NOVEL WEB chapter 96 - The Divine Cat Mii-chan Stays Overnight in the Alabaster Labyrinth
96 The Divine Cat Mii-chan Stays Overnight in the Alabaster Labyrinth
The Alabaster Labyrinth—it’s a fortress.
The labyrinth is surrounded by stone walls, encircling a mosque-like structure, with many other buildings standing alongside it. Some of the buildings are newly constructed, and an observation tower is still under construction. It’s almost like a small village.
“Ah, Inspector, you’ve arrived a bit early, haven’t you?”
Noticing me, Sir Bernhard, the commander of the knights, walked over from the under-construction observation tower and greeted me.
“On the way back from Quart, I came across a caravan being attacked by goblins. After helping out, I decided to join as an escort since there were some injured.”
“!?”
“I assume the knights have just arrived as well, but could you please patrol the road leading to Quinto as much as possible?”
“And what’s the situation?”
“The caravan is safe. There are no fatalities, but there are injuries. There were around fifty goblins, and most have been defeated.”
“Understood. We’ll arrange a patrol.”
“Thank you. Also, could you lend me a place for a while?”
“If you’re staying the night, we can prepare a room for you.”
“No, no need to trouble yourself; I’m just passing through on a personal journey.”
“Understood. Allow me to show you the way.”
Sir Bernhard called over a subordinate, gave instructions, and soon brought over a soldier.
“Captain! It’s him! I recognize this battle horse! This is the rude fellow who dashed past our knight order without greeting us or heeding our warnings!”
“Stand down. This is the Inspector. You are the one being rude. My apologies, Lord Nero. Please forgive him.”
“An… Inspector…? I’m finished…”
“Please, pay it no mind. I’m not here to inspect the knight order.”
“Escort Lord Nero.”
“Yes, sir!”
I was led to a spot next to the labyrinth building. Since it was near the center, Sir Bernhard must have been considerate. He also showed me where the well was located.
Pamiru looked utterly bewildered, not understanding what was happening.
I asked Pamiru to dismount from Sumire and keep an eye on Mii-chan, Sera, and Lu-kun while Perro and I took care of Sumire and set up the tent.
“Hey, Nero-kun. Could you explain what’s going on?”
“Hmm, I’m afraid not. I’m no longer a Hunter Guild employee.”
“I see. Then, could you tell me as a friend?”
That hit a sensitive spot. Mii-chan and the others were playfully running around, but with Sera there, they should be fine. Meanwhile, Perro was sound asleep inside the tent.
“Alright, I’ll tell you what I can.”
I briefly explained what had happened since arriving in Quinto, my trip to the royal capital, and meeting the Chancellor there. I kept the details about the Queen to myself.
“So, what’s this about being an Inspector?”
“I’m afraid I can’t share that.”
“Isn’t it dangerous?”
“They’ve told me to avoid danger, but honestly, there’s no place that isn’t dangerous in these circumstances.”
“True, but it’s still better to be careful.”
“I’ll do my best.”
It was still a bit early for dinner, so I decided to clean my gun. It wasn’t that dirty. I expected to find some residue from the soft metal rounds, but it was surprisingly clean.
“You used that to defeat the goblins, right? What is it?”
“It’s a secret weapon for those with the Atmosphere Skill.”
“The Atmosphere Skill? You mean that Atmosphere Skill?”
“Yes, the same one that people call useless.”
I drew a quick diagram on the ground and explained it in simple terms. She immediately understood it was like a more powerful version of a blowgun. As expected of someone poised to become the Assistant Director of the Royal Capital’s Hunter Guild.
“That’s an interesting way to use it. Did you come up with this, Nero?”
I did come up with it, but it’s based on knowledge I already had. I think anyone with similar knowledge could have thought of something like this.
“I did come up with the idea, but the one who brought it to life was a craftsman named Zelgado.”
“Zelgado? You mean that Zelgado?”
“Which Zelgado are you talking about?”
“The crazy genius Zelgado. You know, the one I entrusted my equipment to.”
“Yes, that’s the same Zelgado.”
It’s funny how geniuses are never recognized in their own time, no matter the world. This guy might end up being remembered for generations to come.
“There are actually quite a few people with the Atmosphere Manipulation Skill and Atmosphere Skill. This will definitely be good news for them.”
“I’m planning to hold a workshop when I return to Quinto. I don’t know how many will attend, but the Guildmaster has offered to help.”
“That’s a great idea. I hope it spreads far and wide.”
As the sun began to set, it seemed like a good time to start preparing dinner. “Everyone, come back!”
“Mii~”
“Nya.”
“Gau.”
Mii-chan helped by bringing out the firewood, and I got the fire started to boil some water in a pot. I added chopped fish, skimmed off the scum, then added vegetables and milk. Once it was warmed up, I seasoned it with salt and thickened it with flour. Done. It looks delicious.
Let’s also serve the bread and special potato salad from Doga.
“Time to eat.”
“Mii.”
“Let’s eat, nya.”
“Nya.”
“Gau.”
“Let’s eat…”
Lu-kun, be careful with the bones while you eat. Sera, on the other hand, is gnawing through the bones. Speaking of which, if you heat bones enough, they soften, right? I decided to experiment on the leftover bones Lu-kun didn’t finish using my water skill. As the bones started steaming, they turned into crispy bone crackers. I might have overdone it. But when I stopped just as the steam began, the bones became soft. Success. Lu-kun enjoyed both the bone crackers and the softened bones.
Perro handed me a plate with leftover bones, requesting some bone crackers. So, I made some for him.
“Oh! The crispy texture is simply delightful. And the fish flavor is just perfect. Delicious, nya!”
In the end, I had to turn all the bones into bone crackers…
“Pamiru-san, was it not to your liking?”
“No, it’s just that… it feels so luxurious. Is it really okay for me to enjoy this?”
“This is pretty much how we always eat.”
And we still have dessert time coming up too, right, Mii-chan?
“Mii~.”