189-Freedom from labor




 
 After almost running into Elinora in Kikka, I switched my search for slime from the vicinity of Kikka to the village of Koliat.

 I don't know when Elinora's sister will come flying at me if I stay in that area. I've seen slime in the village of Coriat as well, so I'll just walk around and look for it.

 With that in mind, I'm going to transfer back to the Koliat village.

 Now I won't have to encounter Erinora's sister.

 But the fact that I'm in Kikka means that I'll be back here in three days.

 It's a good thing that I'm not the only one who can enjoy my free time in three days. It's too short a time.

 I'm not just talking about slime pillows and cushions, but also building my own home, cooking, fiddling with magic tools, buying foodstuffs, and taking a nap all day long.

I'm not sure what's wrong with you, Al. You look so unhappy.

 As I was walking through the village thinking about this, Thor, who was cooling off in the shade of a tree in the village, called out to me.

 Asmo is also next to me, but he doesn't even look at me, perhaps because he is overwhelmed by the heat.

 I'm sure he's desperate to cool his body, which has been burned by the heat of the sun. He is lying down limp and laying down.



'Oh! Master Elinora is almost home! Did you get a letter or something like that?

 When I told him why I was looking unenthusiastic, Thor, who had been sitting down, stood up vigorously.

'Sloppy Elinora sister wouldn't write a letter,'

 I heard that Mother Erna and Father Nord had told them to send a letter when they decided on the date of their return, but Sister Elinora seems to have spectacularly forgotten about it.

 I heard that Elna's sister had forgotten about it and she was complaining about it.

'How did you know I was coming back then?

 We live in a world where cell phones are not convenient. How could he know that kind of information if he hadn't even received a letter? It's natural for Thor to wonder.

 Shit, what should I do? I can't tell you that I saw Elinora sister when I went to Kicker after transitioning through spatial magic.

''I don't know, but I think it's time.

What's that? Don't be so random. You'd expect that.

 Thor, dismayed by my answer, says in an unfaithful tone of voice.

'But it's true that I'm coming home soon, at the right time. The thought of having less free time makes me look uncomfortable.

'Heh, there's no point in freaking out about it, is there? Whether it's darker or brighter, it won't change the time we're living in now.

''Well that's true too. It would be a shame to waste your precious time now by being pessimistic! That's Thor! You're just always doing it for nothing.

'That last one is superfluous. Anyway, let's just have some fun, like we always do!

 You always do it and you're just pissed off at your sister Emma and Mr. Murat. The way you think is positive. It's silly Thor, but maybe I should learn from this kind of positive attitude.

'So, what's the real reason for wasting your time saying nice things?

''Mom can't be strong and angry with Al, a nobleman. I mean, there's a chance she's going to take care of Al and relieve him of some troublesome tasks.

 Thor makes a quick and scrappy remark while pointing towards the field.

 In the direction that Thor is pointing, there is Murat-san, who gives me a jittery look. And when he notices my gaze, Murat-san smiles and bids me off with a smile.

''See? Normally you'd be mad at me if I talked for too long.

 I bail lightly as well, and Thor laughs happily as he says it.

 It's scum, but I don't feel like blaming him when he says it with such openness. In fact, it's even refreshing.

''By the way, what are you doing here today?'' 

Oh, come on, can't I just walk out of here without a thing?

Al wouldn't walk out of the house in this heat without a reason.

 I said back to Thor, and Asmo, who was lying down, finally finished cooling down, said.

 You're absolutely right. I don't have the character to go out without a purpose in this hot season. He's a friend who knows me well.

'I'm looking for slime today,'

Slime? What's the use of looking for such things? It's not going to pay off for you to hunt that thing. 

I'm just going to poke and prod the best I can.

 When I tell them about the noble purpose of today's event, Thor and Asmo let out exclamations of dismay from their mouths.

 Well, I guess that's how a normal person would feel about it.

 But not me, who knows the proper value of slime.

''Hmmm, I guess neither of you understand how wonderful slime is.

What am I gonna do with it?

 I'm a little too good for him and Thor reacts with a little annoyance.

'We're going to stuff the slime into pillowcases and use them as pillows and cushions!

'Well I know Al's crazy as usual, but I know it's going to end up being awesome. So I'll listen to you properly, but is it a good one?

 That's my friend, Thor. You know me so well, you're a quick study.

 But I don't think it's necessary to say I'm crazy.

"Have you two ever touched slime?

'There is. It's pudgy, but it's got a little bit of slippery liquid on it.

I know what it feels like, but it's a demon, and I don't think I'd like to touch it.

 Hm, if you've touched it, it's easy to explain.

''You two might not know this, but when slime is cooled by ice magic, it remains elastic and hard!

"...so?

 Even though I've explained it clearly, Thor and Asmo look at me suspiciously.

 That's ridiculous. Why can't you guess when you have all the materials to make a decision like this?

I'm not going to be able to say that it's not a good idea. Why can't you imagine how it would be a comfortable thing to make into a pillow?

No, no, no, if I knew that if I chilled it, it would be hard as it feels, I wouldn't normally think of doing that!

Al's ideas are way outlandish.

 Is that right? It's such a pudgy feeling. Wouldn't it be the first thing you think about if you used it as a pillow to make it feel good? I was using the word 'slime as a pillow' earlier, too.

'You mean, that one? Is Al looking for slime to complete his hinky, yet moderately resilient slime pillow?

'Yes. This season, it's probably hard to sleep at night because of the heat. At times like that, you can sleep with a chilled slime pillow in your arms and it will help you sleep comfortably.

''Well when you say that, a chilly slime pillow sounds nice.

 When Asmo heard my explanation, he gave me a soft look, as if he imagined it.

 The sunshine is better at night, but that doesn't mean it's not hot.

 Without an air conditioner or fan, you're sure to have trouble sleeping. You will often be drenched in sweat when you wake up in the morning.

Well, let's find the slime ourselves! I have an idea where the slime might be!

I know exactly how it happened.

 Thor says that, and Asmo, full of motivation, stands up and says it too.

'Whoa, really? I've been wandering around today looking for slime, so it would be nice if you could show me around.

Instead, let us have some hinky slime in our arms!

I'll chill the kinks out and hold you at night.

 Brother Silvio seems to be uncomfortable with the idea of sleeping or holding a demon slime under his head when sleeping, but Thor and Asmo don't seem to be at all evasive.

'Are you two okay with holding slime when you sleep?

''Ha, what are you scared of with a demon that even a little kid like that could win? If they do anything to you, just stick your arm in and crush the nuke and it's over.

'Slime doesn't have the power to hurt people, and you can't come out of it because you're stuffing it into a pillow.

 When I asked them as an opinion to try it out, Thor and Asmo snickered at me.

 The two of them seemed to be fine with it, as they usually come into contact with demons and animals and understand the dangers.

 Well, Brother Silvio didn't go out much, so he wouldn't have had any demons around him. Maybe it's a difference in values that can't be helped.

''That's right.

So long, Al! I need a little help to go find the slime!

Okay, but what are you doing?

It's easy. All Al has to do is keep his eyes fixed on his mom. That's all you have to do.

 It's easy. I don't think there's anything more dubious than the word "just do it".

 I turn to Murat, who is working in the field, with Thor pushing me back.

 Then Thor takes a big breath behind me and shouts.

'Mom! Al's looking for the slime, so I'm going to show him around a bit and get it with him!

 Wow, this guy went out of his way to say it loud and far away.

 It's probably because he's afraid that if he approaches and speaks one-on-one, he'll be dismissed.

 And with me, a nobleman, watching.

 To dismiss Thor's words that seem to be for my benefit could be seen as dismissing even my actions.

 I don't think Murat-san would be able to deny it in front of me.

''Yeah, yeah, you're going to go find some slime for Alfried-sama. 'I understand. But you mustn't go deep into the forest. We have to get back before it gets dark.

 Responding to Thor's words, Murat-san looked stern for a moment, but he forgave her with a smiling expression.

''All right! Asmo's going too, so tell Asmo's mom that!

Okay, okay.

 Thor told me so one-sidedly and started running as if to escape.

 Asmo and I lag behind and follow him.

 At the end, Murat-san's eyebrows were twitching.

 It's not surprising that Murat was left alone in this hot weather and had to take on more of Thor's work.

''Hehe, Mom's still a bit chill when Al's around.

'Yes. I already wish Al would come visit me every day.

 Thanks to being freed from midsummer labor, Thor and Asmo say with a radiant smile on their faces.

 I can't deny the joy of being free from labor, but if you do it too much, you'll get shivered.