Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 28: Evolution
About three hours had passed since I began silently working on the farm, when Sheila, who had gone to the royal capital, returned.
The fact that she was able to make a round trip over that distance—and report on Mika’s situation—within this timeframe was truly impressive.
And on top of that, Sheila wasn’t even out of breath. I couldn’t help but admire her as I listened to her report.
“Sheila, welcome back. Sorry for sending you all the way to the capital.”
“No need to apologize; it’s no trouble at all. I’ve informed one of the heroes about Mika.”
“What did they say?”
“They plan to come for her after a short while. They seemed very concerned, so when they do come, I think you should talk to them.”
“I agree. Whether she decides to go back or not, it’s important to have that conversation.”
“…Got it.”
A short while ago, Mika had been happily playing with Lime, but now her mood had noticeably dropped.
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to meet them—it seemed more like she was feeling awkward about it.
“For now, let’s put Mika’s situation on hold until someone comes to talk about it… Sheila, I do have something I’d like to ask you.”
“To me? What is it you’d like to ask?”
“Mika fed Lime a lot of magic cores, and its body color changed. Do you have any idea what might have caused that?”
“Body color…? It does look darker now, and even the core has slightly changed shape.”
Sheila approached Lime, who was sitting beside Mika, examining it closely.
I was hopeful she might figure something out.
“Hmm… I see. I believe Lime is no longer a slime.”
“No longer a slime? What do you mean?”
“Exactly as I said. I think it’s evolved into a Dark Slime. Feeding it magic cores likely triggered a species evolution. I wasn’t aware that monsters could evolve, but judging by its body color and the changes in its core, it’s definitely no longer a regular slime. It’s now a Dark Slime.”
A species evolution into a Dark Slime. The phrase alone was enough to stir excitement.
I assumed that meant Lime had grown stronger thanks to the magic cores Mika fed it.
“Are Dark Slimes stronger monsters than regular slimes?”
“They’re generally considered to be, yes. But personally, I don’t think the difference in abilities is that significant. They’re just troublesome because they blend into darkness and often live in caves or dark places.”
“I see. So, it’s more like a slight upgrade in abilities. Still, it’s pretty amazing that Lime evolved.”
When it comes to slimes, there’s always the impression that they come in many varieties.
Even the item catalog lists other types like Heal Slime, Ash Slime, Helmet Slime, and Gold Slime, in addition to regular Slimes and Dark Slimes.
Thinking about that… if I were to give Lime more magic cores, would it evolve into a completely different type of slime?
Earlier, I was more worried about the sudden transformation, but now I felt excited.
Of course, I had no intention of using Lime as a test subject.
“Oh, so Lime evolved because of the magic cores I gave it! Is this… a good thing?”
“I don’t think evolution is ever bad, per se. But if it evolves too often in a short period, it might put a strain on its body.”
“Then, just like you said earlier, I won’t give it any more magic cores for now. Even if it loves them, it’ll have to wait.”
Mika bent down and patted Lime, who was clinging to her feet.
It was a heartwarming scene, but for some reason, Sheila looked at Mika with a fiery intensity.
“…Mika. I’ve been debating whether or not to say this, but I can’t hold back anymore. Please stop calling Sato-san ‘mister.’ Address him properly as Sato-san.”
“—Ah, sorry about that. I didn’t know his name, so I just called him ‘mister.’”
“No, no, it’s fine. I don’t mind at all. After all, I really am a mister.”
“No, it’s absolutely not fine! While you’re here, he’s Sato-san, and I’m Sheila. Didn’t Velvet-sama say the same thing to you?”
Sheila then turned a sharp gaze toward me.
It was true; Velvet had said as much.
Given Mika’s situation—being young, pulled into another world, and suddenly expected to bear the pressure of being a hero—I may have unconsciously been too soft on her.
Still, I didn’t mind being called ‘mister.’
“Sheila’s right. Mika, as she said, please call me Sato, and address Sheila as Sheila.”
“Got it! Neither of you want honorifics, so Sato and Sheila it is?”
“Well, I do feel like you’re skipping a few steps, but… fine. Anyway, Sato-san, let’s get back to farming. I imagine there’s still a lot left to do.”
“Yeah. With Lime’s evolution and all, there’s quite a bit left to finish.”
“If it’s that much work, I’ll help! Watching you guys made me think it looks kind of fun.”
“Really? Thank you so much!”
With Sheila back and Mika offering to help, we resumed farming together.
Even though Mika wasn’t familiar with the work, I was reminded once again how much faster everything goes with three people.