Two more days until the goblin expedition returns.
『New function: Companion Menu unlocked!』
『All subordinates and partners have been added to the Companion Menu.』
'Show me the new menu, Saul.'
/-------------------------------------\
Companion Menu:
Partners:
- ▮▮▮▮▮▮▮ (50: Unknown) [Fiancee]
- Mia (67: Confused) [Potential Mate]
- Treyni (74: Curiously Passionate) [Lover]
Subordinates:
- Gobu-Ji (85: Venerate)
- Kishin (76: Loyal)
- Eve (67: Warily Trusting)
- Jesus(78: Respectful)
…
Demographics:
- Dryad
- Half-Lord: 2
- Ogre: 1
- Hobgoblin: 9
- Hobgoblin Mage: 3
- Hobgoblin Cleric: 1
- Goblin:14
Total: 31
\-------------------------------------/
Wow, that's handy. I was just about to ask Saul for a roster for the village after checking the updates to the system.
'That's great, Saul, but when did I get engaged???'
『That is…a complicated subject…』
'I would greatly appreciate it if you could uncomplicate it for me.'
『Sigh…』Did my skill just release a heavy sigh?
『Can I just give you the tl;dr?』
'…Fine'
『Your parents followed through with their threats and arranged for you a marriage. She is currently waiting for you to summon her here and I was sent along with you to help in that endeavor while rebuilding my spirit…』
'Wait, mom and the old man know I was sent to another world, and they are still mailing me a bride!?!'
『When you put it like that…』
'And how did you get wrapped up in this anyways? I thought you were just the spirit my skill got from evolving.'
『Err…suffice to say, I am a clone of sorts for your fiancee, but some stuff happened a long time ago, and now all that remained was my spirit.』
'Then how did you get mixed up with me?'
『In order to save myself from repeatedly becoming a servant to others, I made a deal to help you and your fiancee reconnect in this world. It was all somewhat quite troublesome after you suddenly left, you know.』
'So you are saying that I was previously married off, or rather, engaged, but because I reincarnated instead, you were sent to help me and my fiancee reunite. In exchange, you get what exactly?'
『Down to business, I like it. I have to help you reunite with your woman, who is kind of like a parent figure to me, and you have to help me reform my spirit and body. My soul will naturally be healed as you grow stronger, but the body is a whole other issue we can deal with later. By the way, I am not Saul.
Saul is the result of the system fusing with your skill and evolving it, but it's still just a bit more powerful overall. It hasn't gained its own intelligence, yet. I simply use it to communicate with you in the real world. That may influence it some, but it should still develop its own independent spirit in due time.』
I stopped and rubbed my temples while Mia practiced using her ice affinity with her magic arrows to skewer some monsters. Treyni was still holding my hand, and from time to time, she would give me a concerned look.
I smiled wryly and gave her hand a small squeeze to reassure her. Unfortunately, our little moment was interrupted when Treyni furrowed her brows.
She looked off into the distance for a moment before returning her gaze towards me with a smile. "There's a group of a half dozen orcs ahead. They seem to be scouting the area for something."
Oh? That should be interesting, then recalling one of the functions of my [Companion Menu], I selected both Mia and Treyni, then chose [Form Party].
Instantly, both Treyni and I could feel a connection to one another, and Mia soon discovered it as well. We were all connected to one another, not just the girls to me.
The connection was like our own little chat service. It included a voice chat that we all instinctively understood how to use. It was also much less invasive than telepathy and only shared what you wished.
From now on, I'd need to set up each of the goblin parties before we left. There were some other features, but this was the most significant for us at the moment.
'This is too much for me to focus on right now, so we'll talk more later. For now, can you at least tell me your name, miss?'
『Hmph. What makes you think I'm a woman?!』
'Well you are supposedly the clone of my wife-to-be, no?'
『So what! I'll be a man if I choose to!』
'Alright, alright. I got it. So what should I call you?'
『Hmph. You're not ready to know my name yet. You can simply call me Mo-san.』
Mo-san seemed like a typical tsundere, and I wouldn't be surprised if she had big father-issues. 'Alright Mo-san, we will talk more later. Based on what you've told me, I expect I can find you in my spiritual world?'
『'Of course, where else would I go. Hmph, I can't believe you keep such troublesome things in here though—'』
I felt my asauchi buzz for a moment, and then felt my connection with Mo-san disappear. Perhaps, it didn't like what s-he had to say.
Mia and I were quietly following Treyni through the treetops as we moved towards the suspicious group of orcs.
As we approached closer, I also detected several presences with high levels of magical power nearby. Perhaps they were the orcs' targets.
I warned my partners, and we slowed down as I waited for orcs to move beneath us. As a Dryad, Treyni had some neat crowd control spells to snare the enemy while Mia and I disarmed them. Literally.
Good thing I had my pyrokinesis skill so that I could cauterize those minor injuries. I devoured all but one of them and then left the girls to question the pig.
Apparently, their camp was being targeted by some rouge monsters, and now they were searching for the menaces.
More than thirty squads we're deployed by the remaining orc generals, each with at least ten people.
This squad had recently encountered the rogue monsters, hence their missing members.
Mia and Treyni stepped back as I withdrew my sword. With a single, swift strike, I removed the orcs head, and my sword devoured its soul.
I stored its corpse away using the sub-skills of [Celestial Devourer], then I turned to look toward our surroundings.
I was able to share what my various abilities had sensed with my party, therefore, we knew exactly where the hidden foes were.
Treyni, had already discovered that they were ogres rather than orcs, and that they seemed much more weary than aggressive towards us.
(What should we do, Orion? I can probably only pin one of them down with my arrows if we strike first. They should already be aware of Treyni's snare ability too.) Mia consulted me the team leader.
(I don't think they bare us any Ill will at the moment. As a species of battle-hardened warriors, though, I doubt my snare ability will work on them now that they have witnessed it for themselves.) Treyni added her own opinion.
(Alright, we will keep an eye on them while we hunt down some more of these orc squads. They are likely the escapees of the ogre tribe and are here for some sort of vengeance. It would be good if we win them to our side, but don't take any risks. You guys are my people and my first and foremost concern. If they attack, don't hold back.)
We continued hunting down several orc squads before the evening. Along the way, we captured several dozen orc prisoners in various shapes. We also were able to scout out the outskirts of the orc encampment before pulling back.
Naturally, the ogres had followed us along the way, so we did not return directly to the village. Instead, we led them to the clearing where we were previously attacked.
In the evening, the goblins had their own free time, but in the future, I would need to establish patrols to keep things under control in our territory.
For now, though, it was dinner time, and I wanted to relax our stalkers for a bit. I brought out the chickatrice and left it for Treyni and Mia to prepare while I collected up more fallen trees and branches from mine and Mia's mayhem the previous day.
Before I started collecting too many branches, Mo-san interrupted me.
『Hey, why don't you just beat them up and make them surrender? Didn't Treyni say they are a warrior race? Might makes right and all that?』
'I've already tried that with the goblins, now I'd like to try a different approach. I'm not really sure what the best way to lead or rule is. I'm just winging it here, though, you know?'
『…It's a big responsibility to lead others, even more so to rule over them. I might not have the best solutions, but you can consult me… if I'm not too busy.』Mo-san was definitely a tsundere.
'Umm… thanks, Mo-San. I'll keep that in mind.'
I wanted to ask her about her experience leading others, but she sounded kind of glum when she brought it up. Now is probably not a good time to bring it up.
『Umu, you can pay me back with delicious food once I get my body back!』
'It's a deal, anything in particular you like?'
『Hmm… nothing quite beats a delicious burger with cajun fries and a shake!』
'All great choices! I'll have to experiment some, but it shouldn't be too difficult to make you these things.'
『Hehehe! I can't wait!』
I couldn't help but smile as I chatted with Mo-san about the things she liked. Despite what she claimed, she was a straight forward and energetic young woman.
After collecting several trees and logs, I assembled a fire and withdrew all the cooking buttery and pans that Treyni requested. Tonight she was making a special dinner with the ingredients she had collected before.
During the hour it took to cook, I meditated with my sword a distance away, while Treyni and Mia chatted amongst themselves.
"Umm…what is going on between you…and Orion, if you don't mind me asking?" Mia nervously questioned the Dryad.
"Hmm, what do you mean, Mia?" Treyni pretended to be confused by her question.
"W-Well… this morning, you and he came down together… and you k-k-kissed him."
"Ah! Indeed! It was quite pleasant. I came back to see Orion, but he was already asleep, " she reminisced.
"Of course, he immediately awoke, but not wanting to disturb him or attract the attention of monsters, I simply laid beside him. Sadly, I didn't know there was a cost for such a thing, and he wound up embracing me all night…"
Listening to her embarrassed reminiscence seemed to trigger Mia as she clenched her fists. "How shameless!"
"Alas, I cannot complain. Lying there was the most comfortable I have ever been in this form, and it felt so natural I couldn't resist. Kind of like when he massa—"
"Don't remind me, Treyni. I'd prefer it if everyone forgot that that had ever happened!" Mia shouted flusteredly.
"Oh? Why are you embarrassed, Mia? Didn't you enjoy it, and didn't your magical energy increase in quality and quantity by a significant margin? I am curious if he can do such a thing for me too…"
"Do you even know what you're saying, lady Treyni? You are a respected spirit, and he is…is…is some sort of strange monster. Would you really allow him to touch you in such an intimate manner?"
"Ah, that's what concerns you… In truth, my people have already decided that I should try and seduce Orion to learn more about him, his intentions, and his capabilities."
"So, you were sold out?" Mia asked, concerned. "Even though Orion is a big bad wolf, I—I don't think he'll do anything you don't feel comfortable with. If you explain to him your circumstances, I'm sure—"
"Don't worry, little Mia. I've already explained all of this to Orion this morning. It will require certain things on my part, but he will allow me to stay and observe your group for the time being." she said, smiling wryly.
This, of course, worried Mia even more. "H-h-he isn't going to force you to do something perverted, will he?"
Treyni shook her head, "I don't think so… I guess if I want him to do those things, I'll need to initiate it on my own. For now, he's just asked me to be his hug-pillow…"
"I-initiate? You want him to do those sorts of things to you? And what is a h-hug-pillow?" Mia asked blushingly.
"Hmm? Of course, don't you?" Treyni asked, surprised. "Orion is a powerful and mysterious monster. I'm not sure how much you know about him, but he has a fascinating story. Not to mention, in his true form, it's nearly impossible for me to control myself around him. The scent he exudes is like it was designed solely to attract me to him… Are you not the same?"
"T-that is… it makes me feel weird inside, but I still just can't get over the fact that he murdered my… friend…" Mia said, speaking dejectedly towards the end. "When he makes me forget that, I feel…"
"Incredible?"
"Y-yeah. But, whenever the memories of the time I spent with hobu-Rou return, it feels like I am betraying him…"
"I see… were you two close?"
"I-I thought hobu-Rou would always be my side, or at the very least, I would give my life to avenge him… But then he was gone, and I couldn't do anything against his killer. You probably have a better idea of how strong Orion is than I do, lady Treyni. I couldn't lift a finger against him, much less avenge hobu-Rou…"
Treyni closed the lid on the curry and sat beside Mia to hug her. "Even I am unsure just how powerful Orion is, but I can tell that even right now, he is growing stronger by the minute.
I won't try and comfort you by telling you there is nothing you could have done, but I will tell you about what you can do. From what I understand, you can leave after Orion's guardianship is up. You could challenge him like your friend Kishin did. Or perhaps the best option would be to accept Orion and his faults, his sins.
He seems to genuinely care for you for some reason, and not just because you are cute. I saw several other cute hobgoblins this morning, and Orion didn't even spare them a second glance after greeting them.
You don't need to come up with an answer now, but think about what it is you want and then figure out the best way to achieve it. I'll lend an ear whenever I am around if you need to talk too, so don't worry too much."
Mia rested her hair on Treyni's ample bosom as she listened to the dryad's advice. "Thanks, Treyni. I think I know now why Orion demanded you to be his hug-pillow… I appreciate your advice and offer, too, of course. Can I ask you something personal, though?"
"Hmm?"
"Why do you trust Orion so much? He clearly views you with lust, and he also seems to see me the same way. He reminds me more of a villain that captures all the women than some sort of prince charming, so why do you seem to treat him like a l-lover?"
『Shi-shi-shi, Orion, you may be busy meditating, but this drama is quite entertaining for me…』