The Meaning of Traitor

"Ane-sama, don't you think that defeating Core Number 10 will be difficult, even for Kehma?"

"Of course. I'm not saying he should challenge it alone. As a member of my faction, the plan is to coordinate with other cores and challenge Core Number 10 to a Dungeon Battle at the same time and date."

Ah, that's a relief. It seems Haku-san isn't as ruthless as I thought.

"I'll participate as well, of course. After all, the opponent is in the top ten. We must mobilize appropriate forces, and I can lend some DP as expenses if needed."

"That's reassuring. Understood, I'll participate."

I might have had to make a run for it if she was wanting to send me on a solo mission, but there's no escaping with a fixed stronghold like a dungeon.

Compared to that, riding the coattails of Haku-san, who's also in the top ten, is the proper path.

Then I suddenly remembered. Our faction… aren't we called the [Traitor Faction]?

It's almost like… rather, we're a faction that disposes of traitors?

"Excuse me, Haku-san. May I ask you something?"

"What is it?"

"… Why are you called the [Traitor]?"

"Is that a problem?"

Haku-san smiled gently.

"No, it's just… you're on good terms with Father, and you're trying to dispose of Core Number 10, an actual traitor… Ah, wait, is the [Traitor Faction] actually the faction that disposes of traitors?"

"Did I not mention that? Well, we're called traitors because we dispose of Dungeon Cores and also because the details of why are kept secret."

Haku-san explained, lifting her teacup to take a sip.

"Why let people call you a [Traitor]? Wouldn't [Executioner Faction] be more intimidating and clearer?"

"Calling me a [Traitor] attracts actual traitors, which is convenient… Besides, there should be no cores that betray Father. In other words, there are no executioners, Kehma-san."

"… But there are traitors?"

"I am betraying Dungeon Cores, not Father. I'm just disposing of the Dungeon Cores I don't like."

Haku-san chuckled.

For Haku-san, betraying Father was an absolute no-go, but betraying Dungeon Cores was fine…?

"So, essentially, the [Traitor Faction] is a shorthand for [Faction That Deals With Traitors]."

"Ah, Kehma, you finally got it? Haha, I knew it all along!"

Rokuko boasted proudly.

"After all, Haku Ane-sama is close with Father. There's no reason for her to be his enemy."

"… Well, yeah."

"Anyone can see that at the Dungeon Core meetings!"

"Yeah, I haven't been to one of those."

They were cozy enough in the VIP room during the Dungeon Battle between Mikan and Core Number 564. They couldn't be enemies.

"Hm? … So, at least we won't be opposing Father, right?"

"That's right. But if you ever oppose Father, Kehma, I'll crush you before you can influence Rokuko-chan, okay?"

"Don't worry, I have no intention of doing that. I don't seem to be on bad terms with the Light God either, so no plans there."

"Good."

So, it turned out they were more like rival colleagues in different departments rather than gods in a proxy war. Very misleading.

"… By the way, how much DP will we get for expenses?"

"I can't provide unlimited support or Father will scold me, so please keep it under 1,000,000 DP."

It was to ensure the healthy growth of young cores.

When I was first summoned, even 100,000 DP for preparing a Dungeon Battle was a stretch.

"So it's okay to give us up to 1,000,000 DP now?"

"You've grown quite a bit, and Father acknowledges you, Kehma."

"Fufufu, Kehma, you must be so proud! Oh, by the way, Ane-sama. It's a special thing, so there should be some sort of reward right?"

"Of course, Rokuko-chan. How about [Divine Underwear]?"

[Divine Underwear], the final piece of the [Divine Beddings] set we didn't know the whereabouts of.

"Yeah, that sounds good. What do you think, Kehma?"

"No complaints here… When did you get it?"

"I confiscated it from Daido. It's under my control now."

It was in Daido? Maybe I should have raided their treasury when I had the chance.

Well, if the reward is something from the [Divine Beddings], I'm not reluctant to participate. It's a winning battle with Haku-san's faction against Core Number 10.

Still, the only uncertainty is how powerful Number 10 really is… He seems unlikely to be the strongest. He fled the commotion in the Holy Kingdom and Haku-san ranks higher…

We'd be in trouble if Haku-san lost, so the best course was definitely to give our all in helping her win.

"Depending on your performance, I'll use my name to authorize the use of [Divine Mattress] and [Divine Pillow]. I look forward to seeing how much you can accomplish, Kehma-san."

Haku-san reached out her hand. If I shook it, the deal would be sealed.

"… I'll do my best, however modest it may be."

"I'm counting on you."

I promised and shook hands with Haku-san.

Ah, and I should also call Mikan. He's technically a Dungeon Core under my command. And Core Number 564… might as well put him to work too.