Chapter 200
Historically, the southern continent was once divided and ruled by multiple nations.
Though it is now unified under a single rule, the current nation was born from the achievements of a hero who united it roughly five hundred years ago.
Madaruda was one of the nations that fell before that, a small state that primarily governed the southwestern coastal regions.
This is why ruins of past structures can be found all over the continent, much like the ruins inhabited by Haniwa. And now, we're challenging one of them.
"Liberta, you can handle a carriage?" "You can dance, play instruments, cook—is there anything you can't do, Liberta?" "Even I have things I'm not good at." "Like what?"
Traveling to these places is routine, but this time, we're using a carriage. The Duke and others made displeased faces when I left the capital, but since they couldn't stop me and Lady Hyurida—who is grateful to the Duke for providing housing for soldier training—volunteered to accompany me, they reluctantly agreed. Now, our party of six is on the road.
I initially thought Lady Esmeralda, being the Duke's daughter, would need an escort.
*"I trust you to protect Esmeralda. Besides, there aren’t many who could overpower you anyway."*
With that, though somewhat resigned, the Duke lent us a military carriage—outwardly simple but equipped with sturdy army horses and camping gear—showing he still worries for his daughter.
Even with just two horses pulling it, the military steeds make for a smooth ride.
"Hmm, I don’t really like cleaning, so I tend to cut corners." "Leave that to me." "Indeed, Ingrid cleans far better than the maids at the mansion."
The rugged roads are no issue—the horses obey well, and the carriage’s intimidating appearance likely deters bandits.
Though I’m the only one on the driver’s seat, the window right behind allows for conversation.
"The title 'Perfect Maid' isn’t just for show. Her life-skill modifiers are unmatched. Plus, with dexterity, speed, and stamina bonuses, no other title suits a maid better."
When we left the capital, the others objected to me driving, but an unarmed female driver would be unsafe. Instead, with me in full bog dragon gear and armed with a spear, potential threats might mistake us for having dwarf warriors as escorts.
"Perfect Maid... It was hard-earned."
Ingrid’s job acquisition took the longest after mine. Since Amina and Nell got theirs instantly, one might mistakenly think optimal titles are easy to obtain. Normally, it takes repeated resets.
Mine took too long, but Ingrid struggled enough to dampen her spirits—though her three-week acquisition was still faster than average.
The title "Perfect" signifies flawlessness. Its conditions were fourfold:
First, possessing three life skills, active or passive. Ingrid had Air Clean, Thermo Control, and Living Magic. Second, praying at a sub-temple of the goddess of order, Mehtel, and preserving a designated area for a set time. Third, doing the preservation alone.
"The fourth condition was brutal." "Yes, it nearly broke me."
The first was easy. For a regular maid, the second sufficed. The third granted the title.
"The fourth? 'Ensure no one can possibly complain.' Yeah, if anyone *could* complain, it wouldn’t count."
The duration varied—anywhere from three days to a week. That part was manageable. The real issue was the location.
"Maintaining an entire main street was impossible." "Unpaid, nonstop work, too." "...I failed just two days short."
Ingrid’s first assigned area was the capital’s main street, stretching from the south gate to the center—crowded and vast.
Cleaning alone was overwhelming, and the foot traffic made it a terrible draw. Still, she pushed her stats to the limit, cleaning morning, noon, and night while aiding those in need. We supported her, but—
"If not for that fight... If not for that fight!"
The unexpected always happens. Ingrid failed because of a brawl between ruffians. It escalated into a scene requiring guards, and the area was cordoned off for investigation.
For a divine trial, perfection was demanded. That failure earned her a different title.
"Three weeks was a blessing. Mine took three months!"
Later, she lucked out with a three-day assignment and finally earned "Perfect Maid."
[Ingrid Glule Class 4 / Level 200 Job: Perfect Maid Title: Hard Worker Base Stats: HP 1000 / MP 1000 BP 0 / EXBP 0 Skills: 11/14 Slots Staff Arts C10/L100 Sword God Arts C10/L100 Iaido C10/L100 Cooking Arts C10/L100 Cuisine C6/L60 Butchery C10/L100 Air Clean C10/L100 Thermo Control C10/L100 Living Magic C10/L100 Cleaning C8/L98 Consideration C5/L28]
Now maxed at Class 4, Ingrid has all the skills she needs. During her trial, her tension was palpable—I half-expected her to snap and declare, *"All who disrupt order must be eliminated!"*
"My apologies for the trouble then." "We’re comrades. Struggling together is fun!"
I helped because she always supports us. Cooking, laundry—tasks I’d otherwise handle—she takes on without complaint, letting me focus on the Duke’s requests and training Nell.
Her help is invaluable. Maybe I should get her a gift?
"Ah—I see it!"
As I pondered what she’d like (something feminine over combat gear), our destination came into view.
"That’s Madaruda." "It’s huge." "Surprisingly intact."
Unlike Haniwa’s dungeon, these ruins retain their original form. Madaruda, a fortress city, endured centuries with its sturdy construction.
"Living here is hard with all the monster spawns, though."
The walls are crumbling, allowing easy entry, and active monster zones around the city mean creatures roam inside.
"With so many monsters, do adventurers come?" "Hmm, this place is tricky. You fight multiple monsters at once, and there’s no safe zone—you must camp outside to rest. Poor hunting efficiency." "Plus, it’s far from towns. Resupply is tough."
Though it *should* be lucrative, the monsters here battle each other, thinning their numbers but leaving stronger stragglers. The balance keeps the area dangerous but stable, so the local nobility only posts watchers.
"The road marks the monster territories. Entering the city isn’t hard, but once inside, we’ll be attacked. Prep now."
Beyond this point is monster domain. The warhorses advance fearlessly—a relief.
"Got it." "I’ll take the carriage roof." "Me too!" "Very well, let’s go together."
From here, it’s combat mode. A distant wolf’s howl echoes.
"We’ve been spotted."
Five monster types inhabit Madaruda:
Clockwise from the north: - Grayhounds (wolf-types) - Slow Monkeys (ape-types) - Bullet Cucks (bird-types) - Helmet Boars (boar-types) - Spot Tunnelers (mole-types, the most troublesome)
The Grayhounds are the most wary.
Since the road approaches from the northeast, we’re skirting their territory, hence their alertness.
"Liberta." "Relax. They won’t attack while we’re on the road."
Ahead lies Slow Monkey territory.
These two species are sworn enemies. If either crosses into the other’s zone, they’ll ignore humans and fight each other. An unspoken rule keeps them off the road.
I halt the carriage. Nell’s ears twitch—scouts are watching. The horses grow restless.
Nell grips her halberd but nods at my reassurance, staying vigilant. No need to press further. We advance.
"Stop! Someone’s fighting at the gate!"
Just as we’re about to enter monster-infested Madaruda, Amina points to the gate, where humanoid figures battle Grayhounds.
"Adventurers?"
Ingrid peers ahead from beside me.
"No. Those are monsters too." "Those? They look human." "Appearances deceive."
Armored, weapon-wielding figures—resembling soldiers—stand there. But their gear is rusted, their strikes brutish.
"Those are our targets: Mimic Armors."
Monsters that mimic humans, deceive, and attack. Our prey.
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