184 Episode 184 "Seasonal Cuisine Behavior Plan" by Rafilia, a good listener, and Aine.txt (2/2)

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.