They had returned to the guild after lunch with Fel carrying Alice, Dratini and Sui on his back after Alice had recalled Dratini and let's just say her completion of the quest and the proof she had done so had caused quite a stir in the guild and Alice just watched with an almost defeated expression on her face.
'We've really done it now...' Alice thought in defeat and she could hear the other adventurer's whispering in awe to each other as she had Dratini on her shoulders and Sui in her bag with Fel by her side.
"What's going on?"
"That's amazing!"
Flashback starts;
'We took the goblin hunting quest to raise my rank as quickly as possible.'
"As for the proof..." Alice said as she had taken each bag filled with goblin ears out of her item box and opened it to show them.
"I have it right here." She said and let's just say she understood their reaction. She had thrown up before they had eaten lunch so she understood.
Flashback ends;
'Their reactions make sense.' Alice thought as she put the quest paper away and the female staff were all scrambling to count them all.
"There's so many."
'I only hope this doesn't get out of hand.' Alice thought worriedly since Anna had left to inform the guild master of her quest completion.
"Please count them!" A brunette told the others before Anna had come back.
"Alice!" She called them as Alice and Fel turned to her as she ran over, urgency in her eyes.
"The guildmaster's asking to see you. Please, bring your familiars." She told her and Alice felt cold water being dumped on her. She's in so much trouble!
'I knew this would happen eventually!' Alice thought in worry and Fel nudged her hand with Sui leaning against her with Dratini nuzzling her cheek. The three of them were worried about her since she was panicking and Alice was even more worried for them as they followed Anna to the office of the guildmaster.
Anna opened the door first, addressing the guildmaster inside.
"As requested." She said as an older man by a table turned to them.
"So you're Alice, are you? I'm Willem, the guildmaster." Willem introduced himself as Alice entered with Fel not too far behind her.
"I hear you hunted an incredible number of goblins." He said and Alice grew nervous as she gulped but tried to stay calm. This was the first time she's meeting a guildmaster of an adventurer's guild so she was nervous.
"That's true. We took out a goblin settlement." Alice said as Willem was impressed. A G-rank adventurer taking on a goblin settlement with her familiars is impressive.
"Figured that was it." Willem said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. She's full of surprises from what he can see. He wondered what other surprises she would pull.
"The number of sightings had increased pretty sharply. That means you've got a reward coming to you for the settlement as well." He told her much to Alice's surprise and shock. There's also a reward for taking down a goblin settlement?!
"I-Is that right?" Alice asked as Willem nodded.
"Of course it is." Willem said before he laughed, arms crossed in amusement.
"Boy, that Fenrir of yours must be pretty strong to bring down that many goblins!" He said in amusement while Alice just smiled awkwardly.
'Apparently the cat's out of the bag and he has no idea.' Alice thought with a sheepish smile as Fel huffed and Sui came out of the bag and jumped into Alice's arms as she held him.
"Sui was able to beat a lot of goblins too." He said but since only Alice, her Pokémon and Fel were the only ones who can hear Sui speak, Willem can't hear what he is saying. Willem was surprised to see that Alice has a slime as a familiar too.
"Slime, huh?" Willem noted in surprise and Alice gave him a smile like a proud parent.
"You know it. Fel isn't the only one who took care of the goblin settlement. Sui here along with Dratini are one of a kind and are incredibly strong too. We work together to do the quest." Alice explained and a heart appeared on Sui and Willem huffed in amusement. He could tell. She sure seems a lot closer to her familiars from what he can tell.
"You sure have assembled an interesting group." Willem said and Alice just nodded, adjusting her hold on Sui as Willem stood to take one of the scrolls on his desk.
"Now then. I called you here because I have something for you." He explained, showing her one of the scrolls and Alice could tell it has a royal on the bind which made her shift slightly in a protective stance in front of Fel, her hold on Sui growing protective which Sui and Fel noticed.
"An urgent message, direct from the Royal Palace." Willem said and Alice was surprised once more but was curious. An urgent message for her and from the Royal Palace too?
'The Royal Palace? And why an urgent message for me?' She thought in confusion as Willem opened the scroll.
"Allow me to give you the gist of it." Willem said as he started to read from it.
"Henceforth, you may live freely in this kingdom. The nobles have already been apprised of the situation. I hope we will be able to count on your help in times of emergency." Willem read as he looked at them with a warm and reassuring smile.
"And so on." He said and Alice felt hope rise in her chest as she looked at Willem. His aura was bright blue meaning he was being truthful.
"Does that mean the royal family and the nobles will leave us alone only until they need our help?" She asked. It was the only important question she needed answers to.
"Correct. The mere presence of a legendary monster within the kingdom should keep our neighbors in line." Willem said, confirming her question and Alice felt like she could finally breathe as she felt her eyes sting which had welled up with tears.
'Finally! Our freedom is finally secured!' She thought happily as she sniffed, wiping her tears.
'(Why are you crying? Are you hurt?)' Fel asked her when he smelled the saltiness of her tears.
'(I'm more than okay, Fel. The royal family and nobles will finally leave us alone.)' She told him and he felt his tail wag. It looks like tagging along with Lambert two days ago was the right move.
"There's something else we should discuss." Willem said. He didn't want to stop her joy but they needed to get back to the subject at hand.
"Oh, right." Alice smiled sheepishly.
"Is it true you want to increase your rank from G?" Willem asked her and Alice nodded.
"Of course, definitely. At least around F rank so I don't lose my license while journeying." Alice explained and Willem grinned. Ah, so that's why. She's the type that doesn't stick to one place. Well, he has the authority, he can raise her rank even higher.
"Well, as a Guildmaster, I can use my authority to make you a C-ranker." Willem said, promoting her rank on a higher level much to her shock.
"You'd bump me directly to C?" Alice asked before she remembered. Iron Will is a C rank adventurer.
"Since you're the mistress of a Fenrir, it's troublesome all around if your rank is too low." Willem explained and she thought about it. He does have a point though.
"However, there are a few requests I'd like you to take on in exchange." He said, sounding very serious and Alice grew a bit tense.
'Taking on quests directly from the Guildmaster? Well, he's using his authority to bump me to C. But I should probably ask Fel, Sui and Dratini.' She thought before she looked to Fel, Sui and Dratini who were watching her and Fel nodded.
"Well, uh, you see, I'm honestly more of a casual adventurer but it doesn't mean I'll decline if it means it can help me rise up in ranks." Alice said and Willem seemed satisfied but internally, he was surprised. He thought she would decline but she didn't which was surprising but this could work.
"I thought you would decline but I'm surprised you're not refusing." Willem laughed in amusement before he started to explain.
"These are A and S rank requests I'm talking about. To be frank, these are jobs for your familiar over there." Willem explained and Alice glanced at Fel. He really didn't know what to think. A human having quests for him is a first time for him.
"Oh, I see now." Alice nodded in understanding before she turned to Fel to see what he thought.
"So, what do you think, Fel? Think you're up for it?" She asked him, tone challenging and he looked at her and smirked. He can tell she was challenging him and of course he would do it. Not for the Guildmaster but for her.
"There is no task that is beyond my capabilities." He said haughtily, turning his face away and it made her laugh as he spoke so confidently. She knew he would accept though he wouldn't admit it.
"Hey, that's great." Willem was relieved that Fel had accepted. He already had two quests in mind. He went to a book holder by his desk and took out a light aquamarine book.
"High ranking quests tend to go unclaimed for a good while." He said, showing the book which contained unclaimed quests and from how thick it was, there must be a lot.
'That makes sense. There probably aren't that many adventurers who can take them on based on their ranks.' Alice thought though she was curious on what quests Willem would give them.
"We'll start with the most pressing ones. Also, we wouldn't want the other adventurers getting in your way, so I'll make sure they're aware of what's going on." He told them as he headed for the door to let them out first.
"Thanks a lot, Mr. Willem." Alice nodded her thanks. She was grateful that he had turned her from G-rank to C-rank today and that he would make sure the other adventurers know what's going on.
'I'm grateful that he's really understanding of our situation. I wonder...' Alice soon thought about the monsters left in her item box that she didn't take out. She can probably trust him and Johan.
"Um, before anything else, I still have a few more items that I'd like to sell." She said which piqued his interest before he agreed and led her to the butchering house and Alice revealed the monsters she didn't take out for reasons.
The only thing Johan and Willem could do was stare in shock and disbelief. Those monsters are more impressive and shocking than they want to admit. Johan was the most shocked. He didn't realize she had more until she pulled these out.
"I've never seen a Chimera or an Orthros before in my life!" Johan exclaimed in disbelief as Willem stared at the new pile of monsters. Word of this should never escape this building.
"Look. Keep what you've seen today quiet, all right, Johan?" Willem told him and Johan didn't need to be told twice.
"I haven't shown these to anyone because I was afraid that it might cause a ruckus. But I know that I can trust you two." Alice explained as Fel was waiting outside, soaking in the sun as Johan held his chin.
"This would have cost a lot more than a ruckus." Johan noted honestly. He doesn't know if he can butcher all of them though as Willem hummed.
"I don't think there's anything we can do with the Chimera or the Orthros." Willem said as he turned to Alice.
"Guild doesn't have nearly enough money to afford them. I wouldn't even know how much to pay. They're a little too scary for me." He admitted and Alice pondered on it helplessly. There's no use in selling the parts of the Orthros and Chimera until she finds someone who can.
'No use in selling those until I find someone else who can then.' Alice thought in dismay.
'So what do I do with them? Just keep holding on to them until I find someone?' She thought as she glanced outside to Fel who had taken a nap as he yawned with Dratini snuggled in his fur on his back before turning back to Willem and Johan. The butcher was eyeing some monsters that he can totally butcher right now.
"Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd get to butcher a blue ogre." Johan admitted as Alice put the monsters that can't be processed back in her item box.
"Oh yeah?" Alice asked him as she turned to him and he was getting ready.
"You make it sound like they're pretty rare." She noted and Johan knew she got it right. They're very rare.
"Blue ogres are special S-rank individuals within the ogre population, so yeah, you can say that." He said as he examined the ogre head before pointing his knife at the larger orc.
"And this Orc King is an A-rank monster, but it always has hundreds of orcs at its command, so it basically might as well be an S." Johan explained and Alice was surprised and in disbelief as she looked out at Fel who had let out another yawn.
'A pile of S-rank monsters. He swatted them down like they were no more than flies.' She thought as Fel looked towards her, eyes with drowsiness. She just smiled at him slightly. She had fed him that wagyu so it's pretty much her fault.
Her bag that she had put down rustled and Sui came out as she turned to him.
"What is it, Sui? Did we wake you by accident?" Alice asked him as Sui looked up at her.
"No, mama. But Sui wants to be able to beat up a bunch of strong monsters easily, like Uncle Fel." He said, making punching motions with his tentacles and Alice chuckled. Fel is both a good and bad influence on Sui. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Fel is probably a father figure to him and she wouldn't be surprised if Sui calls him Papa Fel. The thought made her snort but coughed a bit. Sui calling her mama is one thing but Sui calling Fel who he had been calling uncle a papa will be something. She shook her head as she petted the slime.
"Alright but make sure not to push yourself." She told him and Sui chirped happily.
Johan walked beside Willem, both staring at the additional monsters that's gonna be processed.
"As a butcher, this is the kind of thing that gets the blood pumping!" Johan said, not bothering to hide the excitement in his voice as Willem turned to his friend, glad that he's getting to butcher high ranking Monsters. Alice had brought something that even made Johan excited.
He approached Alice who was putting on the slightly worn out bag that she had been carrying back around her shoulders with the blue slime in it and she looked up at him curiously.
"Stop by tomorrow. I'll have your C-rank guild card ready by then, too." He told her and she smiled and bowed her thanks.
"Thanks for all your help." She thanked him.
Alice led the way back to the inn and they went to the stables where she can safely make them dinner.
"All right, so any ideas for dinner?" Alice asked them as Sui came out of the bag to sit down beside Dratini on the crate.
Alice was sitting on the same crate with Fel's head by her shoulders as she opened the online grocery to see what she can use to cook for tonight's dinner.
"Ah, meat." Fel suggested and Alice knew he would say that as she thought about what they had eaten so far.
"We've had a lot of greasy food lately. And too much grease can be bad for the body." She told him.
"I like meat." He insisted though more playfully now and she snorted and pushed his head back a little.
"Sui too." Sui agreed and Dratini agreed with Sui and she couldn't argue with them.
"Let me see now." She mumbled as she thought. Something that's not greasy, something refreshing but still has meat in them.
An idea struck her mind and she immediately purchased the ingredients they needed.
"Right. We need something refreshing and healthy today." She told them and Fel's ears twitched curiously by what she meant. What's wrong with the fried food she has been cooking?
The purchase box appeared and she opened them and she picked up vegetables that she was gonna use before she got to work. They're gonna love these and she knows Fel has been eating the vegetables mixed into the food she has been cooking.
'First, we boil the Rockbird breast in water with sake and salt.' Alice made sure the water was boiling before putting the Rockbird meat in it before she moved to the vegetables and started to chop them.
'While the breast meat cools, we julienne the cucumbers and slice the tomatoes.' She sliced the cucumbers first before moving onto the tomatoes. After that was done, she moved onto the Rockbird meat and fanned it to help cool it down.
'When the Rockbird is cool enough, we shred it by hand.' She made sure her hands were clean before starting to tear the boiled meat by hand which would take a while since there's a lot.
Behind her, Fel was napping with Dratini while waiting for dinner but Sui is awake and watching Alice do something before he hopped on the table. He was curious how Mama does the cooking and wanted to help.
"Sui wants to help!" He said as Alice turned to him in surprise before smiling in gratitude. She does need a helping hand to do this faster.
"Aww, how thoughtful, Sui." Alice thanked him as he took a piece of the chicken and started to tear it like her.
After what felt like minutes, they had made two piles of the boiled Rockbird as Alice wiped her forehead as Sui bounced happily.
"We did it, Mama!" He said happily.
"We sure did, Sui." Alice smiled before she got to work and assembled the first dish in the right order. She layered the tomatoes first followed by the cucumbers and the shredded meat next before the final layer.
'Finally, we lay out the vegetables and meat and finish it off with some sesame dressing.' Alice shook the bottle of the seasoning dressing before opening the cap and poured over the four portions of the first dish.
"It's finished! Rockbird Banbanji." She said with a smile.
{Rockbird Banbanji}
'I don't think this will be enough. I'll make Rockbird and pepper stir fry with tamato berry too.' She thought before looking at the bowl to her left. She had leftover Rockbird meat which she had marinated so she better make another one.
'Cut the Rockbird meat into bite-sized pieces and season it with sake and soy sauce.' She made sure each cut was bite-sized before pouring sake and soy sauce on it before sprinkling the right amount of seasonings. She left the bowl to let the meat marinate to start cutting the bell peppers.
'Remove the seats from the peppers, then cut them up too along with the tamato berry.' She soon heated up a pan and started to stir fry it.
'After searing the surface of the meat, add the peppers and tamato berry pieces to the pan.' She stirred everything after adding the peppers and tamato berry, making sure they're perfectly cooked before adding one last thing. Chinese seasoning paste.
'Throw in some of this delightful stuff for flavor. and get to stir-frying!' She stirred the food with the ladle and after a few more minutes, she was finally done as she put the stir-fry in a bowl.
"It's done!"
{Rockbird and Pepper Stir Fry with Tamato Berry}
She held the steaming bowl of the stir fry before turning to Fel, Sui and Dratini so she can tell them that it was time to eat.
"Hey, it's dinner time!" She told them with a smile but she grew confused when Fel, Sui and Dratini didn't dig in immediately like they always do even Fel was drooling.
"This is more than just meat." The Fenrir noted as Alice laughed awkwardly.
"Of course it's not just meat, Fel. I did say that we need something refreshing." She explained and he took her word for it before they started to eat. Alice purchased a drink from the online grocery as she sipped it with a sigh.
"Cheers to a life of freedom." Alice said happily as Fel he, Sui and Dratini started to eat excitedly. Despite the meat, he couldn't help but admit in his mind that it was much more refreshing than the oily ones. Alice ate some of the Rockbird meat and it was perfect as dinner and a celebratory dish.
"This is wonderful. And the dressing is so light and refreshing too." She said in content before Sui called her.
"Mama, this brown stuff in here is really sweet and delicious." Sui said in awe as Alice turned to them. Fel was eating his portion happily but he was in agreement. The brown stuff was sweet and delicious that goes well with the dish.
"You can thank the other world's Japanese food industry for that." She told him with a smile. She had been using ingredients from another world than her own and she can't help but admire the variety of food there. She set her plate of banbanji down before picking up the stir fry.
"And this one was seasoned with a paste that's made from oyster and soy sauce. It's good too." Alice said as she offered it to Sui for him to try.
"Oh, really?" Sui asked curiously as he took one of the green vegetables.
"The crisp texture of the vegetables is perfect." She explained as Sui ate it and bobbed happily though it tasted a bit bitter but it was yummy.
Alice soon realized that she forgot something as she looked at her banbanji.
"I forgot to steam any rice. That would have gone well with this." She said before used an alternative instead, making a sandwich.
'I'll use bread for today.' Alice thought as she took out a packet of bread from her item box and made herself a Rockbird banbanji sandwich. She took a bite and it went well with the flavor and texture.
"So good." She said in delight as she took another bite.
"Sui wants to eat that too." Sui spoke up behind her with Dratini joining and she chuckled.
"You got it." Alice told them as Fel pushed his plate to her, clearly wanting some of the sandwich she was eating.
"I want more." He said as she turned to him with a chuckle. Of course he would want some.
"I'm on it." She reassured them and made them the same sandwich for them all to share. With full stomachs and the night creeping deeper, Alice was drying up the plates and bowls they had used thanks to Dratini and Sui removing the stains.
"Sui, what did you think of those green peppers?" Alice asked the slime curiously as he watched Mama dry the plates and bowls. She had already recalled Dratini into her Poke Ball once she fell asleep.
"They were kinda bitter." He said truthfully and Alice understood. Sui is like a child so he probably doesn't like spicy or bitter flavors but can handle mild ones.
"But I'm proud of you for eating them anyway, Sui." She told him and Sui became happy.
"Yay!" Sui cheered happily before the sound of Fel grumbling caught their attention and they turned to see him sleeping in the stables or trying to at least based on how he kept grumbling and Alice felt pity for him as they went to him and Alice knelt down and petted his head as he opened his eyes sleepily at her.
"That looks really uncomfortable, huh?" She spoke softly. She wanted him to at least sleep in the inn room she's been staying in with Sui and Dratini but rules are rules.
"Your human cities are far too constricting." He grumbled, trying to get comfortable which made Alice frown worriedly. He might get a stiff neck or limb if he doesn't sleep comfortably.
"It's really tough to adjust after sleeping freely under the stars, huh?" She asked, knowing how comfortable Fel was whenever they slept under the stars.
"Pew-pew time?" Sui asks her, looking up at Alice. He wants Uncle Fel to sleep well.
"No, Sui, you can't melt this down." Alice told her and Sui bobbed. No pew-pew then. Alice then turned back to Fel, who was watching them as she smiled, having an idea.
"Do you want the futon? It might make you a little more comfortable than sleeping on a pile of hay." She offered to him softly and he didn't deny it this time. The futon sounds like a good idea right now.
"I shall accept." Fel said as he stood up with a yawn and got out of the stables and Alice took out a larger futon from her item box before laying it down in the stable before letting Fel go in. As soon as Fel touched the futon, he couldn't help but wonder at how soft it was. So Alice has been using this to sleep? It must be really comfortable.
Alice and Sui watched him as he soon lay down, letting a sigh of content and closing his eyes, his entire body finally relaxing.
"How's that? Any better?" Alice asked him and Sui tilted to the side but all they got in response was Fel's gentle snoring and Alice smiled happily. She was relieved that Fel was finally sleeping comfortably now.
'I can't decide whether you're a Skitty, a Meowth, a Growlith or a Yamper.' Alice thought fondly with a soft smile.
"See you in the morning, Uncle Fel." Sui said sweetly. Alice hesitated on doing this but she went for it as she knelt down and gave the mark on Fel's forehead a gentle kiss which made his tail wag unconsciously in his sleep before she stood up after picking Sui up.
"Sweet dreams, Fel." She whispered tenderly before she and Sui went inside the inn to sleep.
The next morning, they headed for the guildmaster's office as Willem told them so Alice could get her new guild card.
"First of all, here's your C-rank guild card." Willem said, handing a silver colored guild card and Alice and Eevee looked at it in awe. It was made from real silver plus there's a hole at the end where she can probably tie it near her bag.
"Is thing's made of real silver?" She asked in awe and surprise as he chuckled.
"You'll need to take on a new request every six months. I think you'll have an easier time holding on to your license now." Willem said as Alice pocketed the silver card.
"Thank you for that, sir." She said in gratitude with a smile as Willem went to the next part. Her payment.
"And of course, here's your payment for yesterday." He told her, putting large pouches probably filled with gold coins on the decks and the amount shocked Alice. That's a lot more than the 202 gold coins she had earned back then!
Willem approached her with some documents that had the right payments from the stuff she had sold yesterday as he handed one of them for her to check.
"In the first batch of monsters you turned in, the most valuable was the Red Serpent. It was worth 201 gold coins. And altogether, the amount came to 461 gold coins." He explained as he looked up at her.
"The meat's being stored in our warehouse. You can pick it up on the way out." Willem said before getting back to explaining the rest of her payment.
'Holy Dialga, this is way more than we got last time too.' Alice thought in shock.
"Then there's the second load you handed over. This is where it starts to get pretty crazy. The four Ogres fetched 160 gold coins total and the high-ranking Blue Ogre was worth 432." He explained and Alice couldn't help but speak up in disbelief.
"400?!" She said in shock but Willem just continued.
"This time, the total came out to 1,415. Adding in your rewards for hunting those goblins and destroying their settlement, the grand total comes to 1,946 gold coins!" Willem concluded with a proud grin.
But Alice was mentally short circuiting. 1,946 gold coins consist of 194,600,000 Pokedollars and if she calculates her current fee from her previous one which was over 24,193,000 Pokedollars, she had earned over 218,793,000 Pokedollars in total! The amount made her knees go weak and Fel came close to her to keep her from collapsing.
"Highest price the guild's ever paid on a single transaction." Willem said, patting her payment with a grin.
'I still have some money left from last time thanks to Fel's hunting too.' She thought in disbelief before she came to a realization.
'Wait. That means at this moment, I have more than 2,000 gold coins in my possession!' She thought in shock and panic. A scenario formed in her mind but she shook it away before it could form.
'I'll be in huge trouble and a huge target because of it! I need to keep this quiet!' She thought and Eevee nuzzled her cheek in worry before Willem got to the point of the quests he wanted her Familiars to take.
"As far as the guild requests, I'd like you to start by taking a look at these two." Willem said, heading for his desk and unraveling the two quests he had for them and showed it to them.
"They involve hunting a metal lizard and a pack of bloody horn-bulls, respectively." He explained.
"If you don't mind, please go after the metal lizard first. It made its nest at the base of Pascal Mountain which is about a two-day carriage ride from here." Willem told them and she glanced at Fel who caught her gaze. They'll reach the mountain before lunch. Willem opened a book to show her what it looked like.
"We know it has a favorite food of some sort, but our efforts to find out what it is have been unsuccessful. Its metallic scales make it all but immune to physical attacks. That's the main reason we've had trouble doing anything about it." He explained further and Alice started to strategize. The scales make it immune to all but physical attack so that means they'll go for magic attacks then.
'Though Fel did hunt one of those before, but I didn't know they were so dangerous.' She thought wearily as she glanced at Fel since he hunted one of them before Willem pointed to the next one.
"When you're ready to take on the pack of bloody horn-bulls, you'll find them in the plains to the west of here." He said, pointing to the area on the request.
"They're occupying the hunting grounds for newbie adventurers. Because there's no man-made road there, no one's willing to take the quests." Willem said, turning a page on the book he was holding and showed her what the bloody horn-bulls looked like and Alice was quickly reminded of how they look like Tauros and Bouffalant.
"Their violent nature and large pack sizes make them a serious threat." Willem explained.
"Furthermore, their meat is thoroughly delicious." Fel spoke up, revealing that he had hunted one before.
"Lord Fenrir has exquisite taste, as should be expected. Their meat is popular among humans as well." Willem grinned, closing the book.
Alice thought of what Fel and Willem said. She had eaten something like that before but only once.
'If they're talking about bulls, then we're talking beef!' Alice thought in realization before she turned to Fel with a sly and excited smile.
"Hey, Fel, wanna try their meat prepared in that way?" Alice asked him, smiling excitedly and Fel was curious by what she meant.
"What way?" He asked her curiously before his eyes widened, ears perked up and tail started to wag in anticipation and realization.
"That way?!" Fel asked excitedly and she just smiled sweetly but he started to drool at the prospect of getting to eat bloody horn-bull meat in her cooking.
"The guild would like to buy half of the meat and we're willing to up the purchase price to sweeten the deal." Willem continued before Fel's quiet yet mischievous chuckle made him pause as Alice just smiled sweetly while holding Sui with Eevee on her shoulders but Fel was practically salivating at the idea.
They had left the guild moments later after Alice remembered she had something to do and someone to visit. They had visited the warehouse before they left to pick on their supply of meat and it should last for a very long while.
"Good thing we've got a fresh supply of meat which will last for a lot longer. We'll head out tomorrow morning to start the quests." She told Fel as Eevee walked beside them. They didn't receive stares this time which was good since Alice was a bit uncomfortable with the spotlight being on them.
"Should we not depart at once?" Fel asked her in confusion but she shook her head.
"Then we'd get back in the middle of the night, even with your awesome travel speed, Fel. We're going to be really exhausted as well." She told him with a sheepish smile and Fel hum. She does have a point but he sulked a bit.
"I wish to dine on grilled steak as soon as possible." He said but Alice smiled at him reassuringly. They will soon.
"It won't be till after the metal lizard is defeated. So don't worry. But right now, I'd have a bit of shopping I'd like to do and pay them a visit." She told him and Fel knew who she meant as Sui peek out of her worn bag, curious.
They had arrived at the specific shop that Alice wanted to visit as she pushed the doors open, signaling her entry and the one at the counter was the merchant she had promised to pay his shop a visit, Lambert, who heard the door open and turned to the door to welcome the customer inside.
"Welcome to our-" Lambert cut himself off with a delighted gasp and smile as Alice smiled warmly at the older man.
"Alice!" He greeted her warmly as he approached with Fel entering first with Eevee standing by her feet.
"It's good to see you, Lambert." Alice greeted him with a smile.
"Thanks so much for stopping in." He said as he stopped by her side as Alice took in the items he was selling and she whistled in awe.
"Impressive store you got here." Alice noted in awe before she looked at Fel who had taken a spot by a large space for him to rest.
"I hope you don't mind if Fel and Eevee come inside." She told him apologetically but he just smiled at her reassuringly. He doesn't mind at all.
"Not in the least." He reassured her as she nodded before she looked around. She already has a few items in mind but she'll make sure to let Lambert show her the items.
"Anyway, I'm looking for a new bag." She said and Lambert became attentive.
"What kind of bag, specifically?" He asked her and Alice showed him the bag she has which was already worn out and starting to have a hole. She needs a sturdier one yet perfect for Sui.
"Something along the lines of this one." She gestured. Lambert looked at the bag and knew exactly what she needed but he'll show her first.
"Perfect!" He soon gestured to an item shelf where a selection of bags were ready for her to pick.
"Come here, let's take a look at these." Lambert said as Alice followed before he started to explain what the bags are made from and they all look so amazing.
"This one is constructed from Red Boar leather. Great for everyday use." Lambert explained as Alice eyed the bag that looked similar to the one she has before Lambert explained the next one.
"This one's made of Bloody Horn-Bull leather. Very soft and easy to use." He said before going for the next one.
"Here we have a bag of Giant Deer leather. The longer you use it, the better it weathers. Exceptionally durable." Lambert explained before showing her the last one which looks very pretty.
"And this one is Sand Snake skin. Expensive but very popular due to the beautiful scales adorning it." He said as Alice was in awe. She doesn't know which ones to pick with how well crafted they were.
"Of course, all these bags are handiwork of our proud artisans." Alice kept on looking at which bag to pick but she doesn't know which one yet.
"Personally, I'd say the Giant Deer bag is my favorite." She admitted but that's not her decision to make as Eevee yipped by her feet, looking up at the bags as well before she jumped on Alice's shoulders.
"Hey, Lambert?" Alice started as she turned her head to him.
"May I take Sui out for a second?" She asked him curiously.
"Of course, that's no problem." Lambert reassured her but was curious by what she was planning only to realize why she needed a new bag and he smiled understandingly.
"I see, it's for your familiar. Well then, it may be the softer leather that's your best option." He suggested which helps but Alice will leave it up to Sui to choose.
"Yeah, I think you're right, but I'm going to leave that up to the one who's using it since he likes to nap." Alice said before gesturing for Sui to come out as she held him in her hands.
"Sui, which one do you like best?" Alice asked him gently as Sui stared at the pretty bags he's seeing. He understood that mama needs a new bag but he was confused on which ones to pick before his eyes landed on the one that looks similar to the white one mama has.
Sui jumped as Alice and Eevee watched in surprise as he landed by the Red Boar leather bag, immediately going inside of it and found it very comfortable and like the first one.
"Oh, Sui." Alice couldn't help but giggle as Sui came out slightly and the flap of the bag was on his head which made the sight look adorable.
"This one is Sui's favorite." Sui said and Alice smiled. That's that one then. Alice turned Lambert apologetically, who had been watching in amusement.
"Sorry about that. Sui chose the first one." Alice told him but Lambert just smiled.
"No, no, it's perfectly fine." He reassured her, he was a little surprised that Alice let someone choose but it was heartwarming that she treats the little slime like her own child. She can see Fel has taken the liberty to take a nap due to his gentle snoring while he waits so she uses that time to pick some new items.
Alice spotted a mannequin and went to it before smiling at the belt design.
"This is just what I need. I've been thinking it would be convenient to keep my knife at my waist." Alice said as she stared at it as Lambert came to her side.
"We took great care with the buckle design and one of the materials was made from a strange iridescent feather too. The cost is six gold coins." Lambert said but Alice heard the second bit. The belt buckle was also made with an iridescent feather? She stared at the buckle curiously and could've sworn it was shimmering a familiar color pattern. She shook her head slightly.
"Uh, six?" Alice asked Lambert curiously.
She then moved to the wallet section and the first thing that caught her eye was the pattern of the scales on one of them.
"This one's nice too. The size really makes the scales stand out." Alice said as she looked at the pattern as Lambert went to where she was.
"Yes, the scales that were used to make this were taken from a beautifully patterned snakeskin. And it's so small it costs one gold coin." He explained as Alice thought about it. Having a wallet would be nice so she wouldn't take out the money she has in the item box which is a lot.
"I'll take it. Done deal." She said, coming to a decision and Lambert smiled.
"That's wonderful!" He said. She had set the new bag beside Fel who had awakened to see Sui in a new bag that Alice purchased with Eevee sitting next to the bag. Alice turned to the side and was surprised. He was selling shoes too?
"I didn't know you sold shoes, too." Alice admitted in surprise as she spotted a pair that caught her attention immediately.
"They are leather goods, after all." Lambert explained before she looked down at the old worn out ones she bought on her first day before looking at the pair of black boots that had caught her attention.
'I've been wearing the same cheap shoes since I got here. They're in pretty bad shape as well.' Alice thought as she thought of the shoe page on the online grocery.
'I mean, I can always buy a new pair through my online grocery for nostalgia's sake, but I don't want to risk standing out too much.' She thought before coming to a decision as she pointed to the boots.
"I'll take these two." Alice told him and Lambert let her change her old ones for the newer set and Alice looked like she's a real adventurer now with the new belt and boots.
She had the new bag, purse, boots and she was already wearing the belt on the counter and Lambert was calculating how much everything costs in total.
"A bag, a purse, the boots, and a belt with sheath. The total comes out to 11 gold coins, but for you, it's on the house!" Lambert said and Alice was in shock. She was gonna pay but to say that it was on the house, meaning it was free, was shocking.
"It's the least I can do for the young lady who saved my life." Lambert explained before he grew apologetic.
"Oh, and Lars filled me in too, on how we scarfed down your high-quality ingredients. I'm so terribly sorry!" Lambert apologized and Alice just smiled reassuringly at him. Honestly, it's in the past and she can always make more now.
"It's really okay, Lambert. Really. But look, I can't just accept such wonderful products without paying." Alice tried to reason with him but he shook his head.
"And yet I can't take your money, so it seems you have no choice. Don't worry, I promise to charge you full price next time." Lambert told her and Alice felt touched by this.
"Oh, Lambert, I can't thank you enough for this." Alice said softly as she smiled.
She put on the bag after putting the purse in her pocket before Sui jumped into the bag like usual and Eevee jumped onto her head.
"By the way, there's something I was hoping to ask you about, if that's alright." Lambert spoke and Alice could sense he wanted to ask her something and he looked a bit nervous before she nodded.
"Sure." She nodded.
"So, the fact that you had Black Serpent meat in your possession suggests that you hunted a Black Serpent. Would that be correct?" He said, tone serious.
"Yes, thanks to Fel." She said, curious on where this was going.
"Did you happen to hold on to its skin?" He asked and Alice had to hold back a wince. She had sold everything but the meat to the adventurer's guild already, including that one.
"O-Oh, I'm sorry, but I already sold it to the guild." She said apologetically as Fel's ears twitched, opening his eyes to listen to the conversation from his spot on the floor.
"Oh, I see. What a shame." Lambert said sadly with a sigh.
"If you'd still had it, I was hoping I could purchase it from you myself. Serpent skins are quite hard to come by." He explained and Alice grew more understanding.
"I had no idea." She spoke softly.
"Yes, they're expensive but popular. They always sell well." Lambert said.
"Not long ago, the adventurer's guild got its hand on a high-level Red Serpent skin. What a specimen! Its splendorous luster and vibrant color left me utterly breathless!" He said, dreamily as Alice laughed sheepishly. Maybe she should have held onto one of the skin to sell it to him if she had known. If he was in her world, he'd be a Pokémon Trainer to several snake Pokémon she can think of.
"Unfortunately, I failed to get my hands on any of it. As it turns out, a Marquis family snagged it for an exorbitant price. I'm so deeply envious." Lambert lamented as Alice just nodded though she felt bad for Lambert as they headed for the door with Fel following Alice close behind.
'Sorry. I am probably the one who sold them that snake skin as well.' She thought before Alice exited the shop after letting Fel exit first as Lambert turned to her.
"About merchants buying monster parts directly from adventurers. The guild? Well, let's just say they look down on it. But they still do allow minor exchanges. Should you ever hunt another Black Serpent, I hope you'll consider selling me its skin." Lambert said and they shook hands.
"Absolutely. In light of all the kindness you've shown me, you'll get the first crack at it." She promised, their handshake firm.
Fel had been listening to the entire thing before he made plans to hunt another one if he gets the chance to help Alice keep that promise.
It was already starting to turn night with the sun setting as they made their way to the inn. It was a peaceful silence for a moment before Fel broke it.
"You certainly took your time." He said, tone teasing and eyeing the new items she had bought. He won't say it out loud but she looks more of an adventurer now. That comment and teasing tone made Alice smile. She does feel like she was back being 12 years old and starting her journey.
"Come on, don't start in on me. We were able to get some really nice stuff." She said before she looked at the bag that Sui had chosen for her.
"How's your new bag, Sui?" Alice asked him as Sui peeked up at her, happy.
"It's better than the old one." He said happily which made her glad.
"I'm glad to hear that." She said though she felt bad for not getting Fel something.
"After the incessant discussion of snakes today, I now have a taste for them." Fel spoke up and Alice agreed.
"The snake meat was delicious in the karaage." Alice agreed. She had some before they had left the Orthros and Griffon territory.
"Indeed." Fel said, licking his chomps before Sui and Eevee perked up.
"Did you say karaage? Sui loves karaage!" Sui cheered excitedly and thanks to their suggestion and that little trip down memory lane, dinner was already being planned out before Alice could start.
"Great, done. Tomorrow morning we set off in search of the metal lizard. So tonight we go all out!" She said, hyping them up which got them excited.
At the inn and by the stables, Alice had marinated a lot to make sure there was still some left for her as well.
'Alright, the marinade is perfect.' Alice thought as she opened the bag to check on the meat she had marinated.
'We'll do soy sauce and salt-based ones, just like last time.' She thought, hearing Fel in the back with Sui probably bouncing on his fur and Eevee laughing in amusement.
"Stop it. Sui? Sui. Stop it. Now. Sui. That's enough."
'Only tonight, I have an abundance of meat to work with.' She thought, turning to the trio and grinned mischievously.
'I'm gonna make sure they're so stuffed until they can't bring themselves to eat another bite.' She thought mischievously before she got to work. She added seasonings in the plastic bags and started to shake it to get all of the meat covered before she put the two ends of the chopsticks on the pot, waiting for it to be hot enough.
'I think I'll fry it twice to make it even tastier. I'll cook the Red Serpent to start out with.' Alice soon put the meat in the pot of oil and it started to cook.
"Do you hear me? Stop treating me like a-" Fel can be heard but was cut off when Sui jumped and landed on his snout and he had to stay still so he wouldn't fall as Alice set the flames on low flame.
'Fry it at a low temperature first to make sure it's thoroughly cooked.' Alice used a strainer ladle and put the first pieces on the tray with a dripping tray so the excess oil can drip down before turning the stove on high heat.
'Then fry it at a high temperature for a nice crispy texture.' She decided to test one first as she put one of the cooked ones in the oil before taking it out with a pair of chopsticks. It looks really good.
'There! A perfect golden color.' She thought before taking a taste test as she bit into it, the sound of a crunch was heard as soon as she bit down on it.
'It's so good! Juicy on the inside, yet crispy on the outside.' Alice thought in delight. Fel, Sui and Eevee came to her when they saw her take the first bite and they wanted some of it too.
"No fair, mama. Sui wants some." Sui whined with a pout in his voice and she felt guilty immediately but she couldn't resist.
"I feel the same way." Fel agreed with Sui with Eevee.
"Vee vee!" Eevee squeaked.
"I gotcha, guys, just hang on a sec." Alice told them before she got to refrying the first ones.
"You already have some right there. Hurry up and serve it." Fel pointed out, his stomach was rumbling just watching her eat the karaage.
"Give me a little bit longer, Fel. They're about to get even more delicious." She told him patiently and he lowered his ears. She better be right because he wants some too.
After putting the first batch of the karaage on plates, she served Fel, Sui and Eevee their dinner first.
"Thanks for waiting." She said before the three of them practically started to eat the karaage quickly as she watched them with a smile.
"Mama, these are even yummier than last time!" Sui said in delight which made her smile more.
"Aren't they? That's because I fried them twice this time." Alice explained simply, showing them the plastic bag and indicating she can make more this time without interruptions.
"We've got plenty of meat left too." She said before they lowered their plates, done with the first batch quickly and clearly wanting more.
"Fel wants more." Fel said at the same time as Sui and Eevee.
"Sui wants more."
That made Alice blink in surprise.
"You guys are faster than usual." She said in surprise before grinning.
"You got it. I'm gonna keep them coming, okay?"
{Double Fried Karaage of Various Meats (Soy Sauce and Salt Flavor)}
She had made a lot for them all to eat but she wanted them to eat until they're really full as the atmosphere was peaceful. Fel, Sui and Eevee ate a lot while Alice cooked until they couldn't eat anymore now.
Fel had curled up, slightly on the floor with Eevee resting by his tail and Sui sighing in content. Their stomachs were full and they couldn't bring themselves to take another bite of the karaage.
"Sui couldn't eat even one more bite." Sui said. He sure ate a lot too.
"Neither could I." Fel couldn't help but agree as Eevee let out a yawn.
"Yes! I won! Spending all that time marinating meat was so worth it too." Alice said triumphantly though she was glad they have a full stomach now. Which means she can finally cook some karaage for herself to eat.
The sound of food being cooked, made Fel confused as he lifted his head. Why was she cooking again? They couldn't eat one more bite.
"I said I cannot eat anymore." He told her, confused.
"Don't worry, Fel. I'm making some for me and some for later." She explained as she turned to him, a soft smile on her face.
"If I fry them now, we can eat them whenever we want." Alice explained and the idea wasn't bad.
"I see. What a thoughtful gesture." He said, glad she was preparing for tomorrow as she giggled.
"I'm not only doing it for you, Fel." She teased him before she had an idea. Preparing extra lunch might not be so bad.
"Hey, you know, that gives me an idea. While I'm at it, I should fry some chicken katsu and tonkatsu too." Alice got to work immediately. She soon fried herself a dinner after ordering a juice as she opened the can and sipped it before letting out a small sigh.
"Finally, it's my turn to relax and enjoy some dinner." She said softly as she started to eat, enjoying each bite.
"Karaage and juice go so well together." Alice sighed in content after she swallowed and drank. She soon took a piece of the tonkatsu and bit into it.
"This is good tonkatsu. The Orc General meat is so yummy. Right, Fel?" She called but when she looked at the stables, the sight that met her made her smile. Fel had fallen asleep on the futon with Sui and Eevee sleeping with him and he was curled around them, his tail keeping them near. It warmed her heart to see them so peaceful like this which made it feel more home.
'Come to think of it, I haven't had a meal to myself in a while.' She thought fondly as she looked up at the sky and the moon as she held her drink up.
'Eating delicious food while looking up at the moon? It's starting to feel like home.' She took a sip of her juice, enjoying the peaceful night.
~~~~~~~~
Another World Theater: Second Serving;
Alice had sent another set of offerings to Ninrir once more and Ninrir was so ecstatic at how good they looked.
"I chose to offer Japanese sweets this time." Ninrir squealed in curiosity and delight.
"A brand new selection of sweets to sample! Let me see!" Ninrir said excitedly before starting to try one. She tried the ones that were colorful cubes and they were delicious!
{Kohakuto}
"What kind of texture is this? It crumbles upon the tongue and then it melts away!" She noted happily before trying the one with the stick.
{Mitarashu Dango}
"And this dango! So squishy and chewy and covered in a wonderfully sweet sauce!" Ninrir said happily before she decided on the next one as she took a piece with the toothpick as she looked at it curiously.
{Mizu Yokan & Mizu Manju}
"And what about this translucent item?" She wondered before popping it in her mouth and it tasted just like red bean paste!
"No way! It tastes exactly like red bean paste!" She said in delight.
"That red bean paste is so versatile." She noted as she took another piece, eating it happily.
"Uh, aren't you gonna gain weight if you eat too many sweets?" Alice's voice cut her musing much to Ninrir's shock. She won't get fat!
"How dare you! I'll have you know a goddess such as myself would never gain weight!" Ninrir scolded her and Alice can be heard sighing, sounding a bit annoyed yet concerned for Ninrir.
"Then why are you freaking out?" She questioned him. Ninrir was once again unaware she was being watched by the same three individuals as last time.
"I order you to be quiet!" Ninrir snapped, clearly embarrassed
"She's still being awfully secretive, isn't she?" The blonde told the other two.
"No fair..." The blue haired one said softly as the redhead smirked, arms crossed.
"How intriguing." She said. They'll have to eventually step in though, considering how young the one that Ninrir is getting sweets sounded like.