- Shari -

This revelation was so much that I once again snapped into high-speed processing.

Essentially, this means we just got exposed.

Which is objectively quite bad for us.

"Don't worry, the call won't lead to further investigations. The crown still maintains this level of influence. Since we already have a spoken agreement I would offer to take care of this problem for you." (Serenia)

Okay, this is a slight alleviation of the situation.

However, if somebody knows about us it's far from over yet.

While the queen's offer sounds like an easy way out I don't know what it exactly entails.

Am I willing to let her dispose of anyone who finds out about me?

The others already politely left the room so that I can more freely contemplate my next steps.

For now, I should at least confirm who the person in question is to know who I'm up against.

"Didn't you say the innkeeper wouldn't tell anyone about our fight with the enemy troops? I told him as well to be quiet about what happened yet there was no one else who saw what happened and lived to tell the tale. He seemed to be susceptible to threats so maybe a not-so-radical solution might suffice?" (Shari)

"You're quite accommodating for what your nature suggests you'd behave like. However, no, it wasn't the innkeeper, albeit I do believe it might be better to reinforce his conviction that it's better not to speak. Yet the ones trying to expose you were two young women." (Serenia)

Two young women?

I haven’t even been in the capital for long.

When did I meet two women?

Wait a moment!

The healer!

She said she had a girlfriend.

And Liqu said something to her, so it would fit!

Damn, I'll need to take care of this.

Healers are respectable people and if she insists strongly enough on an investigation this might at least rile people up to be more alert.

"I think I know where to go now. Would it be possible for me to personally take care of this issue?" (Shari)

"As you wish. In this case, should I keep a squad in reserve for a clean-up afterward?" (Serenia)

"What!? No! I'm not doing something like that!" (Shari)

"Well, then I'm concerned. Considering the reports I received from the different parties you and your partner might prove to be great assets, and I'm already investing in this. It would be for naught if now a messy incident in the inner city renders you useless." (Serenia)

"I understand. I'll give my best to handle this issue discretely." (Shari)

"You're awfully confident. If it's like this then I can't do much. Take this. This emblem will allow you to pass the palace unhindered. In addition, the soldiers on this restricted floor are informed to let you pass as well. I don't think I need to remind you not to raise too much focus on yourself. A certain degree won't be possible to circumvent but we should maintain it on a level that will still allow us to avoid unwanted questions." (Serenia)

While saying this she hands me a fancy, intricately crafted piece of metal.

It seems to be mostly made of steel, but the alloy consists also of other kinds I can't distinguish without dissolving.

Something I should refrain from doing.

I'd say it takes a fine craftsman to replicate something like this and there's probably a death penalty for doing so.

I courteously bow down to the queen before taking my bag and looking for a quiet corner.

I don't want to be in front of the queen when I draw in all my equipment.

Be it poison or my blades, it wouldn't look too great.

And I'm not just saying this because I don't want to perform slime moves in front of others.

Equipped like this I head down to the palace gates.

Finally, I pass the last loyalist guards on the floor who throw me scrutinizing glances.

Liqu should still be with Anvenia which should keep her sufficiently occupied for the time being.

I considered taking her with me but decided against it.

Regarding the few things I know, I can at least assume that there's a backstory.

And any backstory which involves Liqu is probably so traumatic that it might cause a mental breakdown on the other side.

Which isn't too great of a base for negotiation.

I walk down the intricately designed stairways, great halls, and the lavishly arranged entryway which I all skipped on my first entrance.

There's so much gold, silver, expensive fabric on the carpets and curtains, and jewelry ornamentation involved that I feel extremely out of place.

Not only as a slime, but even my mysterious cloaked adventurer identity can't keep up with this environment and receives all the according stares.

Since it can't be helped I simply walk a bit quicker and avoid any unwanted contact.

When I reach the entrance I silently hold out this emblem and hope that it works.

Fortunately for me, it does its magic and the guard gives way without even saying something.

So I truly could head out into the city.

Yet I'm sure I'm tailed by someone to assure that I won't get into or cause trouble.

Although with my hood on I can't easily confirm this.

The first thing I should do is replenish myself.

We didn't receive any meals and while I was frugal with my energy spending it dwindled considerably.

While I doubt I'm going to have to worry it can't hurt to prepare.

Especially since that's going to be one of the few pleasant things I can spend my time on.

So I head for the first stall I find that is selling meat and buy myself five skewers.

The stall owner looks at me weirdly, but I don't mind him.

I don’t doubt that I look a little strange balancing all of them, but it’s not all that conspicuous near the food stalls.

I make sure that no one’s looking while I put the meat skewers inside through the gap below the mask.

Especially, I don't want anyone to see that I'm putting them in whole and they're not coming back out.

Not even the wood.

Though, this is absolutely worth it.

I might not be able to chew them but feeling how the juices spread inside me is really pleasant.

And while not filling me up again completely, it's helping a great deal.

So I finish my last skewer with some satisfaction and find assurance in the fact that none of the people present notices and is disgusted by what happens inside me.

Next, I head to my real destination.

One healer and her girlfriend.

I think I can handle them.

So I move to the front door of the shop and open it.

"Excuse me?" (Shari)

"You!?" (Lea)

"I've got it!"

"Zap"

The next thing I perceive is how my body all around gets numb.

I hate lightning!