Musou Slime 66

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66. You Must Be Tired, Irena-san

The next day. I walked around the town to heal from the fatigue of dungeon conquest.

Since yesterday was quite a fierce battle, no one would complain if I took a little rest. Magic training will start tomorrow.

Wait, huh? I just saw a girl who looks familiar. I thought it might be a mistake, but that pink hair, could it be――

"Irena?"

A little ahead of where I was walking, I saw a girl with a hunched back. She twitched in response to my words.

Sure enough, it was Irena. But something seemed off.

"Oh, Arx... you seem energetic today too."

Irena smiled, but her voice lacked vigor. Her back was bent like an old person's, and she had noticeable bags under her eyes.

To put it simply, she seemed exhausted.

"What's wrong? Is something bothering you?"

"N-nothing... I'm perfectly fine as always."

Even her usual catchphrase lacked enthusiasm.

One thing came to mind regarding her situation.

"Could it be... about the Hero's Tournament?"

"............"

Irena fell silent. Seems like I hit the mark.

But she had already completed her sword. It's just needed some adjustments. The reason for her distress might be...?

"Are you worried about what Barry and Elgen said?"

Irena's shoulders jumped at my words. That hit home too.

Indeed, something was off about her that day. She immediately rushed to finish adjusting her sword.

"If something's wrong, tell me. We're partners, right?"

"Well, I... I haven't been sleeping much since that day."

"That day... You mean the day we delved into the dungeon!?"

Irena laughed as if to hide her embarrassment.

We delved into the dungeon yesterday. I last saw Irena the day before yesterday. In other words, she hadn't slept for two full days.

"What are you doing!? You have to rest properly!"

"It's fine. I can't embarrass Arx. I'll keep forging until I'm satisfied. That's the pride of a craftsman!"

"Is that what Danzel said?"

"If you're prepared, he won't say anything. He's a master craftsman too!"

She must have gotten Danzel's permission. Despite calling himself clumsy, he tends to observe others quite well.

So, I'll leave Irena to him. If anything happens to her, he should take care of it somehow.

"Alright. But don't push yourself too hard, okay?"

"Yeah! I'm the world's greatest female blacksmith! Just wait and see!"

With those words, Irena smiled confidently and ran off.

Hmm. I said that, but I'm still worried about Irena.

I don't think anything will happen, but I don't want her to fall ill.

Is there anything I can do for her? Something that would help Irena.

"Ar-kun?"

I heard a familiar voice as I pondered in the middle of the road.

"Sierra-san?"

"What a coincidence meeting here. Are you off today?"

There stood Sierra-san in casual clothes, her beige knitwear giving her a mature look.

It was my first time seeing her in casual wear. Was she off work from the guild today?

Right. Sierra-san might have some good ideas.

"Sierra-san, sorry to ask out of the blue, but..."

"It is quite sudden. What's up?"

I explained the situation with Irena to her.

I want to do something for her, as she seems tired. Is there anything I can do?

After I finished, Sierra-san chuckled confidently.

"Ar-kun. I'm glad you asked. I know a lot about such matters as a guild staff member!"

"Do you know something!?"

"Of course. So, Ar-kun, let's date in the forest area!"

A moment of silence. I froze, not understanding what Sierra-san meant.

"A date? Huh?"

"You react well. Yes, a date starting now."

"Sorry, could you explain?"

"In the forest area, there are medicinal herbs, right? Depending on the type, some emit a soothing scent."

Ah, I see where this is going. In other words, we'll gather those herbs and give them to Irena.

"I may not look it, but I'm quite knowledgeable. If you go to the forest with me, we can gather them quickly!"

"But, monsters appear in the forest area, right?"

"Don't worry. I know how to use protective items for situations like this. Shall we go?"

As expected of Sierra-san, she seems well-prepared in that regard.

She smiled at me and walked ahead confidently.

Honestly, I could use <Appraisal> to identify medicinal herbs. But going around checking one by one would take too long, and the day might end.

There's a slight worry, but it can't be helped. Let's go to the forest area with Sierra-san.