Chapter 7

As usual, I walk through the forest.

Pushing aside the leaves and looking around, I search for herbs, which takes time.

It has been a few weeks since I started entering the forest, and I have become quite accustomed to exploring.

However, today, I feel a strange sensation on my shoulder, and my attention keeps being drawn to it.

...

When I turn my gaze, it turns its head towards me.

On my shoulder sits a purple-bodied Magic Worm—Purple.

I had intended to release it once we were deep enough into the forest, but Purple seems to understand and doesn't want to leave me. It climbed up my arm and finally settled on my shoulder.

The words "familiar contract" that I heard from a woman who resembled a goddess earlier come to mind.

If I interpret this literally, it seems that I am using Purple as a familiar.

Since this phenomenon didn't occur when Purple was a chick, I assume there are certain conditions. The possibilities include being a monster and giving it a name, or both.

In any case, I can't determine which is correct in the current situation, and since Purple is firmly clinging to my shoulder, I have no choice but to leave it be.

So, even with this strange companion, my task remains the same. I need to find herbs today so that Seria can study in the capital...

--- Rustle ---

"Huh?"

A thread from Purple's mouth brushes against my cheek.

"What are you doing? It tickles, you know?"

When I speak to Purple, which has a definite will, it shakes its head and extends the thread.

Perhaps because of the familiar contract, I can vaguely sense its will. It seems there is something in that direction.

"Hmm, the footing is a bit tricky, but if I'm careful, it should be fine..."

I decide to proceed in a direction I usually don't go...

"Huh?"

There, I find nearly ten herbs growing.

"I've never seen so many growing in one place before."

Until now, I had only searched in areas that were easy to walk through, but just by going a bit deeper into the forest, I found them so easily...

"This location should be noted down."

Herbs tend to regrow in herb clusters over time, as the receptionist at the Adventurer's Guild mentioned.

I happily pick the herbs, as this cluster alone will secure several days' worth of income.

"Alright, no herbs left behind, right?"

After collecting the herbs, I check the surroundings. Then, I suddenly remember Purple, who is still on my shoulder.

"Magic Worms love herbs, and I've only ever fed Purple herbs. Plus, the will I sensed earlier... Was it a coincidence?"

I can't draw a conclusion from just one instance, but I can't dismiss it as a mere coincidence either.

"Can you do it again?"

I look at Purple, and it manipulates the thread, turning its head in a different direction.

"...That way? It's still a difficult path, but the chances of no one else being there are higher, right?"

I trust Purple and proceed.

...

"Can I turn in a bit more herbs today? Is that okay?"

Back at the Adventurer's Guild, I speak to the receptionist who usually buys from me.

"Yes, that's fine. We're short on potions, so we don't have any herbs in stock."

With her approval, I take out the herbs I had stored in my bag.

The receptionist looks at the herbs I lined up on the counter and is taken aback.

"W-wait a moment. I'll count them now."

She hurriedly counts the number of herbs.

"In total... fifty-three. Is that correct?"

She asks me to confirm that she hasn't made a mistake.

"Yes, that's correct."

"Alright, here is your reward."

She says this and places a bag of coins on a tray.

The coins are heavier than usual, and there are some I've never seen before. My hands tremble at the unexpected amount of money, but I try not to show it to anyone as I put it in my pocket.

"Still... Mr. Claus, it's impressive that you've been an adventurer for such a short time."

The receptionist speaks to me, which is unusual since our interactions are usually formal.

"It was just a lucky find of a cluster."

"I see... Herbs are hard to find unless you have a keen eye. Perhaps you have a talent for scouting as well?"

In reality, it's not me but Purple who has the talent. Purple keeps finding herb clusters, which allows me to collect such a large amount in a short time.

Purple is now sleeping in the bag, probably because it ate its fill of the collected herbs.

"No, I'm still new to being an adventurer, so I don't really know much..."

I laugh lightly and wave my hand.

"Indeed, you're still wearing such equipment and can't even form a party. Your potential is limited."

Zig, who had just finished a quest, was there. I don't know how long he had been listening to my conversation with the receptionist, but he was smirking.

"If you really want to learn about being an adventurer, why don't you come drink with us? We'll teach you plenty."

A chill runs down my spine at his words. I can tell he's trying to take advantage of me.

This money is needed for Seria to study in the capital. I don't want to waste even a single coin.

As I try to figure out how to get out of this situation...

"Zig, please don't bother the newbies."

The receptionist gives him a reproachful look. She then signals me with her eyes to leave, and I do so.

I step outside, ignoring the conversation between the receptionist and Zig.