After departing the house to make her delivery, master came back rather quickly.
“Gaaah! That Goddess had me dancing in the palm of her hand all along! Comfort me, dear Aishia!”
“W-Welcome back, master. Er... There, there?” Startled by master suddenly gracing me with a hug and asking to be comforted, I cautiously patted her on the head. Huh, she didn’t seem as fluffy as she had been before she left. I wonder what that’s all about?
My head pat technique must have worked, because master calmed down enough to explain what had happened. Apparently, an even higher divine power had tricked her.
“So yeah, after I delivered the Orc King, she suggested I purchase a subscription to this medicine that skips periods. Then...well, she told me there are already pills you can get at a general store that stop your period before it happens.”
“Er, you didn’t already know, master?”
“No, I didn’t!” she wailed. “I wish someone would’ve told me! I’m completely new to this world—I don’t know anything about it! I was basically born less than a month ago!” She pressed her face against my stomach, wiping her tears on my shirt. Oh yes, I like that. Please do that more often— Er, I mean, it’s an honor to be relied on, master!
“Phew... All right, I feel better now that I’ve vented. S-Sorry, Aishia, for crying on you like that.”
“Huh? N-No, think nothing of it. Please rely on me like that more often, in fact. It made me feel like you were my child.”
“Huh?” Master tilted her head cutely. Oh, you’re so adorable, master! I want to dote on you like I’m your mother! That’s probably unbecoming of me as a slave, but I can’t help it!
“Well, anyway, how about we eat out today?” she said. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air!”
“Er, but I already had today’s meal prepared, just in case.”
“Oh, I see. Then we’ll eat that tomorrow! Since I can freeze time, it’ll be no less fresh!”
“Oh, that’s a good point. Okay.” I was a little disappointed she wasn’t going to eat the delicious meal I’d prepared today, but she reminded me of the pantry she’d made that kept food as fresh as when it was first prepared. It wasn’t anything like I’d ever seen in this world before, so I supposed I still wasn’t used to its convenience.
“Apparently they’re having a big festival in town to celebrate our victory against the monster stampede, so I wanna enjoy it with you. Is that okay?”
“I see. I’d be happy to!” What happened yesterday, huh? No doubt master had been integral in keeping the town safe. I’m looking forward to seeing how much praise the townsfolk will heap upon her!
Upon stepping through the door to the outside world, we were in the church’s rear garden. I’d thought the door led to the town’s back alleys, since that was where we had come out from last time, but this must have been another one of master’s miracles.
“Oh, whoops, I haven’t claimed my reward for yesterday yet, have I? Sorry, Aishia—is it okay if I stop at the guild first?”
“Certainly, master!”
And so, we made our way to the Adventurer’s Guild. Hm? How odd. I didn’t hear any voices lauding master as she walked by. Hello? She’s right here in front of you all, ripe for praising!
“Raaagh! Take that! Blade Slice!”
“I don’t think so! Shildon Guard!”
“Sekko Dodge! Ah ha ha!”
A group of children were swinging their toys around while playing. Blade, Shildon, Sekko...those were the names of the adventurers master met at the guild, as I recalled.
“Those three guys really are the pride of this town. True heroes.”
“You said it. Next time I put in a request, I think I’ll ask for them by name.”
“Apparently they had some temporary special power during that fight, though, so they said they can’t take anything too risky.”
Thanks to my eavesdropping skills I’d picked up on from my time as a minstrel, I overheard several men talking among themselves outside the guild. What do you mean, “those three guys?” Master’s a woman, and she works solo. Things weren’t adding up, but I’d likely learn more once we entered the guild.
“Three cheers for the town’s new heroes, the adventuring trio Sun Bacchus!”
“Hip, hip, hooray!”
Huh?! What in the world is going on here?! Shouldn’t you all be raising your glasses to master?! I looked at her to see her reaction, but she seemed completely nonchalant as she observed the merrymaking.
“Peaceful times like these really are the best, aren’t they?” she said.
“Master...” I see—she finds the peace of the townsfolk more important than having her own work recognized. Tch... How unfair. Those guys didn’t seem that crooked the other day, but it looks like I misjudged them. Stealing all the credit from one as purehearted as master... You three ought to go to hell for this! Guess there’s no other choice—as a former minstrel, I’ve got to do my part to spread master’s gospel far and wide—
“Yo, Blade, just who I wanted to see! Sup? All rested and ready for action, I take it?”
“Heyyy, if it isn’t Karina! Ready for action, my ass—my body still aches like hell. It was only after a good long rest last night that I could finally move again.”
Gasp! It was none other than the leader of the party who’d taken credit for master’s achievements, the insolent cur Blade! The bastard had been drinking at the bar without a care in the world when master called out to him.
“Well, just take it easy today. You earned it. Seriously, you did a great job out there,” she said.