Serena and the Mysterious Labyrinth - Chapter 226

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

226. Entertainment (1)

“Lady Serena! You’ve returned safely! I was worried because the interval between conquering each floor was longer than the 8th floor!”

The vending machine installed in the lobby changes its products every time a floor is conquered. Philia said she had been staring at the vending machine the entire time the conquest party was conquering the labyrinth, tears glistening in the most beautiful eyes in the world.

“Even if I say this is quite fast, my aunt won’t believe me, so it’s a big problem.”

Grey sighed and shook his head back and forth.

“We are going down incredibly fast thanks to the Princess. Though this time we slowed down because of the Princess~”

“What happened?”

“Safety was prioritized.”

The 9th floor has simple paths, so considering just the travel distance, one could make a round trip from the 31st to 35th floors in half a day.

However, Serena, who had died four times on the 9th floor, insisted on a safety-first approach no matter what.

The labyrinth must have had some conscience, as no new monsters were added to rooms where battles had been fought.

So the party took sufficient rest after each battle before moving to the next room.

The conquest party spent 4 days on the 9th floor.

From the perspective of labyrinth veterans, it was short, but it was enough time for the maid waiting on the 1st floor for her master’s return to stretch her neck like a giraffe.

“Duri! Are you safe?”

“Wooong!”

While Heuji Jeolmi was sobbing in Serena’s arms, Duri also had an emotional reunion with his family.

The Black Bear licked his family’s faces as if they were honey pots.

Serena handed Philia, who was clinging and refusing to let go, to Count Randy and looked at Grey and Lavenda.

“Was there any trouble?”

“No. Since big brother Duri wasn’t here, we only had the 2nd group make round trips to the 2nd floor. Here’s the vending machine inventory report.”

Grey’s gaze was fixed on the treasure chest that Count Alpha was carrying. Serena read the report that the distracted Old Man handed her.

Among the ordinary products, the most recent item caught Serena’s eye.

‘Comprehensive vitamins?’

“Is this product still on sale?”

“That’s a cursed chest, isn’t it? To deliberately carry a chest all the way to the lobby. It’s not a mistake like last time, is it?”

Grey, who was absorbed by the treasure chest, gave an irrelevant answer. Serena cleared her throat to make the Old Man’s gray eyes look at her.

“Is it still on sale?”

Perhaps realizing his sin of making the Princess ask twice, Grey bowed his head and answered.

“Yes. Just in case, I bought one bottle. All the ingredients are things I’ve never seen before, so I was going to ask Uncle to analyze it.”

Serena entered the lobby and sat in a chair. People’s gazes were drawn to the magic chest, but since the Princess didn’t mention it, they only glanced at it.

“I want to see the vitamins.”

“Here.”

Grey brought a white plastic bottle through Lavenda. Serena read the ingredient list written in tiny letters. Though her memory was hazy, it was an ordinary comprehensive vitamin that could be easily obtained in her previous life.

‘It wouldn’t hurt to buy some?’

For a brief moment, she imagined that the structure of humans in her previous and current lives was different, making the vitamins from her past life a deadly poison in this life, but she quickly dismissed the thought.

‘If it were poison, they wouldn’t call it vitamins and would have written warning labels.’

The diet in the labyrinth is poor. Even though they try their best to consume carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fresh vegetables and fruits, it’s only effort. They can’t overcome the reality of being trapped in the labyrinth.

‘I’m especially worried about the Prince since he can’t leave the lobby.’

Other people can at least get fake sunlight on outdoor-themed floors. Prince Willow can’t leave the lobby because of his curse.

If they bought plenty and ate them daily, it would be good for supplementing lacking nutrition.

“We eat food to supply the nutrition our bodies need. The Minotaur God says this is a vitamin that contains such nutrients comprehensively to supplement lacking nutrition. Buy more and have everyone eat them daily.”

Since she said she heard it from a deity, no one doubted it.

Grey received public funds from Lavenda and bought 5 bottles of comprehensive vitamins.

Serena personally distributed the vitamins to the lobby people, instructing them to take one pill once a day.

“Is this also medicine for growing taller?”

“Princess. This is a secret, but actually I want to grow taller too.”

“Ahem. Me too.”

All the Number Siblings except Duri are small in stature. It’s because of lack of nutrition, and even after becoming members of the lobby, their meals weren’t abundant, so they only gained a little weight while their height remained the same.

To such Numeral Sisters, the tall Princess and Archer with good posture were objects of admiration. Serena deliberately straightened her back and chest, conscious of the sisters’ gazes.

“Don’t think of relying on medicine. If you eat lots of good food and move around, you’ll grow taller.”

“Yes.”

“Lady Serena. I’d like to analyze the ingredients, so could you give me a lot?”

Serena handed Count Randy a handful of comprehensive vitamins. The Alchemist, suddenly having two medicines to analyze, ran to his workshop with sparkling eyes, seemingly delighted.

“How has Count Ralph been?”

“Fine! How was the 9th floor? I heard there were many battles – are you alright, Princess?”

“Thanks to your concern, I conquered it safely.”

Serena spoke affectionately while looking above the Young Knight’s head.

He was still 3-star. The gray star was still trembling. It might have been her imagination, but the vibration intensity seemed stronger than before and the vibration cycle shorter.

‘Just need to wait a little longer?’

She mustn’t stimulate Ralph until then.

‘Should I exclude him from the next conquest too?’

If she kept taking Duri, it would leave the 2nd group conquest party idle, which wasn’t good. Thinking about party composition brought back the headache that had disappeared after conquering the 9th floor.

‘Sigh. Is this the weight of being a leader?’

It was an unavoidable choice to monopolize influence in the lobby, but the responsibility of leadership made not only her head but also her shoulders heavy.

Serena looked down at her shoulders and saw the Goblin Shaman’s robe clumsily draped over her cloak, so she took it off. Removing the robe with its gaudy decorations of strange beast feathers and gemstones made her shoulders feel much lighter.

The Mysterious Stranger who came to receive the robe the Princess had taken off stared at the goblin robe with a suspicious expression. Serena spoke to ease the Mysterious Stranger’s worries.

“I sprayed insecticide on it. Since it’s something a Monster used, please wash it.”

Lavenda’s face brightened at the mention of insecticide. Lavenda spread out the robe with strange feathers and stones attached and tilted her head.

“I shouldn’t put it in the washing machine, right?”

“It’ll be difficult, but please hand-wash it, Miss Lavenda.”

“Don’t worry! I’ll wash it clean!”

Serena disliked hand-washing, but Lavenda seemed to like it. The Mysterious Stranger took the Goblin Shaman’s robe with a happy expression.

“Everyone must be tired, so please rest! I’ll handle preparing the meat!”

Ralph left the lobby alongside Lavenda, who was heading to the herb garden with the Minotaur meat. Low also glanced around before going to the herb garden.

Prince Willow rolled up his sleeves.

“Beef. Hehehe.”

Happy to escape from the tough and tasteless Labyrinth Condor meat, the Empire’s 5th Prince Willow began preparing meal ingredients, burning with his culinary spirit.

Serena clicked her tongue inwardly while watching the Prince full of creative energy.

‘How is it that all the royalty and imperial family don’t match their family business and aptitude?’

Lavenda and Ralph, who had gone to the herb garden, returned sooner than expected. It finished quickly because Low, who had a hunter background, handled the meat preparation.

Though it was still early for dinner, everyone gathered in the center of the lobby.

“Well then! From now on, we’ll have a fun and exciting chest opening ceremony! Today’s star is none other than!”

Olive deliberately made loud drumming sounds with her mouth while circling around the cursed treasure chest.

Once the stage was set, two traveling troupe members rushed out as if they couldn’t contain themselves. Hana and Sesi, the odd-numbered sisters.

‘Is it because they’re young that they’re so energetic?’

Serena decided to watch without stopping the odd-numbered sisters.

Hana juggled with daggers, and Sesi danced while creaking her joints. Sesi’s red hair swayed like the arms of a balloon figure she had seen in her previous life.

Having watched idols on monitors and TV in her previous life, and now watching a national treasure-level dancer’s performance up close after reincarnation, Serena evaluated coldly.

‘She really can’t dance.’

What good is having a flexible body from learning acrobatics since childhood when her dancing is so stiff?

As Hana said, Sesi’s pretty face made it bearable to watch.

Then, Duri suddenly stood up. Though he hadn’t gained much weight yet, his height made him very noticeable when he stood.

Duri looked around searching for something, then snorted when he couldn’t find what he was looking for.

Then, as if he had no choice, he lifted up Low, who had been sitting quietly.

Low, suddenly cast in the role of a rock in a strength show, covered his face due to stage fright.

Even though the Mysterious Stranger’s face turned red as a radish, he maintained a stable posture with his core muscle strength.

“I can’t just watch. I’ll play a tune.”

Prince Willow, perhaps caught up in the excitement, tried to step into the center.

“Lord Willow?”

He shrank back into his seat at the attendant’s deadly glare and voice. Grey pinched the Prince’s ear and scolded him in a small voice. Though inaudible, the content was roughly predictable.

‘He’s probably scolding him about how a Prince shouldn’t act like a jester.’

Count Alpha couldn’t take his eyes off the two, seemingly uncomfortable with the attendant’s insubordination that crossed the line of rudeness. Fortunately, Grey released the Prince’s ear before Count Alpha’s patience exploded.

“Neet. Just pray that a mana absorption curse gets attached, regardless of form.”

“Absolutely no mana blocking, mana enhancement, or mana amplification. It must be mana absorption, Miss Neet.”

“Right right right right~”

Though the Guide kept acting restlessly, Neet didn’t waver and focused on the two mages’ words.

“Cough. Yes. A mana absorption curse.”

“The future Grand Mage certified by none other than the God of Magic! A rare necromancer! The bandaged child!”

Olive spread both arms as she introduced Neet to everyone. Hana, Sesi, and the odd-numbered sisters performed acrobatics before standing behind their younger sister. Duri also restored Low to his original state and returned to her sister’s side.

An ordinary child would likely feel burdened by all the attention focused on them.

But who was Neet? Though she had never performed directly, she was strictly speaking from a traveling troupe. She was accustomed to crowds’ gazes.

Of course, being used to people’s gazes didn’t mean the attention was welcome.

‘Th-these people are okay. They don’t call me a monster or act surprised that I’m ugly.’

The troupe leader would sometimes advertise Neet as a monster child, showing her to people for money.

People who saw Neet’s hideous face and body would feel pity, be surprised, or get angry. Some even threw stones, mistaking her condition for a contagious disease.

But the people in the lobby now were different. They all knew Neet wasn’t afflicted with a contagious disease, knew why she was sick, and what efforts she was making to overcome her illness.

The handsome Prince with the wonderful voice, though a bit greasy, always made easy-to-eat food for Neet, and Sister Lavenda applied medicine to her wounds with warm hands and changed her bandages.

Countess Randy, enchanting just to look at, taught her etiquette and read picture books or sang lullabies when the sisters weren’t around. Though they didn’t sleep together, Neet found even that enchanting.

Countess Nex was so thin it made one wonder if even nobles starved when poor, but she taught magic theory more calmly than Grey. It was slightly embarrassing but pleasant to hear her call her “Miss Neet” when starting lessons.

Uncle Low, who had a large build and kept turning red in the face which was scary, turned out to be kind, and Count Alpha, who was careful with his actions when Neet was nearby for fear she might get hurt or break, was cool like a real knight from stories.

Speaking of knights, Knight Ralph couldn’t be left out. Though his constant interference and attempts to help were burdensome, his genuinely pure heart came through, so now it was okay.

Sister Olive, who sometimes played mischievous pranks but never crossed the line, Sister Ying, who was always quiet but shared her snacks, and the Count, who made medicine so Neet’s wounds wouldn’t hurt despite knowing they were caused by illness.

And Grey.

Handsome, intelligent, mature yet calm, and able to use magic – Grey was especially cool.

Boys Grey’s age would tease, cry, or try to hit Neet when they saw her, but Grey never did any of that.

‘Grey Ash.’

Neet thought of Grey’s name including his surname, then felt embarrassed for some reason and changed her thoughts.

‘Princess Serena.’

Neet’s benefactor and the sisters’ benefactor. Thanks to her showing interest even in Neet, who was of humble origin, Neet learned what talent was.

‘If the Princess hadn’t spoken to me, I would have kept wandering. I must repay this kindness.’

Countess Randy had said to engrave the Princess’s kindness into her bones and soul. The Countess was right.

Since the kindness Neet and her family received from the Princess was great, they would serve her for life even after leaving the labyrinth.

Neet prayed to the gods she knew.

‘God of Magic, God of Death, Labyrinth God. Please give me something that will let me use magic better than now. I want to live without dying and become an adult. I want to become an adult and become the Princess’s mage.’

Eight years since emerging from her mother’s womb. Neet remembered all eight years. Death was always close by, and Neet had never once looked forward to tomorrow.

But now was different. Neet could dream of tomorrow and imagine it.

So even when tomorrow passed to become the day after, and the day after passed and passed to become 20 years later, Neet wanted to live. She wanted to survive, become an adult, and become an excellent mage.

‘It’s all thanks to the Princess. I want to help the Princess. I don’t want to be a burden.’

Neet prayed earnestly and opened the treasure chest with all her strength.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————