The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick up Trash - Volume 2 - Chapter 75

Chapter 75:

Sora’s Test

“UM…” I stammered.

“Yeah?”

“But how did you guess that Mira was a traitor?”

“Huh?” Everyone gasped and looked at me, confused.

What? Did they already tell me? No, I don’t think so… They only mentioned that she was with a troublemaker and that Marm was there, too.

“We didn’t actually tell you, did we? I guess, deep down, we still don’t want to admit it.” Seizerk grinned weakly. Everyone but Rattloore had some version of the same expression. “Anyway, here’s what happened. I couldn’t get what Rattloore said about you and Mira out of my head. That’s why I noticed the way the merchant, Mira, and Marm all looked at you. I realized that’s exactly how slave traders eye their potential wares. That’s when I started to have my doubts about them, but it was what Rickbert said about Marm that really put the nail in the coffin.”

“I didn’t notice them looking at Ivy,” Rickbert added. “Heck, I didn’t really believe Rattloore to begin with. Imagine doubting your own comrades like that. So to prove it, after I saw Mira and Marm talking with the merchant, I asked them, ‘Who’s that guy? Friend of yours?’ I wanted them to say yes, but they answered, ‘Guy’s lost, he asked us for directions.’”

“Rick here really spooked me with that stunt,” Bolorda chuckled. “If they’d guessed we were on to them, they’d could’ve gone 

to ground. But thanks to his gamble, we learned they were hiding their relationship with that merchant. That’s about when I started to have my doubts, too.”

Rattloore chimed in, “We went shopping for dinner together right after. They were definitely wary of us, though they hid it so well that you wouldn’t notice unless you were already watching them closely. They were just like all the rats we’d dealt with before.”

“I see…”

The weird feeling I’d gotten from Rickbert occasionally was because he hadn’t trusted me, then? That was fair. Of course you’d trust your friends more than some kid who appeared out of nowhere. It made me wonder all the more why Rattloore was so quick to protect me, though.

Seizerk sighed. “Better steel yourselves, everyone. It’s not gonna be easy.”

Bolorda and Rattloore agreed. Rickbert looked a little sad.

“So, Ivy, this is where you come in,” Bolorda began.

“If you mean acting as bait, I’m ready.”

“Well, that’s part of it, but no. First, I want you to help us consider who we can safely talk to about this.”

Um, I don’t understand. Who’s safe to talk to? Does that mean he hasn’t told everyone yet? I guess it’s possible that Verdant Wind might not be the only traitors, so he’s keeping it between us?

“As in, consider who else might be working with the traffickers?” I asked.

“Well, to be honest, I don’t wanna think about it. But Rattloore insisted we talk about it between the five of us.”

“I told you, if we’re gonna drag Ivy into this, we have to hear his opinion!” It seemed Rattloore was against the bait plan. But they weren’t dragging me in, I was already in the middle of it—I was the one people were trying to kidnap.

“Thank you for being so considerate of me, Mr. Rattloore.”

“If you’re really up to it, there’s nothing I can do…but be careful, okay?”

“I will.”

“Let’s get back to business,” Seizerk cut in. “Ivy, we’ll tell the GM everything, including our plan for you. The final decision will mostly fall to him. We’ll have him keep this hush-hush from the nobles, too. That work, Bolorda?”

“Yeah. As long as we don’t know who the rat is, we’d better keep this out of noble ears.”

I tilted my head at their conversation. It seemed like Bolorda had strong feelings about nobles.

“There’s only one member of the nobility Bolorda respects. He always takes care to keep that person in the loop,” Rattloore explained as if he’d read my mind.

“Why does he respect them?”

“I think they saved his life or something?”

His life? Huh? I think Rickbert mentioned that, too…

“Yeah, I do owe him my life. Man…suddenly, everyone seems suspicious.” Bolorda sighed and looked down to the ground.

Saved his life? Taking advantage of someone’s gratitude is a common method of avoiding suspicion… Hm? That must be knowledge from Past Me, too. Why does she know so much about this stuff? Did she live in a world full of treachery? That sounds scary…

While I was lost in thought, Bolorda ruffled my hair. “It’s okay, Ivy. I’m not worried about it.”

“Oh! Sorry. I’m fine.” I’ll think about my past self later. Anyway, I appreciate the wisdom. “By the way, is this Gee-Em person trustworthy?”

“Hm? Oh, GM—short for guild master. He’s the top brass in the adventurers’ guild. Don’t worry about him.”

Ooh, it’s an abbreviation? I feel like I’ve heard “guild master” somewhere… When though? Well, whatever.

“I trust you to share this with whomever you think is necessary,” I answered finally.

“Got it. I’ll tell the rest of the Lightning Royals, and Seizerk will tell the rest of Sword of Flames. The GM will probably only tell the captain and vice-captain. We’ll make sure they keep this under wraps in front of anyone who we’re uncertain about.”

“Your other two team members are all right, aren’t they, Bolorda? Same for mine, of course.”

“I trust them. Or I’d like to, at least.”

“I said this before, but Sora thinks they’re fine,” I chimed in.

“Really?”

“Yes. If you’re worried, though, I could ask it now?”

“If you’re gonna do that, do you mind if I come with you, Ivy?” Rattloore asked.

“Umm, I’ll ask Sora.” I went back to my tent and nudged Sora awake. The little slime never failed to surprise me with how easy it took it. “Sora, Rattloore wants to meet you. Is that okay?”

Sora quivered and stared at the tent’s entrance. 

I’ll take that as a yes.

“Mr. Rattloore, you can come in.”

Rattloore carefully entered the tent. He looked at Sora…and froze? Why? Is something wrong?

“Huh? What’s with that coloring? A translucent slime… Wow, really?”

I’d had a hunch translucent slimes were rare, and this confirmed it. Looks like I’ll have to keep Sora stowed away even after this is over.

“Mr. Rattloore?”

“Oh! Er, sorry. Umm, so that’s your little Sora?”

“Yes. Is it that unusual for slimes to be see-through?”

“I’ve…only heard about them in stories and legends.”

“In legends…” Wait! Stay on track. “Sora, umm, do you remember Bolorda and his friends? I can’t let you make any noise right now, but if they’re okay people, can you show me by quivering?”

Sora quivered in response.

“Is it safe for me to be with the four Lightning Royals?”

Sora quivered again.

“That’s a yes,” I explained.

“Hmm…are we sure it actually knows what you’re asking though?”

“I think it does.”

“Sorry, Ivy, let me try. Hi, Sora! I’m a member of the Lightning Royals.”

Sora stared fixedly at Rattloore. It really did understand.

“It looks like Sora says you’re wrong.”

“Hmm…wait just a sec,” he said.

What? Is it so unusual for a slime to be aware of its surroundings? But…I think it’s clear that Sora really is aware.

“Coming in.” Rickbert peeked into the tent and looked at the slime in amazement. It seemed Sora was a shocking sight. “That’s Sora, right?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Sora, I’m Seizerk.”

No reaction from Sora. Ack! It fell asleep!

“Wake up! We’re almost done, okay?”

“Heh heh heh,” Rickbert chuckled. “Sorry, one more. Hi, I’m Rickbert.”

Sora glanced at him and started quivering. It seemed a little grumpy, though.

“I think it’s angry ’cause we tested it. Sorry, Sora. We’ve just never seen a slime like you.”

Rickbert ducked out of the tent and started shouting about something outside. I guess he thought Sora’s responses were funny.

“Thanks, Sora.”

Sora rubbed up against my hand, bobbing and quivering contentedly. I patted the slime, and it started bouncing around me. I guess it was in a better mood now. Sora’s pretty cute when it’s mad, though.