I Have Tamed a Spider Monster - Chapter 250, Chapter 251, Chapter 252

The Real Reason for Visiting Vardmoi
"… Hmm, so mass-producing it as armor undergarments is easier than mass-producing dresses."

"Yes. If we prepare multiple templates of predetermined sizes, all that's left is to prepare the fabric, making it simpler than dresses. Dresses inherently require more components."

"I see."

After the matter of Princess Rodenlight’s dress was resolved, Lord Sharon consulted me about the possibility of mass-producing armor undergarments made from Ogre Spider Silk.
As for the result, it is feasible to mass-produce them, but the challenge lies in securing enough fabric.

"However, the issue arises as to how we gather the fabric. Since Ogre Spider Silk can't be made unless Talat consumes magic stones, a substantial quantity of magic stones will be necessary for mass production. Considering individuals can't purchase magic stones, mass production will be difficult."

"Hmm. The cloth used for Princess Rodenlight's dress order this time came from fabric you sold earlier, right? Can't we manage by working with that?"

"Recently, I’ve had fewer opportunities to gather magic stones. Apparently, I'm now considered a target, so I’m not allowed to go out freely. Prioritizing Princess Rodenlight's dress moving forward means the armor undergarments' delivery will be significantly delayed."

"… If we’re to weigh Princess Rodenlight's dress against the equipment for knights and soldiers, Princess Rodenlight's dress should indeed take precedence. Please prioritize it accordingly."

"Understood."

With that, the matter of the dress and armor undergarments seems settled.
Now, I just need to consider the design of the dress, which is tricky.
It can’t be too similar to other patterns, yet too extravagant is also out of the question.
Ah, difficult indeed.

As I sketched a few design drafts for Plum to review, Princess Rodenlight, Rumaja, Marquis Vardmoi, and Duke McFarlane returned from the adjacent room.
All of them had stern expressions.
I wonder what happened.

"… Lily. If you’re truly willing, would you consider listening to our request?"

Rumaja, with a deeply troubled look, broached the topic.
I wonder what they’re about to ask.

"Could you take in Princess Annette as one of your relatives?"

"What?!"

"I understand your surprise. However, this is the safest option for Princess Annette."

As they explained further, it became clear: the newly founded McFarlane Duchy will be ruled by Duke McFarlane as the Grand Duke.
The Crown Prince will be Lord Sharon, as he is to marry Princess Rodenlight.
This brings us to the concern regarding the other princess, Princess Annette.

If Princess Annette were to marry elsewhere, the influence of her new household would undoubtedly grow, potentially resulting in the country being divided once more.
Yet, keeping Princess Annette confined within the McFarlane household is deemed dangerous.
Other royal families might invade, citing her confinement as justification, or a noble might attempt to abduct her.

Thus, it was concluded that Princess Annette should officially be declared "deceased" and lead a life entirely disconnected from noble society.

The reason they approached me is simply because my household has exceptionally strong defenses.
There’s Plum, Rumaja’s mentor, the combat-capable maids of Plum, the members of the Wildcat’s Claws, and Talat.
They believe it would be challenging for anyone to infiltrate and abduct Princess Annette from such a fortified household.

However, there’s no real benefit for me in this.
It would only increase the reasons people might target me, without offering any advantages.
Though I feel sympathy for Princess Annette, this isn’t something I can act upon based on fleeting emotions.
So, what should I do?

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Princess Annette’s Treatment
It seems that leaving Princess Annette in the care of the McFarlane’s or the Vardmoi’s wouldn’t be ideal.
In the end, it would come down to the royal family taking care of her, and since her background is known, she can't simply be employed for etiquette training.
The same applies to other noble houses.
If her true identity is discovered, it could become a spark for family conflict.
Because of this, they decided that someone like me, distanced from noble lineages and safe enough to entrust with Princess Annette, would be the most suitable candidate.
Hmm, I have to say, I’d appreciate some time to think this over.

“Um, what exactly would be the benefits for me to take in Princess Annette?”

“That’s the issue. If we can't offer you any compensation, there's no point. Do you have anything you desire?”

Something I desire... something I desire...
Even if you ask me out of the blue, that's difficult to answer.
After pondering with my hand on my forehead, I could only come up with one thing.

“I’d like magic stones. If I have to take care of Princess Annette, I won’t have time to go out and gather magic stones myself. Without a consistent supply, it would affect my earnings.”

“Hmm, understood. I shall grant you a license to handle magic stones. Additionally, I’ll include a clause in the contract for regular deliveries of magic stones. How many would you require?”

“Umm, I’d need over 40 stones of Ogre-level quality or higher every week. With that, I can maintain the production of Mana Spider Silk.”

“… In other words, you can’t make Frost Spider Silk?”

“When I was producing Frost Spider Silk, it was to face Frost Wyverns. I’d need stones of equivalent quality.”

“I’ll agree to that too. Do you have any other requests?”

Other requests... Oh, right.

I need to clarify this as well.

“I don't have enough guards for Princess Annette. The current guards are here to protect me, so I can't be sure they can also watch over Princess Annette. Is it possible to increase the number of guards?”

“Guards, huh? That’s a bit challenging. There aren’t any trustworthy enough guards at the moment who I’d feel safe placing near Princess Annette. Lady Plum, could you not summon someone from the Darshe Principality?”

“That would be difficult. I called for Lily's attendants since she's my benefactor, but I have no connection to this girl named Annette. If she’s under Lily’s care, I can look out for her to some extent, but full-time protection is another matter. That’s a bit too much to ask.”

“I see. That’s troubling…”

Hmm, it seems Rumaja was genuinely troubled by this.

Both the Duke McFarlane and the Marquis Vardmoi seem concerned but have left the matter entirely to Rumaja, suggesting they expect her to handle it without forcing the issue on me.
They're likely thinking that if they pressure me, I might just leave, given that I have connections in the Darshe Principality.
I’d like to do something for Princess Annette as well, but it’s a tough situation.

If the matter of her security were settled, I’d be willing to take her in.

“Hmm, you do seem to be in quite a predicament.”

“Plum, please, that’s a bit…”

“What’s lacking is simply the guards, isn’t it? Then all you need to do is increase the number of guards.”

Just increase them…?
Everyone’s struggling precisely because that’s not so easy to do.
Whether she’s aware of our feelings or not, Plum presented a solution.

“Have Lily tame more monsters. Of course, weak monsters would be meaningless. Seek powerful monsters that Lily could tame. Rumaja, as the head of the Adventurers’ Guild, surely that’s not impossible?”

Plum, that suggestion is a bit unreasonable.
However, since Rumaja didn’t argue, she likely believes it’s the best option.
But, even though I’m a tamer, Talat is unique...
I wonder if I can really tame other monsters.

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Monster Candidates to Tame
A week has passed since Princess Rodenlight visited the city and gave her speech.
During that time, she and the Duke McFarlane’s household have moved on to another town, but it seems Princess Annette has remained here.

Rumaja is also still in the city, keeping in contact with both the old and new Adventurers’ Guild headquarters as she searches for potential tamed monster candidates for me.
But what sort of monster would make a good candidate?

Perhaps Plum might have some insight?

"Hmm? It’s often said that tamers are most compatible with monsters of similar species. In your case, that would be spider types."

"Spider types… Are they strong?"

"It depends on the species, but generally, they’re highly defensive. Some have an aggressive temperament, but most are mild as long as you don’t invade their territory. The Silk Spider family, for instance, may not excel in direct attacks but are adept at trap-based strategies."

Now that she mentions it, that’s true.
My typical approach is to snare enemies with Talat’s threads before launching attacks, and when defending, he can create walls of web that fend off most monster attacks.
Thinking about it that way, maybe Rumaja is looking for spider-type monsters for me?

"That’s quite likely. However, spider sightings are extremely rare. They inhabit mountainous areas and caves, attacking intruders without hesitation. As a result, information about them is quite scarce."

"I see. So even Rumaja may have a hard time finding them?"

"That’s where the Adventurers’ Guild’s capabilities come into play. What one person can't gather, an organization can. Still, spiders tend to inhabit very particular territories, which makes taming them challenging."

That doesn’t sound too promising.
I managed to tame Talat right when I met him, so I don’t actually know the detailed taming process.
Could I really tame a new monster?
Hmm, what should I do?

"Hello? Lily... Ah, there you are."

"Oh, Melanie! Do you need something?"

"I’ve been asked by Rumaja to bring you some documents."

"Documents?"

I tilted my head, puzzled.
What could be so important that Melanie was sent to deliver them personally?

"Yes, though I’m not sure what’s inside since they’re sealed with wax."

"You're right. It’s addressed to me and Plum. Where’s Rumaja right now?"

"That, we’re not sure about either. The document arrived only just now, after being sent via guild courier two days ago."

Where could Rumaja be?
Well, let’s take a look at these documents.

“Let’s see… A location of spider-type monsters has been confirmed!?”

"Well now. Finding it within a week is impressive."

According to Rumaja’s document, a village has been found about half a day’s flight from Vardmoi, where there’s been a sighting of spider-type monsters.
Apparently, Rumaja is currently there, gathering more information from the locals.
She’s asked me to come as soon as I’m ready.

Based on the map included, it’ll take about two to three days by Lumite Grand Wing since we’ll need to make a wide detour around a forest.
I’m still not sure if I can actually tame anything, but I suppose I should go.
If things get dangerous, Talat will be with me.

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