Retreat today, live to see...your stupidity

Getting a map was easy. Figuring out what to do for the items I wanted to make however...

Should I hire someone? Should I post a request at the adventurers guild?

No matter how much I thought about it... I'd need a storage ring or inventory item if I wanted to carry back the corpses of my haul by myself, but...such items were incredibly rare.

As much as I wanted to do this by myself...it'd feel insincere if I got things without any help though. Also more importantly...I hurt my ankle. slammed it really hard into the tree when trying to get that slime, having to walk home traversing different kinds of slopes and terrains didn't help.

"Lady Himiko." A tall servant girl my age called out to me on my way out into town.

I had returned home to sleep and rest, a doctor had taken a look at my leg and prescribed rest but of course I couldn't afford to do so.

"Yes?" I turned to give her my attention only to realize it was Megara.

Mom's favorite servant. A child she spent more time with than her own daughter. Himiko instinctively felt repulsed by this person. This bitter burning sensation welling up within me was no stranger. Jealousy. It was hard maintaining a straight face.

I had to respect her, the fact she was calling out to me means Mother sent her.

She greeted me with a courteous bow as expected of one of Mother's people. "Good day, young miss. The Madame wanted to know how your preparations are coming along."

Why?! How annoying. At least Father showed up after I woke up but Mother didn't at all. Screw this family! To begin with what makes her think a daughter she neglected would know how to prepare something like that anyway? Doesn't intend to help but is going to ask me about it now? Screw you!

A smile stretched on my lips.

"They are coming along fine. Please tell Mother not to worry."

"..." That pause tells me she got the message.

Mind your own business Mother!

"...The Madame was worried after hearing you injured your leg procuring ingredients, she...was curious as to why you didn't bring the guards to accompany you."

She should have said this first. How annoying. Now it feels as if she knows I'm lying! Can't a girl have any privacy around here? Seriously! And what's with the false care? I get you're too busy to come visit me but sending someone else to speak to me and patronize me is especially unpleasant.

"How could I bother the guards for such a small thing? That's silly."

The guards were Father's men. What right do I have to boss them around just because my Dad's their boss? Well...guards were guards though even if they came along they'd be doing my work for me.

I need to get my own results! I do but right now I technically don't need to do it myself for this sort of thing right?

It's not as if my Dad is a CEO. He has more power than that here right?

My smile stretched wider, was I wrong to think that way? I was beginning to doubt myself now it was as if Mother sent this person to call me stupid. "You should return to Mother."

Stop bothering me.

Megara looked displeased but obeyed, she bowed and left.

I thought about it as I looked over the map of the Kabelu Woods, it went by a different name on the map but I was able to recognize the terrain and that was all that mattered.

I had already known even before Megara came just now that I needed to do something. So on my walk into town I hit up town to buy some enchanted threads, and also look for a Black Smith, someone who could forge ore from monster cores and material...

I found someone but my ankle was killing me so much, I could only stare at the shop and memorize the name as beads of sweat began to ooze out of the pores in my forehead.

Alright. Enough walking for today.

I hobbled home.

A servant was waiting.

"The paper And materials you ordered milady."

"Perfect timing. Thank you Jhin."

He bowed before shuffling off.

For the next two days I stayed cooped up in my room preparing for my return to the woods.

What's that? How is folding paper preparing for that day?

I'm a weak girl, at times like these I can only make good use of my knowledge from the clans of the two most powerful women I know -three if you add my own.

Father sent guards to assist but I only issued them a few commands and errands to run for me.

I couldn't tell if they disliked it or not but they were efficient and that's all that matters really. I got them to send a letter to the blacksmith I wanted to talk to and he agreed to my commission, all thats left is to get him the materials.

Pei.