Chapter 33
After breakfast, as Yuurai was about to leave the dining hall, she was stopped by Lipia.
"Yuurai, I have a small request."
"Hm? What is it?"
"Recently, the number of Monsters in the Northern Forest has been increasing. Since the adventurers from Grimoire are gone, there's no one to reduce their numbers. It's a bit too much for the Eyeless Tribe alone, so I'd like you to help with Monster extermination, Yuurai."
"Ah, come to think of it, I've been running into Monsters more often lately when heading to the Dungeon."
The Northern Forest, where the dark Dungeon is located, is a place where Monsters frequently appear. They aren't particularly strong, and to Yuurai, they're just small fry, but for most people, they're quite a nuisance.
"Normally, I should prepare a hefty reward for this, but... this is about all we can offer..."
What Lipia held out was a Silver-crafted Ring. It had some kind of pattern engraved on it, and it was very beautiful.
"What's that?"
"It's a ring that makes it easier to sense magical energy. It's also called the Third Eye. When you wear it, even if you're not from the Eyeless Tribe, you can perceive your surroundings through magical presence just as well as they can."
"Oh... That sounds useful. Can I try it on?"
"Ah, I'll put it on for you!"
Lipia took Yuurai's left hand and slipped the ring onto her ring finger.
(Left ring finger... It's like a wedding ring. Does it have some kind of meaning here?)
At any rate, wearing the ring seemed to enhance her ability to sense magical energy. When she closed her eyes, she could clearly feel her surroundings even in a world of darkness. She could sense not only people but also the magical energy residing in inanimate objects.
"Wow... This is amazing. I could vaguely sense magical energy before, but now I can perceive it much more clearly."
Front, back, left, right, up, and down. She could sense everything, leaving no blind spots. This would be a significant advantage in combat.
Furthermore, by focusing her mind, she could even perceive things beyond walls. It seemed she could see through about two layers of walls.
(...This is kind of a naughty ability. I can see through clothes too. If I were still a guy, I'd be blushing right now.)
However, it wasn't so much that she could see clear outlines; rather, she could roughly imagine shapes by sensing the flow of magical energy.
"This is nice. As a reward, it's more than enough."
To begin with, she wasn't short on money. She had taken over a lord's castle, and she could consider the contents of the treasury as her own, so she didn't need anything more.
"I'm glad it's enough. So, will you help with the Monster extermination?"
"Got it. Then, shall we head out right away? Claire, is that okay with you?"
"...Fine, I guess. But."
Claire grabbed Yuurai's left hand and removed the ring.
"Claire?"
"...You might not know this, but a ring on the left ring finger is a symbol of engagement or marriage. If it's just an accessory, people usually wear it on a different finger."
Claire slid the ring onto Yuurai's left middle finger instead.
"Oh... I see..."
Claire's eyes were incredibly cold. As cold as when she had cut off Ceres's arm.
"Lipia."
"What?"
"...I don't know what kind of culture the Eyeless Tribe has regarding rings. But over here, we have this custom, so don't casually put a ring on someone's left ring finger."
"Okay!"
Even under Claire's icy gaze, Lipia only smiled brightly.
If Lipia had eyes, wouldn't this turn into a glaring contest?
(Huh? What? Is something starting here?)
"Yuurai, sorry about that. I'll be more careful next time. Also, I'd like to join you for the Monster extermination."
"Ah... Yeah. If it's just surface Monsters, it should be fine with Lipia along..."
"Yuurai. There's always a chance something could go wrong. Let's go, just the two of us."
Claire's tone left no room for argument. Yuurai had no choice but to nod. She couldn't even say that it would probably be fine if they strengthened themselves.
Lipia frowned slightly.
Then, Lipia leaned close to Yuurai's ear and whispered softly.
"Then, tonight, can you sleep in my room with me? I feel lonely by myself."
Before Yuurai could respond, Claire pulled her away from Lipia.
"Yuurai, let's go already. The sooner we deal with the Monster extermination, the better."
"Ah, yeah, uh."
"Yuurai, I'll be waiting tonight!"
"Oh, huh?"
Yuurai, still confused, walked along as Claire pulled her by the hand.
"Um, Claire?"
"What?"
Claire's demeanor seemed to say, "Don't ask anything."
Yuurai didn't ask anything and followed Claire's lead.