The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

reason, a farmer’s fork.
Let’s look at the armor pieces now.
A big square shield, a small round shield, a straw hat, a half plate armor with black magic letters engraved, a chain mail with a faintly yellow glow, a three-parted one-piece made out of silver threads, a light blue dress for children, several shell-like hair ornaments, ten sets of shell swimsuits, a pearl necklace, a bracelet with embedded black and white magic gems, earrings, a helmet like those worn by Roman soldiers, a face guard and a collar like those worn by Warring States Commanders, and an iron-plate-like thigh guard.
Following, a new, enciphered magic treasure map, a chest strap with a big pocket, two small pouches with strings attached, a fishing rod, some jewels, gold bars, silver bars, and a great number of deep green and black steel ingots.
Next, a bonsai-like flower pot that has no obvious reason to be here and a big frame where one can affix paintings.
I understand the frame since I have seen magic painters, but as for the flower pot…
And, what stands out the most in a certain sense, a medium-sized and a small refrigerator.
Just as the ones at the prince’s place.
The treasure chest’s size is huge as well, but even then, this refrigerator is fairly big.
Oh well, it’s a golden chest, so I suppose anything goes.
However, from their appearance, they are quite different from the refrigerators I know of.
They have a spot where you can install a magic stone, and rugged, depressed dints like the surface of a rock.
Given that I can’t sense eerie mana from any of the items, I conclude that there are no cursed items.
The purpose of the potted plant is dubious, but… oh well, whatever.
As I’m deeply deliberating about my impressions after opening the treasure chest, my friends patiently wait behind me.

“Huh? You won’t look?” (Shuuya)

I turn around to the three and ask.

“Ah, yeah, we thought you’d first like to have a careful inspection by yourself or something like that.” (Rebecca)

“―I will look.” (Eva)

After simply saying so, Eva lays her hands on the golden chest and peeks inside.

“Ah! Eva! How sneaky!” (Rebecca)

A little bit after Eva, Rebecca also thrusts her face into the golden chest.

“Then me too.” (Viine)

Viine tries to approach the chest while looking indifferent.

“Waah…” (Rebecca)

“Nn, amazing…” (Eva)

“T-This is…” (Viine)

Yeah, I get you.
The amount and quality is no match compared to the time with the silver chest.
It’s on a whole different level.

“Isn’t there another magic treasure map? A golden chest is too awesome.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, we won’t know unless we get an appraisal.” (Eva)

“Yes.
It’s as Eva-sama says.
It depends on the appraisal, but since it’s from a golden chest, the possibility of it being a dead map is high.” (Viine)

“That’s slightly regrettable.
Still, we will get it appraised, right?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca asks me.

“Yeah, I don’t know whether we will have it done right away, but well, I think sooner or later, we will.” (Shuuya)

“Yay! Let’s tackle it together again.” (Rebecca)

“Sure.
But, how are we going to split these treasures now?” (Shuuya)

Rebecca gulps, “…L-Let’s see.
Won’t it be fine if we say what we want like before?”

Haha, I thought that she would say that.

“Why not? After all, we are already close friends in Innocent Arms.” (Shuuya)

I agree while laughing, not minding it that much.

“Yahooo.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca frolics around with a clearly happy face.
Eva looks at her with an angelic smile.
Viine, though, is still staring at the contents of the chest.
I wonder, is there something that has piqued her interest?

“Viine, what’s wrong?” (Shuuya)

“Uh.
This special tree growing in the flower pot might be a legendary item.
It’s possible that it’s a “Talking and Moving Plant”, considered to have been owned by the 【8th ranked Sorcery Noble Sal’Mayarl】.” (Viine)

Legendary!?
Certainly, there’s mana dwelling within it, and the potted plant is also moving slightly.
Ah, its branches moved a bit as well, with small, bluish-white fruits growing on them.

『What mysterious item!』 (Helme)

Seemingly interested in the treasure chest as well, Helme says so while moving her legs as if performing a breastroke within the treasure chest.

“Viine, do you know the name of this potted plant?” (Shuuya)

“If I remember correctly, it’s the Millennium Plant.” (Viine)

“Millennium, huh? I wonder, what kind of effect does it have?” (Shuuya)

“Once it grows up, it will be able to move and talk, just like living beings.
What’s more, it has been passed down that your mana will increase if you eat its fruits.
The secret medicine made out of its blue fruits is sold for a lot as mana recovery medicine and item to increase one’s mana.
I heard that this is the reason for the Sorcery Noble Sal’Mayarl household to have become wealthy.” (Viine)

Viine elaborates fluently.
It’s such a smooth explanation that I feel like retorting with “Are you an appraiser?”

『So it’s such an item.
Certainly, those fruits do look delicious, and they have an excellent effect to boot.
Your Excellency, please give me one when I come out next time.』 (Helme)

She wants it?
There are several of those fruits growing on the plant, so I can spare at least one for her.

『I’ll consider it.
Please remind me when we have some free time.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes.』 (Helme)

Come to think of it, this also made its appearance in Viine’s talk about her past, didn’t it?
In short, it’s a transcendental bonsai.

“…If it’s such an item, we will place this potted plant at home as a replacement for a vending machine.” (Shuuya)

I think it will be alright to give one to Helme once it’s been set up at our house.

“Vending machine? I don’t quite understand, but I think that’s fine.”

“Nn, potted plant, amazing.
Viine, you’re well-informed.” (Eva)

Eva looked into the treasure chest but responded to Viine’s words.

“Hmm, this and the frame, it might be usable in the future, but this is also really nice.
Whaaa, the necklace…” (Rebecca)

The eyes of Rebecca, who was next to her, had turned into $ marks as usual while she was rummaging through the treasure chest.
But, her clearly expressing her preferences is likable too.

“Now then, let us choose as well.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

“Nn.” (Eva)

The one I want the most among these is…
Even though I know I will not use it that much, I think it’s the short spear with the yellow blade.
No, the potted plant, I guess.
It’s legendary, after all.
At the moment when Rebecca’s excitement had calmed down,

“…So, did you make up your mind?” (Shuuya)

“Ya.” (Rebecca)

“I did.” (Eva)

“Yes.” (Viine)

The three beauties focus their eyes on their respective desired items.

“Alright, we will start from Rebecca.” (Shuuya)

“―This!” (Rebecca)

What Rebecca pointed at with her white finger is the the long wand with the embedded dark red magic gem.
So it came down to this wand, after all.

“What about you, Eva?” (Shuuya)

“Nn!” (Eva)

Eva’s slender hand stretched out towards the deep green ingots.
Ores again?

“You, Viine?” (Shuuya)

“Yes!” (Viine)

The bluish-white finger of Viine pointed at the bracelet with the implanted black and white magic gems.

“Got it.
Everyone, take your respective, desired item.
It’s before the appraisal, but I think we can test them out.” (Shuuya)

Everyone picks up what they want, feeling excited like kids getting new toys.

“And I’ll take this potted plant and the short spear.” (Shuuya)

I directly store the two items in my item box.
Since I might not use the short spear, I will pass it to Bia in due time or use it as a simple throwing spear.

“Now then, there’s still plenty left, so what are we going to do with it?” (Shuuya)

Eva nods.

“Nn, plenty.” (Eva)

She says while looking at the chest strap and pouches in the treasure chest.

“Let’s see.
These pouches and chest strap might possibly be item boxes?” (Shuuya)

“Oh, it seems so.” (Rebecca)

“Yes, you might consider that to be correct.” (Viine)

As there are three of them, I shall pass them to the three ladies.

“Well, as there are three of them, Viine, Eva, and Rebecca, you can each take an item box.” (Shuuya)

“Eeeh? Is that really alright?” (Rebecca)

“Shuuya, generous.
But, I already have one.” (Eva)

She shows the small silver tube located at her waist while saying so.

“So you already had one, Eva.” (Rebecca)

“Master, is that really fine with you?” (Viine)

Rebecca and Viine don hesitant expressions.

“Don’t worry.
We are friends.
The more the number of people who possess one increases, the bigger the loot we can carry, increasing our total haul.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, certainly.
I agree with Viine and Rebecca getting one.” (Eva)

Eva consents.
We then encourage the two to take an item box.

“Well, I think I will accept it then… And I will do my best as a member of Innocent Arms.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca shyly picked up a pouch and declared those words while holding it up.

“Very well.” (Viine)

Viine grabs the chest strap-shaped item box without saying any extra words.

“…Whoaaa, this and this fits in there.
Awesome.” (Rebecca)

“So this is an item box.” (Viine)

Both of them put in and take out the items in their hands, amazed by their new toys.
They seem fundamentally different from the item box owned by me.
The pouch and chest strap item boxes apparently don’t show detailed displays of the capacity or similar things.
Next are the shell-like hair ornaments and the pearl necklace.
Let’s give those to the three as presents as well.
I pick up the three hair ornaments and deliberately ignore the shell swimsuits without saying anything.

“Hey, come over here, you three.” (Shuuya)

Viine, Eva, and Rebecca draw close, looking confused.
I affix the hair ornaments in their beautiful hair one by one.

“T-Thanks.” (Rebecca)

“Nn.” (Eva)

“I’m so happy.” (Viine)

Since the three show shy faces without saying anything, I ended up becoming embarrassed as well.

“What are we going to do about this pearl necklace?” (Shuuya)

“How about janken, paper-scissor-rock?”

Even in this world, janken is the same, huh?

“Alright.
It’s a match, Eva, Viine!” (Rebecca)

“Nn, won’t lose.” (Eva)

Eva casually touches the arm and leg of Rebecca and Viine with her hand.
I see… it looks like she doesn’t want to be bested, no matter what.

“Me neither.
I shall monopolize Master’s love.” (Viine)

Only Viine had a zealous enthusiasm for a different reason, but I pretend not to have heard it.

“All together now.
Jan, ken” (Rebecca)

“Fist””Scissors””Paper”

A draw, eh?

“Once more!” (Rebecca)

“Nn.” (Eva)

“Yes.” (Viine)

They tie two times with Eva coming out on the top in the end.

“Nn, victory!” (Eva)

“How regrettable.
I lost…” (Viine)

“Eva, you’re really strong.” (Rebecca)

“Well, then this is Eva’s.
Eva―” (Shuuya)

I placed the necklace around Eva’s neck as if hugging her while she’s sitting in her wheelchair.

“Aah…”

I can hear Viine’s and Rebecca’s sighs from behind.

“…Shuuya, thanks.” (Eva)

Eh, what a slushy, soft sensation!

“Hauaah!”

I have been kissed on my cheek.
In pleasant surprise, I look at Eva.
Eva stared at me ecstatically with her deep eyes, and let alone her cheeks, her entire face had become bright red like a ripe peach.

“Aaaaah!” (Rebecca)

“How very unfair!” (Viine)

Rebecca and Viine shout, glaring at Eva for her boldness.
I separated from Eva while having a lewd look on my face.

“Master, later, I will also…” (Viine)

“Wai-! Right after Eva, now even Viine is going to show off… even, I…” (Rebecca)

Since it has turned into an extremely embarrassing talk, I bring up a different topic.

“By the way… is it fine to distribute the remaining treasures among the high-class combat slaves? Even though it’s before the appraisal at 【Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop】.” (Shuuya)

There’s a short, awkward silence.
Ah, yeah, I guess I changed the topic too suddenly.

“…I don’t really mind.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca, who had been slightly ignored, joined in on the topic even while having grown timid.

“Nn, me neither.” (Eva)

“I will follow your decision, Master.” (Viine)

Rebecca and Eva didn’t object in particular to my suggestion.
After having seen the prowess of the combat slaves from up-close, I think they honestly welcome the rise in combat power.
Alright, since I got their approval, I will take out what seems to be useful for them.

“I’ll go ahead and take what they need.” (Shuuya)

The pair of matching, blue longswords; these are for the sword user Souther.
The black, broad shamshir is for Bia.
The dagger and the large disk weapon similar to a shuriken with a black chain attached to it; these two weapons for Mamani who looks like she could use them skillfully.
The short wand with the embedded ocher magic gem for the magician Fuu.
As for defensive items, the big square shield, the half plate mail with its large size, the thigh guard, and the Corinthian helmet that is similar to the helmets worn by Roman soldiers all fit Bia as the vanguard.
The chain mail with its faint yellow glow, the collar, and the face guard for Mamani.
The light blue attire for children goes to Souther and the one-piece made out of silver thread for Fuu.
I take those items out of the chest.
Well then, time to retrieve the rest alongside this golden chest.
I can easily close the lid without hitting the refrigerator.
Along with its contents, I suppose this golden chest is special, too.
Thus, I will just place it in the storage of my item box.

“Well then, we haven’t retrieved all the items from this golden chest.
As I will take it out once more at 【Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop】 on the surface, I will collect this chest for now.” (Shuuya)

…It’s damn heavy, but I can still carry it in one hand.
I tossed it into the item box, and it entered properly.
The previous silver chest vanished after we took out everything, but it was possible to retrieve it.

“With just one arm, how cool.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, superhuman strength…” (Eva)

Ignoring the remarks of those two fangirls, I check the situation over at the slaves’ side.
They have apparently finished collecting the magic stones and material and have now gathered in one place.
I judge so from the inflated bags each of them are holding.
Once I shift my eyes towards them, the slaves assemble quickly in front of me.

“Master, we finished looting.” (Mamani)

Once again, Mamani speaks to me as their representative as the slaves pass me the materials from their knapsacks and bags.

“―Sure, thanks.” (Shuuya)

I toss all of it together with the big magic bags into my item box.

“Alright, there are rewards for you guys, too.” (Shuuya)

“R-Rewards, you say?” (Mamani)

“For us?” (Souther)

Mamani and the small Souther ask in surprise.

“Eh?” (Fuu)

Fuu widened her eyes in the same way as them.

“You will give something to this me?” (Bia)

Only Bia stayed calm and asked me while extending her snake tongue.

“That’s right.
Come over here.” (Shuuya)

I present them the bunch of items which I had divided and placed on the ground.

“Nyaa.”

Rollo casually joins them but ignores everything as she delivers cat punches against the items.

“Whoaaa.”

“T-These are…”

“This many.”

“There is mine favored shield!” (Bia)

I hand them the items while lightly explaining why they seem usable for them.
Looking at the slaves after they equip the items in satisfaction,

“It looks great and the sizes fit perfectly, too.
I will take care of the equipment you used before.” (Shuuya)

I place them in my item box.

“Such great equipment… Master, thank you very much!” (Mamani)

The one who thanked me first is Mamani.
Her torso is covered by the yellow-glowing chain mail.
On her back is a quiver full of arrows, while several daggers are equipped at her waist.
Adding the collar at her neck and the face guard on her face, Mamani truly looks like a seasoned tiger warrior.
She carries the disk weapon in one hand.

“Master, thank you.
I will serve you to my utmost.” (Fuu)

Fuu wore the one-piece and held the short wand close to her chest as if hugging it.

“I will also be loyal to you for eternity, Master!” (Souther)

The child clothes suit Souther quite well.
She affixed the two longswords to her back, but going by their size, they are barely not too long for her.
At the moment, they look like oodachi because of her small stature.

“This me is blessed by the best master.” (Bia)

Bia’s appearance has changed the most among the four.
The helmet fits her perfectly, as if custom made for her.
Her upper body is covered by the big half-plate mail, and she’s grasping the black shamshir in her right hand, along with the big square shield in her left.
The thigh guard covered her to protect her snake belly as it extends to her lower body.
Even under normal circumstances, she already possessed a sturdy skin, but now, she has become a perfect vanguard knight.
Well, I think with this, even she, who’s prone to suffer injuries, will become tougher, and it will become more difficult to injure her.

“Everybody, it suits you well.
I’m also curious about the top of those towers, but our original goal, the magic treasure map, has been accomplished.
Let’s return to the surface?” (Shuuya)

I began to walk after saying that to everyone.
Except for the towers, the ruins of the evil god bother me a bit too, but…
We won’t go out of our way as we will advance until the area where it’s possible to use the transfer crystal.
While testing the new weapons as we refine our tactics, we returned along the path we came from while hunting monsters.