The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

“Here, I have been entrusted with this envelope. I've been recommended your place since I want to buy a house.” (Shuuya)

I handed Chianelas’s letter of introduction to the black-haired clerk.

Seeing the envelope, the elderly office worker reveals a flustered expression.

“…T-This is… Excuse me, but please wait a moment.”

The clerk dashes inside the store, holding the letter after humbling himself.

“…As expected, it looks like an introduction letter from the leader of a big company has an instantaneous effect, doesn’t it?" (Rebecca)

Rebecca says while watching the clerk who disappeared in a hurry.

“I wonder whether I ended up putting him in a bind.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, don’t worry. Shuuya, you’re a good customer.” (Eva)

Eva consoles me with a serious expression on her face.

“That’s right. Even though you don’t have an appointment, Master, on top of being endorsed by a big businessman, you are an important potential client for this company, someone who’s trying to buy a big property.” (Viine)

Viine supplements, obviously agreeing with Eva’s opinion.

“You’re correct.” (Shuuya)

I nod with a smile while looking at the faces of Viine and Eva.

At that point, a fat woman appears from inside the store, with swollen cheeks and a broad nose.

It's obvious at first glance that she’s a big shot, going by her extravagant silken clothes. I reckon she is the president of the Melson Company.

The president-like woman closes in at a quick pace.

“I’m very sorry for having kept you waiting, dear customer who brought the letter of introduction. My name is Carol Melson, and I’m the acting president of the Melson Company.”

“It's not a problem. I’m Shuuya Kagari, here to look for a property.” (Shuuya)

Once Carol-san hears my name, a wide smile blooms on her face, full of warmth and politeness.

“Thank you very much. Please follow me to the inner room then.” (Carol)

She lifts up a part of the counter, making a path for us, and once we pass through, Carol-san guides us inside the store’s inner section.

Passing through a corridor, we are welcomed by a parlor; it is neither small nor big.

There’s a leather-covered sofa at the side, with a low table and chairs beside it.

Plenty of expensive-looking paintings cover the walls illuminated by a crystal light source's bright light, which has been installed at the ceiling.

“Please sit down over here.” (Carol)

I make myself comfortable on the sofa since I was urged to do so by Carol-san with a smile, while she sits on a sofa chair across us.

She seductively crosses her thick legs, befitting the stature of a female merchant. However, I keep myself in check by not staring at her.

“Well then, please allow me to start the business negotiations. Shuuya-sama, what kind of real estate have you in your mind?” (Carol)

What kind, huh?

Well, I guess I will tell her what comes to mind.

“I'm looking for a big mansion with a vast ground, which is relatively close to the labyrinth and conveniently situated for shopping.” (Shuuya)

Hearing my wishes, Carol-san inclines her head and ponders a bit while slackening her double-chin.

“…Is that so? Then look at these documents: there are several properties. The first is close to the magic block, west of the noble district. The second is near to where royalty lives in the east of the noble district. The third one is within reach of the Second Ring Road, south of the noble district. The fourth is not far from the martial arts district and the Great Vice Arena. The fifth is in the eastern warehouse area, nearby the Heim River. And the sixth residence is located in the south, parallel to the Third Ring Road.” (Carol)

Carol-san smoothly explained the information about the properties without even glancing at the documents, which were made out of parchment, placed on the table.

It looks like she remembers all of the particulars, as expected of someone affiliated to a big company.

Now then, which should I choose from the manors she mentioned just now?

Pictures have been drawn on the info pages to make the selection easier.

The buildings in the noble district appear luxurious and grand.

Among the choices, the property located close to the martial arts district and the Great Vice Arena has caught my fancy.

Let’s ask her about it.

“…Please give me the details about the fourth listing.” (Shuuya)

“Sure. It’s a large property located in the martial arts district. In the past, it was the dojo of a distinguished spearmanship school, but the owner of the building apparently died in a tournament battle in the arena. Since there were no relatives, it was put up for auction, and the Melson Company bought it by outbidding the competition.” (Carol)

Hee, since it’s a former dojo, it will surely be spacious; that’s a plus.

I guess I will have a look at that place.

“How much does it cost?” (Shuuya)

“Because of its vast area, it’s 600 platinum coins. However, because of the introduction, I will give you a special price of 550 platinum coins.” (Carol)

Even with the discount, it’s still expensive.

But I have enough dough. Without using the large platinum coins, half of the money of Eribol—which I obtained the other day—will vanish though.

“…Do the other properties have prices in that range, too?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. The ones in the noble district are even more exorbitant.” (Carol)

So there are some that cost even more, huh?

“Fine, but I’d like to tour that property right away; is that possible?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, there’s no problem with that. Please wait a moment as I will call for a carriage.” (Carol)

“Got it.” (Shuuya)

Carol-san stands up and leaves the parlor.

“You made up your mind rather quickly, without even negotiating, but is that really alright?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca asks with a questioning look while tilting her head.

“I have no problem with the price as it is. However, I haven’t decided officially yet. If I like it after having a look, I will settle on it without looking at other properties.” (Shuuya)

“…Humph.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca looks unhappy at my answer. Was there something wrong with what I said?

“What? As I will be the one to decide, it shouldn’t be a problem, no?” (Shuuya)

“That’s true, but…” (Rebecca)

“Nn, Rebecca. Frustrated expression.” (Eva)

“Eeh! Hey, Eva! Something like me being frustrated… uuuh… I actually am…” (Rebecca)

Seemingly embarrassed for having been pointed out directly by Eva, Rebecca honestly admits it with her cheeks becoming bright red. She pulls up her knees on top of the sofa and buries her face between them, not willing to look at others.

The growth panfree she’s wearing below the red slitted skirt becomes visible, however.

I gotta say, her posture is somewhat cute, though.

“Haha.” (Shuuya)

As I am laughing, Carol-san shows up in the parlor.

“I prepared two carriages for you, dear customers. Are the slaves waiting outside yours, Shuuya-sama?” (Carol)

“Yes.” (Shuuya)

“I see. Then let’s go outside as I will personally guide you to the property in the carriage.” (Carol)

“Roger. Rebecca, stop pouting and hurry up.” (Shuuya)

“I know, I know!” (Rebecca)

Leaving the Melson Company’s store, three carriages with the same sizes as the ones we boarded with Moras are waiting for us.

“These are our rides for the trip. Please, get on.” (Carol)

Next to Carol-san, who has guided us to the carriages, people of the Melson Company, her subordinates, are standing at attention. It looks like they will go with us as well.

The slaves, Carol-san and her subordinates, and me and my friends board separate carriages. Once Carol-san’s carriage starts moving, our’s departs as well.

Driving for around an hour, we arrive at our destination.

I check the scenery through the carriage window. We haven’t stopped at the main street, but a place that is facing an alley.

Everyone gets off the carriages and looks at the nearby building. From their reactions, I suppose this is the place.

There’s a massive black door in the outer wall, and on the other side of the alley, I can see a wooden signboard that has 【Tomas Peerless Sword School Dojo】 carved onto it.

As expected, this is a section of the martial arts district, huh?

Even the people traveling in the alley are somehow strong-looking, or maybe that's an influence of the place.

At this point, Carol-san addresses us while taking along a male subordinate.

“This is the previously mentioned mansion. I will open the door right away.” (Carol)

“Yes.”

Carol-san unlocks the black gate made out of stone and wood. She plants her legs firmly and presses both hands against the door to flung it open by herself.

“…President, we will help, too.”

“Humph, I’m fine!” (Carol)

Refusing the offer of assistance with those words, she throws wide the big door by herself like a high-ranking sumo fighter, taking the first step inside the mansion.

That gate looks heavy, so Carol-san must be strong to be able to do the job without any help.

We also follow her lead and pass through the opening.

A spacious courtyard awaited us on the other side, greeting us with open arms.

Indeed, I guess this place had really been a dojo.

Immediately after entering the grounds, a stone paving is spread out, covering the whole area. It has been laid out after being finely colored in order to create a pattern of circles and crosses.

There are scratches on the stone surface and also parts where the ground has sunken slightly.

I’m sure they carried out intense training or matches here in the past.

While thinking about the scars of the fierce fights back then, we reach the center of the courtyard.

Outside the great circle covered by the stone pathway, a lawn is extending outwards.

Continuing from the courtyard, a huge Western building imposingly towers deeper inside.

It’s a three-story building made of wood and white stone pillars.

From the first to the second floor, there are cross-shaped window frames. What's more, a small, asymmetric tower stands in a conspicuous place, left of the second or third floor.

I can also spot a veranda-like structure from the courtyard.

There are various large and small roofs with triangle shapes that have steep angles.

Furthermore, I can see a big chimney on top of the wall on the other side of the veranda.

It’s refined with a Romanesque-styled design.

Two balanced, well-grown, big trees, each located next to the left and right corner of the big mansion on the lawn, give the whole scenery a nice accent, like icing on the cake.

Southwest of the courtyard, there’s a stable, and to the southeast, there’s a huge arbor with a smithing workshop and tools visible inside.

“…Hee, it’s quite spacious.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, spacious.” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva voice out their impressions while walking across the stone-paved courtyard.

“…Master, are we going to live here?” (Viine)

Viine asks me.

“I do like the courtyard. But I also want to check out the interior before deciding.” (Shuuya)

“Okay.” (Viine)

She bows her head in my direction. She's not the only one, though. For some reason, the other slaves lower their heads, too.

“As you wish, let’s go to the main building located in the north.” (Carol)

Carol-san shifts her eyes towards the Western-styled structure.

So, that’s the main building.

Certainly, it’s the biggest one around here, after all.

“Roger.” (Shuuya)

With the plump Carol-san taking the lead, all of us quickly walk across the gray stone paving.

There’s a small stairway at the entrance of the said building, which is one level higher than the others. The entrance also has an arch.

Once we climb the small stairway, we arrive at the door. On both its left and right sides, there are fenced-in, terraced passages that continue towards the garden.

These terraces are perfect as a place to drink tea while lying on a hammock or chair.

It would probably be nice to watch the training or the two trees growing on the lawn from here. I can easily imagine myself doing so.

“I will open the door right away.” (Carol)

As I’m engrossed in my illusions while watching the area around the entranceway, Carol-san opens the door for us.

“Please, come inside.” (Carol)

While saying so with a patient smile, she swings the door open and keeps it like that with her plump right hand.

In addition, she presses her body against the door’s side with a thump, making sure that it doesn’t close automatically.

“President, please let us help you this time.”

Watching the situation of their president actively tiring herself, the employees of the Melson Company seem to be worried.

“It’s alright. I should loosen my body once in a while. Rather than that, you guys go and check the contract documents in advance.” (Carol)

Carol-san appears to have no intention of listening to her subordinates' opinions.

“Y-Yes.”

The employees affirm reluctantly, still not willing to see their president like that.

I’m sure that she’s frantically trying to sell the property to me.

Now then, I suppose I will have a look at the house’s state.

“Then excuse me for entering…” (Shuuya)

I step into the main building as the first. Inside, there’s a spacious living room, and a big, solid, long table with chairs—that seems to be used for conferences—lining up in the middle. On the right side, there’s something like a bar counter with shelves that had various kinds of fruits on them.

Since there are cupboards, ingredient shelves, and water jugs visible behind the counter, I guess that place serves as a kitchen.

On the left side, compact bookshelves, bookcase stands, small vases, a complete tea set, and a small table have been set up.

Twilight’s sunlight shines through the cross-shaped windows that seem to be made for archers to shoot through them. The orange-colored light irradiation creates lines and spaces, obviously giving the whole room a warm ambiance.

It was a living room that would perfectly fit as a model for a painting.

Really nice…

“Now, come on everybody, please get in as well.” (Carol)

As I’m inspecting the room, Carol-san calls out to everyone who was still waiting at the house’s entranceway.

“Nn.” (Eva)

“Well, excuuuse me then.” (Rebecca)

“Okay.”

“Yes!”

Each person, including the slaves, enters the building.

After them, Carol-san comes in, bringing her subordinates along.

Given that the size of the living room surpasses 25 tatami, there’s still plenty of room left, even after a big number of people have entered. It does not feel crowded at all.

Sitting down in a chair and spending my time here isn’t really a bad idea either.

Once I begin thinking something like that, Carol-san approaches me with sweat running down her forehead.

“How is it, Shuuya-sama?” (Carol)

Let’s tell her my true opinion as I simply love this place.

“Oh, I like it.” (Shuuya)

“Fufu, is that so? Let me give you some additional information then. Water jugs, a washstand that allows to drain the water, various kitchen utensils, cooking ingredients, and a bag of salt have been prepared in the kitchen on the right side of the first floor. If you hire a kitchen maid, she will be able to start cooking right away. There are more than ten big rooms, including guest rooms and bedrooms if you follow the inner corridor on the first floor. There is also a passage leading to a toilet and a bathroom that are capable of draining water deeper inside the first floor. Plus, there are a few dozen private rooms on the second floor, which is accessible through the stairs in front. Since all of them possess fireplaces, they are also kept warm during winter.” (Carol)

Carol-san provides further details while smiling happily. Using her eyes and both hands, she emphasizes the strong points of the second floor.

“That chimney, huh? I will check it out later. Well then, I think I will take this place.” (Shuuya)

“That’s great news for us, but is it really suitable to only visit the main building?” (Carol)

I can imagine most of it, though.

“In that case, just give me an explanation.” (Shuuya)

Upon my prompt reply, Carol-san dons a somewhat thoughtful expression and then begins to talk while signaling a subordinate standing next to her with her eyes.

“…I see. On either of the courtyard, there are boarding houses that were formerly used by the disciples. They are connected through the two corners on the left and right with the big front gate we used to enter the grounds. Of course, you can directly access their common-use rooms through the courtyard. Southwest of the courtyard, you will also find smithing rooms. To summarize it, it’s a plot with a courtyard in the middle, the main building in the north, the large front gate in the south, boarding houses in the eastern and western direction, a smithy in the southeast, and the stables in the southwest.” (Carol) (T/N: I used cardinal points here because the Japanese use above, below, etc. which makes absolutely no sense in English.)

Hmm, I see. Although she has mentioned a smithy, I think we will leave it alone for a while since none of us possess the necessary skills.

And I guess the entirety of this property is contained in a quadrangle plot.

“…Understood.” (Shuuya)

“Okay. Then please sign this document, and pay the price. My name has been already noted down, so the contract will become official with your signature, Shuuya-sama.” (Carol)

In the middle of Carol-san’s explanation, one of her subordinates has placed documents, a quill, and ink on the solid table.

The paperwork is, in fact, contract parchments, piled on each other in two layers. However, just in case, I check them with Magic Observation. As expected, there’s nothing odd about them.

『Your Excellency, we are going to live in this place, right?』 (Helme)

Helme appears in my vision at this point.

『Indeed. Are you going to come out of my eye and check this house later?』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, indeed.』 (Helme)

Oh, it looks like she has the will to leave my eye for a change. That's nice.

『Got it. But, since we have many things to do, we will postpone that for later, okay?』 (Shuuya)

『I shall obediently wait, no matter how long it might take.』 (Helme)

『Okay, later then. Disappear for now.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, Your Excellency!』 (Helme)

Helme vanishes while twirling around. During the telepathic communication, I signed the contract papers in front of me.

Next, I take out the specified amount of platinum coins from my item box.

“I guess that should cover the costs?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, certainly. Congratulations, the contract has been established. Here are the keys for the front gate and a bundle of keys for the main building. As you can see, we have prepared three duplicates of the keys. Now then, with this, you have officially become the owner of this mansion, Shuuya-sama. Teres. Take this.” (Carol)

Carol-san spoke quickly, picked up one of the contract parchments on the table, and ordered her subordinate to store it away.

The place he puts it into is a leather bag similar to an attache case. Chianelas owed a similar one, too.

Subsequently, she counted and stacked up the platinum coins with an earnest expression befitting a merchant belonging to a big company.

I look out over the living room—where my friends are—while gazing at its appearance.

“Finally a house owner, huh…?” (Shuuya)

Somehow, it’s profoundly moving and satisfying, more so than I thought.

“Master, congratulations. Are we finally going to move out of that inn?” (Viine)

“Yes. We have to bring over our luggage later.” (Shuuya)

As I have a private talk with Viine,

“Nn, congratulations, Shuuya.” (Eva)

“Shuuya! You’re unfair~ But, congrats.” (Rebecca)

I was happily praised for having obtained a new home by Rebecca and Eva.

“Thank you, Eva. Rebecca, there were some unnecessary words in there, but still, thanks.” (Shuuya)

“Master, congratulations.”

“”Congratulations.””

“Grats.”

————- End of Part 1 ————-

In the end, the slaves also follow the others in congratulating me, obviously having read the mood.

“Aye. You guys will live here from now on as well.” (Shuuya)

“…Yes, Master!”

“Yes!”

When I turn my face towards the slaves and talk to them,

“Shuuya-sama, please make sure to keep this contract document safe.” (Carol)

Carol-san cautions me from the side.

“Roger.” (Shuuya)

I store the duplicate of the contract in my item box, the safest it can be.

“Shuuya-sama, we shall excuse ourselves at this point. Thank you very much for today. Teres, let’s go.” (Carol)

“Yes, Madam!” (Teres)

Carol-san turns on her heels and leaves the building with her subordinate in tow.

“…Well then, please relax while thinking of this place as your own home, everybody. For the time being, I will go take a look at the second and third floors.” (Shuuya)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Eva acknowledges my words and moves her wheelchair to the counter on the right.

“Really? Yaaay…!” (Rebecca)

Rebecca also takes it seriously and walks over alone to the place with the bookshelves etc. on the left side.

Each of them apparently wishes to check out the living room.

I stand up while watching them, grab the keys of this house, and store them in the item box.

Afterward, I head towards the corridor located in the inner part of the living room, continuing on the wooden floor.

This place seems like a passage of a high-class inn, several big bedrooms lining up to the left and right.

Since there was a conspicuous door that seemed to belong to a large bedroom on the right side among them, I open it, as if responding to its beckons.

There are two huge, square beds inside, not the kind with a canopy attached.

It was furnished with side tables next to the beds, a big wardrobe in the top right corner, and several stone chests and bookshelves in the bottom right corner. It’s a gorgeous bedroom barring any need for criticism.

I nod in satisfaction, turn around, and go back to the hallway. Ignoring all the big bedrooms and guest rooms, I go up the stairs located in the middle.

It’s a spiral staircase that had been carved out of one huge piece of wood.

The resin of the steps is worn-down, and I can sense the footprints of the house owners who have used them years ago.

Even the handrails were of splendid wooden make as they curve along the spiral.

I felt that the second floor, which I entered after ascending the stairs and making a full turn, was even more spacious than the first one.

The second floor, not the third, huh? Because the stairway was long, I thought it would end up on the third story.

Since there’s little furniture, the wooden floor has many open spaces.

There is an exit with a low, teardrop-shaped arch where you could go out to the veranda.

A trapdoor concluded the assembly.

It looks like you can have an unbroken view of the outside from over there.

Additionally, because of the broad, arched exit, sunlight shines on the wooden floor, giving the whole place a gorgeous touch.

And, what can be called the main attraction of this floor is an enormous fireplace that had been grandly set up in the wall corner, as if to make its impressive existence apparent to its viewers; a dark-brown, giant fireplace.

A reinforced stone plate has been properly affixed to the wall behind it, seemingly as a countermeasure against the heat emission. In addition, there’s also a rack for firewood nearby, which has been filled with plenty of logs.

Everything is ready, it seems. However, a fireplace sure is helpful. It gives a certain cozy atmosphere, yeah.

…Even the place to insert the firewood has a door with a small handle for convenience. It looks like it’s possible to bake dishes such as pizza inside the fireplace.

Sofa chairs are arranged up close to the fireplace.

Shit, I really want to spend my time here, relaxing and reading books while drinking coffee.

Or rather, I can spend my time to laze around here right now, hehe.

“…Master? You seem happy.” (Viine)

“Viine. You watched me?” (Shuuya)

Since I have been engrossed in looking at the huge fireplace from nearby, I didn’t notice how Viine approached next to me.

“…Yes, Master! Excuse me!” (Viine)

“No, it’s fine. This fireplace looks like it will heat up the room well. The ambiance will be nice, too.” (Shuuya)

“…I guess so. I never used one before, but mother, who lived in the main residence in my home city, owned one like this.” (Viine)

Viine smiles as she looked at the hearth with a sidelong glance.

Do they use fireplaces in that underground city as well?

Well, I haven’t heard of something like that, but this place is now Viine’s home as well, so let’s encourage her to use it.

“…I see. This is my house, but at the same time, it’s also yours, Viine. You can use it as you please. Right now, it’s still summer, so we won’t be putting it into service until some months later.” (Shuuya)

“Yes!” (Viine)

Viine cheerfully replies.

What a beautiful smile!

While relishing in her stunning expression, I gaze at the huge space opposite of the colossus.

“Let’s have a look over there, too.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

I move to the veranda that seems to allow for an unimpeded view of the scenery from the second floor.

From the veranda, which has a fence that’s smaller than my height, I could look down on a portion of Pelneet’s martial arts district across the front gate, the common-use rooms connected with the outer wall on the left and right, and the big trees growing in the courtyard.

The wind feels great and comfortable. I really will be able to live in such a great house.

The terrace on the first floor is beautiful, too, but I’m sure it will be great to spend happy hours with beautiful women on this veranda porch.

Once again, I’m overwhelmed by deep emotions.

I look at the veranda to keep those feelings bottled up.

Tile-like stones are laid out on the floor, as well as a small and a big bucket with a washboard have been placed here. There’s also a rack positioned at the side, allowing to dry the laundry.

Mop-like cleaning tools have been stored in the corner, making sure to guarantee free space properly.

Since there’s the tower room next to the veranda, I head over in its direction. Oh, a bathtub is inside!

For sure, I didn’t expect to find that inside the tower.

It’s a bathtub that gives one the impression that it’s made out of earthenware and provided by a royal purveyor.

The tower is a bathroom; that’s kind of funny.

I suppose the big bucket on the veranda is for doing the laundry, then.

From my experience until now, all my baths had actually been big buckets…

A small shelf and a clothes basket had been installed next to the bathtub, soap and several leather cloths laid out on it.

There’s an open, cross-shaped window in the upper part of the structure, giving one the image that this is a modern clock tower. Though, there’s no clock whatsoever.

“For an earthenware bucket to have been installed here, that’s amazing. I heard that they became popular rather recently in the 【Royal Capital Gromheim】.” (Viine)

Not a bathtub, but an earthenware bucket, eh? Well, the name doesn’t matter anyway, the functionality does.

This is a fashion in the capital. To sell this house while even providing such things, Carol-san is undoubtedly a great, generous merchant.

“It’s great that I obtained this mansion.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

Taking Viine along, I return to the spacious room with the fireplace through the veranda.

“Let’s go back down?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, nyaa.”

A meow, alongside a throaty purr, sounds at that time. Rollo, who had slept inside my hood, finally woke up. She climbed on my shoulder with slow movements.

“Did you wake up? I decided to buy a house while you were sleeping, Rollo. This is our new home.” (Shuuya)

“Nya? Nyaoo.”

Seemingly surprised by my words, Rollo jumps off my shoulder after releasing a weird voice, running around, as if checking out the open space on the second floor.

“Hey! Don’t pee inside the house to mark your territory or something like that, okay? Do it outside on the lawn.” (Shuuya)

“Nnn, nya.”

Rollo replies with a purr, meaning something similar to 『I know that myself nya』 while waving her tail and runs off towards another room that’s ahead of a corridor, which I haven’t checked yet.

It looks like there are large rooms on the second floor, too. I say this place is completely like a palatial residence.

“Rollo-sama seems to be delighted as well.” (Viine)

“It will be great if that’s the case, but let’s leave Rollo alone and head back downstairs.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

I descend the spiral staircase together with Viine and return to the living room on the first floor.

Once I arrive, Rebecca, who was sitting in a chair located in the middle of the room while relaxing, chats me up.

“Say, Shuuya, your slaves have been standing the whole time together at the same spot…” (Rebecca)

Rebecca turns her blue eyes towards the slaves who are waiting close to the entrance door.

Well, I just bought them, so they should be nervous, shouldn't they?

“Let’s see. I don’t know whether it can be used as their room, but I guess I will check the common-use room, too. Girls, come with me.” (Shuuya)

“…Yes, Master!”

Accompanied by the slaves, I head outside.

I go towards the common-use room on the left side of the courtyard while walking across the ground that changes from lawn to stone paving.

“This is the common-use room, huh?” (Shuuya)

A simple, big door with a white wall and a small stone staircase outline our destination.

Nearby, there’s a large-scaled open space to dry the laundry and a big washbasin.

Since there’s no lock on the door, I open it without trouble.

Inside was a place that really made one assured that it had been used as a lodging area for the disciples.

A great number of beds and wooden boxes are orderly arrayed in the corners.

There’s also a small table and chairs in the center. On the inner left, a simple kitchen with shelves full of ingredients is constructed. On the right, I see a toilet and a washroom.

There are wooden windows with cross frames on the walls in the four cardinal directions, but there’s little furniture.

It’s a place similar to a frugal inn.

I feel sorry for the slaves, but for now, they will have to make do with what's available.

“This will become the place where you live, but is that fine with you?” (Shuuya)

“Yes.”

The female elf with the parasite answered the fastest.

“No objection.”

Following her, the lamia answers and moves next to a bed.

“Yes, Master!”

“Understood.”

The tiger beastman and the small, fluffy beastman choose their own beds and take a rest after sitting down all of a sudden.

I have to prepare their armors and weapons, too.

I suppose I will first talk about their everyday necessities.

“Everybody, I’m sorry to disturb you during your rest, but please listen carefully. I think the meals will basically be three times a day in the morning, at noon and in the evening, or two times a day in the morning and evening. You can make your meals yourself here or you can eat with everyone on the first floor of the main building. But… this routine only applies to the normal time when there’s no work. I’m an adventurer, so please be resolved that things will become disorderly when I’m taking you around with me.” (Shuuya)

“Understood.”

“Acknowledged."

“Certainly!”

“…Yes. Umm, if you say that it will be on the first floor of the main building, does it mean that we will dine together with you, Master, on that occasion?”

The fluffy beastman asked shyly.

“Please consider it at the level that it might occasionally turn out so, while at the same time, seeing it as a sign of friendship. I believe that I treat my slaves quite differently from the usual masters, but I would appreciate it if you could agree with that part.” (Shuuya)

I lightly bow my head towards the slaves.

“…Such a… please, don’t lower your head. Yes, it’s fine with me.”

The fluffy race was identified as a woman by the Kaleidoscope, but it looks like she’s a boyish girl, a tomboy, if you may. (T/N: She addresses herself with “boku,” a typical male pronoun.)

“I will obey you, Master.”

The elven woman agrees as well.

“…I shall also abide by my Master’s will.”

The lamia says while standing in front of the bed.

“I will also follow you in the name of Fujique Law as a tiger beastman.”

Although the Fujique Law is something I don’t know a thing about, the tiger beastman announced it proudly.

“Well then, since we will go buy your armors and weapons later, wait here or in the courtyard until then.” (Shuuya)

“”Yes.””

I leave the common-use room and return to the main building.

“I’m back.” (Shuuya)

The “I’m back” greeting after a long time. It sure rekindles my emotions of home.

“Welcome back. Does it look like the slaves will be able to get used to this place?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca says while showing her armpits by putting her slender arms behind her head.

My heart thumped at the sight. They are smooth. Kuuh… what smooth armpits…

I guess I will establish a committee for judging armpits…

“…I wonder. It will be troublesome if they don’t manage to do so.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, Shuuya… You can make awesome dishes here. There’s plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as a water pot, a stove, and kitchen tools.” (Eva)

For a change, Eva is talking excitedly. It seems she’s still in the kitchen room on the right side, right where I left her.

Besides, I can only hear her voice.

“So, there was a stove present after all, huh? It feels like we will be able to genuinely cook over there. In that case, I can treat everybody to my cooking.” (Shuuya)

“Eh? You can cook as well?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca looks in surprise at my face, as if saying “How unexpected!”

Since I cooked for myself quite a bit in my previous life, I believe that it’s something I can handle as long as it’s simple dishes.

Yet, I haven’t prepared anything besides stew since coming to this different world.

“…Well, more or less.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, I want to eat your dishes, Shuuya.” (Eva)

Eva comes back from the kitchen with its small counter and talks to me with her violet eyes sparkling.

Since Eva owns a restaurant, she might be more curious about my cooking than the rest.

“That’s fine and all, but let’s talk about what’s next. For now, I have to buy equipment for the slaves. We also have to take care of the labyrinth map. So, it’s about tomorrow’s labyrinth dive, but where are we going to meet up?” (Shuuya)

“What should we do?” (Rebecca)

“Nn, it’s fine to come here tomorrow morning?” (Eva)

“Sure. Since the door’s open, you two can come any time.” (Shuuya)

Eva and Rebecca revealed happy expressions after hearing my words.

“Anytime… huh? Thanks. As my home is relatively close, just as you said, I will visit often, okay? Fufu.” (Rebecca)

It looks like the word ‘constraint’ doesn’t exist in Rebecca’s vocabulary.

“Shuuya’s home is far from my own, but I will try my best.” (Eva)

Different from Rebecca, Eva said that while looking disappointed.

“If it’s far, you just have to stay over. Eva, you are more than welcome.” (Shuuya)

I say to follow up on her. I don't want to see her sad expression.

“Nn, understood. But today, I will go back home. I want to inform Lily and Din about the stay-over in advance.” (Eva)

“The only one being more than welcome is Eva~?” (Rebecca)

“Rebecca, your home is nearby, isn’t it?” (Shuuya)

I tell Rebecca while laughing.

“Sure, that’s not wrong, but… I have to protect Eva’s chastity!” (Rebecca)

Rebecca fools around while also laughing.

“Are you Eva’s mother?” (Shuuya)

“Rebecca, there’s no need to protect it. If it’s Shuuya, it’s fine…” (Eva)

Err, Eva’s voice was quiet, but she still ended up confessing in a casual manner.

“…”

“…”

“…”

Having heard Eva’s words, Rebecca, who stays silent, and Viine look at my face in surprise.

You two, what do you want me to say? I'm the innocent one here!

Don’t look at me with such expectant expressions… turn those looks at Eva.

Well, I guess I will state what I really think here.

“…I’m a man as well, so I don’t really mind.” (Shuuya)

“Master? I will ask that of you as well.” (Viine)

Viine draws near to me while talking with a tone that felt somewhat cold.

“Just a moment? Shuuya, you’re too much of a lecher.” (Rebecca)

“Rebecca, this is how it works for popular men.” (Shuuya)

I say while making a strange face to hide my embarrassment.

“Pfft, those words and that strange face… just how many of those weird faces do you have~? Geez, don’t say such strange stuff with a weird expression, okay? … Pupu.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca bursts into a peal of bright laughter, shedding the awkwardness.

And then I return to a serious look.

“That means, the messing around stops here. I will go buy equipment while taking the slaves with me.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, understood. I will go back to my restaurant for the moment.” (Eva)

“I see. In that case, I guess I will also come with you for a part of the way, Eva.” (Rebecca)

Eva and Rebecca look at each other and nod.

“Aye, see you tomorrow. Viine, let’s go.” (Shuuya)

“Yes, Master!” (Viine)

I turn on my heels, leaving Eva and Rebecca behind in the living room.

Together with Viine, I exited the main building and headed towards the common-use room.

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Translation Notes: