

Opening my eyes again, I nodded and adopted a more serious expression, just barely managing to suppress a grimace.

“Correct. Unfortunately, that’s where things get complicated. If we want to ensure that Arry can successfully ascend the throne without future opposition, we’ll have to confront the Resheph Familia… along with roughly 80,000 others.”

My gaze drifted away as I finished speaking, the weight of the plan settling in once again. A part of me still felt like I should’ve done this alone.

“I’m sorry,” I said quietly, “but you two will have to get your hands dirty… all because of my selfish decision.”

Ram’s expression didn’t change at first—calm, unreadable as ever. But then she stood, dusting off her skirt with slow, deliberate movements before walking over to stand beside me. Her pink eyes held no hesitation as they met mine.

“Reinhard-sama,” she began softly, her voice unusually gentle, “don’t insult Ram by assuming she’d regret following you.”

She reached out and took my hand in hers, firm and steady. “Ram is here because she chose to be. Whether it’s 80 people or 80,000, it makes no difference. As long as it’s your will—Ram will act.”

A quiet, sincere oath.

I turned to Est next, who still sat beneath the palm tree with her empty plate on her lap. Her violet eyes looked up at me, calm and unwavering. She didn’t speak right away, but the small smile she gave me said more than words could.

Then she stood and walked over, standing on my other side, hands clasped behind her back.

“Remember that I’m your weapon, Reinhard,” Est said in her usual monotone, her gaze unwavering. “I have no intention of letting you shoulder the burden alone.”

Then, without a word, she reached out and gently took my hand—her silent way of offering comfort and unwavering support.

“Besides… if we’re going to fight,” she continued, softer now, “then I want to be by your side when you win.”

My breath hitched for a moment, the weight of her devotion settling deep in my chest. But then a smile broke across my face—small, grateful, and full of quiet resolve.

Their words didn’t erase the danger ahead. But they lightened the load on my shoulders. In their quiet way, they gave me strength I hadn’t realized I needed.

“…Alright,” I said at last, letting out a slow breath. “Then let’s start moving.”

We were done resting. It was time to change the future.

=====

Thanks to the Bounty Tracker perk, which displayed the location of all available targets in any given world, it didn’t take us long to arrive on the outskirts of Lioad—a bustling commercial city on the northern edge of Israfan, built around a shimmering oasis.

From there, we continued on foot, blending in more easily with the local crowd.

But the moment we entered the city, frowns slowly crept onto our faces.

Slaves. Everywhere.

Women, and children lined the streets—some pulling carts, others scrubbing stone roads or carrying goods that looked far too heavy for their frames. All of them bore collars. But what truly weighed on us were their eyes.

Lifeless. Hollow. Resigned.

‘I expected this... but seeing it firsthand is another matter entirely.’ My thoughts churned with unease as I watched a young boy with cracked skin and sunburnt shoulders stagger under the weight of a basket twice his size.

From my left, Ram’s voice came in a low mutter, laced with restrained anger.

“It’s disheartening… that even in a world where gods walk among mortals, slavery still exists.”

I nodded quietly, gaze still scanning the street. “Gods are not perfect, Ram. No one is, if I’m being honest.”

Ram didn’t reply immediately, her eyes still sweeping over the street in silent judgment before she finally nodded and stepped a little closer to me.

To avoid drawing attention, I pulled up my HUD—an interface only visible to me and my companions. With a flick of my fingers, I opened the Bounty Tracker app. It functioned like a GPS, highlighting our target’s precise location with a pulsing red marker.

“She’s nearby,” I murmured, eyes narrowing as the map flickered over my vision. “Merchant District. Just a few blocks ahead, tucked behind the main plaza.”

‘With her masquerading as a slave, I’m just glad she hasn’t been sold off—or worse,’ I thought, exhaling in silent relief.

“At least she’s still here,” Ram said under her breath.

Est didn’t speak, but she stepped in closer on my other side, her fingers slipping between mine. The gesture was quiet, but it anchored me in the moment.

We moved quickly through the bustling streets of Lioad, weaving past merchants shouting their wares and guards in gleaming desert-forged armor. Every footstep echoed with tension, every turn bringing with it the looming pressure of what was to come.

By the time we reached the edge of the plaza, the scenery had shifted. The buildings rose higher here, adorned with ornate carvings, stained-glass windows, and the crests of noble houses and merchant lords.

And then we saw it.

A large estate-like building, heavily guarded by two armored men standing at attention. A polished carriage was parked nearby, clearly marked with the seal of a powerful house. According to the tracker, this was the place—Arry Raza Shalzard was somewhere behind those gilded walls.

I slowed, halting just beyond the estate’s line of sight, and turned to Ram and Est.

“This is it.”

Ram cracked her knuckles, her eyes sharp and focused. “Ready when you are, Reinhard-sama.”

Est gave a single nod, calm and composed as always.

I dismissed the HUD with a blink and exhaled.

“Leave the talking to me. Hopefully, we can resolve this peacefully.”

But deep down, I knew the odds. And if things did go south, I was ready.

The Divine Protection of Mind-Changing—a gift the original Reinhard had once discarded in childhood, deeming it too invasive, too dangerous.

A last resort… but one I wouldn’t hesitate to wield if things turned south.

Steadying my heart, I let a blank mask slip over my face and stepped forward, Ram and Est flanking me on either side. The guards straightened as we approached, their gazes sharp—until they saw my confident posture and expensive looking clothes.

“Hello,” I greeted, a polite smile on my lips that didn’t reach my eyes. “I’m here looking for a good worker for my estate.”

Their postures eased almost immediately. One nodded and stepped aside from the doorway. “Of course, sir. The Master will receive you inside.”

I inclined my head in thanks, and together we walked through the gate.

Inside, the air was thick with spice, sweat, and the scent of too many perfumes. A portly merchant with rings glittering on each finger spotted us from across the room and rose to his feet with theatrical excitement.

“Ah~! A new customer. Welcome, welcome, dear guests~ Or perhaps… here to sell?” His eyes flicked to Ram and Est, and the fake cheer in his voice soured into something more vulgar as he gave them an appreciative, lingering leer.

My jaw tightened. My smile faltered. Rage simmered beneath the surface, but I stopped myself just short of acting on it—thanks only to the quiet calm that touched my mind.

“Calm down, Reinhard-sama. I’m happy that you’re angry on our behalf, but please don’t worry about us. We know perfectly well you’d never allow something like that,” came Ram’s soft mental whisper.

Est gave my hand a gentle squeeze. “Relax, Reinhard.”

“...Thanks, you two,” I responded through our link, sending them a wave of quiet gratitude—a warm hug, returned in kind. Their support grounded me once again.

Turning back to the merchant, I forced the smile back into place. “They’re not for sale, unfortunately. But I’d like to see what you have in stock.”

Looking mildly disappointed by my words, the merchant nonetheless gave a theatrical sigh and motioned toward the back of the room.

“Well, a shame, a real shame,” he drawled. “But no matter! I’m certain you’ll find someone of interest among my current stock.”

With a dramatic clap of his jeweled hands, a door opened at the far end of the hall. Moments later, a line of slaves was herded in—men, women, and children of varying ages and backgrounds. They moved in a tired shuffle, many with their heads bowed, eyes dull and lifeless from who knows how long spent in chains.

Ram’s expression twisted subtly in distaste, and even Est’s usually unreadable face gained the barest shadow of a frown.

The merchant gestured with a flourish, clearly proud of his inventory. “All in prime condition! Obedient, healthy, and trained in various tasks. There’s even a slew of new stock I just received, if that’s more to your liking. You may inspect them freely, sir.”

I barely heard him. My eyes scanned the group quickly, efficiently, guided by the pulsing red marker of the Bounty Tracker still glowing faintly in the corner of my vision.

And then—there.

In the middle of the group, slightly toward the back, a figure stood out. Her black hair was messy, her posture deliberately slouched, as if trying not to be noticed. But the violet eyes… those sharp, defiant violet eyes…

Arry.

I stepped forward before the merchant could start another sales pitch.

“This one,” I said, pointing directly at her. “I want this one. How much?”

The merchant’s eyes gleamed with predatory interest the moment I pointed at her.

“Ahh~ You’ve got an eye for quality, sir,” he said, gliding forward with all the grace of a bloated vulture. “That one’s a recent acquisition—spirited, but not yet broken. Some find that troublesome, but clearly you appreciate the fire.”

Ram’s eyes narrowed dangerously, and Est’s grip on my hand tightened ever so slightly.

I kept my voice even. “I asked for a price.”

The merchant chuckled, rubbing his hands together greedily. “Of course, of course. For you, my good sir… 500,000 valis. A fine bargain for such a rare gem, no?”

I didn’t flinch, though inwardly, I grimaced. That was a ludicrous price—even for someone of noble blood posing as a slave. Either he sensed her hidden value… or it was just good old-fashioned greed.

‘Looks like all the money we made the past few days just went down the drain.’ I thought to myself but didn’t voice it. ‘I’ll just have to work extra hard once we’re back in Orario to earn it back.’

Without a word, I reached into my coat and pulled out a few heavy coin pouches—put there for this exact moment. “Here. As requested.”

The merchant eagerly snatched them up, opening them just enough to hear the telltale clink of wealth before clapping twice. A nearby assistant scurried over and began unlocking the chains around Arry’s wrists.

As the shackles fell away, she looked up—really looked at me—for the first time.

Suspicion. Wariness.

But beneath it all… a flicker of something else. Hope? Desperation? It was hard to tell.

I stepped forward and gently placed a cloak over her shoulders. “You’re safe now,” I said softly. “Let’s talk somewhere more private.”

Ram and Est moved in protectively beside us, flanking Arry as we turned and walked out of that cursed estate. The heavy thud of the door shutting behind us marked the end of the first phase of our plan.

Now came the real challenge.

Installing Arry as king… and dismantling the Resheph Familia along with a eighty-thousand-strong army.