Jigglypuff's Diary

The next day.

The time to catch the grell frogs and tame the rimel birds has finally come. And because of that, me and the four members of the duke’s family, along with Sebasu-san, Jill-san, Zeff-san, Camil-san, and Hyuzu-san, are all walking towards the mine.

Elia and the others are all wearing armor just like the time when Elia went to the mine to train. As for me, I’m wearing a jumpsuit. Because of that, it kind of feels out of place, since I’m the only one wearing something different.

We’re not using the carriage today as another part of Elia’s training, but, unexpectedly, Elia might actually have more endurance than I thought. Although we’re taking a break right now, she hasn’t said a word of complaint until now.

“Fuu… Ryouma-san, are you ok?” [Elia]
“I’m alright.” [Ryouma]
“Ryouma-san has plenty of stamina, huh?” [Elia]

Elia began to feel down. Honestly, it’s not like I mind the fact that you’re tired, you know? After all, we’re walking up a mountain, and because there’s no pavement, it’s quite difficult to walk. The fact that you’re not complaining is already more than good enough.

Apparently Camil-san thought the same thing, because he went to encourage her.

“It’s alright, Ojousama. Compared to other children, Ojousama can already walk very well.” [Camil]
“That’s right, Ojousama. Don’t compare yourself to Ryouma. After all, this guy’s a little bit abnormal. Normally, it wouldn’t be weird to have been completely exhausted since way back. Seriously, Ryouma, you should at least try to sweat or something.” [Jill]
“Even if you tell me to sweat…” [Ryouma]

It’s a physiological phenomenon, so…

“Young master, a normal kid would usually perspire without being told, you know?” [Ｚｅｆｆ]
“You’re matching the Ojousama’s pace, so it’s not that fast. So I can kind of understand when you’ve also been trained like us, but… What kind of training did you do?” [Camil]
“If I were to put it simply, I trained to my limits. When I collapsed, I’d rest. It’s not weird to get wounds either, as I was beat up continuously to drive the techniques into me. And I was only given two choices, either to suffer, or to keep on training. Anyway, I kept this up every day, and in the end this is how I ended up.” [Ryouma]
“Is your master a demon or something!?” [Ｊｉｌｌ]
“Yeah, that might be it.” [Ryouma]

My dad was really quite scary when I was a kid… so much so, that when he was around I couldn’t breathe because of the pressure.

While I was thinking that, Rheinbach-sama mentioned that it’s time to depart.

“It’s almost time for break to end. We need to start walking again before Elia completely cools down.” [Rheinbach]
“It’s just a little bit more, so do your best, Elia.” [Rheinhart]
   
We began walking again. And after 30 minutes of walking, the road led us to a forest and we pushed our way through. After another 30 minutes, a foul odor wafted to our noses. So this is the smell of the swamp.

As I thought that, we went even further, and eventually a reddish brown swamp came to view. It was around the boundary of the forest and the mine. And although we’re inside a forest, the number of trees are few, and it feels like the swamp was made from the debris of the cave after it had collapse because of the rain or something. As we got closer, the foul smell became stronger. To this, Elia covered her nose with her hand, and tried to endure.

“So this is the rumored swamp. It would appear that the smell is coming from the fallen leaves and the rotting corpses of the creatures that live in the swamp.” [Ryouma]
“What a horrible smell…” [Elia]
“The smell here is certainly bad, however, you also need to learn how to get used to this kind of environment. Since the towns outside of the Jamil’s territory have it worse.” [Madam]

Come to think of it, Rheinbach-sama did take care of the Jamil Household’s territory’s environment, so it’s quite better than others… wait, does that mean that all the other territory aside from here are… let’s pray that’s not the case.

“Fumu, looks like there still aren’t any grell frogs and rimel birds around here. Well, there’re several swamps, so let’s go around and look for others.” [Rheinbach]

At Rheinbach-sama’s words, we began to move again. And after 10 minutes of walking, we found a swamp, 3 times bigger than the last. Over there were 30 adventurers and slave magic users, and over 200 blue birds.

“They’re here! Those are rimel birds!” [Rheinbach]
“That’s…” [Ryouma]
“They’re beautiful…” [Elia]

Its appearance is close to a long-tailed cock without a cockscomb. And its body is blue, while its tail and head are adorned with beautiful green feathers. I have to agree, it’s definitely the popular type. Along with the reddish brown swamp, it’s mysteriously pretty.

It’s really beautiful, but because of that, I think the adventurers around here will get in the way.

“Let’s go there!” [Adventurer1]
“Hurry, catch it!” [Adventurer2]
“Ah!?” [Adventurer3]
“Hurry! Before it gets eaten!” [Adventurer4]

The adventurers entered the swamp, and they struggled with the rimel birds for the grell frogs.

While the rough men were being bathed in mud, I saw the sight of obscured frogs with the same reddish color as the swamp, be caught by men with a net barehanded… and it felt extremely sweltering to watch.

At a time like that, two young men prepared some musical instruments by the side of the swamp.

“You two watch carefully, those guys are about to try taming a rimel bird.” [Rheinhart]

One of the two men began to play a flute. His instrument looked like a recorder. But, unfortunately, he isn’t that good.

As soon as the music ended, the rimel birds all simultaneously sang. The noise the birds made were as if they were laughing and mocking the humans.

According to the information I received from Caulkins-san, when the rimel birds do not acknowledge your performance, they’ll release a warning sound. And that warning sound is extremely unpleasant.

So it’s like this, huh? Certainly, it’s not something pleasant to hear… But I guess this is something that happens often, since the adventurers who are trying to catch the grell frogs aren’t minding it.

“I think you two already understand, but yes, this is a failure. Like this, he won’t be able to tame one. You can try again as many times as you want, but if you try too many times, they’ll end up attacking you, so it’s better to just do it once. And at most, twice.” [Rheinhart]

While Rheinhart-san was explaining, the other man began to play the flute. This one’s worse than the other one… This time, before he even finished playing, the rimel birds already started laughing.

I guess he got mad when he heard that, because he took out a short sword that looks to be for self-defense.

As the man entered the swamp, he moved towards a rimel bird.

“Not good… don’t let your guard down.” [Rheinbach]
“Ha!” [The four guards.]

At Rheinbach-sama’s words, the four guards stepped forward. Even Sebasu-san and Rheinhart-san was vigilant. And the madam went near me and Elia.

“Gua! Hi, Hii!!” [Man]

I wonder if it’s because it felt danger to the man who drew close to it that it fired off the wind magic ‘Wind Cutter’. In any case, that attack only lightly grazed the shoulder of the man, but the other rimel birds also looked at the man. At that point, the man’s anger from a while ago vanished, and was instead changed to fear and panic. The man quickly began to run with all his strength. And the people around him also began to run.

Behind the man, several rimel birds fired off ‘Wind Cutter’ at his back. Their accuracy apparently wasn’t that good, and they missed. But the man became desperate as he ran.

“Don’t be like that guy. The rimel birds are gentle, but they’re not weak. If you do something like that, you’ll be hated, and they’ll attack you.” [Madam]

Said the madam as she warned me and Elia

… That guy is coming over here… that’s not good!

When the man got to the edge of the swamp, he relaxed for a bit, causing him to stop moving for a moment. There, a rimel bird fired off its ‘Wind Cutter’. That attack grazed the man’s leg, causing him to become unable to run. When we saw that, Camil and I both casted our magic at the same time.

“ ‘Earth Wall’ !! “ [Camil & Ryouma]

A wall made out of earth was erected between the man and the rimel bird. But in order to chase after the man, the rimel birds fired off several dozens of ‘Wind Cutter’. The surface of the wall was scraped off, but it was able to stop the attack.

At that, they stopped firing off the ‘Wind Cutter’, but in the next moment, they all began to chirp.

“Kuke! Kuke!! Kuke!!! Kuke!!!!”
“Kyaaa!” [Elia]
“Gu!?” [Rheinhart]
“This is!?” [Ryouma]
“Everyone, be careful!!” [Rheinhart]

Everyone suddenly began to hurt. And once Elia began to shake, the Madam and Sebasu-san hurriedly went to support her.

What’s going on!?

Looking at my surrounding, I saw that the adventurers were also in pain even though they shouldn’t be able to hear this sound well. Some of them even began to crouch and scream as if they’d lost their minds.

I can also feel some magic power accompanying the voice, so I guess the cause must be this cry.

When I searched for the location of the magic power and the sound, I immediately managed to find the culprit. Looks like it’s somewhat similar to my wind magic, ‘Big Voice’, in that it also manipulates the air to make the sound louder in the surroundings.

Then in that case, all I need to do is stop the oscillation of the air.

“ ‘Silent’ !” [Ryouma]

Aiming at the source, I fired off my magic. At that moment, the sound stopped, and Rheinhart-san and the others stopped hurting.

Effective… but painful.

The other side was causing the oscillations to increase with magic, while I did the opposite with my own magic. We’re both doing opposite things, so the victor will be decided by the one who has more control. If I lose focus, the sound will come out again.

Our control is equal…? No, it’s gradual, but I’m being pushed! Then in that case, I have no choice but to push through with my magic power! I chant the same magic again, but this time with more magic power.

“ ‘Silent’ !” [Ryouma]

It tried to resist for a bit more, but the rimel bird quickly left after it realized it was at a disadvantage. The other rimel birds also left.

Is it over?

“Camil! Heal that man! Jill, Zeff, Hyuzu! Bring the fainted adventurers to the edge of the swamp! Sebasu, how is Elia?” [Rheinhart]

Rheinhart-san gave orders, then he asked Sebasu-san about Elia’s status. But before Sebasu-san could talk, Elia replied.

“I’m… fine.” [Elia]
“Elia, are you ok? You don’t feel hurt anywhere?” [Rheinhart]
“Yes… I was just scared all of the sudden… but that’s all. I’ve already calmed down.” [Elia]
“I see. Then, that’s good… Ryouma-kun, thank you. That was you a while ago, right?” [Rheinhart]
“The rimel bird was the cause, right? I certainly stopped it, but what was going on?” [Ryouma]
“Huh?” [Madam and Elia]

Elia’s and Madam’s voice leaked out.

“Ryouma-san, didn’t you feel anything?” [Elia]
“Nothing in particular… I did think that it was noisy, though. But that aside, I was quite shocked when all of the sudden everyone around started to faint and hurt. I felt strong magic power coming from that one rimel bird, so I figured that was the culprit, but I honestly have no idea what just happened.” [Ryouma]
“Noisy? That’s all?” [Madam]
“Yes.” [Ryouma]

Hearing my response, the madam cocked her head in puzzlement. At that, Rheinbach-sama and Sebasu-san explained it to me.

“The rimel bird that Ryouma-kun stopped wasn’t just a rimel bird. That was a higher type known as, Nightmare Rimel Bird. These type of rimel birds can use dark magic on top of their wind magic. And their most prominent special feature is that their crying voice is accompanied by a mental attack as a byproduct of the dark element.” [Rheinbach]
“When one hears a nightmare rimel bird’s cry, one will be afflicted with fear, confusion, and insanity. Moreover, there are also people who will see an illusion and end up fainting, just like those guys.” [Sebasu]

As Sebasu-san said that, he pointed at the people Jill-san and the others were carrying.

Half of them were seated, while there were those who were unconscious, and then those who were crouching while shivering in fear.

“Seeing them like this, this is quite cruel…” [Ryouma]
“That just goes to show how strong a mental attack it is. Physical strength and mental strength are different, so it’s possible even for veteran adventurers to lose consciousness. And in their case, they’re beginners, so it’s a given that they’d end up like that.” [Sebasu]
“No matter how much you train, what’s painful is still painful. Well, you’ll be able to resist though.” [Rheinbach]

Come to think of it, I possess the ‘Mental Resist’ skill at level 9. So I guess it must be that.

“I have the ‘Mental Resist’ skill so it might be because of that.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, the puzzled madam suddenly went, “That’s it!” and was suddenly in full understanding.

So it’s really the effect of my skill. Apparently, my skill level’s so high, I didn’t feel anything.

Still, I have to be careful… mental attacks can’t be seen by the eyes after all. And while I didn’t suffer any of the effects, it’s not like I have any countermeasure for it.

And while it’s good that there wasn’t effect on me, it’s also not good that it was to the extent where I didn’t feel it all, and ended up not even knowing that I was under attack.

After a while, Jill-san and the others came back. Looks like they’re finished helping those people.

“What’s their status?” [Rheinhart]
“The only one injured is the one who started all this. Moreover, he’s already received treatment, so there won’t be any problem, and he’ll be able to come back to the town.” [Jill]
“Still, what should we do? All of the rimel birds ran away because of all the commotion.” [Zeff]
“Look for their nest?” [Ryouma]
“That’s difficult, young master. After all, the rimel birds ride on wind magic when they fly in the air. So the speed and altitude they fly at is at a different level compared to other magical beasts. Like this, the area’s too wide, and it won’t be easy to find them.” [Zeff]
“That’s why people who want to tame them wait here. I don’t know if they’ll come again today, so… are we going to wait?” [Rheinhart]
“We’ll wait. We came all the way out here after all. So I’d at least like to try taming them once.” [Elia]

At Elia’s words, we decided to wait here for a bit more. While we waited, the adventurers at the edge of the swamp slowly recovered, and even the people who had lost their consciousness had woken up.

I don’t know if it’s because they don’t feel like hunting anymore, or because the duke’s household and its guards are here, but before we knew it, we ended up all alone.

We created some stone chairs at a place that’s slightly distant from the swamp, sat there, and chatted.

During that, I found out that while the nightmare rimel bird’s mental attack is strong, the reason it’s really strong is because in order to stop it you’d have to attack with magic, or use a weapon. But then if you did that, the other rimel birds will attack you, at which point it’ll turn into a desperate situation. In order to avoid that, the only way is to resist, or try to run.

My magic wasn’t an attack, and it only stopped the sound, so it’s ok. It’s really good that I was able to hear from the duke’s family and Caulkins-san not to hurt the rimel birds.

Also, the rimel bird’s higher type is apparently a really rare magical beast. And in fact, it was last seen 10 years ago. It seems like my luck’s quite good, since it was thanks to my mental resistance that I was able to see the bird clearly and was able to properly use my magic.

That rimel bird’s body was slightly darker than the others. But although I say dark, it’s more like a strong color… like deep blue and green. It feels kind of high class.

And then, while we were passing the time while chatting, all of the sudden the atmosphere became dreary.

“I’ll have to leave Ryouma-san soon, huh?” [Elia]

Elia and the others came here to see the rimel bird, and try taming it. That’s why it could be said that they had already mostly completed their purpose for coming to this town. All that’s left is to go home. And Elia’s concerned about that.

… What should I say? I mean, it’s true that I’ll also be lonely, but…

If I said, “Right…,” then that’s ust too unfeeling. But then if I went, “Don’t go!” then she’ll just be like, “It’s disgusting to be told that by a 40 year old uncle!!” I mean it might be alright from how I look on the outside, but mentally speaking it’s really not. How about, “We’ll meet again.”? Yeah, this’ll do. I’d really like to say something more effective, but unfortunately…

As I thought that, the madam said this.

“Elia, It’s not like you won’t meet again. Right, Ryouma-kun?” [Madam]

While I was thinking, the madam said it before I was able to.

“Of course.” [Ryouma]
“If you send letters to each other, then you’ll be able to find out how each other’s doing.” [Rheinbach]
“Right! We can still meet again! Ryouma-san, please write to me, and I’ll also write to you!” [Elia]
“Then, let’s do that.” [Ryouma]
“Idiot! If you’re a man, then you should at least hug her!” [Hyuzu]

As Hyuzu-san said that, he hit my back with full strength. Because of that, I almost fell off my chair.

“Uwaah! What are you doing? Or rather, what are you thinking!? Aren’t you the bodyguard!? Normally you’d be stopping me! Not encouraging!” [Ryouma]
“Huh? I’m obviously doing this because it’s interesting!” [Hyuzu]

As he said that, he gave me a thumbs up along with a smile.

“Guo!? Y-You…” [Ryouma]

Somehow I felt a little irritated, so I hit him a bit. After that, I turned around, and my eyes met with Elia. Elia’s face was slightly red… You know it’s a bit troubling if you give me that kind of reaction… I thought the Madam would save us, but when I took a look at her, she was just watching over us. Or rather, she looks like she’s enjoying this…

“Hey… what… are you… gufu… “ [Hyuzu]

Asked, Hyuzu-san as he held his stomach while crouching because of the pain.

“Ah… I’m just hiding my embarrassment.”  [Ryouma]

This is crossing the line, even if I do say so myself… and although it was a spur of the moment, isn’t this a bit cruel?

“Don’t hit me just because you’re shy! … Ow, ow, ow… why does it hurt so much when you hit me while I was wearing armor. It hurts…” [Hyuzu]
“It’s that kind of skill is why.” [Ryouma]

It’s a technique that allows the force to pass through inside for the special case where one needs to fight with an opponent who is wearing an armor. Naturally, it’d hurt.

… No good, my tension’s also gotten weird… Calm down, me!

In the meanwhile, the atmosphere became delicate.

“……” [Ryouma]
“……” [Elia]
“……” [Ryouma]
“……” [Elia]
“Pirorororororo!!” [Something]
“What!?’ [Ryouma]
“Fue!?” [Elia]

That delicate atmosphere was cut apart with a whistling sound.

When we looked over where the sound was coming from, we saw a group of rimel birds headed here. 

Speaking of which, I wonder if #fuckmatthew is going to be a thing now.


Volume 2 Chapter 22

The Next Day

I went to the store and talked to Carm-san and Karla-san regarding the discussion yesterday. After that, I headed to the merchant guild, and was again brought to the reception room. It happens every time, so I’ve already gotten used to it…

“You need more people again?” [Grisela]
“Yes. But there’s also something I wanted to consult to you about.” [Ryouma]
“Hmm? What is it?” [Grisela]

I explained the situation.

“So the dimwit has his eye on you, has he?” [Grisela]
“You know Matthew?” [Ryouma]
“But of course. He is, after all, the guild master of this town’s tamer guild. So it can’t be helped that I sometimes have to meet him, not that I enjoy seeing him, mind you.

That guy’s someone who got drunk on his own power, and can’t do anything else except suck up to influential people. Aside from that, the only other things he’s good at are working his subordinates, and making excuses.

That guy believes in money and power. Seeing you with the duke, he probably sees you as someone who is trying to curry favor. Like that, if you go hire some people from the tamer guild, it won’t do you any good.” [Grisela]
“So it really is as I’d expected.” [Ryouma]

“No question about it. Hiring people from the slum is a good idea. That guy treats the slave magic users from the slum as a bunch of no good, so even if he wants to, he won’t be able to stop them. Even if they’re affiliated with the guild, they should be being treated poorly. If it’s people like that, then at the very least they won’t try to help Matthew, right? … If you find someone you think is trustworthy, take them with you. You won’t have any problems with the legal process. Besides it’s not really a crime or anything.” [Grisela]
“In that case, I’ll do as you’ve suggested. Thank you very much.” [Ryouma]
“Yeah, do your best.” [Grisela]

As I stood up from the sofa and was about to leave, she said this.

“Ryouma, go take your seat again, I forgot to tell you something.” [Grisela]
“What is it?” [Ryouma]

I said, as I sat again.

“I investigated a bit about the thugs who came to your store. I was able to find out that they were hired by someone, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find out who. There’s the possibility that the dark guild is involved, so be careful.” [Grisela]
“Dark guild…”

In other words, a criminal group, right?

“Is the dark guild a gathering of assassins and thieves?” [Ryouma]
“Yes. The dark guild takes dirty requests, and give them to their members. The contents of their job are illegal, so naturally, they’re an illegal organization. But they don’t just commit crimes, they also provide the tools. Because they’ll do anything, there’re quite a lot who give them requests. They’re a group that specializes in killing, so be careful.” [Grisela]
“I understand, thank you for warning me.” [Ryouma]
“Don’t mind it.” [Grisela]

As the guild master said that, she sent me off, and I left the guild. I was planning to go to the mine next, but then, I happened by someone I didn’t want to meet. That guy was standing by the side of a luxurious carriage when he saw me. Seeming irritated, he called out to me in a strained voice.

“Bastard, what are you doing here?” [Matthew]
“This is the main street. Isn’t it normal for people to pass by here? Branch Head, Matthew.” [Ryouma]

Who would’ve thought that we’d end up meeting here in the road like this? I see he’s still as annoying as ever, though. But this is different from before. Last time I was with the duke, so he hid it. But now that I’m all alone, he’s openly showing his aggression.

“Hmph! A dimwit like you shouldn’t be calling me so familiarly… By the way, I heard you started a strange store.” [Matthew]

He knows about the store? … Is it him? Did he really send the thugs?

“It seems you’re using slimes, but a talentless dimwit like you who has only been able tame slimes, despite being a slave magic user for 3 years, isn’t fit to be called a slave magic user. Moreover, your slimes are a new race? And they eat dirt? Hmph! Not only do you have a bunch of useless beasts, the only things those things are capable of is making themselves dirtier!” [Matthew]

As he kept insulting me like that, I ended up remembering the time when I registered. Because of that, I became even more annoyed.

It doesn’t matter what I say to a guy like this. It’d just fall on deaf ears. Seriously, what a pain in the ass. Still though, for some reason, I just can’t find myself getting angry at this guy. I’m slightly pissed off, but… I’m able to remain calm…

“Good grief, you’re such an eyesore. Even though you’re social standing is like that, you actually dare to cajole the duke? Last time, the young lady of the duke and his missus defended you, so I had no choice but to let you register. But I can never accept that you’re actually a member of my tamer guild! I will absolutely never accept it! Even if you come to the guild, I won’t give you a job! To begin with, a dimwit like you who can’t tame anything but a slime, can’t do anything! … Ah, you’re here. Come!” [Matthew]

Matthew said the things he wanted to say to me until a young woman wearing a gaudy outfit came. He let her ride his carriage, then he immediately set off.

Seriously, what a horrible person to be with… However, he mentioned that slimes and scavenger slimes are useless and unable to do anything else except become dirtier. Does that mean he hasn’t noticed their value at all?

Wasn’t he the one who sent the thugs?

Well, whatever. I’ve changed my mind. I originally wasn’t planning to make a fuss regarding the profits, but as revenge for today, I’ll go make a killing with those slimes he called worthless.

I want to have the issue with the slave magic users solved anyway, so I might as well ask Jeff-san now.

I decided not to go to the mine, and instead, I decided to head towards the adventurer’s guild.

When I got to the guild, I asked where Jeff-san was. Apparently, he should be going home soon, so I waited by the guild.

After 1 hour of waiting, Jeff-san arrived. After I saw him finish reporting his request’s success, I called out to him.

“Jeff-san” [Ryouma]
“Hey, if it isn’t Ryouma. What’s up?” [Jeff]
“I wanted to ask for your help regarding our discussion some time ago.” [Ryouma]
“Oh, that’s fast. I thought you’d take more time to make up your mind. Well, if you’ve decided, then we can go now.” [Jeff]
“Is it ok?” [Ryouma]
“I don’t mind. Besides, I was planning to go to the slums today anyway. My house is also close by, so let’s go.” [Jeff]
“Then, please take care of me.” [Ryouma]

And so, we went to the slums. On the way, we bought some food ingredients. Apparently, these are refreshments for the slum people. Because of the public office, the slum people’s income has suffered, and so the people who used to live in the slums are giving those in the slums assistance little by little.

After we finished shopping, we carried everything as we walked. Gradually, the presence of people vanished. The kind of building we saw became seedier and seedier. And even the children we saw from time to time, wore shabby clothes.

When they saw Jeff-san they waved their hands and called out, and Jeff-san also responded to them.

After that, I just followed them.

After a while, we arrived at an old but well-built building that’s slightly bigger than the others.

“Is grandpa here?” [Jeff]

Said Jeff as he lightly knocked on the door. The door opened by itself. I felt some magic power just now… so it’s probably the work of magic.

“Looks like he’s here, let’s go in.” [Jeff]

When we entered, there was an old man, around 60 year old, with white hair, sitting on a large chair while facing a plain table. The man calmly spoke.

“You came again, Jeff. Thank you for always helping us. However, I’m not at an age where you can call me ‘grandpa’, you know?” [Grandpa]
“You’re plenty old in my opinion.” [Jeff]
“My legs and loins are still fine, so I’m not an old man. But that aside, who’s this kid? Did you bring another one you want me to watch over?” [Grandpa]
“Even if he’s like this, he’s an excellent adventurer. Enough to make his own living. He came here to discuss something with you. Something that’s also beneficial to the slum.” [Jeff]
“Oh?” [Grandpa]

At those words, the man looked at me.

“A pleasure to meet you, my name is Ryouma Takebayashi.” [Ryouma]
“You don’t need those manners here. I’m Ribble, the boss of Gimuru’s slum. Jeff introduced you, so you’re probably trustworthy, but I’ll warn you just in case. You can’t just do whatever you want here. And if we can maintain a good relationship, then we’ll also be grateful to you.”

The moment he said those words, he gave off a strong aura of intimidation. I guess it’s just what you’d expect from a boss.

“Of course. I also don’t want any unnecessary hostility.” [Ryouma]

When I said that, Ribble-san snorted and laughed while broadly grinning.

“Looks like you didn’t get scared… Good guts, kid.” [Ribble]
“Ain’t that obvious? He’s someone I acknowledge, you know?” [Jeff]
“I see. Well, what is that beneficial discussion of yours?” [Ribble]
“I’ll explain.” [Ryouma]

It’s my store, so the one who should talk is me, right? As I thought that, I explained.

“I see. You don’t want the tamer guild to butt in, so you want to hire some people from the slums. That’s certainly beneficial. Since you’re going to be providing a place of work, and moreover, salary high enough to make a living, then I don’t have any problems. As long as you pay them properly, you can take whoever you want. As for us, it’s enough for us to have another person allocating materials and food.” [Ribble]

Well, this discussion wrapped up unexpectedly fast. I thought he’d take a referral fee too, but… I guess Jeff-san’s introduction had an effect? In any case, what’s important now is to find a trustworthy slave magic user that I can hire.

After that, we left Ribble-san’s home, and went over to an acquaintance of Jeff-san who knows how to use slave magic. On the way, Jeff-san called over two kids and asked them to call someone over.

After a while, we arrived at a house. Jeff-san walked over to its door, and violently knocked.

“Hey! Old Caulkins! You’re here, right!? Come out!” [Jeff]

Right now, Jeff-san looks like a debt collector… As I thought that, the door slammed open, and a thin man middle-aged man, who looks like his withering, came out. He feels like a salary man who just went through his company’s restructuring.

“Shut up Jeff! Even if you don’t bang on door that much, I can hear you!” [Caulkins]
“There’ve been to many times when I called you, and you didn’t come out!” [Jeff]
“It’s your fault, since you had to come while I was in the middle of my research!” [Caulkins]
“Like hell it is!” [Jeff]
“What could someone like you who has never researched understand? Researching is like diving into a deep sea of thought, and just like bubbles, you have to pursue the ideas before they disappear. There’s no way I’d have the free time to deal with other things, during that!” [Caulkins]
“It’s because you don’t think about other things like that, that you ended up bankrupt because of your fruitless research!” [Jeff]
“Ugu… There’s nothing I can say to that… forget it, what’s your business?” [Caulkins”
“I came here to bring you a job offer as a slave magic user.” [Jeff]

When the man named Caulkins heard that, his eyes twinkled.

“A job? Me? A job as a slave magic user?” [Caulkins]
“Yeah, the boss is Ryouma over here.” [Jeff]

At those words, Caulkins finally noticed me.

“A pleasure to meet you, my name is Ryouma Takebayashi.” [Ryouma]
“Excuse me, I showed you something unsightly. Are you the client? Moreover, the client who wants me as a slave magic user…?” [Caulkins]
“For the meantime, let us inside, old man.” [Jeff]

At Jeff-san’s words, Caulkins scratched his head as realization hit him. Entering the house, the atmosphere became gloomy. The house had one room, with one magic stone for light, and one cloth at a corner which is probably used as an alternative to a proper futon.

Without even a chair, we had to talk while sitting on the ground.

“And? What kind of work do you want me to do? It’s sad, but unfortunately, I can’t really call myself exceptional as a slave magic user. And since I can’t tame strong magical beasts, I didn’t have a choice but leave that line of work and become a researcher instead. In other words, I’m just a guy obsessed with his research. I really don’t know if I can meet your expectations, since it seems you want me as a slave magic user. I think I could do something if it’s research though.” [Caulkins]
“Research? What kind of research?’ [Ryouma]

When I said that, he replied like this in a self-depreciating manner.

“It’s the theme of the last research I was given at the place I worked at a long time ago… it has to do with slimes.” [Caulkins]

Slime!?

“Really!?” [Ryouma]
“Yeah, but without any results, I ended up getting fired. Although more than 10 years had already passed, I still have some lingering affection for it and am still………………… Why are your eyes sparkling?” [Caulkins]

While Caulkins was feeling worthless, he couldn’t help but ask that, when he saw my expression.

“You know, when people hear that I’m researching slimes, I normally get thought of as an idiot, you know? Even in the lab, you get treated as someone who isn’t doing anything. In fact, it’s the kind of job the higher-ups give you, when they want to get rid of you. It was like that for me. So why is it that your eyes are sparkling?” [Caulkins]
“Because I’m also a researcher. And I research slimes.” [Ryouma]
“What!?” [Caulkins]

After that, we were speechless for a moment as we stared into each other’s eyes………… then eventually, we grasped each other’s hands, and exchanged a hard handshake.

“Comrade!” [Caulkins]
“Senpai!” [Ryouma]
“What just happened in those few seconds!?” [Jeff]
“Eh, just now, something, like this…” [Ryouma]
“An outsider wouldn’t understand. It’s the kind of happiness that researchers feel when they meet another researcher who is researching the same topic that they are.” [Caulkins]
“True, I definitely don’t get it.” [Jeff]

At this point, we suddenly heard a knock.

“There’s another customer? Today’s pretty noisy, huh?” [Caulkins]

Caulkins stood up, and went to the door to open it. When he did so, there were two people, a man and a woman, standing there.

“Caulkins-san? We heard that if we went here we would be able to get a job. Is it true?” [Woman]
“I didn’t think a job as a slave magic user would actually come, so I quickly came!” [Man]
“Robelia, Tony, so you were also informed? That’s right, a client who’s looking for slave magic users came. Moreover, he’s a comrade of ours!” [Caulkins]
“Comrade?” [Robelia]
“You mean to say…” [Tony]
“For the meantime, come in!” [Caulkins]

As Caulkins-san said that, he pulled the two inside, then closed the door.

After that, I greeted the two, and introduced myself to them.

First, the man amongst the two is currently 23 years old. Apparently, he is an exceptional slave magic user, but because of jealousy, his boss and his colleagues took advantage of his honest nature, and pushed the scandal and failure of an experiment to him. With him taking responsibility, he ended up demoted. He was then ordered to research slimes, and after not being able to bring results, he was fired.

I asked him why he’s not taking other jobs when he’s so exceptional, but it turns out, he’s also being watched by Matthew, and is being kept from taking jobs. Matthew used the tamer guild’s network, and destroyed his reputation as a slave magic user by telling others of his incompetence. Because of that, he wouldn’t able to get a job as a slave magic user even if he went to another town. He is currently a day laborer at a mine.

As for the woman, her name is Robelia, and she’s 25 years old. She became a researcher for the same reason Caulkins-san became one. But then, she was sexually harassed by a superior. And because she had solely been pursuing research, she was not accustomed to men, causing her to accidentally spur her slave monsters. Her slave monsters weren’t strong, so at most they were just threatening. Only, they ended up cutting her superior. That superior played innocent and demoted Robelia, where she was then made to research slimes. After some time she was fired. Currently she works at a brothel, three times a week.

After that, I introduced myself and talked about the details of the job. When they heard that, their eyes sparkled. By the way, while I was explaining to them, I brought a cleaner slime from my ‘Dimension Home’ to show them.

Actually, in order to keep myself clean, I always keep a cleaner slime with me in my ‘Dimension Home’. I first showed them the cleaner slime’s shower. Then, having shown them that it’s safe, I let them try it out next.

“Who would have thought that there would be a slime like this? This kind of slime really suits a laundromat. By the way, do you mind if I research during my free time?” [Caulkins]
“We’ll make those guys who look down on slime research take back their words!” [Robelia]
“Matthew still hasn’t realized the value of this, right? To have this opportunity to be able to shock that Matthew… let me do it, no, please let me do it!” [Tony]
“Please let us work for you!!” [All three of them]

Having been told that with enough vigor to make me back of a bit… these guys will definitely not turn on me for Matthew. If it’s like this, I think I can trust them. Although, now, I’m kind of hesitant to hire them for a different reason, but… whatever. To begin with, I really shouldn’t speak for others, and besides, they won’t betray me, so isn’t it fine?

Also, they kind of have the same objective as me, who wants the views of those who look down on slimes. But, the only ones I can fully trust right now are Karla-san and the others. Should I have them watch over these guys? Hmm… but rather than that…

“Is it alright with your jobs?” [Ryouma]
“I don’t have any job right now. I already finished my contract a few days ago, and I don’t know when the next job is coming, so I’m actually a bit troubled.” [Caulkins]
“As for me, I’m originally a day laborer, so I don’t have any problems.” [Tony]
“Regarding my work at the brothel, all it takes for me to end it is a few words. And even though I call it a brothel, all I’m really doing is borrowing the place, and paying them a part of my income. There’s no other contract.” [Robelia]

“Then, can you three compute?” [Ryouma]
“Of course we can do it!!” [All three of them]
“Then in that case, please come work for me at my store. The location of the second store hasn’t been decided yet, so for the moment, please work to learn the ropes. What should we do for your lodging? Are you guys going to live here, or would you like to live at the store?” [Ryouma]
“Live at your store!” [All three of them]
“Then we’ll do that… I have something I want to talk to you guys regarding the store… Jeff-san, is there a clothes shop somewhere around here?” [Ryouma]

These guys’ clothes are too shabby. Even if I have the cleaner slimes clean them, the holes won’t be fixed. If they work like this I’ll be troubled. And in this world, uniforms aren’t used except for high class stores. Most stores just generally use civilian clothes. My store is the same.

So because of that, I had Jeff-san and Robelia-san go to a nearby clothes shop to buy several clothes. For Robelia, while it wasn’t anything extravagant, she did have some clothes that could be used for work. However, because it wasn’t the kind of attire that you’d wear in a laundromat, I still had her go buy some. No one else was privy to women’s work clothes, so we had to let her choose for herself.

During that time, I went to the town, and let Carm-san know that I’d already decided on the new hires. 

The next day.

I went to the store before opening time.

“Good morning, everyone.” [Ryouma]
“Good morning, Boss!” [Carm & Karla]
“Good morning!” [Everyone else]
“Thank you for yesterday. Thanks to you guys, I was able to rest well.” [Ryouma]
“That’s great.” [Marie]
“Overworking is bad for your health, so please take care of yourself.” [Karla]
“Boss, you’re working too hard, you know? When we heard how much you’ve been working, we were shocked.” [Li Ling]
“You actually built this store in 10 days. That’s just crazy. If you keep up that pace, you’ll die early, you know?” [Fei]
“I’ll be careful.” [Ryouma]
“Please do so.” [Karla]
“Even if the Boss acts like an adult, he’s still a kid after all.” [Jeanne]
“Even if you’re an adult, it’s not good to push yourself.” [Fina]

Looks like I caused my employees to worry. But actually, thanks to them being here, I didn’t push myself that much. Still, I’m grateful that they were worried over me.

Because of that, I was quite happy. And so, I gave them my thanks, then I headed to the kitchen.

“Celma-san, are you here?”
“Is there anything you need, Boss?” [Celma]

When I got to the kitchen, the only cook of this store, Celma, was there. Our cook seems to be making some kind of soup. Seeing me, Celma-san stopped stirring, and walked towards me.

“Yesterday, I rested and I went out of the town for a bit. During that time, I managed to hunt some game, and so I thought I’d bring those back as souvenirs. I drained its blood right after killing it, then I froze it, so its quality should be good.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I took out the meat from my ‘Item Box’.

“My, my, thank you very much. This is… horn rabbit, right? Please put this in the fridge for now, I’ll serve it to everyone during lunch.” [Celma]
“Thank you.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I went to put all of the meat in the fridge.

“Ara, ara, there’s quite a lot, huh?” [Celma]
“It’s because I was able to spot a herd of them.” [Ryouma]
“I’m really glad that we have this refrigerator. It’s really convenient.” [Celma]
“Really? I mean, it certainly is convenient, but…” [Ryouma]

I have to put up the barrier once every day, so it’s actually quite annoying. If I became better at barrier magic, then the duration of the barrier would also increase, but… well, it is better now that when I’d first using it, where each barrier only lasted for an hour.

“It is! It’s really convenient! Normally, when there’s an ingredient that I won’t be able to use immediately, I’d be left with no option other than to just throw it away! Vegetables are one thing, but as for meat, I really have to throw them away immediately! It’s easy for it to go bad during hot days, and summer, but then, there’s also the fact that it’s to get sick from it. But with this refrigerator, even if I have plenty of ingredients, even if its meat, I can put them away, and use them for tomorrow. Like this, not only will I not waste food, we can also save money!” [Celma]
“Ah, now that you mention it… When I was in the forest, I hunted when I needed to eat, and before the excess meat went bad, I gave them to the slimes. So I guess I forgot about that.” [Ryouma]
“The slimes are also quite convenient. They eat the trash and the bones for me. They’ve really helped me a lot.” [Celma]

We chatted like that for a bit, then I put up the barrier for the fridge again. After which, I left the kitchen.

When I got out, Karla-san seemed to have some business with me, as she called me.

“You want to increase the number of employees?” [Ryouma]
“The current number is enough for now, but when our branches start to increase we’ll have a problem if we only start raising new employees then. At the very least, couldn’t we start raising up a manager, or someone who will become a key player in the store?” [Karla]
“That’s true… I don’t have any objections regarding that. In the end, I’ll have to leave it to Carm-san and the others to raise new employees. But the thing is, in our store the biggest problem is the slave magic user. To our store, cleaner slimes are indispensable, which means slave magic users are also needed. So the problem is, how are we going to hire a trustworthy slave magic user, who won’t run off with the slimes or smuggle them?” [Ryouma]

“Normally you’d go to the tamer guild for that, but… Right now, the tamer guild is a suspect, so…” [Karla]
“Right… regarding that, there hasn’t been any problem, has there?” [Ryouma]
“None. No one has come since then. But I don’t think they’re going to give up after just one failure.” [Karla]
“… For the meantime, let’s be careful. I’ll try thinking about the slave magic user. As for your side, I don’t mind if you add some people you appraise highly.” [Ryouma]
“Thank you very much.” [Karla]

After that, I left the store, and decided to go to the abandoned mine. On the way, I met Jeff-san. Today, he isn’t wearing any armor, and he also doesn’t have his spear with him. He walked over to where I am, while he stuffed his cheeks with skewered meat. Is it his day off?

“Oomph! Mmm… *gulp, isn’t that Ryouma?” [Jeff]
“Good morning, Jeff-san. Is it your day off today?” [Ryouma]
“I’m just tired because I’ve been fighting every day. Are you working today?” [Jeff]
“I’m going to the abandoned mine to run my rounds.” [Ryouma]
“By abandoned mine, you mean the place where we hunted?” [Jeff]
“Yes. I’ve become the manager of that place. So I have to patrol it at fixed intervals, and make sure that no magical beasts are making a nest out of it.” [Ryouma]

“You were doing a job like that? You’re an adventurer, a laundromat, and a manager, aren’t you busy?” [Jeff]
“Well, I’ve already left the laundromat to my employees, so I don’t have anything to do right now. I can also rest freely as an adventurer. And it’s not like I actually have to act as a manager for the mine every day. So until the store expands, I won’t be busy.” [Ryouma]
“Then I guess it’s fine, but… Oh, right. Want some? I’ll treat you.” [Jeff]

As Jeff-san said that, he took out his bag of skewered meat.

“Then, I’ll take one stick… Mn!” [Ryouma]

When I took a bite, what I tasted wasn’t herb or salt, but rather the stinging taste of seasoned meat. In this world, things like sugar and spices are expensive. Because of that, salt is generally the only ingredient used to make food taste better. But… this is delicious! It feels like it’s lacking in some parts, but… nevertheless, this is good!

“It’s delicious!” [Ryouma]
“Right? I bought it from that cart over there. They used a little bit of spice, so it’s a little expensive, but it’s delicious. There’s a plaza over there, so go take a seat and try tasting some.” [Jeff]

I followed Jeff-san, and entered a side street. The place we went to, was a plaza with a bench and a well. I took a seat on the bench as I observed the area. It’s kind of like a park.

“Didn’t you just start a new store? And now, you’re already thinking of starting another one?” [Jeff]
“It’s because the guild master of the merchant guild and my employees told me to think about it. It’s not like I’m planning to start one right away… besides, there’re some problems.” [Ryouma]
“What? Is there something bothering you?” [Jeff]

“The new shop is going to be at a different town, because of that I’ll end up having to travel frequently. But in order to make my store, it’s important for there to be someone who can manage the slimes.” [Ryouma]
“That’s not something you should worry about. Just go the tamer guild.” [Jeff]
“Well the guild master of the tamer guild seems to be hostile to me, so he might do something strange. In fact, there were some thugs who were paid to make a mess in my store… The guard I employed, managed to stop them, but we think the one who hired those thugs is the guild master of the tamer guild.” [Ryouma]
“You, did you do something bad?” [Jeff]

“Nothing in particular. I just went to register with the duke family’s young lady… and so from the looks of things, he dislikes me for having a close relationship with the duke’s household, despite me being like this.” [Ryouma]
“Ahh… so it’s that kind of guy. Those kinds who brandish their position and connections are such a pain.” [Jeff]
“Indeed. Moreover, he’s the kind of guy who doesn’t care about people below him. Putting it bluntly, he’s not someone who can be trusted. There’s no way I’d hire someone from the guild of a man like that.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I bit into my skewered meat. Jeff-san finished his own set, and as he brought out a second set, he said this.

“Then in that case, I have a suggestion.” [Jeff]
“Really?” [Ryouma]
“Yeah! I’m not good at stuff that involves one’s head, as I can’t do anything else aside from fighting. Because of that, I can’t help you out when it comes to business and stuff, but when it comes to people, then that’s a different story. If you don’t want to hire someone from the tamer guild, then how about hiring someone from the slums?” [Jeff]
“Someone from the slums, huh?’ [Ryouma]

“That’s right. The people from the slums are poor, but it’s not like they can’t do anything. I’m also someone who used to be from the slums, but I’m living as an adventurer now, right? In the same way, I know many people who can use slave magic.

There are all sorts in the slums. There are people who are useless, and then, there are also those who are too skilled, was conspired against, and ended up in the slums. Isn’t it fine if you hire those kind of guys?

This town is a mining town, so there’re more jobs here compared to other towns. So, while it’s not possible to live comfortable, people aren’t being driven into a corner either. Because of that, there aren’t many who would commit a crime. And there are actually plenty who can be considered decent people. And more than anything, these people have a strong sense of camaraderie with those who’ve also come from the slums. Unless you do what the public office did, and try to drive down the salary, I don’t think they’ll betray you.

The people of the slum also want a stable life. That’s why, if you want to hire, then you can hire immediately. As for whether you can form a trusting relationship, well that depends on you.” [Jeff]

Is this what you call, having the scales fall from your eyes? Now that he mentions it, the guild is more of something like an agency. As long as you have an intermediary, then it doesn’t matter. I can look for people by myself, and put them through the merchant guild instead.

“Try thinking about it. Once you’ve made up your mind, I’ll act as your middleman. Even till now, my face is still useful around the slums, you know?” [Jeff]
“Thank you very much. I’ll think about it.” [Ryouma]

As I said that, I finished eating my skewered meat. I give my thanks to Jeff-san, and head towards the abandoned mine. On the way, I thought about the discussion we just had.

It’s not bad, right? Rheinbach-sama also employed the slum people to clean the latrine pits. So at the very least, they’re not unhireable, and there’s also the possibility that there might be someone trustworthy there.

While I was thinking that, I reached the abandoned mine. I immediately set off to start the production of waterproof cloths. I didn’t have any problem even with 50, so I guess I can do 70 today.

I fix the cloth on the workbench, then I leave it to the sticky slimes.

When that ended, I started the training. The sticky slimes, poison slimes, acid slimes, and scavenger slimes are all fine, but… it doesn’t seem like the bloody slime is made for combat. Because its body is closer to liquid than the others, its attacks have absolutely no power behind it. It doesn’t have any abilities for fighting either… and because its movements are so slippery, its first movement is fast, so it looks like it can at least run, but… is this something to be happy about? For the meantime, I guess I’ll spend some time observing it.” [Ryouma]

Then, there’s the metal slime and the iron slime. They’re both hard, but because I’ve only just recently tamed them, they’re still not able to move their bodies well. Turning their body into a tentacle also seems to be impossible for them… If they were able to, then I could’ve made them harden along with it and do all sorts of things, but… yeah, I guess I’ll also have to spend some time with these guys.

As for the earth slimes and the dark slime, they’re all able to use magic.

The earth slimes can use ‘Rock’, ‘Break Rock’ and a currently still weak ‘Earth Needle’.

As for the dark slime, it can cause its surrounding to become darker with ‘Darkness’, and it can also shoot out a ball of darkness with ‘Dark Ball’. It’s something I rarely use, but it’s a kind of magic that sucks out one’s life force. Even if you say ‘suck’ though, it won’t replenish your life. The magic that can accomplish that, is a mid-level magic called ‘Drain’.

These guys also move like normal slimes. So I’ll have them train their magic, then I’ll have them train their movements a bit, afterwards, I guess I could let them take the role of a gunner?

It’s also essential to have some live combat experience when using attack magic, so yeah… these guys will also take some time.

I’ve already confirmed that the earth slimes can use ‘Rock’ and ‘Break Rock’, so I guess I’ll try teaching them ‘Create Block’.

As I tried to teach them that, they were able to do it after several tries. I was a bit surprised at their learning speed, but I think it’s good that they learn fast.

As for the dark slime… I guess I’ll have it practice the ‘Dark ball’? I’m also not that well-versed at dark magic, so… I guess I’ll train alongside it.

After that, while letting the cloths dry, I trained with the earth slimes, and at the same time, we also made some building stones. I had the newly made building stones be carried into a tunnel for safekeeping. I’ll use them when I make a house next time.

And then, just like usual, when the cloths finished drying, I retrieved it, and left. When I got back to the lodging, I visited the duke’s room.

“Welcome. Ryouma-san.” [Elia]
“You came.” [Rheinbach]
“Is there something?” [Rheinhart]
“There was something I wanted to discuss for a bit.” [Ryouma]
“Oh? What is it?” [Rheinbach]

I talked about what I’d discussed today with Jeff-san. Hearing that, they seemed to think it wasn’t a bad idea.

I don’t mind if you hire the slum people. That is, if you can trust them. But then, you do have an intermediary, so as long as that guy is trustworthy, then I don’t think there’ll be any problem.” [Rheinbach]
“Even if it’s a little, like this, the slum’s job prospects will also increase, so I’m a little happy. Only, I think it’s better if you stick with the guild. It may not be illegal, but because of how money you’re making, it wouldn’t be strange for people to try to find some dirt on you. At that time, the less holes you have, the better.” [Rheinhart]
“That’s certainly true. But, could I pass it through the merchant guild, instead of the tamer guild?” [Ryouma]

As I said that, pondering, the madam smiled at me and said this.

“Don’t worry, it’s fine. After all, even though you’re also registered as a slave magic user, you’re also registered as a merchant, right? Moreover, this might be poor of me to say, but the people of the slum are most likely people who wouldn’t accept jobs from the tamer guild.

Just like Ryouma-kun, they too, only have weak slave monsters. Even if they try to tame a stronger magical beast, they can’t. Otherwise, they’d be able to get jobs from the tamer guild, and that would allow their lifestyle to improve.

It’s also normal for them to look for jobs that aren’t related to slave magic, so there shouldn’t be any room for criticism.” [Madam]
“Precisely. Still, I think it’s better if you talk with the guild master of the merchant guild first. That way, everything can proceed without a hitch.” [Rheinbach]

That’s true. Alright!

“Then, I’ll go to the merchant guild tomorrow.” [Ryouma]

With that, we came to a conclusion. After that, I drank some black tea for a while, while I asked them about the tamer guild’s criterion, then afterwards, I left the room.

Apparently, the current tamer guild considers the power of the magic beast that the slave magic user has contracted to be a representation of that magician’s skill.

So it doesn’t seem like they’re actually looking at actual abilities. All they’re looking at is the division of the magical beasts’ strength by referencing something that somewhat resembles an illustration book. Moreover, regardless of how many you contract, as long as it’s something weak like a slime, then they won’t value it. That is to say, 0 is 0 no matter how many times you multiply it.

All in all, what this means is that, as long as you’re able to contract with a strong beast, then you’re an expert at slave magic. If you can’t do that, then you’re bad at slave magic.

Of course, I also understand that there are people like the duke’s household, who don’t only judge a slave magic user’s ability on that, alone. But then, there’s also the fact that it takes time to train and figure out a way to use your slave monster, whereas if you’d just tamed a powerful slave monster instead, then even if you don’t train much, you’ll be able to easily gain strength. It would appear that, that kind of thinking has become popular in recent years.

Matthew is a typical man who thinks like that. And after gaining some influence, it would appear that he’s become rather wicked.

Before I went back to my room, they emphasized to me the need to be careful of Matthew. If they only had some proof of his wrongdoings, then they’d be able to do something, but without any evidence, it becomes really difficult.

Really, these guys are always saving me. I’m really grateful.

Our break ended, and we resumed the training… or so I thought we would, but apparently, our training for the day is already over.

“It’s because you two have already learned how to use ‘Sensory Link’, so all that’s left is for you two to practice on your own time. That’s why, Ryouma-kun, right now you should just leisurely spend your time while you listen to Elia’s performance. You might think that it’s just because we’re doting parents, but Elia’s performance is actually really good.” [Rheinhart]
“Performance? Why, all of the sudden?” [Ryouma]

What’s going on?

“Do you remember the discussion we had regarding the rimel birds?” [Madam]
“Yes, it’s the objective of everyone who comes here, right?” [Ryouma]
“That’s right. After all, rimel birds are agile and have the ability to use wind magic. But because of that, it’s difficult to catch one without hurting it. As a result, it’s very rare to see one. But the rimel birds are a magical beast after all, so it can be tamed!” [Madam]

I see. Since it’s possible, it makes one want to tame it… But then, what does that have to do with Elia’s performance?

“Then, does the performance have anything to do with that?” [Ryouma]
“It has plenty do with it. If you want to tame a rimel bird, then music is a must.” [Madam]

“Really?” I thought, at which Sebasu-san explained.

“A rimel bird possesses a sizeable amount of magic power inside its body, and at the same time it is highly intelligent. Because of that, if you try to tame it normally, it will simply resist, and you won’t be able to contract it.

However, a rimel bird is very sensitive to sound, and is able to differentiate its friends with a beautiful cry. Taking advantage of that behavior, one can play some music before contracting it, and if it comes to like you, then you’ll be able to make a contract with it. This is the most accepted theory when it comes to taming a rimel bird.” [Sebasu]

As expected of a different world, to actually have a method which goes beyond common sense! Seriously, you actually have to play music to tame it?

“To think that you could actually tame a magical beast that way. I didn’t know about that at all.” [Ryouma]
“Well, the probability of success is extremely low. So because of that, there are many who think this method is fake. However, aside from this, there are no other ways to contract a rimel bird. So technically, this is the method with the highest chance of success.” [Sebasu]
“With that in mind, Elia will also be performing for the rimel bird to try to tame it. That’s what the training this afternoon is for.” [Rheinhart]
“Ryouma-san, please listen to my performance. But don’t worry, even if you fall asleep, or even if you don’t listen, I won’t mind. But please don’t go back home.” [Elia]

What’s going on? If she asked me to listen, then it would have been fine. But she’s actually telling me that it’s fine even if I don’t listen as long as I don’t go home?

Then all of the sudden, Sebasu-san and the others laughed as they looked at me.

…………… Ah! You mean to tell me!!

“Looks like you noticed.” [Rheinbach]
“It’s because you’ve been working too hard without rest these past few days. So we thought we’d have you rest for a bit.” [Madam]
“Do you remember when you came to our room, when the store was about to be completed? We’ve been thinking about it a little since then. Ryouma-kun, you made a store right after completing a subjugation request. Then while hiring some employees for your store, you took some requests from the adventurer’s guild. Then, on top of all that, I heard that you’ve actually been patrolling the abandoned mine and creating water proof cloths. You haven’t been able to properly rest, right? There was even that incident yesterday. You’ll most likely become even busier from now on in order to deal with that. So we thought we’d have you rest today under the pretext of training your slave magic.” [Rheinhart]

“When we told your employees to let you take rest, they cheerfully agreed.” [Sebasu]
“When did you…?” [Ryouma]

I didn’t notice at all.

“We’ll be properly watching you today. And we definitely won’t let you work, Ryouma-kun.” [Madam]
“You may not be able to rest your mind like this, but even if it’s by force, if you don’t rest your body, you might break it. So from now on, even if it’s by force, as long as you work like this, I’ll be taking you to my house.” [Rheinbach]
“Sorry for making you worry.” [Ryouma]
“You may not be overworking yourself, but if a normal person were to continue with the kind of workload you’re putting on yourself, they would surely break. You also just might not be aware that you’re pushing yourself, so be careful.” [Rheinhart]
“So with that in mind, we’ll be having Ryouma-san rest today. Then, I’ll start my performance now.” [Elia]

Elia’s being unusually pushy today… or maybe she actually normally like this? … But then again, I guess you could also say that she’s just innocent.

While I was thinking that, Elia took a violin from Sebasu-san, and started playing. Looks like there’s also a violin in this world. Though it’s also possible that an otherworlder brought it here.

As Elia began to play, I listened.

Elia’s performance was good. And because it was such a calm tune, I was able to relax.

When Elia finished playing, she asked me what I thought of it..

“Ryouma-san, how was it?” [Elia]
“It was good. Very much.” [Ryouma]

This isn’t flattery. I also used to play a guitar back in my previous life, but I don’t think I was able to play it as well she did her violin. Then again, we can’t really be compared, since the instrument is different. But even though I’m not that acquainted with music, I think her performance was great.

I only gave her my simple impressions, but Elia looks happy. And so, like that, Elia continued to play, while I enjoyed the amiable company of Rogue and the slimes, caressing them, as we passed the time.

While I was caressing the three slimes I’d just recently caught, I let them absorb a little bit of my magic power. While I was doing that, one of them reacted. Seeing that I couldn’t help but exclaim. Because of that, Elia stopped playing and walked over to me. The others too.

“Ah!? It came!” [Ryouma]
“What did!?” [Elia]
“Ryouma-kun, what is it all of the sudden?” [Rheinhart]
“What’s happening?” [Rheinbach]
“The slime is evolving!” [Ryouma]

At those words, everyone gathered around the slime I was caressing. That slime was shaking just like that time with the iron slime. Then it stopped, and then it began to release and absorb magic power.

When the slime’s body began to change color, everyone held their breaths as they curiously stared at the slime.

When the slime’s body turned light brown, the evolution ended. When I checked the slime with ‘Monster Identify’.

Earth Slime
Skills
Earth Magic Lv2
Earth Attribute Resistance Lv8
Earth Magic Absorption Lv1
Jump Lv1
Digestion Lv3
Absorption Lv3
Split Lv1

The slime became an earth magician! Experiment, success!

“Ryouma-san, what did it turn into?” [Elia]
“It became an Earth Slime. A slime that can use Earth Magic.” [Ryouma]
“Oh? That’s a rare slime.” [Rheinbach]
“Ryouma-kun, the earth slime is a rare slime. Exactly how were you able to make it evolve like that?” [Rheinhart]

Since they asked me like that, I told them. When they heard how to, Elia and the madam tried it out, but they couldn’t do it.

They weren’t able to release magic power while changing its attribute. Whenever they tried to, they ended up casting magic.

From the looks of things, in order to release magic power with a different attribute, you need to have the ability to delicately manipulate magic. My ‘Magic Manipulation’ skill is at Lv4 so it was possible for me, but it wasn’t for the Madam and the Ojousama.

Elia, seemingly mortified, stopped practicing her music, and began practicing her control of magic.

Looks like after she learns the ‘Magic Manipulation’ skill, she’ll try again.

During that time, I fed the other two slimes with magic power, and they also evolved.

With this, I have two earth slimes, while the other slime evolved into a dark slime.

Dark Slime
Skills
Dark Magic Lv2
Dark Attribute Resistance Lv8
Dark Magic Absorption Lv1
Jump Lv1
Digestion Lv3
Absorption Lv3
Split Lv1

After that, I started caressing the slimes again when I neared my magic power’s limit.

It was at such a time that for some reason, the crew bird flew and found a herd of horn rabbits. Seeing that, I decided to hunt the horn rabbits and bring them back as thanks to the people from the shop.

Rheinhart-san, Elia, and the others also came to help me.

I started off by taking out my bow, and shooting them. Then I drove them towards where the slimes, Rheinhart-san, and the rest were waiting. Like this, we were able to easily end the hunt.

After that, I had the bloody slime drain its blood, then I asked Elia to freeze it with her ice magic. Next, I put up a barrier and an anti-barrier on a box that Rheinbach-sama had made with earth magic. We put the spoils in there, then I hid it in my ‘Item Box’. Speaking of which, I wonder if I should change the name ‘Anti-Cold Barrier’ into ‘Cold-Retention Barrier’. After all, since improving the magic it’s already become quite different from before.

While I was thinking that, I went back to Elia’s group, returned the crew bird into the bird cage, and released the contract.

The madam told me that it was fine for me to take it with me, but I politely refused her. It’s true that it’s convenient, but it’s not a problem for me even if I can’t see things from the sky. If it does become necessary, I could just catch one myself.

After that, it was almost time to go home. But because I used up too much magic power, I ended up falling asleep while on the carriage. When we got back to the lodging, I opened my eyes, but… I wonder if it’s because I ran out of magic power. Or maybe I just hadn’t noticed it and the fatigue had actually been piling up. In any case, I went back to my room, and like that, I retired for the day.