"To get started, even if the current situation contradicts this statement, I mean you no harm." (Shari)

Yes, I know how unbelievable that sounds after I incapacitated both of them.

"Y-you a-are..." (Lea)

Oh damn, not again!

"Yes, I'm a slime. Nice to meet you. Or not. Whatever. So what?" (Shari)

I seriously had enough of those kinds of talks.

"Mmph!" (Eluca)

I shouldn't forget that the mage is at least still able to hear.

"I would certainly prefer to take that blindfold off of you but then I'd have to fear that you'd start shooting again." (Shari)

If her eyes wouldn't be covered right now she'd certainly shoot me a death glare.

"Knock, knock"

Oh come on, this isn't true!

Now of all times, someone has to be at the door?

I do the only sensible thing and grab all my stuff from the door and move over to the mage.

Then I extend every single blade I have and point them at her.

Yet this was only for the healer since the mage is still blinded.

"I'd like you to open the door. Slowly. And get rid of whoever is there. Otherwise, this situation will turn into quite the mess." (Shari)

With this, I remove her slime shackles to make her presentable for whoever's at the door.

The fact that I have her girlfriend in my clutches should be motivation enough not to pull any stunts.

Yet I need to ensure the other one stays quiet as well.

"Just so you know, she's still in my reach and we both know she isn't going to run without you. So please avoid causing any unnecessary ruckus." (Shari)

I hope this helps, but there's no guarantee.

The healer opens the door while I hide behind the counter.

There's a man behind it.

"Excuse me, there was some noise coming from this place. I'd like to check if everything is alright." (man)

"Ah, y-yes. I just had a l-little a-accident. Something fell. I already cleaned everything up but it's a little wet in here. Uh, I think I'll have to close the shop for today." (Lea)

Now if that performance wasn't convincing?

I mean, that little trembling of her voice really shows how shaken she was by that accident and certainly won't raise further suspicion!

"Are you sure that everything is alright?" (man)

"Absolutely. You can go. I still need to deal with everything." (Lea)

There's a long pause but finally, the man answers.

"I understand. Sorry for the disturbance." (man)

"No offense." (Lea)

And the door closes.

I'm actually surprised it worked out.

The world usually doesn't do me that kind of favor.

"Wham"

The moment I finish my last thought the door bursts inside and a cloaked figure enters.

Sometimes I believe that the tailors in this country make most of their profits with those.

"On another note, I'd rather see for myself if everything is alright." (man)

Healer girl is totally at a loss regarding how to deal with this situation and I don't fare much better.

"Mmmmph!" (Eluca)

Well, from her perspective it might seem smart to draw attention.

"Oh my, that's literally quite a mess here it seems." (man)

Something is certainly not quite right.

This guy is far too jovial in the present situation.

"What is going on?" (Shari)

"Miss Shari, am I right? I'm not sure if you're in a position to say such things, regarding... this." (man)

He makes a wide gesture which basically refers to the hostage situation I have going on here.

"I've got it under control." (Shari)

"I have no doubt about this, but please understand that the one sending me likes to be sure." (man)

This at least confirms that I was tailed.

"Would you at least allow me to wrap this up?" (Shari)

"Sure. Consider me a mere observer." (man)

Did I mention that he makes me uncomfortable?

"Everyone else willing to solve this peacefully?" (Shari)

Healer girl, I'd consider being supportive of my suggestion and I hope the mage's grunt was affirmative.

Would at least make sense given that this creepy guy helps intimidate them.

"Great. Thank you very much. I'm glad that we can talk this out." (Shari)

The healer slowly manages to catch her breath again after her not-as-professional act at the door.

"Wh-what do you want from us?" (Lea)

"Well, basically only that you don't call the guards on us. But for starters, I'd like to know how you knew what I am. I mean, you started shooting me down the moment I entered. I'd like to know what made you aware." (Shari)

"Mph, mmph!" (Eluca)

"Uh, we didn't know. But that name... Liqu. We heard it before. The, the other humanoid slime called herself like that. And then that voice... So, we knew what she was and you both had the same kind of... outfit. It was safe to assume that you were the same." (Lea)

"Mh-mmh." (Eluca)

"Okay, this is getting too ridiculous for me." (Shari)

I remove the cover from her eyes and mouth so she can finally partake normally in this discussion.

"Pfah! This is disgusting! And just so you know it, I would've shot either way. A shock is seldom deadly, and alone for being in company with that thing you deserved it!" (Eluca)

Just what did Liqu do to them?

And why did they even know that name?

"Okay, I get that you're not on good terms with that slime. What exactly happened?" (Shari)

"That thing killed our friends!" (Eluca)

Whoah, this is quite heavy.

Finding common ground might prove difficult if that's the case.

"Would you mind telling me what exactly happened from your perspective?" (Shari)

"We were adventurers before. Hence our affiliation with the guild. On our... I suppose last mission, we encountered this slime looking like a human. And it killed Ron and Luck. They had no real chance." (Eluca)

Oh damn.

That was Liqu's first appearance in humanoid form! I remember how she mentioned that encounter.

Basically, she was stupid, irresponsible, and needy.

The groundwork for a disaster.

However, I'm quite certain they won't just accept and get over it if I tell them that it was just an unfortunate accident when Liqu butchered them.

"Ahem, I would first like to mention that I'm not her. How about this to get started?" (Shari)

I extend a tendril to the mage and remove her slime shackle.

Naturally, I prepare myself to be able to counter any new lightning attacks from her but at least the situation grew calmer and the mage is at least still exhausted.

"But no shocks, okay? You see, I'm actually quite forgiving. Even if you basically tried to murder me just now." (Shari)

While speaking I also put my clothes back on since I dislike talking naked.

"Our friends had no such luck! And you're still with that monster!" (Eluca)

"Then what exactly happened there? You know, in detail." (Shari)

"Uh, when we were on our way back from a successful hunting mission, we spotted that slime that was directly in our way. We considered walking around it but then it took Eluca's form. And then we..." (Lea)

"And then you attacked her!" (Shari)

That might not be nice from my side, but before our side is totally blamed for this incident I'd like to set things right.

"Naturally! It was a monster and provoked us and..." (Eluca)

"And was just there. You'd have attacked her anyway with deadly intent if she would've been your target. But she bested you and now you're sulking because you lost." (Shari)

"Fucking slime!" (Eluca)

And she raises her hand at me, with all its corresponding implications.

"Eluca, no! She... It didn't attack yet. Hold back!" (Lea)

The correction of the pronoun was certainly not necessary.

Nonetheless, I appreciate the no-kill gesture.

"Fine... for you. But that thing shall stop badmouthing our friends!" (Eluca)

"I neither did nor planned to do so. The issue is just that Liqu did what she had to if she wanted to survive. Yes, she made a mistake by approaching you, but I don't see how she had much of a choice afterward. I've heard a bit about that incident from her and she said she even tried a non-lethal approach at first but it just didn't work out." (Shari)

"It killed our friends!" (Eluca)

"Then please tell me what she could've done differently. Where exactly did she go wrong so you can blame her for this?" (Shari)

At least the healer seems to be thinking and has no immediate answer.

"As if this makes a difference! It's still a monster and you too! Naturally we attacked it!" (Eluca)

At this, my expression darkens.

I don't really like being called a monster.

"You are completely right. Liqu is a monster through and through. She didn't care for the lives of your friends. She thinks it's just natural to dissolve a human to the bones, and those as well if she feels like it. You are only food to her and this will probably never change. I might be able to direct her onto other targets but I doubt she will ever feel bad about dissolving humans. But you know what's funny? You could've had it so much worse." (Shari)

I feel once again how this sinister smile creeps along my cheeks to my ears.

A premonition of dread lingering in the room.

"A-are you threatening us?" (Eluca)

"Threatening? No. I'm just stating facts. Do you want to know what the absolute worst is this slime can do to you?" (Shari)

The healer's expression is certainly saying no.

To her disadvantage, the mage isn't as intimidated.

"Where are you going with this? It's pointless!" (Eluca)

"I don't think so. It might actually be quite enlightening and help you to be more appreciative about your current situation." (Shari)

"Then come on, what is it?" (Eluca)

Damn, now that smile just went all the way to my ears.

"I was afraid you wouldn't ask. Okay, then I'll tell you. First, she incapacitates you within her body. You're trying to struggle, but her liquid body simply absorbs all of your movements. Unable to do anything about what happens you're fully aware of how she inexorably drags you into her lair. And what do you think is she going to do there to you?" (Shari)

The healer by now lost all color in her face.

The mage is still as defensive as before.

"Dissolving us? Probably quite slowly." (Eluca)

"Oh, that would've been so much simpler. But no. Instead she's forcing you to ingest her slime. Naturally, you're unable to prevent it. It hurts, is disgusting, and all the time you think you're dying. But you know, death just won't come. Because it's not dissolving you. Not at first at least. Instead, she just fills more inside, to the point where you by all reasonable assumptions think you're going to burst. But it won't happen and you won't be able to expel it again. She'll make sure of it. However, it gets much worse from then on. Because you know, the slime actually does dissolve certain things and slowly spreads through your whole system, but the truly important thing it does is that it forms something inside your body. A pretty little round crystal. And in there it transfers everything that is essentially you before dissolving all the rest. Do you realize where I'm getting with this?" (Shar)

"No way." (Lea)

"Clap"

I applaud with my slime hands.

"Ah, she got it. Yes. Liqu was so desperate to have someone she can be together with that she devised a way to turn a human into a slime. This could've been you, but she decided against it. Probably because you already had each other. You were lucky. The next girl that crossed her path not as much. She experienced all the horror I just described and has now constantly to deal with that slime and the full-time job of keeping her under control while random strangers try to kill her for no reason. And do you really think that after all that shit she went through, she would care the slightest bit for the reasons why you're calling the guards on her slimy ass?!! Oh no, she doesn't! And she has no interest to bargain with you about her survival! Rather this is an ultimatum! Stop trying to make my life any more difficult or I'll make yours a living hell!!!" (Shari)

Next, I forcefully soften my expression by slime modeling and speak with far calmer voice.

"If we could agree on this I'd be delighted, okay? Just to say, Liqu is beyond all reason infatuated with me and you certainly don't want to be the target of the endless carnage that would follow my death. It would only make everyone unhappy. In return, I promise that she won't kill any more civilians or adventurers. As long as they're not as stupid to attack us first and not listen to all appeals to stop, this way leaving us no other choice. You can't expect more than this from us, can you?" (Shari)

The mage now looks a bit fearfully at her healer girlfriend and she returns that gaze.

"Seems like we have an agreement."(Shari)

I already turn towards the door when I get another thought. The queen mentioned something about shock collars and well, in front of me I have a lightning mage as I got to experience very intimately.

"I'd like to ask a question to the lightning thrower. Would you know anything about shock collars? My current employer would be very interested in this kind of information." (Shari)

"Employer?" (Eluca)

She seems more than incredulous at this statement.

"Yes, quite the influential character. Which should further motivate you not to piss me off and thus her as well. Now back to the shock collars. Any idea?" (Shari)

She still seems somewhat unwilling to talk.

"There was something." (Lea)

"Lea!" (Eluca)

"What? It's not like we have any reason to cover for them!" (Lea)

Okay, seems like I got a promising response.

"So there was something?" (Shari)

"Urgh, yes. Shortly after I started my job as a magical assistant in the institute I was approached. They were quite interested in me, foremost my magic that is. They told me that they'd pay me thrice as much if I accept their conditions. Especially the confidentiality part that is. We needed money to get started in the capital at that time yet Lea talked me out of this." (Eluca)

"That guy was super shady! Any position where you 'shouldn't ask questions' is guaranteed to bring you into more trouble than it's worth." (Lea)

I certainly can support this sentiment.

"Anyway, I didn't take the job, so I don't know more than this." (Eluca)

"Was there really nothing else? For example, the guy you talked to?" (Shari)

"Seriously, are you ever going to finish?" (Eluca)

"Just this last question and I'm gone." (Shari)

"Damn, that was already quite some time ago. I don't know. I remember he wore some fancy clothes. All tidy in violet and black. Must've been some noble's lackey." (Eluca)

Violet black?

Weren't these the colors of the guys who attacked us?

A bit too much coming together to be a mere coincidence.

I can't deny, that was helpful.

I should now keep my part of the bargain.

"Very well. That was quite helpful. Thank you for your time." (Shari)

I slowly put my mask back on and turn to the door.

At this moment a guard patrol bursts into the room.

"We got a hint about a possible crime!" (officer)

Fuck!

Did things go too smoothly for me, world?

The officer's gaze instantly settles on me, the dubiously cloaked figure with the mask.

"You! What are you doing here?! And that mask! Take it off!" (officer)

Damnit, I need to find a way out of this.

Shit!

Maybe I should pull this trick?

"I don't think so." (Shari)

"That's enough! You're..." (officer)

I quickly pull out the badge and hold it under his nose.

"You see this? I'm an agent of the crown on an official investigation!" (Shari)

"What!?" (Eluca/Lea)

Naturally, both of them stare in disbelief.

"I-I'm afraid I have to verify this claim." (officer)

Damn, why do I have to meet today the probable only dutiful guard in this town?

"That won't be necessary Sir Sadan, officer of the sixth unit of the commercial guard force under Captain Harran." (man)

"Wh-what? You know me?" (Sadan)

The man from before?

Just who is this?

"You really can believe me that our authority reaches far further than that of your direct superior. Let's say he won't like it to get involved in this." (man)

"But..." (officer)

I think I should also say something.

"Do you really want to stop me and sabotage my mission? We can gladly go to the palace for confirmation. I'm sure the queen herself would have some time for this and be very pleased about such a disturbance from a random guard officer. So we can go right away. But if you force me to show you my face then I'd have to kill ya. So better not, right?" (Shari)

The guards being speechless is a good sign, right?

"Anyway, I already finished my business here, so I'll take my leave. You can confirm that I neither robbed nor hurt them." (Shari)

I guess it's the smartest choice to leave it on that note.

So I press myself past all these guards before anyone has enough time to ask themselves what this residue on my cloak is and how it got there.