Seeker 106

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Chapter 106. Interrogation

When I woke up in the morning, the entire village was in commotion. 

Judging from the restless behavior of the dwarves, it was clear that something unusual had happened. 

Without even having breakfast, we get summoned by the dwarves for questioning. 

As outsiders, we immediately get suspected as potential culprits in the incident.

During the interrogation, I learned the outline of the incident. 

The dwarf warrior on guard duty today discovered during the early morning inspection that someone broke the key to the treasure vault, and stole all the treasures inside. 

In addition, Belga, a female dwarf warrior who was on night duty as a guard yesterday, had disappeared by morning. 

Near the village gate where she was supposed to be guarding, there were broken bottles and her weapon, a long-handled axe, lying on the ground.

On the other hand, they asked us simple questions about what we were doing last night.

Fortunately, we didn't seem to be strongly suspected. 

It felt more like they were questioning us for reference.

That was because there was another strong suspect.

"These human warriors are probably unrelated to the incident. I believe Gordon should be considered the culprit."

In front of us, who were getting interrogated at the guard station, were two dwarf warriors. One of them came to that conclusion, addressing the other.

Upon hearing that, Kazane-san asked Yuzuki and me a question.

"Gordon, isn't that the dwarf we met on the roadside yesterday?"

"The gloomy dwarf carrying a bottle of liquor, right? He seemed even more gloomy than senpai, so I remember him well."

"Yuzuki, please stop dissing me while we're at it."

As we delved deeper into the conversation, it turned out that not only the female dwarf guard but also that gloomy dwarf named Gordon was nowhere to be seen in the village. 

Although the details of the incident were still unknown, the two dwarf warriors in front of us seemed to have some leads suggesting that he might be the culprit.

By the way, in the dwarf society, a warrior is akin to an adventurer in the human society of this world. It refers to [Awakened One] who possess power equivalent to us seekers. 

The different names are a bit troublesome, but we can more or less understand, so let's leave it at that.

The dwarf warriors' group tasked with protecting this small village, numbering just over a hundred residents, consists of only three individuals. 

One of them is a female dwarf who stood guard yesterday but went missing this morning. 

The remaining 2 are currently present before us, seemingly engaged in investigating the incident.

"But what could be Gordon's motive? Is he tired of living in the village and planning to escape with the treasure to a human city?"

"It's possible. But what about Belga? I can't imagine the kind-hearted and responsible Belga cooperating with Gordon to break into the treasure vault."

"We found Belga's weapon and a broken bottle at the village's entrance. It's hard to believe that Belga was an accomplice."

"That guy Gordon seemed interested in Belga, but she kept her distance. We don't know the whole truth, but Belga likely got caught up in Gordon's actions."

"However, it's not just Belga that's a problem. The fact that 'that' was stolen from the treasure vault is a major issue. If it falls into the hands of an evil dark mage, it could lead to serious consequences."

The two dwarf warriors continue their discussion, considering various possibilities. 

However, suddenly, one of them seems to realize something and turns towards us.

"Oh, I almost forgot. We're sorry for suspecting you, Human warriors. The questioning is over. So you can go back. Thank you for your cooperation."

They grant permission to leave for us. 

The three of us nod in acknowledgment to the two dwarf warriors and attempt to exit the guard station. But at that moment, we hear a voice from outside.

"Hey! Badon, Dodorga, there's trouble! Monsters have appeared outside the village!"

"What?!"

"Oh no, of all times!"

The two dwarf warriors grab their axes, which were leaning against the wall, and rush outside the guard station. 

We also follow suit and head outside, compelled by the unfolding circumstances.