Chapter 4

With a voice like a tinkling bell, the person speaking to Vulcan is…a platinum blonde, hair shining like gold dust. Her elf ears peek out from behind her hair, and she has ice-blue eyes. Her bosom is ample, almost beyond belief, and a small animal is nestled right between them… Of course—it’s Aria and Tama! Vulcan says, “Meowr, Aria! There was a special blacksmithing order today, so I had to take a break from my adventuring. But I’m finished now, so…maybe I’ll head into the labyrinth right meow!” Looking closely, she has a silver tag hanging on her chest. Vulcan is a blacksmith as well as a C-ranked adventurer. There are some blacksmiths who personally brave the labyrinth’s depths to procure raw materials, and Vulcan is one of them. “By the way, Aria, you must be here for maintenance on your weapons? And what’s with the cat…?” “That’s right. My knives went dull after my quest yesterday. And this is my cat, Tama. He’s my pet since yesterday—an elemental cat kitten.” Aria confirms her business and introduces Tama with pride. They’re here to tune up Aria’s knives, just as she said. The reason it’s already afternoon is that Aria drank too much yesterday and couldn’t get out of bed this morning. “Meow! An elemental cat! That’s so rare! Aria, can I hold him a second?” “Of course you can. Tama, this girl is Vulcan, and she always takes care of my weapons at this shop. Don’t scratch her or anything, okay?!” Vulcan looks at Tama restlessly. She wanted to hold him the second she laid eyes on him. Aria readily consents and cautions Tama before passing him over onto Vulcan’s chest. Tama mews, as if to say, Absolutely. It’s obvious that Aria and Vulcan are quite close. In that case, he needs to be close with her, too! Not to mention, the only people Tama attacks are the injurious lechers who perv after Aria. B-bounce—!! Landing on Vulcan’s chest and being cuddled, Tama’s body bounces up and down. They’re not as big as Aria’s, but they’re still giant breasts. Elasticity and softness… Not to mention, her breasts, exposed by the overalls, impart body heat directly to Tama, and it feels amazing. “Meowr—he’s so calm and cute!” “Right? I can’t believe such a cute kitty became my pet—it’s like a dream!” The one living a dream is me. Getting scooped up by a noble girl like you, master, and being spoiled absolutely rotten… I cannot be thankful enough. Even being cuddled by Vulcan and dandled on her breasts, Tama’s deep thankfulness to Aria is renewed. And in the same moment… That said, this is truly a comfortable place to be. My elf master, fresh and clean, and the vigorous, beast-like lady Vulcan… Just watching these two beauties engage in friendly conversation is a sight for sore eyes, but being passed back and forth between their embraces and feeling their soft, delicate touch… Tama is blown away by it all before he even has a chance to be overcome with arousal. “By the way, Vulcan. I have something I’d like to ask you…” As Tama is wrapped up in Vulcan’s soft warmth, Aria starts talking like she’s just remembered something. “And what’s that, Aria?” “Actually, I was hoping that…you could make some special defensive equipment for this little guy here.” “Cat armor, huh…? Oh, that must mean you’re planning on taking him along on your adventures?!” “That’s exactly right!” Aria is here for a different reason today—to ask about getting Tama’s special protective equipment. She understands that Tama will continue to follow her on her quests, in order to protect her. If that’s the case, then she needs to reduce the danger he faces, and her idea is to commission a piece of armor that will protect his body. In this world, it isn’t particularly rare for adventurers to have bonds with animals, fighting alongside them. In some cases, people decide to give their animal partners equipment that doesn’t restrict their movement. Master!! You really care that much about me…?! Tama is once again floored by how much Aria thinks of him, feeling deeply grateful. He’s succeeded in becoming Aria’s pet (knight), but because he’s been mistaken for an elemental cat, he’ll only be able to take advantage of the elemental skills he has, despite acquiring many others. That means he can’t use the defensive skill Iron Body to act as a shield for Aria. But if he has defensive gear—that’s a different story. As her knight, he’ll be able to become his master’s shield. Well, if it comes to that, that’s not all that will be required of him… “A special piece of animal equipment… I’ve never made one, but it sounds fun! In that case, he’s definitely going to grow up fast, so I’ll need to use size-adjusting magic! What will the mold look like…?” Upon hearing Aria’s request, Vulcan picks up a parchment notepad nearby and starts jotting down the necessary requirements. Vulcan’s trial-and-error production goes long into the night. The next day— “Heh-heh, good morning, Tama!” Once again today, Tama has awoken between Aria’s breasts as she speaks to him lovingly. “Meowr—” Tama wakes up and rubs his face against Aria’s cheek—she loves when he does it. He serves his master, so doing something that she loves is a given… At least, that’s what he tells himself when he’s constantly rubbing up against her—typical Tama. “Tama…you’re such a lover boy. But I’m glad you’re not shy about it. You can love me all you want.” Whenever Tama starts getting affectionate, Aria praises him, perpetuating the cycle. Phew…this is exceptional. Having a beautiful girl adore him and being able to love her all he wants—Tama feels euphoric in both heart and body. Okay, I have to answer her every beck and call. What clever way can I please her today? Having decided as much, Tama springs into action. First, he stops rubbing his face into Aria’s cheek. She looks at him with chagrin, as if to say, Are you finished…? And then… Lick— Tama gives Aria’s elf ear a single lick. “Ahhhn—!” Wha—? This is not the reaction I imagined! Aria’s voice is erotic, and Tama reflexively pulls his head back. Aria’s cheeks are flushed pink. Her breathing becomes a bit rough, and she rubs her thighs together. With hazy eyes, she says… “Tama…more…” And— Oh god! I’ve flicked a switch in her! Is my master really into that? She’s not an elf—she’s a nymph! Tama jumps off the bed and retreats to the corner of the room. Aria stands up shakily and approaches him ever so slowly. She’s mumbling to herself, saying, “Tama, I didn’t know you knew that technique” and “I don’t think I can wait for you to grow up and get bigger…” This is no good! I’ll get eaten alive! Tama’s instincts are blaring. Aria corners him and scoops up his tiny body. Yet, in the next moment, the hand of his savior comes to the rescue. Knock-knock—someone is at the door. “Y-yes?!” Aria almost seemed like she had hearts floating in her ice-blue eyes, but thanks to the sudden appearance of a visitor, she’s returned to her senses. “It’s me-ow—Vulcan!” “Vulcan?! I’ll o-open the door; just a second!” Aria hurriedly fixes her posture. She wasn’t sure if she should answer the door in her negligee, but they’re both girls, and she doesn’t want to keep Vulcan waiting, so she heads to the door. “Meowr, sorry it’s so early! But I really wanted you to see this right meow! So I’m here.” “Ah! Is this…?” “Yep, it’s Tama’s special defensive equipment! It was so much fun to make, I ended up staying up all night.” Vulcan holds a tiny piece of armor in her hand. Aria’s face lights up when she sees it. Phew…it seems that master’s interest has shifted to the gear. Nice one, Vulcan! Tama sighs in relief. Come to think of it…creating armor in such a short amount of time is altogether unrealistic, but there’s a reason behind it. The majority of the blacksmiths in this world have special blacksmith skills that have the capacity to increase the speed with which they can forge items or imbue a target with heat energy, among many other abilities. These skills are the reason Vulcan has found so much success as a blacksmith at such a young age. “Tama, let’s try it on you right away!” “Meow!” As Aria takes the equipment from Vulcan and spreads it open, Tama mews eagerly and pushes his legs through the openings. And then… “Oh yes, it’s so cute!” “Meow, I’m so glad I could make it without any problems!” Peering down at Tama in his defensive equipment, Aria feels her cheeks flush, and Vulcan nods in satisfaction. The body of Tama’s gear resembles leather armor, and it has steel protective plates in several spots on the top. Vulcan explains that it’s made this way so it doesn’t restrict Tama’s nimble movement. The headpiece of the outfit is a helmet fashioned from wood and steel. It has ear holes so that it won’t impair Tama’s hearing. It makes Tama look like he’s cosplaying as an adventurer, and it’s adorable. Aria loves cats to begin with, and for her, this is a whole new level of cute. “Tama, you can move around just fine, right?” “Meow-ow!” Tama answers Vulcan’s query regarding his capacity to move with gusto and turns in a circle to show her. Hmm. It’s a bit heavy, but since I’m a behemoth, this shouldn’t be a problem. According to what Vulcan said yesterday, it has size-adjusting magic cast on it, so I’ll be able to wear it for a long time even as I grow. Tama is satisfied with the result. This is truly a handmade work by a thriving blacksmith. “I also came to deliver this!” Vulcan brings out two knives—she’s completed the maintenance on Aria’s knives, too. “Thank you so much, Vulcan.” “Meowr—it was fun to work on a rewarding project for the first time in a while! Okay, well you already paid me yesterday, so I guess I’ll be on my way.” Vulcan leaves the two, and on her way out, she lets out a short yawn—she really must have worked all through the night. “Tama, once we finish breakfast, let’s go straight to the guild and take on a new quest!” “Meow!” The first layer of the labyrinth, toward the back— Aria spots a gang of enemies and starts sprinting while activating her innate skill, Acceleration. Thanks to the effect this skill grants, Aria takes advantage of the boost in speed and closes the gap in no time. “Do-gwah!” There are five goblins lying in wait, and Aria flies into their midst, landing a kick to one of them, blasting it backward. “Haaaa-ahhh!” Aria screams zealously and does a flip in the air, bringing her twin knives down into the throats of two other goblins staring, dumbfounded. Then she springs to the rear, bearing down on the goblin backed against the wall, unable to move. “Gi-gya—!!” It should be screaming after what happened to its comrades. The last two goblins finally read the situation and rush toward Aria. But— “Meow!” Icicle Lance! A cute mew is heard from the spot where Aria started. A frozen ice spear flies forth, following the voice’s path, and pierces both goblins’ chests. Of course, it was Tama. “Gu…gya…” The goblins’ eyes are wide with anguish. Soon they lose their strength and crumple to the floor in a heap, breathing their last. “Way to go, Tama! That makes thirty goblins!” “Meow-wn!!” After defeating all the enemies, Aria smiles broadly, and Tama mews with glee, following suit. After receiving Tama’s defensive equipment from Vulcan, Aria and Tama headed into the labyrinth as planned. At first, Aria hesitated about how to fight alongside Tama (who she assumed was an animal). However, after fighting a few skirmishes together, she realized that Tama can protect himself with magic skills, as well as provide her cover. After a few more battles, Aria naturally became the vanguard, while Tama took up the rear guard. Mmm! I’m so glad my master is sharp as a tack. Although I’m a behemoth, I’m still a cub and can’t keep up with her speed, and because she thinks I’m an elemental cat, I can’t use Flight or my Elemental Tail Blade, either. As a knight pledging to protect Aria, he was nervous about only using elemental magic, but thanks to the fact that Aria quickly understood his disposition, he can now protect her without wasting any energy. Tama is quite relieved by this turn of events. “Tama, since we’ve come this far, don’t you want to go down another layer? It shouldn’t be a problem if I have you with me, and I think it will be great training for me.” “Meow!” She proposes the idea to Tama after removing all the goblin ears, and he replies emphatically and nods. “Buwhohohooh—” Moments after pushing into the second level of the labyrinth, something appears before Aria and Tama—emitting bloodcurdling cries, nearly six feet tall, featuring bloodshot eyes and an upturned nose like a pig… The creature before them is an orc—a swinelike humanoid monster. It looks incredibly agitated. Perhaps there’s a reason—much like goblins, orcs can also conceive offspring with human females. “Oof…that hideous face strikes fear in my heart…” Seeing the orc’s twisted face, Aria rubs her arms. They’re covered in goose bumps. She’s likely imagined the worst-case scenario. Although Aria does have a desire to “go meow, meow” with a grown-up Tama, there’s no chance she’d ever consider doing that with an orc. “Snooort—” The orc is enraged at Aria’s reaction and lets out a war cry different from before. It brings up the massive hatchet in its hand and starts loudly stomping toward Aria. Whoosh—!! The orc brings its weapon down at Aria. But— “Too slow!” Aria sidesteps casually and easily evades the blow by a wide margin. “Meow!” Fireball! Tama quickly activates a magic skill. The fireball rips through the room with a rush and lands squarely in the orc’s face. It screams from the intense pain of having its face burned and loses its weapon. “Nice one, Tama!” This is too good of a chance to miss. Aria closes the distance between the orc and her and jumps into the air. She’s holding her knife in the opposite hand and brings it down, aiming for the heart. Yet then she kicks the orc in the stomach to create space between them again. This is because the struggling orc suddenly brought a fist down toward her. It whiffs through the air. In the same instant, all light goes out of the orc’s eyes, and it crumples in a heap. “Phew…” Aria sighs deeply. She’s only taken down small monsters like goblins and slimes so far. She was super nervous facing the orc, many times her size and much more powerful. “Heh-heh…this was possible thanks to you, Tama!” “Meow!” Aria smiles at Tama, who supported her with perfect timing, and he mews as if saying, Don’t even worry about it! Okay then, we’ve taken down an orc. It’s been a while since I took a bite out of a monster. It might have a skill that I can obtain. Tama struts up to the orc corpse and gets ready to take a huge bite—but then… “Tama, no!” “Mwn?” The second Tama’s about to take a bite, Aria’s shrill voice stops him. She picks him up and hugs him close to her chest. “Now, if you eat monster meat, you’ll get a stomachache! No-no!” Aria chides Tama. Argh…this is bad. If I’m forbidden to eat monsters, I won’t be able to acquire new skills moving forward. What to do…? There’s no way Aria can foresee how Tama feels, as she begins the job of cutting off a piece of the orc. “Tama, what do you want to do tonight?” “M-meowww—” After defeating the orc, today’s activities are finished, and Aria and Tama have arrived back at the guild. Aria’s pouch is packed to the brim with goblin ears, and in the hand she’s not using to carry Tama, she’s holding the orc’s arm, stuffed inside a leather bag. An orc’s ears are proof of defeating one—just like goblins—but orc skin and bones fetch a pretty decent price, so Aria brought home a whole arm. “Good afternoon, Anna. I’m here to declare my quest and have my materials assessed; is that okay?” “Aria…no time right now. Please go home today.” “Anna…what’s the matter?” Aria steps toward the counter where the receptionist Arnold Holzweilzenegger waits, covered in skintight bondage gear from head to toe as always. What’s going on? Arnold is speaking in a hushed tone—he’s definitely being wary of his surroundings. And just then… “I’ve been waiting for you, Aria.” A man appears. He has high-quality equipment but an unspeakably odd face. His hair is chock-full of product and slicked back all the way… It’s Kussman. “Kussman…do you have some business with me?” “Yes, that’s exactly right. Aria, I have some rather unfortunate news for you today.” Even after what happened yesterday, Kussman still thinks he can engage Aria, and she openly shows an air of discomfort. Kussman looks at her lecherously and pushes a letter written on parchment toward her. “What the—? What is this supposed to be?!” Seeing the letter, Aria’s face is awash with surprise. The document includes the family seal of Kussman’s estate—the Baron Estate—and in summary, the text reads as follows: Extermination order for the harmful vermin (the elemental cat pet of the adventurer known as Aria) that inflicted bodily harm upon the eldest son of the Baron Estate, Kussman. Master?! You look blue in the face… What is this?? An extermination order…for me?! Tama now finally understands the situation, having peeked at the letter out of curiosity after seeing the color drain from Aria’s face. Only now does he understand that, in order to protect his master, he has inflicted injury upon a man who happens to be the eldest son of the Baron Estate. Much the same as other aristocrats, Kussman is prideful. Somehow, in the process of trying to make Aria his very own, bodily harm was inflicted upon his face in a public location, and having endured this mortification, he is angered from his depths. Using his influence as a son of the Baron Estate, he was able to have an extermination order for Tama issued. “That’s simply… No…NO!!” Tama is so cute and lovely, and he saved her life from certain tragedy. There is no way she will accept this. However, for commoners, an aristocrat’s order is absolute. Aria begins crying, aware she’s hedged in by common law, and squeezes Tama tightly, crouching low to the ground. Her protective stance warns, If you’re going to kill Tama, you’ll have to kill me first. The surrounding adventurers, witnessing Aria’s anguish, exchange words. “Isn’t there something we can do…?” “No chance. Kussman is the eldest son of the Baron Estate! Not a damn thing doing.” Even the all-powerful receptionist, Arnold, has clenched his eyes shut in pain. Even though he (she?) is the Arnold, he’s powerless in the face of official aristocratic privilege. This is a pickle… What to do? If I find an opening and make a run for it, I’ll likely be safe. But that’s purely illogical—if I do, I’ll be separated from my master. I will be unable to fulfill my oath as a knight to protect her. This is arduous. His life in jeopardy— His knight’s oath— Two options—and Tama is forced between a rock and a hard place. He conjures a solution in a frenzy while hiding between Aria’s breasts. “Ohhh…poor young Aria. Is this elemental cat that important to you?” Aria denounces Kussman to his face, eyes filled with tears. Yet Tama has noticed something. Kussman may be putting on a soft, affectionate voice, but his eyes are murky like a river bottom… “Well then, Aria, what do you think of this? Let’s have a duel.” “A…duel? What in the…?” “Well, it’s just that your affection for your pet has really plucked at my heartstrings. I really feel bad for you. Yet, for a man of the Baron Estate to rescind an order he’s given is, well, simply not a good look. Hence, the duel. We’ll wager the extermination order on the duel, and if you win, I’ll rescind it… What do you think?” Kussman speaks exaggeratedly. But this means that Aria has a chance. Even so, she still looks anguished, and it’s obvious why. After all, Aria is D rank, and Kussman is C rank. Their difference in strength is evident, as is the quality of their equipment. Aria coming out victorious is essentially impossible. “Don’t make that face, Aria. I didn’t say we’d be fighting one-on-one.” “…?!” “From what I hear, you started your adventurer activities with that elemental cat by your side, right? In that case, I’ll allow you to face me with him, together.” Aria now looks perplexed at Kussman’s loud proclamation. If I have Tama with me… Hope buds in Aria’s heart, yet only for an instant. Her expression soon darkens as she asks Kussman, “What’s in this for you?” Kussman created the extermination order himself, but now he’s acting under the pretense of giving Aria a chance. His actions are totally unnatural, and Aria has a hunch that he definitely has another motive. “Heh-heh-heh…Aria. You are truly intelligent. Yes, exactly as you presumed—there is something in it for me. Let’s clarify the terms of this duel. First, if you win, I will rescind the extermination order. That stays the same. What I’d like to add are the conditions upon my victory. Aria…if I win, I will take you as my wife. Those are the terms.” “……!!” Aria swallows a lump in her throat. Of course, Kussman has an ulterior motive. Well, calling it ulterior isn’t really right—this was probably his true intention all along. Kussman has turned the situation in which Aria’s pet, Tama, caused him injury, to avoid the roundabout show of getting her to join his party first, cutting to the chase to make her his own. “Well, what of it, Aria? Will you accept the duel? Or…?” “I-I’ll do it! I accept your duel! So don’t even think of trying to kill him here…” Kussman asks Aria with a lecherous look on his face—truly, he’s threatening her—and Aria sobs through tears as she accepts the terms of the duel. If she refuses, Tama will be dead on the spot—Aria has no other choice but to accept. You bastard! Anger takes control of Tama’s body in a way he has never felt before. It’s directed toward Kussman, who has made his lovely master cry, but above all else, it is self-recrimination for visiting this situation upon both of them. Tama swears he’ll make Kussman pay for the sin of making his master cry. “Okay then, Aria. You’re sure?” “Yes, please. Thank you, Anna.” Aria answers Arnold with a quiet nod as adventurers gather around in the rear courtyard of the guild to see how the duel plays out. “Now shall commence a duel between the C-ranked adventurer of the Baron Estate, Kussman, and the D-ranked adventurer Aria, with her pet, Tama. If the former is victorious, he shall receive the latter as his bride, and her pet will be exterminated. If the latter wins, the extermination order will be rescinded. Does either party object?” Arnold confirms the terms of the duel after being asked by Aria to see the affair through. “Of course no.” “I do not.” There’s no way Kussman can object—he created this situation. He shakes his head with a coy smile. In comparison, this is the only path Aria has. She defers in consternation. The duel will be decided by any of the following factors: • Either party dies. • Either party signals forfeit. • The onlookers determine that either party is incapable of battle. If any of these conditions is met, the victor will be declared. “Now, both parties at the ready! Begin the duel!” “Meow!” Icicle Lance! The second Arnold gives the signal, Tama—overcome with rage—attacks immediately. He’s chosen the frozen ice spear, Icicle Lance, aiming for the left side of Kussman’s chest. Kussman has sinned by making his master cry… Tama doesn’t intend to make him regret it—he intends to kill him with one shot. But— “Heh-heh-heh…no chance.” Kussman laughs, fearless, and doesn’t even feign a dodge—what does this mean? In the next instant, a rainbow-colored mist envelops Kussman’s body. The Icicle Lance, on course for a direct hit on Kussman, connects with the mist and disappears into thin air. “What the—?!” Aria cries out as Tama’s attack is rendered null. “That’s my Magic Protection Ring… It’s a family heirloom that my adventurer father passed down to me—a magic item that negates magic skills.” Aria and Tama are shocked as Kussman shows off the ring on his right middle finger with pride. Shit…so that’s what it was. I knew he had something up his sleeve when he agreed to fight me at the same time, but I can’t believe he was hiding something like that! Tama grits his teeth in annoyance at Kussman’s explanation. Because everyone has mistaken Tama for an elemental cat, he can only use elemental magic skills. Tama has never been a threat to Kussman from the start—that’s why he allowed Aria and Tama to fight him two versus one. “Okay—Aria! Your elemental cat is powerless against me. You might as well surrender now.” “Grrr…Tama, fall back. Acceleration!” Surrender, my ass! Aria faces Kussman with one thing in mind—to save Tama from extermination. Damn, she’s fast! But you’re too simplistic, Aria. Aria rushes toward Kussman with lightning speed, but as a C-ranked adventurer, he can track her with his naked eye. He grips his sword and deflects Aria’s knife slash with precision. “Crap—!!” Aria backsteps immediately as a kick from Kussman grazes her ribs, causing her perfect white skin to flush red. “So you managed to evade my kick? That innate skill of yours…Acceleration. The rumors of your speed are true. But that’s all you got!” Finishing his spiel, Kussman leaps forward—it’s his turn to attack. Not going to allow it! In response, Aria reaches down to the garter belt on her thigh and lets two throwing knives fly with a whoosh, aiming for Kussman’s face. “Just like I said—too simplistic, Aria!” Kussman grips the sleeve of his cloak and pulls it up to conceal himself. Aria’s throwing knives connect with it but lose all velocity and are easily deflected. But he’s not done yet—Kussman rushes forward and slices down with his sword. Is he really letting his sword fly without looking in front of himself first? Because she didn’t expect this attack, Aria’s dodge is a second late. “Meow!” No way! The instant Kussman’s sword is about to connect with Aria’s— Tama flies into the air and rushes directly in between Kussman’s blade and her body. Shakkin—!! The sound of metal on metal erupts through the courtyard. Kussman’s blade has collided with the helmet of Tama’s new armor. Oof…so heavy…! The force of the impact rushes throughout Tama’s entire body before he’s thrown to the ground in a huff. “Tama! What are you thinking?!” Aria raises her voice in a cry of anguish as Tama defends her. It should be obvious. I am your knight—it’s my job to put my life on the line for you. Tama stands up, legs shaking heavily from the pain of being rocked in the head. “Hmph… This vermin protected Aria from my sword strike. Incredible! Let’s see how much you can really stand!” Kussman begins swinging his blade again, and they’re not any normal strikes. He’s slashing up and down, left and right, and showing feints—a combination of antipersonnel sword techniques. “Gah…oof…!” Aria is fighting to defend each strike. She’s only ever fought monsters, and going up against Kussman’s swordplay, as a trained aristocrat, has her at a disadvantage. Her two-handed knife defense is quickly broken. Crap…!! Tama flies in to defend Aria from danger again. Risking his life, he intercepts each lethal strike to save Aria, while she screams through tears, “Tama, no!” “Heh-heh-heh… What’s the matter, vermin? Have you seen enough?” “M-meowww…” Kussman ridicules Tama as his defense is nearly broken. Looking closely, he is bleeding from all the places on his body not covered by his armor. Although the cuts aren’t deep, Kussman’s repeated sword strikes have injured him. I won’t let you…touch my master! I will protect her! Tama again tries to stand, but he cannot. He’s bleeding too much to raise himself. “No… Stop… No more, Tama…!” Seeing Tama, Aria throws down her knives and drops to her knees to hug and cover him, saying, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” over and over. Is she apologizing for getting him into this situation? Or is she apologizing for being so weak that she requires his constant protection…? “Well then, Aria, does that mean you forfeit? If you vow to accept me and everything about me, becoming my wife, then I might just be able to spare your elemental cat’s life…” “Are you serious…? You would spare him?!” “Yes, of course. I’m a man of my word.” Aria’s eyes well with tears as she comes to grips with Kussman’s proposal. Seeing this, he nods in satisfaction, affirming their bargain. In reality, he’s not interested in taking Tama’s life as long as he can have Aria. But putting him on the execution block and then reaching out to save him should allow Aria to become submissive, and thus, his very own. Everything is going according to his plan. Heh-heh-heh…Aria. My oh my, once you become mine, how should we enjoy ourselves? Maybe just in the traditional sense? Or it might be nice to make you hurt and hear that voice…ha!! I can hardly stand it, just imagining…!! And that’s how it starts—imagining living alongside Aria, Kussman is rife with excitement. His face is twisted in a wicked smile of satisfaction, and all the adventurers waiting on the outcome of the duel are aghast. No chance! I cannot allow this brute to take my master. If that happens… Tama is equally appalled at the look of madness on Kussman’s face. There is no worse fate than having Aria defiled by this man. “Heh-heh-heh… Well then, admit your defeat. Aria…” Kussman approaches Aria, still huddled on the ground. That’s it… In the instant Kussman takes his next step, Tama mews quietly. “Meow—” Aether Howl! Whoooosh—!!!! An explosive rush of wind erupts and blasts Kussman backward. As he had just lifted his leg to step forward, he completely loses his balance and is rocked to the ground with a massive crash. His arms and legs are splayed in every direction… “Tama…was that…? Did you…?” Tama has used a skill that’s not magic-based in front of Aria. She might know he’s a monster now. But it doesn’t matter—as long as she isn’t defiled by that absolute cretin. Tama looks at peace. “Oy, what just happened?!” “I dunno! I heard Aria’s elemental cat cry out, and then Kussman just went flying!” “Aria, now’s your chance—take him out!” The surrounding adventurers are in an uproar. The ones especially in love with Aria shout encouragement her way. Aria is speechless as she puts Tama back on the ground before heading toward Kussman, who’s lying immobile from confusion and searing pain. And then— “How dare you try to hurt my Tama…” Aria stares down at Kussman with the iciest of looks and raises her beautiful leg high in the sky. “W-wait, Aria… You’re not going to—Oh my god! No!” Aria’s leg rushes through the air. Realizing where she’s aiming, Kussman cries out. He’s lying with his legs spread wide and a dislocated hip—he can’t close them. He’s obviously incapable of battle, but for some reason, Arnold hasn’t noticed. “Heh-heh, it’s no use now—with that thing hanging between your legs, I can’t help but conjure up ideas.” Aria smiles as she shuts down Kussman’s plea before adding another line. “Say good-bye.” Her heel lands, with the final syllable, directly where she was aiming, with a horrendous ripping sound. “Aria is victorious!” The female guild staff and female adventurers in the crowd erupt into cries of joy at Arnold’s declaration of victory. Conversely, seeing Kussman unconscious with spittle coming from his mouth, every man in the crowd holds his crotch uncomfortably. “Tama! I’ll get you a potion as soon as I can…!” Aria returns to Tama immediately after dropping Kussman and takes a potion from Arnold, putting it to Tama’s lips.