Close Encounter

Contrary to how guarded the dwarves were about the mines, there wasn't much to see. The mines were well lit, there were wooden pillars that supported the ceiling, and once in a while a dwarf would pass by with a few rocks in hand. It was simply a mineshaft with many twists and turns.

"...Is this where you guys get your materials?" [Solace]

"Er… Technically… yes?" [Oled]

"Why was that a question?" [Solace]

Oled scratched his head.

"Well… The mine has almost run dry. Now we kind of just pick out scraps that we used to think were small enough to gloss over." [Oled]

"...I see." [Solace]

There was clue number two. I was starting to piece together why Medwin was willing to part with his mines.

"Is there anything else about this mine? Or that's it?" [Solace]

Oled shook his head.

"Not that I can recall… Oh! Actually, I don't think it's that special, but someone came here to inspect this place a few days ago." [Oled]

"Were they sent by Medwin?" [Solace]

"...Ya know Medwin?" [Oled]

Oled gave me a strange look.

"Not on a personal level, no." [Solace]

Oled continued to stare at me.

"Hm. Well, not my problem." [Oled]

He shook it off like nothing and continued walking.

"Anyway, that person's here again today." [Oled]

"Oh? Can I get his name?" [Solace]

"It's Vanport." [Oled]

That was an uh-oh moment. I really didn't want to meet Vanport, so I decided to move to the next mine.

"Uh… Well then, I have to go." [Solace]

Just as I turned to leave, I heard Vanport's voice.

"Ah, Oled. There you are." [Vanport]

I turned to see Vanport coming out from one of the corridors that connected to where we were.

"Hm? Who's this? A human?" [Vanport]

("Crap.") [Solace]

Without thinking much, I turned to him and introduced myself.

"Hi, my name is Alt. I've come here in order to widen my horizons as per my master's orders." [Solace]

"You have a master?" [Vanport]

After hearing that, I could see his hand wandering to his sword.

"Indeed. My martial arts master. He told me I needed more experience in the world." [Solace]

Vanport looked me up and down, then put his hand away from his sword.

"I see." [Vanport]

He suddenly wore a melancholic smile which made me feel kind of uncomfortable.

"I remember the day I was sent on a journey too. I hope you experience many things during your travels." [Vanport]

"S-Sure…" [Solace]

It was strange to see him so friendly. Either way, it was good for me.

"Oh, before I forget. Oled, I'd like you to relay to the elders that those prisoners have been seen near this area." [Vanport]

"Understood. Will you also remain here for some time, or will you move to somewhere else?" [Oled]

"I have other duties to attend to." [Vanport]

With that, he left.

("Thank god…") [Solace]

I breathed a sigh of relief.

"So… Your name is Alt?" [Oled]

"Yeah?" [Solace]

Oled's question was a bit out of place, which put me on guard.

"You never told me…" [Oled]

"...Is that so?" [Solace]

I guess it was just my imagination. Maybe he was feeling a bit lonely.

"In any case, I have somewhere to go." [Solace]

"Where to?" [Oled]

"Can't say." [Solace]

"Why not?" [Oled]

"Because you're not coming with me." [Solace]

Oled looked hurt by what I said.

"O-Oh… I see…" [Oled]

He gave me a sad look.

("Damn it…") [Solace]

"Look, you have this town. I have my own place. I'm sorry I couldn't help you with the living weapon subject, but I really have to go." [Solace]

Oled nodded with a sullen face.

"I'll at least see you out." [Oled]