The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

While Shana uses her hands to hide her breasts,

"Indeed. The Flying Sea Stone is one of the rare magic gems. It also carries the name Magic Sound Stone that can only be used by the mermaidsSiren. When equipped at the base of the throat, it raises the user's mana and increases their power of singing. For mermaids, it's a precious gem. However, as the gem's mana is limited, it loses its brilliance sooner or later, parting with its power." (Shana)

She explained the effects of the gem hanging at her neck.

"So, you came to the labyrinth city with that magic gem as the goal?" (Shuuya)

Once I ask that question, her pretty, emerald eyes tremble with nervousness. She quickly covers it up, though.

After that, she fixedly stares into my eyes.

Going by her expression, I have the feeling that she's deliberating how much she should disclose…

To give her an encouraging push, I silently nod in a relaxed, natural manner with the nuance of trying to provide her with a peace of mind.

That invited her to talk.

"…That's right. Some of the mermaids have the skills <Divine Protection of the Sea God>, <Permission of the Sea God>, and <Sea Voice>. Furthermore, there are other hidden, special skills. Such mermaids can transform into human-shaped forms if they recite a spell using the skill <Permission of the Sea God>. However, it uses up a massive amount of mana. That's why, in order to search for the Ruby of the Abyss, which is referred to as a treasureArtifact, a magic gem that never runs out of mana, I left my home city, the city of mermaids and sea inhabitants 【Sepiton】, continued my journey to the north from the southern seas, and finally arrived at 【Labyrinth City Pelneet】." (Shana)

Hee, skills, spells, and a treasureArtifact, huh?

Is it an item like the Light Drop of Sake of the Mysterious Tree, which I had Rollo eat in the past?

Nonetheless, it sure has piqued my interest.

"The Ruby of the Abyss, are you certain that such a treasureArtifact can be found in the labyrinth city?" (Shuuya)

"As a matter of fact, I've truly never heard such rumors. Besides, since I don't belong to a clan, it's very unlikely for me to challenge the depths of the labyrinth. However, I've heard stories that a treasureArtifact is sleeping in an ancient ruin located in the northern Great Goldix Desert. That's why I'm doing my best as a songstress and an adventurer to earn enough money and power so that I can become capable of going there." (Shana)

Ancient ruins, eh? It has some romantic feel to it.

"…Exactly, because you are the most wonderful songstress, we were always relieved of our worries at the dining room when you sang as an elf…right?" (Shuuya)

I bring it up with Viine, hinting her to give a comment.

Dark elf-chan shows an expression as if she is recalling those songs.

"Yes. Those songs were indeed soothing." (Viine)

"Fufu, thank you. Shuuya-san and Viine-san, you seem to be good people. You want to listen to my song now?" (Shana)

Ooh, being able to hear one from close by might be a great delight.

"By all means, I want to hear it." (Shuuya)

"I certainly want to listen to such supreme songs!"

Viine also agrees while openly expressing her unadorned feelings.

"Come to think of it, I guess I'll try to play Viine's musical instrument. Give it to me." (Shuuya)

"Okay." (Viine)

I receive the instrument, sit down on the floor directly with my legs crossed, and then tamper with the lute placed in front of my chest.

"Master, you play music?" (Viine)

"I sure do. It's at the level of having a slight interest in it as a hobby, though. So don't get your hopes up too high." (Shuuya)

I remember the time of my previous life. It's just like a guitar, having five strings. Tuning it here is…

I pluck the strings a bit to tune them while recalling my memories.

—From G to D and Em—it's still out of sync… let's tamper with it a bit more.

Little by little, the sounds fit.

I try playing a famous old tune from Japan.

It's a somewhat nostalgic piece of music. (T/N: Enjoy)

When I finish the tune, the sound of applause hits my ears.

Not only Viine, but even Shana is clapping her hands with a deeply emotional expression.

Even Rollo is using all her six tentacles to play drums in the bathtub, seemingly moved by the music.

In the case of Rollo, it is a bit different, though.

She's only hitting the water with continuous splashing sounds, not actual drums.

"Master… somehow, it was a heart-rending tune." (Viine)

Viine gave her remark while revealing a spellbound expression.

"It's a great tune~. A piece of music that pierces the heart." (Shana)

Contrary to her initially repulsive attitude, Shana had admiration written all over her face. Clearly, she also recognized the greatness of this piece.

"Shuuya-san, won't you perform that song in the inns and restaurants?" (Shana)

"I mean, in the end, it's just a hobby. I don't plan to earn money with it." (Shuuya)

"I see. That's such a waste, though." (Shana)

"You're truly full of surprises, Master. Never did I expect you to have learned music… just what a lucky person am I?" (Viine)

Viine's silver eyes are already wet, the tears threatening to roll down her cheeks.

While having a entranced expression, she continues to stare in my direction.

Her orchid lips that contained some blue have become slightly red at the moment, and her bluish-white cheeks are dyed crimson as well.

Aww, she became teary-eyed, how cute!

"…Haha, someday, I'll let you listen to another song again." (Shuuya)

"Yes!" (Viine)

Viine hurriedly genuflects and bows her head.

Next, I turn my eyes in Shana's direction.

"So, previously, you talked about transforming from a mermaid into a human-shaped form, but aren't you going to revert into an elf?" (Shuuya)

"Yes, however, as I'll exhaust a vast amount of mana by transforming, I'll immediately fall asleep… Sorry for asking right after having been saved by you, but can I have you lend me a bed?" (Shana)

Shana lets her eyes wander throughout the tower's interior, checking whether there's a bed to be found.

Sorry, but there's none here, you know?

"There are beds on the first floor. Are you going there now after changing clothes?" (Shuuya)

"No, water is necessary for the transformation. Besides, the amount of water in this bathtub is enough to transform." (Shana)

"Water is required, huh?" (Shuuya)

"Yes, after all, I'll die if there's no water when I turn into a mermaid. Shuuya-san, you saved my life in two ways. Really, thank you a lot." (Shana)

Shana expresses her gratitude with a serious look.

What a gentle, kind child.

"It's great that you were saved." (Shuuya)

"Yes. I'm going to transform, then." (Shana)

Shana closes her eyes, places a hand on the blue gem at her neck, and starts praying in a low voice.

The prayer gradually changes into a song as the blue gem starts shining.

"Sea God Sepiton, please combine your mana with the blue rainbow flower as a divine act—" (Shana)

Take back the part that was lost.

I desire the body of a human-shaped elf.

I shall walk across the surface.

For God, I shall recover what was lost.

For the sake of granting my wish.

Sea God, Water God, I pray thee, bequeath me thy blessing.

A song-like magic… skill? Once she comes to a stop, the water in the bathtub starts to shine with a dazzling light. It gathers around Shana's fishy part, her lower body.

The water is then absorbed into the fish part, and once it's gone, Shana's whole body is enclosed in a water cocoon.

At that moment, her scales change into a flesh-colored hue in a flash, and as if her lower half is being broken into pieces, two legs are formed in the scintillating light.

I stare at her genitals, but she has perfectly transformed into a female elf by then.

"…"

Once the water cocoon disappears as if scattering apart like the shards of broken glass, Shana collapses within the bathtub, apparently having fallen asleep.

Even Rollo stopped playing and simply stared at the peacefully sleeping Shana.

"It's the first time for me to have seen such magic. I suppose it's a mermaid-characteristic, special spell… skill." (Viine)

Leaving myself aside, even Viine apparently didn't know about it.

『Your Excellency, I've seen it for the first time as well. I consider it a mysterious magic skill that adds even the power of the Water Goddess and the Sea God's kin. The water spirits are also pleased.』 (Helme)

As expected of Helme. Her field of vision is sure something unfathomable.

『Helme, your field of vision seems to be interesting.』 (Shuuya)

『It indeed is; you want to lend my sight?』 (Helme)

Seemingly looking forward to me pouring my mana into her, her eyes are moist with a glint of delight.

『Yea, give it to me.』 (Shuuya)

Accordingly, I pour my mana into her, satisfying her cravings.

Helme disappears at once.

『Nn… aah』 (Helme)

I ignore her heavy gasping, focusing on the view. My sight has turned thermographic.

…Right? I have anticipated it, but my efforts came to naught.

『It's no different from before, you know? 』 (Shuuya)

『Eh? Y-Yes.』 (Helme)

I shutdown the telepathic communication and swap my look towards the wet clothes lying on the floor.

"I guess we've to get Shana's clothes dried?" (Shuuya)

"Right, I will help as well." (Viine)

We will air them on the terrace next to the small tower.

Once I quickly dry them together with Viine, we return to the bathtub where Shana is sleeping inside the tower's bathroom.

"Well then, I'll carry Shana." (Shuuya)

"Should I do it?" (Viine)

"Nah, it's fine." (Shuuya)

While carrying her once again in my arms, I transfer Shana to a bed on the first floor and let her rest there.

Rollo, who has followed me on top of that bed, jumps happily.

She has started to play around again.

"Rollo, Shana is sleeping, so stop it." (Shuuya)

"Nya…"

Rollo dents her ears, looking downhearted, and returns to my feet.

Now then, I have to set up a mirror next.

I take out a Paredes Mirror from my item box.

"I guess I'll place the mirror over there." (Shuuya)

After glancing around, I set it up in a corner of the room.

This will allow me to return here at any time.

"Phew, all done; let's have a light meal? You two are starving as well, aren't you?" (Shuuya)

"I'm so hungry that my tummy has started to grumble." (Viine)

"Nyaoon."

Rollo yells with an energetic voice as if saying 『I'm starving!!!』.

"Haha, let's go to the kitchen." (Shuuya)

"Yes." (Viine)

Taking Viine and Rollo along, I head to the kitchen.

The kitchen located on the other side of the counter bar is fairly spacious.

There's a wooden table in the center, with three stoves on the left. Frying pans, big frying pans, iron plates, various types of iron pots, cutlery, flint, and firewood are all stuffed into the bottom shelves.

Water barrels, oil barrels of probably various types, salt barrels, wheat flour barrels, and baskets of eggs, casks with vegetables are lined up on the right side.

All the things placed here are fresh and new.

As there's nothing like a refrigerator in this world, fresh means that the inventory was being constantly renewed and maintained.

That well-rounded female merchant indeed pays attention to details, a hallmark of a good businessman.

I didn't catch sight of a servant-like person, but the furniture is similar to brand new articles, so they likely carry out their work every day.

I guess these are the perks of an expensive property.

"…Since it will take some time to prepare it, you can wait in the living room." (Shuuya)

"No, I'll assist you." (Viine)

"I see. Then start a fire in a stove. After that, place a great number of knives, goblets, small plates, and a large plate on the table. Prepare oil, salt, and eggs on the small plates. Afterward, cut the light-green, round vegetable into finely chopped pieces." (Shuuya)

"Understood." (Viine)

Viine swiftly moves to the stove and sets it on fire.

"Nya?"

Rollo meows while tilting her head as if asking 『What should I do, nya?』 at my feet.

"You watch quietly. Playing around here is not allowed, got it?" (Shuuya)

"Nn, nyao."

Once Rollo purrs something like a 『Got it, nya』, she jumps to the edge of the kitchen table and sits down quietly, staying still like a doll.

Now then, I guess it's time to take out the meat I bought a good while ago.

I retrieve my ingredients bag and a pitcher with Black Sweet Water from the Black Sweet Water Snake.

Next, I take out bread, meat, and vegetables from the ingredient bag and put them on the chopping board.

Not using the Yazekapos's Dagger, but an Ancient Dragon Dagger, I finely cut up the Lunga's meat.

Though it would have been a lot easier if there had been a meat chopper for mincing meat.

No, wait a moment… crush and not cut?

I strengthen my arms with Magic Combat Style.

I put a little bit of power into my hands holding the meat, clutching it several times while crushing the meat.

After the meat is crushed into a gooey mass, the finely ground flesh spills out from in-between my thumb and index finger.

Seeing the brand new minced meat, Rollo stretches out a paw to sneak some.

But on the way, her paw quivers, and she endures without touching the tasty-looking meat.

Still, she intently stares with desire at the delicacy in front of her eyes.

Her expression with its narrowed red eyes is serious and solemn.

Cute… but, let's give her a reminder.

"Rollo, I'll let you eat plenty later on, so hold back for now." (Shuuya)

"…Nya."

Rollo-san bends her ears with a soft sound.

Even though her paw is trembling, as if refusing to return, she still retracts it, apparently being able to endure.

While smiling as I watch Rollo, I create plenty of minced meat.

Finishing that, I cleanse my hands with water from life magic.

After also washing an onion-like vegetable, I peel it and vertically cut it with the Ancient Dragon Dagger.

Subsequently, I chop it into finely cut pieces.

With sounds of the dagger continuously hitting the chopping board, I cut it cleanly apart.

…Let's stop with the Ancient Dragon Dagger.

I wipe the dagger on both sides and store it away into my bandolier.

Using a different knife available in the kitchen, which is much more normal and suited for the task, I continue cutting the onion-like vegetable.

Rollo chases the knife's movements with her red eyes.

As ordered, Viine prepared salt, oil, and eggs on the small plates, and a wooden bowl.

She then puts the chopped vegetables into the wooden bowl.

Precisely doing what she was told, Viine performs very well, following the instructions to a tee.

I rub the cabbage using the salt on a small plate without adding too much grip strength.

Then I put it into a wooden bowl.

Afterward, I crack the eggs, put the raw eggs into the bowl with the salted cabbage, and then mix the minced meat, the onion, wheat flour—although I'm not sure it will work as a substitute for potato starch—and water into it.

Lastly, I dribble a few drops of Black Sweet Water into the bowl as a hidden flavor.

If I had coffee jelly, I would have put in that instead.

I might be able to use the raw material of slimes as a substitute for jelly.

I form one ball after another of that mixed meat and place them on top of the large plate.

Since there's a lot of minced meat, I ended up preparing a great number of meatballs.

All that's left now is to grill them.

Taking the plate, I move to the stove.

Given that the stove is a simple device using firewood and magic stones, I was slightly worried about its heating power, but that part was alright.

After spreading a bit of oil in a big frying pan, I place it on top of the stove.

Then I put the molded meatballs into the heated pan and grill them carefully.

The meat is grilled in no time, its scent stimulating my nose and whetting my appetite.

Choosing the Ancient Dragon Dagger as my spatula, I turn over the meatballs and grill them on the other side.

I stab the grilled meat with the dagger's point, checking the condition of the dripping meat juices.

Since thick, wonderful juices are overflowing from within the meat, I decide that it's done.

I lift up the frying pan and swap the grilled hamburgers on top of a plate placed on the cooking table.

At last, garnishing it with the cabbage, it's the perfect arrangement of salty cabbage hamburgers.

I properly put the leftover ingredients into the ingredient bag and store it away in the item box.

"It's done." (Shuuya)

It's plain hamburgers only spiced with salt.

"Yes! What a fragrant scent! It's a dish that combines various ingredients, isn't it? I know cooking that resembles it a bit." (Viine)

So something similar to hamburger exists, after all?

Because it hasn't appeared much on the market, it's probably only served at the places that know of it.

It's also probable for it to be a cuisine of high-class inns.

"…This is a hamburger." (Shuuya)

"Hamburger, got it." (Viine)

"I'll carry it to the living room." (Shuuya)

"And I'll help." (Viine)

"Nyaon."

We place the large plate with hamburgers, goblets, and a pitcher with Black Sweet Water on the table in the living room.

After pouring Black Sweet Water into the goblets, I put some pieces of ice into them, treating it as a drink.

I'd really like to have some kind of red wine, though.

Well, that's something for the future.

"Now then, let's eat?" (Shuuya)

"Sure." (Viine)

"Nyaoon."

Since I'm slightly curious about her impression, I watch Viine eating it without biting into one myself.

Viine stabs the hamburger with a knife and brings it to her mouth.

Her silver eyes tremble a bit after taking a bite.

Huh? Was it a failure? Just when I think of this…

"It's wonderful." (Viine)

She reveals a smiling face while enjoying the taste and immediately focuses on the hamburger.

Without minding my gaze, she chews the hamburger, wholly concentrated on it.

I wonder whether she had praised me out of discretion, but the fact that she hasn't touched the cabbage at all clearly expresses the reality of the hamburger being delicious.

We had prepared a goblet and a plate for Rollo, as well.

A normal cat won't be able to eat from those, but Rollo releases an animalistic "Garururu" and immerses herself in devouring the hamburgers.

Haha, alright. The taste appears to be fine.

I become happy as I watch them eat. It gives me satisfaction while seeing them enjoying my cooking.

Okay, time for me to join them.

I take out my own chopsticks, which I had created the other day, from my bandolier, place them on top of a hamburger, and divide it.

The meat juice spills out from the hamburger I am softly splitting with a little bit of strength.

I grab one half of the hamburger with my chopsticks and carry it to my mouth.

One bite of meat. The crispiness and the mellow meat juice spread within my mouth, enriching my palate.

…Delicious. The nice salty seasoning and the slight sweetness blend together to tickle my taste buds.

The cabbage and onion mix well with the minced meat, successfully producing a certain bulkiness.

I immediately bring the other half to my mouth and chew on it.

Eating only bread and hamburgers became such a satisfying meal.

"Since we cooked too many hamburgers, I guess I'll give some of them to the slaves." (Shuuya)

"That's true. Honestly, it feels like a waste to allow them to eat it, but if you say so, Master…" (Viine)

A harsh, Viine-like opinion.

"I'll go to the slaves while taking these along." (Shuuya)

"Ah, let me carry the plate." (Viine)

"It's fine. I can do it myself." (Shuuya)

"Okay. I'll clean up here then." (Viine)

"Aye, I leave it to you." (Shuuya)

After storing the pitcher with the Black Sweet Water in my item box, I place bread on top of the hamburgers left on the big plate, move across the courtyard, and enter the big room.

The slaves were inside while once again holding a meeting in the middle of the room.

"Yo, you guys." (Shuuya)

"Ah!"

"Master—"

Everyone gathers around me in a hurry.

"I want you to eat those with everyone. You haven't eaten anything yet anyway, right?" (Shuuya)

"…Yes."

"Not yet."

"Ah, a dish for us?"

"That's right. I made it." (Shuuya)

As soon as they hear those words, they become surprised while straightening their backs as if saluting.

"For you to be so surprised. I didn't make it with the expectation to get such a reaction. Those are the leftovers of what Rollo, Viine, and I ate. Well then, I'll put it down here. There's also bread, so feel free to eat it." (Shuuya)

"Yes, Master!"

The slaves raise energetic yells while bowing their heads. They seem overwhelmed with favor.

Ignoring them, I leave the detached boarding house and return to the main building.

Seemingly having just finished with the cleaning when I returned, she was about to walk away from the kitchen.

"…Viine, it's already evening. You must be tired. Feel free to use the bath and then go sleep." (Shuuya)

"Yes, but since I don't have the water attribute, causing trouble to Master is…" (Viine)

"I said it's fine. Don't worry, I'll fill the bathtub now." (Shuuya)

"Thank you very much." (Viine)

We go up to the second floor's spiral stairs and head to the bathtub through the terrace.

She helped with the cooking; thus, something like filling hot water into the bathtub is no big deal.

"I will fill it lickety-split. Come to think of it…" (Shuuya)

Fuu, who has that bug attached in her head, is a water attribute possessor, isn't she?

I guess I will try to keep her close to me. Besides, I want to observe the bug from nearby.

As I'm filling the tub with hot water,

"Master…" (Viine)

…I hear Viine's voice from behind.

When I turned around, I saw Viine with a single sheet of leather cloth coiled around her body like a bath towel.

For a change, she has also taken off her silver mask.

Shit.

…I move my eyes as if licking her from top to bottom.

Her action of gathering her long, silver hair while looking embarrassed.

Naturally, my eyes ended up focusing on her two big mounds.

"Master, the hot water is…" (Viine)

Aah, it overflowed.

"Ah, sorry, you can enter now." (Shuuya)

"…Master, won't you join me?" (Viine)

Viine removes the leather cloth and says something unusual while smiling naughtily.

I wanted to strip off that leather cloth myself…

Apparently slightly ashamed, her bluish-white cheeks are completely red like a peach.

There's no coolness left in her eyes anymore. Instead, they are moist, just like the time when she finished listening to my music before.

And the light of a starving beast dwells in her silver eyes.

She's obviously seducing me.

Making a beautiful woman go this far, I'm really a hopeless guy.

…Sorry to be such a cowardly man.

Right on the spot, I take off my whole equipment as if undergoing a metamorphosis.

I don't mind that it looks ridiculous if seen from the side.

Clearly sensing the mood, Helme didn't appear in my sight.

"…I'll enter, of course." (Shuuya)

"Strong male, please come in…" (Viine)

While entering the bathtub, Viine and I repeatedly embrace each other after a hot kiss.

I shower her with tender kisses all over, as if cleaning her entire body with my lips, while stimulating her erogenous zones.

Although I don't know whether Rollo was shocked, we continued the intense liaison.

◇◇◇◇

Probably because we kept at it until late in the night, Viine is sound asleep in bed on the first floor.

She's both my woman and a normal servant.

And I'm a Lucival possessing <Suzerain's Bloodkin>.

By sharing my blood, I can create a <First Head Servant>, a Suzerain's Bloodkin vampire of direct descent, possessing the genealogy of a true ancestor.

I want to welcome this Viine with her beautiful sleeping face as <First Head Servant>.

However, I will carry this out carefully.

After all, it will change her race to suit my convenience.

She's a dear woman who accepted me even while knowing that I'm a new species of vampire.

She will certainly agree to it if I desire so.

But, if she became my <First Head Servant>…

It might take the sunlight away from her.

On top of that, it might take her pride as a dark elf away from her.

Considering it all, it might cause me to lose the current Viine.

Indeed, I'm scared.

There's no little notion in my heart that it's fine with our current relationship.

According to the explanation, becoming the <First Head Servant> will transform her into a vampire thanks to the suzerain's blood while retaining her self-consciousness as a humanoid being and succeeding the skills and experience she obtained until now.

Since that's what it states, it might be too much to think that her character will change, but…

I guess I have to confess these things to her before long.

As I was pondering about such matters, Shana, who's sleeping next to Viine, talked in her sleep.

Even Rollo is resting while curled up at the foot of the bed.

I'm not sleepy, however.

I might be somewhat drowsy as the outcome of having had sex, but in the end, it's just the usual with my lacking sleepiness.

Now then…

"…"

I quietly leave the room with light footsteps to not wake the girls, ascend the spiral staircase, and head to the veranda through the room with the wooden floor.

I then retrieve my armor, bandolier, and overcoat, which I had left behind in the tower's bathroom.

After properly arranging my attire, I don't do radio calisthenics.

Rather, I slowly breathe in the air of the deep night and look up towards the starry sky.

I try to grab the twinkling of the stars, which look like smashed diamonds or pearls, in my palm, but I grasp empty space.

I always loved looking at the universe like this.

While inhaling deeply, I return my eyes to the courtyard.

I suppose I will train a bit.

It's fine to leave <Banquet of Blood Chains> for yet another time. Instead, I will train spearmanship and swordsmanship.

Once I make up my mind, I place a foot on the small wooden fence and jump off as if flying.

While doing a somersault, I land on the stone paving of the courtyard.

Because of the Evil Dragon King's greaves at my feet, a sound of smashing stone becomes audible in the quiet night.

It slightly echoes in the vicinity, but I don't think that it's at the level of waking up everyone.

I create a light source from my ring and make it float in midair.

And then, I spread the overcoat to the left and right, exposing the violet armor, and extend my right hand.

"Come, weapon."

Once I chant that, the Magic Halberd is summoned in my hand.

I lightly swing down the Magic Halberd in my right hand once with enough power to cause a booming sound.

…Alright.

At that point, I activate <Magic Hand guided by Thought> and silently chant Come Cursed Sword aimed at the third hand.

The Cursed Sword Beet is immediately summoned into the distorted mana hand of <Magic Hand guided by Thought>.

After readying the magic spear in the seigan stance, I start the training.

In the instant of lowering my waist, I take one step forward. At the same time, I thrust the halberd straight forward towards empty space.

Moreover, I mow down the empty air on the left side with Beet and then make it rotate.

While in the middle of doing that, I step in from my stance of having extended the halberd straight ahead, bend my waist, and swiftly turn around to the right.

Subsequently, after temporarily retracting the halberd, I once again extend it to diagonally in front, going from an upward slice to a downward one.

I make the red ax blade of the halberd stop a few millimeters before hitting the stone paving. It was hit by the wind generated by the halberd.

I remain in the state of having stretched out my right arm towards diagonally below.

Stillness after motion. Just like a yoga pose.

In the meanwhile, Beet continued rotating while hanging in midair.

I'm properly focusing on moving the one-handed short sword.

Now, motion after stillness.

I jump in the instant I grasped Beet that's moving due to <Magic Hand guided by Thought> with my left hand.

In the middle of leaping, I erase the Magic Halberd, and after adding my right hand to the hilt of Beet, I switch over to a two-handed sword mode.

While making the motion of diagonally cutting down, I forcefully kick the <Magic Hand guided by Thought> in midair with one foot, jumping high into the air once more.

With the image of making Beet ripping the space next to me, I rotate my body sideways while making a full swing with the sword.

The large front gate is reflected inside my sight that has changed by 360°.

At that point, I erase Beet and land quickly.

I ended up drawing close to the front gate in one go from the courtyard, but I was able to accomplish quite nice movements.

I know that from actually using <Magic Hand guided by Thought> as a foothold in combat, it's possible to obtain an original combat style by mastering it even more.

I turn around in the direction of the main building on the opposite side of the gate and summon Beet into my left hand once more.

While swapping the sword into my right hand, I draw a dagger from my bandolier with my left one.

Next up is a combination of dagger and longsword.

Immediately following, I swing Beet in a downward motion.

The shadows created by the light ball flicker, following my sword motions.

After slashing diagonally downward with Beet in my right hand, I perform an upward-slash. With the perception of cutting the tip of an opponent's chin, I thrust the dagger in my left hand vertically upwards.

I perform this move while keeping in mind to rotate on my toes.

Avoiding and dodging the enemy's attack.

Imagining a kind of shadowboxing.

Shifting my body's weight slightly from the left foot's toes to the right foot's, I add a chain of movements while maintaining a forward-bent posture, performing an evasive training that looks like dancing.

Next, I have the distorted mana hand of <Magic Hand guided by Thought> hold Beet, my left hand the dagger, and my right hand the Magic Halberd. I try to perform a cryptic combined martial art, but it didn't go well.

I guess that's natural. Let's stop for now.

Alternately, there's also the option of studying swordsmanship under Viine. Or it might also be a good idea to receive the favor of my neighborhood.

But, well, the labyrinth, dark guilds… there's various stuff going on currently.

"Nya."

It's Rollo.

Without me noticing, she has come next to me.

I think the training sounds woke her up.

"Good morning." (Shuuya)

"Nnn."

She only replies with a throaty growl.

She looks like it's bothersome to do any more than that.

Lying down on the stone paving, she peers at me from upside down.

"Nnn."

While stretching out one paw and showing its pad, she once again growls with a throaty voice.

Seemingly mystified by seeing me upside down, Rollo plays around by sprawling in the same way several times.

"…You always find amusing ways to have fun, don't you?" (Shuuya)

I talk to her while smiling, but Rollo simply replies by striking the stone paving with her tail.

Haha, you moody cat.

Well then, it will be dawn soon.

"I'm going back." (Shuuya)

"Nya."

While running, I jump on the way.

I set a <Magic Hand guided by Thought> as a scaffold in the air.

Using the mana arm as a stepping stone, I jump even higher, returning to the second floor of the main building as if flying like a bird.

I land stably on the veranda.

『Helme.』 (Shuuya)

『Your Excellency.』 (Helme)

I call Helme.

『Please wash my equipment.』 (Shuuya)

I mean, this is really convenient.

I unintentionally end up relying on her.

『Understood.』 (Helme)

The liquid, which was released from my left eye, draws an arc and extends above my head.

I'm engulfed by water in one go.

I wondered about the same thing a long time ago, but I suppose I can't really make use of this state of being covered by a water membrane.

As I'm casually thinking that, the water membrane turns into a sheet of spray and gathers in one place in the air, seemingly having finished cleaning.

The assembled water takes the form of the humanoid Helme.

"It's completed." (Helme)

"Thanks." (Shuuya)

"It's my honor. Are you going to drink the stored blood?" (Helme)

"Sure. Allow me to take it." (Shuuya)

I received the blood by doing mouth-to-mouth feeding with Helme.

"Puhaa, this is enough." (Shuuya)

"…Yes." (Helme)

Helme keeps staring at my lips with a carnal look in her eyes.

"…Master?"

Eh!?

The voice of Viine, who should be asleep right now!

I look sideways. Under the teardrop-shaped arch continuing to the room with the fireplace, I saw Viine wearing her black dress, standing still.

Eyes that feel cold-hearted and menacing.

"Right then, you kissed her, didn't you…?" (Viine)

Fuuuck. She's misunderstanding that I have kissed the human-shaped Helme despite her being a spirit…

Moreover, it's kissing a different woman right after having sex with her. She must be thinking that I'm a lascivious guy.

"Y-Yeah, I did. This is for receiving blood—" (Shuuya)

"You kissed her, right?" (Viine)

She stressed her question again, not letting me explain…

I gulp down my saliva and reflexively hold my breath.

Her expression is cold, but Viine's broken voice was filled with anger.

"To criticize His Excellency with your standing of being fated to remain a mere servant, who do you think you are!?" (Helme)

Helme steps in front of me and speaks as she displays her dreadfulness while making her bluish and bluish-black cheeks swell.

"…Spirit-sama!"

Viine falters at Helme's words and goes down on one knee.

However, she obviously had a mortified expression.

"Acting like his girlfriend after merely spending a night together is no good. His Excellency is a special being who's unique in this world. Exposing something like a will of hogging him is unforeseen and unforgivable." (Helme)

Seemingly having collected herself after having heard Helme's words, Viine's face gradually becomes stiff.

"Y-Yes." (Viine)

"Very well… then!" (Helme)

Once she chided Viine under some nonsensical pretext, Helme liquefies on the spot.

While drawing a parabola after becoming water, she settles in my left eye.

"…Master, I'm sorry. I ended up offending Spirit-sama…" (Viine)

Viine seems to not be angry any longer.

Though it would be natural to be enraged at me who lacks fidelity.

"If it's about Helme, she'll be fine. Rather than that, it's understandable for you to be angry, Viine. I have a fondness for women, after all. Still, I'm happy that you feel jealous over me." (Shuuya)

"…Okay. But I'm disgraceful. Just as Spirit-sama said, you truly are a special, strong man, Master. This is the surface world, not the underground. It's only natural for there to be countless women around you, a mighty figure. However, my feelings of love won't lose to anyone." (Viine)

Viine's silver eyes swayed a bit, but she talked to me while directly looking into my eyes.

That's yet another attractive trait of her as an adult woman, enrapturing my mind.

"I understand. Thanks." (Shuuya)

I hold out a hand to Viine, who's still genuflecting.

"Yes, ah—" (Viine)

Once she grasps my hand, I forcefully pull her towards me, drawing Viine into an intimate embrace.

And then, I whisper close to her ears,

"…Please restrain your jealousy. Next time, I'll have sex with you again, time and time again, okay?" (Shuuya)

"…Yes." (Viine)

Viine buries her face in my violet armor, apparently embarrassed and shy at my provocative words.

Just like that, she coils both arms around my back below the overcoat and strongly returns the tight embrace.

A distinct vanilla-smell tickles my nose and my heart.

Immediately, the lewd view from before crosses my mind, and my nether region ends up responding, but at this point, I silently stop hugging her and move apart from her.

"Well, soon, it'll be morning. Our friends are also going to arrive." (Shuuya)

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