“Haah… I’m exhausted.”
“We really wore ourselves out today, didn’t we?”
After spending hours at the stall grilling endless slabs of orc meat, I trudged along the road back to the estate, my body heavy with fatigue. Sylvia-san walked beside me. She kindly helped at the stall and she looked just as drained as I felt.
Sue, too, had treated an astonishing number of injured people, and the effort had clearly taken its toll on her.
“Yaaay— we won! We won!”
““Victory!””
Meanwhile, Shiro and the others—Ao included—were still dancing in celebration, unable to contain the joy of their championship.
But there was something I needed to confirm with Ao.
“Ao, what are you going to do with the prize money?”
Yes, Ao had won the martial arts tournament and earned a hefty reward. The prize had even been increased to commemorate the birth of a baby.
Apparently, Ao had already decided how to use it because she immediately turned to Shiro.
“Ao said, she’ll keep just a little for herself, and donate the rest to orphanages and the like.”
“If she gave it all away, it would feel rude to the tournament’s organizers.”
“She want it to be used in ways that will make the children happy.”
Shiro explained for Ao.
I nodded to myself. It was a decision so very like Ao.
Sue and Sylvia-san both applauded her decision, clearly moved by her thoughtfulness.
With that settled, we decided that as soon as we returned to the estate, we would consult the margrave about how best to use the prize money.
“In that case, we will gratefully put it to good use.”
“To think a slime could be so considerate… truly remarkable.”
The Margrave and his wife readily accepted Ao’s proposal.
According to Ao, she wanted the money used to help the poor, so the finer details, such as where the donations would go, would be selected by the Margrave’s retainers.
“Also, things were rather chaotic with that sudden preliminary round, but it seems everyone’s clothes are finally ready.”
“““Yay!”””
“Let’s go pick them up tomorrow. Since it’s a special occasion, why don’t we attend the celebration banquet wearing those outfits?”
Oh, right—we had ordered new clothes. The timing couldn’t have been better, and it would also serve as a perfect opportunity to demonstrate our manners.
Just then, the Margrave’s wife turned her gaze toward Sylvia.
“Since this is a perfect opportunity, we should prepare an outfit for you as well, Sylvia. You helped guide people to safety during today’s chaos, so you’ve more than earned the right to attend the victory banquet.”
“Oh, indeed. And for that matter, anyone who distinguished themselves during today’s orc incident will be invited to the celebration too.”
“U-um… well…”
“Ao says she’ll treat you to a dress.”
“She told us to pick something cute.”
“I’m sure it’ll look wonderful on you.”
“Ah—yes. Understood.”
They neatly closed in around Sylvia-san, leaving her no graceful path of escape. With everyone pressing her like that, even Sylvia had no choice but to nod in acceptance.
“And there’s one more thing—about that magician. We’ve decided to re-investigate all locations connected to the dark guild. I’m sorry, but I’d like you to remain at the estate until the victory banquet is over.”
“Yes, understood.”
They planned to conduct a thorough search once again, including the inn where Sylvia-san had been staying. There was no helping it, and Sylvia-san accepted the decision without hesitation.
Hmm… with the organization making such a conspicuous move this time, things might stay unsettled for a while. Since we’re deeply involved ourselves, it looks like we’ll be staying in the Northern Margrave’s territory until everything calms down.
This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.
Previous ⚜ Table of Contents ⚜ Next
Yume Neiji's Works 