Chapter 78: HolidayDay 91

  Sima is cool to the touch — sort of disconcerting. Good thing I can see her breathing. As far as I can tell, much of the volume of her chest is for air sacs. Not sure if they’re reted to breathing fire, endurance, or just for show.

  Sherry is so warm that I can feel that she’s near even without contact. And it’s not just physical heat. Sherry has really warmed up to her role here. I feel sort of foolish for assuming she’d want to leave.

  Roxanne is squishy and fluffy. She always snuggles in close and grabs onto my arm like it’s a body pillow. Sure, she’d be happier with a higher status, but acting as my personal guard outside the byrinths isn’t bad. I need to be extra careful to treat her well since she might not compin if I get careless.

  Alina is right in between in most characteristics. She isn’t clingy, but shows no indication of wanting to leave, ever. One could say she’s ‘just right’. The only odd part is her somewhat high level of obscenity. Roxanne and Sherry have started to talk like her, though it could just mean that they feel free to express themselves naturally.

  Lastly, Zara is downstairs alone. I sure hope this won’t turn into a problem. It honestly would be easier if the sisters were either more simir in affection or very different in other ways. At the very least, Zara’s once-a-week policy is a good way to keep from drifting away completely.

  Mirabel wants to stay separate from the group. Completely understandable. It’d be a hard fall from nobility to being treated like one of the sves. I want her to stay separate in a way because she will have a special status as my wife. I may have an alien idea of what that normally means here. That’s for each couple to figure out anyway.

  Alright, I’m done counting my chicks. Time to get started with this busy day of rexation.

  ────────────────────────

  “Good morning everyone. No normal work today and I’ll be busy much of tomorrow as well. Today, I’ll take Sherry to the library first, then come back for Alina and Zasi to Elven Territory. Last will be Roxanne, who will travel with me. Any st-minute changes?”

  Silence.

  “Sherry, do you have enough money with you?”

  Nods.

  “Alina, Zara and Sima, I want you to take weapons, but armor shouldn’t be needed. You’ll need money too. Um, let’s say twenty silver each.”

  Alina says, “David, that’s quite a lot.”

  “Seems alright for a holiday. You can save the rest or give it back if you don’t want to carry it.”

  “You have an odd sense of money.”

  “Agreed. Roxanne, you can get money too, though you might not get a chance to spend it today.”

  After breakfast, I drop Sherry at the library, which is thankfully open, and return for the trip to Elven Territory.

  “Alina, where should I take the three of you?”

  “There should be some fun events near Bode.”

  “Great. I’ll be back soon, Roxanne.”

  In Bode, Alina asks, “When and where should we meet you?”

  “Somewhere around here and probably before sunset. If you leave the area, post a note at the adventurers guild.”

  I go back to find Roxanne patiently waiting for my return.

  “Roxanne, I need your help with an experiment that is hard to do with the full party. We have plenty of time before we need to meet Mirabel so let’s get dressed for the byrinth.”

  “Yes, Master, I would love to.”

  ────────────────────────

  “Roxanne, we are near the boss room of the 10th floor of Nordselm’s Labyrinth. I want to fight alone against the floor boss a few times to compare two jobs. Besides being here for safety, I want you to help me compare the fights.”

  “Yes, Master, I am ready.”

  OK, I need to test Hero, Champion, and both together. To avoid the randomness of stunning, I’ll use fire-based magic instead of lightning. Champion is first, since I already have it selected.

  I enter the room, wait for the Hachinos to show up and burn it to a crisp — metaphorically, since it just goes poof after a few shots. Yes, got some meat too.

  “Master, it’s wonderful to see you work. I don’t normally get such a good view.”

  “Thanks, Roxanne. I like to watch you from behind.”

  “Um, that’s…”

  “Let’s warp back for another test.”

  I swap to Hero and try to do it about the same way. This feels a bit weaker and maybe takes more time. I’m not sure. Of course, running multiple trials of each without knowing which one is active would be the way to go, but I’m only interested in major differences anyway. Roxanne should help counter the bias.

  “Next test.”

  I’ll keep Hero and repce Errant with Champion this time. I’ll also lose Errant’s SPI bonus, but that’s an important part of this test. This actually feels worse. Losing SPI makes it harder to aim my spells. Somehow, I’d already gotten used to the bonus. The power might be a bit better, or at least it isn’t lower.

  “I need to run one more test.”

  “As many as you need, Master.”

  I’ll drop MP Recovery and Crystal Acceleration and add another job slot to bring Errant back. Alright, my targeting advantage is back and the power is good. No surprise that it’s better overall. The real question is by how much.

  “I’m done, Roxanne. What differences did you notice?”

  “They were all wonderful, Master, as expected. The fourth and first were pretty close to the same. Both of those were better than the second. The third was still good, but the spells were slower.”

  “Thanks, Roxanne. The most important part was to compare the first and fourth, so your advice is very helpful.”

  I drop Hero and go back to the same settings I had before the tests. Totally worth doing this despite the ck of change.

  “We still have plenty of time, Roxanne, so would you like to maybe do some boss fights on your own?”

  “Master, could we fight bosses together? Maybe you could use that special sword again, if that wouldn’t be too much to ask.”

  “Sure, Roxanne. How about the 22nd floor here? I won’t use magic unless we get into trouble.”

  “Really? Thank you, thank you, Master!”

  After lowering EXP and dropping MP Recovery, I produce Durandal before Roxanne’s sparkling eyes. I put away my rod and open a portal near the boss room of the fish floor.

  Once inside, Roxanne draws the tuna’s attention while I move towards the attendant fish. Right, I almost forgot, time to test the Champion’s skill, Overdrive. Oh, this is weird. Rather than feeling like time nearly stops, it just slows everything over a longer period. This is really interesting. Dammit, the monster’s gone already. Well, I’ll go for the other one now. Yes, this is quite nice.

  “Oops, sorry, Roxanne. We were supposed to share.”

  “Master, does that sword make you move quicker? I’ve seen you do something like Rush before, but this skill kept going.”

  “No, it’s a skill of one of the jobs I was testing earlier. This skill feels better for common use, but the old one is better in an emergency.”

  “With that skill and incredible sword, Master would do very well in the vanguard. Of course, your magic is even stronger.”

  “Thanks, Roxanne, that’s kind of you to say. Let’s go a few more rounds before it’s time to get cleaned up.”

  Durandal helps me recover MP so effectively that I can pretty much spam Overdrive. It’s shamefully unfair to have multiple ways to qualify as a cheat character.

  I eventually switch back to normal and we go home with a fair amount of fish and beef.

  ────────────────────────

  After an extra bit of affection, Roxanne helps clean me up for my date. Shouldn’t this situation bother me? Only if my actions hurt others, so I guess it’s fine.

  “Master, you should wear armor, just in case. It looks very fashionable, after all.”

  “It’s a bit too fashionable. Bringing it in my Item Box should be good enough.”

  Roxanne gets dressed in her armor, of course, and we warp to central Curatar. Mirabel, a Knight, and an Adventurer are already waiting for us.

  “Hello, Mirabel. Am I te?”

  “No, David, I’m early. Hello, Roxanne. I see that you’ll be David’s guard today.”

  “Yes, Lady Mirabel.”

  Mirabel’s Adventurer invites us to their party and opens a portal to the wall of an adventures guild. We walk out to a lively scene, full of happy people. [1]

  Mirabel announces, “This is the town of Villedor, the hub of agricultural trade and home to the best holiday markets in the territory. It also happens to be far from the capital, where my family is now.”

  “This is lovely — like a painting.”

  “What an interesting description. What would you like to do?”

  “It’s your home, Mirabel. What do you suggest?”

  “Alright, how much time do we have? I already feel bad about interrupting.”

  “Huh? Oh, you must mean the task. We finished that yesterday. My party expects me to return around sundown, if possible.”

  “Was the task so easy? I thought you were just putting on a brave face.”

  “Damn, I missed an opportunity to make you feel sorry for me.”

  “I guess you’ll just have to settle for my being relieved. Father should be impressed.”

  “By the way, he sent me a message about Guye de Rosel.”

  “He is from my te fiancé’s family. The Rosel’s are still trying to connect to our family.”

  “Should I worry?”

  “No, not you, me. If you don’t get approved, my family will be obligated to consider Guye. I do not want to be anywhere near that family.”

  “As long as your father honors the agreement, you have little to worry about.”

  “Oh? Did you already find someone to write letters? Besides the demoiselle, of course.”

  “Yes, I should get the letters tomorrow.”

  “Is the other from the crazy baron?”

  “I don’t want to ruin the surprise.”

  “Fine. Let’s go py some games.”

  ────────────────────────

  The fair is a lively pce where children scamper about freely. All around us are animal exhibitions, storytelling, food stands, contests and the games of skill Mirabel is evidently fond of. She likes tossing little bags into cups and such things. I’m gd Mirabel brought us to such a rural area rather than anywhere fancy. Even if that was partly for the sake of my commoner status, she seems to enjoy it too.

  Loudest of all activities are the contests which emphasize brute strength. Seems odd that this would be done in a world where certain jobs gave substantial strength bonuses. Looking over the contestants, I could mainly see Vilgers, Farmers, and Merchants. Mirabel sees me looking and probably assumes I’m interested.

  “David, do you want to try?”

  “It wouldn’t be fair.”

  “Oh, right. Sorry, David, I didn’t mean anything by it.”

  “No, I meant the other way.”

  “Yes, David, you are a big man, but don’t underestimate the strength of a farmer.”

  Right, I’m supposed to be a wimpy Mage, not have massive stat bonuses. I have no need to prove myself.

  Unfortunately, Roxanne can’t seem to tolerate any doubts about her master.

  “Master is the strongest man here!”

  Roxanne’s boast is heard above the crowd. Well, quite a few people were already staring at Roxanne anyway. Among them is the local baron, who calls out to Mirabel.

  “Lady Mirabel, such an honor for you to come to our festival. Who is the strong man beside you.”

  Dammit, Roxanne, why do you have to be so competitive? Since it’s between contests, we now have the crowd’s attention.

  In a clear, noble voice, Mirabel announces, “Sir, this man is David Moreau, my chosen suitor.”

  I guess Mirabel had to say that, and I’m happy for it, but that brought everyone’s focus on me. I can’t just slink away now. Anyway, I’m proud to be her suitor and I’d better get used to more attention. Should I call him ‘sir’?

  “Pleased to meet you, Sir. You have a wonderful town here. Truly beautiful and lively.”

  “Thank you, Lord Moreau. Could you possibly demonstrate your great strength for us?”

  “That was the boast of my overenthusiastic guard. I make no such cim.”

  “Of course, Lord Moreau. I meant no disrespect.”

  Some giggling could be heard.

  “But, I could join in for the fun of the games, just like any other competitor.”

  “Wonderful. Please come forward.”

  I don’t want to fake weakness or show off. Well, I can just do what I said and participate like anyone else.

  “I must admit that I haven’t done this before. What do I do first?”

  “Well, let’s start with a little warm-up. Please choose a stone and carry it across the area with the other stones.”

  There are only two on this side, one small and the other quite rge. I should choose the small stone to lessen the attention on me. Of course, I pick up the rge one. Geez, it’s even heavier than it looks. It takes some effort to carry it to the other side. Damn, I should have warmed up. Too much magic has made me zy. Why is the crowd so noisy? I sort of tuned out over the strain.

  “Quite impressive, My Lord. You are surely one of the strongest Knights in the territory.”

  “No, but thanks for the complement. Good day to you, Sir.”

  “But, Lord Moreau, what about the contest?”

  I look towards Mirabel, who nods worriedly. I guess I need to see this through.

  “Only if it’s brief. I’m on a date, after all.”

  “Well, that all depends on you, Lord Moreau.”

  The condescending baron hands me a helmet and points to another man equipped with the same.

  The baron announces, “First man to touch the ground or leave the ring loses.”

  I announce loudly, “One round. No more under any circumstances.”

  “Understood, Lord Moreau. Ready? Begin!”

  My opponent springs forward with great speed, but not much skill. I dodge him easily and give a gentle kick to propel him out of the ring. Well, that was easy. Time to go.

  “Thank you, Sir. It was enjoyable. I hope to return on another holiday.”

  ────────────────────────

  Mirabel and I walk around the fair a while longer and enjoy some food. Roxanne and the other guards refuse to join us.

  “David, are you really a Mage?”

  “Yes, though that isn’t all I am.”

  “That much is clear, David. Quite impressive.”

  “Now that you’re properly impressed, would you like to come with me to an investiture tomorrow?”

  “Tomorrow? I would like to, but I’ll have to check.”

  “Sorry for the te invitation. I didn’t know that I could invite someone.”

  “David, anyone can go to an investiture.”

  “I meant, up front with me. We’ll have to sit at a secondary table since I’m asking so te.”

  “Seriously, David? Just what sort of connections do you have?”

  “Well, I’m trying to marry a marquis’ daughter. I should improve my retions with noble society, right?”

  “I can’t promise that I can join you, so let’s meet at the event. When and where will it be?”

  “An hour after sunrise at Selmer Castle.”

  Mirabel’s Adventurer nods.

  “I’ll do my best. Time to get you home now.”

  “Don’t bother. We can find our own way back.”

  “I don’t mind, David.”

  “I have some crystals to cash in anyway. I had a great time, Mirabel. Hope to see you tomorrow.”

  I wait in line to sell two green charging crystals with my haggle bonus.

  ────────────────────────

  [1] The LN’s MC celebrated this holiday by buying a sve. Carnivals were not mentioned.