In the twelfth layer of Koolatar, I hunted Salasenia until the item box was full of Nourishing Pills. Not only did I get them, but I also made sure Seri had ten for emergencies.
Milia had also successfully obtained the level 1 Herbalist skill. It was probably because she picked up Aconite. Like Leaf, Aconite seems to count as an herb.
Salasenia turned out to be not as formidable as I thought as I progressed through battles. Since they are plants, their attack power isn’t very high. I tried fighting one directly with Durandal, and it was a breeze.
"Whoa, that was close."
Just as I was thinking that, it sprayed digestive fluid at me. It was like a pot being tipped over, spilling from the top. I barely managed to jump out of the way in time.
"Such an attack pattern exists, huh?"
Roxane said this calmly, but I was struggling. I slammed Durandal into it and managed to kill it.
"Seri, do you think Collagen Coral is a water-based monster?"
"I think so."
Since Salasenia was dangerous, we moved to the eighth layer of Bael. I got Seri’s agreement that Collagen Coral is a water-based monster.
"Is there a skill called Water-based Enhancement?"
"I’ve never heard of it."
"Milia also doesn’t know about it."
So, Water-based Enhancement is probably a passive skill.
"Milia, how many layers have you been to?"
"Only the first layer."
"Then the eighth layer might be tough, but since it’s a water-based monster, a diver should be able to handle it."
We tried fighting in the eighth layer. It took three spells to defeat the first Collagen Coral level 8. I adjusted my stats to increase my intelligence, so I could take it down with two spells.
I had Milia attack the surviving Collagen Coral. She used a steel spear, scimitar, and bare hands. Milia doesn’t have the Swordsman or Cleric skills.
With the spear, Milia easily defeated the Collagen Coral. When using the sword, she got hit in return.
It’s not as smooth as Roxane’s movements. That’s a relief. If that were the standard, I’d be in trouble. Milia also got hit when attacking with her bare hands.
"Are you okay?"
"××××××××××"
"Yes."
I applied a coating and treated her twice. Milia got hit one more time and defeated the Collagen Coral. Checking the party job settings, she had obtained Swordsman level 1 and Cleric level 1.
"How was the monster’s attack?"
"It’s fine."
"Can you handle non-water-based monsters too?"
"Yes."
Milia answered enthusiastically. She’s quite motivated. That’s a relief.
We moved to the eighth layer of Koolatar and had her fight a Needlewood level 8. She used a sword and got hit. I reapplied the coating and treated her again.
"How was it?"
"It’s tougher than Collagen Coral, but she can fight."
"Seems like it. After this, should we gradually move up from the ninth, tenth, and eleventh layers, taking one hit each time to confirm she won’t die, or should we go straight to the twelfth layer and have her observe from behind?"
I was unsure which to choose, so I consulted the three of them.
Taking one hit each time is safer. The downside is that getting hit is a disadvantage. Milia probably doesn’t like pain. Even if we observe from a lower layer, it’s not 100% safe. If she dies from a test hit, it’s no laughing matter.
If we let her observe in the twelfth layer, she won’t get hit, but the safety is a gamble. Even if she’s in the back, there’s no absolute safety in a dungeon. There’s a risk of stray attacks. Observing in the twelfth layer might lead to slightly faster growth.
"I think it’s better to try one layer at a time. Getting hit isn’t a big deal. When facing monsters, there’s always a possibility of getting hit."
I explained the pros and cons, and Roxane answered. For Roxane, the possibility of getting hit is scary.
"Considering safety, it’s much better to move up gradually. It’s inevitable to take hits intentionally."
Seri’s judgment is as clear as ever. It would be good if Milia can accept this.
"××××××××××"
"××××××××××"
"Milia says she agrees with her sister."
Was Roxane forcing her to say that? But if Milia says it’s fine, it’s fine. Since Roxane convinced her, we decided to move up gradually.
We moved to the ninth layer of Koolatar and continued moving up one layer at a time. We left one monster alive and had Milia attack it. When Milia got hit, we immediately finished off the monster. Since she already has the Swordsman and Cleric skills, there’s no need to let her fight to the end.
"Are you okay?"
"I’m fine."
While treating her, she answered. She even learned to say "I’m fine." Milia managed to withstand the attack of a Green Caterpillar level 11.
"The monsters in the twelfth layer are stronger. Can you handle it?"
"××××××××××"
"I’m fine."
Roxane translated, and she gave a determined answer. Milia seems to have a strong will. Since she’ll be fighting in the dungeon, that’s a good thing.
In this world with dungeons, this level of determination might be the norm. Or maybe it’s because I chose her with the condition of fighting in the dungeon. If I had chosen a less motivated beauty, it wouldn’t have turned out this way. Milia is a good addition to the party.
"Then, we’ll move to the twelfth layer of Halbar. The twelfth layer of Halbar is our current hunting ground. In the twelfth layer, we won’t intentionally take hits. There’s no need to push yourself. Gradually get used to it. For now, fight from the back with a spear. Seri will be in the front, and Milia in the back."
While moving up one layer at a time, Milia also became a Diver level 3. If she can withstand a single hit, she should be fine in the twelfth layer.
We moved to the twelfth layer of Halbar and continued hunting normally. We kept Milia in the back to observe. As expected, there were no issues when she was in the back.
It only takes four wind spells to defeat them, so the battles aren’t very long. The ranged attacks are sparse, and Roxane can handle them all.
By morning, Milia had grown to Diver level 5. With her low starting level, she levels up quickly. She should be ready to fight in the front soon.
After finishing hunting, we went to the Koolatar Adventurer’s Guild to buy breakfast.
I was worried about the fish shop, but Milia easily passed it by. She didn’t throw a tantrum about fish. How long is the ten-day requirement valid?
"That fish isn’t very fresh."
When I was wondering, Roxane whispered the explanation. I see. They probably don’t stock fish before sunrise. The fish on display might have been stocked before yesterday. She’s strict about fish.
"Should we have Milia make something?"
"××××××××××"
"××××××××××"
"She says she’ll grill meat. I’ll help her, so it should be fine."
It seems she’s not limited to fish dishes. With Roxane’s help, it should be fine.
"Then, I’ll make the soup."
"Can you put an egg in the soup?"
"Eggs? Yes, I can."
Seri seems to be in charge of the soup. We bought eggs, bread, and other ingredients and went home. I made something other than breakfast.
First, I took the egg yolks and mixed them with vinegar. The whisk I used is a homemade one made by bending wire. I added olive oil to the mixture of egg yolk and vinegar. I added it gradually while mixing, so there’s no way to get the amount wrong.
I kept mixing until it thickened. I mixed it thoroughly, mixing with all my might. The mayonnaise was complete.
"Here, this is it."
I gave the remaining egg whites to Seri.
"I understand the egg whites, but what is this?"
"It’s a condiment. Milia, let’s have fish for dinner the day after tomorrow. Fish, with this, it’s delicious, okay?"
"O, o, o, o."
Milia, who was cooking, looked at me with wide eyes. Even without Roxane translating, she seems to understand fish.
"Since she’s working hard in the dungeon, it’s a reward."
"××××××××××"
"It’s delicious."
She hasn’t even tasted it yet.
"It’s a reward. A reward."
I had Milia repeat it. I’ll teach her the true meaning of a reward tonight. I’ll teach her thoroughly. I put the lid on the mayonnaise and set it aside.
"Be careful not to eat it right away, as it might upset your stomach."
I warned her. Raw eggs can contain salmonella. I haven’t eaten raw eggs since coming here. It’s said that the salmonella in mayonnaise, which is full of vinegar and oil, dies after a day.
Milia can make regular dishes, not just fish dishes. It was delicious.
After breakfast, we continued hunting and headed to the capital in the evening. I let her choose a negligee at a clothing store. The negligees here are thin and see-through.
It was too much to buy it yesterday.
We’ve already spent a night together, so it should be fine today. Milia chose a negligee with Roxane and Seri. The three of them chatted.
It took a while. I made a mistake. It should have been a day with fish. She would have chosen quickly on a day with fish.
"Does this store sell clothes like the ones worn by the imperial palace maids?"
Since there was no other choice, I asked a male clerk while waiting. Milia is the only one without a maid uniform.
"Of course, we can make it. Please choose the fabric, and it will take about ten days to complete."
"Is that so?"
It seems they can make it. It’s probably a commonly used item.
"Please come this way. Regular fabric is 3,000 nals. If you use silk-blended fabric, it’s 6,000 nals. If you use pure silk fabric, it’s 10,000 nals. It’s very soft and promises the best touch and feel."
The clerk led me to where the fabrics were displayed. I touched the silk fabric he brought out. It was smooth and very soft. If I hugged Roxane, Seri, and Milia in clothes made from this fabric.
Damn.
This clerk clearly knows the purpose.
I made a mistake by asking a male clerk.
"This time, I only need one. Can I order it with regular fabric?"
However, I can’t make only Milia a good dress. I ordered it with 3,000 nals fabric. The maid uniform I bought from the Bael slave merchant was 4,000 nals. After deducting the resale margin, it should be about the same quality as regular fabric.
Conversely, if it’s the same, they’re adding 1,000 nals.
They’re taking quite a bit.
It’s too late to complain now.
Milia finished choosing a negligee. She chose a blue one close to her hair color.
"Then, I’ll take her measurements."
"It’s her. Can you do it?"
"Understood."
I handed Milia over to a female clerk.
"We bought clothes at the Bael merchant’s shop. Milia is the only one without one. Make something similar to those."
While Milia’s body was being measured, I explained to Roxane. It wouldn’t be good if Milia was treated specially.
"That’s right. Indeed, Milia is the only one without one."
Roxane answered. It seems to be fine. I secretly sighed in relief. Managing a harem seems to require a lot of attention.
"Thank you."
Milia, who was being measured, bowed after hearing Roxane’s explanation. She would probably be happier with fish than with the clothes. Or, is she happy with the maid uniform?
"How would you like to pay? You can pay in full now or pay half when you receive it."
"I’ll pay in full. Include this too."
When making a custom order, you can pay half when you receive it. In that case, ordering just one might get a 30% discount. Since we’re buying a negligee too, we’ll get a 30% discount anyway. I paid in full for the maid uniform.
"Grandfather told me that it’s common to pay in advance when custom-making clothes. You’re impressive."
At dinner, Seri praised my decision.
"Is that so?"
"Paying in full in advance is a sign of trust in the store."
"I see. That’s how it is."
There might be suspicious merchants who take the money and run. It doesn’t seem likely in the capital’s prime location. Conversely, explorers and adventurers might die before picking up their orders. Paying in advance is a statement of confidence that it won’t happen.
"You’re impressive, Master. ××××××××××"
"Does Milia like other seafood besides fish?"
Hearing Roxane’s translation, Milia looked at me with respect, so I changed the subject. What kind of translation did she give? I’m not sure if making Roxane the educator is a good idea. By the way, Milia is properly making stir-fried dishes for dinner.
"She likes fish more."
"I see."
"She says she has eaten shrimp and crabs when they were caught during fishing."
This world has shrimp and crabs.
I haven’t seen them.
They probably aren’t sold unless you’re near the sea.
"What about shellfish?"
"I don’t think there are people who dislike shellfish."
I asked Seri while Roxane was translating.
"Well, ordinary shellfish can’t be eaten. So, the only edible shellfish are the ingredients left by monsters in the dungeon."
"Is that so?"
That’s the first I’ve heard of it.
I’ve never seen a place that sells shellfish.
"Edible shellfish are very delicious. However, they are small and expensive. Ordinary people only eat them on holidays or special occasions."
Holidays are the breaks between the 90-day seasons. Special occasions, I see.
"Milia says she hasn’t eaten them. I’ve only eaten clams. They were delicious."
Roxane has only eaten clams too.
They must be delicious.
"Clams. Are they sold at the fish shop?"
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to suggest that."
"No, I understand."
"Milia says that fish is enough for her."
For Milia, that’s probably true. It’s definitely from the heart.