The Slime Doesn't Die from Mana Transfer-Chapter 43 : Meeting Winnie Again

The cold winds of Ato City swept up fine snowflakes, whipping the streets without pause.
Rozelite walked quickly over the snow-covered stone road, boots crunching
crrk-crrk
underfoot. Her mind still replayed the prices she had just learned at the church.
A single vial of restorative potion cost three silver coins.
Meanwhile, an E-rank adventurer’s daily income was barely ten copper coins, at most fifteen. Which meant working ten days straight without eating or drinking would only just afford a single potion.
She touched the coins in her pocket. After chopping wood she’d earned a silver coin, and she’d been proud of it. But now she realized it was nothing at all. For a low-ranked adventurer, such “wealth” was nothing but an illusion, disappearing in the blink of an eye.
“Mr. Slime…”
Looking up at the falling snow, Rozelite murmured, “Making money is so hard…”
“Relax a little,” Russell said.
“You don’t have many expenses anyway. Once you rank up to D-rank and can take monster-hunting commissions, you’ll earn faster. By then, a few restorative potions will be nothing.”
“You’re right…”
As they spoke, she pushed open the scarred door of the Iron-brand Weapon Shop. A strong smell of red-hot metal, cooled oils, tanned leather, and coal ash rushed out to meet her, instantly chasing away the outside chill.
Inside, the light was dim. Only a few wall-mounted oil lamps and the flames leaping in the forge’s hearth gave illumination.
The bald blacksmith still wore his thick, oil-stained leather apron, his back turned to the door as he stood at the anvil.
His muscular arms swung a heavy square-headed hammer, striking rhythmically at a glowing-hot metal billet.
At the sound of the door, he didn’t even look up.
“Goods at the counter! Customs wait!”
“Boss, it’s me.”
Rozelite raised her voice, walking to the counter.
“The sword I ordered three days ago, you said it’d be ready today.”
The hammering ceased.
The blacksmith clamped the billet with tongs, plunging it into a bucket of water.
Ssshh—!
Steam billowed up as the metal quenched.
Only then did he turn, gaze sweeping Rozelite as if taking a moment to recall her.
“Oh, it’s you. The little girl.”
He went behind the counter, tore her order slip from the wall of paper notes, then bent down and lifted a long bundle wrapped carefully in thick, oiled gray cloth.
“Here. Made to your specs.”
He set it on the counter with a heavy thud.
Rozelite swallowed, stepping forward to unwrap it.
A gleaming one-handed sword appeared before her eyes.
Its blade was slightly shorter than the standard knight’s model, just over two feet, and narrower too. The lines were sleek and restrained.
The crossguard was simple, edges polished round.
The grip was wrapped in dark-brown leather strips for traction, ending in a smooth brass pommel.
There were no ornate decorations—plain, even common-looking.
But practical.
Rozelite’s eyes lit up at the sight.
It was far simpler than the swords she’d used back in the palace. But there was no mistaking it: this was a true sword, forged by a blacksmith who made weapons for adventurers and guards. A tool meant to cut through flesh and bone.
She grasped the leather-wrapped hilt.
It had weight, but lighter and more agile than the store models she’d tried before—perfect for her.
The grip’s size and leather’s texture fit her palm just right.
“If you want to test it, go outside. Too cramped in here.”
The blacksmith said casually.
“Okay!”
Sword in hand, Rozelite stepped outside.
【Magic Enhancement lv4】.
All mana costs covered by Mr. Slime today!
A surge of strength filled her arms and wrists.
What mattered in 【Magic Enhancement】 wasn’t the mana consumed, but the skill’s level. No matter how much Russell poured in, the amplification only went as far as her level allowed.
On the snowy street, Rozelite stood with sword in hand.
She flicked her wrist, the shorter blade darting forward in a silver flash with a sharp
swish
.
The sword was light, yet carried precise momentum.
She tapped a step on the snow, her waist driving her arms, the blade rising in a swift upward slash. The air’s whistle deepened, stirring snowflakes into a flurry.
She spun slightly, parried, swept sideways, then thrust three times in quick succession.
The short sword twirled fluidly in her hands, silver traces weaving through the snowy air.
Her breath mist drifted past the blade’s edge.
She drew back, holding steady, sword tip angled to the snow, trembling faintly.
“How does it feel?”
Russell asked.
“Strange… it feels a bit too light.”
Rozelite frowned.
“Well, you’re under 【Magic Enhancement】. Your strength’s way higher now,” Russell realized.
“So… this sword might not feel ideal anymore?”
“A little… but I can still use it.”
Russell didn’t know much swordsmanship, but even he could tell her form looked decent.
【One-Handed Sword Mastery lv5】 was paying off!
If she performed on the streets, she could probably earn quite a bit.
…No, better not.
A princess performing sword dances for money? Not yet.
“Practice more and the feel will come.”
Russell suggested.
“Good idea!”
Rozelite agreed eagerly and readied for another set.
It was strange. Before, training swordsmanship always made her feel drained, like she wanted to avoid it. But now, perhaps because her mindset had changed, she craved growth. At the very least, she couldn’t drag Mr. Slime down.
Just then, a tall, athletic figure strode through the snowy street.
It was Winnie Charlotte.
She looked freshly returned from outside the city, wearing a dark green wool coat lined with fur at the collar and cuffs. Sturdy trousers tucked into tall brown leather boots.
Her long chestnut hair was tied in a high ponytail, damp strands sticking to her brow.
“Your form’s good,” she said offhand, “but it looks too light.”
She must have seen Rozelite’s swordplay.
“Miss Winnie!”
Rozelite’s face lit with joy.
She started forward—then remembered she still owed Winnie a gold coin. One she couldn’t repay yet.
Winnie gave her a brief glance, said nothing, and turned into the weapon shop.
The sudden cold shoulder left Rozelite stunned.
“Perfect chance,” Russell reminded.
“Since you’ve met her, ask her to coach your swordsmanship.”
Among everyone Russell had seen, Winnie’s sword skill was the highest.
【One-Handed Sword Mastery lv9】
With such a level standing right before them, how could they pass it up?