God Vritra stood in front of the Gold Rock Dungeon with his arms folded and a very plain expression on his face.
"So, what's this dungeon about?"
He briefly glanced back at Sadim.
The young hero didn't realize he had been staring at Vritra with such a venomous expression. When Vritra looked at him, Sadim quickly wiped the anger off his face and cleared his throat dramatically.
"Uhh, yes, that..."
He took a moment to gather his thoughts.
Rosemarie watched Sadim with some confusion, worried about why he was acting so strangely. It was unlike her man to be so zoned out, especially at times like this.
『Is he nervous...?』
She shook her head, dismissing her own question.
『There's never been a time when he was nervous around anyone, so I don't think that's it. Maybe he's still feeling some pain from his wound? Or is it because he still senses tension between him and God Dionysus? No... that doesn't make any sense.』
The nun didn't realize the real reason Sadim was furious—because of how close she was getting to the young lord. And the fact that she didn't realize this made it worse, as it meant that Vritra touching her hand and chatting romantically with her seemed normal.
Just the thought of that made Sadim burn with fury.
"First Lieutenant Goldtouch, answer my question..."
The young lord called to Sadim a second time, and the young hero quickly saluted Vritra.
"In ancient times, before the lands became a blue sea, there was a king named Midas who had the power to turn anything he touched into gold. This gift, however, led him to become too greedy.
"Eventually, Midas angered the gods, and Dionysus—the god who had given him this power in the first place—decided to step in. As punishment for his greed, Dionysus killed Midas and sealed him deep underground in what is now called the Gold Rock Dungeon.
"People say that traces of Midas' magic still remain there, turning anyone who enters into lifeless gold statues, forever guarding his cursed tomb."
There was some frustration in Sadim's voice as he told the story, but he managed to get it out regardless.
Vritra placed a hand on his chin and hummed thoughtfully.
"Ohhh, how surprising."
But he didn't say anything more, which left a lot of open questions, with everyone already staring at him.
Luciana tilted her head.
Dionysus... isn't that the name my husband said we should call him by while we're with these people?
She looked at Sophia, and it seemed she likely had the same thought in mind.
However, the only person willing to ask was Rosemarie.
"Uhhh, isn't that your name?"
Vritra chuckled softly. "It seems to be, but that's not really important now, is it?"
"I-, I guess not?"
Vritra stood before the sealed entrance of the Gold Rock Dungeon, arms folded behind him. He looked over the ancient stone door, not with awe but as if it were just a curious problem to solve. The massive door was etched with detailed carvings—symbols of power and caution—left undisturbed for centuries.
"Well then, shall we head inside?"
Vritra said casually as he glanced over his shoulder at the group.
Sadim stiffened, his brows knitting together in frustration as he stepped forward, his voice strained.
"That's not possible, uh, God Dionysus. That entrance has been sealed since the dungeon came into existence. The power of Midas is indomitable."
Vritra's gaze shifted toward him.
His expression became as flat as ever.
"For a normal human, perhaps."
Without saying a word, Vritra walked up to the huge door and placed one hand on its cold surface. As soon as his palm touched it, a wave of energy pulsed outward, making the air around it ripple.
For a moment, everything was quiet.
A little further back, Sadim walked in moody silence next to Ghislaine. His eyes kept flicking between Rosemarie and Vritra. They were talking far too easily for his taste. His mind raced with thoughts, and a deep scowl darkened his face.
『Why is Rosemarie being so friendly with that bastard? It's like they're old friends or something. God, it's making me sick. I swear, if Vritra even thinks about trying something...』
His thoughts were cut off when he noticed Ghislaine walking quietly beside him. She looked more tense than usual, her eyes locked on the ground in front of her, clearly doing her best to tune everything out.
Sadim hesitated for a moment, then leaned in slightly, lowering his voice as if confiding in her.
"What do you think of the young lord? God Dionysus, I mean. Is he always so..."
Before he could finish Ghislaine's eyes snapped toward him, and in an instant, her face turned fierce.
"Shut up."
Sadim blinked, taken aback. "Wha──?"
"I said, shut up."
Ghislaine glared up at him with her tiny form brimming with unexpected hostility.
"Don't ask me about the young master. You piss me off just as much as the next arrogant bastard."
Sadim stared at her, completely dumbfounded. His mouth opened to say something, but no words came out. After a painfully awkward moment, he simply muttered.
"Alright... fine."
He shoved his hands into his pockets and continued walking in silence.
His mind, however, was far from quiet.
『What the hell's her problem? Did I say something wrong? No, wait... she's like into that bastard or something, right? That would explain the attitude. Hmph, small woman syndrome strikes again. Whatever, like I care about her stupid opinion anyway.
Tch, pissing me off!』
Up ahead, Vritra glanced over at Rosemarie as a slight smile tugged at his lips.
"You've certainly been thinking a lot about the lower city. I'll consider it, but only because you make a very compelling case, Lovely Rose."
Rosemarie's cheeks flushed with pride, and she smiled brightly.
"Really? That's great! I'm glad you're open to the idea."
Vritra leaned in a little closer and lowered his voice just enough so only she could hear. "How could I say no to you?"
Sadim's jaw tightened as he watched them, his fingers twitching at his sides. It was taking every ounce of his self-control not to storm over and punch Vritra square in the face.
But Rosemarie's words from earlier repeated in his mind, just enough to calm him down and stop him from losing it.
Barely...
Still fuming, the princess let out a huff and crossed her arms tighter.
"If that nun keeps sweet-talking my husband, I swear..."
Esmeralda rolled her eyes then pat Luciana on the shoulder with a mild smile.
"Relax, Your Highness. You're not going to lose him to some average nun. Besides, it's kind of entertaining to watch, don't you think?"
Luciana shot her a glare but said nothing. She hated to admit it, but there was a small part of her that enjoyed the tension. Watching Vritra toy with people had always been strangely satisfying, as long as she wasn't the one being toyed with.
Meanwhile, Sophia just remained silent.
『The love drama going on here is too much for me. I just want to go back to Grimbarrow City.』
A depressed sigh escaped her tired breath.
Sadim stole another glance at Vritra and Rosemarie and his eyes burned fiercely.
『I swear, if he tries anything──』
But before he could finish that thought, Ghislaine, without looking at him, muttered, "You're gonna get yourself killed if you keep staring daggers like that, dumb fuck."
Sadim grunted, his fists clenching at his sides. "Whatever."
In his mind, he added a silent curse directed at Ghislaine, though he kept it to himself. It wasn't worth picking another fight... especially not with her.
But one thing was clear: this dungeon dive was going to be a lot more challenging than just navigating through dark tunnels.