- Shari -

Now that we have dealt with our affairs it's time to gather again.

Most of my hopes lie on Lorena and her connections to get us into the palace.

The official way is truly risky, as for all we know our attackers could've come from the capital.

Not to mention that there's a chance they might ask us to reveal ourselves before we enter.

My powder mask worked well until now but a full-body application is asking too much and it's not impossible to see through.

Even though we have the girl, whose face is apparently unknown to most, we'd be in a tight spot if we get exposed.

I could only send the humans in our group, but as I said, they'd likely get assassinated.

So let's call this plan B.

I buy some meat on the market for me and Liqu at the price of two silver.

The prices here in the capital are truly ridiculous but we have to replenish and need supplies.

So we return to the inn.

Sadly I discovered that meals aren't included in the already extremely overpriced rooms.

However, I decide that the princess needs a real meal and buy her something expensive for twenty-five copper, which I let them bring to the equally expensive room to make use of it.

The others are supposed to get themselves fed with their own salary.

I already spent enough on them.

At least the meal the girl receives looks decent enough.

Some vegetables, a small slice of meat, and a bit of soup.

She surely had more fancy meals before but it's palatable.

Liqu and I sit next to her as someone has to watch over her.

"So, is everything to your liking, your highness?" (Shari)

"Uh, yes, it's tasty." (Anvenia)

"Doesn't look like it. There's almost no flesh." (Liqu)

"Liqu, humans have a sense of taste. Not just knowledge about what it is, but more like a corresponding feeling. This sensation can actually be quite enjoyable. Though, it's not like I'd be able to do so anymore." (Shari)

In some way, knowing what I lost makes it worse.

Liqu who never had any sense of taste has it better in that sense.

"Sorry." (Liqu)

"You know, I used to be pretty angry about this, but nowadays I think I might be able to get over it and forgive you. Even if there are moments like this." (Shari)

"My Shari!!" (Liqu)

"Stop hugging! I don't want to merge!" (Shari)

"Ehm, I don't understand. What is this about having lost your sense of taste?" (Anvenia)

"Ah, right. You don't know yet. I used to be a human. But Liqu here can turn one into a slime." (Shari)

And with this, her eyes grow wide.

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"You can do this?" (Anvenia)

"Technically yes. But it's a bit difficult and warrants extensive preparations. Do you want too?" (Liqu)

Now her expression is a bit more concerned.

Like one should be when another person says that she plans on melting your body.

Seriously, this slime.

"Liqu, no! You're not going to turn the future ruler of this country into a slime!" (Shari)

If Lorena would be here she might've fainted.

"You could really do that?" (Anvenia)

Please, girl! Don't get any weird ideas!

"Not with you." (Liqu)

"Oohhh." (Anvenia)

Is she seriously distraught about this?

"You're too small. A core capable of containing a human consciousness needs enough space and your stomach is too small to grow one, yet." (Liqu)

That's something at least.

Let's call this an "age-of-consent" requirement.

Something that a body-altering treatment certainly should have.

"In the first place, I don't want more of our kind roaming this world. We two already have our issues with mankind. If more would regularly get into fights with people we'd soon have something like a conflict between species, which wouldn't be good for our reputation. Not to speak of that transforming the king's daughter would be suicidal." (Shari)

"But it sounds so incredible." (Anvenia)

God, my anger at my circumstances threatens to ignite my temper.

"Listen, your highness. Being a slime isn't fun. I can't do many things I could before. There are so many inconveniences in daily life for me, you wouldn't believe it. Alone wearing clothes is driving me to my limits to make it happen. You really should be grateful for the body you have!" (Shari)

At least nothing can be wrong with this statement.

"But being a slime can also be positive! You don't get sick, can't get injured, won't feel pain." (Liqu)

"I can't feel anything in a way that it matters! Nothing meaningful, nothing pleasurable, and most people want me dead." (Shari)

"But you have me!" (Liqu)

"Yes... And I have you, Liqu." (Shari)

She still has no sense of irony.

Anvenia is now lost in thought while eating.

After some time, Lorena returns from her mission.

"How is her highness?" (Lorena)

"Healthy. We had her checked by the healer and she had a very expensive meal." (Shari)

"Thank god. I was a bit worried about leaving her alone." (Lorena)

Alone with the man-eating monsters, huh?

"So, how did it go? Did you get us a way to deliver the princess safely to the king?" (Shari)

"My colleague was very open to supporting us. Yet I wasn't able to convince her to smuggle us into the palace. The security is too tight. Also, she won't be able to meet the king as she isn't part of the inner palace maids. I decided against having her spread our presence to too many uninvolved people. But she agreed to relay our message to the chancellor and will ask him for a meeting." (Lorena)

"And is this chancellor trustworthy?" (Shari)

"Naturally! Most of the kingdom's affairs lie in his hands. If he would be corrupt this country would already be lost." (Lorena)

That's not really convincing.

It just means we're all the more screwed if she's wrong.

"Okay, and when are you supposed to hear from them? We won't have to wait for too long, right?" (Shari)

"When they notify us. I’m not sure when my colleague will have the chance to relay my message, but I'm positive she'll contact us tomorrow at the latest." (Lorena)

"Wait! Contact us? You didn't tell her where we're lodged, right?" (Shari)

"How else would she be able to tell us the results?" (Lorena)

Can she really be so stupid?

"You could've just met up again! If you told her where we are, this might lead our enemies directly to us!" (Shari)

"I can trust her! She's an old friend!" (Lorena)

"But I don't trust who she talks with!" (Shari)

Lorena isn't answering directly.

I guess even she knows she messed up by telling someone about us without involving the rest of the team.

If she's right, it's fine.

If not we're all screwed.

Yet, not everything is bad at the moment.

Everyone got a meal, the princess is healthy, Zeon's arm is smoothly recovering, and Elin bought some new equipment, which I hope for her sake she paid for with her own money.

To summarize, if Lorena's request works out now, we're golden.

Suddenly Elin barges into the room.

"We're in trouble!" (Elin)

Oh, hello world.

You have this knack for surprise entrances.

I wish you’d stop.