CH 151

Today Sera is going to show Rurika and Chris around the city, and they’re going to buy clothes along the way, so I gave her some money. My wallet is starting to feel lonely.

But nice everyday clothes are a plus for me too, because I get to look at them. And I don’t want to go through that hell of following them around as their walking wallet again, so I decided to stay.

Hikari and Mia also went, so I’m alone in my room.

My stock of medicinal herbs has been piling up, so I have to start making potions.

It takes me until noon to finish them. From now on, I’ll either make a few from time to time, or decide on a maximum amount to make in a single day, even if I have tons of medicinal herbs. It’s not good to overwork myself so much.

I rest until everyone gets back, and we have lunch together.

Alto is worried when I let out a tired sigh as I sit down. What an attentious kid. Although Alto seems to only speak only when it’s really necessary. Elsa on the other hand talks so much that Taliyah gets upset at her from time to time.

I go to the living room to relax after lunch , and everyone else gathers here too. Elsa even brings drinks.

“Sora, I have something to ask.”

Says Rurika after taking a sip.

“Will you let us join your party?”

“I don’t mind. Chris also told me yesterday that you want to explore the dungeon.”

I feel like my answer makes her feel relieved.

“So… We would like to go to the dungeon as soon as possible…”

“I don’t think I need to worry about this with the two of you, but make sure you’re ready.”

“Of course. And, hum, we want Sera and the others to come too. Is that all right?”

The three of them nod, so it looks like they already talked about this.

“I know you’re tired from traveling so much, but when are you going?”

“We will be getting ready tomorrow, so the day after tomorrow. And I have something else to ask. If it’s all right, we want the five of us to go.”

Says Chris, sounding remorseful.

So… I’m being benched?

“When you’re around, well, we can take it easy. That’s why we made it to the tenth floor once already. But we want to do it without your help this time.”

Says Sera, and Hikari and Mia also nod a few times.

I can’t say I’m not concerned, but being overprotective would also come across like I don’t trust them. But I want to at least lessen the danger.

“We could meet up on the fifth floor. If you enter through the sixth floor, we will know where the staircase is. Ah, but you can’t come to us.”

Mia comes up with a compromise after seeing I’m worried. She has a point, the fifth floor was annoying.

“Master, I’m going to become a great cook, so look forward to it.”

H-Hikari? Cooking? The same Hikari that specializes in eating and nothing more?

She makes that surprising suggestion after seeing I’m still worried. Let’s just bear with it. Yes, over-protectiveness can hinder growth.

“Tell me how many potions you need, and I’ll give them to you. But tell me today. I’m going to sort out my stock and sell the ones I don’t need.”

“Yes, thank you Sora.”

I’m worried that selling a lot of them at once will crash their prices, but I could also miss my chance to sell them if I take too long. And it’s just human nature to want to sell things while their prices are high.

But still, going to the dungeon without me… Maybe I could make a magic bag or two if I combine magic stones. They won’t be great, but I guess I could make them as a stopgap until I can make something better. And we could just sell them when they outlive their usefulness.

Not to mention that it will increase my proficiency, and I want to raise the skill’s level.

“Then I’m going to my room to prepare too.”

I get up, and so does Mia. Is she going to her room to rest?

I guess not, she’s following me to my room.

“H-hum, Mia, do you need anything?”

I feel a silent pressure. She’s all smiles, but she’s releasing this aura that tells me I shouldn’t go against her.

“You tend to overwork yourself when no one is looking.”

I can’t deny that. Honestly, staying here just the two of us makes me nervous, but I can’t work in the guest room with everyone watching either.

There’s also the fact that I haven’t told Taliyah, Elsa, and Alto all about me.

But still… I peek over at Mia, who is looking around the room.

Alone with a cute girl that told me to do whatever I want. Her personality seems to have mellowed out a lot compared to the first time I met her. And we’re technically slave and master now, so the situation has changed a lot from the time I taught her about magic energy in the holy kingdom.

Forget about it. Forget about all that and focus on your work. Empty your mind, and just work on making the items.

At first, Mia does what looks like magic energy training, but she takes a break, and then watches me work. I’m not too self-conscious about feeling her eyes on me, but I can’t ignore them either.

Once I’m aware of it, my attention flies away from what I’m doing. Yes, I think I’m done for today.

“H-hum, am I bothering?”

She asks with a concerned tone.

“No, I just finished what I wanted. I’m tired, so I’m stopping for today. I’m thirsty too, so how about we go back?”

I say, and I guess Mia must have noticed something, because her cheeks are red. What happened? I don’t remember saying anything weird.

We go back to the guest room, and Hikari, Elsa, and Alto are talking.

“Elsa, can you bring us something to drink?”

“Yes big brother. Alto, come help.”

Elsa takes Alto by the hand to the dining room. Before, she would rush out of the room in a hurry, but I guess Taliyah’s training is working, because she’s become a lot calmer and more capable.

“What were you talking about?”

“Your cooking.”

“Really?”

“Yes. So I want you to teach them more things.”

“You can join us too when we have the time.”

Hikari looks away for some reason. Weren’t you just talking about becoming a great cook?