Chapter 131: Insect Catching Net

　After returning from the knight’s quarters, I immediately set about making butterfly net. The handle and the loop at the end can be made quickly. Now I just need to make the net. Would I use lace curtains?　But if I ask for it, I’m sure I’ll get a very nice one. It doesn’t have to be that fancy to use it for a butterfly net.

　After much hesitation, I decided to make it myself. This way, I can make the size of the weave to my liking, and I only need thread as the material. When I asked the servant for some thread, he brought it to me even though he tilted his head.

“It was a good thing I had the ‘sewing skill’. It’s not just for making stuffed animals. I can also do lace knitting.”

　I quickly wove the threads together to make a net just the right size for an insect net. I think I only need about five insect nets, including a spare.　I don’t use that much moonlight butterfly scales, so it’s enough.

　While I was swinging the finished net in my room to see how it felt to use, Rosalia and Mira came over to me.

“What is that, brother?”

“It’s a butterfly net.”

“Kyu?”

“It’s a tool to catch insects like this.”

　There were no insects nearby, so I caught Mira’s head instead. It was a good fit.

“Kyu~!”

　Mira screamed, though I don’t know if it’s because she was pleased or not. She looked up at me when I removed the net. Apparently, she was having a good time. When I caught her again, she squeaked and squealed with delight.

“I want to try it, too, brother.”

“It’s okay, but don’t break it.”

　I handed Rosalia a butterfly net and she began to play with it, catching Mira. Yeah, yeah, it’s good that the two of them get along well. After letting her play with it for a while, I went to deliver the net to the knights. I also brought a jar for storing the material. These bottles are designed to be airtight when the lids are on.

　When I arrived at the knight’s lodge, the “Killer Bee’s Honey Collecting Team” had already left. They act fast. Even though it was only a little before noon.

　I headed for the knight’s office, feeling grateful.

“Lionel, are you there?”

“Julius-sama, how can I help you?”

　I rang the door chime and Lionel came out immediately.  Is that a work schedule on his desk?　It seems that he has been forced to make some adjustments because of my insistence. I’m kind of sorry about that.

“I made a tool for catching moonlight butterflies. It’s a butterfly net.”

“When did you…I don’t know how you come up with the tools you need so easily.”

　Lionel’s eyebrows furrowed in amazement or dismay. One way to look at it is that it’s both. Well, either way is fine.

“With this, we should be able to catch the moonlight butterflies efficiently. I want you to put the collected scales in this.”

“I understand. I will be responsible for telling them. Are these materials the ingredients for the transformation potion you mentioned?”

“Yes, they are. You see what I’m talking about? The rest of the ingredients are just killer bee honey and scales of the moonlight butterfly.”

　Lionel shakes his head when he hears this. He looks like he wants to say he can’t believe it. It is true that it would be a terrible thing if it were that easy to make magic potions that could be used for bad things, depending on how they were used.

“You have to be thorough with the management of magic potions.”

“Don’t worry. The process of making a transformation potion determines who the potion will transform into. This time, the potion can only transform into me.”

“What?”

　If you want to transform into someone else, you have to make a new transformation potion. The hair is the medium for this, and it would be difficult to obtain it without the consent of the other person. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that the transformation potion will be used for crime.

“There’s only so much you can do when you’re me.”

“Ha, ha ……”

　Lionel’s mouth is drawn back. Apparently, he doesn’t think so. But I really don’t think there’s much you can do. Maybe being spoiled by mother?　No way Lionel ……!

　I just thought about it, but wouldn’t it be possible to talk to Mira if I had her take on my form? I’m a little worried because Mira can’t say anything. If she’s not happy with her current situation.

　From the way I look at Mira, she doesn’t seem to be dissatisfied, but there may be something in her gut that she just can’t say out. I’ve been wanting to have a good talk with her. I’ll give it a try when the transformation potion is completed.

　Now I’m all set. I’ve done all I can do. If it were possible, I would have liked to go and gather the killer bee honey and moonlight butterfly scales myself, but my current situation would not allow me to do so.

　I hope to be independent soon so that I can go out and gather materials freely. Then again, maybe I should work on my combat skills more.

　Well, I can use magic quite well since I have inherited it from the game, and although it is inferior to magic, I can also perform close combat reasonably well. First of all, I’d have to train my muscles. I need to train my body to be able to use my combat skills well enough.

　It’s not that I’m slacking off, but I don’t think I’ve done much combat training lately. It seems I won’t be able to go out freely for a while, so I’ll use this time as a boot camp for myself.

　Better hurry. Let’s start now.

“Lionel, I’m borrowing the training ground.”

“Huh? What are you going to do?”

“I’m practicing swordsmanship.”

“We do self-defense training every day, don’t we?”

　It seems that Lionel doesn’t think I need any more training. It is true that nobles do not have many opportunities to engage in non-magical combat. Therefore, most nobles only train in self-defense. But I am different.

“Not that. To train like everybody else does.”

　Lionel’s eyes widened. He was clearly surprised. But, Brother Cain does it all the time when he comes home, right?　I don’t know why he gets that look on his face when I tell him I’m going to do it.

“No, but …… it would be terrible if you got hurt.”

　Oh, maybe he thinks I can’t do it?　That’s a little offensive. I’m going to have to show them that I can not only use magic, but also do swordsmanship, spearmanship, archery, and other martial arts

“Fine, Lionel. Come to the front.”

　I took Lionel and headed for the training ground.

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