Chapter 52

I wonder what kind of embarrassing scene I made while drinking, but I decided not to delve into the details, as knowing them might make it impossible to live with the shame. After all, for Anna and Fred to keep quiet about it must mean it was quite a significant event.

Thinking about what I did only makes me more anxious. When I studied about crimes, I saw many cases where people, emboldened by alcohol, committed offenses. Stories like a noble's son running naked through the streets and being caught by the military police, or a widow who, in a drunken gambling spree, nearly lost all her wealth (though the gambling itself was illegal, and the transactions were later declared void, she was still punished for frequenting the illegal gambling den).

Although I don't think I did anything illegal, I imagine it would be very embarrassing to know the truth. Plus, no one was hurt, and it seems everyone considers it an "unfortunate accident" since it was my first time drinking and no one knew it would turn out this way. It was a relief to think about it that way. So, I vow to never let it happen again, but I don't want to dig up what they're trying to keep from me. The main reason is that I'm afraid to know. Well, I'll be more careful with alcohol from now on.

---

The return trip, unlike the outbound journey, was more enjoyable with one more person. It was Amber's first time on a magic train, and she was incredibly excited. She looked so happy that I couldn't help but watch her with a smile. In that moment, she seemed like any other child.

There are still many social rules she needs to learn, and there are often nerve-wracking moments, but she listens when I tell her, so I don't need to worry as much as I did at first. She sometimes forgets and does things she's been told not to, but when I point it out, she says, "Oh, right, I remember now," and stops. So far, there haven't been any major issues.

However, the fact that she has made so much progress in such a short time also highlights how much she lacked proper education from her family.

"Amber, you're asleep already?"

"Yeah, after all the excitement before we got on, it's no wonder."

We had a compartment for four people, just like on the way there, so we could easily add one more person. There was a bit of waiting time before departure, but during that time, she fell asleep despite being so excited about looking out the window. I asked if she was okay with missing out on something she was looking forward to, but she just mumbled and leaned on Anna, starting to snore. We decided to let her sleep.

Sitting next to Fred, I felt warm and cozy, and I started to feel sleepy too.

"Riana, you can sleep too. I'll read a book."

I was already half-asleep when I heard his calm voice. The trip was fun, but staying in an unfamiliar place for several days and being active all day made me quite tired. Even though I'm tired, I want to go again with everyone.

For me, this was my first "trip with friends," and it was a memorable and enjoyable experience.

---

"Riana! I took it down!"

"Good job, Amber. You did it just as I taught you, without hurting anything but the neck. That's great!"

I ruffled Amber's head as she ran up, looking proud. After losing her adventurer's license, Amber couldn't take any quests for two weeks, but the training she did during that time helped her start to understand the rules.

These were basic things that new adventurers learn in training or pick up as they go, but Amber didn't know many of them. Even so, as she learned, the public's perception of her changed significantly.

In Delur, she was seen as "very strong but a terrible troublemaker." That was indeed the case at the time. Even in a temporary party, she would argue about how to take down a monster. But as I taught her one thing at a time and explained the reasons, she improved.

Thinking back to our first interactions when we returned to Lindemen, it's only been two weeks, but Amber has grown a lot.

---

I wasn't sure what to teach her as a disciple. At the time, I just took her to the forest. While social rules are important, I thought it was more urgent to help her control her strong powers to avoid causing problems.

"Monsters need to be taken down with their materials in mind. For this one, it's the liver and eyes."

"Why do I have to do such a troublesome thing? I can take them down with one big blast, and it's easier that way."

"...Do you like the bakery on Memelk Street?"

"!! I love it! Are you going to buy it for me on the way back?"

Thinking of her happy face as she ate the fluffy bread with sweet cream, I continued the conversation, feeling relieved that she was interested.

"But to buy that bread, you need money."

"That's true."

Amber, who only recognized the most basic concepts of right and wrong, had her animal ears and tail droop at the mention of money.

"When you completely char a monster, you get a thank you for helping with the problem, but the money you get can only buy one meal, not a cream bread."

"Then I'll take down a stronger monster!"

"But you have to find the monster first, and stronger ones are far from town. It will take more time to buy the cream bread."

"Hmm..."

"But there's a way to get enough money to buy cream bread by taking down just one monster."

"?! What?! What do I need to do?!"

"That's a skill called 'Harvesting Parts and Materials'..."

---

As I explained, I realized that Amber didn't even know about "bringing back parts as proof" of a successful hunt. This is usually one of the first things adventurers learn. Amber had only recently started to remember the parts of the monsters in this area.

Before, she would take on quests and take down monsters as required, but she never brought back any proof. This led to the guild sending another party to confirm the kill, reducing Amber's reward. Sometimes, the materials would be ruined by the time the confirmation party arrived.

Amber mentioned that there were times when she didn't get paid for her work, but for less threatening monsters, the guild couldn't afford to send a confirmation party. It's also possible that someone was taking the parts from the monsters she killed.

The guild had repeatedly told her to bring back the parts, but when she asked, "Why do I have to do such a troublesome thing?" the staff gave up on explaining. The misunderstandings continued, with Amber bringing back the wrong parts, and eventually, no one bothered to correct her.

Despite this inefficiency, Amber managed to continue as an adventurer because she was so strong. If things had been a bit different, she might not have ended up in such an isolated situation. It's not entirely her fault, but if she had been given proper explanations, she could have been a reliable and strong adventurer.

Now that I've explained the necessity, she is starting to consider the parts and materials. ...She's starting to think about it, but she still needs to learn how to harvest materials that will be valuable in the future. She is growing steadily.

Even though she's still rough in her methods and damages the materials, reducing their value, it's a significant improvement from when she couldn't do anything. I want to praise her for what she can do now, compared to her past self. I think it's great that she's trying to change.

In reality, results are what matter, but I want to praise her for her efforts.

---

Because she lacked the experience of interacting with others, she kept causing problems. Even when she was chosen for temporary parties based on her strength, she still caused trouble. We understand that she has a way of speaking that can be problematic...

To prevent such misunderstandings in the future, I'm also teaching her how to ask questions properly.

Reflecting on the past two weeks, I was often surprised by what Amber didn't know. I tried to explain things thoroughly, remembering her upbringing. I didn't let her act alone or interact with people in town because I was worried about what might happen. But now, it seems she might be ready to re-register as an adventurer.

The adventurer's outfit I made for her seems to be working well, which is a relief. It was my first time designing clothes, but I enjoyed making something for someone. I think I managed to create a nice design that doesn't hinder movement and incorporates traditional elements from her homeland. I'm quite proud of it.

When I couldn't find suitable clothes for a tailed person, I decided to make them from scratch, and it turned out well. I didn't expect to end up designing them myself, but I was surprised when I realized that's what happened. I'm glad Amber likes both the fit and the design that incorporates elements from her homeland.

---

When I saw Amber, wearing the outfit I made, take down a monster without damaging its internal organs or head, I felt a sense of pride in her growth over this short period.

At first, I thought she might see me as special because she was always praised unconditionally in her upbringing. But it's different. Amber, who never had her actions evaluated, seems to find it very rewarding to be recognized for her growth. She learns enthusiastically and remembers what she's taught, no matter how small the praise.

Anna, who has always supported me, is especially good at giving praise, and Amber, wanting to be praised by Anna, is very proactive in helping with daily tasks. I think this is a very positive change.

"You used to char them completely, but now you can take them down cleanly."

"Right?!"

"Yes, that's great. This monster attacks fields and people, so many people will be helped by you taking it down. Let's bring back the materials too."

"Okay! I'll make them into food for my cream bread."

She still can't harvest materials cleanly, but she won't improve if she doesn't try. I watched her carefully to make sure she didn't get hurt, while keeping an eye out for other monsters.