Chapter 15 – Fluffy & Squishy

____________________「Alright, Aria. Come on over to the counter. You’re here about the goblin extermination, right?」

「Ah, that’s right. Sorry, I got a little excited…」

Aria’s attention was drawn away from the little behemo—”elemental kitten” between her breasts, now named Tama, and back to the reason she went to the guild in the first place. Regardless, one of her hands wouldn’t leave Tama’s head, slowly petting and scratching him more affectionately than before.

Uh, Master… That thing you said before, what is that supposed to mean? No, there’s no way an innocent girl like Master could… but… Fuck! What the hell does “nyan nyan” mean?!

Tama is Tama, after all. When Aria said something about her “first” it was difficult not to get flustered and think about it.

「Let’s get down to business then. Please let me see your proof of subjugation.」

「Right. Here we go…」

With Tama lost in thought and almost lost in Aria’s cleavage, she and Arnaldo took appropriate their positions at the reception counter. Aria removed the goblin ears from their pouch, and Arnaldo got to counting them out.

「2, 4, 6… Okay~. Ten ears, five goblins; quest completion confirmed. I’ll go have these appraised and prepare your reward, so go ahead and take a break in the bar or your usual spot.」

「Sure thing, Ana.」

Arnaldo mentioned appraising the ears. Aside from just receiving rewards for quest completion, the materials brought in as proof have their own value, and one of the guild’s functions is to process them for sale.

Monster materials are an essential part of daily life; they can be used for food, medicine and equipment. Goblin skin is tough and leathery, so it’s good for things like scabbards and satchels. The guild worker who appraises them is the one who decides whether they’re fit for the market.

「So, what should we do while we wait? The bar doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but…」

Aria touched her finger to her lips with a pensive look, her thoughts interrupted by a couple patrons.

「Hey, Aria, how about you come have a drink with us?」

「Heheh, it’ll be our treat and everything~」

The male adventurers flocked to her, some of them swinging around mugs of drink.

Hahh… Same as always. This happens any time I finish a quest.

She heaved a quiet sigh to herself. Aria loved some of the dishes the guild’s bar served—enough that she’d have them every day if she could—but she couldn’t even enjoy a meal without the guys in the building swarming her.

「I’m sorry. I appreciate the invitation, but I have something I need to take care of once I’m finished here…」

「I, I see. See you later, then…」

The men obediently dispersed, knowing the wrath of the receptionist “lady” would be brought down on them if they started being a real problem. Arnaldo was on high alert, too, after what happened with Kassman.

Hm. Seems like my existence serves as an extra deterrent to these creeps hovering around Master. I’ll have to make sure not to slack off in keeping them away.

Tama, watching the apprehensive men from somewhere in Aria’s chest, nodded to himself.

「I guess there’s no helping it. Let’s wait on the bench today. But… Fufu, at least I won’t be lonely anymore with you around, right Tama?」

「Nyao~」

She looked regretful for only a moment, turning back to her normal smile as she pet Tama. The kitten responded with a joyful purr, roughly translated as 「Of course! I’d never let my master feel lonely in a thousand years!」

◆

「Tickle tickle~!」

「Nyaha~ (S-Stop, Master!)」

Sat comfortably on a bench, Tama was turned belly-up on Aria’s lap, tickled until he was nearly crying.

「Fufu~… Your belly’s so fuzzy and warm, but… this looks soft too…」

「NYA (GH! MASTER NO, DON’T TOUCH THAT)…?!」

「Squishy, squishy~!」

「NYAAAAAAAA——!!」

Tama’s screams could be heard throughout the entire guild.