This month, there's a small additional expense again.
Although studying culinary arts is Mr. Cook's interest, Rhode always feels a bit embarrassed not contributing at all for the ingredients.
However, Warm has gained the right to freely enter and exit the kitchen when Mr. Cook isn't busy.
The precondition is that it mustn't randomly touch things in the kitchen.
This is Rhode's 12th day learning Three-Dimensional Text Magic.
After taking on a task recommended by Mira, the atmosphere among the Lane Engine Squad has eased a bit, and they've soon planned to work together again next time.
Reby comes to tutor Rhode whenever she's free, and Jet and Troy occasionally come to watch the fun.
However, the past two weeks of study have made Rhode realize how important 'compatibility' is.
Back when he was learning Summoning Magic, he almost mastered it instantly, but his progress with Three-Dimensional Text Magic is hardly satisfying.
The same FIRE is written, Reby releases blazing flames, while Rhode releases something like a torch.
The same WATER is written, Reby releases a large amount of clear water with decent impact, while Rhode's only produces enough to wash a face.
Using this for battle is out of the question, but Rhode plans to learn a few more words that can create light, wind, etc.
It would at least make life a lot more convenient; he wouldn't need to light a lamp when going to the bathroom at night, nor bring fire for a picnic.
What a joyous occasion.
In comparison, the progress with Summoning Magic is as steady as ever.
This time, Rhode felt he could summon new wild creatures, and once again asked the president to oversee it.
The result confirmed one thing: being cautious indeed pays off.
"Respond to my call, Magic Swamp Frog!"
The magic power equivalent to summoning nearly four River Crabs was drained by a pendant, and a giant brown toad appeared in the guild's backyard.
The appearance of this toad can only be described as ugly.
It has a huge body capable of swallowing a person whole, with several purple mushrooms growing on its back, clearly indicating they are poisonous.
"Ribbit~~" With a loud croak, the land beneath the Magic Swamp Frog's feet turned purple.
The next second, Rhode felt himself grabbed by a large hand and quickly pulled back.
The president then appeared in front of him, striking the ground with one hand as golden light emanated from it.
The Magic Swamp Frog and the ground beneath it were enveloped by a golden Magic Array, golden spells rising from bottom to top to form a protective shield.
The Magic Swamp Frog seemed to want to jump, but Rhode gave a 'don't move' command, calming it down.
"President, what is this?"
"It's venom; this should prevent further spreading," the president said seriously, looking at the purple-dyed ground, "Will it obey your commands like other wild creatures?"
"It should," Rhode felt his connection with the Magic Swamp Frog, "Raise your left forepaw."
The Magic Swamp Frog raised its paw.
"Step one to the left."
The Magic Swamp Frog complied.
"Make a sound."
"Ribbit~"
"Seems there are no issues," the president said, "So, is there a way to retract the venom?"
Rhode commanded, "Retract the venom."
No response.
Rhode pondered, "Eliminate the venom on the ground?"
The Magic Swamp Frog slightly retreated, opened its mouth, and took a bite of the soil. It munched and wanted to spit but didn't dare, looking at Rhode with a hopeful gaze.
Ah, at that moment, Rhode found the toad quite adorable.
With the president's approval, Rhode said, "Spit it out, gently."
The president observed, and it seemed the venom in the soil really was neutralized or absorbed to some extent.
Also, the toad hadn't contaminated new land during its retreat.
"Hmm…" Makarov thought for a moment and said, "For now, don't summon it in the guild."
"Alright." Rhode nodded and waved his hand, sending the Magic Swamp Frog back to the Summoner's Rift.
Makarov was relieved; it was good that Rhode was a cautious child.
"President, what should we do with this land?"
"I'll ask Lady Porlyusica for help. If an antidote can be made, you can carry some with you just in case."
The simplest method would be to scrape the surface and bury it deep.
But for the long term, they couldn't keep Rhode from summoning it forever.
"President, may I join you in visiting Lady Porlyusica? I haven't properly thanked her for last time."
Back when he first woke up, communication was impossible; by the time he learned the common language, the elderly lady had long returned home, and she hadn't visited the guild since.
Rhode had asked Mira for the lady's address, but was told Lady Porlyusica disliked being disturbed, and if there was no urgent matter, a sudden visit might result in getting chased away with a broom.
Configuring an antidote should count as an urgent matter, right?
"It's good to go together; she might want to see your…Magic Swamp Frog."
Makarov waved his hand; a flash of light occurred, and his casual clothes changed into formal wear.
Rhode had to admit, he was impressed by the old man's style: "President, this Requip Magic is so cool!"
"Hehe…" The president showed a child-like smile, "So, want to learn?"
"Absolutely! Uh… I'll definitely learn it when I get the chance!"
Outfit changes are the… no, a mage's romance!
Makarov was pleased; it was nice that the child had ambitions beyond just becoming stronger.
He collected a bit of the venom-contaminated soil in a glass cup, created a magical barrier around it, and said, "Let's go."
This was Rhode's first time walking down the street with the president—if you don't count the time he was carried back.
"Are you used to the guild?"
"It's fine. Everyone's really nice, taking good care of me and teaching me a lot."
Rhode glossed over the two impolite S-Class Mages; for now, everything was quite good.
Just as Makarov smiled, Rhode added:
"Except it's sometimes noisy, with unidentified flying objects whizzing by my ears, and people often break things that aren't easy to clean… but there's nothing much to complain about."
Makarov clutched his chest, feeling a bit hurt: "If you're learning the common language, stick with Mira or Reby; don't learn Erza's way of speaking."
That's just like Erza, listing everyone's faults but then saying, 'I don't feel like talking about you today.'
"Ah, President, I was just kidding, don't take it to heart!" Rhode hurriedly tried to backtrack, worrying he had upset the old man, "It's nice that the guild's lively."
He tried to change the topic: "Oh, President, Lady Porlyusica lives in the Eastern Forest, right? Should we ride a River Crab there?"
Makarov looked at the bustling street: "Let's wait until we're out of town; we don't want to inconvenience others."
"Oh… Wait for me a moment, I want to buy something!"
Rhode ran to a fruit stand, returning a few minutes later with a bag of apples and a bag of peaches.
Visiting for the first time, it's not good to show up empty-handed.
Makarov chuckled but said nothing.
...
"This is where I found you."
After riding the River Crab into the forest and walking some distance, Makarov pointed to an open area.
Rhode didn't have much impression of the place; to him, the forest looked all the same.
Even if he hadn't encountered that strange beast back then, he probably would have gotten lost and fainted from hunger here.