After booking rooms at the best Inn, Alex and Artemia went to the Guild branch to inform the staff about their arrival and goal.
The Guild branch building looks smaller than that of Eria's city; however, it appears more sturdy probably due to its proximity to the dungeons; in fact, all buildings in the village were built sturdily.
After a quick scan of the building, Alex declared,
''Let's enter.''
Artemia nodded.
As they entered, they looked around the inside of the guild.
''As I thought, it's different compared to the others,'' Alex commented as he scanned the guild with Artemia standing next to him.
As for Artemia, the moment she appeared, the guild staff and adventurers all unintentionally glanced at her. It was expected; however, those with keen eyes immediately understood Artemia's true identity, so nobody said something disrespectful.
Alex ignored the odds stare he was receiving and observed the guild. As he said, the Guild branch here is different.
Maybe related to its temporary nature next to the dungeon, it was very different from the guild he had set foot in. The most significant difference was that the guild didn't have a bar.
Material purchasing and party application, because a large number of adventurers would gather at the guild, the bar in Eria's city was something that was added for their use. For example, many requests were always posted on the request boards in the guild at Eria's city.
Also different were the periods of crowdedness in the morning and evening when people went to start and finish requests. Even then, they still had room to spare.
However, because all the adventurers were aiming for the dungeon gathered here, the guild here was crowded. At night, the monster in the dungeon became more belligerent and active, no different from when they were outside. Because of that, most adventurers would enter the dungeon at roughly the same time, causing this packed crowd.
After searching for the guild counter and found it, Alex and Artemia walked toward it. The crowd parted the way to let them pass. For most adventurers here, it was their first time seeing the famous Third princess, so they were in awe.
As the adventurers and guild staff who had glanced over finally gathered themselves, Alex and Artemia were already in front of the counter. Alex left Artemia to do the talking.
''Good Evening.'' Artemia politely greeted the man behind the counter.
''Ah, yes. Good evening your highness. What can we do for you?"
''I have a little business with the person in charge of the guild here; I would like you to inform him of my arrival them,'' Artemia announced.
''Pardon my rudeness, may I ask about what for?''
As expected for someone working for the guild near the dungeon. Although the young male staff member was stunned by Artemia's presence and status, it didn't take him long to calm down as he spoke and gave a reply as usual.
Impressed in her mind at his professionalism, Artemia continued to speak.
''That's right, I forget. Here, take it.''
Saying that she presented a letter that had the Elseria seal on it.
The young male staff immediately recognized this seal. He became nervous all of a sudden.
''I understood. Please wait. I will inform the head branch of your arrival.''
He then ran up to the stairs next to the counter at a quick pace.
Watching him go, Artemia looked around the inside of the interest. It has been a long time since she sneaked out disguised to play the adventurer. Glancing at Alex, who had a bored expression on his face, Artemia chuckled.
''Relax, we will go back soon and rest. Tomorrow we will dive into the dungeon. You won't be bored any longer.''
''I hope so,'' Alex answered.
Just as Artemia wanted to say something, the young male guild staff came back.
''Sorry for taking so long. Our representative would like to meet you.''
''Ah, you back. Sorry for the trouble.''
Artemia nodded and followed the staff, who guided her up the stairs. Alex followed them as well, and soon they arrived on the second floor.
''Representative, I've brought her Highness and his comrade.''
After respectfully guiding them to the room of the guild representative, the young male guild staff knocked on the door and called out. The reply to the staff member was an unexpectedly young voice.
''Yes, please enter.''
Following the voice from inside, he opened the door and entered. Artemia and Alex followed after him.
''Welcome. My name is Axel, and I serve as the representative of the guild.''
Saying that a man in his twenties stood up from behind his work desk and gave a bow. Even the highest estimate of his age wouldn't be above his early thirties. He had gentle features and gave off the atmosphere of having a good attitude.
Alex didn't pay too much attention to the man; even though he appeared gentle, he must have another face, and this would be used depending on the situation or the person he was dealing with.
Artemia sat down on the sofa for visitors and spoke up without any particular change in expression. Alex was sitting on her right.
''As you may have guessed after seeing that letter, we are here for that dungeon.'' She said.
''Indeed, princess, I have been informed about that matters. Although I'm aware of you and Mr. Alexander's strength, I still think it would be hard to accomplish your goal due to the existence of that boss.'' Axel warned; he seemed to be saying this out of good faith.
Alex frowned; he knew this expedition was not going to be easy, but he faith in his skills; however, judging from Axel's words, the difficulty of this dungeon was high. While their goal is not to conquer this dungeon, there's a floor they must enter to complete their original goal.
After hearing Axel's warning, Artemia smiled.
''I understand the circumstances. Don't worry; I have faith in my subordinate and Mr. Alexander here. We will proceed carefully and won't let our guard down.'' She promised.
''Okay, I shall believe in the princess and Mr. Alexander. Is there anything I can help you with? Anything you wish for?" Axel asked.
''Not for the time being. We have prepared sufficient goods and combat strength before coming. There are no particular issues as long as we can smoothly enter the dungeon.'' Artemia said; she seemed to be hinting at something.
It didn't take long for Axel to understand what she was hinting at. He took out something similar to a guild card; it was black. Axel gave this black card to the princess.
''Please have this. You will need it to have free access to the dungeon.'' Axel explained.
''It's more like a pass to not wait in line and directly enter the dungeon, isn't it?"
For the first time since entering the room, Alex spoke. His words surprised Axel as he didn't think Alex would immediately understand the use of this card after his first time seeing it.
Smiling, Axel explained.
''Yes. All the adventurers enter the dungeon at about the same time. Because of that, waiting is sometimes necessary. You can use this card to go in immediately without waiting.''
''I see. Thanks. I'll be grateful to receive this. When I return, should I return it?" Artemia asked with a smile. Looking at her, you would almost think she wasn't expecting this kind of card. However, she knew it existed; it was what she was hinting at when she said, 'Smoothly enter the dungeon.'
''Yes, that would be helpful,'' Axel said, not saying anything on the fact that Artemia made him intentionally hand over the black card.
''I understand. Do you have more detailed map of the dungeon? The one I have is only limited to ten first floors.'' Artemia, who suddenly remembered something, asked this.
''No, we don't have any other map, as you might know. This dungeon is practically sealed. Few are allowed to go in, and it is limited to the first seven floors. I apologize for b-"
Artemia stopped Axel before he could finish his words and said.
''Don't worry. While it may be dangerous to go down without a complete map, it is exciting. We will need to be careful, that is all. Well, she is calling me, maps or not, I will still be able to get there.''
The last part was said almost inaudibly; Axel didn't hear it; however, Alex heard it, he didn't say anything and waited for the meeting to end. He was feeling extremely bored; he wanted to go back and rest to be prepared for tomorrow. If not, because Artemia needs a guard when coming here and Isabella was busy with something else, Alex wouldn't have accompanied Artemia. Well, Artemia was almost like his employer, so he ought to do his job.
''Sigh''
Alex let a sigh escaped from his mouth as he closed his eyes. Artemia, who was talking with Axel about another matter, chuckled before ending this meeting after exchanging few words.
Alex and Artemia left the guild after that. They went back to the Inn to rest. Tomorrow, Alex would be experiencing his first dungeon exploration.