Chapter 23 - Conclusion

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____________________「Is that……………. An inherent skill? 」

After the duel.

Aria is making her way through the break room of the guild receptionists with an anxious face. She’s embracing Tama who is already lively again thanks to the potion from the guild.

「Right. The skill used by Tama at the end, I think it’s an inherent skill. I couldn’t be wrong since I saw a few elemental cat using this kind of skill during my era as an adventurer」

The one who replied to Aria is Arnold.

Aria felt relieved seeing that Tama had recovered. Thereupon, one question appeared in her mind. The skill used by Tama at the end……..what was THAT?. Thus the answer she got from Arnold was “It might be an inherent skill”.

「I thought that Tama was a monster for a moment due to the tremendous power of his skill but, I have never heard of any kitten-like monster like Tama. He should have even more mana if he was a monster」

Normally, the amount of mana leaked from monster is different from the one that leaked from an animal. That’s because they have different body structures.

Even if Tama is a monster, he was a human. Tama is unconsciously regulating the flow of mana in his body to be similar to that of a human. Thus the amount of mana leaking out from his body is that of a normal animal.

And then, there’s Arnold, former B-rank adventurer who has excellent perception. He judged that Tama isn’t a monster based on his past experience and by sensing the mana leaking from Tama’s body.

(Fumu. I’m prepared to have my identity as a monster leaked for the sake of protecting my master but…….. It seems I was lucky. Nevertheless, the world sure is big, so an elemental cat who has an inherent skill does exist)

His true identity was protected. Tama heaves a sigh of relief. Just like the last time, he was saved by Arnold again.

By the way………..

Speaking of Kassman, the perpetrator of this situation.

Should one say “You reap what you sow”, the last heel drop of Aria perfectly, And accurately ……….. smashed his balls, to the point that even the greatest potion can’t fix it.

According to the doctor…………. He is a man no longer. Nevertheless, Kassman can’t say anything in that regard. The duel was decided by official law. He has no choice but to accept whatever ending awaited him.

If he plots a revenge on Aria and Tama, he will be judged by law regardless of whether he is a noble or not. Therefore, Aria and Tama have no need to feel scared of his retaliation for the time being.

Kassman was playing dirty in order to get a bride《Aria》.

And the result for his deed is the bitter fact that he could never again……………. Embrace a woman .

◆

「Here Tama. A~n」

「Nya~n! 」

Inn room.

Aria stabbed the meat dish with her fork, and then fed it to Tama.

(Ooh, so delicious!　Though I’m not making light of inn dishes, this isn’t bad!)

The time is right before evening.

Aria and Tama were having a feast in celebration of today’s victory.

Aria is having her usual fruit wine. A slightly generous amount of milk is prepared for Tama. The appetizer is various boiled meat and fish dishes made by the mistress of the inn. They choose to enjoy the dishes in their own room.

Good liquor.

Tasty food.

And then coupled with the aftertaste of their victory, Aria and Tama happily ate their meal.

At that time――

(Uhn?　What’s happened to you, master?)

Tama who was busying himself with the grilled fish noticed that Aria’s hand stopped moving. Her face is gloomy. And she seems to be quite down.

「Tama———-!! 」

「NYAAA!? 」

Tama is looking at Aria’s face with worried look.

Aria suddenly came and hugged him.

「Tama……… Tama, Tama———-! 」

Her grip became even stronger. She called his name many times. Large teardrops keep flowing from her eyes.

「Really, thank you very much for protecting me………… But then, this is the second time already, so please stop doing something so dangerous………. If you die, I’ll………」

(Ah……. So that’s what she means)

Tama is guessing so.

Maybe Aria’s recalling the figure of a wounded Tama desperately trying to protect her.

And now, that feeling exploded thanks to the addition of liquor.

(It’s okay master…………. I have no intention to die so easily. Moreover, I’m going to use 《Elemental Howling》 from this point onward when things might turn sour. I’ll make the full use of the《Iron Body》 skill too. So that a situation like this won’t happen ever again)

Tama was convinced of that matter after today’s incident.

Due to the misunderstanding when he used 《Aether Howling》 from before as his inherent skill, he’ll use appropriate skills when the situation calls for it.

「Nya~n」

Tama is raising a soft purring voice. He then rubs his head on her cheeks in order to wipe her tears.

「Fufufu……… Even though you’re the one who got that wounded, you end up comforting me…….. You really are a gentle kid, Tama」

To answer Tama’s kindness.

Aria is also showing her usual gentle smile.

Tama ended up comforting Aria till late at night.