Volume 1, Chapter 6 – Impulse

Translator Note

フィーネ嬢 and フィーネ様 are different honorifics in Japanese, so they are translated differently on purpose.

フィーネ様 → Fiene-sama

A very respectful/personal honorific directed toward Fiene herself.

フィーネ嬢 → Lady Fiene

嬢 is an aristocratic/formal address often used toward young noblewomen or refined ladies in courtly settings. It does not carry the same nuance as -sama, so leaving it as Fiene-sama would flatten the distinction in tone and social context.

This series also leans heavily into fantasy court etiquette and social nuance, so the distinction is intentionally preserved in the translation.

I am now being led by Chris-san to meet the lord who governs Zarabia.

Viscount Truffle Mushroom. ¹ トリフ・マッシルーム (Trif Masshiloom). The name is a pun. “Masshiloom” is a deliberate corruption of “Mushroom,” making the full name effectively “Truffle Mushroom.”

That appears to be the lord’s name.

Devs, you totally got lazy with that name, didn’t you?

Why a mushroom in a port town? At least make it something fish-related!

And…

his hairstyle,

is completely,

a mushroom!

…

Pfft—ore’s abs. My abs are—no. Watashi!

…

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…

Phew, that was close.

For now, I want to praise myself for not bursting out laughing in front of this Mushroom-sama.

“So you are Fiene Argentata-dono. You have done well to slay that Schwarz. Allow me to offer my thanks on behalf of Zarabia and the White Moon Kingdom.”

“Thank you. But it was only possible thanks to the knights’ efforts.”

For now, I’ll stay modest. In a situation where I can’t tell who’s an NPC and who’s a player, it’s better not to make enemies carelessly.

“Hahaha. Lady Fiene is a modest one. For a young lady of such beauty and holy power to also have such a good character—the Argentata family has raised a fine daughter. Your parents back home must be overjoyed.”

“I-I am honored.”

Crap. What do I do? I don’t even have a hometown.

“Now then, to honor your achievements this time, I would like to offer you something. Is there anything you require?”

Oh, good. The topic changed.

“As I’m traveling alone, a bit of travel money would really help.”

“What, is that all you need? Then I shall give you the bounty posted at the Hunter Guild as is. And, I would very much like you to join me for lunch afterward. How does that sound?”

“Thank you. I would be delighted.”

And so, I ended up having lunch with the Mushroom Viscount.

So, about that lunch. It’s in the dining room of the Mushroom Viscount’s mansion.

The attendees are me, Chris-san, the Mushroom Viscount, and his daughter.

“Fiene-sama, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Mai, daughter of Truffle Mushroom.”

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“P-pleasure to meet you. I am Fiene Argentata.”

Now it’s maitake?! That’s pushing it, Devs! ² Maitake Mushroom

Mai-san has black eyes and thick brown hair, and her wavy hairstyle just looks like maitake no matter how I look at it.

No, that’s not it. I know it’s completely different, but it’s like… preconceptions, or something.

How should I put it…

Yeah, this Mushroom Viscount is definitely to blame.

Even if I give the Mushroom family the benefit of the doubt, Truffle with a mushroom cut is just too much. No way!

Ah, just for the record, I do think Mai-san is a beautiful woman. I just can’t see her as anything but maitake now.

Anyway, back to the lunch.

As expected of a lord, there’s a lavish spread of dishes.

There really is.

But what’s with this overwhelming amount of mushrooms?

Is this on purpose?

Some kind of abs-destruction strategy?

Starting with mushroom salad, then mushroom marinade, sautéed white fish with mushrooms, mushroom soup, mushroom pasta… There are even mushrooms in the dessert.

No, well…

It was probably delicious.

Probably.

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But… it’s like I can’t taste anything.

Or maybe I’m too distracted to even savor it.

Yeah, what should I do?

“How is it? Did the fish, a specialty of our Zarabia, suit your palate?”

Huh? What did you just say?

Did he just ask about the fish—not the mushrooms?

“Y-yes. It was very delicious.”

“Is that so? I’m glad. As a port town, our Zarabia prides itself on fresh seafood. Please enjoy it during your stay.”

“Y-yes. Thank you.”

Somehow, I’m starting to feel worn out.

Mentally, especially.

Thinking I want to return to the inn soon, I glance at Chris-san.

Her hair is tied up, exposing her slender neck.

That was the moment.

In that instant, a massive shock ran down my spine.

My fangs… ache…

I just ate, and yet I feel hungry.

I just drank tea, and yet my throat is dry.

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—I want to drink blood.

I want to pin Chris-san down right now,

sink my fangs into that neck,

and drink her blood

Drink it—

DRINK IT—

I WANT IT—

I NEED IT—

I stagger to my feet, swaying slightly, and place my hand on the back of Chris-san’s chair.

—Ah, what delicious-looking prey…

Wait, no! That’s wrong! I can’t drink human blood!

I collapse right there, crouching as I try to suppress the impulse.

“Fiene-sama? Fiene-sama, are you alright? You look pale!”

I hear Chris-san’s voice. I hug myself tightly and take a deep breath.

No good… The trembling won’t stop…

My vision is gradually darkening.

Good, I’ll just fall asleep like this. Then it won’t turn into a disaster.

And just like that, I let go of consciousness and sank into darkness.