Slime Girl

- Shari -

"Your name's Risa! You cannot afford to forget this! Your cover identity must become your real one. There's no room for transgression." (Michael)

He's repeating that for the umpteenth time!

Actually, I've grown concerned if I'll ever get that out of my core again.

Given the peculiar nature of this marble, it definitely could get problematic for me to imprint a thought too strongly.

And therefore, this sounds like a surefire way to mess up my personal self-perception.

However, right now I need to switch into this persona.

"Ahahahah! What a thing! Show me some more, girly!" (Shari)

"Good, show everything you know about her mannerisms, but don't overdo it. It's a bit of a problem that you only got to know her in combat mode, yet if she truly displays herself like this, you can expect a certain general aggressiveness. Also, she probably had enough common sense not to start a fight with people who can order her execution. Still, this direction seems right, if what you relayed is like this." (Michael)

"Do you really think this is gonna work?" (Shari)

"You'd be surprised at how much you can get through with if you cover it in a thick layer of confidence. Not to forget, your disguise is almost imperceptible. I would and have killed for something as distinguished as you're established in." (Michael)

Well, if this isn't disturbing.

"Okay, now I guess that means we'll be on our way." (Shari)

Even though I'm not totally sure how to proceed from here.

"One more thing." (Michael)

Urgh, what else is it now?!

I feel like I've been sitting here for weeks.

"Yes?" (Shari)

"You look like a corpse." (Michael)

Well, duh!

"Don't give me that look. Looking like this may fool most people, but the risk that someone asks themselves questions is still prevalent." (Michael)

"That is kinda to be expected, isn't it?" (Shari)

I'm literally wearing someone's skin here, after all.

"Yes, but preparation is what defines our work. We take care of what we can to mitigate the chance of detection." (Michael)

"And how do you suggest taking care of... this?" (Shari)

"I'm glad that you're asking. As you applied it yourself numerous times, this should be familiar." (Michael)

Familiar?

He opens a stash in the back of the room and procures a box.

Once it opens, I see something I didn't quite expect.

Cosmetics.

Huh, thinking about it, I can see the relation of this skill to his line of work.

"You want to make me wear make-up?" (Shari)

"Precisely. Both of you. It comes in handy that the original owners of your skin had a darker complexion. This is far easier to cover up in a fuller tone." (Michael)

Sounds reasonable.

Well, I'll let him do as he suggests.

The next steps proceed surprisingly smoothly.

I don't even feel all that much, as, unsurprisingly, this skin is not mine, and therefore not quite responsive.

Once he's done, he hands me a mirror and proceeds to do Liqu.

I need to say, I look like any other person.

Even some issues like sunken partitions got expertly covered up.

Michael really knows his stuff.

Thus, a few minutes later, Liqu and I both look pretty natural.

"Hah, a piece of work, but the result is satisfactory." (Michael)

Truly, even Liqu looks now a lot more lifelike.

Even though that feat apparently consumed a lot of the remaining cosmetic stash.

"So, what now?" (Shari)

"Now, you'll head to the guild and begin to open up an opportunity, while I'll work on keeping my end of the bargain." (Michael)

"Fine, but can I at least leave some of my stuff with you? Carrying all my luggage the whole time is quite the effort." (Shari)

At the very least, my grimoire.

Also, I had to swallow my special blades with the hollow openings.

After all, it would just make for another point how Risa is acting somewhat strangely.

So this safehouse comes kinda conveniently.

In addition, while Michael might be quite the shrewd character, I can at the very least be sure he wouldn't sell my stuff.

"Fine. Put whatever you don't need there, in that corner. While you're at it, put her there as well." (Michael)

He points at Vela of all people.

"Me!?" (Vela)

"Of course! Your background story is one big hole, and in this town, they unfortunately check on those. You certainly cannot pose as an adventurer. Therefore, I'll keep you out of sight." (Michael)

"But-" (Vela)

"No talking back! Out of everyone here, I’m the only one with knowledge about infiltration. It is a miracle that you made it till here, but now I'll take charge!" (Michael)

Guess he makes sense.

Bad for Vela, though.

"What are you waiting for? You got a meeting to make! Stop idling!" (Michael)

"Okay, I am on my way!" (Shari)

"Me too!" (Liqu)

Again, I'm about to infiltrate an adventurer guild in a shaky disguise.

As one could've expected from this town, the adventurer guild is just as pompous a building as it could be.

Just like the times before, it feels a little off, entering the direwolf's den with nothing but the hope that it may turn out well.

Especially, if I consider my general luck in that regard.

Yet the biggest issue would be that I'm not entirely sure what I'm even supposed to do there.

In general, I need to somehow become available for the messengers of the Marquis to fetch me, for my reward, or victory ceremony, or whatever is planned, but the details on this path are a little elusive.

Mostly, in regard to figuring out my stuff.

If I think about it, I need to find someone who knows "me", and make them tell me where I lodge.

If it's a known location, they might send someone to fetch me, and all's well.

Yet how to make that happen?

In any case, maybe I should be a little proactive upon entering.

"Ahahaha! Hello, everybody! I'm back in town!" (Shari)

I give it my all to maintain a consistent expression, close to what I experienced this girl to be like.

It's certainly a very awkward thing for me to do, given that I'm... well, wearing her skin.

However, I can't quite tell what the looks I receive in return could mean.

Unfortunately, I also need to take Liqu into account.

"Hi! Hi! Hi! Hi!" (Liqu)

Liqu, those cheery hellos ain't how you pose as a gruff muscleman.

Seems like I will have to carry with a convincing performance then.

As I don't think engaging with the people around would help me all that much, I ignore them and instead head for the counter, trying to make a confident impression.

"Heyo! How's it going?" (Shari)

Hope I'm not overdoing it.

The situation's already problematic enough.

The man at the counter looks rather puzzled at me.

Yet then, I hear a booming shout from the side.

"Risa, is that you?!"

"Ehm, yes, sure." (Shari)

"So the Verdant Gale made it back here?"

I got a byname!?

Only adventurers of noteworthy accomplishment get to bear a byname.

I mean, that's basically what 'making a name for oneself' is about.

Meanwhile, the man who raises the question has black hair and toned body, while overall looking like an amicably hearty guy.

"And Bowan, the Mountain, in person! Not as stationary as the real deal, are ya?"

"Ha, ha, ha!" (Liqu)

Liqu, you sound a little off with your fake laugh.

"So what brings you two here?"

Hey, that sounds like my in!

"Ah, well, you see, I've got something going, and thought it would be right to show up." (Shari)

"Something going on? Pray, tell!"

"Well, we got a lucrative job from our city lord, and were told to wait until we get called to fetch our reward. So I thought, why not wait here?" (Shari)

"Hah, sounds good. Just don't let that posh noble screw you on the deal. Our honest folk already got it difficult enough in this town."

He seems quite familiar with Risa.

All the more reason why I'd at least wish I'd known his name.

"You know how it is. If they try screwing me, I'm gonna screw them twice as hard!" (Shari)

"Hah! Typically Risa. Though better not try offending the Marquis. Or worse, I'd have to collect the bounty he'd place on your head!"

So much for the camaraderie among adventurers.

"You can try." (Shari)

"Don't underestimate me. You know that I know all your tricks. In particular, the ones in the bedroom."

Excuse me!?!