Chapter 3

The slime—a monster renowned for its weakness, with over 90% of its body composed of water.

Even a non-combatant civilian could crush it with a foot.

Its colorless, transparent body contained a core that could accumulate magic. It had gone unnoticed, covered in mud.

Its large, round eyes peeked out from between the mud. They seemed listless, drooping.

The moment I realized it was a slime, I was about to throw it. But I couldn't, as our eyes met.

It had clear eyes. If it had any hostility, it would have already attacked me.

This is the city center. Monsters are kept out by the Great Mage's barrier.

So, this slime must have been tamed.

Its owner must be somewhere nearby.

I stared at the slime for a while, but I couldn't keep doing that forever. I decided to ask, just in case.

"Um, where is your master?"

"I don't know."

"Y-You spoke!!"

I was so shocked that I nearly collapsed. I wish someone would praise me for not screaming.

"Water..."

"Water?"

"I'm drying out."

"Oh, drying out? Wait, hold on, just a bit!"

There was an orphanage nearby. I put the slime in the basket that had contained the sweets and hurried over.

I entered through the back door to avoid being seen by the children.

I went to the well, drew water, and brought it back.

I hesitated for a moment but decided to pour the water into the basket with the slime.

"Ah, I feel better."

The mud washed off, and the slime transformed into a shiny, wiggly form. I sighed in relief.

It still seemed to want more water, so I filled a bucket and placed the slime in it. It started swimming, whistling a tune.

Looking at it like this, the slime seemed cute.

I know a lot about monsters because the children at the orphanage love the story of the "Seven Great Monster Dukes."

It's more like a historical record than a story. Most of it is based on actual major events from the past.

I've read it over a hundred times and have it memorized. As I watched the slime swim, I recalled the story of the Seven Great Monster Dukes.

--- In the past, the world was ravaged by the seven most powerful and evil monsters.

The "Dragon" that burned cities to the ground with its powerful breath.

The "Siren" that drowned brave warriors with a single song.

The "Harpy" that brought down sky knights riding wyverns with magic.

The "Ogre" that devoured people to gain intelligence and strength.

The "Trent" that lured people into an endless forest.

The "Fenrir" that led a pack to attack.

The "Slime" that swallowed people like a bottomless swamp.

The Dark Age didn't last long. Those who slew the seven monsters appeared.

The king honored those who defeated the monsters as heroes and granted them noble titles second only to the royal family.

The prince who defeated the Dragon was given the title of Duke of Dragons.

The fisherman who defeated the Siren was given the title of Duke of Sirens.

The adventurer who defeated the Ogre was given the title of Duke of Ogres.

The woodcutter who defeated the Trent was given the title of Duke of Trents.

The knight who defeated the Fenrir was given the title of Duke of Fenrirs.

The priest who defeated the Harpy was given the title of Duke of Harpies.

The local lord who defeated the Slime was given the title of Duke of Slimes.

Even a thousand years later, the Dukes of Monsters still exist.

Thinking of the Duke of Dragons, I recall that the current Duke of Dragons, Prince Axel, is a very serious, disciplined, virtuous, and cultured person.

I sometimes wonder if my sister would have been better off marrying Prince Axel.

Prince Axel was kind to me as well. He must have cared for me as a future sister-in-law. When my family fell into decline and I had nowhere to go, he even offered to take me in. Of course, I couldn't accept his offer, so I politely declined.

"Ah, that was good water."

The slime's satisfied voice brought me back to reality.

I patted my knees with a handkerchief spread over my skirt, and the slime jumped onto it.

I thought about drying its wet body, but it seemed unnecessary since it was a slime. However, it seemed to like the handkerchief, so I wrapped it up and put it back in the basket.

Just then, the director of the orphanage passed by and called out to me.

I told her I had used the well, and she smiled and said I could use it anytime.

"Sorry, I'm in a hurry today, so I'll visit again."

"Yes, I look forward to it."

After parting with the director, I hurried to the knight station.

There were two knights, and the female one approached me when she noticed me.

"What can I do for you?"

"I found a tamed slime and would like to check if it has been reported by its owner."

"Slime...?"

"Here it is."

"Oh, indeed."

The knight took a book labeled "Lost Items (Unclaimed)" from the shelf and checked if there had been any contact from the slime's owner.

"Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be any report."

"I see."

"Could you fill out this form, please?"

"Ah, yes."

I filled in details about where I found it and its condition.

I handed over the form along with the slime, but she only took the paper.

"I'm sorry, but the knight station cannot take custody of living beings. If the owner comes forward, we will contact you, so..."

"Does that mean I have to take care of this slime?"

"Yes."

It seems I've picked up something quite extraordinary.