Chapter 94

After getting out of the bath, I was setting up lunch with Sakura on the garden table when—

“...Pii”

“Huh?”

At the edge of the garden, there was a blue slime.

However, it wasn’t the usual amorphous shape; it had taken a human form.

It seemed to be female. It didn’t attack but stood under the tree, slightly bowing its head.

“What’s with that slime?”

“It doesn’t seem to have any hostility?”

Sakura’s perception also indicated no hostility.

Usually, it would try to invade the premises and absorb magic power.

Why isn’t it doing that this time?

“Um, Master, did you bury the giant slime’s magic stone? It might think you’re a higher being because of that.”

“Really?”

Just burying it caused this?

“Monsters are very loyal to their instincts. That’s why they clearly decide whether to be hostile or not. Taking a human form might be a way to show loyalty to you.”

“I see. ...Should I get a bit closer?”

I walked up to the female-shaped slime, which trembled slightly and bowed its head even lower.

“Pii”

“Ah, yeah, you don’t need to be so scared. We’re not enemies.”

When I spoke, the slime cautiously raised its head.

Hmm, slimes can actually recognize words.

Since it can make sounds, it must have vocal cords. Maybe I should ask Hestia about its biology later.

As I was thinking this—

“Pii!”

The slime chirped, bowed, and then quietly disappeared into the forest.

“What was that?”

“Lack of hostility, maybe?”

I don’t understand slime language, so I don’t know what it said, but if it’s not hostile, that’s a welcome change.

“But... I still don’t understand what it was saying...”

“Should I try cultivating talking apples?”

“If you feel like it, sure.”

While chatting, I finished preparing for the feast. I should probably go call the others who are still in the hot springs.

●

Dianeia was quietly soaking in the hot spring. Then,

“Ugh... I messed up...”

In the warm water, she slumped her shoulders.

“...Well, don’t worry about it.”

“Thank you, Hestia. ...Ah, it’s so warm and feels good.”

She should have suggested they enter together from the start. As she let the water splash on her face,

“Um, ...about Lamuros. Is the town okay?”

Hestia asked with a serious face.

Dianeia nodded in response.

“Yes, there’s no need to worry about that. I handled it properly, so there won’t be any issues with compensation. This time, it’s thanks to you, Hestia, as well as Lord Daichi.”

“I didn’t do anything. It was only because of that person.”

“No, even so, thank you, Hestia.”

Because she was there, they were able to take early action. That’s a fact.

So when she thanked her, Hestia scratched her cheek without expression.

“Hmm... It’s not that big of a deal. Still, it would have been dangerous without that person.”

“That regret is my responsibility. I... I keep causing him trouble. If I were stronger, I could have protected the town.”

If she could have set up more barriers, she might have been able to stop the Dragon King.

Thinking about this, a strong desire to become stronger welled up inside her.

“Hmm? Dianeia, you are strong enough as a human.”

“Haha... I feel a bit more confident when the White Dragon King Hestia says that.”

Still, she has a long way to go.

She must continue training and improving, even while soaking in the hot spring.

“Phew... Alright, I need to work hard!”

She splashed water on her face to calm her excited heart.

“Phew... But, maybe because I’m bathing with Hestia, I feel a bit... elevated?”

Despite being relaxed, a warmth was rising from within her.

Was it because she was being encouraged by the Dragon King? If so, that would be very helpful.

“Hmm, that’s not because of me, but because of the hot spring. It’s rich in magic power, which is seeping into your body and slightly increasing your magic power.”

“—What?!”

Dianeia was so surprised she almost stood up.

She never imagined the hot spring had such effects.

“B-But, if I keep soaking, will the enhancement continue...?”

“Yes, but be careful, or you might get drunk.”

“Huh?”

The moment Hestia said this, Dianeia felt dizzy.

...This isn’t just dizziness...!?

Her vision spun, and she couldn’t stand.

Her vision spun, and she lost her balance, unable to stand.

“Oh, I’m too late.”

“N-no...?”

She knelt and almost fell over, but Hestia caught her.

“Magic intoxication. It happens if you don’t have a strong resistance to magic. It will pass after a while, but it’s dangerous, so I’ll take you out of the hot spring.”

Saying this, Hestia dragged Dianeia out of the hot spring.

“I’m so embarrassed. But, if I’m not strong enough to even enjoy a hot spring...”

She had been complacent because Daichi could enter so casually, but she had completely forgotten about his immense magic power.

“Well, he’s the abnormal one for being able to enter normally. Don’t worry about it.”

“Y-Yes...”

While being carried by Hestia, Dianeia thought. It would have been difficult to bathe together from the start. And—

...I’ll get a bit stronger and be able to enjoy the hot spring with him.

Looking up at the sky, she set a new goal.