Chapter 158: Go to Royal Capital?

"But the rent for this house is part of our mission reward, isn’t it? If we keep staying here forever, wouldn’t that basically make us squatters?"

"Nuoya, we accomplished something no one else has ever managed to do. We conquered the dungeon, and we did it without receiving any payment. A house like this is the least we should receive in return. In fact, we could reasonably accept it as the reward itself. If you like this house, I could even buy it for you. The request to install the teleportation magic circle was officially issued by the guild, so I will receive a separate payment for that work. Even after using that payment to purchase this house, I would still have money left over." Viktor said all this with a completely serious expression.

"That’s the reward you’re supposed to receive, Viktor. You don’t need to do that!"

"Is that so? Then perhaps we should purchase a house somewhere surrounded by more natural scenery?"

Qiu Nuoya had the distinct feeling that if he carelessly said something like, That sounds nice, Viktor would genuinely go out and purchase one or even two houses for them.

He hurriedly shook his head with all his might.

"Anyway, it’s been three years since I came to the Oraria. Now that we’ve accomplished our goal of conquering the dungeon, I’ve been thinking that maybe I should return to the royal capital for a while..." Igor suddenly said this in his usual casual tone, leaving Qiu Nuoya stunned.

After all, the royal capital was probably a place filled with all sorts of complicated ties for Igor. It was also where his ex-wife and children lived.

The others had more or less sensed that there were various circumstances behind his decision, so they exchanged glances, unsure of how they were supposed to react.

"What are you guys making those faces for? Sure, I’ve had all sorts of things happen in the royal capital, and there are people there I’d rather not run into. But I think I need to go back and settle those things for myself at some point. I’m not asking you to come with me. I’m just saying that I’m going back there once."

"Well, if that’s what you’ve decided, Igor, I won’t stop you."

"If Igor wants to go, then I don’t mind either. Actually, I’ve been a little curious about the royal capital myself, so I’d like to go." After Qiu Nuoya said that, Viktor frowned slightly and told him, "The royal capital is where the Church’s headquarters are located."

"Ah... Is that a problem?"

"Not necessarily, but there would be some risks."

"I wanted to see the Wyvern Cavalry..." Qiu Nuoya’s shoulders slumped, and Viktor fell silent with an awkward expression.

He did not mean to put Viktor in a difficult position, but that was honestly how he felt, so there was nothing he could do about it.

Besides, things had been peaceful around him lately. Three years had already passed, so perhaps Lady Sherria had finally given up on him. Surely even the Saintess could not possibly have that much free time to keep worrying about him.

"Well, as long as you only stay for a few days, I don’t think it should be much of a problem." Viktor finally nodded, and Qiu Nuoya turned to Warren. "Warren, you’re coming too, right?"

Warren looked slightly troubled before giving a brief nod and said, "Yeah."

Qiu Nuoya tilted his head at Warren’s expression. Come to think of it, Warren had been unusually quiet today.

"Warren, are you feeling sick or something?"

"Huh...? No, it’s not that..."

"Then maybe you’re just tired. Don’t push yourself too hard. Do you want me to cast some healing magic on you?"

Warren shook his head and said he was fine, but his expression remained gloomy.

"I’m going to bed first."

With that, he retreated to the bedroom.

"I wonder what’s wrong with Warren..."

"Ah... Well, I guess we’ll just have to leave him alone for now." Igor spoke with an expression that suggested he already had some idea what was going on. Taking his cue from Igor’s words, Viktor told Qiu Nuoya, "He’s just sulking."

"He’s sulking? About what?"

"He’s feeling discouraged by the overwhelming difference in strength between you."

"Ah..."

"Ah, Viktor, don’t say anything more. You’ll only make Warren feel worse."

The difference in their abilities? Qiu Nuoya had always known that Igor and Viktor were far stronger than him and Warren. They had only just risen to Rank D, and Qiu Nuoya had even talked to Warren before about how impossible it would be for them to stand alongside those two at their current level.

So why was Warren upset about it now?

Igor suddenly flicked Qiu Nuoya on the forehead. "You’ve got that completely clueless look on your face. That’s exactly the problem."

What does he mean by "that’s exactly the problem"! ?

"Why did you flick him!? What if you hurt him?"

"I didn’t flick him that hard. Anyway, I’m going to bed too. Good night."

With that, Igor also returned to the bedroom.

The atmosphere made it clear that everyone was calling it a night, so Qiu Nuoya and Viktor returned to their respective bedrooms as well.

That part about "exactly the problem"...

Qiu Nuoya wondered if he had done something that had upset Warren. If he had, then he would have to apologize properly.

With that thought lingering in his mind, Qiu Nuoya closed his eyes.

The next morning, everyone headed to the Adventurer’s Guild together. Naturally, the reason was to report that they had successfully conquered Dungeon Castle.

The Adventurer’s Guild was as lively as ever. However, Long was staying behind in Elysium today, so Qiu Nuoya and the others did not attract nearly as much attention.

Long really does stand out.

He was a head taller than most people around him, and his appearance unmistakably marked him as a demi-human.

When he was around, it was only natural for people to notice him.