Jigglypuff's Diary

~Side Ryouma~

Just like yesterday, we will also be subjugating monsters today.

Although I said I’d become independent, the truth is I’m still being spoiled by Rheinhart-san and the others. So even if it’s just a little I need to start doing my best.

There’s no problem with where I’m going to be living since I’ll be staying in the abandoned mine. As for my training and my discipline, I’ll just go with my previous life’s routine and also meditate. Aside from that there’s nothing else left except taking requests from the guild, getting along with others, and piling up my experiences in this way.

The problem is my cost of living. But it’s not like I don’t have any money. I have the reward money I got from subjugating that bandit called Melzen of the Red Spear, which totals to 700 small gold coins. And I also have the money I looted from all the bandits, which total to 40 medium gold coins. And then lastly, although it’s not much, I have the money I got from selling off the equipment of the Fang of Orbtem’s members. So for a while I should be able to live a bit luxuriously.

As for making money, if I were to accept the guild request to clean out the latrine pits. Then if I were to clean all 30 pits, I should get 3 middle silver coins, totaling to 3000 suits. For a normal guy, this should last for 30 days.

Moreover, if I were to sell the iron ingots and the water proof cloth wholesale to Serge, I should be able to make more than enough.

While I’m not particularly troubled over it, but because it seems like I’m making money too easily… and because there is high risk involved when working as an adventurer. I figured that I should also think of a different way to make money.

That method doesn’t have to be anything special or make me too much money. In fact, I would go so far as to say that as long as I can make just barely enough to get by then it would be fine.

Why? Because ever since I’ve come to this world, until I met Rheinhart-san and the others, I haven’t used a single suit to keep on living. 100 suits a day should be more than enough for use in case of emergency… and as for the rest of the time, I’ll use it to train myself.

“Ryouma-kun. Hey~, you listening~?”

Ah, no good. I got too caught up in my thoughts again…
“Sorry, I was thinking of something. Is something the matter?”
Syria-san shook her head.
“It’s not good to be distracted in the middle of a fight… is what I thought I’d say but…”
“Even though you’re not really here with us in spirit, you still managed to easily dispose a magical beast.”
Wereanna glanced at me.
“Not even a single beast came over to us, you know?”
“Ah, sorry. My body just moved by itself…”
“Eh, forget it already. Rather than that, I’d like to stop killing monsters nonchalantly while muttering something, nya. It’s really scary, nya.”
“That’s… I’m sorry.”

Was I unconsciously speaking out loud…?

Jeff-san glanced at me and asked.
“About that, Ryouma, are you having problems with your finances? You said something about living expenses so…”
“Actually…”

As I tried to talk about my situation, a male adventurer came.

“Immediately gather by the entrance of the mine! We’re having a meeting!”
Seeing the anxious adventurer, Wereanna asked.
“Did something happen!?”
“The goblins made a village in a corner of the mine. What’s more is that it’s quite big. Fortunately, no adventurers had died, but there are many G Rank adventurers who have been injured.”
“A goblin village, huh? If we don’t get rid of it quickly…”
“I’m gonna go call the others too, so you guys hurry up and gather by the entrance!!”

As he said that, the man left hurriedly. We also left hurriedly and gathered by the entrance of the mine. A lot of adventurers had already gathered there. After waiting for a while, the guild master went up on the stage that was prepared just a while ago.

“I think you’ve already heard most of the story, but I’ll explain it now! Just a while ago in the tunnel where the goblins were, we found a village in that area! Because of this we’ll be starting an operation to completely wipe out the goblins! Consider this to be a mid-scale operation! There should be around 500 goblins! In order to lessen the damages as much as possible, D Rank adventurers up will be the ones to lead. Each rank should gather together and follow orders!!”

After that the guild master finished talking and called out to me.

“Ryouma, you here?”
“I’m here.”
“Although you’re an F Rank right now, in terms of ability you’re already E Rank up. Also, this request is for your E Rank promotion, right? So although it’s a bit early, I’ll have you participate as an E Rank.”
“I Understand.”
“No one has any complaints, right?”

At guild master’s words, no one came to object. I guess it’s the effect of yesterday’s incident.

“Alright! Everyone ready yourselves! If there’s anyone of you that needs some equipment, then come over here! Once you’ve finished your preparations, go gather with your respective ranks and start the operation!”

After that, I gathered with the other E ranked adventurers and took with us the G and F ranked adventurers. Our mission is to block the path of the goblins fleeing and to kill them, making sure no one escapes.

I then entered the meeting of the E Rank. There, the leader that was elected, a female adventurer named Poly, pointed her finger at a point in the map and began explaining the operation.

A, B, C, and D ranked adventurers are going to attack the tunnel and village from both directions, sieging and breaking into it. They will kill all the goblins running away except for those going a certain direction. And the ones waiting for that certain direction are us, the E, F, and G ranked adventurers. We are hiding in wait a little distance away from where the goblins fleeing are headed to. When they get here, we will be killing every single one of them without letting anything escape.

“I believe everyone already knows this, but our mission is to lay here in wait for the fleeing goblins, and then kill them all without letting a single one escape. Also, because we’ve taken with us the F and G ranked adventurers that have no experience, we need a way to ensure their safety. If anyone has any suggestion regarding this matter, please feel free to speak up.”

Many people raised their hands and gave their suggestions. I also gave my own suggestion, which was to use the method I had applied while I was in the forest.

“It was Ryouma-kun, right? What is it?”
“Yes, I have a method when dealing with a great number of goblins. What we could do is to dig a ditch between the nest and the place where we are waiting at and then fill that ditch with acid slimes. And then…”

I took out from my item box, a long rod with a knife attached to it, making it out to be something like a scythe.

“The goblins that have come near can be dealt with, with something like this together with the acid that has been poured into the hole. As for the people from afar, they can be dealt with archery and magic. With this method, the goblins that have fallen into the hole are powerless. Only a few of them should be able to climb up, and while they’re climbing we can pierce them with our spears. And then as long as we stay wary of the goblin archers and the goblin mages we should be fine, and even the beginner adventurers will be able to fight.”

There were quite a few people that liked my idea, and from the looks of it, it seems they have taken it into consideration. They also asked questions about it, and together we were able to hammer out the details. In the end, it was decided that we will be going with my proposal.

I took with me several adventurers that can use earth magic and went to an area in our waiting point, where there were cliffs on both sides of the path. Then using earth magic, we dug a hole that was 4m long, 50m wide, and 3m deep.

Inside the ditch we had just made, holes could be seen here and there. Deep inside this hole is a hollow area. This hollow area is for the sake of hiding the nucleus of the acid slime. In order to keep the slimes from being killed in an extremely unlikely case where a goblin is able to hit their nucleus, they can hide their nucleus in here.

The slimes will extend their tentacles from inside the hole, and melt the goblins that have fallen. The acid slimes start producing acid, and after a while they were able to make a pool of acid and digestive fluids.

When we started this operation, a different group had brought our luggage. The contents of the luggage were the long rods cut out from the nearby trees, and the scythes of the cave mantis that we’ve killed.

The cave mantis’ scythe isn’t that sharp but it’s strong in its own way. Because of that we decided that it’s good enough if its purpose is just to drag the goblins down the hole. I sent an order out to the sticky slimes in my mind, and had them glue the rod and the scythe together with their sticky liquid.

We also used the earth we dug out with earth magic to create some railing on our side, so as to prevent ourselves from falling in to the hole we had just made. We also made a small tower for magicians and archers to stand on. With this, they’ll be able to shoot from quite a distance.

The small tower is quite conspicuous, so I put up an anti-physical barrier with barrier magic to protect from the goblin archers. It’s also important to note that the anti-physical barrier can only block physical attacks and magic attacks will pass through, so everyone still had to be careful of the goblin mages.

It would be great to have put up the barrier on everyone, but unfortunately I’m not that proficient at it and the strength of my barrier is still not that strong. My barrier can work against arrows, but against blunt objects, it’ll break quite easily. Also, if one were to get hit by enough arrows, the barrier might also not last either. Because of this we should put the subjugation of the goblin archers and the goblin mages at maximum priority.

The adventurers ranked F and G are responsible for subjugating the goblins near the ditch we made. As for the E Rank adventurers, they are responsible for fighting in close combat at both sides, driving the goblins down the ditch, and assuring the safety of the F and G ranked adventurers. As for me, I’m waiting right at the center of where we’re waiting for them, striking the goblins from a distance with my bow.

With this, we’ve finished our preparations, and are resting until the battle begins.

After that 1 hour passed, and the battle began.

“Everyone’s at their positions, right? It’s a bit early but the enemy is coming! Please be careful!”

At poly-san’s words we all riled ourselves up. And then after 10 minutes, the first goblins came.

“They’re here! 3 in front! And then there’s more coming from the back!”
“Roger that!!!”

After I reported that I’ve spotted them, the people around me raised their voices. The goblins also noticed us, but because their heads aren’t very good, they came at us in a straight line. The first one of the three goblins, didn’t need to be dragged down the hole and fell by itself. The second one became wary of the hole when it saw the first one fall, but then it got dragged in by the scythe-like rod of one of the adventurers. The third one tried to jump over the hole, but being unable to jump far enough, it came falling straight into the hole.

The goblins that have fallen, cried voices of suffering, but because of being spit on by the acid slimes and because they swallowed the acid, they died fairly soon and it became quiet again. Their bodies were then melted by the acid slimes.

After that, many goblins came one after another. Some of them were made to fall in the hole, while some were felled with arrow or magic. By the way, all the arrowheads I’m using have being dipped in the poison slime’s poison. Because of this even if it’s a light injury, they’ll immediately become unable to move. Like this we were able to put a stop to the attacks of the goblin archers and the goblin mages, and until now not one of us has been injured.

Because I have the Magic Detection skill I can instantly tell when the goblin mages are trying to use magic. And although they can use magic, it’s not like they’re particularly skilled at it, so their invocation is quite slow. As for me, I’m using my Magic Detection, so before they’re even able to invocate, I can shoot them down.

Until now there’s been no casualties on our side, but… what’s up with this number? There’s just too many of them. The goblins we’ve subjugated already number over 500… and on top of that, the digestion fluids of the acid slimes are failing to keep up with the body count, and the corpses are starting to pile up. It’s not a problem yet, but at this rate it will be quite troubling…

The surrounding adventurers also started to be confused.

“Isn’t something strange!?”
“True, there’s really too many of them.”
“At this rate we’ll run out of arrows!”
“My arrows are running low!”
“You there! Don’t waste the arrows!”
“Haa… Haa… why are there so many goblins… until when are they gonna keep on coming?!!”

Goblins are not strong for a magical beast, and they’re not something that’s hated either. With a stature not bigger than that of a human child’s, their power isn’t all that great. The only problem is that they possess the knowledge to use weapons. And the fact that they reproduce ludicrously fast.

Also even if their skill is bad, as long as they have something sharp and can swing it, then it’s more than dangerous enough. There’s also the fact that because there’s so many of them, it becomes rather difficult for a single person to fight them alone. As for us we have over a 100 people ourselves, according to what I‘ve heard in the meeting. But more than half of that is made up of F and G Rank adventurers. These adventurers aren’t very strong to the point where they actually find 1v1’ing a goblin quite difficult, so much so that they can actually lose. And when they do fight they are only able to take out one at a time, and have a tendency to forget their surroundings and can get hit easily when attacked from the side. Naturally, someone with that kind of ability can’t be sent out to the front lines to act as the vanguards.

Because of this, the E Rank adventurers are the ones who were made to fight in close quarters, but unfortunately, their numbers are just insufficient. And although E Rank is the level at which an adventurer is finally able to show some degree of ability, in the end it is still a beginner’s rank.

Also, it’s not like all E Rank adventurers can fight in close quarters. Depending on the person, there are people that specialize in the bow, in magic, and then there are also people that specialize in healing magic. In the end, the number of people that can fight in close quarters number only to 28. And although there are also goblins that have been felled with by arrow and magic, the people fighting as vanguards are already starting to show signs of fatigue. There are also people that have incurred some damages. Although they would come back to the front lines right after being healed, it looks like they’re already at their limit. It’s true that it was certainly possible to deal with a few goblins running away, but this number of goblins is just too much.

It’s fortunate that Poly-san hasn’t lost her calm yet, but if we don’t do something about this, it’ll be really bad.

“Poly-san should I take the front lines with my slimes? It looks like it’s going to be a long battle, so please let me take the front lines and during that time let’s allow the adventurers to rest.”
“Well that’s true. Can I entrust you with this?’
“Yes.”
“Everyone in the front lines! Right now Ryouma and his slimes will substitute with you! During this time, even if it’s just a little bit, please use this time to recover!”

I sent the sticky slimes, the poison slimes, and the scavenger slimes that were on standby to take the front lines where the goblins were. And then I also jumped down from the pedestal, then jumped over the ditch and when I got to the other side, I gave this order to the slimes.

Fight the goblins, and show me the result of all that training you’ve done until now!

When I gave that order, the slimes started trembling in excitement. And then every one of them turned a part of their body into a tentacle and faced towards the goblins coming their way.

The sticky slimes would skillfully manipulate the rod the goblins were holding, hit the goblins, knock them over, and stop their movements with their sticky liquid.

The poison slimes would pick up the spears the goblins were using, smear the spearhead with poison and pierce the goblins with it.

As for the scavenger slimes, they would slip through the opening in between the legs of the goblins, wrap their tentacles around the goblins’ feet, and topple them. When the goblins fell, they would then cling to the head. They would also slide underneath the feet of the goblins, and when stepped on they would move their body and trip the goblins.

Because their power is simply not that strong it’s not possible to beat the goblins dead, but without being killed in a 1v1 situation and through certain varying methods, the slimes were able to kill the goblins. Especially the poison slimes that were able to kill faster than the other slimes because of their poison.

While seeing that, I also fought. Since I got here on the opposite side, the goblins have been swarming.

I take out the two short swords I have by my waist. I jump at the goblins coming at me and strike at its heart, piercing it in an instant, and without stopping I pull out my sword. I then rush at another goblin and cut its carotid artery. Next, I cut a wrist of a goblin’s hand that’s holding a sword, and at the same time kick it down, and have the slimes finish it off. I dodge the spears of the goblin coming at me from behind and move behind them. Continuing that, I moved my short swords, and with them I struck at their medulla oblongata.

“Guki!?’
“Goga!”
“Gue!!”
“Giiiiii!!!”

As I killed them one by one, their guts and blood filled the air. I can hear the death throes of the goblin, but I don’t care. I continue to focus on only killing them one after another.

The goblins may have a similar figure to humans, but they are a magical beast race that has a far stronger life force than humans. Even if their stomach gets pierced, they can still live for a short while. However, that only means to say that they will last a bit longer than humans, in the end if they were to take a fatal wound, then they would still also die.

Moreover, they have one particular feature, which is something brought about because of their similarity to humans. What I’m referring to of course is their vital points. If I were to strike at their vital points, then it is possible to take them out in one hit. For example cutting off their wrists and cutting the carotid artery will cause them to bleed and incapacitate them.

As for the ogres and the trolls who are also similar to the humans it may also be possible, but I’ve never fought against them so I don’t know for sure. In any case, from what I’ve seen so far when fighting goblins, as long as I cut their vital points, they’ll bleed quickly and become unable to fight, allowing me to easily take their lives. Just like I’m doing right now. Like this, there shouldn’t be any problems with subjugating these critters.

Although there is one thing concerning, their numbers. Really, they just keep on coming and coming. Exactly how many are there of these things?

The goblins might keep on coming, but in terms of war potential, we’re hanging on. Because their numbers far outstrip ours, and because we were able to get some room, I made the slimes pick up the arrows that haven’t broken.

I can also hear the voices of the adventurers that are resting, and from the looks of it they seem to be properly resting.

In a place somewhat distant from where Ryouma was fighting, some of the adventurers were talking. One of the female adventurers, seeing Ryouma fight, couldn’t help but say,
“Wait… haa… what’s up with that kid? Isn’t he too strong? Even though… we suffered so much…”
“We’re saved…”
One of the men amongst them, calmly analyzed the situation.
“In any case, let’s leave it to that kid for the time being… He’s buying as some time right now, so let’s do our best and get some rest!! And then we’ll substitute again!!”

At that the adventurers replied in unison.
“Right!!”
“Hey, are those really slimes?”
“Those slimes are really good at using the spear. They might actually even be better than me…”
“Forget being skilled. Why are those slimes using weapons!?”
“There are a lot of things weird, but at least were saved… huh? Arrow?”
“!? Archers! The slimes are bringing over arrows! Hey you! Move aside! Let the slimes pass!”

Slimes using weapons are certainly strange, but, can you really say that you have the luxury to think about that right now?

As I was thinking that, I suddenly felt the presence of magic. Looks like there’s another goblin mage!

I sheathe the short sword I have in my right hand, take out a throwing knife, and then agilely throw it at the mage, killing it one shot.

We continued like that, while the other adventurers continued to recover.

After the job, I was called over by the guild master. Apparently I have the rights to the money and equipment of the members of the Fang of Orbtem.

I got a bag and the Tear of Keromi that I gave to Sacchi. Inside the bag were all the money of the members of the Fang of Orbtem, totaling to 140,800 suits. As for the equipment, it’s worthless so it’ll all be sold. The money, will of course, be kept.

Unfortunately though, I was told by the guild master not to expect much from selling the equipment. The equipment I got from the Fang of Orbtem definitely used to be good, but because of the acid of the acid slime, many of it has been damaged. Some of the obvious ones were the melted spear that had no spearhead left, and the armor whose leather strap and metal fixings have become brittle, making it impossible to wear.

One exception would be Sacchi’s axe. Because Sacchi was leading, he wasn’t able to use it, leaving it undamaged. It’s also apparently been enchanted with harden, make it a magic weapon. Like this, it should sell for a bit of price.

After that, Ryouma went home after also receiving the gathered corpses of the magical beasts.

When Ryouma rode the stagecoach, a large number of people showered him with praises. And now, he’s leisurely enjoying the quiet ride.

During that, he remembered what had happened again today.

It’s been awhile since I’ve let loose… I wonder when I got mad last was… most likely it was when my boss insulted my deceased mother. So the last time I acted violently was before I retired from that company…

As the people around me saw me thinking about what had happened today, they told me not to mind it. They were the ones were wrong. You’re still a kid, so it can’t be helped.
But am I kid? Wrong. Even if my body is that of a kid’s, I’m already a 42 year old grown man. I’m an adult that should be capable of reason.

Reason, do I have that?… No. Today I gave into my emotions and flew off the handle. Although I may not be completely out of mind, it still wouldn’t be strange for me to go on a rampage given the chance. Today I got provoked by the first six, and then because of Sacchi’s words, I was really just a little bit off of completely losing all sense of reason.

Because of the poison, I was able to cool my head a bit. And then, after that because I brought out my slimes from the Dimension Home, I was able to keep my distance and calm myself down. However, if I hadn’t let the slimes fight and instead fought by myself. I would probably have killed all of them. When Sacchi came at me the last time, I seriously wanted to strangle him to death.

Will I kill when I’m not liked? Will I kill whenever someone picks a fight with me? …if so, then how would I be any different from the Fang of Orbtem?

Somehow someway I was able to keep myself, but saying something like “I wanted to kill Sacchi by impulse” is unacceptable.

Right now, my abilities are more than enough. The only problem left is… my mind.

Now that I think about it, during my school days, did I really try to hold back? At that time there was already a difference in power between myself and my opponent. Would it have been possible to deal with them without hurting them? While I say that did my best at holding back, isn’t there also a part of me saying that I wanted to hurt them?

…I can’t refute that.

Now that I think about it… since I’ve come into this world, nothing has changed. I isolated myself in the forest, and avoided interacting with other people because I hated it. And then just like that, I kept living by myself in the forest.

And then, at a time like that, I met Rheinhart-san and the others.

If I hadn’t met them, I would have put off leaving the forest, and in the end I probably wouldn’t have been able to leave it. Since I’ve met them, I’ve troubled them a lot. They provided for my lodging and my food. They welcomed me warmly… and, slowly, I started relying on them.

Thinking back on the things that have happened since I’ve come here. Running from the things I don’t like, having no hardships, and being spoiled by the duke and playing around………………………..is no good. If I keep going like this, I’ll end up being worthless.

I’m grateful to the household of the duke, but I’m going to try leaving them. I need to retrain myself. Continuing to rely on the duke like this is also no good… I need to become independent.

Until now I’ve always been thinking on how I can show them my gratitude. But after everything they’ve done for me, to say I’m going to pay that back, it’s really quite shameless.

I kept thinking about that until I got to the town, then I made up my mind. When I got back to the lodging, I headed to where the four members of the Jamil Household were.

I was greeted by Aro-ne-san, and then brought to the table where the four members of the Jamil Household were.

“Welcome home, Ryouma-san.”
“Welcome home.”
“Welcome home. Looks like today got a bit rough, huh?”
“It’s not good to push yourself too hard.”

Looks like they already know about today.

“Everyone, thank you very much. This is quite sudden, but there’s something I’d like to talk about.”

The words I spoke after giving my thanks, immediately caused the four people’s faces to stiffen.

“What’s wrong?”
“What is it all of the sudden, Ryouma-san?”

The one who asked first with a serious expression was Rheinhart-san. And the one who said the next line with an uneasy expression was Elia.

“I’ve decided what I should do now from here on. I’ve been greatly taken care of by everyone but… I’m leaving because I want to become independent.”

The moment I said that, Elia stood from her seat and pressed me for answers. The other three remained seated without saying anything.

“What do you mean by that!?”
“I thought that if I were to keep going like this, being taken care of by everyone, I’ll end up becoming some no good guy. I’ve been spoiled much by everyone in these past few weeks, and I accepted that like it was perfectly normal. On top of that, today I lost control of myself, and giving in to my emotions I acted violently. It may be just me who’s saying this, but I believe I’m quite strong compared to other people. Because of that, if I were to lose control of myself and act violently, a lot of people could get hurt. That’s why I intend to become independent and retrain myself.”
“That… can’t we go together?”
“If we’re together, then I believe I’ll end up being spoiled. That’s why I’d like to take some distance for a bit.”

At that, the Madam asked.

“A bit, so in other words it’s not like we won’t meet again right?”
“Yes. I’m not keeping distance because of something like hate. That’s why if it’s alright, I’d like to meet again after I’ve retrained myself.”
At those words, the Madam exclaimed.
“Of course! Although really it would be fine to keep being spoiled. Ryouma-kun, you’re still only 11 years old, you’re at an age where it’s not strange at all for you to be living with your parents. Ryouma-kun, we’ll welcome you whenever you want!”
“Mother!? You’re not going to stop Ryouma-san!?”
“Elia, it’s not like we’ll never meet Ryouma-kun again. Elia, you’ll be going to school, and as for Ryouma, he too will be going to study on his own. Although, honestly speaking, I don’t believe there’s any need. Rather, I believe what’s important for Ryouma right now, is for Ryouma to be spoiled.”
Seeing the Madam start changing the flow of the conversation. Rheinhart-san interjected.
“Hey, hey, Elize. Haven’t we already made our decision on this?”
“I know. That’s why I’m not objecting. I’m just giving my opinion, that’s all.”

Decided? What is?

“Umm… what do you mean by ‘decided’?”

The ones who answered that question were Rheinbach-sama and Sebasu-san, respectively.

“Actually, we’ve already expected Ryouma-kun to say something like that since we’ve arrived at this town. After all, even though I’m like this I’ve already lived for a quite some time. Colleagues, subordinates, enemy, there are all sorts, but I’ve seen kids like you plenty of times.”

“Ryouma-sama may have felt that he was being spoiled, but we thought no such thing. It’s true, that until now the food and the lodging have been provided for by the duke, but that’s all there is to it.

Ryouma-sama did not make any requests, registered into the guild, and continued to work earnestly. Ryouma-sama is the kind of person that will do his best even without being told to. So we believed that the day would come when Ryouma-sama would bring up something like this. Of course, it was far earlier than we had expected.”

Rheinbach-sama nodded.

“We won’t stop you, but you’re not allowed to overdo it. In the past I had a subordinate that was like you. He was quite talented at the sword, and so he eagerly trained himself in its ways. He did nothing but train under harsh conditions, and in the end his body broke and he became unable to wield it.

Children like you are able to do their best by themselves, but in exchange they don’t know how to pace themselves. For some reason, these types keep going on until they destroy their body, and in the end before they’re able to get anything done, they end up broken. People like that are too serious and when they’re not able to reach their goals, they persecute themselves. And then there are also those who put their efforts in the wrong places so be careful.”

Sebasu-san continued.

“Other than resting there’s also asking other people for help and relying on them. Please treasure the fact that others can also help you. Ryouma-sama take on everything by himself a bit too much. Just doing what one is capable of by themselves like what the Ojousama had done in the house in the Forest of Gana, isn’t only limited to the Ojousama. I believe this also applies to Ryouma-sama.”

Rheinhart-san heaved a sigh.

“Seeing you, sometimes reminds me of a good friend I had. Your personality is completely the opposite though. You’re serious, whereas he’s not. He would normally throw all the annoying things to his subordinates or to other people while he’d slip out from his work. That much is a bit troubling, but I think that’s something that could be important to you. Just like what Sebasu and my dad told you, you should rest properly and rely on others. That kind of stuff isn’t bad, you know? My good friend for example, even though he does things like that, he’s doing pretty well.”

………………. I didn’t notice it at all. To think that they were actually thinking about me to this extent. I am truly grateful.

Now that I realize it, unconsciously, I suddenly started to shed tears.

“Thank you………very much.”
Rheinhart-san smiled.
“It’s fine. In exchange, I want you to make several promises. First of all, it’s alright if you separate from us for a bit, but you must come back. This world is dangerous, and all the more so when you’re an adventurer. I think Ryouma also understands this, but please come back to us without dying. It’s also fine if you come frequently.”

Rheinbach-sama nodded.
“Second, you have to continuously send us letters. And if anything happens, report it to us, so we can warn you if anything’s amiss.”
“Otherwise please let me personally visit Ryouma-sama with my space magic.”

Suggested Sebasu-san as the Madam began to vehemently push the third promise.

“And third, if something happens I want you to rely on us without holding anything back! You absolutely have to! Ryouma-kun, your magic, knowledge, and fighting abilities are already more than enough. You’re already more than good enough to be employed by us, so if anything were to happen you can also come work for us.”

I don’t know what I should say anymore… all I can really say now is that I’m grateful. At times like these it’s really unfortunate that my vocabulary is so limited.

“Ryouma-san.”

Hearing that voice, I looked at Elia, who had come to my side. Then while staring straight at me, Elia said this,

“I’m a little disappointed, but… if that’s what Ryouma-san has decided then I’ll respect that… however!”

And then Elia pointed her finger at me and then declared this,

“I have a condition!”
“…condition?”
“On top of the conditions my father, my grandfather, and mother had given. I’m going to give one more condition. Our reunion will be after 3 years, and then after 6 years.”
“After 3 years and then after 6 years?”

“I believe I’ve said this to Ryouma-san before, but I’ll be going to the school in the imperial capital this year to study. In that school, the graduation is after six years. Halfway through that, I’ll be given a long holiday. So at that time, let’s meet again. Until that time, I’ll do my best by myself in studying and practicing my magic.”

[TL Note: The meet used by Elia when she says, “Let’s meet again.” Uses 逢う and not 会う. Meaning it is an emotional meeting. The kind of meeting where you’re going, “My love, my love! Where art thou? Thou hast left mine chest cold. And mine heart in tatters. Ah! If I could fly I would and embrace thee now! Ah I want to meet thee!”… ♫ well something like that. Basically, it’s emotional whereas the other is just routine.]

I see, so it’s like that.

“I got it.”
“Good. I won’t forgive you if you forget because you got too caught up with something.”

As she said that she glared at me hard. Certainly, I do have the tendency to lose track of time when I’m fussing over something.

“I’ll do my best not to forget.”
“At a time like this you should say that you won’t forget! Seriously…”

Said Elia with an amazed voice. At that, Rheinhart-san asked me while laughing.

“Hahaha, well I think it’s going to be fine. By the way, have you decided what you’re going to be doing from now on?”
“I have my slimes, so I thought I’d try living around this town. And also I can live in this town as an adventurer, and while keeping my relationship with others I’ll be able to practice my Alchemy.”
“I see… then in that case can I ask you to care of something for me?’
“What is it? If it’s something I can do, then by all means.”

“I want you to take care of the abandoned mine you’re clearing out right now. We had only left it alone for a year and yet it’s already been infested by magical beasts and has even had a nest created within it…

It’s not good for there to be a nest of magical beasts not that far away from the town. That’s why I want the abandoned mine to be cleared out from time to time. If it’s not possible alone, then I’d like for you to post in the guild.

I’ve thought of blocking the entrance with earth magic or something, but then the cave mantises could just use their scythes to dig and make a nest anyway so there’s no meaning to that.”
“If it’s something like that then I’ll accept it.”

“Thanks. As thanks, you can use that mine as you wish. If it’s over there, then even if you train and practice your magic it won’t be a problem.”
“That’s…”

Isn’t that place perfect for me?! There’s space for me to make a house, it’s at a good distance away from where the people are, it’s doesn’t attract people so it’ll be good for my training, and I can also let the slimes muck around freely and on top of that I can make ingots as I please. There’s more to it for me than money, but…

“If you treat me this well, then I’ll end up being spoiled again…”
“I’m not spoiling you. This is a proper deal. Within the magical beasts, there are even more dangerous races. If those were to make nest not far away from the town, you understand what will happen once they multiply, right?”
“I understand that, but to allow me to do as I please with that mine…”

At that time, Rheinhart-san stopped me from talking with his hand, and with a serious face said this.

“It’s not strange to hire someone to take care of an abandoned mine. Normally the public office will send someone to check its condition and employ people, but… apparently this town’s public office doesn’t have that kind of management. That’s why I’m employing someone right now who has the ability and is someone that I can trust.

Technically speaking giving a different payment is a given, but we are actually able to settle that issue by just allowing you to do as you please with this mine that no longer holds any value to us or to the town. We are also able to decrease the work load, and there’s also no expenses for us.”

…Certainly, that may be true. Putting it that way, even I can understand. While I think that they’re spoiling me with their good intentions, it also makes me feel bad to just flat out reject them…

Realizing that I was thinking about such things, Rheinhart-san smiled wryly as he said this.

“Oh boy, looks like you really are too serious… you don’t’ have to think so much over something so trivial. Alright, let’s do it this way. Make some ingots over there, and then from that we’ll make some profit. Oh, and please don’t push yourself too hard making ingots.”
“I understand, I’ll do my best!”

Ok, I’ll set the quota for every month and then sell it whole sale to Serge-san every month. I have to be able do at least this much, otherwise it just wouldn’t be right.

“No, there’s no need for you to be that fired up…”
Seeing Ryouma like that the madam smiled.
“Also, while you’re here, come stay with us in the lodging.”
“Umm, that’s…”
“No. Even though I thought we would finally be able to travel together. Really, Ryouma-kun, you made up your mind too fast. That’s why you absolutely have to stay here!”
Rheinbach-sama continued.
“It’s only for around 1 or 2 months. Even if you retrain yourself after that time period, it still won’t be too late. This should be fine even for you, right?”

…If I don’t reject this I’ll end up being spoiled again

“You won’t be spoiled, Ryouma-sama.”

Sebasu-san read my mind!?

“Ryouma-kun. It came out on your face, you know? Just like a while ago.”
“It’s a face that’s really easy to understand.’

Did I really make that kind of face?

The madam puffed up and with a really strong tone said.
“In any case! Ryouma-kun, while we’re here in this town you’re going to be staying with us! Ok?”
“But…”
“Ok?”
“But…”
“It’s alright right!? Good!”

Doesn’t look like the madam will agree to anything else except a yes… it can’t be helped… or rather… was I always this weak-willed? Really, I’m extremely grateful but…

“I understand, then until everyone leaves the town, please take care of me.”
The madam grinned as she nodded.
“Right! That’s good~”

Well this kind of goodwill is something precious, so in the end I wasn’t able to reject.

After that, I gave my thanks one more time, then went back to my room.

Having gone back to my room, before going to sleep, I thought back to what the others said.

As I did so, tears naturally flooded my eyes.

I truly cannot express the gratitude I feel to those people…