The Slime Doesn't Die from Mana Transfer-Chapter 102 : A Chance Encounter on the Street

Morning light pierced the lingering clouds, scattering golden radiance over the city that was so often shrouded in snow and wind.
Taking advantage of the fine weather, the street cleaners had risen early to clear away the snow that had piled up over the last few nights. For once, the stone-paved roads were fully exposed, washed clean by melting frost and morning dew. Boots clacked crisply against the stones, the sound carrying with a faint echo.
Rozelite wrapped herself in a thick wool cloak, her breath puffing out as faint white mist.
Warmth radiated from within her lower belly—Mr. Slime’s heat, as though a furnace had been tucked into her womb. The warmth spread through her entire body, brightening her mood just like the clear sky above.
It was a rare snowless day. She decided to take advantage of the good roads to stock up on supplies.
During their stay at the inn, Russell had studied the city’s layout. Since the journey ahead was long, and they had decided not to pass through other cities, they needed to purchase everything now to avoid trouble later.
The two headed straight for the commercial district.
The bright day had brought out more stalls than usual.
Rozelite bought several bundles of smoked meat wrapped in rough hemp cloth, a sealed jar of tallow, and from a steaming bread stall she picked out several fluffy loaves.
The air was rich with the aroma of spices. Following her nose, she bought a selection of seasonings, wrapped neatly in oiled paper, and tucked them into her basket.
When no one was looking, she slipped everything into the Astral Silver Ring.
Living beings couldn’t enter the ring, but food and supplies stored inside would not decay over time. This meant fresh meals even on long travels—a truly convenient use.
After a busy half-day, shopping was finally done.
Time slipped by. The sky darkened, afternoon warmth giving way to evening chill.
Catching sight of a tearoom on the roadside, Rozelite entered eagerly.
“You’d better remember what you said during your cramps two days ago,” Russell reminded.
“I—I know… I’m only going to have a little dessert.”
“Too much dessert and you’ll get fat.”
“No, I won’t.”
She muttered under her breath.
“With Mr. Slime around, I won’t get fat no matter how much I eat.”
“…”
Well, that was true.
She pushed the door open, the bell chiming softly.
Inside, the air was warm and dry, carrying the mingled scents of coffee beans, baked sweets, and woodsmoke. The clientele was sparse—clearly not the sort of place just anyone could afford. A few well-dressed patrons sat at tables, sipping coffee and reading newspapers.
Rozelite found a seat by the window and ordered a hot black tea and pudding cake.
Sorbet was delicious, but after eating too much the other day and suffering cramps that left her dizzy, she wasn’t about to risk it again. Besides… it would only make Mr. Slime angry.
Soon, steaming tea and a small pudding on a shallow dish were served.
The tea gleamed clear reddish-brown, exuding a rich aroma.
She scooped a spoonful of pudding—creamy white with specks of caramel—and slipped it into her mouth. Cool and silky, it melted on her tongue, rich with milk and faintly tangy cheese. The warm, mellow tea was the perfect counterpoint.
Russell tasted it through her senses as well and nodded slightly.
“Not quite the same as I remember, but pretty good.”
“Heehee, so Mr. Slime likes sweets too?”
“Of course. Who doesn’t like soft, fluffy, sweet little cakes?”
Nibbling, Rozelite gazed out the window.
The sunset cast warm golden veils over the streets and passersby, while the crisp sound of boots striking stone drifted in from time to time. After a busy day, the quiet sweetness of the moment made her feel this rare sunny day was truly complete.
She almost wished it could last forever.
“Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the nearer the home, the more timid the heart’?”
Russell asked.
“What does it mean?”
“It means when someone returns home after years away, with no news in between, the closer they get, the more restless they become, fearing something bad has happened there.”
“Mr. Slime, you really know so much.”
“Nothing special. I just copied it from Baidu.”
“…Huh?”
“Ahem. I mean, that’s what your current state of mind is like.”
Russell continued, “I know what you’re worried about. But don’t be. Even if no one else in this world believes you or accepts you, I will. Because—”
“Because we’re bound by fate,” Rozelite cut in.
“Exactly.”
Russell smiled.
“So don’t be afraid. Face the truth. Even in the worst case, how bad could it really be?”
“…Mm.”
Rozelite nodded.
For now, food came first.
She lifted her tea for a sip, and her face twisted.
“Ugh, this tea… it doesn’t even taste that good, but it’s ridiculously expensive.”
“Really?”
Russell had little knowledge of tea. The best he’d ever had in his past life was a tin of expensive leaves gifted to his boss, supposedly worth thousands per kilo. But to him, it hadn’t tasted much different from the cheaper stuff.
Just as Rozelite was about to complain more, a voice spoke from behind her.
“This shop’s Golden Crown Green Peak tea is harvested from tea trees on Mount Lodia in the south. Each leaf is plucked at dawn, the moment the sun rises and the leaves unfurl. Annual yield barely exceeds a thousand catties. The price is high, but the flavor is exquisite. To call it poor-tasting is an injustice.”
“Of course… compared to the royal-exclusive teas from Mount Tonilo, which produce less than a hundred catties a year, it is another matter. When one grows accustomed to the best, ordinary fare becomes hard to swallow.”
“Don’t you agree, Rozelite?”
At that voice, Rozelite spun around sharply.
A well-dressed old man with silver hair smiled kindly, holding a cup of tea.
As though it were nothing more than a casual greeting between acquaintances encountered on the street.
But that was impossible.
Her face wasn’t her own. Russell had disguised her with 【Mimicry】. There was no way anyone should recognize her.
At the same time, Russell’s eyes fell on the old man’s status panel.
【Name: Brandy Charlotte】
【Race: Human】
【Level: 88】
【State: None】
【HP: 25,580 / 25,580】
【MP: 22,500 / 22,500】
【Skills: Sword Saint’s Blessing Lv10, Thunderous Sword Aura Lv10, One-Handed Sword Mastery Lv10, Two-Handed Sword Mastery Lv10, Dagger Mastery Lv10, Thunder Sword Lv10, Rapid Movement Lv8, Mana Tracking Lv8, Mana Enhancement Lv8, Stealth Lv8, Mana Perception Lv8, Weak Point Targeting Lv8.】