ALL NOVEL Chapter 104
104. Naming × Shocking
After driving off the entire Vasago bandit gang, I used Warp Slime to hand them over to the Ortia guards.
Although their leader didn’t seem like much, they were actually a notorious group of ruffians.
“Arx-sama, it looks like this is the last one! These guys really got stretched out by just a single slime. I tried slapping them awake a few times, but no luck. Oh, speaking of slaps—”
“Yes, I got it. We’ll save the slap stories for later.”
As usual, Archer talked a lot when not sniping… Every time we met, it would engage in electrifying conversations.
“Okay, once we deliver this one to Ortia, you’re done for the day, Archer. Thanks, Archer…”
I suddenly paused.
Come to think of it, I hadn’t given it a name. I’d been calling it Archer all this time, but it was strange to call it by his role while the other slimes had names.
“Archer, I’d like to give you a name. Is that okay?”
“A name! Finally! I thought there was a reason why only Chia and Shino had names, and I didn’t!”
There was no reason. I simply missed the timing. Feeling awkward, I decided to name it right away.
Considering his traits, a suitable name would be…
“…How about ‘Talk’?”
“That’s a great name! It fits my chatty nature and my skill in long-distance combat! I can understand those two meanings, but knowing you, Arx-sama, there must be ten more meanings!”
It immediately explained the name.
As he said, it combined its two main traits, but having my pun explained embarrassed me to the max.
Besides, there wasn’t a deeper meaning, so its misunderstanding made me feel guilty.
“From now on, call me Talk! I’ll deliver heart-stirring talks from afar! Ha ha ha!”
Talk vanished, laughing joyously.
How embarrassing. I hope it doesn’t repeat that pun every time. Knowing him, he just might.
With my heart squirming, I quickly handed the bandit over to the guards.
＊
“Ah, welcome back, Ar-kun!”
After moving the entire bandit gang to the carriage, Sierra-san waved at me.
“Sorry for the wait. All done now.”
“Good job. So, Ar-kun, anything to say?”
“…I’m sorry.”
I bowed to Sierra-san. I had put her in danger while I was supposed to be guarding her.
Despite the unexpected situation, my job was to protect Sierra-san. I let my guard down, and she was taken hostage. That was entirely my fault.
“It was lucky it was me this time, but if it had been another client, it would’ve been a disaster. Be careful.”
“Yes, you’re absolutely right.”
“If you’re truly sorry, be careful next time. Now, shall we go?”
“What…? It’s over already?”
Sierra-san got back in the carriage. I had expected a harsher scolding, so I asked in surprise.
“Yes. I wasn’t hurt, and it’s partly my fault for not noticing the bandits. But next time, be careful, okay?”
I always knew Sierra-san was a strict person, but this was surprising.
Honestly, I was prepared to accept any criticism. Being let off so easily made me feel worse.
As I boarded the carriage, I was again amazed by Sierra-san’s character.
“…! Oh, Sierra-san! You threw Vasago, didn’t you?”
Sierra-san wasn’t hurt because she had taken down Vasago herself.
By shifting her center of gravity, she easily threw the larger opponent. That’s not something an amateur could do in an instant.
Sierra-san, looking embarrassed, averted her gaze and scratched her cheek.
“Ah, well. I used to practice martial arts…”
“Really? Did you go to a dojo?”
“Something like that. Things you learn can come in handy in unexpected situations, you know? It was just a coincidence.”
Today, I’ve seen many surprising sides of Sierra-san. I had no idea she was from the royal capital or practiced martial arts.
Although we had known each other for quite some time, there were still many things I didn’t know about her.
“Look! It’s coming into view!”
Hours passed, and as dusk fell, Sierra-san pointed ahead.
I saw the reddish-brown city walls gradually appear on the horizon. As we got closer, the walls grew taller, eventually becoming overwhelmingly massive.
The royal capital. Its scale dwarfed Ortia, imposing even from a distance.
We passed through the gate about twenty minutes later, as night had fully settled.