kscans

Chapter 28 - A Monster Repellent for Just the Two of Them

For defense, Mireille was making a monster-repelling necklace using the Helkaarn paste she had spread around the tent yesterday.

The paste made from the Helkaarn's blood contained a dense amount of mana, and as long as that mana didn't run out, it was a very powerful monster repellent. But that alone wasn't enough. It had to make monsters think, "Stay away."

"Something like ultrasound... the remnants of a defeated monster..." Mireille thought as she mixed in a little of the Helkaarn's magic core. Her heart pounded a little at using such a high-class item she normally wouldn't touch. But it was a perfect match for the paste, and they blended together instantly.

She sealed it inside a Protective Shell Stone. This stone created a physical and magical shell to protect the wearer.

She made two of the same and attached them to a metal base, completing the necklace's top piece. Wearing this should provide some peace of mind.

A thought flickered through her mind. "A pair...?" She shook her head vigorously. No, it was made from Helkaarn blood, so there was nothing romantic about it. It couldn't possibly look like a matching set.

Mireille's face turned bright red. She silently chided herself for blushing over something like this.

When she appraised it, it cut physical and magical attacks by 50 percent.

"Hmm, I guess 100 percent is impossible..."

With the remaining paste, she modified a bell to improve its monster-repelling properties. It was now more powerful than before and lasted for three hours.

"Helkaarn, you're amazing...!" She couldn't help but do a small fist pump.

As she was doing this, she heard the sound of Leonhard returning from below. He was climbing the spiral staircase carrying a large amount of luggage. Mireille hurried to help him.

"Thank you... that's a lot of luggage."

"Yeah, it seems more dangerous than I thought, so I figured I'd spend the nights here for a few days. If it's alright with you, could I borrow the fourth floor?"

Leonhard averted his gaze as he asked. He had thought to get her permission before bringing his bedding, but he'd be in trouble if she said no. He planned to stay here whenever he was worried in the future anyway. So, he had already brought it to make it harder for her to refuse.

"Are you sure...? Won't... won't your close friends or anyone misunderstand?" She remembered the gift of underwear from an unknown person. There was also Darius's arranged marriage proposal. She just hoped she wouldn't cause any trouble for Leonhard...

"Ah... so you'd rather not?" Leonhard's heart sank a little.

But Mireille shook her head vigorously.

"I... would feel much safer. I wouldn't have to be alone. I was just worried that I might become an obstacle between you and someone you have feelings for, or someone who has feelings for you..."

Mireille's ears turned red, and her hands fidgeted.

Leonhard was handsome and kind even to a stranger like her. His good character was plain to see. He was an elite of the First Knight Order and at a suitable age for marriage. There was no way there wasn't someone who had feelings for him.

"Unfortunately, there's no one like that, and I don't seem capable of finding someone on my own. That's why the Supreme Commander worried and introduced you to me."

Leonhard gave a wry smile. He must have taken a shower. A faint scent of soap wafted from him. Mireille's heart pounded, and she instinctively looked away.

"What were you doing just now?" Leonhard asked, glancing at the third floor as he carried his bedding up to the fourth.

"Oh, right. I was making a tool."

Mireille showed him the monster-repelling necklace, which was anything but fashionable. She felt a little embarrassed.

"It's not a perfect monster repellent, but... it's a necklace top that cuts physical and magical attacks by 50 percent. I couldn't get it to 100 percent, and it's not very pretty, but... I hope it can serve as a charm."

The dull black stone was indeed not very attractive.

"If we each wear one, it should be a little helpful, right?" Mireille said, her voice sounding like an excuse as she showed it to him. Leonhard's eyes lit up.

"Isn't this amazing! Does such a thing even exist! I've never seen anything like it!" Leonhard exclaimed, gently taking it in his hand.

"Um... it's not very pretty, though."

"What are you talking about! Don't you realize its value? This is incredible!"

Mireille couldn't help but let out a small, "Ehe..." and a smile. Her face turned red from a mix of embarrassment and the joy of being praised.

Amidst Leonhard's excitement and awe, Mireille felt a little shy, but her chest was filled with a warm, fuzzy feeling.