Me, the Weakest Member of the Hero’s Party? I’m the Villain Though? - Chapter 101
I had thought that since they had built such an unbelievably vast and magnificent kingdom underground, they must have lived here for a very long time.
“That’s right! It’s not like we enjoy living in an underground kingdom where not a single ray of light reaches. We originally lived in a wider and more peaceful place. But one day, the Black Flame Dragon appeared. That creature took all our gold and jewels and seized our mines.”
Just as I had expected, the story unfolded in a familiar direction. The greedy Black Flame Dragon drove out the residents, oppressed them, and stole their treasures. I had heard stories like this so often I was sick of them.
“We fled north to escape the Black Flame Dragon, and eventually settled in a place it could never reach. Right beneath this snow mountain.”
“I see.”
Kyle nodded with an expression that showed he completely understood how they felt.
His ability to empathize was something to admire, but it was less welcome when it became especially apparent whenever the Black Flame Dragon’s crimes were being discussed.
“Everyone in our party gathered because they want revenge against the Black Flame Dragon too. We’ll definitely find that creature, so don’t worry.”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
It was a promise that never made me particularly happy to hear, but I nodded in agreement anyway. At that, an emotional look rose on Ziggs’s face.
“To think there are still people who seek justice. We feel ashamed for running away in fear of the Black Flame Dragon.”
Ziggs lowered his head deeply and then stopped walking. Since we had been walking beside him, we stopped as well.
“Why did you stop?”
I asked, secretly hoping that he might be about to release us. But the answer I heard was disappointing.
“I felt like I had to thank you.”
Ziggs turned toward us and bowed. It felt strange to be receiving thanks from someone when I myself was the object of their revenge.
“And don’t worry too much. We’ll bring your companions and send all of you back safely. It’s just that this is the first time outsiders have come to our underground kingdom, so His Majesty is being cautious. If you need anything, tell me.”
This was what was impressive about Kyle. No matter where he was, he could persuade people with words and turn them into allies. That was probably how he had been able to form the hero’s party in the first place.
“Alright. When you find our companions, please make sure to tell them we’re safe. They’re probably worried.”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Ziggs locked us inside a cell with iron bars, then removed the restraints from our wrists.
“I’ll let you know right away if there’s any news about your party.”
“Okay, thank you.”
It felt strange to be saying thank you while locked in a prison, but Kyle gave Ziggs a small nod as if to reassure him.
Ziggs left us inside the cell with a brief farewell.
The prison was very quiet, as if there were no other prisoners besides us. The sound of water droplets falling from the cave ceiling echoed clearly.
“At least it’s not cold. If we had stayed outside the cave, we might’ve frozen to death by now.”
As if trying to comfort me, Kyle spoke more cheerfully than usual, smiling brightly.
“Yeah, we’re incredibly lucky to be locked in prison.”
His overly positive attitude made my tone come out slightly sarcastic without me realizing it.
“And the important thing is that we’re together.”
In a situation like this, the two of us being together didn’t feel like a happy ending. It felt more like the beginning of a disaster.
Rather than being lucky to be together, it was more accurate to say we were unlucky enough to be trapped together.
“What if we sneak out of the prison? We don’t know if they’ll be able to find the others.”
It had been Kyle’s decision that got us locked up here in the first place, so I cautiously voiced my opinion.
“But compared to us, who just arrived here today, the dwarves who live here probably know the snow mountains much better. And without Kakaros, wandering outside isn’t a very smart idea.”
Kyle was judging the situation quite sharply. Since I couldn’t deny what he said, I gave up on the idea of escaping.
But that didn’t mean all my worries had disappeared.
“What if the others give up on us and leave?”
