I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 262, Chapter 263, Chapter 264, Chapter 265

Arrival at Princess Anette’s
When I entered the room, it revealed a corridor with brightly colored walls and lighting. However, something felt odd about this corridor.
Just as I was pondering the source of this unease, one of the Kiblinki Saltas approached and provided an explanation.

(There are hidden doors throughout this corridor. They must have been installed to counter intruders in case the outer doors are breached.)

"You can even figure that out?"

(We deduce it from the flow of air and other clues. Beyond that, it’s more intuition than certainty.)

"Even so, that’s impressive. Lily, are you sure it’s okay to borrow such capable familiars for just vegetables?"

"The Kiblinki Saltas have agreed to this themselves. If possible, please create an environment where they can have vegetables readily available."

"Promoting agriculture? That will also aid in national defense. Very well, I’ll allocate additional funds for agricultural support."

Yay!
It’s worth asking for things sometimes.

We proceeded down the corridor, which was riddled with hidden doors, until we reached another room guarded by soldiers.
However, Marquis Vardmoi simply passed by this room and continued down the hallway.

"I see, that’s just a decoy.”

"Indeed. Princess Annette is ahead. Are you prepared?"

"Of course. By the way, is there anything I should be cautious about to avoid offending her?"

"Not particularly. Princess Annette has not yet been formally introduced to the public and is still in the process of learning courtly manners. As long as you avoid anything you yourself would consider rude, that will suffice."

"Understood. Let’s proceed."

"Very well. It’s Vardmoi. Open the way."

At Marquis Vardmoi’s command, a section of the wall opened to reveal a maid.
She was armed with a sword, likely serving as a guard.

"We’ve been expecting you. Is this the person who will take responsibility for Princess Annette?"

"Indeed, this is Lily. I trust you’ve already conducted your investigations?"

"Yes. We know she is a tamer commanding powerful familiars. But will she have enough resources to protect Princess Annette as well?"

"That’s precisely why she’s brought additional familiars. Observe the spiders accompanying her."

"I see..."

(Do not test us. Drawing your sword will only result in you being entangled in our webs.)

"... I see, telepathy as well?"

"Are you convinced now?"

"Yes, this way, please."

The maid guided us further into the room.
We passed through several doors and finally arrived at a spacious area resembling a living room.
Princess Annette was still in her personal quarters, and the maid instructed another to fetch her.

After a brief wait, Princess Annette arrived, dressed in modest clothing.
This attire was likely meant to disguise her identity.
Still, it felt like such a waste for someone of her stature.

"Apologies for the wait, Lady Lily."

"Oh, it’s no trouble at all. But are you planning to leave in that outfit?"

"Yes. Once I leave this room, I will no longer be a princess. Wearing something too luxurious would raise suspicions."

She’s so clever!
But that outfit... I can’t let her leave in something so plain.
I’ll just have to make something myself.

After getting permission to retrieve some fabric, I took Princess Annette’s measurements and drafted a pattern.
Using magic tailoring, I crafted a slightly stylish dress.
It was simple enough to pass as everyday wear for a town girl, yet elegant enough not to seem out of place leaving a noble’s house.

"Princess Annette, please try this on."

"Wow, such a cute dress! Are you sure I can have it?"

"Of course. I made it just for you."

"Then I’ll go change right away!"

Princess Annette is definitely still a girl at heart, getting so excited over pretty clothes.

However, there were still challenges to address before we could take her out.
Her facial resemblance to Princess Rodenlight and her name would make it difficult to conceal her true identity.
I needed help, so I turned to Plum.

"Hmm, first, change the girl’s hair color. That alone will alter her impression significantly."

"You mean bleaching it?"

"Your universal dye should be able to handle hair. It can also adjust skin tone, but in this country, Annette’s natural complexion is the standard. Changing it would draw unwanted attention."

I hadn’t realized my dye could work on hair! I’d only thought of it for fabric.

"Next, change her name. Even if only a few nobles know it, her current name is too recognizable. Choose something with a similar sound to avoid confusing her."

Got it—two priorities.
Now, what would work best?

While we brainstormed names, Princess Annette returned in her new dress.
She looked adorable, and the outfit enhanced her youthful charm perfectly.

"Does it look strange?"

"Not at all. It suits you wonderfully. Now, about your hair and name—do you have any preferences?"

"For hair, I’d like black, like Lady Lily’s!"

Black hair, huh?
It might make her less conspicuous.
The Marquis agreed, reasoning it could suggest she was a girl from my homeland.
With everyone in favor, we decided to dye her hair.
I hoped my dye would work.

"Let’s begin… Oh, it’s really changing!"

"What does it look like?"

"Here, take this hand mirror and see for yourself."

I handed her the mirror.
Her hair was now a glossy raven black, inspired by wet feathers.
Princess Annette was ecstatic.

"It’s amazing! My hair really turned black, and it’s so beautiful!"

"Thank you. Now, about your new name—do you have any ideas?"

"A name… I’d like Lady Lily to choose one for me. Something easy to call me as your little sister."

Little sister!?
That caught me off guard.
But Princess Annette explained that she thought it would be easier to hide her identity if I treated her as my younger sibling rather than as someone to revere.

I understood her reasoning. If she needed to be seen as my little sister, I’d have to treat her like a younger girl from now on.
I’d also need to consider her request carefully.

"Okay, let’s think… You’d like a name starting with 'A,' right? How about Agate, Aria, or Amira?"

"Amira! I like that one!"

"Are you sure?"

"Yes! From now on, I’ll be Amira. Nice to meet you, big sister Lily!"

Guh!
That’s devastatingly cute!
Is this what it feels like to have a little sister?
Balancing doting on her without spoiling her will be quite the challenge!

----------

Amira Came Home
When Anette, now renamed Amira, came to live with us, she brought absolutely nothing with her.
She explained that she would leave behind all the jewels, rings, and tiaras she possessed as a princess.
Among them were even photographs taken with Princess Rodenlight, which she chose to leave behind as well.
When I suggested she reconsider, she explained it was to avoid any unnecessary suspicions.
How incredibly wise of her!

Clothing wasn’t an issue, as my shop has plenty, and I could even make some on the spot.
Since she would be presented as my relative, it wouldn’t seem odd for me to provide her with an abundance of clothing.
Although Marquis Vardmoi advised against excessive generosity, there’s no way I could resist dressing up such an adorable little sister figure in cute outfits!

With all preparations complete, we were ready to depart.
However, once Amira left this room, she would no longer be a princess.
The maids in the room exuded an air of melancholy, sensing the finality of the moment.
I wondered if there was anything I could do to comfort them.

“Everyone, thank you for everything,” Amira said, addressing the maids and knights remaining behind.
It was only natural for her to speak, as she had been their leader.

“Thanks to all of you, I’ve been able to live safely until now. From here on, I’ll live as a townswoman in another place. Please take care of yourselves as well.”

“Yes, Princess Anette, please take care too.”

“Of course. Farewell.”

“It has been an honor to serve you, Princess Anette.”

Princess Anette was truly beloved.
Without looking back, Anette, now Amira, walked down the corridor with us, opening the door to step outside.
And with that, “Princess Anette” ceased to exist, replaced by “Amira.”

“… Well then, Lily, Amira. Shall we go?”

“Yes.”

“Please take care of me, Marquis Vardmoi.”

“Indeed.”

Marquis Vardmoi seemed somewhat conflicted about Amira addressing him so formally.
He must not have been accustomed to being treated as a superior by the princess he had served.
Then again, how often would such a situation arise?

Amira rode atop one of the Kiblinki Saltas spiders, flanked by two more as her escorts.
She didn’t seem to mind the Kiblinki Saltas, occasionally stroking their soft fur to feel its texture.
Given their ability to read minds, it was clear the spiders had accepted her, making their relationship harmonious.

We traversed the same long corridor as before, occasionally passing saluting soldiers, and eventually returned to the entrance of the Vardmoi estate.
I never would have guessed that such a labyrinthine section was hidden within the manor.

“Well then, Lily, Amira. From this point forward, I am the highest-ranking individual here. However, I shall never forget to show respect. Lily, do you require any assistance for now?”

“No, we’re fine. In the past few days, I’ve prepared a proper room for Amira, and we have reliable escorts in place.”

“I understand. I’ll provide support from the shadows as needed. Take care on your way back.”

Oh, right.
By taking Amira away, there’s always a risk of being attacked, even during the short trip back to my home.
… But surely the Kiblinki Saltas wouldn’t let anything slip past them.
In fact, we returned home without any incidents.
There were no infiltrators waiting for us at the house either.

The shop was closed today, and the Kiblinki Saltas who weren’t assisting the city guards were keeping watch from within the house.
Who would even think of attacking such a well-guarded home?

For today, we’ll hold a welcoming party for Amira to celebrate.
After all the hardships she’s endured, I’m determined to make sure she finds happiness here!

----------

Amira and the Kiblinki Saltas’s Life
Three weeks have passed since Amira and the Kiblinki Saltas arrived.
So far, things have been going smoothly without any major issues.
If there’s a problem, it might be me.
Amira is just so adorable that I can’t help but spoil her.
Fortunately, Plum keeps me in check, so Amira doesn’t get carried away, but I’m not sure this is the best approach to her education.
Still, Amira is cute.
What am I supposed to do?

“Lady Lily, Lady Melanie has arrived.”

“Oh, it must be this week’s supply of magic stones. I’ll head there right away.”

“Understood.”

I initially thought I’d have to go pick up the magic stones myself, but Melanie brings them over instead.
It seems to be the Adventurers’ Guild’s way of keeping me from wandering around unnecessarily.
Am I really that much of a target?

“Well, it seems so! Even I have guards assigned to me.”

“Melanie, you too?”

“Yes, although it’s just one woman, so it doesn’t bother me much. Alizée, on the other hand, is guarded far more heavily.”

So even Alizée is under tight security.
Apparently, wherever she goes, three guards accompany her, which made me worry about how exhausting that might be.
I’m fine because I’m close to my guards, but that might not be the case for those two.
I feel a bit bad about it.

“Well, considering our enemies, it’s understandable. We’re up against the Royal Duke’s faction, the Third Prince’s faction, and even the Gaze Church. I feel reassured knowing this shop is so well-protected.”

“My home’s defenses are solid, too. How’s the city doing?”

“Recently, with the addition of the Kiblinki Saltas, security has tightened even further. At least two of them are stationed at each gate, conducting verbal checks during inspections. The guards initiate the questioning, but if anything suspicious arises, the Kiblinki Saltas step in with telepathic communication. Apparently, those with something to hide crack under the pressure of suddenly being addressed by a monster.”

Looks like my little ones are doing their best.
For the sake of their vegetables, they’re really putting in the effort.

“They also occasionally accompany patrols around the city. While their numbers are limited, their presence deters shady individuals from even entering the city. If they encounter a crime, they swiftly capture criminals by throwing restraining threads. They’ve been very effective.”

That’s a very spider-like way to contribute.
I’m a little impressed.

“And here’s a fun tidbit: just before noon, several guards have been seen leaving the Spiderling’s Nest carrying pots.”

“From theS piderling’s Nest?”

“It seems the Kiblinki Saltas are hooked on the vegetable soup served there. Since the vegetables change daily, the soup’s flavor is never the same, and they even argue about which day’s soup tastes best.”

I didn’t know they were doing that.
Not content with fresh vegetables, they’ve also developed a taste for soup—what a refined palate!

Other than that, the city hasn’t seen much change.
With improved security, trade has become more active, both within and beyond the city walls.
I’ve also received reports that thanks to the equipment I sell, injuries and deaths among low-ranking adventurers have decreased significantly this spring.
That’s another piece of good news.

Moreover, Marquis Vardmoi recently announced a new development plan, which has garnered attention.
It seems he’s planning to establish a new village with generous subsidies, though it will take several years to complete.
In preparation, the Adventurers’ Guild has been tasked with conducting an environmental survey of the prospective area.
The guild is assigning this job to trusted adventurers.
While they’d like me to participate, given my circumstances, I’ll have to pass.
It’s a shame since it sounds like a fascinating task.

All in all, the city of Vardmoi is bustling with activity.
Even though the underworld seems to be plotting, they’re being thwarted by the Kiblinki Saltas.
Each spider is accompanied by at least two Rock Wolves for protection, so they’re not easy targets.
It’s pretty much perfect, isn’t it?

With all this in place, I hardly have a reason to leave the house.
Occasionally, I visit the Spiderling’s Nest, but that’s about it.
… At this rate, I’m seriously worried I might gain weight.

----------

Amira’s Business Experience
Today, I’m working on replenishing my shop’s inventory.
Since summer is just around the corner, I’m focusing on bright-colored shirts and similar items.
I’ve secretly enchanted them, so they should feel softer and more comfortable than regular clothing.
Thanks to this, my shop has become a popular spot for girls looking to treat themselves to something a little luxurious.

As for the other shop, it’s still in a dormant state.
But that’s fine—it’s operating as intended.
I’ve been steadily completing the orders supposedly placed through that shop by Princess Rodenlight.
This means I can’t take on additional work for the other shop.
The key is not to overdo it.
That’s important.

“Big sis Lily, are you making clothes for the shop?”

As I worked in my workshop, Amira came to visit.
It seems Uhina, who is on guard duty, decided it was fine to let Amira through.
Amira also has three Kiblinki Saltas accompanying her as bodyguards, so there shouldn’t be any problems.

“That’s right. I’m making inventory for the shop. Summer is coming soon, and it’ll get even hotter, so I’m trying to make clothes that feel cooler to wear.”

“But new clothes are expensive, right? Do a lot of customers come to your shop?”

Ah, Amira is so smart!
Even though she’s a former princess, she understands the commoner’s sense of money.

When I asked for details, Amira said she was taught such things because there was a high chance she might be sent to marry into another family.
Regardless of the level of nobility she might marry into, it’s important to understand the lives of commoners.
Yes, yes, that’s very important!

“My clothes are new, but they’re not much more expensive than secondhand ones, so they’re relatively affordable.”

“Really?”

“Yep. I make all my clothes using magic sewing, so there’s no wasted fabric. And since there’s no sewing involved, I can offer them at lower prices.”

“Big sis Lily, so you’re a magic tailor! I thought you were a spider tamer!”

Come to think of it, I don’t remember ever telling Amira I was a magic tailor.
She might have seen me taking dress orders, but I don’t recall explaining the magic sewing part.
Well, it’s fine now that I’ve told her.

“But, Big sis Lily, aren’t magic tailors usually employed by nobles?”

“Huh? Are they?”

“Yeah, that’s what I’ve heard. The magic sewing technique itself is very rare, so nobles are eager to hire tailors with that skill. Haven’t you experienced anything like that?”

“Nope, never.”

This is probably thanks to Marquis Vardmoi.
With him as my patron, it’s not easy for others to approach me directly.
Huh, I might owe him more than I realized.

“Say, Big sis. Do you think I could learn magic sewing too?”

“You, Amira? Hmm, I wonder?”

“I want to try!”

“Just a little, then. I’ll teach you how, so try copying me.”

“Okay!”

I explained the mechanics of magic sewing to Amira.
Basically, you just need to draw a finished design and the cut-out parts onto the magic sewing pattern.
As long as the overall layout and individual parts are correctly drawn, the pattern should work.
However, ensuring the pieces fit together correctly is tricky.
If either drawing is significantly off, the pattern becomes unusable.
Being able to assess and fix these discrepancies is a key skill for magic seamstresses.

Of course, expecting Amira to handle such complexities right away is unreasonable.
I decided to have her start with something simple: an apron.
It’s a basic design without pockets, so as long as she gets the sizes right, it should work fine.

I demonstrated how to make a pattern and had Amira replicate it.
Since she likely couldn’t draw straight lines freehand yet, I gave her a ruler and other tools to help.
After some trial and error—and a few redos—she successfully made a proper pattern.
Amira is amazing!

“How is it? Did it turn out well?”

“Yeah, it should be fine. Now, the real test is whether the magic sewing activates.”

“Is it hard?”

“I hired some orphans in spring to practice, but none of them have managed to succeed so far. I had them make aprons just like this, so the patterns should be fine.”

“So it really is difficult…”

“It is. Want to give it a try?”

“Yes!”

I’m glad she’s not giving up and wants to try.
However, no matter how many times Amira channeled magic through the pattern, the fabric refused to take shape, and the pattern eventually fell apart.
The initial step into magic sewing is indeed challenging.
I’m starting to understand why nobles would go to great lengths to hire a magic tailor.
Amira wasn’t ready to give up yet, but maybe I can find some way to help her out?