A Gentle Noble's Vacation Recommendation Episode 9: Judge's Problem

Lizeru and Jil arrive at Jaggy's shop, finding it unexpectedly closed, a detail Jil points out as unusual for the diligent shopkeeper. Jaggy soon appears, flustered and apologetic, quickly ushering them inside. While Lizeru seeks an appraisal, Jaggy's focus wavers, a small blue item held with intense, troubled concentration. He retreats to a back room, his hands bandaged, his face bowed in obvious remorse, a stark contrast to his earlier hurried demeanor. Lizeru, observing from a distance, chooses not to intervene directly, believing Jaggy must articulate his own needs.

Despite his previous distress, Jaggy reappears the next day, boasting of his quick recovery thanks to a potion, though the shopkeeper's scolding suggests otherwise. He's dramatically dejected, asking Lizeru if he hates him, prompting the shopkeeper to dismiss Jaggy as

At a pub, Jaggy, now composed and engaged, informs Lizeru and Jil that the stolen items from his friend's shop were all rare, but not the most valuable. This detail leads Lizeru to deduce that the thieves deliberately avoided the more expensive goods, knowing they would be too easily traced. Jaggy confirms the black market has yielded no trace of the items, strengthening Lizeru's theory of an internal cover-up within the Commercial Guild. The continuing, vocal protests from Jaggy's boss highlight the stubborn integrity Lizeru must navigate within a corrupt system.

On the journey by carriage, Lizeru reveals a surprising vulnerability to motion sickness, prompting him to produce a sumptuously soft Elder Wolf fur cushion. Jaggy marvels at its extravagance, while Jil immediately embraces its comfort, a small detail that shows the practical warrior's appreciation for luxury. When swift Forest Runner monsters appear, Lizeru calmly dispatches them with his ornate, floating flintlock pistol, a weapon designed with recoil countermeasures. After Jil helps with the final monster, Lizeru accepts chocolate for his lingering nausea, a small, human touch in the midst of combat.

Upon reaching the dungeon's entrance, marked by imposing stone slabs, Lizeru expresses admiration for its meticulous construction. Despite Jil's warnings, Lizeru deliberately steps into a hidden pit trap, driven by a desire to understand its mechanics, much to Jil's vocal annoyance. The initial monsters, a scythe-wielding doll and a bat-winged chest, quickly fall to Jil's dual-wielding prowess. Lizeru praises Jil's flashy movements, which Jil dismisses, leading to a playful exchange about their differing combat styles and Lizeru's perceived lack of theatricality.

A massive stone golem emerges from the shadows, its red eyes glowing, quickly joined by others, presenting a formidable obstacle as magic typically fails against them. Lizeru, seeing an opportunity for an 'experiment,' fires his rifle, confirming his theory that his magic bullets, designed to penetrate rather than be absorbed, are effective. Jil then demonstrates his astounding combat skill, leaping onto the golem to target its core, causing it to explode. Lizeru observes Jil collecting the remaining red orb, the golem's core, a testament to their combined strategic and physical power.

Lizeru, ever the diplomat, offers the collected golem cores and a precious Marionette's Ribbon to the other adventurers as an apology for Jil's unrestrained efficiency. The adventurers are stunned by the ribbon's value, their surprise evident, while Jil rubs his face gently against Lizeru's cheek, a quiet gesture of affection. Lizeru continues to share chocolate with Jil, a small, recurring act of care that underpins their bond. As they prepare to leave the dungeon, Jil, fully recovered from the earlier journey, stands ready, and the pair share a silent, mutual understanding.