So... In the end, we managed to clear the dungeon, even after all the difficulties and setbacks, we ultimately had success. I suppose I should be happy about it, especially after learning that our unusual experience was recognized in our reward. However, I can't lie to myself. I honestly don't think that I was all that useful in there. Sure, I didn't make any huge mistakes, but I also didn't do anything special, unlike Helena and Kardenon. I just, kind of went along and didn't cause things to go belly up. That's all. I don't feel all that special or accomplished really. If I was any other moderately competent person, I suspect the result would be the same. I was even the only one that ended up seriously injured. Although I suppose I should take all of this as a chance for growth, so I will try not to feel too bad about it.

I won't lie, I was really looking forward to cooperating with adventurers as a way of proving to myself that maybe I wasn't so mediocre after all, but Helena vetoed it. I do have to admit that her point that it would sidetrack us too much was more than valid. But still... Well, I can't say that the reason I want to do it is because I have a bruised ego even though we had success in the dungeon. She would probably say that it's a stupid reason and I would be inclined to agree. However, I just can't help it feeling that weigh on my shoulders.

In the end, we left Probium after a few days of rest. I thought of passing through the Bloody Road for the same reason, but once again my opinion was rejected. What was I supposed to do? Drag Helena along like some barbarian orc? I had to respect her decision, so respect it I did. But somehow, that only made me feel worse. What kind of leader I am if I am unable to even convince my childhood friend of accepting my suggestion? I try not to dwell on it, but I can feel it eating me from the inside.

Then it happened, after a few days something came up that was very troublesome, but at least would rescue me from wallowing in self pity. One night, when I was taking the tent out, Helena was cleaning clothes and Kardenon was building his small shelter, I realized that a letter was inside the tent. What does this mean? I first thought to myself. This is probably trouble, I just know it. However, it was probably trouble that I couldn't afford to ignore. Even if we left the manor, a good part of our most important things were in the Treasury, so it wouldn't be good to ignore attempts of contact through the Treasury. Whoever sent the letter knew how the Treasury Sack worked, so they could make things really difficult if they so chose. So, I opened and read the letter.

It was from my uncle, of course. Apparently, my aunt was absolutely furious due to my leaving with Helena. I can see that. However, it seems that she doesn't yet know about the Treasury Sack. Well, that doesn't sound like a threat at all. But, if, during our travels, we happened to help an acquaintance of my aunt's brother, then perhaps he might be able to mollify her a bit and there would be no trouble for us in the future. If however, that acquaintance's problem remained in the future, then we might start having troubles when she finds out that she can apply pressure for us to go back through meddling with the Treasury.

It seems that not helping was not an option, but I would really have preferred even a little bit of details about what this problem might be. At least I was given the name and location of the noble. He is a medium-ranked noble of a not that big estate near the frontier with the southern city-states. While it was once fairly prosperous due to a nearby iron mine, the mine hasn't been very productive for years now, though it never seems to quite completely dry up. Although one couldn't consider it poor by any means, as the land is reasonably good for farming. I wonder what kind of problem this noble might be having. I hope it's something that I can actually help with.