I woke up and immediately looked for Mizumochi. I thought yesterday's events might have been a dream.

Relieved it wasn't, I found Mizumochi still sleeping in the mug, its head(?) peeking out, motionless.

After washing up, I prepared my usual black coffee. Relying on coffee alone every morning isn't great, I know.

"Mizumochi, I've got water ready for you," I called out.

At my voice, Mizumochi emerged from the mug, trembling adorably.

Wow!

Such a cute creature! I've always loved animals, but I might become a slime fanatic. Mizumochi slowly moved to the plate filled with water and drank it all. It seemed a bit livelier than yesterday, warming my heart.

"Today, we'll go out to get a home and food for Mizumochi."

Time to use my smartphone!

I revisited Anju's blog, already bookmarked, and read about slime care while sipping coffee.

Anju's detailed posts about taming and care are incredible, and her writing is so accessible.

"Once tamed, slimes won't move without their master's command. They're ranked as the easiest magical creature to care for but are the weakest in dungeon battles."

Well, I won't be dungeon delving. Mizumochi's weakness is no issue for me.

"When taking slimes outside, register as an adventurer and declare the taming to the kingdom."

What! A registration is required? Well, it is a magical creature. We mustn't be perceived as a threat.

"Slimes can change size at will, so you can carry them in a bag. However, forcing them to change size too much can weaken and kill them."

Incredible! Mizumochi can change size? Still, we mustn't overdo it. I’ve experienced the consequences of overworking myself. Mizumochi has helped me regain my energy, but I vow not to overburden it. It's okay for Mizumochi to grow, but not through strain.

"Mizumochi can eat anything and go anywhere. How wonderful to take it to work! Having comfort by my side sounds delightful. But, bringing Mizumochi to my current job might stress it out. Let's not do that."

The company would exhaust Mizumochi.

"First, I need to register to keep a slime."

So, on my day off, I decide to finish Mizumochi's business. Fortunately, registrations at the Adventurers' Guild are open even on Sundays.

Riding my beloved Super Cub, I head to the guild, about 30 minutes from my suburban home.

I put Mizumochi in a backpack, along with my ID and registration fee.

"Wow, what an impressive building!"

The guild, housed in a renovated old city hall, looks like a Western-style mansion. Inside, it's bustling with mostly young people, but I spot some my age. I'm not great with crowds, so I head to the information desk.

"Excuse me, I’d like to register as an adventurer and for taming a magical creature."

The receptionist, stunningly beautiful, makes me a bit nervous.

"Right this way for adventurer registration. You can also register your taming there."

Her kind smile and helpful manner nearly sweep me off my feet.

"Thank you," I say, moving towards the registration.

The area is crowded with youngsters, making me tense. I find an empty reception manned by a stern, bald man, intimidating the young adventurers.

"May I...?"

"Huh? Oh."

His brief response is puzzling. As a professional, I proceed normally.

"I'd like to register as an adventurer and for taming a magical creature."

"Here," he says, handing me two forms with minimal words. Kind? Maybe.

I fill out my name, address, current job, and adventurer class. Beast Tamer, I guess?

Hideo Abe, 40, Male, [Address], Office Worker at Black Corporation, Beast Tamer.

For Tamed Monster:

Species: Slime, Name: Mizumochi.

After completing and submitting the forms with my ID, the fee is about 3000 yen.

"Is this alright?"

The tough-looking staff member gives a thumbs-up and stamps my forms. Handing me an adventurer's guidebook, he seems kind in his own way. I thank him and leave, not planning to take on adventurer work, but grateful for his help.

Seems like he's just not great at communicating.

The applause from the youngsters as I leave is surprising.

"I registered just fine," I mutter, louder than usual, and exit.

With a deep sigh, I feel accomplished. Inside my backpack, I sense Mizumochi's happiness too.