Gather Divine Coins and Gacha! - Chapter 104

 Before long, Alex and the others returned.

They seemed to have been defeating monsters around the capital, where there were more sightings than usual, as part of a joint mission with the Knights.

Well, you know... it seems that those involved in illegal monster trading have all but disappeared.

Apparently, they used to appear near settlements while they were thinning out monsters during their capture, but now that's no longer the case.

If they hadn't been so stingy with money, they might not have faced execution... But, even though they were useful, a crime is still a crime.

It's a shame.

However, it's not a problem that can be ignored, so not only the knights of the capital but also those of each territory are collaborating with adventurers to deal with it.

It seems that, due to the sudden nature of the mission, adventurers under the control of reasonably influential nobles took the lead, but from next year onwards, adventurers will likely take on such missions as usual.

"The main focus was on magical beasts, with occasional magical insects and rarely, demonic creatures. There were a few leaders, but no demon lord types. Well, it was a good opportunity to confirm our coordination."

So that's the end of Alex's report.

Crossing territories and defeating multiple types of monsters.

It's quite a tough mission, even if it's for training for colonization, but I guess it's just for confirming coordination...

Well, those people are strong, after all.

"Here you go. It's dried now."

"Oh, thank you!"

"Oh, it looks so much cleaner now, doesn't it?"

What Elena handed over was a tail feather from the bird-like monster Alex received as a souvenir.

About 50 centimeters long, with joints like those of a pheasant's tail feather. When Alex first received it, it still had some dirt on it, but after washing and drying it, the base remained black while the tip gradually turned into a vibrant red.

It's quite impressive.

Apparently, it can be used as a decoration for clothes or hats, but I'm not sure what I'll do with it.

Should I display it in the room...?

Unlike dungeon monsters, outdoor monsters leave behind corpses since they lack cores, so items like this can be obtained.

Selling it is an option, or using it as material for something else.

"The meat was delicious too."

It seems it was tasty.

◇

As the days passed, the Count's entourage would arrive next week.

While the staff at the mansion, despite the master being an old man, were accustomed to a more relaxed atmosphere with occasional tea gatherings, things were tense now that the head of the Müller family was coming.

On the other hand, Seriana's room, where I often hang out, is tucked away in the eastern corner, and things here are as usual.

For Seriana, it's been about half a year since she last saw her family, but nothing seems to have changed.

I don't think their family relations are bad, just a bit indifferent.

Well, that's not my concern.

What's important now is cutting the cake.

With the "[Shadow Blade]," I could cut it as I pleased, but even though the blade has been replaced with a new one, I don't like using something I usually use to slash monsters for cutting food.

"Here you go. Enjoy."

I think I managed to cut it quite nicely.

We moved from Seriana's room to the "[Hideout]" and had tea with the four of us.

She said she didn't need any presents, but since she's been taking care of us, I wanted to do what I could.

So, I bought a cake from Fiora's recommended shop.

It's more like a milk crepe than a cake.

It's quite elaborate, hence the hefty price of two large silver coins.

"Oh, it looks delicious!"

"Fiora recommended this place."

"Sera, it's on me."

"Sorry for taking up my share."

Alex was already gone... It seems it was last month.

If I had realized a bit sooner, I would have prepared some alcohol, but I'll remember to get some next year.

"Well, starting next week, we won't have much time, so let's talk about it here."

As we ate cake and drank tea, Seriana began the conversation again.

"My birthday party will be held at the royal palace next weekend, and that's where my engagement to Liesel will be announced. Sera and Alex, please stay at the mansion. We won't need to worry about security since the royal family will provide it."

I see. So, the announcement is finally happening. And we'll be staying behind.

"Until now, I've occasionally gone out, but that won't be the case anymore. Alex, it's unavoidable for you, but Sera, make sure you finish your errands by noon and stay put in the mansion."

"Yes."

After all, I'm also part of the security detail. But it seems things won't be much different from usual.