Chapter 48

"Finally, we're back..."

For over two weeks, we had been grinding levels in the forest. Mostly, I just watched, but occasionally, we would team up to take down high-rank monsters. After our levels had risen to a certain point, we decided to return to the mansion.

Before heading back to the mansion, we stopped by Natalie's shop to let her know we were back. Natalie swallowed hard when she saw the two of us.

"You two... in just two weeks, you've really..."

Natalie was clearly surprised by how exhausted we looked, but there was also a hint of confidence in our expressions.

"Yeah... we've been... "

"Working hard..."

When we replied, Natalie nodded.

"Alright, from today on, you'll be staying at the mansion again, so I'll make sure to cook something delicious."

"Alright, I'll prepare something."

I gave a casual wave and headed back to the mansion.

"Felis, I'm home."

When I returned to the mansion and greeted her in the hall, Felis appeared immediately.

"Welcome back, Toya. You're late."

"Sorry, sorry. We got carried away with leveling up. We won't be going on long trips for a while."

Felis seemed satisfied with my answer and smiled slightly before disappearing. The two of them returned to their rooms, and I went to the kitchen to think about dinner.

"Let's see, we have a lot of meat, so maybe I'll cook some steaks..."

Once I decided on the menu, all that was left was to start cooking. I timed it so that the food would be ready when Natalie returned.

◇◇◇

"To our successful training, cheers!"

"Cheers!!"

We raised our glasses and drank the ale.

"Delicious! I haven't had ale in a while, so this is really good."

Everyone else was drinking fruit juice instead of alcohol. I offered, but they declined, saying, "If we drink today, we'll fall asleep."

Well, even if I drink alone, it's still delicious with this group around.

"Still, to raise your levels that much in such a short time..."

When Natalie heard about Char and Al's levels, her face twisted.

"All thanks to Master Toya. The ring Master Toya gave us—"

Char looked at the ring on her left ring finger with a blush.

...It's just an experience multiplier item, right?

Even if I think that, I don't say it out loud. I've told the two of them about the ring's effect, but it's not something I want to spread.

"I also took down high-rank monsters with Al!"

...You were crying and saying "I don't want to anymore" in the middle of it, though...

I smiled wryly and drank my ale as they excitedly explained. Their excited explanations continued until the meal was over.

After dinner, we took baths and then drank tea in the dining room. The three of them still had more to talk about, so I quickly returned to my bedroom and went to sleep.

◇◇◇

"...So, did anything happen?"

When Natalie asked, the two of them shook their heads.

"Master Toya shared a bed with us for two weeks, but he didn't do anything."

"I also tried to appear in front of Toya in just a towel, but he turned red and said 'sorry' and left."

Natalie sighed at their explanation.

"Seems like you're still just little girls. I'll have to use my adult charm to make him fall for me..."

The two of them wanted to object but didn't say anything. They listened to Natalie's words with a wry smile.

"So, how did you see Toya's skills?"

At Natalie's question, the two of them slumped their shoulders.

"Our levels rose incredibly, but even so, when we had a mock battle with Master Toya for training in human combat, the two of us together... couldn't even stand a chance."

While in the forest, Toya had insisted that human combat would be necessary to reclaim the country, so in addition to leveling up, we had mock battles every day. However, we couldn't stand a chance against Toya, who claimed to be a healer.

"Even with your levels raised, you couldn't stand a chance... So, Toya has that much power. In that case, I'll have to make the 'Sage's Love Potion.'"

"Love Potion!?"

The two of them widened their eyes at Natalie's words. Natalie continued her explanation.

"Yes, the Sage's Love Potion, also known as the 'Love Potion.' If I give this to Toya, he'll fall for my charm in one go."

(If I give him this, I might be able to be with Master Toya...)

(If I do this, I might become Toya's mate...)

All three of them hid their true feelings and nodded with a sly smile.

"It'll take three days to make. It only affects men, so it won't be a problem for us to drink it. Once it's ready, we'll put the plan into action!"

The three of them nodded more strongly than ever before.

A few days later, the day of the plan arrived.

Thank you for always reading.

Please bear with me a little longer.