"A normal dungeon is already dangerous for a kingdom," Lady Saya began, her voice calm and solemn.
"But an _artificial_ dungeon… that's something not even a large group of adventurers can handle."
I let her words sink in.
_So that's why Ramon is constantly diving into dungeons…_
It's not just about gaining strength. It's about protecting the kingdom—clearing these threats before they grow out of control.
I had underestimated the weight behind their actions.
"…Now I get it," I muttered to myself.
Lady Saya tilted her head slightly, watching me with that unreadable smile.
"Don't be so grim, Sir Alve. I believe everything is moving at its own pace… just as it should."
I frowned slightly.
_Even without saying anything, she reads me like an open book. How?_
Is it her divine connection—or something else?
"Well, look at the time. I should get going," I said, rising to my feet. "Thanks again for the knowledge, Lady Saya."
As I waved and turned to leave, she replied with that same soft grace,
"It's alright. I'm glad I could be of help, Sir Alve."
Still… there was something she wasn't telling me. That much, I was sure of.
But I'd already learned that asking her directly never works. She'd only dodge or smile her way out of it.
As I reached the door, her voice called out once more.
"And… _Happy Birthday,_ Sir Alve."
I froze.
My heart skipped a beat.
I turned my head sharply, eyes wide.
She was just standing there—smiling sweetly, as if she had said nothing unusual at all.
_How…?_
I never told anyone my birthday.
No one knew. Not even the Ramon or King. And it wasn't like I ever mentioned it in conversation.
Did she guess? Was it a shot in the dark because it's New Year's?
…No. That wasn't it.
She _knew._
Her tone, her words—it wasn't a guess. It was certainty.
I wanted to ask—but what would be the point?
She would only smile again and say, "I don't know what you mean," and smile like she always does.
"…Yeah. Thank you," I said quietly, and walked away—with more questions than answers once again.
---
Heading back, I took a long bath to soothe my body and headed out to the usual pub.
The food was warm, the ale cold, but…
"Can't even taste anything," I mumbled, staring at the untouched plate.
My mind was a mess—thoughts swirling, questions with no answers, and that smile…
So much happening these days, yet everything remained uncertain.
"Alve?"
A familiar voice snapped me out of it.
I looked up—and saw **Silver**, standing right in front of me.