“She’s really good at this...” Linus’s voice was little more than a whisper as he watched Shiori move fluidly through her work. Ellen and Alec added their agreement.
Once she’d finished hanging things up, Alec had thought that would be the end of it, but Shiori invoked combined wind and fire magics to create a warm breeze that enveloped the damp clothes. The thinner pieces very quickly began to dry, and the moisture on the surfaces of the thicker fabrics started to evaporate. By this point, Alec had decided not to pay any mind to the fact that, once again, combined magics were being used as though it were inconsequential.
“It would, of course, be much too difficult for me to keep this up until everything was completely dry,” said Shiori, “so I’ll just get rid of most of the dampness. If we leave them hung up like this, they will be dry by morning.”
“Incredible!” Linus cried in admiration.
Meanwhile, Ellen looked deep in thought, perhaps pondering something to do with the application of magic.
Truly impressive, thought Alec.
He didn’t give voice to these words of praise, but on the inside, he was astounded. She had completely mastered the use of her magic. At first glance, what she did looked like magic on a grand scale, but the amount of magical power she actually expended wasn’t very much at all. That was probably also the reason she didn’t look tired in spite of firing off magics in rapid succession. Additionally, the fact that her low level of magical power would just about fully recover with a night’s rest was a definite advantage. Shiori had taken her weaknesses and turned them into strengths. Other adventurers might do well to learn from her example.
“Well then,” said Shiori, “I will go have my bath now.”
Such were the thoughts that crossed Alec’s mind as he watched Shiori disappear into the bathing tent.
The next morning, Alec woke refreshed. He wouldn’t go so far as to say he was completely recovered, but given the fact that he was camping, it was more than sufficient. Though the light was still dim, he cleared away his bedding and did some simple stretches. Ready to dress for the day, he took a step forw—
“Wha—?!”
Realizing there was a large puddle of water where his foot had been about to land, he hurriedly pulled it back. But why was there a puddle there in the first place? Had it rained or something? Alec turned his gaze to the sky, then looked around, but saw no evidence of any such thing. While he was wondering about the puddle, it began to wriggle back and forth, and before he knew it, it had shifted into a domed shape, like a steamed yeast bun. Upon seeing the familiar form, Alec let out a breath.
“Don’t scare me,” said Alec. “That was you, Rurii?”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” said Shiori, who had woken up before him. “When it feels relaxed, it reverts to its original form.”
Alec paused. “When it...feels relaxed...”
He had no idea whether slimes could feel relaxed or tense, but since this familiar’s master said it was so, it must be true. It was probably best not to think too deeply about it.
Part of Rurii’s body extended in a snaking motion, making it look just like it had raised an arm. Feeling as though he had been greeted with a friendly “Hey there!”, Alec replied with a quick, “Hey, good morning.”
It seemed he’d responded correctly. Rurii quivered, jelly-like, with satisfaction, then moved to Shiori’s side.
“Good morning,” said Shiori.
Already dressed and fully groomed, Shiori held out a small washbasin she’d filled with her water magic, as though telling him he should use it to wash. Alec gave her a brief word of thanks, then washed his face, rinsed out his mouth, and finished tidying his appearance. He happened to glance down as he went to discard the used water and met the gaze of Rurii, who was looking up at him longingly. At least, that was the feeling Alec got in spite of the fact that it didn’t really have a face.
Alec spoke to it. “If you want something to drink, get someone to share some fresh water or soup with you.” He was reluctant to give the slime the dirty water he’d used for his morning wash. Once he’d said that, Rurii quietly returned to its master’s side.
Having several conversational exchanges with the slime had shown Alec that mutual understanding was definitely possible. As the composition of its body—a gelatinous mass containing a sort of nucleus within—was so simple, the question of what organ it might be using to think was a complete mystery. However, the fact that it served Shiori as a familiar was proof that it had a high level of intelligence.
With preparations for the morning meal finished, Shiori began to read using a light she’d conjured with her magic. Rurii amused itself, quickly changing shapes and playing on its own. As Alec idly watched them, dawn broke and the rest of their party members began to get out of bed.
Breakfast was bread that had been toasted to crunchiness; soup, left over from the night before and warmed up; and broiled sausage meat. Alec tore off a piece of bread, dipped it in the soup, and ate it. Then, he had a bite of the herby sausage. It was all simple fare, but the fact that it was a warm meal served as a tremendous source of energy.
I see... thought Alec. So this is a housekeeping mage.
Manipulating magic at will to create a comfortable environment for the other party members and to take care of their daily needs while adventuring—that was a housekeeping mage. Shiori’s unique profession would certainly prove to be a boon on gloomy expeditions.