184 Episode 184 "Seasonal Cuisine Behavior Plan" by Rafilia, a good listener, and Aine.txt

The Aine Rafilia team.

I received information from Nay-kun through 'Mind Linkage Kai'. I think I found out the content of the mysterious 'Newcomer Training'.

What's it all about?

...... I don't really like to talk about it.

Aine stammered.

It was because the content of the 'rookie training' that Nagi had heard from the merchant Kaimal was quite unpleasant for Aine.

''We keep denying each other and destroying the personalities that get in the way.''

'We can't betray each other by exposing our secrets in public and sharing them.'

- 'Confusing them with contradictory commands to make them more receptive to orders'

When you hear about this, you have no reason to be angry.

It's the merchant's guards and employees who are being trained, right?

'Yes. I heard that they are put on a horse-drawn carriage and taken to the sea on the orders of their employers. They say the training takes place on a boat.

I guess you'll have to go to ...... to make sure he doesn't escape.

Maybe. ......

Aine sighed with a huff.

''And it seems that Saint Delilira-sama asks Nah-kun for the 'quest to have the mermaid returned to the sea'. I'm sure Nah-kun will take it.

The saint is a very important friend of the Master.

"...... I wish Naya had been able to relax at the resort. ......

'Come to think of it, you planned this 'vacation trip', didn't you, Aine?　They budgeted for it, and we came up with a schedule.

...... Yeah.

Aine replied, pensively.

She fiddled with her mop in a daze, above Raphilia's words.

'Lady Aine?'

...... Anyway, the 'rookie training' people are annoying.

Aine said clearly.

I can't calmly explore the area near the 'Dungeon of the Demon Dragon' that Nay-kun is looking for if I get trained there. I'm sure you'll be able to gather information and do something about it. Otherwise, Aine will...

All right, sir!

Raphilia shook Aine's hand.

''That's why it's so important to gather information in the Adventurer's Guild, isn't it?

Uh-huh.

I'll do my best too. I got the item from the master!

Saying that, Rafilia stood on her toes and spun around, spinning around in a circle.

The blue cloak on her back sways softly.

''It's the cloak that Master found in the 'Hidden Market' in the port city!　I'm going to use this and all of my fancy talking skills to get information out of you.

Clever storytelling?

Yes, I've been talking to the Master and Mr. Iris, and we've developed a language that suits me perfectly.

That sounds promising.

Hmmm, let me show you!

Rafilia fluttered her cloak and raised her fist to the sky.

"My skillful storytelling skills, which I've used to rumor about the Ilgafa lord's family, is what I call 'Rafilia good listening mode'. I call it 'Rafilia good listener mode'!

Then Aine and Rafilia went to the Adventurer's Guild at the resort.

At the Adventurer's Guild, from Rafilia's point of view

Well, that's a very tempting story.

Raphilia said.

This is the Adventurer's Guild. The tavern on the first floor of it.

A few women surrounded Rafilia, who was seated and leisurely drinking tea, as she sat down.

''──That's why a special person needs a special 'training' that is appropriate for them. I can see that. I can sense a special presence in you.

That's very good news.

Isn't it!

The women surrounding Raphilia clapped their hands with a plop.

'I've never heard anyone listen so intently.

There are people who are natural born listeners, aren't there?

So, do you mind if I tell you the rest of the story? The Rookie Training Program, you see...

Mm-hm. Interesting.

""I see..."

And so the three women began to talk.

The girls surrounded Raphilia as soon as she entered the guild. They were separated from Aine at the entrance of the guild.

Aine's is supposed to trace her former guild master's past and show me some materials.

It's a bit of a 'himaima'. The three women quickly surrounded Rafilia, who started drinking tea with a feeling of 'I'm looking for work'.

There are other adventurers in the guild, but they just looked at the noisy women with a sideways glance and didn't say anything. They just send a hand sign to Raphilia saying that it's better to leave quickly.

But Rafilia doesn't care.

This kind of solicitation is like a breeze compared to the 'pressure interview' I had in the port city of Ilgafa.

I'm sure you'll be able to find a way to make it work. Aine - and her dearest friends are watching over her. She also has cheat skills. There's nothing to fear from Rafilia now.

Rafilia's goal is 'to have her master relax'.

If you want to gather information for that purpose, it's what you want.

Because it's also for what Rafilia, a free slave (none), 'wants to do'.

(And ...... is somehow strangely empowering.)

You are... Therefore...

It's true that... the person who receives it... has a strong...

You're not the only one who's interested in this.

Raphilia is barely listening to the women.

She just repeats the magic words she developed with Iris: 'very attractive', 'very ear-splitting' and 'very interesting' in between stories.

The story must have been secretly sent to Nagi by Aine in "Consciousness Sharing and Reform".

Raphilia is just a simple job of sitting around with a cup of tea.

(And furthermore, getting involved in this totally uninteresting story should awaken ...... my newfound power!

It has nothing to do with Nagi or justice, but with boring recruitment.

By enduring it - Rafilia finally awakened to a new skill!

"Unheard of, LV2

The skill to 'ignore' the 'content' of the 'story'

The skill of shutting out all the noisy talk around you from your consciousness.

Whether it's a solicitation or a bad word, it completely nullifies it.

It's easy to learn if you're a natural and carefree person.

(Hmmm.) Now I'm a ...... master and ......)

Rafilia chuckles.

(In order to complete Delilira-sama's 'quest to have the mermaid return to the sea', the master should investigate the mysterious 'rookie training'. In other words, when that happens, he should strengthen the slaves (Doroi) - no, he should be able to do it!

Good. We're done here.

Saying that, Raphilia got up from her seat.

''──Ha!''

The women, who had been eagerly soliciting, held their mouths.

'How far have we gone with the ...... story?'

...... Oi, when did you get to this point?　It's like time has flown .......

''What is ...... this elven girl, this elven girl is ...... talking to us ...... and we're even talking about something superfluous...'' ...?

The three of them looked at each other.

The women in charge of recruiting were caught off guard by Rafilia's naturalness. There was nothing wrong with the method of solicitation, but the other party was too vulnerable. They were fished out by an elf girl who reacted to everything as 'attractive', 'more than a hearing' and 'interesting'.

'Don't let anyone with a pulse get away with it.

For a moment, the girls' mindset is clear.

But the elven girl in front of her is about to leave. As if that had been the plan all along.

The women turned their gaze to Raphilia's neck.

A leather collar is in sight. This elven girl is a slave.

If she's a slave, then the corresponding method of recruitment──.

'And anyway, the 'training' will make you more useful to your master.

If we get results, they may release us soon.

Being a useful slave will make your master happy...

The women speak out as if they are in a hurry.

But...

My master doesn't want a "useful slave", you know?

Rafilia only nodded her head in disbelief.

''Because Master is the one who says that if you find something you want to do, I will release you whenever you want to do it──''

The women in charge of recruiting trailed off.

It's unbelievable that she's a slave - because Rafilia's smile was so clear.

"If the master wants me to take this 'rookie training' - if he wants me to 'become that kind of thing', then I'll be happy to take the training! That's all there is to it.

(...... Well, when I'm like that, ...... that's what makes me cringe.

Raphilia's body shivered at the mysterious sensation that involuntarily crawled up her spine.

(Just wait upright and immobile until Master's orders are given ...... to change clothes ...... to eat ...... and even the order to wash herself in the bath, the Master's will. Ma. (That makes me cringe, but ...... master is not the kind of person who enjoys that kind of thing!

Thank you for your valuable story ...... eh?

He only listened to the first part.

Raphilia put a finger to her lips, as if to remind her of that part of the story──.

The training was six days and five nights, with a chance to visit with a nobleman every two days, wasn't it?

Yeah, yeah.

My master is very interested in what the nobleman does, My Lord.

Is that so?

Yes, so I'm sure he'll be interested in your stories as well.

I haven't told a single lie.

Rafilia's master is very interested in the 'rookie training' they recommend. However, it may be the opposite of the 'interest' they are seeking.

The faces of the women in charge of recruiting turn blue.

They don't remember how far they have talked.

I don't know why I told them so much ...... when I was supposed to surround them in a reasonable place and take them somewhere else.

'Well, I'm going to go now. Thank you for a fascinating, meaningful and interesting story!

Wait, wait!

The women stood up hurriedly and reached out to Rafilia...

Sneaky.

That foot slipped.

All three of them together were taken off their feet at the same time and unintentionally clung to the table.

When I looked at the floor - my foot had stepped on something slippery. Did someone spill water on it?　But the spilled liquid is blue. And it seems to be moving faintly: ......?

Oh, you stepped on the cape I dropped, didn't you?

With that, Raphilia picked up the cloak from the floor.

Something blue protruded from the lining of that cloak, but the recruiting women didn't notice it.

They keep their distance from Raphilia and bite their lips.

They murmur into their mouths. 'We've been made to talk.

This opponent knows how to treat us - and he knows how to treat us.

(It's good to hear about the merchant guard from the master.)

Raphilia nodded secretly and continued her story.

It was a very meaningful talk. I'd love to hear the name of the organizer.

"...... The Marquis de Hilmut does not like the idea of a 'health resort'...

...... Don't you dare!

The other woman blocked the woman's mouth as she tried to speak in a natural way.

In the meantime, Raphilia ran outside. It would be time. If you continue to talk about it any longer, the use of force is going to come. I've come all this way to play, but I can't afford to ruin the town.

''To!

With a flutter of her cloak, Raphilia ran out of the guild.

'Wait!' And anyway, you must take them with you. And then I'll make it all worthwhile!

As I expected, the women are in pursuit. Raphilia is running, waving her cloak around. It would be a good landmark from the other side. I hope they'll be distracted by us.

That way, they'll fall for the traps Rafilia has set for us.

'Pechan.

'Ya, from the roof! The slime? No, no, no!

There it is!

Raphilia couldn't help but gulp.

This cloak was one of the 'useless items' that Nagi bought in the port city.

The color of the cloak is enchanted so that it changes.

The "protective color cloak".

A cloak that changes color to match the color of the demons in the vicinity.

This cloak was developed to protect you from demons.

The cloak changes its fabric to the same color as the nearby monsters.

However, the cloak has to be in contact with the demon to change its color, so it is not very useful for protecting yourself at all.

The developer, an alchemist, used it to sneak into a goblin village and was beaten to a pulp.

All along, Raphilia had been sticking the messenger's "Elder Slime" on the back of her cloak.

The reason why the women in charge of recruiting in the Adventurer's Guild almost fell down was because they stepped on the slime.

The reason why they were waving their cloaks around when they went outside earlier was to send the 'Elder Slime' flying. The slime flew through the air and was attached to the building's hedge. Then, as the women chased after it, the slime descended from above its head. It was enough to stop them.

'That's good, Master, you'll come up with an interesting use for it,'

In an unpopular alleyway, Rafilia folded her arms and nodded in satisfaction.

Rafilia already knew what kind of 'rookie training' the women were recommending. She couldn't be forced to be taken to a place where something like that was taking place. Her role, to the end, is to gather information.

Of course, if the master allows it, you can just go along with the recruiter and transform into a 'righteous elf' that will take out the bad guys. If you fail and are forced to undergo 'training', ...... Nagi will still take care of Rafilia.

'I just chose to stay with my master longer. Mm-hm.

Saying that, Raphilia turned her gaze towards where the guild was located.

''Well now, did Aine-sama's information gathering go well?　Mr. Aine...... seems to have been somewhat angry, you know. I'm worried about you.

Of course, to the person who was messing with Aine.

While thinking about this, Rafilia was heading to the meeting place.

─ Aine's point of view (at the same time that Rafilia is being recruited)

That's what I'm talking about, Rafilia. ......

Aine murmured quietly while rummaging through the materials of the Adventurer's Guild.

Before long, Rafilia had mastered the art of using her 'nature'. Because of Rafilia's 'listening' and 'good listening skills', the women in charge of recruiting were being drawn out of all the information they knew.

Not even Aine could do something like that. It was as if it was a skill in itself.

'We've passed all the information on to Nay-kun, and it's time to move out.

With that, Aine closed the file of materials.

What she was researching was information about mermaids living in the sea and where they live.

Nagi's prediction that there might be something ......, was correct. The land where mermaids live is considered a 'place not to be approached' by those in the recreation area.

"Mermaids are 'sub-humans without civilization,' right?

Mermaids are a race of people who just sing and swim in the sea.

They do not need money or even a home.

The reason why they were not forced to leave their homes is because they traded with the people of the resort area for seafood.

The Horned Serpent, which is caught during this season, is considered a specialty of the resort. The Horned Serpent is a seasonal specialty, and it is said that "eating it will make you feel very healthy". It is said that eating it makes you feel healthy.

'It's very famous. The Horned Serpent's Horseradish.

Aine said and put the guild materials back on the shelf.

''Thank you very much. The materials were very helpful.''

Are you done?

The guild's receptionist said that and signed 'Return' to the 'Materials Inspection Book (Shyoetsu Ranbo)'.

This guild and the Adventurer's Guild in Aine's hometown of Metekal, a commercial city, have formed an alliance. Adventurers can see the materials they need, no matter which guild they are registered with. And if you're a 'Guildmaster Apprentice', you can see materials that can't even be released to the outside world. That was the reason why Aine had come here.

''By the way, ...... those recruiters, can we just leave them alone?''

Aine pointed to the women who were being recruited.

'...... I know,'

The receptionist put her head in her hands.

''I know, but ...... guildmaster don't mess with me. My guildmaster ...... has a weakness for authority.

Yes. ......

Then there's no way around it. Because the Adventurer's Guild has its own way of doing things in the land.

So Aine decided to change the subject.

''By the way, Aine is here to buy some of the town's famous products.

Oh, I see.

The girl at the reception desk pats her chest as if relieved.

'Yes. Where can I buy 'Horned Serpent's Bakery'?

......

'It makes the boys feel so much better, doesn't it?　I'd like to buy one for my master, but I couldn't find it at ...... market.

...... That one's a bit of a no-no this year for .......

One more thing. I heard that a local fisherman is going to show me an event where I can stay on a deserted island. I'd like to know where I can book it.

...... That one is. It's ...... an event organized by fishermen who can afford to sell 'Horned Serpent's Kababayaki' and make a living, so ...... this year it's .......

Hmm?

...... this year?

Hmm?　Hmm?

...... Don't tell anyone, okay?

The girl at the reception desk raised her hands in surrender.

The Horned Serpent is something that can only be caught by mermaids. The mermaids sell it to the human fishermen to get human tools in return. That's why the fishermen in this town are so wealthy, and why we can organize uninhabited island events in our spare time.

'Can't a fisherman go out and catch a 'Horned Serpent' himself?

I heard someone did that a long time ago at .......

What's going on?

He came home with a broken heart.

......

Maybe the song of the mermaids has an effect on people's sanity. Or maybe there is some secret in the land. In any case, the fishermen will not go near that place. That's why no quests occur in that place. That's because there's no one to ask for it.

But now there is a 'rookie training' going on in the land.

That's why it's strange. Normally, I wouldn't go near that place. You could have chased the mermaids away or ...... or...

Or?

Maybe we can be strong enough to override it.

You can be brave ......?

No.... the second best man in the world.

He thought he had talked too much.

The receptionist girl didn't speak again.

For now, Aine sent the information gathered so far to Nagi and Cecile through 'Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage) - Revised'.

The information sharing is now complete. All that's left is to wait for the master's decision.

Aine headed for the rendezvous point with Raphilia.

'...... Totally and utterly bereft of a plan,'

What's your plan?

'Yeah. I'm going to have Nah-kun eat a lot of Horned Serpent's Kabayaki, and then I'm going to have him go to a deserted island with the others. If Aine 'accidentally' forgets to change everyone's clothes and everyone spends the whole day in their bathing suits, Nah-kun's reasoning collapses, Rafilia-san, before you know it!

On the way to the confluence point.

Aine couldn't help but jump up at the sight of Rafilia, who had come around behind her before she knew it.

''I see. Aine-sama was thinking of an even higher version of the 'feeling of being defenseless and liberated on an uninhabited island' strategy, wasn't she?

...... Mr. Rafilia.

I know, I know. I know, I know, because it's a trip. I think it's good to have an event that blows your mind and fills you with a sense of freedom.

Gently, Raphilia took Aine's hand.

They moved to the edge of the road and looked at each other blankly.

'Actually, I knew what Aine was thinking.

...... Really?

Before I came to the resort, I saw Lady Aine drawing a design for a maternity suit.

What...?

I know that. I know exactly what I'm doing.

Raphilia nodded, as if she really understood everything.

''Aine-sama, you don't want to level up from being the party's 'big sister' and become the party's 'mother', do you?

I'm not thinking!

Yes, that's definitely how I felt when I was designing the maternity clothes. As a replica of an ancient elf, my gut feeling is that it is. There's no doubt about it!

...... No, that's not it.

Are you sure?　How can you be sure it will never happen?

Well, when you put it that way, I might have been thinking ...... just a little bit ...... just a little bit.

Yes, that's right. Aine is expecting a child to be born to the party, and because of Aine, she was thinking of taking care of the child as the party's sister, right? And since it was Aine, she must have thought of taking care of the child as the party's big sister, right?

...... Yeah.

But I don't think that's true, I guess.

No. What's ......?

'Because that's only one aspect of Lady Aine!

On the front page!

Yes, I can see it. I can see the future of Aine and the party.

It's a good idea to be able to have a good time with them.

It's a good thing that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about the fact that you're not going to have to worry about it. Aine will eventually have a child. And when her own child is born ...... Aine will be distressed. That she will have to distinguish between her own child and another's child if she remains a 'party sister'.

...... ha!

Aine involuntarily held the chest of her maid's dress.

It was a blind spot.

It is true.

When Aine takes care of the children of Cecil and the others, she will say her name is 'Look, it's Aine Auntie'. But what about when she has a child of her own?　Will he only identify himself to his own children as 'I'm Aine Okaasan' ......?

Of course it's not a mistake. There is nothing wrong with that.

But there is something "different" about it. It's just a faint difference, but it's different.

'Yes, it is. The party's ...... no, it's not the same as taking care of Cecil and the other children as the 'master's sister' and taking care of your own children as a mother. It's a small difference, but Aine, who has an all-encompassing capacity, would not be able to tolerate that difference.

Raphilia's words that followed struck Aine like a bolt of lightning.

'Ta, sure, I might as well: ......'

Aine replied in a muffled voice.

Furthermore, Rafilia pointed to the sky as well as the sky with a piercing...

There's only one way to solve that problem. Aine-sama needs to level up and become the 'party's girl'!　Then Cecil's child, Rita's child, your child and your own child - and by the way, my child - will be like your own children.

...... Didn't you just casually mix in some of Mr. Rafilia's children now?

Oh, I can see it. I see Aine surrounded by children. Don't you see Aine?

Are you cheating?

Don't you see it?

No, I think I can see ......

'Yes. Lady Aine is surrounded by brown-skinned children and children who keep their beast ears. Oh, what a delightful sight! Close your eyes. There are so many babies sleeping in their cradles. They are all Aine's family. What does Aine say her name is when she holds the baby and feeds it ......?　Are you a 'big sister'? Or are you 'oka-san'?

Mmm.

Aine had her head in her hands, but eventually...

I still can't quite believe it.

Sotto voce, he slumped his shoulders and mumbled.

It's uncomfortable, but it's still too early to plan countermeasures. But I felt it was still too early to formulate a countermeasure.

I see. So, I'll help you to realize that Aine.

Raphilia said in a whisper.

'I mean ...... that's .......'

Aine puts her ear close to Raphilia's mouth.

''That's right. ''It's Operation 'Get Master to eat a lot of Horned Serpents and feel totally vulnerable and free on a deserted island'!

...... Raphilia, are you going to help us?

Of course. I'd like to experience a sense of freedom on a deserted island. But it would be no fun at all if the master wasn't by my side.

I understand. In order to do that, Aine is going to take care of the Quest to Bring the Mermaid Home and the Quest to Explore the Dungeon of the Demon Dragon while she's at it.

That's right. Compared to having a heavy heart on a deserted island with a master, 'Rookie Training' and 'Mystery Dungeon' are just an afterthought.

Mr. Rafilia: "Mr. Rafilia: ......

Dear Aine: ......

Gash.

Aine and Rafilia hold each other's hands forcefully.

''Oh, I got a message from Nay-kun.

What does the master say?

"They're meeting at the villa. Now that we've gathered all the information, it looks like we're going to have a party plenary session using the "Consciousness Sharing (Mind Linkage) Kai".

...... is just fine. We'll share our plan with Letitia and Mr. Cutlass.

'Cutlass-san needs to get some persuasion from Fynn-san. I'm sure Reggie, the Magic Sword, will help us. So what about Cecil-chan, Rita-chan and Iris-san?

If you send a message to Cecil-sama, it will go to the master with a 'shhhhh'. Let's keep things simple here. The purpose of the message is to show hospitality to the Master, who is always thinking about difficult things. I think he would understand if I told him later. So...

And so, in the shadow of the conspiracy that moves in the shadow of the resort, the secret plan of the slave girls is carried out...

The mysterious 'Rookie Training' and 'Demon Dragon Dungeon' had become an 'incidental obstacle' for the girls.