Chapter 2 - It’s just a coincidence that there are only girls. Don’t misunderstand. Don’t look at me with that smile.

The tutorial was over. It was finally time to start the journey.

Masato and Mamako moved out from the transportation palace, crossed the last bridge from the floating island, and reached an island that was the end point and also the depart point.

And then, the two who were standing on the Magic Circle drawn on the ground waited for that moment.

“It will be fine to wait for the transportation here, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. It’s also written in the guide book......Ah, but......it seems that it will take some time for safety confirmation, so please read on the basic matters while waiting. It is also written to do it together with my child. Here, see.” Pressing closer.

“I-I know already. Rather, you are getting too close. Too close already.”

Pushing back Mamako’s shoulder that was pressing on him, he skimmed through the contents of the guide book.

The online game Masato and others were transported to was[MMMMMORPG(temp)].

This game seemed to use the main server that the Cabinet Office was in charge of as the start point, by connecting with the individual local servers that each of the forty-seven prefectures were in charge of, they designed and programmed a big multi-variable world.

Just that, as it was the beta version now, they were in the middle of collecting data from the test players, so only the Tokyo server was utilized.

“Oi oi, that’s so many mackerels or rather too many already......This is no half-baked scale......”

“Mackerels?......Saba......saba......Hey Maa-kun, where is this mackerel written? Mom cannot find it.”

“Ahh, mackerel is, in other words, server.”

“Oh is that so? So server is actually mackerel......mackerel is amazing after all. It’s good for your health, and even comes out in games.”

“No, that’s not what I meant......haa, well whatever......there will be no end if I explain every little things.”

Rather than that, the priority was to check the outline. He continued with affirming the guide book.

The Tokyo server that was currently used had constructed this world in a mainstream fantasy theme. The motif was done using a European landscape. It seemed to have used the Mediterranean seash.o.r.e scenery which still had various Middle Age visages remaining as foundation to shape the terrain.

On a side note, it seemed that the timeflow in the real world and the game world was the same. Masato and his mother were transported in the afternoon so......ah.

“Oh, finally huh.”

The Magic Circle beneath their feet suddenly released blinding light, enveloping Masato and his mother. They disappeared along with the light.

In the afternoon sunshine, pleasant sea breeze blew. A town with cobblestone-laid streets and white walls spread out before their eyes.

Seeing that, Mamako’s first words were.

“Oh look! It looks like overseas!”

“Overseas, you say......even if I tell mom about things like fantasy or other-world landscapes, you wouldn’t understand, it can’t be helped that you are surprised......well then, for the time being, let’s get going.”

The first world’s starting point’s name was [Ka.s.san Kingdom].

Moving on from the transportation point with a Magic Circle drawn, pa.s.sing through the st.u.r.dy gate, they arrived at the capital of Ka.s.san Kingdom. The capital town spread out with the chalk-white royal castle as the center.

The buildings made from white clay walls and bricks gave a sense of security and a deep taste of the earth to those who saw. The sound coming from horse carriages pa.s.sing by brought a laid back mood. If anyone lived in those houses once, they might feel that adventuring would be too troublesome. Such a townscape continued on......

“Ha!? There are many shops on that side of the street! Let’s go and take a look!” *Dash!*

“No no, we should go around the town once to grasp its geography......Uh, she already rushed in!? Is this speed mom’s, no, a female character’s specialty!?”

Mamako learned high speed shop browsing skill 【Window Shopping Soul】.

No, it was a joke. There was no such skill.

If you change to a different street, that place was a crucible for livelihood and clamor. The moment they stepped one foot in, loud bellows came from the shop owners promoting their shops to attract customers.

“Wait up, young lady over there! You sure are wearing some strange clothes. Are you a traveller from a foreign world? Then take a look at my shop’s products. I will make it cheap for a pretty young lady like you!”

“Oh you jest, calling me young lady. Even though I already have such a big son.”

“It’s fine not to say something like this every single time. Geez......ah, h.e.l.lo there.”

“Eh? Is that your son?......You’re a madam with a son?”

“Ah, but now we are mother and son companions. I have become my son’s companion. Isn’t that lovely?”

“Mother and son companion?......Err......?”

“You don’t not to talk about being companions or the likes! That made the shop owner freeze! Okay, move on! Start walking!”

“O-K.”

Masato carried their luggages on his shoulder to repay a bit of his guilt, and pushed on Mamako, who was greeting back to each and every tout, on her back.

The two of them looked like a pair of mother and son traveller strolling in an overseas open-air market, but they understood that it was not simply a tourist hotspot.

“This place is really inside a fantasy RPG......”

At just a glance, there were shops selling swords and spears, shops selling shields and armors, and people looking like warriors with those equipped were walking right past them before their eyes. The hem of those short robes from girls that had an air of magician fluttered lightly as they ran past.

“It’s really fantasy......so incredible......I am inside a game......”

Feeling the credibility of it only now, Masato unintentionally got fl.u.s.tered.

Mamako closely observed her son and gave him, who was showing that appearance, a side glance.

“Hey Maa-kun. Stop grinning while peeking at those girls’ hips. That will make you a pervert, you know?”

“You’re wrong! I am not delighted about that kind of thing!”

“Ufufu. Just kidding. Mom properly understands what Maa-kun is thinking about right now. We are mother and son you see, we read each other’s minds.”

“Hou? Then try to make a guess.”

“Right no, Maa-kun......is feeling happy to be strolling with mom!” *Ehen!*

Mamako declared confidently with her smile in full bloom.

Masato could only snort. What is this person saying. I have no idea.

“Nai waa. Feeling happy to be walking with mom is the most impossible reason. This mother has totally no clue about an adolescent boy’s feelings. Ah geez, you totally failed. You fail as a mother.”

“You know, from the words mom has heard until now, those are the second most painful.” *Sob sob.*

“P-Please stop saying that line! My choice of words was poor! I will apologize!”

He did a ninety-degree bow on reflex. Maintaining that apologetic posture, he checked on his mother’s condition.

Mamako was smiling happily. Her face, which even youthfulness should have a limit to, showed a mischievous smile.

“Ufufu, that’s really effective. Then mom shall make these words into Mom Magic.”

“Hero-son limited psychological weakening magic......How malicious......”

It seemed that Masato, who had just recovered from the earlier shock, would take a little more time to recover now. That aside.

“Hmm, so? We are walking for the time being, but where should we be going to next......”

“Ufufu. Leave it to mom. Mom will properly lead you after all.”

“Lead you say......mom doesn’t know anything about this kind of game, right?”

“That’s true, but it’s fine. Because mom has this.”

Mamako proudly showed him the guide book. I see. It’s rea.s.suring that we have that.

“We cannot neglect the preparation for our adventure. So first of all......”

“Gather companions, I suppose. Correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The guide book also suggests gathering companion first. That being the case......Alright, we are here. This way.”

The guiding Mamako introduced a building that was firmly constructed in the corner of commercial district to him.

At first glance, it seemed to be a coffee shop with a cafe terrace, but seeing the people coming in and out of it having st.u.r.dy body build while carrying weapons and protective gears, they understood well that this was no place for enjoying tea. Adventurers in the terrace area shot appraising glances that contained no mercy this way, giving them a good taste of an aggressive welcoming mood.

The signboard hung on the building showed 【Adventurer Guild】. In other words, it meant that.

“This place does not give off an amateurish or naïve vibe, I can feel it......Fuu, just what I wanted.”

“Oh well. Maa-kun, who usually only says ‘Aah’ or ‘Whatever’, is saying such cool words......Mom has discovered a new side of her son.”

“S-Shut up! Don’t evaluate your son’s comment!......So difficult......”

“Ufufu. Sorry about that. Now then, Maa-kun, can you pa.s.s mom her swords?”

“Eh? A-Aah, alright......?”

He had no idea what she wanted to do though. He just pa.s.sed over Holy Sword of Mother Sea Altura that was sticked into the boston bag.

“Eii!”

Mamako swung her sword towards the guild building. Mamako’s attack. “......Eh?” Water overflowed from the deep blue-colored sword flash that was swung out “Wai......” and became water droplets “Oii!?” which shot out together.

*Zugagagagagagagaga!* High speed water bullets a.s.saulted the guild. Tremendous sound of destruction echoed continuously, pillars and walls full of holes collapsed. Screams of adventurers were heard only a while after the barrage.

Masato, who was stunned from that, only came back to his senses after that.

“......Umm, mom......what are you doing......?”

“Getting belittled is no good, so we must go with [Guts!] from the start. The guide book mentioned it.”

“That meaning of guts is different......or rather, isn’t this bad......”

The front half of the guild building was half-destroyed. However, the bigger problem was the safety of those adventurers at the terrace. If someone became a victim from Mamako’s attack......

“PK, or attempted PK......won’t we receive penalty?”

PK ── Player Killer. They would kill other player characters. Those who committed that would be given corresponding punishment. Saying sorry would not resolve it.

Masato was standing there pale faced while movements came from the side of the building. Someone crossed the remnants of the destroyed door and was walking towards them.

The other party seemed to be female. She was wearing clerk-like uniform, with long black hair and a calm face......

That person’s head was slightly bleeding.

“O travellers in a journey, welcome to the Adventurer Guild. I am the receptionist Shirarase as I infoform. If you are in search of companions for your journey, please come this way.”

That person called Shirarase composedly gestured with her hand to guide them while her head was still bleeding.

The person who was sitting at the half-destroyed counter was......

“Umm, Shirase-san......”

“I believe that I have infoformed you that I am the receptionist Shirarase, haven’t I? If you are not satisfied, shall I pick out those things that a son does not want his mother to see the most?” *Drip?*

“This is my first meeting with Shirarase-san! Nice to meet you-ssu! Chii-ssu!”

The name of the woman at the half-destroyed reception counter was Shirarase. She looked very much like Shirase, or rather, there’s no doubt that she was the person herself, but she’s Shirarase.

“Then, once again. Welcome to the Adventurer Guild.” *Drip.*

“Thanks and please take care of us. So, umm......are you alright? You have been bleeding for a while now.”

“Please do not worry about it. This is only an act......And this me is an object, not a PC or NPC. Therefore there will be no PK penalty. The building object being possible to destroy is a bug, so please be at ease.”

“I-I see. I’m glad~......What a relief, mom.”

“Eh? Y-Yes, that’s right. So this means that in the battle of objects, the PC from NEC won the PK battle, something like that right?”

“Well, yeah. For the time being, that’s fine. It’s an amazing feat.”

Object was generally something not that of a character, PC was player character, NPC was non-player character. He would have to give Mamako a supplementary lesson on those terms later.

“Then, without further ado, let me introduce the adventurers registered at this guild. Here.”

As Shirarase said that, she took out some doc.u.ments. It was a bundle of thick parchment-style papers. Those sheets of paper numbered about a hundred or more.

“T-There are that many......?”

“This is only about one tenth of total. Since there is no limit to the number of party members, in order to let you choose the companions you like and gather them, the administrative team overworked themselves to make this. The number is planned to increase in future.”

“Really......erm, then, are all the companions NPCs?”

“Test players are also included in it. However, there are very few of them, so I wonder if you can consider it as a rarity.”

“This development is like trying your luck in gacha, huh......”

“The first floor of the building is under repair. Please use the private room on second floor for browsing. I will bring more doc.u.ments later, so please take your time.”

Above the first floor of the guild which looked like the site after some gun barrage, they went to a private room at the back of the second floor that was somehow unaffected. Masato dumped the doc.u.ments on the table with a loud sound, and sat down on the opposite side, facing Mamako.

To calm his nervous heart, he took a few deep breaths of the cool breeze that blew in from the window, and started the companion selection.

“Alright, it’s my turn. Let me, the MMORPG veteran, choose the most suitable companions. Is that fine, mom?”

“Of course. Mom is looking forward to which children Maa-kun will choose. Find a good girl.”

“W-Why are you saying that the candidate must be female......”

“But isn’t it supposed to be so? Since you will be living together from now on, experience a lot of things together, grow up together, you are looking for companions with that in mind, right? Mom thinks that this is the same as choosing your girlfriend or marriage partner.”

“Uu......that’s not really wrong, but......this is choosing companions. This is purely choosing companions. Un.”

But be it the face or body type, those would definitely reflect the preference of the chooser. Anyway.

Masato faced the doc.u.ments. On the doc.u.ment, the adventurer’s name and profession, all the stats, and even a portrait of the actual person were recorded.

“The main criteria of judgement is the battle formation, huh......we have two physical attackers, so......first, one defender and one healer. One magic attacker, and also one support would be nice......ah, but there are also production professions......I want at least one person with item production to be my companion as well......let’s take seven members as benchmark and search......”

With profession as a guide, face and body as reference, including a little bit of personal preference, Masato started picking out potential people.

“Ooh, this seems good.”

Companion candidate one. Her name was [Rushiela]. Sixteen. Her profession was Heavy Cavalry. A defense specialized profession that could take on enemy attacks with one hand, but she had a skill that could convert a portion of damage taken into attack power, so it was possible for her to partic.i.p.ate in attacks if need be.

Her portrait was also good looking. Steel armor donned on her slim body, a robust shield held by her thin fingers, a strong will hidden inside that dignified look......She gave off a pretty stubborn impression, but her cute side might come out after breaking that hard sh.e.l.l, a good talent that he could also expect a gap moe from.

“The next is......ooh, elf found!”

Companion candidate two. Her name was [Sarite]. Nineteen(Human age conversion). Her profession was Priestess. A recovery magic expert. Able to purify undeads. (TL note: A certain damegami: Pupu, still weaker than a G.o.ddess like me!)

Bright-green robe wrapped her body, a pendant with Sacred Tree as motif attached to her hand......An elegant big sister was drawn in the portrait, despite it being a portrait, it showed a beautiful elf with gentle smile.

“Good, good, I’ve gathered some high-quality candidates. Next is......oh, naughty girl found!”

Companion candidate  three. Her name was [Torino]. Fourteen. Her profession was Thief. She had support skill such as preemptive strike and party speed increase. Others included lockpicking skill.

She wore a tank top and short pants. Her exposure rate was also outstanding since she was lightly equipped. However, if she moved while being lightly equipped, he might be able to catch a glimpse from her armpit. He wouldn’t know where to look at.

“Alright, alright, catching a glimpse is also good. That skin color is also greatly welcomed......So, well, for now these will do.”

Masato lined up the three doc.u.ments he picked, and checked them again. Party’s defense, recovery, and then support. He believed that the members necessary for battle had been nailed down.

“Ok, I have decided......Mom, we will make these three people our companions first. Please confirm them at least.”

“Oh well, they are all cute girls. Are they all Maa-kun’s preference?”

“You don’t have to make that kind of confirmation! It just happened naturally by chance! A coincidence!”

“Ufufu. Then mom will leave it at that.”

Mamako seemed to be convinced of something on her own and lightly clapped her hand.

“So then, next will be mom’s interview.”

“......Hah?”

Mom’s interview. Mamako seemed to have said that.

“An interview with mom. Since they are the girls that may even become Maa-kun’s girlfriend, mom has to properly greet them. Mom also want to know what kind of girls they are.”

“No, look here! I did not choose girlfriend candidates! They are only going to be companions!”

“Then you won’t get intimate with them to the point of becoming lovers during the adventure?”

“Guh......t-that’s uhh......”

It was not completely impossible, rather, he was even hoping for it a little, but he could not say it.

“Rather than that! This not what I meant! It’s about only those that pa.s.sed mother’s inspection can become our companion, was there such a thing......!”

“It seems to be interesting, so let me infoform you that I will adopt the mother’s inspection system.”

“Wha!?”

Shirarase suddenly appeared in the room, holding additional doc.u.ments and a set of OX signs.

In a haste, mom’s interview was decided.

They readjusted the interior for the sake of the interview. Interviewer Mamako and witness Masato stood side by side and prepared the chairs at the opposite side of the table for interviewees. Then, it was finally time to begin.

“Since this is an interview with mom, mom will be asking the questions. Leave it to your mom.”

“I-I know already. Then I will rely on you for the strict inspection......Interviewee one, come in.”

The one being ushered into the room was companion candidate one, with her face and voice clearly uptight, the Heavy Cavalry Rushiela.

“Nice to meet you!”

“Nice to meet you. Then without further delay, do you have any hobbies?”

“My hobby is to take on the enemy’s favorite attack and return double the pain!”

“You seem to have a mentally twisted hobby......So then, where do you visit most often?”

“I often go the the fields with singular trash monsters that are weaker than me!”

“You seem to be an open bully......Then lastly, I wonder if you have heard of life plan. Things like what you want to become in the future, have you considered any of that?”

“I have considered to learn the skill that can reflect attack back to cause damage, making the enemy self-destruct!”

“I can only describe that as being devilish......I understand. Then, my judgement is......”

Maintaining a smile, Mamako......

Showed a X sign. Fail. Disqualified.

“Excuse me for being rude, but I wonder what this person thinks about human beings.”

“She has only said things that are normal for a defender role!?”

Even if that was the case, she was given an out in mom’s interview. Regrettable. Then, moving on to the next one.

Companion candidate two, with a moist smile that could heal mental fatigue, the beautiful elf Priestess Sarite.

“Nice to meet you. So, can I hear what Sarite-san’s hobby is? I wonder what you do normally.”

“I usually offer my prayer to our G.o.d on normal days. Three hundred times a day.”

“With six hours a day for sleep, even praying once every four minutes is not enough......Then, where do you visit most often?”

“I usually go to the churches located in various forests, and offer my prayers. Twenty places every day.”

“Time wise, it’s understandable that you spend most of it in churches......Then, what is your dream for the future?”

“I wish to have every person follow our G.o.d’s will and offer their prayers.”

“You can continue to pray anywhere you go. Thank you for your hard work, I can only say that to you.”

What was the judgement of Mamako, who showed a courtesy smile?

It was the X sign. Fail. Disqualified.

“Hey, mom!? Why is she disqualified!? She is an elf, and a Priestess at that......!”

“That is the problem. I have no intention to deny her freedom of religion, but......After becoming companions, if I receive ‘There is a good place nearby, do you want to come over?’ such an invitation, it will be a little......Mom is not good at refusing this kind of things, you see.”

“Uu......R-Regarding that point, I have to agree with it a little......”

It would be a little difficult for a non-religious person to be in contact with her, regrettably. Next one.

Companion candidate three, with a voice and body in a bouncy spirit, the naughty thief Torino.

“Chii-ssu! Nice ta meet ya!”

“So your hobbies......”

“My hobby is probably [pilfering]! One swipe, one steal! It’s very fun!”

“Places you often go are......”

“Black market! The commission fees are expensive, but I can buy almost anything!”

“Future plans are......”

“I probably want to steal something from the treasury in the royal castle! It’s a Thief’s dream, right!? Kyaha!”

“I see, I understand, disqualified.”

Mamako who was soon convinced immediately revealed a X sign.

“Well then, let’s go to the police together, alright?” *Clamp.*

“Ueeeeeeh!? My wrists are somehow restrained!? What’s with this mysterious strength!?”

Mamako was about to accompany Torino after capturing her. The strength of a mother, who would not forgive bad kids, was tremendous.

“Hey, mom! Calm down! Thief is not a problem! Even though they are thieves, it’s a normal job in games! This is a game after all!”

“Even in a game, there are good kids and bad kids, right? Mom feels that it won’t be good if I don’t do this properly.”

“That’s true, but that’s not it! Listen to me first!”

After that, it took around thirty minutes to convince Mamako.

With that.

“Kuh, something like everyone being disqualified......”

“A profession that gives a better peace of mind is better. For example......Ah, that’s right! People like police officers, self defense force, how about choosing a companion like that!?”

“There is no such profession in a fantasy RPG! I beg you, please understand that this is a game!......Ah, whatever! Then I will pick out other members, please wait for a while!”

Adopting Mamako’s judgement criteria, there was hardly any person that could become their companion, but......even so, Masato desperately worked on the selection of candidates.

He flipped through the additional doc.u.ments from Shirarase......And.

“......Nn? This one is......”

Masato suddenly stopped his hand. He read through the doc.u.ment in his hand carefully.

The recorded adventurer’s name was [Wise]. Female, fifteen.Her profession was actually Philosopher. It was an advanced profession that could freely use both black magic, which was the general term for attack magic, and white magic, which was the general term for recovery and support magic.

A short jacket with skirt, the girl clad in crimson outfit had a face br.i.m.m.i.n.g with confidence. Even though it was only a portrait.

“She seems to be quite good in terms of ability......attacks with magic, furthermore, recovery and support, seems to be able to contribute in all aspects.”

“Ah well, that seems incredible. She is a very excellent girl, isn’t that good?”

As Mamako peeked over from the side, she seemed to be interested at a glance.

“Err......with regards to mom, is profession that uses magic in the safe zone?”

“Of course it’s alright. Mom has always wanted to become a magician since young. Back then, there was a certain magical girl anime that was a big success. Mom was also seeing it in dreams.”

“I see I see. That will be helpful. Then since magic user is OK......is what I want to say, but......hmm?”

Masato’s eyes could not ignore one point.

“She has something written in the remarks column......【I will Chainspell you with instant death magic if I am not picked!】 was written there. Uwa, she got a loose screw in her head.”

“It’s not nice to say that kind of things. Isn’t Philosopher-san great? To be able to use two kinds of magic. Her face also seems to be cute, I think that she is a wonderful girl.”

“Haa?......Ahh, it’s true that she has a proper-looking face, but I can’t say that she is cute......”

“It’s not to Maa-kun’s preference?”

“It’s not about that......her eyes. I can’t stand those eyes.”

The eyes of that girl in the portrait, those large and sharp hanging eyes......he was concerned about those eyes that seemed to be staring right at him .

“These eyes are no good. She definitely has an intense personality. She is the type that looks down on others, acting all bossy.”

“Nn, she does seem to be aggressive, and hard to deal with, but......I wonder if she may actually turn out to be a good girl after getting to know her.”

“No, no. Just her alone, it won’t be like that. This girl must have a brain no different from those regrettable fellows despite being a Philosopher. Shooting magic without consideration, blowing up even companions, buildings and terrain away with a laughter, also known as the [Doramata] type. My hero instinct tells me so.”

“Hmm......If Maa-kun says so, I suppose that’s true......”

“Exactly. Therefore, this one is dismissed. Alright, good bye. Thanks for the hard work, Wise.”

He crushed Wise’s doc.u.ment into a ball, and *poi* threw it away.

(TL note: Yuudachi! Where are you poi?)

The crushed doc.u.ment fell on the floor, and he seemed to hear something like “You!?” on that beat, or felt something like that, but that was probably just his imagination. That would be impossible. No way.

“Now then, with that off the list, next is......oh, the long-awaited production profession found.”

Companion candidate four. Her name was [Porta]. Twelve. Her profession was Travelling Merchant. In addition to item production, she had very helpful support abilities such as appraisal and shop discount.

Her portrait showed a cute and fluffy girl. Her face with round pupils that seemed to be looking back was overflowing with innocence of youth.

“Fumu. Not bad......Considerable support skills, little sister-like existence......a good potential that I can nurture with care.”

“Ah well, she’s a cute girl. Then this will be the next girl for mom’s interview.”

“You are doing it after all huh......”

Hence.

Before Masato and his mother was a twelve-year-old girl.

Her name was [Porta]. Her profession was Travelling Merchant.

A Travelling Merchant was not someone who open shops for business, they travelled around various places in the world, be it in a dungeon, underwater, or in the sky, inquiring on the local situations. They were people that would show up in any place and sell items for a living. Their trademark was a big and bloated shoulder bag.

Porta was hugging that bag tightly, and looked towards Masato and his mother with an extremely nervous face.

“N......NNNNice to meet youuu!”

“Yes, nice to meet you, too.”

“It’s alright, calm down. You don’t have to be that nervous.”

“Hahii!”

Despite telling her not to be nervous, she could not help it. Porta, who was desperately straightening her twelve-year-old back to show a proper appearance, was very cute. Cute.

“First, please give us a brief self-introduction.”

“Yes! I am Porta! A test player!”

“Ooh, player huh! Rare get!”

“Well! Porta-chan is also a test player!......Then, where is your mom?”

“M-My mom is it? That’s, umm......err......”

Receiving Mamako’s sudden question, Porta showed a seemingly troubled expression . However, she raised her face soon after.

“My mom is taking a break from the game due to work! I am travelling by myself, but I have gotten permission from the administration people, so it’s alright! There’s totally no problem!”

“Ah, that’s how it is. I wonder if Porta’s mom is very busy.”

“Fumu......”

Porta somehow seemed to be very desperate, so he was slightly concerned, but......Since the administration had allowed it, it should be fine. He would not ask about it.

“Ok. Then I will ask the next question. Are you prepared?”

“Yes!”

Masato looked at Porta with a strict interviewer’s face, and carefully asked.

“First, please appeal to us how Porta can be useful. Since you are a merchant, doing business is your specialty, right?”

“Yes!......Erm......my profession is Travelling Merchant! Therefore, my basic skills will be triggered when buying things and staying in inns!”

“That’s wonderful! Porta-chan is a walking coupon!”

“Look here, mom. That’s certainly true, but please phrase that differently.”

“And, this is also a Travelling Merchant’s basic skill, I use party storage to manage the items my companions hold! You can keep a lot more items than normal!”

“Keep you say, could it be that Porta-chan will be holding them? Where?”

“Probably in that bag. I can feel that it is a magic item.”

“Yes! I received this from the First-time Privilege, an incredible Travelling Merchant only equipment!”

Porta tapped the bag she was hugging to let them see.

“This bag alone can store up to three hundred items! Items’ size and weight are not an issue! All your luggages can be left to me!”

“Well, incredible! You have a convenient storage tool......I feel sorry for myself who is still rejoicing from a futon compression bag.”

“Every year before summer, mom works up a sweat to pack the futon......”

“But Maa-kun has never helped me even a single time.”

“D-Don’t say that kind of thing......I will properly help from now on......”

A futon compression bag could squeeze the futon flat, so that it would take up less s.p.a.ce to store more, it was really convenient. Leaving that aside.

“I now understand how profitable it will be to have a Travelling Merchant as a companion. But that’s not all there is, right? You have other skills written in the doc.u.ments, don’t you?”

“Yes! I have learned the appraisal skill! I can know the name and effect of an obtained item immediately! I can also tell its price! And then, and then, I have remembered many item creation skills! I can make the necessary items myself!”

“That’s what I am looking for the most. Is it ok to a.s.sume that recovery items and support items will be a non-issue with Porta around?”

“Yes! Please leave them to me!”

Porta saluted respectfully, her crystal clear eyes brightened up as she looked straight forward. She’s a good girl. Very good. He would like to be something more than just a companion with her.

However.

“Fumu. I have heard about Porta’s appeal points so far, but......let me be blunt, there are not only good points, right? There should also be negative aspects. Am I wrong?”

Masato asked with a mean interviewer face......I want to see that cute troubled face again, he could not deny that he was thinking about it a little.

However, Porta replied with her pure eyes without wavering.

“I have registered as a non-combatant! Therefore, I cannot fight!”

“I see......then you are totally out of combat force. There won’t be an increase in combatants huh......”

“But, but, for that part, I will manage your luggages and item production! I will try my best within my ability! You can tell me anything! I will work hard!”

“Fumu......”

Masato and Porta maintained eye contact for a while. Even so, Porta’s eyes were unwavered.

This girl is a good girl. A good girl without doubt. She’s clearly a good girl, not to mention having decent skills. On top of that, she’s even a rare test player.

Perfect without a single speck was exactly talking about her.

“Hey Maa-kun, it’s already enough. Mom has already decided, you know?”

Mamako had already raised the O sigh. *Pinpon pinpon.* Pa.s.sed.

“Yeah. I have no objection......Then......”

“Porta-chan, I welcome you to be my daughter-in-law!”

“Yes! I will become your daughter-in-law!”

Porta became his bride. Atta boy. Loli bride honeymoon.

“Bring it on, but that’s not it!......Oi, mom! We are here to find companions! You better stop trying to find me a girlfriend or a bride!”

“T-That’s true, sorry!”

“Good. Then once again......Porta, will you become our companion?”

“Yes! I will do my very best! Please take care of me!”

Travelling Merchant Porta became their companion.

“Please take care of me from now on, Porta.”

“Please take care of me as well! Erm......Hero-sama! Hero’s mom-sama!”

“Hey hey. We are companions already, so that stiff way of calling is no good. It’s fine to call me [mom] or [Mama], you know? You can call Maa-kun as [Maa-kun].”

“Spare me from that. Call me Masato normally is fine. By the way, mom’s name is Mamako.”

“Then, I will call you Masato-san and Mama-san. Is that alright......?”

“Ok. Use a more flexible way of speech if possible, but we will probably become more familiar when we go on a journey together. Let’s do lots of companion-like things from now on.”

“Yes! I will work hard!”

She clenched her small hand and made a ‘work hard’ pose. What’s with this cute living thing. That cuteness drove Masato to knead Porta’s face on impulse. “Hau~! It’s twickrish!” “Mufufu. Isn’t it fine, isn’t it fine.” “Maa-kun......” “Hah!? Don’t look at me with those sad eyes!?” His desire exploding before his mother was a serious danger.

Well then.

“Now, let’s keep increasing our companions, just like that!”

“That’s right. Mom will also keep going with mom’s interview.”

̶