“Shining Teaset … as in the Court Magician of the Demon-Kin’s Territory? You know Shining Teaset?” I asked in shock.

“Oh, yes, I’m one of the select few who know her personally, and know where she’s hiding from public view,” Noire said as she held up her ruby-bedazzled device, “This smartphone is one of the few she has made, herself, calling them ‘symbols of her trust’, as she knows for certain that the power dwelling in this tool could be abused in the wrong hands. It’s the only method of contact I have with her, and she’ll only answer my call when she feels like it as she’s a very busy female.”

So, not only is Shining Teaset the greatest magic practitioner in the kingdom, and has played a significant part of ‘The Blink’, she even knows how to build a smartphone from scratch using only this world’s resources? She’s a hell of an inventor …

“She even told me something interesting, too,” Noir continued, “There’s only a few of these smartphones that she made into existence, but she really learned how to put them together after she … oh, what did she call it again? Reverse-something …”

“... Reverse-engineering?”

“Yes! That’s it! She reverse-engineered a smartphone that previously belonged to a traveling Champion, and so … she warned me that if I ever see anyone who holds a similar looking device that she should not have given, it’s highly likely its owner could be one of them,” Noire said before giving a knowing smirk.

… Crap.

Nyra chided.

"If I consider that possibility, a lot of things I've seen you done up to now would start to make sense," Noire continued before her expression turned serious, "Still, I can only guess so much with circumstantial evidence, and as I'm honestly growing more fond of you, I still have my position as a noble to consider, and I'll be putting my life into your hands as we go down the dungeon. If we wish to get closer, to put trust in each other, we need to be honest, so I'll ask this once: Are you a Champion, Jinma Kotori?"

I sighed and scratched my head, there was no way I could turn down such strong, beautiful eyes like hers, "I've been wondering when would be the best time to tell you, like when things settle down after the dungeon crawl, but I do wish to gain your trust, so … yes, I am indeed a Champion, representing Goddess Obina. My bracelet is in my bag that one of my party members is carrying right now if you need proof, so—"

"That won't be necessary," Noire interrupted with a hand up, smiling gently, "While I do usually prefer hard evidence most of the time, I doubt another Human would reveal themselves like you have. There are some questions I’d like to ask of you as a Champion, but those can wait for another time. For now, I'll take your word for it, and your secret is safe with me."

"... Thank you, Noire," I said while lowering my head in gratitude.

"More importantly, you have Yukino's dirt in your smartphone? In that case, why don't we exchange numbers and you send it over to me that way?" Noire asked before her smile turned mischievous.

"Oh, good idea," I agreed before we quickly got to exchanging numbers. I immediately sent the video to her after that.

To be honest, I had a Messaging Crystal ready for Noire to prepare us for the trials ahead, but this way may be far better for us in the long run. Kisaki, being a Champion, was one thing, but I didn't think I'd ever exchange contacts with a local of this world.

One thing that worries me though is Shining Teaset. I was too surprised at Noire's revelation to think about it at first, but this Court Magician in hiding has more knowledge about Champions that I doubt the special handfuls like royalty and nobles should know about. Not to mention, 'reverse-engineering' is a term that's usually reserved for Earth's modern sciences. Is Shining Teaset actually not who I figured her to be initially?

I considered asking Noire for Shining Teaset's number, as well, but the former said it herself that the smartphone is the latter's 'symbol of trust'. If this Court Magician anticipated Noire meeting Champions carrying their own smartphones, then she must have forbidden her to ever share that contact information with anyone. I gave up from even attempting it after thinking that.

Once Noire got the video and started watching it, she let out the most nefarious of snickers and giggles. I found it oddly cute. With this, though, should something happen to me or my phone, Noire has a copy of the evidence to share with the Demon King later.

“Oh, this is just delicious!” Noire exclaimed as she finished watching the video, “With these good shots, there’s no way Yukino can talk her way out of this. Still, Konjiro and Rowling concocted such a plan for us, huh? They must be getting desperate.”

“They have quite a large quantity of forces to take us down with, too,” I said, “They’ve all been out and about yesterday, but now they’re nowhere within the Palocaesy’s premises, meaning they must be waiting for us in the dungeon already. Since you gave Her Highness that tip yesterday, though, they should be looking through Rowling’s place as we speak, adding more pressure to him in the process, and I imagine he’ll want to get rid of us quickly. With that in mind, we prepared ourselves well in advance, so we should take our time clearing the dungeon. The rest of my party’s holding our spot to get in the dungeon, so we should stow your coffin away and split.”

“Just real quick, since you’re the first one I’ve met other than Shining Teaset who has a smartphone, I’d like to try taking this ‘selfie’ she told me about once,” Noire said, “She can’t take one of us because of her position, but if it’s with you …”

I nodded in understanding, “Sure, I don’t mind.”

“Great! Sue, after Jinma and I take one together, would you like to join us in another, too?” Noire asked.

“H-Huh? Oh, uh …” Sue trailed off, shifting glances between Noire and me.

I figured she was wondering how I felt about it, of which I shrugged, “Noire brought it up, so I don’t see why not.” We took a selfie when we first met, anyway, so that ice was already broken.

Using my phone, I showed Noire how it was done with the two of us in it first, pulling her close to where our sides and faces touched to get in the shot. Thankfully, my [Darkness Manipulation] can be used as an advanced ‘selfie stick’ to keep our pictures stable and straight. The first one of us was normal with our photogenic smiles—or at least as far as it was for mine—while holding peace signs. The second was a surprise for me as Noire snuck a kiss to my cheek while still looking at the camera lens. Finally, our last few shots were with Sue in the picture as she was below our chins, again with our photogenic smiles shown for the camera.

“I hope I can share one with us and your wife together soon, too … maybe while we do something dirty?” Noire whispered in my ear as I sent all the photos to her phone. It was hard not to pop a boner after she brought that up.

Once the photos were sent, I stowed Noire’s ‘double-sized’ coffin in my [Storage] for her to use in the dungeon. Then, Noire got the maids to quickly prepare Gabriella for departure, dressing her up in her black armor and setting her head back on her shoulders.

“You should be lucky I’m still willing to let you escort me,” Noire scolded while wagging her finger with a furrowed brow, “I expect you to be on your best behavior in our dungeon crawl and not try anything funny, or there will be consequences. Capiche?”

“Y-Yes, Milady,” Gabriella said while nodding meekly. Upon seeing me, she kept her distance. I guess that threat of tentacle play in our spar really got to her.

“Also, regardless whether this motivates you, I thought you should know that we got word that Rowling has hired some ‘help’ to get rid of us, including you,” I informed.

Gabriella widened her eyes, “W-Why would …”

“I imagine it’s not only because you failed him, but he also wants to make sure there are no witnesses knowing about Noire breaking off the engagement,” I said while shrugging, “Don’t know how much that would want you cooperating with us, but however this quest will end, you’ll be on your own after that. Also, it’s bad enough that you tried to stop the quest from happening the other day, if you try to redeem yourself to get back into Rowling’s graces by betraying us, you’ll be jumping from the hot pan you’re currently on into the fire of political affairs that you won’t be able to get out of alive … well, not ‘alive’ in technical terms, you won’t be ‘undead’ would be more like it, for sure. The point is, if you wish to continue living as you have been, I suggest you think carefully about your options and what to do in the future before this quest ends. You get me?”

Gabriella only stayed silent and turned away, her face twisted in frustration.

“... I don’t hear opposition, so I’ll take it as a yes,” I said before turning to Noire, “Is there anything else that needs to be done?”

“Just one last thing,” Noire said as she turned to her maids, all gathered in a line to properly see their mistress off, “Is this everyone who has worked here?”

One of the maids who looks to be in charge of the staff stepped forward, “At your request, Milady, I have gathered all of the staff that work in this cottage here. Is something a matter?”

Noire nodded firmly before looking towards all her service staff, her face was stern, yet composed, “Everyone, stay calm and listen closely, for I have important news for you all. Due to the complications arising in my former engagement with Perseus Shallowreed Rowling, you may be in grave danger.”

All the maids’ faces went into shock.

“Though you are employed under my father, the head of our household, his current state has left me to question his judgment,” Noire said as she held up a two fingers, “With that said, in the name of the Krauss Family, I would like to propose two options for you on what to do next. One, pack up your belongings and evacuate Palocaesy immediately. It doesn’t matter where, but I advise you not to go to Korangar for now, and that you never come in contact with my family again. I have a number of letters of recommendation and some funds to distribute to you all so you can get by in living expenses for some time until you find a new house to serve under. This will be my final gift to you as a lady of the Krauss Family, I will not reprimand you for choosing to run away, and I will accept full responsibility for your sudden departure. If this falls in line with your interests, step forward now.”

A heavy silence fell in the lobby, but none of them moved a centimeter. I glanced in Gabriella’s direction and she looked surprised at the development before her.

“... Then, I will move on to the second and final option,” Noire continued, lowering one of her fingers to leave the other standing, “If you still wish to serve under the Krauss Family, then I ask that you drop everything you have and serve under Her Highness for the time being as part of a temporary leave from our house. I do not know how long it will be, but when the drama from my breaking off the engagement calms down, I will personally make sure you all will be able to return to serving the Krauss household, if that is what you want by that point. If not, then I will see to it that you can be transferred to another house to serve under, or even work in Her Highness’ castle, if you so wish.

“Make no mistake, neither choice will guarantee you of escaping from harm, but one of the choices is more likely for that to happen than the other,” Noire said, her stare hardened, “Either way, there is a chance you may die. I understand this danger has come to be due to my actions, and for that, I must apologize for inconveniencing you. That is why I’m bringing this up to you now.”

Wow, I know she can be mischievous, but I had no idea she was this thoughtful of her servants. Still, throwing some servants to the Demon King so abruptly like that, does Noire hope that she’ll protect them with her authority?

I asked her through [Telepathy],

Sue said without hesitation as she watched Noire’s speech,

“With that said, this is the last chance I am bringing this up,” Noire said, “No one will shame you for valuing your life enough to run away. If you do not wish to get any further involved with the Krauss Family and leave Palocaesy, step forward now.”

Yet again, none of the maids budged from their spot.

“Milady, may I speak openly?” the head maid asked as she stepped forward.

Noire nodded, “You may.”

“I believe I speak for all of us that we’re grateful to have such a compassionate lady like Milady looking after humble servants like ourselves,” the head maid said with a hand to her bosom, “Serving the Krauss Family for as long as I have, I can see that Lord Krauss’ passion for protecting the weak and innocent has passed down to you. We owe a lot to Lord Krauss for allowing us to serve him, and that debt is extended to you, as well.

“That said, we are also aware that Lord Krauss has not been himself as of late, and if someone as perceptive as his own daughter can see there is trouble approaching, we would be foolish to not heed your warning. Despite our caution, we who have taken great pride to serve under the Krauss Family will never sway our devotion to any other house,” the head maid said as her brow furrowed, “Nay, we should be doing everything in our power to protect the Krauss Family’s members, yet we know all of ours combined will still pale in comparison to yours, Milady. That’s why, even as we work under Her Highness for now, we will do it with our pride as Krauss Family servants and not besmirch your name. The only thing we wish for, Milady, is that you return safely, so that we may serve you with greater pride and devotion than when we left. Is that not right, ladies?”

The other maids nodded firmly in agreement, I could see fires of determination burning in their eyes.

Noire’s expression softened to a gentle smile before she curtsied before the maids, “I, Noire Scarletine Krauss, thank you for your courage and devotion in these trying times. I will personally see to it that you all get a bonus when this is over, if not a pay rise.”

“To think a powerful Demon Noble would lower their head to their servants like this … unlike the Humans in my time,” Gabriella muttered before she turned away, clicking her tongue.

Noire then reached into her Magic Item Pouch and took out an envelope, handing it to the head maid, “In that case, when you get to the castle, please give Her Highness this message from me. It will explain all the circumstances and my request to her as I explained to you.”

The head maid gratefully accepted the envelope, “Thank you, Milady, will you be providing funds for the travel fare to Korangar? We will pack our things immediately upon your departure.”

“I believe I said before that you will drop everything you have to serve Her Highness, yes? I did not mention anything about you getting there by carriage,” Noire said before turning to me, “Jinma?”

“Way ahead of you,” I said before pointing an open palm to the side, imagining the place of destination, “[Portal].”

A hole then opened up in space leading to the emergency room in the Demon King’s castle that Noire I went to yesterday. Everyone but me, Noire, and Sue jumped in shock.

“N-No way! Does that [Portal] actually lead to Korangar?! In the Demon King’s castle?!”

“All the way from here?! Impossible?!”

“Just how powerful is this Human?!” the maids clamored in a panic.

Noire clapped her hands, grabbing their attention, “Settle down, everyone! There’s no time to lose and Jinma needs to preserve his powers for the dungeon crawl today. When you get inside, pull down the rope hanging from the ceiling, and someone will answer you, just make sure that message is delivered to Her Highness. From there, do everything you can to work together, protect yourselves, fight, if you must, and do not tell anyone of what’s going on with my engagement. These are my final orders to you for now. Do you all understand?”

“Yes, Milady!” they responded in sync.

Noire sweeped her hand to the side, “Then, by the power vested in me as first daughter of the Krauss Family, you are all hereby dismissed! Now get out of here!”

The maids then went through my [Portal] in a quick, yet orderly fashion with the head maid directing them all. Once that same head maid was the last one here, she turned to me, “Master Kotori, it seems Milady’s keen perception has seen something in you, and the powers you have displayed demonstrated how exceptional you are. Please, I ask you as her humble servant, bring her back home safely, no matter the means you do so.”

I placed a hand on my chest, “I swear on my life to protect Noire at all costs.”

“I will hold you to those words,” the head maid said before bowing to Noire, “Best of luck to you, Milady.” She then stepped through the [Portal] before I closed it behind them, leaving the four of us behind.

“Thank you for fulfilling my request on such short notice, Jinma,” Noire said before curtseying to me, “I’m in your debt.”

I brushed it off, “Don’t worry about it. We’re pretty much friends at this point, so what’s the harm in a favor or two?”

“Friends, hmm? Well, then, I’ll have to make sure your friendship with me is very … beneficial, to you in our time together,” Noire said before trapping one of my arms to her generous bosoms, not hiding her lascivious smile.

I chuckled, “I’ll look forward to it. Shall we join up with the others, then?”

“Ready when you are.”

~~

The moment the four of us stepped through another [Porta] I conjured, we regrouped with my party who was keeping our place in line to get into the dungeon, with some additional guests there waiting for us.

“About time you all got here! Your group is about to go next, and I, the great Beelzebub! Do not like waiting!” Beelzebub exclaimed in frustration.

“How about I send you off flying overseas, instead, hmm?” Ume asked before smiling, her eyes totally void of kindness and mercy in contrast. That made the ‘fearsome’ Lord of the Flies tremble in place.

“A good morning you, too, Beelzebub, everyone,” Noire greeted with a curtsey before turning to our two other guests, Eugus Gallofree and Konjiro, “Have you three come to see us off?”

“Indeed,” Eugus answered before turning to me, “Under normal circumstances, I would wish thee best of luck, but do be careful. I cannot shake the feeling that there is an ill omen hiding in the dungeon this time around.”

“We’ve done everything we could to be prepared,” I answered, “No matter what lies ahead of us, I’m confident we’ll get through it. And just to make sure, once this quest is over, I’ll be officially recognized as a Black Rank Adventurer?”

“As the one who personally endorsed thee to that rank, I will see to it that you and the other members of Twilight Sky will be acknowledged as a party with great potential. Thou hast my word,” Eugus said while thumping his chest.

“Hmph, well I’ve done all I could as the mediator of this arrangement,” Konjiro said before raising his muzzle at me, “Best of luck, Jinma Kotori. You’ll need it.”

“Thank you,” I answered with empty emotion, For your sake, Konjiro, you’ll need all the luck you can get when I’m done with you.

“Despite what’s at stake here, I am quite excited,” Kalline said.

“Though it’s not our first time in this dungeon, this is the first quest we’re taking as part of Master’s party, as well as his slaves,” Ren added as she turned to her two other slave comrades, “Eri, Tyvera, let’s do our best and not embarrass our master. Show them that while we’re his mates first, we’re not to be messed with as his warriors.”

“Right!” the two of them exclaimed with energy.

“This will be our first time accompanying our lord’s quest as his Familiars,” Kenaka in bear cub form said to Mametama, “Hope you didn’t party too hard with him and his mates last night to affect your performance for today.”

“Your concern is unfounded,” Mametama quipped, also in her cougar cub form, “As a Holy Familiar representing the Diligence Faction, it would be an embarrassment to myself and Milord to take their position lightly. I couldn’t be more ready to give this everything I got.”

“Let’s just get this over with before I lose more than my pride as a knight,” Gabriella said exasperatedly.

“I’ll do my best not to drag you all down,” Sue said.

“Next party, make your place, and quit stallin’!” one of the Orc guards stationed at the dungeon entrance exclaimed to us.

“Shall we get going, darling?” Noire asked.

“Ready whenever you are, Jin,” Ume said.

Nyra exclaimed in my mind.

“Alright! Everyone to your starting positions, and let’s move out!” I exclaimed.

“Yes!” they all exclaimed.

As my party made its move heading inside Palocaesy Dungeon, with our guests bidding us off, I lingered in the rear with my wife, mistress, and ‘fan’ to leave some parting words for one Kitsune in particular.

“Say hi to your wife for me, Konjiro! And tell her I look forward to seeing her again!” I exclaimed.

“Wha?!”

Leaving a dumbfounded Kitsune in the dust, our group that remained in the rear held our snickers as we followed the rest of our party down.

With that, our first quest down in Palocaesy Dungeon has begun.