Chapter 13

As the sun set and the night deepened, Raphatalia's stomach growled again, so we put our luggage in the inn and went to a nearby restaurant for dinner.

The snack we had earlier was just a pre-meal snack.

Since Raphatalia didn't know the menu, she didn't know what to order.

Well, I had enough money, and we were planning to camp for a while, so I decided to let her eat a lot.

"Um, I'll have two Delia sets and a Napolata."

I ordered from the waiter, and the food was brought to us.

"Let's eat."

"Okay."

Raphatalia started eating with her hands, munching away.

At around ten years old, she's in her growth spurt. She looked like she wanted more of my portion, so I ordered more.

"Starting tomorrow, we'll be camping, so you can eat a lot."

"Ha-gui!"

I wanted to tell her to either eat or nod, but I left her alone because she looked so happy eating.

After that, I noticed a problem with Raphatalia and decided to deal with it back in the room.

"Your hair is a mess, let me fix it a bit."

"…Okay."

Raphatalia looked a bit anxious, so I patted her head.

"Don't worry, I won't give you a weird hairstyle."

Actually, her current hair was weirder.

I combed it out a bit with my fingers and cut the excess hair with a knife, trimming it to shoulder length.

"Alright, this should be good."

Her hair looked much better than before.

This way, she would look a bit more presentable.

Raphatalia twirled around, smiling at her new look.

I don't know what she was so happy about.

While cleaning up the hair, my shield reacted.

...

She didn't notice.

Sigh...

I opened the Book to check. It said I needed more points in the Tree and Level.

"Hmm?"

Danger, I turned around.

"Well, it's time to go to bed."

"Okay!"

Unlike yesterday, she was unusually obedient.

Well, that's fine.

She might scream or make noise, so I'll make some potions while I wait.

...

I made a Nutrient Agent.

Nutrient Agent Quality: Bad → Slightly Bad. A potion that helps recover from fatigue and rapidly replenishes nutrients.

I made a Healing Potion.

Healing Potion Quality: Slightly Bad → Normal. A potion that helps treat illnesses, but is less effective for severe conditions.

Hmm... I can make various potions with forest and mountain herbs.

I remember they were quite expensive at the apothecary.

However, the materials are consumed quickly, and it's a bit of a tight line in terms of cost-effectiveness.

I managed to make six Nutrient Agents and a few other potions.

However, making high-quality potions is difficult, and I can't compete with professionals.

After all, I'm a Shield Hero, not a pharmacist.

...I'll let the shield absorb them.

Calorie Shield conditions have been unlocked.

Energy Shield conditions have been unlocked.

Energy Shield conditions have been unlocked.

Calorie Shield

Ability Unlocked... Equipment Bonus, Stamina Increase (Small)

Energy Shield

Ability Unlocked... Equipment Bonus, SP Increase (Small)

Energy Shield

Ability Unlocked... Equipment Bonus, Stamina Reduction Resistance (Small)

At least the status bonuses are all there.

What is Stamina? Is it health?

I need to look into this.

As for the herbs... I'm starting to have too many skill-related abilities.

I want more combat-oriented skills.

Ah, just the herbs alone aren't enough to meet the unlock conditions.

Well, that's fine.

"Hmm..."

I stretched, thinking about going to bed, when I caught Raphatalia's eye. She was about to cry in her sleep.

"Kyaa—"

I quickly covered her mouth to muffle her scream and patted her to calm her down.

Phew, I managed to control her today.

If I leave her alone, she'll start screaming.

I guess I'll have to sleep with her.

...

It's cold.

I felt the sunlight on my face and opened my eyes.

Raphatalia, who was supposed to be sleeping with me, was shivering in the corner of the room.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Raphatalia was desperately apologizing, and I frowned, realizing why it was cold.

She had wet the bed.

Sigh...

She thinks I'm angry.

I don't know if a ten-year-old should be wetting the bed, but I can't be angry with those frightened eyes.

I went to Raphatalia and reached out, and she flinched, curling up to protect her head.

"Really..."

I stroked her trembling shoulder.

"It's fine if you wet the bed. Come on, let's get you cleaned up."

I need to get some spare clothes.

"Huh..."

Raphatalia looked at me with a puzzled expression.

"Aren't you angry?"

"What's the point of punishing someone who's already sorry? If you're sorry, I won't be angry."

The sheets are dirty. I need to ask the innkeeper how much to pay... I'll take them as fabric for now.

I explained the situation to the innkeeper, paid for the sheets, and ran to the weapon shop to buy spare clothes.

The well water was cold, but I rubbed the stains on the washing board and packed them in the bag.

We can dry them on a branch while walking through the grass.

"Alright."

Raphatalia walked beside me, looking apologetic, and I started to feel irritated.

"Don't worry about it!"

"…Okay."

Sigh... She's a good kid.

But it's frustrating when she lacks initiative.

Gurgle...

Raphatalia's stomach growled again.

She blushed, looking embarrassed.

"Let's have breakfast."

"Okay..."

Raphatalia followed me, holding the hem of my clothes.

"…Ahem"

"Then, as punishment, drink this potion."

I handed her a cup with the Healing Potion.

Since she's often sick, she needs regular medication, so this is perfect.

Raphatalia made a very sour face when she smelled it but tried to drink it when she heard it was a punishment.

"Ugh... It's so bitter..."

"Endure it."

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

After finishing it, Raphatalia looked like she was about to throw up.

Incidentally, the potions I made sold for a good price. They were in short supply, even though the quality was bad.