"Are you sure you aren't rushing things too much?"

Theodore questioned as he jumped across the last pitfall [Trap] just before the dungeon core room. Violet shook her head as she reassured him

"I've already been trying to slow things down by quite a bit. Do you think it's really too much?"

Theodore could feel Violet's anxiety hanging in the air around him. However, while he wanted to reassure her, he wasn't sure whether that was the right choice or not. He wasn't exactly clear on what to think in this situation. He was fairly young amongst his kind and only had a total of three dungeons that he was in charge of caring for. However, even from what he had learned from his peers, Violet's dungeon seemed to be a rather rare case.

There were some nefarious cults and those who tried to get away with breaking the dungeon accords in order to earn some coin, but that wasn't exactly an everyday thing to worry about. Considering Violet had already successfully defended her dungeon from invading [Monsters] and a cultist, he was pretty confident she had already proved herself capable. Still, he couldn't help but worry about her and he was very forthcoming with it.

"Well, in theory, it isn't a problem for you to build as quickly as you are. It's just that you seem to be almost done with your second floor and it hasn't even been half a year. Normally the winter season would slow down the dungeon progress, especially in your first year. However, even most of the older Dungeon Masters tend to end up hibernating through the season."

Violet tilted her head to the side as she thought over his words. Theodore was now checking out her dungeon core, so he soon continued to speak as he noted.

"Your dungeon core seems to look healthy enough, though. There doesn't seem to be any signs of corruption remaining either. I suppose that means David has been behaving himself?"

Violet got a sour expression on her face as she replied

"I just don't think we get along that well. Are you sure it isn't possible to alter the contract without him being sold into slavery?"

Theodore narrowed his eyes, but was prompt in his response.

"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you have something particular in mind?"

Violet shrugged her shoulders, sighing as she sat down on the stone steps. She took her time replying, not wanting anything to be misinterpreted should she word things poorly.

"I don't think David is a bad person, but I also don't think he cares about me. That's alright, but I don't particularly want him to continue to be in my dungeon. At least, I don't want to have to continue to interact with him. I'd be fine with not using any [Traps] on my first floor as I'd like that floor to serve as a safe enough place for children to learn and grow."

Violet chuckled before continuing

"Actually, the goddess of love and beauty even gave me some new quests. I need ten children to earn their first level in my dungeon. I'm also supposed to have ten couples visit my dungeon. The [Missions] are right up my alley and fit with my goals, so I don't mind, but it is a bit funny.

I think I'd just like David to no longer be allowed to approach me, talk to me, or otherwise be allowed to harm my dungeon. He can still bring his daughter here to train and I won't hold a grudge against her. She's really a sweet girl. I just don't like how he wants to take advantage of my dungeon. It's clear he wants to buy goods from me, earn rewards through the challenges, etc. in order to make a better life for him and his child. I've been trying to cut him some slack this season and not make requests for specific tribute, but he hasn't even been putting in any effort. Even garbage from the locals would likely be more beneficial than random stones and twigs he finds on the way over here."

Theodore already knew that Violet was a very genuine and kind person. However, what he hadn't been expecting was the feeling of anger that even shook the dungeon around them as she spoke about David. In fact, he couldn't help but feel himself becoming worked up as he found himself angry that David was taking advantage of Violet's kindness. There was no way he could just let things end as simply as all of that. Gritting his teeth, Theodore tried to calm himself as he asked

Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

"Is there anything I should look for in a replacement? I doubt you've perfected swordsmanship in a mere season, so it would be good for you to keep practicing."

That was something Violet wasn't as sure about. Hesitantly, she said

"Well, is it possible that you could look for a priest or priestess willing to worship the goddess in my dungeon? Elivyre said that she's never heard of the goddess of love and beauty before. It would be even better if it was someone who could help me with things besides swordsmanship and was willing to view me as a person."

Theodore frowned, that was definitely a difficult request. He wasn't sure that he could find anyone with that particular skill set who was also willing to do such a thing. However, he was hardly going to give up before trying. So, he asked

"I might be able to find a cleric or something, but is it fine if I can't match all of your criteria? I'll definitely try to find someone with a better personality than David, but I can't make any guarantees outside of that."

Violet waved her hand to dismiss his concerns as she replied

"That's fine. Honestly, I have the basics down, I can just keep practicing them. It isn't like I can always be the first defense for the dungeon. That's why I've been working on adding [Traps] and such to the dungeon. Most of my challenge rooms on the second floor usually lock too. Considering I lowered the difficulty of everything but the boss room on the first floor, I'm happy my second floor is as built up as it is now. It ensures intruders will have a more difficult time getting in."

Theodore nodded in response, simply replying

"I see."

Violet smiled as she excitedly shared

"Actually, I've recently started a new project as well. I'm planning on using the extra mana I've been getting from Avorn and Camellia to create food and dried firewood for the locals. Unfortunately, Elivyre informed me the local town leader was unwilling to help with that. He is, apparently, planning to leave town with his entire family after spring arrives. She did say that he agreed not to interfere with our work, but that we'll have to talk to the new Lord after he arrives. I sure hope we get someone more cooperative."

Theodore looked confused as he replied

"I'll be honest, I don't really know who this Elivyre is. A friend of yours perhaps? However, it's pretty unusual for Dungeon Masters to interact with the locals, much less go out of their way to help them. Is there a particular reason why you feel inclined to do that?"

Violet smiled, once more dismissing his concerns, as she reassured him

"Oh, it's no big deal. I overheard Avorn and Camellia talking about firewood being more expensive and made a merchant deal with them. I ended up making quite a bit off of it. David wound up finding out about how they were paying for the goods, though, and so he's been paying me tree leaves from the dungeon to buy food every week.

The other day I actually had as much as 14,000 dungeon points, but I had to spend most of them on my new challenges. Well, 10,000 of them were invested in unlocking the ability to assign more than one prize to a challenge.

Sorry, I ended up off-topic. Anyhow, between that and Elivre discussing how many health potions she's been using, I ended up deciding to take action. I'm hoping that I can convince the locals to stop fearing my dungeon and thinking I'm all bad. Probably not going to happen anytime soon, though. The town leader had banned the leaders from entering until it was confirmed to be safe, but now he is planning to leave. Really frustrating, honestly."

Theodore sighed, commenting

"You still didn't explain who Elivyre was."

Violet looked flustered as she explained

"Oh, sorry! She's my friend. Apparently, she's a half-elf and she is trying to get an alchemy shop opened here. She often comes here and collects herbs while we talk. I think I might have mentioned I made a friend once before? Sorry if I didn't."

Theodore wasn't honestly sure if she had or not. While it was always concerning for merchants to get involved with Dungeon Masters, he was glad it seemed like Violet was happy. He'd still have to look into this new friend's background, but he'd allow things to stand as they were, for now.

That was hardly the only thing he'd have to look into either. Theodore quickly said his goodbyes to Violet, dropping off the glowing mushrooms he had promised her, before leaving. While he wanted to trust that everything was going fine, it was his job to investigate things and ensure everything was as it seemed. He already knew Violet meant no harm and he was going to be sure to sort things out with David soon, but the rest was going to take some time.