Your Majesty, Dinner Is Ready. Chapter 181 - I'm Not on Good Terms with Logic or Reason

Chapter 181 – I’m Not on Good Terms with Logic or Reason

 

B-Rank Labyrinth. [Final Stand].

It was a labyrinth that recreated the desperate final battle in which the Kingdom of Meterdecus of the Eastern Continent made its last stand against the invading forces of the Valterium Empire, whose conquest had once swept across the entire continent.

“The legendary shaman of the Eastern Continent, Sir Neuamsh, is said to have single-handedly held back the enemy army’s advance for an incredible fifty days.”

The basement of Odilon’s mansion.

Having gathered all of the expedition members into the largest room, I began a lesson to prepare for District 5’s Grand Interracial Unity Festival.

“The clear condition for [Final Stand], which embodies Sir Neuamsh’s unwavering resolve, is to escort His Majesty the King, who is hiding inside the royal palace of Floskere, the capital of the Kingdom of Meterdecus, and escape the Eastern Continent.”

Using [Illusion], I casually drew a portrait of the Wood Elf King in midair.

“Simply fulfilling the clear condition is already difficult. But the real problem is that the expedition members who enter together will have their bodies exchanged.”

The so-called Body Swap gimmick. A unique labyrinth rule that could cause enormous trouble if encountered without prior knowledge.

“Captain. Asmi has a question.”

Pendrick lifted his beloved sword.

“Certainly, as the most beautiful sword in the world, Lady Astrimia is specially granted unlimited speaking time.”

“That kind of obvious flattery doesn’t work on me anymore!”

Even as she said that, she happily wiggled her blade inside Pendrick’s arms.

“Ahem! I think we should clarify whether it’s the body that’s swapped or the soul.”

“As expected of Lady Astrimia, who possesses both dazzling beauty and outstanding intelligence.”

Mysteries were unknown powers engraved upon the soul. Therefore, if souls were exchanged, everyone would naturally retain access to the Mysteries they originally possessed.

“To answer your question… It’s neither. In the actual battle that inspired [Final Stand]… it was the mind that was exchanged.”

Even judged by modern mystic scholarship, what had actually occurred was a truly miraculous feat.

“The legendary shaman Neuamsh I mentioned earlier fought to the very end by using the effects of His personal domain, [Chaos Disturbance Field], to completely scramble the minds of the Valterium Empire’s elite soldiers.”

An astonishing achievement, holding out alone for nearly fifty days.

The mind-swapping gimmick of [Final Stand] occurred because explorers became caught within [Chaos Disturbance Field].

“While your mind has been swapped… you can only use the Mysteries possessed by the original owner of that body.”

Crackle!

I extended my right hand, where black lightning ran wildly across my fingers.

“Whoever ends up occupying little, precious Karr’s body… will only be able to use these astonishingly magnificent Cultist Mysteries.”

“Haha. Wouldn’t ending up in Captain’s body basically be a punishment? Using your Mysteries drains Mental Strength every single time.”

“……”

Pendrick had just committed the unforgivable crime of filling everyone’s hearts with anxiety through painfully honest truth.

“Sir Pendrick. You’ve wounded your captain’s delicate heart. I hereby revoke your speaking privileges for the time being.”

“Ghk!”

The super-genius swordsman hurriedly covered his mouth with both hands.

Like a professor eagerly searching for a college student ripe for snatching away, I slowly looked around the room before pointing at someone.

“Sir Brightfeather.”

Every gaze turned toward the parrot Birdfolk, shrinking into a corner.

Hiding behind his wings, Brightfeather answered in a tiny voice.

“M-M-M-Me…?”

“If we’re going to explore a labyrinth where expedition members swap minds…”

“How should we prepare?”

“W-We need to thoroughly learn our companions’ fighting styles beforehand…”

“Precisely. Everyone. Please give him your applause and cheers.”

After a round of enthusiastic applause, Brightfeather lowered his wings and proudly basked in the mental adornment.

“Eight days.”

I spread eight fingers so everyone could clearly see them.

“Until the tournament begins… We’ll devote ourselves to thoroughly learning every expedition member’s Mysteries and combat style.”

“Excellent!”

The Demon King, who had been leaning against the nearby wall, suddenly exclaimed.

“Training solely for the tournament isn’t enough! If everyone properly understands how their companions fight… it’ll continue benefiting every expedition from then onward!”

“You’ve seen straight through my intentions.”

“A splendid form of training worthy of Grand Duke Karr! Come here! I shall reward you with praise!”

I hurried over. My lord vigorously patted my head.

Adjusting the angle of my head so every part received equal attention, I spoke again.

“If anyone has questions… please ask freely.”

“I do.”

Lucius, who had quietly folded his hands together, spoke up.

“What happens to our constitutions? If they remain unchanged… some members might find it difficult to participate.”

“An excellent question, Father.”

Continuing to enjoy the irresistibly enchanting head pats with proper captainly dignity, I answered.

“Fortunately… Or perhaps unfortunately… constitutions are swapped as well.”

Constitutions.

Each explorer’s physical characteristics were also exchanged. Logically speaking, traits affecting the mind should move together with the owner.

However, the personal domain [Chaos Disturbance Field] had voluntarily cut all ties with logic and reason, becoming a complete loner.

 

“To summarize once more… Only the mind is transferred. In every respect… [Final Stand] is a labyrinth where you must fight using someone else’s abilities.”

That was precisely why it had become infamous among players.

If you only focused on developing your own character, your companion would end up controlling your carefully raised body like an idiot, making the labyrinth extremely difficult.

“It’s already hard enough exploring in such unfamiliar circumstances. And we’ll also have to compete against other expedition teams. That’ll make victory rather difficult, won’t it? I don’t think we’ll be able to win…”

Marlin had already started sounding discouraged before we’d even begun. Completely unacceptable behavior from a ward.

“Hey.”

Crackle.

I generated static electricity with black lightning, making part of Marlin’s hair stand on end.

“…What are you doing? How can you say something like that… when the brightest rising talent in all of Pletica, Captain Karr, is leading the expedition?”

“So… Can we win this tournament too? …like we did the Guild War?”

Filled with confidence, I answered proudly.

“It’ll be incredibly difficult!”

“……”

Marlin began glaring at me.

Just as my bold ward raised her fingernails, Bartimir caught my signal, hugged Marlin from behind, and effortlessly lifted her into the air.

“Hold still. Why are you so restless?”

“…I can’t believe you’re the one saying that to me!”

Poking Marlin’s forehead as she dangled helplessly, I continued.

“Winning absolutely won’t be easy. But… We don’t necessarily have to be the first team to clear the labyrinth. So there’s still hope.”

“Exactly!”

Bartimir cheerfully shook Marlin around in his arms.

“Besides! Even mighty Jerix won’t be able to display the full majesty of one of the Twelve Heroes while stuck inside another explorer’s body! Right?”

“That’s correct.”

No matter how overwhelmingly powerful someone might be, once their body changed, they could no longer dominate the battlefield as an unstoppable predator.

Likewise, even someone occupying the body of an immensely powerful warrior couldn’t instantly wield its true strength.

If a rabbit suddenly obtained a tiger’s body, would it immediately become a savage beast capable of freely using its fangs and claws?

“Expedition teams like ours… whose average level is comparatively low… must rely on adaptability and teamwork.”

Rustle.

Using [Transformation], I turned into Marlin before addressing everyone.

“Alright! From this moment onward… I, Marlin, future overwhelmingly amazing thief extraordinaire, will select the tournament participants!”

“…Don’t.”

“Hiiing.”

“Don’t even whine while wearing my face!”

With no other choice, I returned to my naturally adorable appearance.

“One important point. Officially… this tournament exists to promote harmony between races. Therefore… no expedition may enter with two participants of the same race.”

“Then… Either Abel or I won’t be able to participate.”

Having listened quietly the entire time, Abel thought seriously for a moment before speaking.

“In that case… it should definitely be Sister rather than me.”

“Abel. Are you alright with that?”

“Sister possesses many excellent Mysteries… She also has a high-performance artifact like Gléléré of Frost… And her physical abilities surpass mine. She’d clearly contribute far more to the expedition.”

Such calm, objective judgment. Far too mature for someone his age.

Briefly lamenting the circumstances that had forced him to grow up so early, I rested a hand atop his head.

“Then… The next expedition… We’ll absolutely go together.”

“…Thank you.”

The first participant was decided.

The second, naturally, required no discussion.

“Cute little all-rounder Captain Karr has to participate too, right?”

“…But what if an Evil God harms the expedition member occupying your body, Patron?”

“A fine question indeed, Abel. But you don’t need to worry.”

Looking solemnly down at the floor, I made my declaration.

“If anyone bullies one of my expedition members… I’ll never offer them another sacrifice. I’ll stay mad at them forever.”

A solemn declaration of sulking. I was a cultist who never made empty promises.

[The Wise One promises to treasure them!]

Crackle!

Wriggle.

The Evil Gods hurriedly sent their intentions one after another.

They swore upon their divinity itself that they would never:

– devour the mind of whoever occupied my body,

– secretly install a backdoor,

– paralyze their reason,

– or corrupt them to the point of pseudo-monsterification.

“Everyone. They’ve all promised never to harm you. So please don’t worry.”

“Mmm…”

“Well…”

Even after I guaranteed their safety, the expedition members still looked unconvinced.

Then again, throughout history, an Evil God’s oath had practically been a sign they were secretly plotting something behind the scenes.

“That’s two participants who decided. And naturally… the third will be Big Sister.”

As always, Rosalia silently nodded.

“The fourth… Sir Brightfeather. I know it’ll be difficult… but I’m counting on you.”

“Y-Yes!”

Half-Elf. Tiger Beastman. Wood Elf. Parrot Birdfolk.

Only two positions remained.

“I really, really, really hate to admit it… but I don’t think I should participate.”

Bartimir suddenly spoke, looking genuinely disappointed.

“My body is overflowing with curses and diseases. It’d probably be too much for another expedition member experiencing something like that for the first time.”

“That’s true. There’s also the possibility that certain curses might transfer to the mind.”

“It’s disappointing… But I’ll withdraw.”

“Good girl.”

While patting my somewhat dejected demon daughter’s back, Lucius also spoke.

“As a human… I won’t be able to participate either. Besides… The Harmony Church’s upcoming events are keeping me extremely busy. So finding time for an expedition will be difficult.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Abel. Bartimir. Lucius.

All removed from consideration.

I turned toward the remaining two expedition members.

Meeting my gaze, the Nameless Demon King shook His head.

“I, too, would like to participate as Celestial Reficul. However… the lingering effects of the sealing ritual couldn’t be endured by the mind of an ordinary sentient being.”

“…I see.”

“I shall instead leisurely enjoy the positive emotions Grand Duke Karr sends Me.”

That left only one remaining member.

“I actually like the tournament…”

Pendrick, after receiving permission to speak, scratched his head.

“But… I’m human… So I suppose I can’t participate.”

“Hah! You still don’t trust Archduke Karr’s knowledge?”

The Demon King snorted, gently rubbing my back.

“Surely… He has already prepared a solution. Has he not?”

Smiling silently, I reached into my subspace and took out my trump card.

A mask covered in strange patterns. The body-altering tool once worn by the Slayer from Rainy Murder Manor.

 

[Masterpiece — Mask of Caprice (Incomplete)]

[While worn, it can alter the wearer’s physical form. If completed through ritualistic or magical work, it can even become invisible to others.]

 

“Your Majesty. Would You be able to engrave the principles of [Monarch’s Stealth] into this item through Enchantment?”

The Nameless Demon King was an Enchanter.

Moreover, He possessed the high-tier transformation Mystery [Monarch’s Stealth].

“Certainly.”

Without hesitation, the Demon King accepted the Mask of Caprice and examined it.

“Hm… Had I crafted it from the beginning… it would be another matter. But since it’s already partially completed… I won’t be able to reproduce the aspect of [Monarch’s Stealth] that adjusts one’s tier.”

“That’s perfectly fine.”

“Very well. Leave it to Me.”

With that, the race problem was solved.

“Sir Pendrick. Please choose a race that doesn’t overlap with the others… and a form suitable for swordsmanship. You’ll compete in that appearance.”

“…I’ll be the one deciding that!”

“Do as you wish. After all… Sir Pendrick belongs to Lady Astrimia.”

Thus, five participants had been finalized.

One slot still remained empty.

Once again, the chronic weakness of a small expedition, a lack of personnel, had become a problem.

“Mom. What are we doing about the last person?”

“We’ll have to recruit a temporary expedition member.”

Sergius and Charlotte were both humans, making them ineligible.

“No suitable candidate comes to mind. This is troublesome.”

“What about the Fire Elf who came with Colorful?”

“You mean Sir Sylphren?”

“…That actually sounds like an excellent idea.”

Sylphren’s combat style didn’t require everyone to memorize countless details beforehand.

After all, sturdy little Bingbing handled nearly everything through sheer mobility.

“I’ll somehow secure our final participant. In the meantime… everyone competing should diligently study one another’s Mysteries and combat styles.”

Now that our tournament lineup had been decided, only one thing remained.

It might be somewhat dull, but there was nothing more sincere than effort… and steadily becoming better friends.

“Let’s all do our best.”

Looking around at the members who would compete, I declared confidently,

“If we win this exploration tournament… our Moonlight Expedition will truly become recognized as Pletica’s brightest rising expedition.”

Marlin suddenly raised her hand.

“But… What do we get if we win?”

“A question worthy of you, Marlin.”

“…Why do I hate hearing the exact same praise you gave Abel?”

“A truly remarkable prize awaits.”

Poking Marlin lightly on the nose as she pouted, I answered.

“If we win the tournament… We’ll receive ownership rights to an entire labyrinth.”

“…A labyrinth?”

“That’s right.”

The championship prize was the transfer of ownership of a low-rank labyrinth.

Like Sky Village, it could be used as a gathering place, and every reward produced inside it would belong entirely to its owner.

“So everyone… look forward to it.”

Ordinarily, a low-rank labyrinth wouldn’t generate enormous profits.

But I knew. A treasure-like labyrinth whose true value had yet to be discovered by the world.

“So long as we win… our Moonlight Expedition will become the expedition capable of enjoying the most luxurious explorations in all of Pletica.”