Chapter 69 - Azure Dragon Stone (2/2)

[You are to continue calling me Hati on the public areas for the time being. Of course, I would also call you Mist when we’re in public too. When you’re sure that we’re just alone or when it’s just Pigimaru nearby, you could call me with either of my name.]

[I understand.]

And as if she thought about something, Seras looks quite conflicted.

[It’s fine for the meantime but… are you really fine with this?]

[Hmm?]

[As you’ve already known, I’m currently being chased right now. There are also multiple personal things that I haven’t talked about with you. However… the entirety of my story, I still have yet to—]

I can’t decide on how to proceed.

I can understand from the tone of her voice and the expression on her face.

This is related to her conscientious personality.

[You can talk about the details of your background whenever you feel like you want to talk about it. I just wanted to create a relationship with you where you could sleep without any kind of problems.]

An environment where Seras could sleep as she pleases.

That’s all I wanted.

Having to lack some sleep would always interfere with her job as a guard.

On the other hand, it wouldn’t matter as long as the problem of her inability to sleep were to be solved.

[I think you should already know this, but it’s not your past that I wanted to reveal.]

I know the real identity of Mist.

Seras also knows that I know about her, Mist’s identity.

All we needed now is to both share this recognition upon our situation.

[It’s fine if you just remain in your optimum condition as the guard of your employer. Well… I’ve already said this earlier, but you can tell me all the things you want to talk about during the journey. I may inquire some things that I think were things that I need to know, but I basically don’t plan to investigate about your past at all.]

Seras calmed down after she heard my words.

[It seems that Touka-dono would always care about my situation.]

[Of course. I’m a kind person after all.]

As a matter of fact, I have only been telling her the truth all these times.

Well, it’s convenient for me if she took my words as if it’s my care for her.

[Anyway, are you able to sleep tonight?]

[I think that with the amount I’ve used in the ruins, I think the effect should disappear tonight.]

Tonight, my desire to sleep (with someone) has returned.

I’m sorry, it’s just a little joke.

[Well then, I don’t think you would need my <Sleep> tonight.

[Fufu, that’s right.]

[If that’s so, go back to your room and get some rest. I’m afraid I’m too tired having to be hospitable with your types.]

Seras chuckles a bit.

[I should have guessed already.]

Seras’ facial features and ears began changing.

Her elven ears turned into the ears of a human.

Is she staying alert even when she just have to walk a few distance along the corridor outside?

This elf is very thorough.

Before leaving the room, Seras turned towards me and Pigimaru.

[Well then, good night.]

[Pii~ ♪ ]

Seras smiled towards Pigimaru.

I could feel a slight gap with how she treated us two.

[Touka-dono.]

[Hmm?]

[Would you like to have some breakfast with me tomorrow?]

[Yeah, I understand.]

After deciding that we would meet tomorrow morning, Seras left the room.

It’s still a bit early for me to sleep.

I’ve also took some nap today.

Standing up, I picked up the bottle that contained the Monster Enhancer.

[Pigimaru.]

[Pii?]

[Would you like to absorb the Enhancer now? Well. it’s fine to wait for some time if you’re still afraid—]

[Pigii!]

Pigimaru immediately answered.

His color shows a positive response.

“If you’re ready, let’s do it!”

That’s what I feel he’s saying.

[As expected of my partner.]

[Pii ♪]

Pigimaru morphed into a bowl-like shape.

[Should I pour the contents in there?]

[Pii.]

[Then, I’m going to pour it now?]

[Piii!]

The Enhancer is a transparent liquid.

Slowly, I poured it into the opening of the bowl-shaped Pigimaru.

Eventually, I’ve poured all of the contents on Pigimaru.

Pigimaru returns to his rounded shape after enclosing the Enhancer.

Thereupon…

[Pii?]

Pigimaru’s body began to emit light.

[Pyyyiiiggyyyyiiiii—-]

If I were to describe the result, then it would be a success just like the second experiment that’s written in the “Encyclopedia of the Forbidden Arts.”

The effect of the Enhancer towards Pigimaru were the same just as described in the results of the experiment.

[It’s already deep into the night, so I guess I’ll thoroughly inspect the various effects tomorrow… Should I check out for a bit before I sleep?]

I sat cross-legged on the bed and opened the “Encyclopedia of the Forbidden Arts”.

I occasionally turned over the pages of the “Encyclopedia of the Forbidden Arts” and finally confirmed the appearance of Pigimaru. I kept browsing the contents of my book until I’m finally overcome by drowsiness and fallen to sleep.