Jigglypuff's Diary

I was speechless when I saw the flock of rimel birds flying. The sight of the rimel birds spreading their wings and fluttering their tails, with the mine as their back drop, as they descended down to the swamp, was so beautiful that I even forgot to breathe.

As they descended, each one of them went after the grell frogs to feed on. It feels like there’s a bit more of them compared to before, but it doesn’t feel like they came here for revenge. 

For the meantime it doesn’t feel like there’s any danger, however, one of the birds within that flock has been staring at me this entire time. It’s the nightmare variant from before. That bird’s been staring at me all this time without eating anything. It hasn’t even moved its gaze from me once. I wonder if it’s cautious because of what happened before.

I noticed from behind me that Elia had already taken her musical instrument from Sebasu-san. Hmm… I might actually get in the way if I stay here.

“Rheinhart-san” [Ryouma]
“What is it?” [Rheinhart]
“I’ll take my leave for a moment. That higher variant from before has been looking at me all this time, so I might get in Elia’s way if I’m…” [Ryouma]
“I don’t mind.” [Elia]

As I was talking, Elia interjected.

“One must tame a magical beast while facing it. For me to actually blame my failure just because Ryouma-san is here… what an absurd excuse. I won’t say something like that.” [Elia]

Different from her normal aura, right now Elia was emanating an aura full of dignity.

“Moreover, I would like Ryouma-san to watch me while I tame. So please stay there. It’s really reassuring to have you here, Ryouma-san.” [Elia]

Said Elia as she showed me her usual smile.

… Well if you tell me something like that, then there’s no way I’d be able to leave.

“I understand. Do your best.” [Ryouma]
“I will!” [Elia]

After words of encouragement naturally left my lips, I went behind Elia.

Elia took a deep breath several times, then she began her performance.

Just like before, Elia played a calm and comfortable melody. Her piece started quietly, and then gradually it became stronger and stronger. The notes she played changed like the ever changing size of the sea’s waves.

But whether it was strong or soft, the notes echoed clearly throughout the marshland without pause.

The rimel birds began to sway from left to right as they matched the song. Their behavior a far cry from their reaction to the two men before.

Elia’s music continued like that, and eventually it ended calmly.

“…” [Elia]

Elia nervously looked at the rimel birds. But the next instant, all of the rimel birds simultaneously started chirping.

This sound was different from their mocking chirps from before. Right now, their voices resounded like pianos and harps. It wasn’t noise, no. Far from that, their echoing voices were like a musical performance.

That performance continued for a minute, and eventually a beautiful rimel bird flew towards Elia, with 8 more following from behind.

When Elia saw that, she was petrified.

“Elia! The contract! Contract them!” [Ryouma]
“Right!” [Elia]

Elia, having seemingly forgotten, began to contract the rimel birds one after another at my words. From the looks of things, it looks like she was able to successfully tame them.

As Elia finished, she began to contract the last rimel bird, the most beautiful of them all. When she succeeded, she shouted cheers of happiness.

“I did it!” [Elia]
“Good job!” [Rheinhart]
“You did well.” [Rheinbach]
“That’s great, Elia.” [Madam]
“Congratulations.” [Ryouma]
“Congratulations, Ojousama.” [Sebasu]

Elia was able to tame 9 rimel birds in total. Just taming one should’ve been difficult, and yet… Who could’ve thought that she would actually be able to tame so many?

“Please look at all these pretty children I’ve tamed!” [Elia]

Surrounded by the rimel birds, Elia was in high spirits as she caressed the rimel birds while she crouched. The rimel birds also seemed to have become emotionally attached as you can even see some standing on her knees and on her shoulders.

It’s sad that when I saw that, I was reminded of the scene of opening a bag of bird feeds, and all the birds crowding over it. Really, why am I remembering something so useless, when I’m seeing such a touching scene like this?

In fact, this scene is so touching you could paint it, and name it, “The Frolicking Beauty and the Flock of Birds.”

I guess it’s only natural to think that though. Well then, should I try to ride on this flow, and try it for myself?

As I brought out my guitar from my ‘Item Box’, Elia looked at me, as if she had just suddenly been woken up.

“Ryouma-san, is that a musical instrument? You’re also going to tame?” [Elia]
“I’m not as good as you, but I thought I’d try just like you did.” [Ryouma]
“Please do your best!” [Elia]
“Do your best, Ryouma-kun” [Rheinhart]
“We’re expecting good news.” [Rheinbach]

As everyone encouraged me, I did my preparations. And just like Elia, I took a deep breath.

To tell you the truth, I haven’t really properly learned the guitar. I just happened to receive an instructional book and a guitar from a neighbor when he decided to move. Apparently, he didn’t need it anymore. So I played the guitar from time to time to pass the time, while I learned the chords from the book. I just played it because I felt like it, that’s all.

And although I may not be comparable to Elia’s skill, I’ll do my best.

And so, the sound of the guitar echoed throughout the marshland. My choice of piece is something I heard from the TV in my previous world. I didn’t buy the sheets or anything, I just learned it by intuition and practice. In fact, it’s probably already completely different from the original piece.

But even then, I don’t mind.

My music isn’t that good, but it’s not that bad either. And while I’m not really all that confident about this, I still think it’s better for me to play it cheerfully.

And so, just like with Elia’s, the rimel birds also began to sway.

Did they come to like it? It’s kind of interesting seeing them like this.

When the piece ended, the rimel birds quietly stood, unmoving, for a few seconds. And then, just like before, they began chirping as if they were singing.

Afterwards, six rimel birds flew over. But what was surprising was that one of them was the higher variant from before. Wasn’t it cautious of me?

“Ryouma-san, contract them!” [Elia]

Oops, I also got stupefied there for a bit.

I quickly tamed them all, one after another. And without any hitch, I was able to succeed.

“Fuu… Success.” [Ryouma]

At my words, applause and congratulations erupted from the people around me.

“Congratulations, Ryouma-san!” [Elia]
“It’s good that you were both able to succeed.” [Rheinhart]
“Congratulations, Ryouma-sama.” [Sebasu]
“You did it, young master.” [Zeff]
“Even though taming rimel birds is supposed to be very difficult, you two did really well to manage taming several of them!” [Madam]

As the madam said that, everyone’s eyes moved towards the rimel birds we had caught. The nightmare rimel bird I had and Elia’s prettiest bird seemed to get along, as they flew through the sky and jumped on the earth.

That rimel bird is really pretty. The six I’d caught are also pretty, but that one is even prettier as some parts of its color feels like it’s shining.

Sebasu-san, seeming to have realized something, said this.

“… Ojousama, Ryouma-sama, how about calling those two over and using ‘Monster Identify’ on them?” [Sebasu]

Elia was a bit puzzled, but she immediately called hers over and used ‘Monster Identify’ on it. When she called hers back, mine also came back, but it parked itself on my head. Why my head? Oh well, it’s not like its heavy so whatever.

“Eh!?” [Elia]

While I was minding the bird on my head, Elia let out a shocked voice.

“What’s wrong?” [Ryouma]
“This child isn’t a rimel bird! It’s a higher class!” [Elia]

What!? Wasn’t the higher variant of the rimel bird only seen once in 10 years!?

“Really!? Its color is different from mine, but…” [Ryouma]
“Yes, but it’s not a nightmare rimel bird. This rimel bird is called, Phantom Rimel Bird. And it doesn’t use dark magic, but light magic instead.” [Elia]
“There was something like that?” [Ryouma]

I just thought it was strange, but Sebasu-san and the others were speechless because of shock. After they came back to their sense, they seemed so happy that they looked like they’d toss Elia into the air as they showered her with praise.

After they had all calmed down, they explained. Apparently, the phantom rimel bird is also a higher variant of the rimel bird, but it’s even rarer than the nightmare bird as it’s only been seen once in 50 years.

Seriously!?

After that, we went to the swamp to catch some grell frogs as per Elia’s training, however, everyone’s attention was at the rimel birds. Honestly, it’s more like everyone’s already forgotten that we came here for Elia’s training.

The grell frogs are actually quite easy to catch as long as you don’t mind the smell. It’s so easy it feels like they’re losing on purpose. But because of that, we ended up catching a lot. It’s also easy because there’s no one else here aside from us. Otherwise, the struggle for the grell frogs would be harder.

After we finished catching the grell frogs, we all went out of the swamp. And then with the help of the cleaner slimes, we all cleaned ourselves… Umm, I wonder if this is ok for training. Didn’t we come here with the purpose of getting used to filth? Well Elia’s slime will also eventually turn into a cleaner slime, so I guess it’s fine?

Actually, I don’t know, but no one’s stopping it, so whatever.

Having finished our work, we were about to go home, but before we did, we rested for a bit.

The madam and Elia were both surrounded by our rimel birds. Rheinhart-san enviously looked on at that scene from a slightly distant place. I had heard that he didn’t get along with bird-type magical beasts, but who would’ve thought that just by being near them they would threaten him.

Rheinbach-sama ordered Sebasu-san to use ‘Warp’ in order to go back to the town quickly, so he could have Araune-san and the others prepare a feast.

Because of that, when our break ended, and we went back to our lodging, a sumptuous, feast with plenty of spices complemented by high class wine was waiting for us.

Naturally, it ended up becoming a banquet with me and Elia being its leading actors. And Rheinbach-san and the others praised us plenty while we ate.

As soon as Elia said she was full, she became engrossed in talking with everyone. As for me, I couldn’t help but eat everything in front of me because of my frugal spirit. I thought it’d be a waste if the food and liquor just ended up thrown away, so in the end, I ended up eating and drinking too much.

It’s been a while since I’d eaten like this… Still, it’s kind of different from my previous life.

There were also times when I drank while being surrounded like this, but it wasn’t this fun. The food from my previous life should be more delicious, but today, it feels as if the food here is more delicious. The wine too.

…Come to think of it, Tekun-sama did say that I didn’t enjoy drinking in my previous life. I guess this is what he means by enjoying drinking. Anyway, I guess I’ll pray to Tekun today.

After the banquet ended, I asked for some of the remaining high class wine to use as an offering, and then I went back to my room.

It’s my second party since coming back to this world, but unlike my previous world, the parties here are fun. Thank you. This is something I received, but please let me use this as an offering.

… Something like this? Anyway, I face the statue and bow my head, and then I decided to sleep.

I’m feeling good today, so I think I’ll be able to sleep well.

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.