- Shari -

I really need to find out now where we need to go.

The good thing is that I have just the source for local information.

"Hey Elin. Do you know someone going by the name Kahan?" (Shari)

"Count Kahan?! That's one of the most powerful nobles in this realm, directly after the marquis of the south!" (Elin)

"And you wouldn't know where to find this exceptional individual? The nobles are located in the center, right?" (Shari)

"You think the really important people would live in this town? The count has his own territory and a private estate far in the north from this town." (Elin)

"So it's a bit remote? Seems like we have again to venture out of the town." (Shari)

"And how do you intend to do this?" (Elin)

"On the road?" (Shari)

"I'll specify: What do you intend to tell the guards at the gate who this child is that we are dragging along?" (Elin)

This could be a little tricky.

"The ones at the north gate shouldn't know us yet, right? Maybe we can pass through." (Shari)

"And if not? You are registered as an adventurer! There is no way to explain them! Also the chance he is looked for by the guards and then we would be the kidnappers. And this isn't even the worst! Do you remember when we got sued for the voidstone? Who do you think told them? There were just two others who knew!" (Elin)

"You say the guards informed them?" (Shari)

"I am saying that there is a high chance that someone at the gate works for our enemies. We're talking about the north gate the main route into town! They want information on what is brought here to retain their monopoly!" (Elin)

The way she says it this could be a real problem.

"They might take the boy from us before we can deliver him?" (Shari)

"There is a good chance that they would send some riders behind us. I don't believe they would want the count to know about this if they have the chance to retain the boy. And while I know that you would likely win the fight it could be difficult to prevent information from spreading if the riders escape." (Elin)

"So in fact, passing the gates is an issue. So what do you want us to do? Jumping from the wall?" (Shari)

"Risky, but if no patrol sees us it could be possible. Yet getting the boy up and down there won't be easy." (Elin)

"Why are you thinking so complicated?" (Liqu)

What is this slime planning now?

"What do you mean?" (Shari)

"Why don't we go directly through the wall? Nobody should watch there!" (Liqu)

"Directly? You mean..." (Shari)

"I will just dissolve through the stone!" (Liqu)

"Won't that consume a huge chunk of energy?" (Shari)

"You're underestimating us. It's totally fine!" (Liqu)

"Okay, but to make sure some provisions would be right." (Shari)

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

At least I don't want to be unprepared if we do something risky.

"You are again going out?" (Liqu)

"I have to if I want to buy stuff." (Shari)

"Then I'll come with you!" (Liqu)

Uhh, this time I can't convince her to stay.

It's impossible when she is in this mood.

"Fine! Elin, can you stay here? I'm still a little worried that our guest may abruptly decide to leave." (Shari)

"Okay." (Elin)

"And Liqu, this should be a given, but I expect the full attire covering you if you want to follow!" (Shari)

With this, I go into the shopping area, where Tamarah is already at it to tend to her goods.

"You are leaving again?" (Tamarah)

"Uhh, sorry. We will depart in the evening. I just need to make some additional preparations. I hope that's okay." (Shari)

"As long you don't cause any problems and tidy everything up when you leave it’s fine." (Tamarah)

"Thank you! This is very benevolent!" (Shari)

Now I need to ask myself why that slime is taking so long.

Having no access to my roundabout view I peek back inside.

What is Elin whispering there with her?

Not that there is even the slightest chance that Liqu would ever act against me.

Nonetheless, it's concerning when the two sources of all my worry are plotting like this.

So I decide to separate them.

"Ahem, Liqu we have to go now!" (Shari)

It's not like it needs much to convince her to tag along.

To be honest, I would rather have Elin carrying the flesh in the newly bought bag since she is the only one with actual strength.

Yet Liqu is strong as well.

She has far more energy and control over her mass than me and like this won't get visibly pressed down by heavy stuff.

Already always wearing my clothes is putting a heavy strain on me to not accidentally lose my cohesion for a moment and let everything flow down.

On the other side, I think it's great training to control my body.

Keeping this up makes me better at dealing with the basic stuff.

I can better take things in my hand, become stronger, and maybe even control more mass at once, as I constantly work on myself.

But I'm still not comfortable carrying anything heavy.

For this, a real body has its advantages.

Yet if that slime already has to follow me around then she'll also have to take care of this.

Contemplating like this, I walk down the street.

And promptly start to panic.

Looking behind me I see the common view of the market.

I see the pedestrians, busy merchants, and an abundance of goods.

What I don't see is the slime that should have been right behind me!

Where the hell is Liqu?!!

I probably would just need to wait for a moment and then follow the screams to find her.

Yet this is exactly the reason why I have to find her as fast as possible.

Not knowing where I even have to look, I trace my steps back.

For now, I think I can eliminate the possibility that she got abducted.

While I can't find a reason why she would leave my side, it's just too ridiculous that someone could overwhelm her.

So that leaves her running off.

With this, she should still be on the market, as I rather assume she was distracted than her going to a specific location.

None would come to my mind and so something very sure at one of the shops did pique her interest.

I should calmly check the closest vicinity for her.

As soon she is done she will realize I am away and so immediately look for me herself.

This means I shouldn't go where she can't find me.

I would love to call her out, but describing her might be a problem.

I can't just go around asking "Have you seen this cloaked slime?"

So I look around, trying not to show my agitation too much to the presumably innocent townsfolk.

At one point, I turn around...

And there she is!

You have much to explain my dearest!

Fortunately, we didn't link while I thought that or I would now have to sort out completely different issues with her now.

"Where were you!!!" (Shari)

"I-I saw something and... wanted to look." (Liqu)

Who is perfect at predicting slimes?

I am!

"And what did you want to do? Buy it? You have no money!" (Shari)

"I have some." (Liqu)

The heck!

"Where the hell did you've got money?" (Shari)

"Elin gave it to me. Said for my help and to reconcile." (Liqu)

This at least explains what they were talking about.

Also, am I seriously the only one who is worried that this one can now actively participate in the economy?!

I consider taking it away from her, but something about doesn't sit right with me.

I mean it's not like I haven't my own.

Yet although it feels like a waste, I don't want to stoop this low.

She'll probably just buy herself an extra piece of meat from the butcher.

Speaking of this one: I literally drag Liqu now to the intended location where we finally can buy our flesh.

It is planned as provisions, to ensure that we both are at our top when we reach this estate.

It could go horribly wrong and then I want at least some kind of precaution in the form of combat potential.

So we are visiting this shop.

"Hello! Remember us?" (Shari)

"Oh, the two girls on the monster hunt! Don't tell me you are going to bait another one?" (butcher)

"I have to say the quality was very satisfactory for the target! So I want the same deal as last time." (Shari)

"Well, I won't complain about returning customers, but it's again just you two. Isn't this a little dangerous like this? If there is someone to guard you, this person could also do the carrying!" (butcher)

Again this stuff!

Just stay courteous Shari.

"Don't worry. We have very unique methods for using the flesh. There won't be an issue. We are safe!" (Shari)

As long you don't find out how we use it!

"If you say so. As long as you pay I'm not going to stop you." (butcher)

"It was fifty copper, right?" (Shari)

"Sure, I'll adjust it to the size." (butcher)

There is not much more.

He cuts the flesh, and I give the money, being extremely cautious to not look suspicious while lifting the weight.

The only odd thing would be that Liqu isn't reacting as much to her next meal as I would have thought.

I was sure she couldn't resist spending her newly attained wealth.

What else is there for slimes aside from devouring stuff?

But it's a good thing.

Like this, we don't have to deal with more weight and can rather fast make it back to Tamarah's shop.

Yet now I become anxious if Elin really was the better choice as a babysitter.