บท 95: She Gains a New Companion
"Heh, friends, huh?" Oracle's eyes narrowed pleasantly. "I do not object to becoming friends to you. But...although we may be friends, that doesn't mean you can skip the protocol. You still need to get the approval of the other protectorates, first, if you want to contact the demon king." Oracle explained.
Robin grinned. "As it should be. Thank you, friend, for maintaining your precepts."
"And make sure to send me more interesting recipes, if you can. I can offer you food products from our port market at half price, if you do." Oracle slyly added.
"Oh, a friendly discount?" Robin laughed. "I'll remember. I have already gathered many food products already. But, how will I send you the recipes?"
Oracle smiled, and clapped his hands. A lady dressed in white somewhat shyly stepped out of a side door. A white veil with a blue talisman painted on it obscured her facial features. A small crystal ball hung from a delicate black chain upon her neck.
"Take my assistant, Chelsea, along with you to observe. Although I may not be able to come along with you, due to my duties, she and I share a unique connection. Whatever she sees and hears concerning food will be transmitted to me within the day."
Robin looked at Chelsea. "The way will be rough. Are you sure you wish to come?"
"While my fighting abilities are not much, I am skilled in healing using water magic." Chelsea uttered, her voice whispery and small.
"But, do you wish to come?" Robin asked her again. Robin didn't see what the big deal was, but Jasmine did. Everyone knew that healing spells were conducted using light mana. To claim to be able to do the same with water, even though it was not heresy, was looked down upon as a lesser form of healing. Jasmine didn't say anything to Robin, though. This was her way of showing support.
Chelsea paused, examining Robin's face through her veil. She saw neither discrimination, nor disgust in Robin's eyes. To Robin, water healing was no different than light healing.
Chelsea didn't speak; she couldn't speak. Such a comrade was better than she could ever have hoped for. She nodded firmly, despite the lump in her throat.
"Okay then! Welcome to the crew!" Robin grinned, holding her hand out for a handshake. Chelsea shook Robin's hand, then curtsied a belated greeting to her new companions.
"Heeeh? I'm surprised. Most humans would think twice before adding a water healer to their party." Oracle observed with a teasing look on his face. "Are you sure?"
"Hmm? Isn't it fine?" Robin said, not quite understanding Oracle's question.
"It's not like I'm forcing her to come. Chelsea decided it on her own, so why do I need to prevent her? Moreover she has healing spells! Isn't that a great way to balance out the party?
Rather, it seems like there are almost too many damage dealers, and not enough support. A healer is a perfect addition to this motley crew!"
Oracle laughed out loud. "Good, good! It looks like you've found a set of good companions after all, Chelsea!"
Chelsea blushed. "Muuu, stop teasing me, big brother!"
"Eh!?"
"Big brother!?" Gerard and Christian were surprised.
"I had no idea!" Jasmine exclaimed.
"Ah. Chelsea, you weren't supposed to say anything, yet!" Oracle scolded.
"Hummph! It's your fault for eating up all the sushi, and not leaving any for me!" Chelsea huffed.
"Ho? Somehow that character is not quite according to first impressions..." Kenneth noted.
"Doesn't that just mean she came out of her shell?" Robin said, in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Eh? How did you know I was born from a shell? Do you have an inspection magic?" Chelsea asked, in surprise.
Robin paused, speechless for a moment, then looked away, awkwardly.
"You misunderstood me. I didn't know of your origins. That was just a saying from my homelands. To 'come out of one's shell' means to begin acting like a normal person, instead of a shy tongue-tied little child."
Robin explained.
"Oh, my-my apologies!" Chelsea stuttered, visibly flustered. Oracle held his head in his hands as he struggled to keep from laughing at this naive little sister of his.
"No worries. You didn't know, after all." Robin waved the apology aside. "But, unless it is necessary, it is probably best to keep personal information to yourself."
"Oh, is that why you are acting like you aren't a g-"Ahem!"" Oracle interrupted Chelsea's words just in time.
"My apologies. She can be quite loose with her words at times." Oracle sighed. "As siblings, it is quite hard to hide anything from her."
Robin understood. "Well, I'd appreciate if you kept my personal information a secret, Chelsea."
"Muuu...It's such a waste, though..." Chelsea pouted.
"One full course buffet of sushi." Robin offered in exchange.
"You've got a deal!" Chelsea cheerfully agreed.
Jasmine watched, but didn't say anything. She was already making plans to become good friends with Chelsea. Since Chelsea had also seen Oracle's vision, then perhaps bribing-er treating Chelsea to some nice goodies and foods would help loosen her lips a bit, as Oracle's words couldn't be heard earlier. She also needed to ensure Chelsea doesn't blurt out Robin's big secret. That was probably the most important factor.
Christian's ears had pricked up. 'Aren't acting like a g-'? What did Chelsea mean? Guardian? Gourmet? Grandmaster? ... Goody-two-shoes?... Christian couldn't figure it out. He planned to ask Chelsea about it later, perhaps by offering some tasty foods...
Robin stood in between the two schemers and chuckled. They were cousins, all right! When they were planning something, they made the exact same face.
At that point, Christian and Jasmine both looked at Robin and asked.
""What?""
"Huhuhu, nothing~!" Robin answered.
Gerard began to look a bit sad as he sighed. More people meant even less food for him. He thought to himself as he nibbled on the second cookie. He would have to try harder at swiping samples for himself from now on.
Ponzu felt a cold shudder run down his back. Had he forgotten to turn off the oven? He rubbed his goosebumps as he tried to figure out what was wrong...
"I can't come along with you." Oracle told Robin once more. "But I can give you some advice. No matter who among the other demon protectorates you choose to visit, save Protectorate Camber for last. It doesn't show when he is governing his town, even though there are many humans under him. But, since many of his friends and family died in a war long ago to the hero at that time, he bears quite the grudge."
Robin paused, then nodded. "Thanks for the advice. Demon Protectorate Oracle, huh?" Robin ruminated. "That's somewhat of a mouthful to say."
"At the time, it was what we called ourselves." Oracle sighed. "If only the diplomatic party had a better naming sense. They simply took it at face value."
"I agree. Even 'Guardian' would be better than that. Guardian Oracle sounds kinda cool, don't you think?" Robin said thoughtlessly.
"Guardian, huh?..." Oracle considered it, then nodded. "I will consider it, and let you know if we decide to change it."
"Eh?" Robin didn't understand.
"Your suggestion, I will contact the other protectorates to consider changing the title." Oracle explained.
"Er...okay?" Robin felt a bit awkward. "You don't have to change it just because I complained."
"No, we also felt the title was a bit boorish. A new title should be a refreshing change." Oracle smiled.
"Do as you wish, then." Robin shrugged.
"I think we have covered everything you wish to consult me about, for now. Shall I extend an invitation to stay the night?" Oracle asked.
Robin tilted her head to think about it, then turned her head to look at her companions. While, personally, she was fine with it, she also valued her friends' judgement.
Chelsea nodded her head, encouragingly. Keith shrugged. He was fine either way. Gerard just watched as he nibbled his cookie. No matter which Robin chose, he would come along. Jasmine pursed her lips, consideringly, then smiled at Robin. Ponzu nodded. he wanted to consult with the mansion's chefs about local recipes.
Robin turned back to Oracle, ignoring Christian's frown.
"Thank you, friend! We'd be delighted!" She answered.
"Hey, why did you ignore me!?" Christian objected.
"Because Robin already knows that you're a trouble magnet." Jasmine teased. "So not following your advice would be the safest method!"
"What!?" Christian's expression was so disturbed, that Robin couldn't help but burst out laughing.
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