"God damn bullshit motherf—"

I continued to sit at the table while Roz smacked herself off our shelf. Given that Val couldn't hear Roz, there was little I could do to attempt salvaging this talk. This was outside what I knew how to deal with. I don't think I'm ready for such adult problems. Though looking at Roz, I'm not sure if I should call them that ...

"—think you're an app on a smartphone or something? Character limit?! I was just getting to the important part! What do you mean I can't send another request for 15 minutes!? I'll strangle you—"

Over the past several months I've learned many things. To say my horizons have been broadened is very true. One of the things I learned is when it's best to leave Roz alone, and the other is when I need to stop her immediately.

While I can't say I understand everything that Roz says, I think I've more or less gotten a grasp on the way she thinks about most things. Which is why I'm troubled right now.

"Uhm, so anyway, Miss Val, it sounds like you've got an idea of what the telepathy is like. Roz and I call it a Link."

'We have to tell her the terms! It didn't let me explain everything!'

I sighed, looking at the dumbfounded and slightly repulsed elf sitting in front of me. Val was staring at Roz like she were some sort of ... I don't even know what. Which is actually understandable, when I think about it.

'—kind of contract doesn't have terms? Ahh~ Damn boxes, how could you betray me like this!? I take back all the nice things I've said about you. Making me look like a fool! I was preparing for this speech the entire night, and yet—'

"Anyway, if you accept, we'd like you to join us until we defeat the Dungeon 1st Floor Boss. I think Roz needs to make some preparations. It should only take a couple weeks at most. Erm, if you'd like we can talk more about party composition and our Skills and the like? I guess?"

While Rozalin continued to grumble one-sidely, I thought about how much I wanted to take a nap. Too much happened, and I ... wanted to sleep.

It wasn't late at night and walking here hadn't been all that demanding, but I was still tired. Last night I'd been plagued with nightmares. My body felt sluggish and my head wasn't working as well as normal, like a fog was covering my thoughts. I hadn't felt like this since a time I'd been starving and with a fever, which now feels like forever ago. It was an unpleasant feeling.

I shook my head and tried to focus. As Roz would say, 'There's still work to be done.'

Val spoke, "It is irrefutable that I am not otherwise disposed of and would be most pleased to assist you short-term, should my magical services be vital. More importantly, is it ... or rather, is she quite alright? A female Slime? I'm going to have to get acclimated to this. Oh heavens above, have mercy."

The latter half of what she said trailed off, but being only an arm's reach away, I still heard her mutter under her breath. I looked over at Roz. She'd stopped whatever it is she was still doing and turned this way. Or at least, I assume she turned. I've gotten kind of used to telling which direction she's 'looking' despite her being, well ... round.

"She's just frustrated that the Skill didn't work as intended. We're kind of operating without instructions, so it's hard sometimes. Anyway, if you'd like more details, you can ask Roz. I can convey her reply, she can write it out for you now that we're back and have access to inkstone, or if you're already decided, you can accept her invitation she'll just tell you directly."

"One moment, if I may. I do believe I heard you state that the Slime, Rozalin, can write?"

Val's eyebrows narrow and she looks at me strangely. Honestly, if this much still surprises her, I'm worried about what will happen if Roz really starts talking to her. The two seem like a dangerous pair. If they were able to communicate directly, then ... That thought deeply worries me. So, so deeply.

"She can. Anyway, I'm going to make some tea. Would you like some?"

Having deflected the burden of communication, I ask Rozalin to grab some tea leaves.

And so, I spent several minutes sitting there, gently warming up tea with basic fire magic. I'd filled the cup with water magic, of course.

Whenever I showed Roz how I used water magic, she had attempted to teach me a 'better' way of doing it. She said something about how small 'particles' that make up air are being converted to water. She said it wasn't just 'water appearing out of thin air' and instead 'air being turned into water.' Then something about extraction methods, then she talked about finding a way to pull all the water out of a person. I tuned that part out.

I didn't really see a difference though. Is it because I don't know how to use wind magic? I thought she was combining them somehow, but she said that isn't true.

Anyway, I thought my water magic was fine as is. She told me I should just keep working on my swordsmanship. For some reason, the disappointed tone she used made me a little angry and want to try harder.

I used to taunt her with my fire magic and heat things up or make campfires, but if she's learned fire magic too, then I'm actually a bit disappointed. She's always so smart about everything that doesn't involve common sense and people, so it was a relief to be able to strike back at her, in my own weird way.

Oh well, I suppose ...

I continued to sit there, watching Roz and Val's attempts at communicating. While amusing, watching it made me feel more tired. Val had quickly begged Roz to not speak—thank the Gods—and Roz then tried using something she called 'sign language.'

'Roz, not even I can make out what you're trying to say. You don't have facial expressions, you know.'

It looks like my words were too harsh. Roz sounded awfully discouraged.

Finally, Roz fetched a sheet of paper. I heard her lamenting about the cost of a single sheet. It's almost funny since I'd never fully realized what a luxury good paper was growing up. Roz told me stories about where she's from, saying the paper there was white as snow and you could buy it by the hundred sheets for the price of a meal.

I wondered if such a thing were possible. That, and all the other stuff she'd described to me. A world without things like slavery, hunger, war. Wherever Roz used to be, she said those things were nearly gone. 'Almost,' she said bitterly. I really couldn't imagine this 'almost' for even a second.

Roz was apparently creating a 'contract with terms and conditions' to show to Val, which I explained to our new guest. While I understood why Roz needed someone to join our party, I still wasn't happy. Probably, I just ... didn't want anyone to intrude.

Even if it was a dirty home that most people would look down on, it was still ours. After so long of being without a place to stay where I felt safe, I'd enjoyed coming back here every night. ... Despite not being sure what mess Roz would make for me each day.

A shudder went up my back.

Damn Necro Slimelings. Why did she think that was a good idea?

I tried to push Roz's last attempt at engaging the Floor Boss out of my head. ... Only for more shouting to enter and distract me.

'What do you mean request 408'd?! Timeout? Is someone just messing with me? Is this really a game world or something? Hey! If you can hear me, then eat my—'

Was it safe for me to turn the Link off? Roz said we shouldn't do that anymore after one near-disaster, but I really didn't think that mattered right now.

Rather than turn it off, I think I'll just turn the volume down. I'm glad we figured out how to do that. This much should be okay, I hope? Yeah, let's go with that.

I sat there, gently sipping my warm tea.

Ahh. This wasn't so bad. A small smile finally found its way to my mouth. My stomach felt a little better, too.

While I did have to interject a few times, Val was eventually able to read through the terms Roz wrote up. While I didn't read them myself, I was able to more or less guess what was written. Roz was picky about certain things, mostly money and paperwork. She was also a bit obsessive about cleanliness and planning details.

I'm sure she'd let me read it later or tell me if there was anything I needed to be aware of. Though now that I think about it, I'm a tiny bit worried. I probably shouldn't make fun of her handwriting again either.

Some time passed while Roz and Val worked on an agreement. It took a surprisingly long amount of time. And then came another, familiar voice in my head. It seems voices doing that was becoming common.

"Hello? Am I executing this 'telepathy' action fittingly, Miss Slime?"

Val's voice coming over the Link made me frown.

"Yes, that is correct. I can hear you just fine, so no need to shout," said Roz.

"Most excellent! I must admit, I am a touch astonished that such a thing exists. I do have an inquiry concerning this Title, however. Might someone illuminate my understanding of what the term 'Se-kun-dahs' means? Also, 'tis a bit odd that I've received an increase in Luck. Why, it's gone from 3 to 4! I've never heard of such a thing in all my moons!"

I could only shrug at Val's first question. At the second, I voiced what I knew.

"I also had the same thing happen. Something about a fortuitous encounter?"

I'd remembered that message very clearly. I'd clung to it like a lifeboat. And while I'd had many headaches, doubts, and complaints since then, I'm still glad I did. Ever since I met Rozalin, all the drab and dull shades of gray had been replaced by explosions of color. Sometimes more literally than I'd like.

"Yes! Exactly as you say, lass! Miss Sli—or, rather ... oh dear, this feels most perplexing. Rozalin, yes?"

"That is indeed my name, yes."

I could practically feel Roz rolling her eyes. Or at least, what I imagined to be her eyes.

"Miss Rozalin, then. I must say, I've never undergone discourse with a Slime before. I have so many inquiries! This is all rather, ... fascinating."

"And I've never spoken with an elf. There have been many firsts for me today, as well. It will be a pleasure working with you, I hope."

While the two spoke, I instead began to doze off. Mostly, I thought about the past two days. More still, I thought about Val's question.

Titles. Luck. Se-kun-dahs?

I recalled what I'd seen when I first received my Title from Roz. Most things from that day blurred slightly, with the general feelings and thoughts remaining. Panic, fear, exasperation, relief. It had become a tangled mess.

But I still recalled that divine message.

Title Acquired! - Royal Guard

Given only to the First, the most Holy, and the one who will stand as the Last. It denotes a great burden—with a promise of redemption. Even in the deepest darkness, do not be discouraged, for there will always be someone to find you.

... Really though, it was probably just a coincidence. Do your best anyway! This little Title is rooting for you!

All status parameters will receive a variable boost based on the bestower's Skill and the possessor's devotion.

Passive Title - Does not need to be equipped to take effect. (But why not show it off anyway? Something good might happen, you braggart!)

It was so utterly stupid and outlandish that I didn't know what to say. It wasn't like I could safely ask anyone beside Roz. When I'd finally got my bearings and really looked it over the next evening back then, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. As far as divine messages go, I'd certainly never heard of one like this before.

Just like I'd never heard of a pink Slime who went around helping people in need. Even if it was for mostly selfish reasons.

Despite it saying I didn't need to, I'd selected the Title a few weeks after meeting Roz. It had been firmly in place ever since then. Its nonsense and wording reminded me greatly of her, so that was enough for me. I considered asking her what she thought of the Title's full description, but it was something I wanted to keep to myself, in a way. I could look at it, then look at her and just laugh. The feeling was very carefree and uplifting. It figures a Title that originated from her would capture her unique personality too. Or maybe that, too, was a coincidence.

Ah. But I still want to strangle her when I think about the Necro Slimelings. I hope they stay locked away forever. That was utterly disgusting, and I'm going to find a way to get her back for that.

"Amalia, are you alright? Why did you crush the teacup? That was hard for me to polish so nicely, you know. Ahhh, wasteful."

... Hnngh. I forced myself to let out a deep sigh and relax.

The night slowly dragged on as we ate and cleaned off. I was rather tired and told Roz I needed sleep. If I didn't remind her, she'd keep me up all night. She tended to forget about basic needs. It seems she doesn't need much sleep, herself. Must be nice, in a way.

Roz talked to Val about bedding arrangements, and the elf said she was fine sleeping anywhere. We decided to make plans for the Dungeon and our living arrangements in the morning so she'd have a proper bed. Val curled up on the shelf with our one spare blanket leftover from the cold weather, while I laid down on my bed. Roz latched up the door after checking a few more 'security details' around the place. Finally, I was in bed while hugging Roz.

Back when I was a young girl, I remember my father had given me a cute, stuffed toy modeled after a Vargen. Vargen were domesticated wolves primarily seen in Capria as swift transport. He told me the stuffed animal was something my mother left behind for me.

I'd never been one for stuffed toys growing up. Perhaps the novelty wore off my child-self, and I'd gone from dearly hugging it to merely enjoying having that toy laying around. And it was hard to fully miss a woman you'd never really known besides in stories.

As I got older, I wished I'd taken better care of that stuffed Vargen. I never got to ask my mother why a Vargen, or what one looked like in person. But a small part of me missed having something to hold close to me at night. Something that made me safe.

Now, Rozalin was my Vargen. Which was a ridiculous thought. A pink Slime, acting as a wolf-shaped children's toy? It really was silly. But I liked it anyway.

Sleep began to take me, when I realized I'd forgotten something. Roz told me to check for any new Classes that popped up before bed each night, that way we could discuss them.

While I was still getting used to Roz's complete lack of respect for divine messages and the Gods, she had taught me many things about how to interact with the messages. My conversations with her regarding the divine messages and what she called 'the almighty boxes' were ... confusing. I eventually gave up.

While I was looking through the messages and asking them to display their information for me, I noticed several new ones. Roz told me to look out for any labeled 'Legendary' or even 'Mythical.' I'd only seen ones that said 'Common' and 'Uncommon,' which apparently were no good, so I really wasn't sure what she wanted from me. Given the constant itching and building within my mind and body, I really, really hoped she'd let me select a Class soon. She said to ignore that feeling as it was normal, but her sense of 'normal' worried me.

As I finished reading, the last one caught my attention. Anything with the word 'Knight' in it interested me, plus there was one bit that was fairly new. By the end, my mood had soured completely.

This wasn't a Class I wanted. Not at all.

Class Selection Overview Knight Justiciar One who upholds a moral code and has gone through considerable physical training and peril. Firm upholder of justice and the law, having personally slain great evildoers with their noble weaponry. Exceptional physical prowess and possesses the ability to purify wounds and evil. Rare. All conditions met! (5 of 5)

My mind began to shake as memories rushed back into my head.

"You didn't do anything wrong. They attacked you first. They tried to kill you. You just stabbed him, you didn't kill him. Understand?"

"It was self-defense—you, or them."

"—you didn't kill him. Understand?"

"—it's fine now. Do you hear me? I'm here."

"Understand?"

"—no one will hurt you anymore."

"Ka ... ren."

"—tand?"

Oh. So that was it after all.

I really did kill that man.

I wanted to laugh, but it wasn't the least bit funny. The scene played out in my mind like one of the limited few picture books I'd read growing up. I'd been confusing myself on purpose, hadn't I? When I thought about it, it made sense. I was just trying to forget. Trying to avert my eyes.

Roz's voice came at the worst time.

"Are you okay, Amalia?"

I could tell it was full of genuine concern. I didn't want that right now.

"I'm okay. I was just dozing off and had a bad dream for a second."

"I see ... Well, I'm here if you need to talk. I'll be watching the house all night, so rest up as much as you need. We've work to do in the morning, after all!"

Her positive and cheerful tone bothered me.

"Mm, okay. I'll do my best. Goodnight, Roz."

That concern was smothering.

When I thought about all the things Roz would likely do for my sake, the people she would kill, the lies she would tell me to make me feel better, it only made me cling to her tighter. I hadn't realized how serious she was about our promise. I thought she would surely abandon me like so many others the moment I was of no use to her. When she'd snapped at me and I was laying there, I didn't believe what was happening at first. I couldn't.

She'd done something I couldn't understand. It didn't fit common sense, or even what I knew about her personality. She hates people and conflict. I thought she'd run away without hesitation. Instead, she'd murdered every single one of those men.

And then the guilt came. Then the fear of losing her. But all that carnage I'd smelled and witnessed, even if it wasn't done solely for me, then it was at least done because of me. Blaming her wasn't something I could do, was it? It was partly my responsibility. I'd sent them all to their deaths with my ineptitude. Even after all these years, I still wasn't strong enough yet.

Small tears kept threatening the corners of my eyes, so I hugged Roz tight enough that she couldn't see me blinking them away.

"Goodnight, Amalia. Sleep well."

All these thoughts scared me so, so deeply. But I felt so much twisted comfort in knowing.

Even if the divine messages themselves were saying so, even if they seemed to be telling me I was correct in my actions, was this really 'justice'?

I just, ... I really don't know.

My nightmares soon returned. Instead of averting my thoughts, I tried to instead remember each and every one of the six faces we'd saved. I tried to take solace in their happy smiles, of their expressions of gratitude, and mash them over the memory of those dead, lifeless eyes.

It was a small comfort, but it helped keep my anguish at bay. At least for another night.