Chapter 38

――Well. I lay down on the bed in the room I'm staying in and think about what's to come. Of course, the main focus is on Tart.

"Still, there's a lot I need to do. I need to write a letter to my family, too."

I can't help but think that Father will soon be looking for me, wondering, "Where's that letter!?"

Here's my to-do list in my head:

1. Write a letter to my family.

2. Level up.

3. Progress with the "Holy Maiden" job change quest.

4. Train Tart to become an "Alchemist."

That's the gist of it, right? Regarding leveling up, I'd like to go back to the "Holy Capital Tsire" and do it with Kent and Cocoa.

"To do that, I need to think about Tart's skills..."

There are three major styles for an "Alchemist": combat-focused, potion-making focused, and balanced.

Combat-focused, as the name suggests, involves taking a lot of combat skills. Throwing fire bottles and other items can deal quite a bit of damage. However, there's no room to take "Potion Making" skills, so you have to buy the necessary items, which can be expensive.

Potion-making focused, as the name suggests, specializes in making potion items. "Potion Making" has success rates and difficulty levels, so you can only make all items if you specialize in it. However, it's very difficult to level up, and it's also expensive.

Balanced allows you to do a decent amount of combat and make a decent amount of potions. It's suitable for those who want to play leisurely. Since you can make potions yourself, the financial burden isn't too great, though your damage output will be lower than combat-focused jobs.

Which one Tart chooses is up to her... I should respect her wishes.

As an "Alchemist," there are books with potion recipes for sale, so it would be good to buy one and study while training.

"Then... this."

I look at the "Adventurer's Bracelet" on my left wrist. With this, you can allocate skills yourself and use a "Simple Storage," among other benefits. The ability to use transfer gates is also a big plus.

...When I return to Tsire, I'll visit Grandma Lumina. Even if it's not possible, she might be able to make an "Adventurer's Bracelet" for Tart.

While thinking about these things, I must have dozed off...

***

"It suits you."

"Thank you, nya!"

Tart's face lit up with a broad smile at Luna's words. She was now wearing a shoulder bag, which seemed to be a gift from Luna and the others. Frey nodded in satisfaction, and Reina looked happy, saying, "You look like a grown-up now!" Torte was also thanking them along with Tart.

The light brown shoulder bag had several potion vials attached to the outside, making them easily accessible in emergencies. More surprisingly, the inside was a "Magic Bag." This is like an inventory that NPCs—non-player characters—have, allowing a certain amount of items to be stored in the bag.

"How is it, Master!"

"I think it's great! It's cute and looks like an 'Alchemist'!"

"Hehe."

I praise Tart as she spins around to show it off. With a "Magic Bag," gathering materials and other tasks will be easier, and it will be a good start.

"So, about what's to come... We're thinking of staying here a bit longer."

"Tart and I are at a different level from Frey and the others, so we'll be acting separately from here on. I have things to do, so Tart will accompany me while we level up and train as an 'Alchemist.' First, we need to go to the 'Adventurer's Guild' and become adventurers."

"Right."

When I roughly outlined the schedule, Frey nodded.

"The nearest guild from here is 'Port Town Tordente.' The next closest is 'Holy Capital Tsire.'"

"Hmm, Tsire might be better. I think it's easier to get alchemy tools there."

"True, port towns don't really have an alchemy image."

"Indeed."

But I think the seafood there would be delicious, so I'd like to go when I have the time.

"Then, the 'Republic of Rolardite.' There are a lot of items needed for 'Alchemists,' so I plan to go there when we level up."

"Ah, Rolardite. It's tough because it's a desert, but it would be a good experience for Tart."

It seems Frey and the others have been to Rolardite. Torte said, "It was hot and tough, nya," with her tail drooping. Luna advised, "It's bad for your skin, so be careful!"

I nod, but... how should we get there? After all, we'd have to pass through my homeland, from which I was exiled. We could go through the "Peach Garden" area and the "Undersea Tunnel," but our levels are too low.

...For now, let's put it on hold.

"Uuu, I'm so excited, nya!"

"Let's go to many places. But to do that, we need to work hard on leveling up...!"

"I'll work hard, nya!!"

Tart jumped up and said, "I want to go on adventures soon, nya!" Yeah, I understand. I also can't get enough of adventuring.

"We could set off as early as tomorrow, but Tart—"

"Let's go tomorrow, nya!"

"Immediate decision...! Well, it's good to be decisive."

We'll be parting ways with everyone, but is it okay to decide so easily? I wonder.

"It's fine, nya. I'll say goodbye to everyone today, nya."

"Well, if Tart and Torte are okay with it, then it's fine..."

When I said this and looked at Tart, she nodded, so tomorrow became our departure day.

The first volume of "The Villainess Healer" has been reprinted, and I received a message from the editor...!

Thank you to everyone who purchased it. (Happy)

I hope you continue to enjoy it!

Since I've been really into Tart lately, I'm excited about the reprint and the possibility of her appearing more often...