The Strongest Onmyoji and the Shikigami With AI are Unparalleled in Another World ~ A Second Life Properly Enjoyed Using Artificial Intelligence ~ - Chapter 228

After Gina finished converting the items, AI-chan stashed the pouch of gold and copper coins away with spatial magic.

Alright then…
Now what?

Honestly, given the situation, this might not be the smartest move.
But I can’t help it—my curiosity’s getting the better of me…

Sighing, I resigned myself and headed over to the group of four female adventurers.

“Sorry about our cat.”

Even as I felt the prickling stares on my back, I addressed the knight-looking woman who seemed to be their leader.

“Hm? Oh, no, don’t worry about it. After a long day in the dungeon, she really lifted our spirits. Such a cute little thing.”

The knight woman answered with a smile.

“She’s a spoiled one. AI-chan was in your care yesterday too. I wanted to thank you for that.”

“AI-chan? Oh, you mean the blonde girl? That’s quite the unusual name.”

Fair enough.

“Can’t really help that. I’m Yuuma.”

“I’m Ilva, A-rank. You A-rank too?”

So she’s A-rank as well.

“Yeah, I am—just got promoted, though.”

“Hmm… So, you reached A-rank and came to this labyrinth city? That’s the impression I get.”

Not exactly.

“Close enough. Like I said, I came from Celia. It’s no good for work during the winter.”

“Ahh, right. Cold, and it snows a lot, doesn’t it? It doesn’t snow around here at all. I’d love to see it just once.”

Lily was all excited about it too.
I guess for people from snowless regions, it’s kind of a novelty.

“You from around here, Ilva?”

“Yeah. Born in the royal capital—noble family. Though… I left home.”

A runaway noble?

Not ideal… Especially for someone of noble rank.

“You said you were a knight, right? Abandoning your duties isn’t exactly commendable.”

“There were… circumstances. Let’s leave it at that. I had confidence in my sword arm and magic, so I figured I’d try my hand as an adventurer. I heard it paid well, so I came to this town.”

Sounds like there’s a lot behind that story.

Well, she doesn’t seem eager to talk about it, so no need to press.

“How long have you been here?”

“About a month, I’d say.”

Ilva glanced at her party members.

“Yeah, that sounds about right.”

“More or less.”

“Exactly 42 days.”

The one with bluish-black hair answered precisely.

“That’s quite a few. Seems about right. So, Yuuma, what do you want to know?”

“Hey, don’t you think the people in this town are a little… weird? Or maybe just way too dry?”

“Ah… yeah, I think so too. It’s not exactly a good feeling. But maybe it can’t be helped. Probably over half the people here won’t be around next year. Adventurers and merchants alike.”

They either die, or make a fortune and leave… that’s the reality here.

“You guys don’t plan to stick around long either?”

“Nope. We’re thinking about heading back to the royal capital or moving somewhere else. What about you? Going back to Celia?”

“Yeah, that’s the plan. At least after winter.”

Though I’d guess we’ll head back sooner than that.

“Hmm… Hey, what’s the Rize Kingdom like? Is it profitable?”

I don’t really know much about other places…

“How’s it compare? Probably not as profitable as this town.”

“Well, obviously. This place could easily be called the most profitable in the world. Any other info? Rize Kingdom’s on our list of possible next destinations.”

So that’s how it is.

“Lately, there’s been some chaos with stampedes and demon invasions. It’s been messy. Now it’s the recovery phase, so there’s a shortage of hands.”

“I figured as much… By the way, was the damage pretty bad?”

“Celia’s fine—it’s back to normal everyday life. But the town of Tretta, which the demons took over, suffered serious damage. Our clan members are all there helping with reconstruction.”

“I see, I see… So, the adventurers from the royal capital might be in Tretta? That could be good.”

Is it really that good?

“You’ll make more here.”

“Sure, but this town isn’t somewhere you want to stay long. Same with the labyrinth. Also, since we’re an all-female party, we want to avoid places that are too dangerous or lawless.”

The other three women all nodded along.

“So, Rize Kingdom’s pretty safe then?”

“Isn’t it your home country?”

“I moved here a few months ago. Celia’s a nice town, apart from being split into four districts…”

Yeah, about that…

“Hmm… Rize Kingdom’s a safe place. Wealth is stable, and there’s no sign of war. Your girlfriend over there is proof of that.”

Ilva glanced behind me, so I turned around.

There was Annie, arms crossed.

Well, that outfit she’s wearing…

“Have you never seen anyone else like that?”

“Only in the red-light district. Wearing clothes like that out in public is basically asking to get attacked… Is that your taste?”

No way I’d let my woman dress like that and stroll around town.

“Annie.”

“I wear it because I like it. And you’ll protect me.”

Well, I will….

“…Hey, didn’t you say Celia is in winter?”

Ilva asked with an exasperated look.

“Yeah. Well, don’t mind Annie.”

“Hmm…”

“You planning to come to Rize?”

“Maybe. I want to earn a bit more here first. Being an adventurer isn’t a long career. Gina mentioned something about forced retirements. What’s that about?”

Ilva asked, and the other three exchanged surprised looks, staring at her.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Ilva glanced at her companions.

“I-I don’t know?”

“It’s nothing, really…”

“Um, well… it’s nothing at all.”

No need to say anything.

“Don’t worry about it. Gina likes to joke around.”

“Oh, really? That’s surprising.”

She’s so straightforward…

‘AI-chan, tell Tama-chan to bother the woman with the bluish-black hair.’

‘Huh? That lady? Not Ilva-san?’

‘Yeah, please.’

‘Got it. Tama-chaaaan!’

AI-chan gave the telepathic command, and Tama-chan appeared, biting the clothing of the bluish-black-haired woman.

“Hey, Tama-chan!”

Feigning innocence, I went over to Tama-chan.

“What!? Again!? Tama-chan, how do you do that!?”

Natalia, who was holding Tama-chan, looked surprised.

“Sorry about that.”

I crouched down to hold Tama-chan, then stood up and apologized to the bluish-black-haired woman.

“It’s alright, kittens do that kind of thing.”

She smiled and shook her head.

“I see… um, I’m Rosalia. Rosalia Harris.”

She gave her last name…

“Ah, I’m Sheila.”

“I’m Felicia.”

The red-haired warrior was Sheila, and the brown-haired girl was Felicia…

And they didn’t give their last names.

“Sorry about my cat, all three of you. Oh, and these are my companions—Natalia, Alice, Lily, and Annie.”

As I introduced them, the women gave light bows in return.

“Nice to meet you.”

Ilva spoke on behalf of the group, and the other three nodded politely as well.

“Sorry to trouble you. If we meet again in the labyrinth, I’ll be counting on you.”

“Yeah. And tell us more about Rize next time.”

“Yeah. See you.”

After saying farewell to Ilva, we returned to the inn, called for Leanne, and decided it was time to head back to Celia.