Chapter 394 – The Dragon Stables and Belda

Then Belda said that she wanted to pay us a quest fee for doing the exploration job.

Since it was Timi and the rest of us, it would have to be a very high amount.

Even though Timi had no adventurer reputation, if she was ever appointed adventurer her rank would be S class, and if that were impossible, A class.

A class fees were very high. Even so, Timi refused them.

Elkay just didn’t have the funds to pay for something like that.

After we finished discussing our little investigation party…Belda said,

「Anyway, thank you so much for making these stables for Jearl.」

「No bother. Again, I’m sorry I scared him so.」

「That’s too much for an apology though. There must be some way I can…」

「If you want to thank someone, thank Alra and Vi-Vi here.」

Belda came closer to Vi-Vi and I.

She stepped behind a wall so her guards couldn’t see and bowed deeply,

「I appreciate it greatly.」

「No worries.」

「Yeah!」

「There must be a way to thank you.」

「You should pay those two instead.」

Timi said with a mischievous smile.

「We don’t need anything. Use it for Elkay instead.」

「Yeah, if Timi’s not going to take anything for it, then it’s pointless to ask us.」

「But I…」

「It’s okay. It’s best to use anything to help the people of Elkay.」

「…then I thank you. I couldn’t thank you a million times and it be enough.」

She continued,

「Should I wait for you to finish the investigation before I put Jearl in here?」

「I think there’s no problem now…what about you Alra?」

「Hm? Well, the place is sealed now, so I think it’s fine.」

Timi asked me for my opinion so I gave while finishing up the circle.

Timi nodded at my opinion.

「Yeah, you can move him.」

「That would help a lot. He’s having to endure some fierce winds.」

And with that, Vi-Vi and I finished the circles up.

I thought we did a good job.

「We’re done!」

「Looks good.」

「Yeah, even in the middle of winter with a heater, you could put people in here.」

Vi-Vi was exaggerating a bit, but it would be cold without a heater.

However, with a small heater and a blanket anyone could stay here.

Jearl would be a lot more comfortable than he is now.

「Ah, you’re done already?」

Hearing that it was complete, Timi walked over to the building with Shiggy still riding on her head.

She embraced me from behind and then looked over the stable.

「Thank you!」

She looked very happy as Belda joined us.

Then the beasts came in and inspected the place as well.

Belda’s guards just looked a little bored and stood by the entrance to the ruined mansion.

As Timi looked over the circles, she said,

「Yes, you both did a great job!」

「Nah, Vi-Vi’s the real expert here.」

「T…that’s not true!」

Vi-Vi said, her face turning red.

「ryaa ryaa」

「Oh, are you that interested, Shiggy? Vi-Vi, Shiggy would like an explanation about the magic circles.」

「Leave it to me.」

So Vi-Vi began showing the circles to Shiggy and explaining them.

Insulation, anti-shock, anti-quake, fire-prevention.

While Shiggy was watching this, Belda was listening very intently as well.

And with the explanation concluded, Belda said to us,

「Very easy to live in, but very defensive as well.」

「Yeah, that’s my own touch.」

「I could perform my duties at the agent’s house and then live here…thank you.」

Then she stared at Vi-Vi and said,

「Vi-Vi, you’re the younger daughter of the former viscount of Lindobal…」

「Um…yes, I am.」

After a slightly uncomfortable pause, Vi-Vi answered. She thought Belda knowing this might end up troubling her older sister.

「Vi-Vi and Vallimie are my friend, Belda.」

Timi said, just in case any bad vibes were felt by Vi-Vi.

「I see. Then please give your older sister my best wishes.」

「You got it.」

After that, Belda and her guards returned to her home.

They quickly brought the elder dragon Jearl with them, and seeing Timi there, Jearl again jumped,

「Gaaaaa….」

「No need to be scared.」「ryaaa」

Timi and Shiggy said in attempts to calm Jearl down.

Shiggy then flew over and next to Jearl.

「ryaa ryaa」

「gaa gaaa」

Shiggy was an ancient dragon as well, but still an infant. Nowhere close to as scary as Timi.

Just like humans, mama bears are always scary as hell, but cubs are cute. I guess it’s the same with elder dragons.

Jearl was petted by Shiggy and calmed down a bit.

Belda petted Jearl as well.

「Timi is our friend now. No need to be scared.」

「Gaaaa」

Jearl looked over and bowed, but he couldn’t look directly AT Timi yet.