The elf slaves that belonged to Eruya also fell under this category.
The Baharuth Empire, Re-Estize Kingdom, and Slane Theocracy, the percentage of human citizens living in these three countries could almost be calculated as 100%. Compared to other countries, these three clearly displayed more disdain towards non-human races. Because of this, even those who were half human—like Imina—had experienced difficulties.
The only exception were the dwarves. The Azellerisia mountains spanned the border between the Baharuth Empire and the Kingdom of Re-Estize, and inside these mountains existed the Dwarven Kingdom. As long as the Empire still maintained trade relations with the Dwarven Kingdom, the rights of Dwarves were protected.
"I do feel sorry for these elves, but right now isn’t the time to save them."
Imina sighed deeply, deep inside she was aware of that, but her feelings simply couldn’t be let go so easily.
"Let’s go."
As Imina began to walk ahead, Hekkeran and others hastened their pace to catch up. What they saw once they caught up to the main group made their eyes widen in surprise.
Two carriages had been prepared for the journey to the ruins. There was also a group of people surrounding the carriages. They must be the adventurers that had been mentioned before. The plates hanging from their necks were all brimming with a golden radiance.
However, what had surprised them wasn’t the carriages nor the adventurers, but rather the horses.
"—Sleipnirs."
The sound of surprise could also be heard from amongst the other workers.
With four pairs of legs, Sleipnirs were much larger in size compared to normal horses. Due to their superior muscle strength, endurance and mobility, Sleipnirs were regarded as the most versatile type of magical beast for travelling across lands.
Of course, the cost for one was also astronomical, enough to match the price for five or more battle horses. Even for aristocrats, it was uncommon for one to possess them.
Each carriage was pulled by two Sleipnirs. When taking into account the possibility of losing these horses during the adventure, the people that were aware of their worth couldn’t help but appreciate the generosity of the Earl. Or maybe he simply feared that normal horses wouldn’t have enough strength to pull all the treasures that would be found sleeping inside the ruins.
The others must have thought of this as well. The sound of people swallowing their saliva could be heard.
"Please make use of the carriages provided. Provisions have already been placed inside. For the safety of the carriages, as well as the security of the camp sites, we especially hired adventurers. Also, please be aware that they’ve signed an agreement stating that they will not enter the ruins."
Suddenly thinking ahead, Hekkeran left his comrades and headed towards Greenham.
"My bad, Greenham. There’s something that I wish to discuss."
"What’s wrong? What do you wish to talk about?"
"It’s about the pairing for the carriages, can you help me not being in the same carriage as 'Tenmu'?"
"En? Ah, I see. Thou unease is understood. It’s reasons to do with your companion right? In that case our team will pair with 'Tenmu' instead."
"Sorry about this, you’ve helped me a lot."
"Don’t worry about it, we’re all in it together as companions during this job. It would be bad if something happens before we even start the investigation. If—"
"—Is it really okay for us to be relying on these gold ranked adventurers? What do we do if the campsite was overrun before we come back? Or if monsters manage to break through the security perimeter of the campsite?!"
Suddenly, a voice as loud and clear as a burning fireball could be heard by everyone, causing Hekkeran and Greenham to turn their focus elsewhere.
Eruya’s words were directed towards the butler. However, he didn’t bother concealing his voice. It was as if time suddenly froze, the movements of the adventurers who were moving the luggage stopped on cue.
Naturally, for those who are aiming towards the top, it was obvious that the path became longer and steeper the further one travelled along it. Although it didn’t matter how far one could reach at the end, the effort required to get to where they were now wasn’t something that could be achieved easily. Their feelings after hearing what Eruya had said could only be described as unpleasant.
The profession of an adventurer was a highly competitive one, to have one’s ability doubted—especially by the commissioner—could heavily impact their future career. It would then be necessary to display their strength.
Regardless of whether they were an adventurer or a worker, to be able to fearlessly dish out these words, the speaker must at least be at a powerful enough position which allows them to get away with it. As such, Eruya did not seem to mind the current atmosphere at all, and continued on.
"Well, I have to admit they’re at least good enough to qualify as luggage lackeys, but when it comes to keeping everything safe, I’m not so sure."
Give me a break, please. It wouldn’t be good at all if things turn ugly. Those guys are also restraining themselves due to already being hired…
The workers currently present were all as strong as mithril ranked adventurers. In other words, stronger than those adventurers. However, there were still certain things that one should definitely not say, based on the given circumstances.
Can someone give him a beating so he can shut up?
The atmosphere amongst the workers also started to tense up as the majority of them began to glare at Eruya in disapproval. Looking around, Hekkeran hurriedly rushed to the side of Imina. It wouldn’t be good if blood started spewing.
However, the person that made the next move wasn’t a worker.
"You must be Uzruth-sama. I do not believe there will be any problems."
"…Is that under the assumption that we will also help in securing the campsite?? If it’s like that then I can still accept your reply."
"That’s not it. It’s just that we requested the aid of someone stronger than those of you present—Momon-san."
As if responding towards the words spoken moments ago, a warrior clad in full plate mail stepped out from one of the carriages. Due to the helmet he was wearing, his face could not be seen.
"Please allow me to introduce everyone. Reaching the rank of adamantite with the power of only two people, the adventurer Momon-san from the 'Darkness'. His teammate Nabe is also present. With these two to protect the campsite, this arrangement… I hope everyone is satisfied?"
The atmosphere suddenly became completely different. To adventurers and workers, the one standing in front of them was one who had reached the peak of their profession. Under the presence of the strongest, every worker, regardless of who it was, kept quiet.
Seeing how the workers reacted to the appearance of an adventurer of the highest rank, the mood of the other adventurers improved. An affectionate smile emerged on the face of the leader of the adventurer team as he conversed with the warrior in black.