Headed to Isekai

Why are you sighing from the morning? You have the honor of serving me, yet you're always moping... it's not a good look.

Because I'm constantly strapped for cash.

Things start to get better, then it all goes to hell. Then it gets better again, and it goes to hell again.

This is exactly what they mean by pouring water into a bottomless jar.

Sigh, money management is an adventurer's essential virtue.

...You do realize you're the culprit, right?

Why?!

Man... they say when people get whisked away to another world, they get all kinds of perks, powerful weapons, skills, or companions...

So why did I end up with nothing but a gluttonous little runt...

I want a real Isekai adventure! Why do I have it harder here than back at home?!

Are you done?! Why am I some bloodsucking cliff gnat?!

When did I ever say that...

No, watching you scarf it down, maybe I wasn't that far off.

What did you say? Munch, munch...

How about you start by explaining that fish cake in your hand?

It's a snack?

You already had breakfast.

What a stupid thing to say. There's a stomach for meals and a stomach for snacks! Do you still not know this ancient truth?

You know, I used to think anyone could be reformed if you spoke from the heart.

Nom, nom. And?

But there are people in this world who only change after they get hit.

Chomp, chomp. Someone like that can't possibly exist. Every problem can be solved with conversation.

Then why are you backing away while you say that...?

You're coming after me!

You're sharp when it matters! Get over here!

That happened...?

No wonder Morgana seemed down...

What's she got to sulk about? It's all karma.

Stop picking on me! I'm the Fairy Queen!

Hmm... normally I'd say something about how rough you are, Ethan, but...

Lately Morgana's appetite has been getting worse, so I can't bring myself to scold you.

I understand your worries too...

Thanks for understanding. You're finally starting to face reality.

It's all because we don't have money. Princess! Should we try to solve it ourselves this time?

Well... I heard there's a turtle race being held in southern Mercia. If that's the case...!

Now that we have the power of the World Tree, we can tell which turtle will win!

...! Bedi! Can we finally win?

Yes! Princess!

No, not that... don't... please, stay still...

You're being stingy just because someone as magnificent as me spent a little money? You should be honored to travel with me!

Since you brought it up...

I can't even tell anymore if you're really amazing or not. You do come through once in a while, but...

Have you forgotten already? Did you eat a Fruit of Forgetting or something? Who drove off the dragon and annihilated the enemy?

You've stirred up trouble for no reason, gotten us wrecked, poked places you shouldn't, almost gotten us buried alive... it's happened plenty of times.

Grrr!!

I'm amazing! I'm incredible! Are you making light of the Fairy Queen, you pig?!

You can yell that every day, but...

Hmph! Then I'll show you!

Show me what...?

Today's monster hunt! I'll handle everything!

So hand over the lead, got it? It's not often I step up.

Woooow! Are we finally going to see Morgana's ultimate magic?

Ultimate magic...? What are you talking about?

She said she usually keeps her power hidden. That if she got serious, this world might be destroyed...

Heh! Heh! Hah...! How embarrassing.

...

Uh, today's a relatively easy opponent... you don't need to show that much power...

...I've got a bad feeling. I can see a grim future.

Well... but if it's Morgana, won't it be fine?

Even her usual should be enough.

If you collapse today, I'll carry you!

If you say so...

So what's our target this time?

Orcs, goblins, whatever. Just say the word!

Slimes.

S-Slimes...?

They started appearing near the village recently. The merchants have been hit hard... so we decided to get rid of them.

I-Is that so?

Why? Does hearing slime bring back some trauma? Scared?

N-No way! Hmph! Those things burn easily. We just have to burn them all.

I really hope so.

Heh... heh heh heh...

See? This is what I'm capable of...!

...You fought pretty desperately. Anyone watching would think you just slayed a dragon.

Are you looking down on slimes?!

Slimes are terrifying foes! They're horrible monsters that tried to swallow my body whole over and over!

In some stories, slimes keep growing until they start capturing every female adventurer on the continent...

Stop! Stop!! Don't say another word!

Ethan... I don't think this is the time for small talk.

Huh...? More are coming?

Just as I thought, these slimes appearing must be someone's scheme.

But Princess, I didn't sense any evil presence nearby.

We'll find out as we take them down. The mighty Fairy Queen said she'd wipe them all out, didn't she?

Heh...

Morgana, you look a little tired...?

That's... the Grim Reaper?!

Why is an angel of death here...

Grim Reapers don't just appear. Looks like someone made a contract.

Who would make a contract with something like that?

Ah! Princess! Behind that tree... there's someone!

Someone?

Watching us from there... Huh?! They're running!

They must be connected to this. Let's finish this quick and go catch them.

...

...?

What?

You were charging in front the whole time, why are you standing still now?

Ah... did you finally run out of Mana?

Morgana's knees are trembling...

I-I'm just taking it easy, that's all...!

Holding onto your pride even while barely standing... that stubbornness really is worthy of the Fairy Queen.

Ethan! The enemy's moving!

I-I'm sorry! Please spare me!

We won't hurt you. Depending on what we learn, we may hand you over to the guard, but...

What were you doing there?

I made a dark contract to block a rival merchant guild's expansion... I'm sorry! I'm sorry!

Huh? You're confessing pretty easily.

Yeah...? You're not even trying to deny it.

W-Well... behind you there's someone like a demon, with terrifying killing intent...

A demon?

Grrr... this body is... the faaaairy... quuueeeenn... graaah...

Eek! I'm sorry!!

Y-You're... crushed... by my presence... heh... heh heh...

She wrung herself dry to the very end and completely broke.

It would've been strange if you hadn't collapsed ages ago.

...Plotting to sabotage another guild's legitimate business is wrong.

And selling your soul to a being of darkness... that's not something a human should do.

We'll have no choice but to hand her over to the guard.

Ngh...

Whew... is this over now.

Morgana collapsed...!

Once again, we don't even get a chance to admire the Fairy Queen's amazing skills before we get a shabby ending.

W-Who... are you calling shabby... you pig...

Grr...! Once I regain my true power... this will be nothing...!

So when exactly is that true form coming back? What are you, some mythical creature?

Th-That's...

Forget it. Don't push yourself. You're already plenty helpful as you are.

Huh...?

If it weren't for your magic, there were plenty of moments we would've been in trouble.

I'm not stupid enough to ignore that.

Y-You're finally acknowledging my efforts...

So please don't collapse. You've gained weight lately, you know. Spare a thought for the one who has to carry you.

Hmph, so that's the reason.

What can I do? I don't expect you to regain your original power and start shining.

I just hope it doesn't get any worse.

You're only saying that because you don't know, Ethan. Lately I've had a good feeling.

Not like my prime, but... I think I'll get my power back soon!

If that happens, our journey will be much easier. Morgana's feats and powerful Magical Power are famous, after all.

I-I believe in you, Morgana!

Hmm...

...Why?

Those distrustful eyes... as expected, you're doubting me like the pig you are.

Can't help it. I'm not even from this world... and even if you were great in the past, that's just a legend.

I can't believe anything I can't see with my own eyes.

I'm incredibly kind and great! I'm the curviest, most glamorous, and the most beautiful in the world!

Saying that about yourself doesn't mean anything.

Sigh... can't be helped...

Next, we're attacking an Orc tribe! I'll prove it until you acknowledge me!

What?! No! Stop!!

You two, stop her! If she collapses completely, she'll be nothing but dead weight!

M-Morgana... should we save the Orcs for next time? We still need to report the quest results.

R-Right, Morgana! I already know how great you are!

Don't worry about what Ethan thinks.

Exactly. Don't let it bother you, let's head back to town first.

That's it...! I'll buy you something tasty! I know a great cake shop, you know?

Let's ignore Ethan and have fun on our own!

Shut up! You one-brain-cell sows! You perverted sea-cucumber worms, stop trying to soothe me like I'm a child!

A-A sow...

Sea cucumber... worm... sniff... sob... waaah!

I'll awaken! I'll awaken for sure and wipe that smug look off your faces! Take that! Ethan, you perverted grub!

Just you wait!!!

...You really do just blurt out whatever comes to mind.