This section of the light novel details the early adventures and developing relationships of Lilia, a novice Tamer, and Rolf, a skilled Beastkin adventurer.
Lilia, a kind-hearted girl who loves fluffy creatures, has just become an adventurer but struggles to tame any monsters. Her attempts are often thwarted by her inability to properly weaken them before attempting to tame, a fact pointed out by Rolf, a seventeen-year-old Black Panther Beastkin with sharp words but a hidden protective nature. Rolf, a B-rank adventurer, is annoyed by Lilia's lack of progress, constantly telling her to return home, though he secretly watches over her. Their interactions are characterized by bickering, but a strong underlying connection is evident. They are interrupted by Dylan, a Lion Beastkin adventurer, who makes crude advances towards Lilia, further highlighting Rolf's protective instincts.
Later, Lilia ventures deeper into the forest, seeking new monsters. She is ambushed by a tentacled creature and finds herself in a dire situation, covered in a strange, potentially dissolving mucus. Rolf appears, initially amused, but ultimately rescues her after she tearfully promises to do "anything" within her ability. He quickly cuts her free and carries her back to the forest's edge, showing a moment of tenderness by wiping her face and briefly touching foreheads. Lilia is flustered by his unexpected closeness and the scent she now carries.
The next day, Lilia discovers the mucus has miraculous skin-enhancing properties, making her skin incredibly smooth and radiant. This newfound beauty attracts unwanted attention from men, particularly Beastkin, as she heads to the Adventurer's Guild. Overwhelmed and frightened, she is whisked away by Rolf, who has been waiting for her. He takes her to his home, where he reveals the mucus contains a potent aphrodisiac, explaining the sudden male attention. He provides her with clothes and a bath, while he waits outside, clearly struggling with his own feelings.
While bathing, Lilia discovers a worn blue ribbon with a silver tag on Rolf's desk. This triggers a flood of memories, and she breaks down crying. Rolf, returning, finds her distraught and, after she shows him the ribbon, finally confesses his past. Three years prior, as a young C-rank adventurer, he was severely injured by a Goblin King and was found and nursed back to health by Lilia, who believed him to be a cat-like monster. He had grown deeply attached to her during his recovery, but when he returned from a long expedition, Lilia's family had moved, leaving him heartbroken. He later recognized her at the Adventurer's Guild but was met with cold indifference, as she didn't recognize him in his human form. This led to his current behavior of teasing her, masking his deep affection and fear of being rejected again.
Lilia, realizing the "cat" she cared for was Rolf, is overwhelmed. They reconcile, and Lilia agrees to form a party with Rolf. Their first official act as a party is to search for a suitable monster for Lilia to tame, as she needs a companion to truly be an adventurer and to avoid being a burden to Rolf. Rolf, despite his own capabilities, is dedicated to helping Lilia achieve her dream, even if it means his own ambitions take a backseat. Their relationship solidifies, with Rolf's possessiveness and Lilia's innocent obliviousness creating a dynamic filled with both humor and underlying romantic tension.
