V6C122 (2/2)

For some reason, Pionia was not wearing the cotton clothes I passed to her but a maid uniform.

“That’s right. You’re just like the cat I used to have in the past. My only friends were cats and dolls so I got overexcited.”

“I see, Master Malina.”

“Yup, that’s right Pionia-chan. As expected of Pionia-chan, I think you would suit these clothes too.”

“Then I will change.”

When Malina took out a gothic lolita costume, Pionia expressionlessly placed her hand on her skirt and ―

“Wait a minute! I’m here, I’m here so stop!”

I shouted for her to stop. It looks like Malina has been treating and playing with Pionia literally as a doll.

I was wondering where the heck did she prepare such clothes when I noticed that the log house was already completed and in front of it were spinning and weaving machine-like contraptions and there were even tubs of dyes prepared. Pionia sure does work quickly.

She actually achieved this much in just a single night.

“I, Ichino-chan … welcome.”

“Ou, I just returned. We’ve left to the southwest for a request but it ends up that I’ll be canceling the request. We’ll be returning to Ferruit. Some troublesome fools might come on our way back so Malina please come with us.”

“Al … all righ … right. Er, would it be better if Marina came instead of me?”

“No, please stay as you are now unless we encounter enemies. We will keep a lookout with my Enemy Detection skill and Hawk-Eye as well as Haru’s nose.”

Lately, the time Malina has spent without her mask has lengthened. If she continues like this, one day she might be able to speak with us like she does with Pionia … or that might be impossible but maybe at least to the extent of not stuttering when having everyday conversations with us.

Well then, shall we go?

“Would Pionia like to come along? I figured you’d like to breathe the outside air too.”

“No, I cannot go outside. Once I exit, the magical power will be drawn from my body and I won’t be able to move for about an hour.”

” … Serious?”

“Yes.”

Pionia said expressionlessly.

… I didn’t know that.

Homunculus, the dwarf in a flask.

To her, won’t this world be nothing more than an enormous flask?

I … was it the right choice to create Pionia?

There was silence for a short time.

“I … Ichino-san.”

Maybe she couldn’t stand the atmosphere, Malina spoke.

“Pionia-chan … when she ate the grapes … ah … she made an expression … like it was unpleasant.

“Eh?”

What’s with that random information. Does she hate grapes?

“Those grapes … are meant for making wine … so they aren’t … tasty.”

” … Er.”

“But, after that … she showed just a slightly happy expression when she ate an apple.”

“I see, then maybe I will make something like an apple pie next time.”

” … Pionia-chan … can be happy here too.”

Malina’s words were completely beyond my expectations and I found out that she was actually perceptive to both my and Pionia’s feelings.

It’s pathetic that I selfishly considered that she can only be unhappy for not being able to leave here.

“Really? That’s true. Sorry, Pionia.”

” … Master.”

Pionia looked at me,

“I look forward to the apple pie.”

“Ou, leave it to me. In exchange, please create a kiln.”

“Understood.”

Maybe I’ll have Carol enter this world to chat with her on the way home.

I thought as I exited with Malina.

Then,

“”Ah.””

Malina and Stella saw each other and the next instant ―

“Stella-chaaaaaaaaaaan!”

“It’s the devil! The devil has appeareeeeeed!”

A mysterious chemical reaction occurred and Malina tackled the fleeing Stella with full force.