NOVEL NEXT Chapter 166
166. Morning Orders, Level 100
“I changed my mind! You guys, live here with me!”
The morning after we stayed at Mila-san’s place, I went to the living room and found her standing there, making that declaration.
“What’s going on? You just said yesterday you wouldn’t take us as disciples.”
“I told you I changed my mind! Besides, I’m still not taking you as disciples! You’re just living here on your own!”
I don’t understand why she’s so against taking disciples… maybe she had a change of heart last night.
Looking at it a certain way, this is a great chance. We’d get to stay near Mila-san.
“Of course, you can’t stay here for free! You’ll be doing chores, cooking, and various other tasks for me!”
“…Could it be that’s what you wanted all along?”
“Stop mumbling! There are ingredients, so go ahead and make breakfast!”
With that, Mila-san lay down on the sofa and drifted off back to sleep.
She’s really a free spirit. It’s like she has no filter for her actions, or she’s just thoughtless…
“Arx, I’m good at cooking, so leave it to me. You go report about Zane’s Magic Eye to the kingdom using the Warp Slime.”
“Got it. I’ll have Shino stay here to help, just in case.”
Leaving Shino at Mila-san’s house, I warped back to the kingdom.
The cantankerous old man, Lloyd, greeted me with complaints as soon as he saw me, same as always.
I explained Mila-san’s story and asked if we could keep the Magic Eye a bit longer.
“Hmph, I don’t mind. No one can use that troublesome item anyway—it’s practically worthless.”
With that, Lloyd allowed me to hold onto the Magic Eye. His attitude still grated on me, but I held my tongue, finished the report, and returned to Mila-san’s house.
“Mmm! This is delicious!”
Back in the living room, Mila-san was devouring breakfast at the table.
The table was covered with vibrant dishes that just looking at made my mouth water. Mila-san was feasting on the food with abandon.
“How is it, Mila-san?”
“Everything’s amazing! Raize, you really are a genius!”
Responding to Raize’s question, Mila-san seemed in a great mood. The food must have been that good.
“I’ll never go back to my usual frog soup! I always thought food was a low priority.”
“Frog soup…? You usually eat frogs, Mila-san?”
“Frogs are packed with nutrients!”
I couldn’t hide my reservations, but Mila-san genuinely didn’t seem to mind.
Once Mila-san had eaten her fill, she stopped and sighed contentedly.
“So, I used food we had here for today’s meal, but from tonight onward, you’ll supply your own ingredients.”
“Understood. I’ll go buy some in town.”
“Arx! Why are you here if you’re just going to buy them? Buying from town defeats the purpose!”
“Then… does that mean…?”
“Exactly. You’re going to gather supplies from this forest.”
She pointed at me, grinning proudly.
This must be the first step in training. We’d have to defeat the monsters in the forest to gather food.
But forest monsters are cunning. When I first fought them, I almost died from falling into their traps.
It’s a tough challenge right off the bat. But if I want to get stronger, I’ll have to overcome it.
“And a word of advice for you two. First, Raize, trust your instincts.”
“Trust my instincts…?”
“Yes. It’s both your strength and your weakness. You tend to overthink. With all your experience, you’ve ingrained logic into your actions. So, try following your gut for a change.”
Then Mila-san pointed at me.
“Arx, you need to observe carefully.”
“What exactly does that mean?”
“That’s for you to find out in battle! But if you make sure to observe properly, it’ll come to you.”
Unlike with Raize, she gave me no specifics. It’s up to me to figure it out, then.
Alright! I’m going to master Mila-san’s advice!
“Here’s some post-meal tea.”
With the conversation winding down, Shino brought over a tea set.
The aroma of fine tea filled the air. As expected from a maid, the quality was on par with Raize’s cooking.
“The maid’s quite thoughtful, isn’t she? I’ll also leave the household chores to you.”
“I’ll do anything for Arx-sama. Please feel free to ask anything.”
Mila-san seemed delighted at Shino’s obedience. She sipped her tea and leaned back against the chair.
Leaving the house chores to Shino, Raize and I head into the forest. We’re definitely going to overcome this challenge!