Published: September 9, 2025
This time, the perspective is not Satou’s.
Correction made on 10/20 for typos.
“Well then, I’m off.”
I told my Master this and left the mansion.
My Master had a dinner party with the viscount, and Lulu was staying behind to teach the children cooking and reading as promised.
Since neither my Master nor Lulu were coming this time, we would be taking two female explorers, Ilna and Jena, along instead. According to my Master, they were about the strength of ordinary soldiers, but they were equipped with a full set of ant shell armor specially made by my Master, along with a round shield and a one-handed sword. They should be able to handle somewhat stronger enemies.
“So, when the noble lord isn’t around, is Nana the leader then?”
“The combat command is handled by Liza, and complex tactical judgments are assigned to Arisa,” I explained.
“Oh, I see. Nice to meet you, Ms. Liza,” Ilna said in a friendly tone. Her way of speaking somehow reminded me of a man.
“So, Arisa, what kind of place is this 11th district we're heading to today?”
“Eh?! We’re going to the 11th district?!”
“That’s the plan, but is there any problem?”
Jena, a black-haired woman, interrupted our meeting. Arisa said she was quite beautiful.
“The 11th district is full of troublesome monsters like horn hoppers and rockhead bees,” Ilna said.
“That’s right. You really know your stuff.”
“That place is infamous for all the wrong reasons. Because there are so many monsters, exhausted explorers end up competing over it, but most of them die or sustain injuries so severe they can’t come back and have to retire.”
I see. It’s a strong adversary then. Good to know. I’m looking forward to it.
“The horn hoppers and rockhead bees are a bit tough, but they charge straight ahead, so they’re easier to deal with.”
“Is that so? I wonder if people who can even take down those huge hunter mantises can handle them?”
“Definitely! Just stick with us and consider yourself on a big ship.”
Arisa is definitely the right person to dispel any worries the party members might have.
Still, I wonder where Arisa got information about horn hoppers and rockhead bees. Probably from my Master?
â—‡
“Oh? Ms. Liza, aren’t you going to buy lantern oil?”
“No need.”
The labyrinth is bright enough not to hinder battle, and if we’re somewhere without markers, Mia can cast magical light. Besides, we have Light Droplet Cannons as well.
“Can I stop by the guild for a moment? I ran out of hemostatic ointment and haven’t restocked yet.”
“No need. Mia’s recovery magic is available, and we’ll be supplied with magic potions once we enter the labyrinth.”
“Magic potions? R-Really? Those cost a silver coin each, right?”
As I nodded, I realized just how numb I’d become about money.
My Master hands them out casually, so I’ve been using them freely, but now I feel I should have saved some.
“Life is more important. Our Master really hates seeing his family get hurt. So don’t even think about saving money here.”
Arisa seemed to read my thoughts and warned me with a sideways glance. Yes, that’s how my Master is.
“What about luminous stones, smoke bombs, and flash bombs?”
“Hmm… I got the last two from my Master, but what are luminous stones used for?”
“They’re dropped at labyrinth forks. They glow for about three days, so dropping them helps you not get lost in unfamiliar places.”
I see. Since my Master usually leads perfectly, I hadn’t thought much about them, but they seem quite useful.
I bought some at the guild and stored them in the magical bag "Holding Bag" that my Master entrusted to me. We’re warned not to use our fairy bags (magic pouches) in public.
“Eh?! Ms. Liza, you have the Item Box skill?”
“No, this bag itself is a magical artifact.”
“Oh, so such tools exist. That’s fitting for a noble lord’s retainer.”
These two are a bit noisy. I wish Pochi and Tama would learn from them. The two of them hang quietly, cradled in Nana’s arms.