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I noticed the abnormality in the morning.

The harpies delivered their eggs as usual. Usually, Peris or Gon was in charge of accepting them, but that day, Rico was coincidentally in the garden.

「Pyipipipi」

「Ara, did you bring some eggs? Thanks」

「Pyipipyi」

「Hee~ Did you bring it by yourself? How great of you」

「…….Rico can converse with the harpies?? 」

「No, I can just vaguely understand what they mean」

She didn’t understand them at all a while ago. I hurriedly activated my appraisal skill.

Hideta Shua Ricolette (Princess, 23 years old) LV32
HP: 69
MP: 188
Water Magic LV2
Pole Arts LV2
MP Recovery LV3
Education LV4 [¹] Etiquette LV4

Education and Etiquette skills have leveled up. Above that, her level also increased substantially. What is happening?

For now, let’s examine Gon, Jeneha, Irimo, and Peris. Although they increased their skills in some areas, it wasn’t as exaggerated. Finally, I appraised Merias.

Merias (Slave Sage, 17 years old) LV47
HP: 141
MP: 375
Alchemy LV4
Blacksmith LV4
Pharmacist LV4
MP Recovery LV3
Education LV4
Etiquette LV1

Self-loathing

Her skills have risen as a whole! Did she compress about 20 years’ worth of training into one year? What is going on?

「Maybe, they increased because of your ties as a husband and a wife. Most likely, it is an effect of divine protection」

I immediately departed to see Ohi-sama. Of course, I brought a lot of offering with me.

「You didn’t know? The owner of divine protection skill can passively increase the skills of his marriage partner. Of course, it is only applicable to high-level divine protection. It may show some other effects except increasing the skill level too」

「In other words, the more you do it the more the skills would increase?」 [²]

「No, it should work only during the first time. Because of this characteristic of divine protection, I advise you to be careful in your relationships. If you start spreading skill in every direction, you may become confused. This mistress summons every member of our tribe to check their condition once every three years」

Really. For me to raise the skill of my partners…….It shouldn’t be made public.

Thanks to her increased skills, Merias’ research is progressing well. Apparently, new ideas kept popping inside her head one after another. Because of that, she used all of her free time to shut herself in her workshop.

During this period, she successfully completed the sheath for the Holy Sword. Who would have expected, when the sword is in the sheath, it automatically removes the stains and fixes the nicks, with it, the sword would always be in a perfect condition. Elated, I immediately embraced her.

As Rico’s education rose, she became able to occasionally converse with Jeneha and Peris. I was interested in the content of their conversation, but the result made me flabbergasted. She made the soy sauce. The soy sauce that was well-suited to my tofu. As a result, our menu increased dramatically. Of course, Rico was embraced by me too.

The mourning period for the late emperor has ended and it about time for His Highness Hito to receive the crown. I and one additional person of my choice were invited to attend the ceremony. I put on the unfamiliar clothes and attended the ceremony together with Rico.

Rico in her dress was especially breathtaking. The passing nobles always turned to look back. 「Who is this lady?」「Ricolette-sama」「Eh!?」I could hear such conversations from all sides, as a husband, I became slightly proud.

She stayed most of her life in the palace, yet her dress was exquisite. I was sure that she didn’t lift anything heavier that the chopsticks due to her princess status, but she was easily able to make her own dress, she was indeed good at sewing. She was influenced by the late tutor, Madam Kurumfar. Kurumfar educated her in a way that she would be able to do anything by herself. Her unrestrained heart was also cultivated in that place.

When the ceremony was over, we were summoned by the new emperor.

「First things first, relax」

「As expected of the coronation ceremony, it was splendid」

「Well, I need to put up an appearance. Can’t help it」

「Is this how it works?」

「Still, Ricolette sure has changed」

「Maybe……because I married? 」

「Umu. That might be true. It seems that your marriage wasn’t a mistake. Do you want to thank me for my discerning eyes? 」

「I guess I should」

The two laughed. After a while, His Majesty assumed a serious expression.

「All right then, you were summoned here to discuss the matter of Ricolette’s retainers」

Since the rebellion of the yesteryear, Ricolette’s servants and retainers have been stripped of their power. Needless to say about those, who have been directly involved in the rebellion, those, who have been suspected to be involved in the rebellion, were either jailed or confined in their homes.

「I didn’t consult with the prime minister yet, but I’m thinking about giving the amnesty to the participants of the rebellion of the yesteryear」

「Elder brother…….will you be fine with this? 」

「The instigator of the rebellion, count Kurumfar, is already dead. Most of those, who have been directly involved, were cut down together with him. I do not wish to shed any more blood, spilling the blood right after the coronation will leave a bad aftertaste. The captured people aren’t that influential, while also highly competent. Ricolette reminded me that the current empire wastes too many of its talents. Instead of executing them, we should make use of them」

「However, Your Majesty, does that mean that you found a suitable task for them?」

「That’s exactly right. I’m thinking of leaving the territory of the late count Kurumfar in your care」

「Isn’t it…….impossible? I’m a member of the Juka Kingdom」

「No, officially, my younger brother Viras would be the one in charge. I want you to give them an opportunity to spread their wings in the Kurumfar territory. In the first place, that territory isn’t very prosperous. After all, there is a monster’s forest nearby. Well, it is close to the sea so you can receive some profit from the salt」

「Where is this territory exactly?」

「Northwest from the capital, right across Kazamu Lake」

「If you proceed east through the woods from our mansion, you can eventually reach it」

「How far is it?」

「About one day on the horse, if you start in the imperial capital. It is two days at the longest from our mansion, if you go at full speed, you can reach in one day」

「Un, I’m not that elated about being something as troublesome as a lord. though」

「Please, Rinos. I knew those people for the most of my life, they are like comrades to me. Please, save them」

「At first, it would be fine to leave the troublesome matters to the prime minister. Officially, this territory belongs to the imperial family. Do as you see fit. If you can make something out of this territory and contribute to the empire, it would be fine, if you can’t, it would be fine too. Infusing people’s minds with the ideas that can instigate another rebellion would be rather problematic. Well, I shouldn’t be concerned about it if it’s Rinos-dono」

「I’m not so sure」

「No, you tamed my little sister to such an extent. Winning over the population should be easy for you」

「Is this how it works?」

「Well, the amnesty will be announced at a later date. Most likely, somewhere around the summer. Take your time to think things through until then」

Think it through, he said, but he is still the emperor. The fact that he consulted with the prime minister prior to this meeting had already made this close to an order. And I, as an honorary marquis, don’t have the right to refuse such an order.

For now, we decided to leave the room and visit the prime minister to go through the details. The prime minister cried

「My workload would increase once more……」

while holding his head. I could refuse, but it would delegate all the work to the prime minister, please spare me from that, the prime minister almost begged me.

After staying for the night in a high-class hotel, we returned to our mansion. On the way, something black passed above us as we were flying on Irimo. My map didn’t display anything out of the norm, so it didn’t seem to be an enemy.

What I didn’t notice, was the fact that this black entity muttered as it was looking at us.

「Ufufu, found you, I have finally found you」

The glowing red eyes gazed at us from the sky.

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Once I returned to the mansion, I told everyone about the emperor’s suggestion.

Everyone’s expressions turned weird. Everyone was worried whether their current lifestyle would have to change in the future. Even I want to maintain our current lifestyle. Besides, no one could predict what Rico’s retainers would do, once they obtain their freedom. But more than this, Rico would be sad. I want to avoid this if I can.

However, since we don’t even know the details about the territory, there is no point in discussing it any further. However, an unexpected person accepted the burden, it was Jeneha.

She suggested leaving the matter of questioning the monsters in the woods and scouting the territory to the harpies. She will also participate herself.

「It is about time for the young ones to have a field training, might as well」

The harpies agreed to this proposal and Jeneha, together with the selected harpies, departed to explore the territory for one week.

「I caused you some trouble. I didn’t expect for Jeneha to volunteer」

「It should work out if it’s Jeneha」

I talked about the future with Rico and Merias as the three of us entered the bath. We used it separately at first, but Rico went out of control in her attempts to stick to me. I didn’t want to leave Merias out, so I occasionally bathed with her too, but lately, Rico intruded even during those times. After that, it became normal for us to bathe at the same time.

Merias’ and Rico’s size wasn’t quite comparable, but I was very happy inside. A beautiful girl and a beautiful woman, a big chest and a flat chest. A sight for the sore eyes. [¹]

As a matter of course, I washed them myself. Rico’s skin was surprisingly fine and delicate, while Merias’ skin is clear too, the texture of her wool is still the best. In return, the two washed my every nook and cranny so the bath time was the most enjoyable time of the day for me.

I was thinking about Jeneha and her harpies as I entered the bath. The possibility of them losing to someone in the forest was close to zero. But it they are spotted in the Kurumfar territory, people might form the subjugation corps to deal with them. That’s why I decided to cast a barrier that granted a certain degree of invisibility on them.

In the morning, before their departure, I cast this barrier. Jeneha and another 10 harpies departed as they expressed their gratitude.

On the same day, close to the evening, my map displayed a presence. It was yellow, so it approached the mansion while being cautious. The number of presences was one. It looked human, but apparently, it was a monster in the human form. This fake human cautiously approached the mansion. When I was thinking about asking the harpies to scout, this fake human increased his speed and headed straight for the mansion. For now, I told everyone about the monster visitor and asked everyone to stay alerted.

After a while, it reached the entrance, opened the gates without saying anything, and started searching for something. It reached the building and curiously looked around. And when it finally opened the door to our dining room, I saw its appearance.

It was a girl of 12~13 years old.

The girl muttered「Black hair…..」as she looked at me and then smiled.

「Are you Rinos-san?」

「I am, so what?」

「I came here to live with you」

「!!!!!!」

Rico released a slight bloodthirst. Merias completely spaced out. Let’s calm down first, you two.

「Your pegasus is too fast. I lost you halfway, it took me a lot of effort to find you. But, fortunately, I did it. Since I decided to live here, I was afraid of what would have happened if I didn’t find it」

Ehehe, laughed the girl. I looked towards Gon, but he too didn’t understand the situation and shrugged his shoulders. While we were spacing out, the girl put her baggage on the ground, fuuu, breathed out and said

「I’m finally here. Are? Who are these people? Who are they to you? 」

Rico’s, Merias’, Gon’s, and Peris’ eyes narrowed. Something burst inside of me.

「First things first, you have three minutes to introduce yourself」

「Eh? Introduce myself? But I always wanted to visit this place……..」

「Are you hoping to be employed in my company? Thank you for your efforts. I’m Rinos, the head of the HR department. This is the head of our general affairs department Gon, the secretary Ricolette, the head of the research department Merias, and the head of the planning department Peris. I will personally conduct the interview」

「I-Interview?」

「Let’s start with some questions. It may be difficult for you to answer, depending on the content. Please, do not hesitate to tell me if I overstep my bounds. All right, you have three minutes to briefly introduce yourself」

「You mean……my name? Etto, my name is Ferris. I descended the Juka Mountain Range…..reached the city…….」

「All right, three minutes have passed. Thank you very much. The next question. What motivated you to choose our company? 」

「Motivation?……Why did I come here? Ano……I decided to be independent…I will be in your care….etto. Etto, I came….I mean, I wish for you to take care of me……」

「I understand, thank you very much. Then let’s get to the last question. In case we do hire you, describe the merits that you will receive from us and the merits that our company will receive from you」

「Merits? Ano…..it will be a good learning experience for me …….The Mansion is large……it looks good too…..」

「All right, thank you. Regardless of the result, we will inform you at a later date. In the worst case, if you didn’t receive any news in one week, you can consider that we declined you. Thank you for coming all the way here today」

「Ano……Can I…..stay here…….? 」

「As I mentioned before, we will notify you later. You have to do with just this for today」

The girl’s eyes turned round from surprise. Maybe because she tried to say something but failed, her mouth kept opening and closing. After a while, she tightly shut her eyes.

「You mean……I need to return…..? It can’t be…..gusu, gusu…….」 [²]

She burst into crying.

「…..They said that the meals are tasty, they said that everyone here is nice…..That’s why I worked so hard to turn into the human form……I even learned the language…..Lars is an idiot!」

「「Lars???」」

Gon and I have unintentionally looked at each other. Lars, that dragon, 「Crybaby Lars」?

「I’m Lars’ big sister」

「「Eeeeeeeeh!?」」

For now, I decided to let her calm down and listen to her story.

She is Lars’ older sister, a female kukulkan. When kukulkan sheds its scales, they turn red. The kukulkans that shed their scales are sent into the world to gather experience. They mostly linger in the mountains and forests before returning to the tribe only after 50 years have passed. Apparently, she shed her scales about a month ago.

「And you chose this place to start」

「I thought I could spend this time here……He said that the food is good, Rinos-san is quite strong so it should be safe, mama told me to do it……..」

「Ha? What’s up with your parents out there? 」

「Mama and papa are truly grateful to you for saving Lars and delivering him home. Papa though that it is a waste for Rinos to be born as a human. The dragon kind always repays their favors. If you don’t, you are inferior to even the humans……..」

Wasn’t I insulted just now?

「That’s why I came here to return Lars’ debt too」

「Ferris, was it? Do you have any useful skills? 」

「….Nothing in particular」

I’m getting nowhere from talking with her, I silently appraised her.

Ferris (Kukulkan, 21 years old) LV22
HP: 324
MP: 604
Wind Magic LV3
Barrier Magic LV1
MP Recovery LV3
Presence Detection LV3
Mana Detection LV3
Body Strengthening LV3
Dragon Magic LV3
Evasion LV3
Education LV3
Paralysis Resistance LV3
Poison Resistance LV3
Flight LV3
Human Transformation LV3

……..Her skills are ridiculously high.

If we consider her talent to be average amongst the kukulkans. This 12-13-year-old kid won’t go down easily. 50 years are enough for them to reach LV5 for at least one skill. Apparently, they can rejoin the tribe only after they raise any of their skills to the god class.

「Well, your skills seem to be pretty high. By the way, when you cancel your human transformation, does your ability increases? 」

「No, I don’t think it does」

「Can you revert to your original form once?」

Yes, she cheerfully answered and undressed with the speed of lightning.  She used only a moment to become completely naked while I turned my head away. Her body shone with the bright red light and she turned into a small red dragon. Her skills didn’t change.

「Thank you, You can transform back」

She returned to her human appearance once more. At that moment, her stomach released a growling sound.

「Could it be, are you hungry?」

Ferris nodded.

「That’s a good timing, we were about to have a meal. You should eat too. We will decide whether you will be staying here or somewhere else tomorrow. Today, you should stay here」

Ferris made a relieved expression. Let’s start with putting some clothes on. While putting her clothes back, she said that she had a favor to ask of me.

「I want to have an arm pillow from Rinos-san when I go to sleep!」

「Ri-Rinos’ arm pillow is mine! I won’t allow this! 」

Rico became agitated. It seems that Ferris’ employment will be full of issues.

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Sometime after the announcement about the marriage between me and Ricolette, the death of the emperor was made public. During the mourning period of one year, all fancy gatherings were suspended. Officially.

Actually, the matter of the marriage wasn’t announced immediately.

When I came to my mansion, there was a need to make the personal space for Ricolette. With a push of His Majesty Hito, my mansion was expanded. It took about half a year to complete, meanwhile, Ricolette stopped by from time to time.

We ate together when I was taking a lunch break in the store, and, sometimes, we went shopping. Of course, Merias was often present during those times. I was slightly worried about the relationship between the two, but it seems that there was no reason to worry. The two readily made fun of me when I did a poor job.

During the day offs, she has been coming directly to my mansion. There, I was worried about her compatibility with Peris, but it was quickly dispelled as she was immediately captivated by her cooking. After that, she strived to learn cooking from me and Peris and considerably raised her skills in this half a year. Something like tempura became easy for her.

As for me, my store was still operating. There was still a great demand across the adventurers, merchants, and soldiers. Although I think that revealing my face isn’t a big deal, following Gon’s advice I changed it with a barrier, while I’m at it, I also change my face when I’m going around with Ricolette.

And after about two months since she started to visit my mansion, I told her the mansion’s secret. [¹]

I was ready to see her panic or run away, but she was way calmer than I expected. With Gon and Peris, she expressed her desire to maintain their relationship, and with Jeneha, she properly introduced herself and asked Jeneha to treat her well from now on. What I didn’t expect was the fact that when she saw Irimo’s true form, she started crying.

I knew about the abuse she received from the idiotic prince but, apparently, it wasn’t a secret from Ricolette either. He didn’t listen when she asked him to stop and even directed his sword at her once. Ricolette’s bad reputation in the capital in a certain sense rubbed off from the idiotic prince.

She didn’t talk much about her own life, but she mentioned that her life in the palace is rather stifling as of late. All of her subordinates were replaced by the new people. Of course, they were there to watch over Ricolette. She didn’t like it and took every chance to snuck out and come over here to play. Of course, those people also observe me, but since they didn’t do anything malicious, I let them be. On the contrary, once I bribed them with something like ohagi, they have been telling me the movements inside the imperial palace instead. They too are the people working for benefits.

One way or another, the construction was obstructed by the heavy snow, and the original period of half a year was extended by three months. They finished only close to spring.

The new rooms were added to the back of the mansion. The first floor was allocated for Merias’ workshop and the archives, the second floor was reserved for our rooms, a bath, and a toilet. The construction of the bath was filled with hurdles, causing the workers to nearly pull out their hair in frustration. It was all worth it, a wonderful bath was successfully completed. I was greatly satisfied with that.

When the baggage was carried inside and all that was left was to wait for the bride to move in, Ricolette told us an outrageous thing.

「By all means, make Merias your wife too」

Merias was staring at the floor with her face scarlet.

「What a nice idea」

Gon and the other residents of this mansion were in favor of this.

「I don’t really mind but…….are you truly fine with it? 」

「Merias likes you from the bottom of her heart. I was moved by her pure heart. By all means, please do it」

「I didn’t expect to hear something like that from Rico」

「It is fine since it is Merias. The other women are no good」

「What about you, Merias? Will you marry me? 」

「……Yes」

With even her ears bright red, she barely produced an answer. Dangerous, this cuteness is not to be underestimated……

「I’m a slave. That’s why, Ricolette-sama will be the legal wife, while I’m fine with being a side dish…」

I do not permit this! Or so Merias and Rico argued with each other for a while.  I’m still the honorary marquis so Gon advised me to make Rico a legal wife to for appearance’s sake. In the end, it was decided that Rico would be the legal wife, while Merias would be a concubine. Of course, I do not plan to treat them differently, I won’t cheat on them with the other girls either, I probably won’t, even if I do, I’m going to take the responsibility. Still, I never expected to have two wives by the age of 17. Compared to the previous life, I’m much more accomplished here.

I only lament that I wasn’t able to host a grand wedding ceremony, but even still, His Highness Viras and His Highness Hito acted as our witnesses before the high priest. Rico became a bit too emotional and kept crying during the whole ceremony. That being said, the ceremony was rather short, it ended after we recited a short prayer and the high priest confirmed our intentions.

「Yeah, I didn’t perform the ceremony with Merias」

「That is enough for me. I was content with just being able to live after I became a crime slave, but I even managed to marry the man I love. If I still wish for more, I would be struck by lightning」

I hugged Merias without thinking.

One way or another, Rico’s baggage was brought inside and she finally settled down in my mansion. This was a start of our new life.

When we started living together, I discovered some things I didn’t expect.

I was surprised the most at the fact that Rico and Merias seemed like completely different people during the day and during the night. She shows her strong character and intelligence during the daytime, but once we are alone, she becomes extremely obedient. She turns passive and never leaves my side due to her loneliness. She looks incredibly happy when I hug or kiss her. That being said, she is quite sensitive and I end up working hard before I know it. On the other hand, Merias behaves modestly during the day, but when we are alone, she tries to discover the best ways for us to make each other feel good. I don’t know if it was her researcher’s blood going wild, but compared to Rico she was much more aggressive. [²]

I have absolutely no complaints about my wives. The two could always make me relax, and since they recognized each other, there were no family quarrels as of now. It’s just, recently Rico started sneaking inside when I was alone with Merias making me embarrassed. We slept together as they used my arms as pillows. It was a bit hard on my arms, but since it is a rather luxurious problem, I decided to not bring it up. [³]

Gon, Peris, Irimo, Jeneha, and the harpies. Everyone lives in harmony. Including me, everyone felt that they finally reached the peaceful times.

However, shortly afterwards I came to know about the shocking truth and ended up entangled in another problem.

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「Eh」
「Eeh!?」
「Ho」
「Ehh」
「That just happened」

I reported everything once I returned to the mansion. In the end, I didn’t refuse the proposal, I had to stomach it. Peris, Merias, Irimo, Jeneha, Gon, everyone’s reaction was different, it looks very amusing from my perspective.

「First thing first, just how much of our secrets should we tell her?」

「Un, most of the time, Peris, Irimo, and Jeneha look normal thank to my efforts. There is a choice of staying silent」

「Well, until her mansion is built nearby, we have an option of maintaining the barrier all day long」

「We may also slowly introduce her to our secrets. We can discuss everything again in case of obvious rejection 」

「You also need to attend the imperial palace tomorrow, you have a tight schedule」

「Apparently, tomorrow they will pass down a title to me. My engagement with the princess should be announced there too」

「Does this mean that you do not require dinner tomorrow?」

「That’s right. Although, Peris’ meal would have been much better. Yes, I will be late tomorrow, so you can lock the mansion early and go to sleep. Merias too should sleep」

「Understood, Master…….」

Merias looked somewhat dejected. When I thought of Peris, she looked just as usual. By the way, Jeneha wanted to give me her blessing and Irimo was in a bad mood due to her memories about the royalty.

On the morning of the next day, I ate breakfast and went to the imperial palace after being seen off by everyone. Upon my arrival, I was guided to another room and dressed appropriately. It was a ceremonial attire with a medal attached to it. This is a standard article and the order of every piece was predetermined. While doing all of that, I practiced my greetings. It took more time than I anticipated which in turn caused me to skip my lunch.

Immediately after the preparations were over, we walked in the labyrinth of the corridors that is the imperial palace. And when the soldier guided me to the guarded room, as if it was waiting for me, the door had opened. There were a lot of well-dressed people of various genders inside.

A followed the guide and proceeded forward. When I arrived near the throne, His Highness Hito, His Highness Viras, and the prime minister showed their figures. As expected, since the official coronation ceremony didn’t happen yet, the throne was empty.

「Versam Daquet Rinos-dono, we are glad that you are here」

The prime minister raised his voice.

「Ha」 [¹]

I slightly lowered my head.

「Your path was full of thorns. You had a future of being adopted by the Versam family and eventually succeed the title, yet the calamity destroyed the Juka Kingdom, I express my condolences. However, the fact that you successfully arrived to the empire and told us about the fate of the Juka Kingdom produced a great impact in my heart. Therefore, to honor the late marquis, His Highness decided to formally acknowledge your status as a member of the Versam family」

「Hahah, I can’t be any happier」

「After this, spend your time in our empire however you want」

「Well then, there is something we wish to discuss with the new marquis of the Versam family. I wish to for a marriage between the marquis and my little sister Ricolette, how does it sound to you? 」

The surroundings became noisy. My throat was dry. Something cold was dripping down my back. I said resolutely.

「I’m thankful for this proposal, I will respectfully accept it」

Oh, the surrounding nobles cheered for me. [²]

「I’m glad to hear that. We, the Juka Kingdom and the Hideta Empire, waged wars since the old times and are currently at a ceasefire. Since the calamity, the kingdom is still in chaos, but it is my wish to further improve our relations. It would be a delightful event if my little sister marries a member of the most influential family of the Juka Kingdom. Marquis-dono, as a substitute of the currently ill emperor, allow me the express my gratitude」 [³]

「Since the marquis is staying in the empire, I, Hideta Shua Viras, shall act as his guardian.  Marquis-dono, if this arrangement isn’t up to your liking, please tell」

「I’m grateful」

「Fortunately, all influential people of the empire are gathered here. Let us all give you a blessing! Call Ricolette! 」

After a while, beautifully dressed Ricolette appeared in the room. Her figure in a pure white dress was breathtaking.

「Ricolette is here. I’m looking forward to our future」

She did a perfect greeting. The first princess isn’t just all talk. There, the prime minister opened his mouth,

「As a wedding gift, His Majesty grants you the title of the honorary marquis of the empire」 [⁴]

「I shall gratefully accept」

「Everyone, treat them well from now on!」

Everyone present lowered their heads. After that, there was a celebration, but I and Ricolette took some distance from the noise.

「What kind of a stage play was that? I was sweating bullets」

「Can’t be helped. Even like this, I’m still the first princess. Since I’m married now, I need to avoid getting too close to the nobles from now on」

「How troublesome」

「Even if you are just an honorary marquis, you are still a member of our empire. There will be a lot of similar events in the future」

「……Did I mess up somewhere? 」

「Are you talking about our marriage?」

「No, it’s not that. I was doing whatever I wanted before, I’m wondering whether I would have enough time for this now」

「You just need to attend the events hosted by His Majesty. They don’t happen that often. You are a noble, but you don’t have a territory to call your own. Since you also have me around, you shouldn’t receive too many invitations from other nobles」

「I want it to be true」

「Besides…..father is no more. The imperial family should mourn him for one year and reduce the number of events. Most likely, my older brother will receive the crown after this one year」

「That being said, I never expected from you to accept the marriage. I was certain in your refusal」

「Didn’t you give me the necessary resolve to accept?」

「Did I?」

「Something good will happen if you continue to live, didn’t you say that? Then why shouldn’t I live? When I was choosing between the different options, the answer appeared by itself」

「I’m a former slave, you know?」

「Kurumfar-sensei……..Although she is no more, I don’t think that her ideas were wrong. A person shouldn’t determine another person’s status. A person should attain the status by his own efforts. Your past is not the reason for me to reject you. You didn’t become a slave because you wanted to, right? 」

「This is true, but….」

「Besides, you are the only one, who agreed with my and Kurumfar’s thinking. Besides, I thought that a person, who said to me that I’m ahead of the times, is interesting」

「Is this how it works?」

「On the other hand, are you all right? Every noble knows about the recent events. You received a princess, who dared to go voice her ideas before the emperor, and whose vassal instigated a rebellion. The nobles will look at your with strange eyes, that’s for sure. But you still accepted the marriage. Prepare yourself for the future」

「I’m accustomed to weird gazes, and I’m also accustomed to princesses」

「……Fufufu, how reliable of you. Is she younger than me?…….Although unreliable, treat me well from now on, my husband」

「Rinos is fine, Ricolette-sama」

「Rinos is my husband. Please call me Ricolette」

「All right, best regards, Ricolette」

「Still, my brother’s and Guremont’s acting was truly brilliant. They comprised this performance in just a few days」

「Can’t agree more. We should work harder to not get involved in this kind of farce any longer」

Ufufu, hahaha, we laughed as we gazed at the garden outside the imperial palace through the window.

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Right now, I’m standing before the emperor while wearing a noble attire with a strange medal attached to it. Not just that, Prince Viras, the prime minister and the imperial nobles were lined up on the sides. My throat was dry. I could feel the cold sweat dripping down my back.

Everything began a few days ago.

「I have a favor to ask from Rinos-dono」

「Again? What is it now? 」

This is the reception room of the imperial palace. Prince Viras and the prime minister were sitting across from me. They had wrinkles between their eyebrows and were wearing an urgent atmosphere.

By the will of His Majesty, Princess Ricolette was pardoned. That being said, she is still confined in her room. She won’t be able to leave her room until the end of the investigation.

「Before that, I want to confirm one thing. Do you have a wife by chance? 」

By chance or not by chance, I’m still single.

「That makes it easier. How about getting married? 」

「Ha? Who? 」

「Ricolette-sama」

「Is this a joke…..」

My head was blank at this sudden development. Marrying Ricolette out of all things. How did they even arrive at this conclusion?

「I’m a commoner. Not just that, I’m a former slave. Our statuses are miles apart」

「Fortunately or unfortunately, you are eligible to marry her」

「What do you mean?」

「The Versam family planned to adopt you, We just need to use this method」

「I will perform as your guardian. By the name of Hideta Shua Viras, I approve of your adoption」

「This is unreasonable……」

「That is a way of a noble. Fortunately, we have a letter that can prove the Versam family’s intention to adopt you. It might be a little forced, but the seal of the Versam family is present of the letter. It won’t bring us any problems even if we make it public」

「In the first place, the royal family of the Juka Kingdom is no more. They won’t be able to complain anyway. You will revive the Versam family. Don’t you think that the late marquis will rejoice? 」

「No, I think he will be angered」

「Well, I will settle the matter of the title. You just need to visit the imperial palace when the time is right. The wedding with Ricolette-sama will happen after that」

「No, I didn’t voice my agreement yet…….」

「This is also a wish of the new emperor」

「Eh?」

「When we mentioned this matter to older brother, no, His Majesty was extremely delighted. He said that he couldn’t think of a better candidate」

「This is ridiculous」

「Or do you have someone else you fancy?」

「No, it’s not like……」

「if you don’t have any, please do accept this arrangement. To be honest, there is no noble house in the empire, which is ready to welcome her as a daughter-in-law. Her always staying in the imperial palace doesn’t help the matter either. Even if we reach to another country, she is already 23 years old. She won’t be able to receive any big offers…..see? 」

「This is where you come into the play. The Juka Kingdom can be considered gone, but when we speak about the Versam family, it is famous even here. For my older sister and for the empire, there is no better candidate」

「If you don’t like her, you can just lock her in a room in your mansion. Or we can build another mansion close to yours」

「With my sister as she is. She will be sent to the monastery for her whole life. His Majesty doesn’t wish for that to happen. If she is by your side, His Majesty won’t lose sight of her either」

「Even if you say that…..」

「I’m sorry to interrupt. His Majesty is calling for everyone」

Everyone headed to meet His Majesty. Meanwhile, the two kept urging me to agree. I should refuse right before His Majesty.

「You’ve come. Well, sit for now」

Following his words, we took our seats.

「Rinos-dono, did you hear everything from them?」

「Yes, I’ve heard. But I don’t feel like going along with it」

「Well, my younger sister has such a personality. However, I don’t see her as a strong woman as everyone else does」

「What do you mean?」

「She always felt lonely since her childhood. It was difficult for her to sleep alone. She cried when left alone. Most likely, she was afraid of people rejecting her. Because of that, she tried to not separate from other people. This is how I saw it」

「She could have just done it if she wanted to……」

「Her status as a princess weighed hard on her. She was always talented, she probably wanted to attract people by her own talent and achievements」

「I wonder is that’s how it is」

「That’s what I was told, but nobody supports her ideas. Yet, didn’t you agree with her ideas before? You didn’t say it just to get into her good graces, right? 」 [¹]

「That is true. I think of it as right in a certain sense. However, it’s not suitable for the current era」

「You can say that her ideas are a bit too ahead of the times for her own good. It is hard for a man to fall in love with her. However, you understood my younger sister’s ideas and agreed with them. I can let Ricolette be with you. I agreed with the two’s proposal because of these reasons」

How insightful of a new emperor. It seems that this emperor has eyes that can see through people.

「I’m aware that I’m being unreasonable. Nevertheless, I sincerely wish for you to marry Ricolette. Can you at least consider it? 」

「Haaa……However, won’t Ricolette-sama be against it? 」

「I see. Then you should talk with her first. Is she is absolutely against it, I will come up with another plan」

Almost forcibly, I was guided to her room.

The room was dim. The curtains were closed, even though it is a daytime, most likely she wasn’t in the mood to meet anyone.

「It is hard on you too」

「Yeah, it is indeed」

「You were ordered to talk to me about the engagement, right? You can always refuse, you know」

「What does Ricolette-sama think about this?」

「What do you think? I can’t even escape. I’m just a pretty bird in a cage. I don’t have any other choice but to follow the orders」

「That is true, you of now is indeed a bird in a cage. I think that you are incredibly uneasy about the future that you can’t predict. I was like that too. When I became a slave, when I was deprived of my freedom, I truly felt insecure. I’m inclined to understand your feelings」

「……」

Ricolette was silent and didn’t answer. I followed up.

「You are a bird in a cage, but you do have a choice. Leaving the matter of engagement aside for a moment, you can choose to live or to die. You can die by biting your tongue off, you know? You can twist your neck with a curtain and die. On the other hand, a monastery? You can still live there. You have the right to choose」

Ricolette looked straight into my face.

「My Master and her family didn’t survive, even though they wanted to. But you are different. If you want to live, you can live. If you want to die, everything will end. However, if you live, no matter what form of living it is, something might eventually happen. I’m a former slave and I was glad to be alive. It was completely different from the future I envisioned. How about living for a while longer? Your ideas weren’t received well, but I don’t think that you are wrong. You are just too far ahead of the times. I think that you desire to help people is admirable. Once you implement it, any world can become a better place. And the people will save you in return. This is all I wanted to say to you」

I said my piece and stood up.

「I unintentionally overstepped my bounds. Well then」

I quickly left her room. After that, I headed straight to meet His Majesty. The other two were still present by his side.

「I talked with Ricolette-sama」

「How was it?」

「She said I can refuse if I’m against it. I told her my thought and left the room. Most likely, Ricolette-sama won’t agree to this marriage. I think that Your Majesty should think of another plan」

Prince Viras and the prime minister looked as if they swallowed a bug. His Majesty looked at me with a faint smile. After a while, a servant arrived.

「You Majesty, the princess…….」

「I don’t mind. Speak. Yes, you don’t need to call me Your Majesty yet. I didn’t officially receive the crown yet」

「T-Then. She……」

「What’s wrong?」

「Princess Ricolette said that she accepts the marriage proposal」

……..Why is this happening?

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「About Ricolette’s treatment…….」

Muttered His Majesty as he powerlessly slumped onto his chair and saw Ricolette out.

「It seems that we need to bring out the poisoned bowl, it might be necessary for her to commit suicide」

「I feel sorry for my older sister, but we can’t just execute the royalty. As the Prime Minister Guremont said, the poisoned bowl might be the best solution」

His Majesty closed his eyes and silently contemplated.

「I……. do not wish for Ricolette to die」

「This isn’t appropriate, older brother.  Older sister rebelled against older brother. The rebels can’t be pardoned, or the empire won’t have any face left」

「Father told me to lead the empire together with my siblings. I won’t be able to face my father in the afterlife if I spill my sibling’s blood. It wasn’t Ricolette who wished to rebel in the first place」

「This might not be the case. Ricolette’s vassals, the house of Kurumfar, instigated the rebellion. She won’t be able to escape the responsibility」

「That is right. Order sister’s ideals deny the structure of the whole empire. Such people can be a source of the future unrest if left unattended」

「That might be true but won’t her faction rebel if something happens to her? That will diminish the empire’s power but I can’t just ignore her even with my father wished so……」

His Majesty started muttering again.

「……I will think about it. Everyone, you can leave」

「I know you have a lot on your mind, but I humbly plead for a swift decision」

The prime minister deeply bowed and left the room. After that, Prince Viras followed after the prime minister. I quietly followed behind him.

「Wait! The barrier master is not allowed to leave my side! You are to stay close to me! 」

Are you serious? I want you to spare me from staying in the same room as a mentally unstable person. I silently requested for a rescue from Prince Viras and the prime minister with my eyes.

「Understood, Your Majesty. However, this barrier master doesn’t serve the imperial palace. Even with His Majesty’s order, we can’t be unreasonable to him. As such…..」

「I know! Do you want me to reach a decision as soon as possible? 」

「Correct. I humbly plead」

After saying his piece, the two left the room. They run away…..

His Majesty closed his eyes and ceased all movements. I could only hear his breathing.

「You probably think of me as a pathetic man」

Unexpectedly, His Majesty said in a powerless voice.

「No, I don’t think so. On the contrary, you are a gentle person」

「Say no more. Without your presence, I’m a coward who afraid to even face the rebels」

「That might be true. However, I think that cowardice is an important ability for those, who stand above the others. You listen to various people and think over various things. I consider this Your Majesty’s talent」

「Fuh, you saying this as if you know me」

「I’m aware that I’m overstepping my bounds. His Majesty is gentler than anyone is. That’s how Your Majesty was raised, and Your Majesty yourself was inclined to this side. I think that it is wonderful. Your Majesty is fine as you are. But if I’m to add something to complete the image, you need to find「strength」」

「Strength? Are you encouraging me to learn martial arts? 」

「No, that is not correct. You are not only kind but also thoughtful. On the other hand, it also created a lot of unease. It makes it hard for Your Majesty to make any decision, because it may backfire in the future. I think that Your Majesty needs to obtain the heart that can’t be swayed by anxiety」

「Does it look like I’m suffering from anxiety?」

「Yes. Your Majesty looks very kind, but at same time weak and anxious」

「You sure say a lot for the barrier master」

「I apologize for my conduct. When people sincerely wish to「become stronger」or「not be defeated」they do become stronger. I have been a slave in the first place. No one wished to save me, I was about to be drowned by anxiety. Fortunately, I was taken in by the good people, but even there, I was scared of being abandoned. Every day I was saying to myself「I need to become stronger」「I can’t lose to anxiety」. After that, I naturally ceased to be anxious. It was thanks to my teacher」

「You muttered to yourself every day? It is the first time for me to hear such a story」

「Yeas, most likely, no one will ever tell you. I never heard about it from anyone except my teacher」

Fumu, I see, His Majesty started muttering again. When I strained my ears,

「I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose, I won’t lose….. 」

he said as if chanting. Is this person really okay?….

It has been about 1 hour. The prime minister and Prince Viras appeared once again. His Majesty was still chanting. The two noticed, aligned their eyes, and asked in concern

「Your Majesty, did you make a decision?」

「Older brother, the poisoned bowl and everything else has been prepared」

Hearing these words, His Majesty slowly opened his eyes. His Majesty looked at us and said as if breathing out.

「My younger brother Viras, Prime Minister Guremont, the barrier master. I decided. I will tell everyone my decision now」

We held our breath in suspense.

「Ricolette will live. This is my decision」

「Your Majesty!」

「Older brother!」

The two raised their voices in surprise.

「Your Majesty! Are you sure? I never heard about the rebels, who were left alive! 」

「Even like that, her life shall not be taken」

「Older brother! If we do this, we will be forced to pardon every vassal, whose subordinates decided to rebel on their own volition! It will create future troubles. There is a saying 「kill one to warn a hundred」, we should」

「I won’t」

「Prime Minister Guremont! My older brother doesn’t understand anything! We should settle the matter of the poisoned bowl ourselves! 」

「Hah,  in this way 」[¹]

The two tried to leave the room.

「You two, wait」

Resounded His Majesty’s calm voice. The two faltered and looked at His Majesty with surprise on their faces.

「This is my will」

「「……..Huh! 」」

Faced with his overwhelming atmosphere, the two unconsciously lowered their heads.

It was a moment of awakening for the 15th Emperor, Hideta Shua Hito, who later was titled as「benevolent emperor」 and became the most respected emperor in the history of the Hideta Empire.

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「However, we don’t have any proof」

「No, the evidence will be easy to arrange. It’s not that difficult once you know the name of the mastermind」

After saying so, the prime minister quickly left the basement. When the door closed, I heard someone saying

「Kurumfar-sama is unrelated! Unrelated…..gufu! 」

from behind, but I pretended not to hear.

When I left the mansion, it was nearly morning. The prime minister returned to the royal palace for an all-nighter. I went to my store and teleported home. Once Inside, I saw Peris and Merias waiting for me. Irimo and Jeneha have already awoken. I told everyone to rest and slumped onto my bed without bathing.

I awoke in the evening. I ate early breakfast and reported to the prime minister. No one was worried about me. Apparently, they thought I would manage somehow however difficult it would be.

「Even so, to punish the princess by execution is a bit overboard」

「It can’t be helped. It is their best chance to crush the princess’ faction. This will also remove the possibility of the future power struggles」

While thinking about such things, I enjoyed the long-awaited bath and fell asleep early.

I opened my eyes again at the dawn. Because my map displayed a presence. The mark was yellow. It cautiously approached my mansion. There were three of them. First thing first, I got out of the bed and changed my clothes. I fell asleep early, so I had enough sleep.

At the same time as I descended to the first floor, I heard a knocking sound.

「I apologize for the sudden visit! I’m Seono of the imperial knights! Is Rinos-dono present? I wish to see him! 」

「It’s been a long time, Seono-san. What can I help you with? 」

「I apologize for the inconvenience, but I want to escort you to the imperial palace」

「The imperial palace?」

I didn’t expect myself being summoned to the imperial palace. I stared at Seono’s face. I was able to discern his tiredness. I called out to Gon, who was sleeping in the dining room, mounted Irimo and followed after Seono.

When the sky began to brighten, we arrived at the imperial palace. Once I entered inside, I was guided to the area where I have never been before. The corridor was creepy and quiet. We arrived at the room behind a giant door.

Inside, there was the prime minister, Prince Viras, and another man. His eyes were running around as he was muttering something. Since he is wearing a fancy costume, is he someone from the royal family too?

「Oh, Rinos-dono, I was waiting for you. Please come closer」

After the prime minister urged me, I entered inside.

「I was wondering why I was summoned to the imperial palace, so it was your excellency」

「No, I know that it was too sudden. You worked hard, but I want to entrust you with something」

「If it is something I’m able to do」

「I want you to cast a barrier on His Highness, no, since he will be crowned soon, His Majesty」

Is this man the next emperor? I didn’t hide my surprise.

「Brother, this is Rinos-dono I told you about. His barriers are quite sturdy. I don’t know how many times the life of the prime minister Guremont was saved by it. Brother should follow suit! 」

「Why did Ricolette do that she said that she will help me before no and she did that no that can’t be happening but the prime minister says otherwise there is also father but he treated her well……」

His Majesty is having a conversation with himself. For the time being, I laid out the barrier. It should be enough to prevent an assassination.

「You are my saver, Rinos-dono」

「Did the princess’ faction draw the bowstring?」 [¹]

「Ricolette-sama is currently confined in her room. The problem lies in her faction that wishes to see her released. Yesterday, when I tried to apprehend Kurumfar, his house was already empty. Most likely, he retreated to his own territory. However, when I questioned Madam Kurumfar’s students, I learned about their plan to assassinate His Majesty」

And that’s why I was summoned.

「The Kurumfar couple is currently on the run. It shouldn’t take too long for us to capture them. But I have no way to predict what kind of commotion those, who are yet to give up, could cause. For that purpose, I need to provide His Majesty with enough security」

「Call Ricolette! I will hear her personally! 」

His Highness, who was mumbling to himself a moment ago, suddenly raised his voice. Don’t startle me.

「You can’t, Your Majesty」

「Why? Didn’t this barrier master cast a barrier on me? Ricolette won’t be able to do anything to me. There is no problem with hearing everything personally! 」

「Older brother, I’m also against you meeting older sister. She has an unrestrained temper. I can’t predict what she will say when it comes to it. She might even touch on the subject of your body. That’s why I urge you to reconsider」

「I want to follow my father’s wishes and listen to people. Besides, I want to know that caused my younger sister to aim for my life. With these ears of mine」

「But….」

「Isn’t my life safe as long as this barrier master present? There shouldn’t be any problems with him here, right? 」

This Majesty is emotionally unstable. Pushing him will only bring the opposite effect.

The prime minister whispered something to His Highness Viras. Apparently, His Highness complied. The prime minister ordered to his subordinate.

「Rinos-dono, I want you to promise me something. I want you to not disclose anything you are about to hear in this room」

「I think that it is better for me to leave. I might be too late when I hear something I shouldn’t have」

「You should stay here! Leaving isn’t permitted! 」

「No, the barrier I cast on Your Majesty can function even without my presence」

「No means no! You need to recast it again in case it would be broken! What? You aren’t worried that it will be breached? Why so? Absolutely? Is it really absolute? See, you can’t give me an immediate answer! Stay here! Don’t leave me alone! 」

Intimidation won’t produce any good will. I have doubts about his capability as an emperor.

After a while, Princess Ricolette arrived while being surrounded by soldiers. Upon entering the room, she immediately discovered me.

「You again? Why are you even here!?」

「He cast a barrier on me. I gave him my permission to be here」

「I won’t question older brother’s decisions」

「Why did Kurumfar act against me, against the empire!? It even happened right after my father’s death! 」

「That……I didn’t know myself」

I peeked into her past and it seems to be true.

「Well, I thought you’d say that! However, what did Kurumfar try to achieve by that? What was he dissatisfied with!?」

His Majesty shouted discarding the courtesy.

「Most likely, Kurumfar was dissatisfied with the empire’s structure. Every influential position is monopolized by the nobility, without considering their actual skill. There are plenty of talents of common birth. But those talents hold no power in the empire」

「But older sister, didn’t the empire built a university that gives people of low status an opportunity to learn thus securing the talents?」

「Then answer me Viras. The prime minister, general, minister of finance, minister of agriculture……and others, just how many of them do not belong to the nobility?」

「This is….」

His Highness faltered.

「None. There are none. Even if you rise all the way to become an official, you won’t be given any serious positions. For the sake of the empire’s future, these positions should belong to the people of actual ability, whatever their status or gender might be. It is wrong to give the full power to the nobility」

「Does order sister want to change the organization of the whole empire?」

「Ricolette! Are you implying my incompetence? Are you proposing to pick the emperor from the commoners? 」

「No, not to this extent…..」

「Silence! From my youngest days, I strived to become an excellent emperor! It wasn’t all fun. It absolutely wasn’t! Ricolette and Viras, you spent your days in the same manner! I and the nobility didn’t slack in our duties, I believe it to be true. Our subjects certainly suffer. However, we, the royalty and the nobility, suffer much more than our subjects do. Our subjects can just work hard, earn money and live a free life. However, no amount of hard work can grant us freedom. We have to live our whole lives constricted. But why do we keep doing that? Isn’t it for the sake of the empire and our subjects!?」[²] Taking a deep breath, His Majesty slumped onto his chair. No one spoke. At that time, a soldier entered the room and whispered something to the prime minister.

「A while ago, the Kurumfar couple was discovered near their territory, they resisted and a fight occurred. The imperial army suffered some losses but successfully cut down their subordinates. As for the Kurumfar couple, they committed suicide」

The prime minister calmly reported to His Majesty.

「Capture everyone who supported them. The issue with Ricolette will be addressed afterwards. Ricolette, you aren’t permitted to take even a single step outside of your room! Bring her out! 」

His majesty squeezed the remaining energy in his body and loudly ordered the guards. When I looked at Ricolette’s face, I saw tears in her eyes.

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「Master, it is done」

Hearing my acknowledgment, the harpy flew away.

The sun is dazzling in the summer. Looking into the distance, the horizon is distorted because of hot air.

The were 10 people in adventurer’s outfits in the stables. I silently stood before them.

It happened during my day-off when it was time for me to relax and enjoy my meal. About 10 red dots appeared on my map. I warned everyone and went on high alert. They split up in three groups in the process. Two groups of four and one group of two.

The group of two headed straight for the mansion, while the other groups headed for the stables and the backyard. Apparently, they planned a pincer attack.

Without any orders, a harpy reported about the intruders. I ordered her to gather everyone and be ready to act.

While we prepared, the intruders assumed their position and the duo stood before my gate.

「So this is the mansion of the barrier master, Rinos-dono!」

I came outside to greet the suspicious people.

「Rinos, the barrier master, do you need something?」

「Princess Ricolette is calling for you. We will escort you」

「Princess Ricolette? What does she want from me? 」

Pyiii!! A shrill harpy cry resounded. I heard the screams of people from the stables. The surprised duo went outside to look. A closely followed behind them.

「Na! Harpy! Why is there a harpy in this place? 」

「Oi, everyone. Don’t kill them yet. I want them alive」

「What the hell…..」

「Are you a demon!?」

One of the adventurers swung his sword at me. I lightly dodged to the side and struck him to make him faint. Meanwhile, the other man was suppressed by the harpies. The group from the backyard rushed here hearing the commotion. In the end, they were defeated by the harpies without being able to put up a decent fight.

「So, what does Princess Ricolette want from me?」

The men didn’t answer.

「It seems that you want to become food for the harpies」

「W-Wait. I will speak! 」

The man who spoke to me at the entrance opened his mouth. I positioned myself before him.

「……..You, the Guremont’s dog, are in the way」

「What is the point of dealing with me? Nothing will change once I’m not around」

「I heard that once you die, the barrier around Guremont will be dispelled. That’s why! 」

Apparently, they want to assassinate His Excellency. A dangerous intention.

「While not being a royalty, he is amassing his influence and aiming for the throne. He cannot be left alive! 」

The man delivered his fervent speech as he was suppressed by the harpies, he seems pretty young. When I asked about his age, he said it was 20.

「The throne huh, the empire should still have the crown prince. It will be difficult to usurp the throne」

「By giving the throne to his grandson, Prince Viras, he will be able to control everything!」

This man is telling some serious bullshit. For caution’s sake, let’s peek into his past.

「Oi oi, isn’t Princess Ricolette completely uninvolved?~ Stop lying to me」

The man’s body shuddered.

「Ha? Did the emperor die? Use the chaos to assassinate the prime minister and make the princess into a guardian of the new emperor? What did you smoke? You plan is incoherent」

「S-Shut up! Don’t spout nonsense! The current empire can’t fully utilize its numerous talents! The empire will collapse because of Guremont! 」

「And you will seat on the top. Morons. Do you think you can replace the prime minister with your current ability? 」

「Guremont’s dog!」

For now, I tied up the intruders. This was troublesome in a lot of ways, so I put a barrier on them, erased their memories about the harpies, and replaced them with memories where I defeated them myself. After that, I brought them out and proceeded towards the teleportation point. It’s a nice opportunity. I can use them as lab rats to check whether I can transport 10 people at the same time. I activated the teleportation. My store in the imperial capital was my destination. [¹]

Everyone was successfully teleported. I left them here as I teleported once again to the point near the prime minister’s mansion. Following that, I entered the mansion.

The prime minister wasn’t around. When I described the situation to the butler, I was told to wait while he went to the imperial palace to relay the news to the prime minister. The prime minister’s people also headed for my store to fetch the assailants.

Soon enough, they were delivered to the mansion. Maybe because they resisted, they were beaten up rather nicely.

I waited quite a bit, but I was said that the prime minister would arrive at night. I pretended to go to the restroom, created another teleportation point, and returned to my mansion. For now, I told Peris that I might spend the night elsewhere, enhanced the barrier around the mansion and returned to the prime minister’s mansion. I removed the teleportation point and came back into the reception room.

The prime minister came back at midnight. He seemed pretty tired.

「You seem tired」

「Kind of. Many problems surfaced recently. I almost want to have the head of the Versam family by my side」

「It seems that the emperor has died」

「! How did you!?…..I see, they told you. A bunch of idiots. Even though nothing will change with my death」

「What is going to happen to them? Will they be executed? 」

「They are the third sons of nobility. Their chances to succeed the title are extremely low. Either they will become the adventurers or merchants….otherwise, they would have no choice but to live on by relying on their brother’s money. I don’t think that it was their house’s will. Well, it the worst case they will be executed, otherwise, they will be exiled」

「Serves them right」

「First, I need them to tell me the name of the mastermind. Also, I need to know how far their plans have progressed」

「From my interrogation, it seems that they did it on their own」

「Still, I was surprised that they even tried to attack you. They should have someone behind them. They might be planning a grand rebellion」

「Will they speak?」

「…….I will make them」

「Can I meet them once again, Your Excellency? I have something to ask from them too」

「………All right. Follow me」

The prime minister slowly walked down the stairs to the basement. The stairs were quite long. After descending, we walked through the corridor and arrived at the door.

Once inside, I saw them being conveniently interrogated. They were bound and bruised everywhere. It seems that the interrogation was on the harsh side.

「How is it?」

「Nothing substantial to report. They keep insisting that it was their own plan」

「Use any method at your disposal to make them talk. In the worst case, I don’t mind if you kill them」

「Please wait a minute」

I walked towards one of the captives. It was a different one from the guy that I interrogated in my mansion. But unlike the others, he aligned his eyes with me for a moment.

「……..Kurumfar? 」

The man’s body twitched.

「Who is he?」

「D-Don’t know. I don’t know anything about Kurumfar-sama! 」

「Are you attaching「-sama」to every unknown name?」

「Kurumfar…….the private tutor of Ricolette-sama. I see, he also tutored the bunch of you. So the mastermind was the count Kurumfar! 」

The prime minister’s eyes glowed.

「Rinos-dono, good job! With this information, we can cleanse our empire! 」

「I’m glad for you…..It seems that Ricolette-sama is in the dark about it」

「No, we can’t let it slide」

Un? Isn’t she unrelated?

「We will have Ricolette-sama take the responsibility. She will be executed」

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「Welcome Back! The dinner is ready! Today it is a dragon meat steak! 」

Peris happily greeted us. The steak was accompanied by fried potatoes, soup, and salad. There was also garlic rice. Peris’ skills are master-class.

「Thanks, Peris! Come, everyone, let’s eat! 」

「「「Itadakimasu」」」

「I-Itadakimasu…….」

Merias, who was nearly forced to take a seat, was rather nervous.

「Merias should try it too. Peris’ cooking is a marvel」

I separated her salad and put some a piece of the steak on it. She was still hesitant at first, but gradually relaxed. I didn’t fall behind and put the steak in my mouth. Delicious! Its flavor is exquisite. Everyone ate with a gusto.

When I looked at Merias, she was trembling while looking downwards.

「What’s wrong? You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to」

「Gusu. For a slave like me to receive such delicious food…….Somehow, I’m sorry」

「You are now one of us. You just happened to be a slave. You don’t need to mind it」

「It was Master, who came up with all of these dishes. Today they were made by me, but Master can make them even better」

While saying「Don’t raise the hurdle, Peris」, I switched my attention back to Merias. She gobbled every single dish while constantly apologizing.

We were satisfied with strawberries as a dessert and spent some time relaxing. Meanwhile, I thought about letting Peris guide Merias to her room, but the latter refused.

「I’m Master’s slave. I can’t just borrow Peris-sama’s room」

「Then where will you sleep?」

「I do not mind sleeping in the hallway」

「The hallway….Peris is fine with it, you don’t have to mind」

Merias just silently stared at the floor.

「Since that’s the case, you can just let her sleep in her Master’s room」

Gon opened his mouth.

「Un, wait for a moment. There will be times when Merias has to do some kind of work. So can you stay in Peris’ room for a while? I will call you when I need something from you」

「Merias-san, Master already said this much. Are you against sleeping in the same room as a belial? 」

There is no way it is like this! Merias fiercely swung her head. It seems she was finally convinced. If Merias ever sleeps in my room, I will attack her at night. To assault Merias right here and right now………Don’t call me a lecher.

After that, Peris showed her around the mansion, her perpetually surprised appearance was amusing. As expected, having a bath in your house is rare, I won’t tell her about「Ueeeeee」she unintentionally leaked in a girly voice.

On the next day, I woke up early and went to buy clothes for Merias. I bought the clothes, which were recommended by the employee, but it seems that they were quite good so they cost rather high. Well, I don’t need to worry about my finances and the clothes look nice. Since they are on the cute side, I’m fine with this.

Regarding Merias, I’m thinking about letting her continue her research. I decided to buy the tools and materials, but the amount ended up being a bit too large. Peris’ room is big, but it won’t be able to store everything. I had no other choice but to give up on buying some tools. It seems that it’s about time to think about expanding the mansion.

Regarding the Holy Sword, Merias is pouring her effort into making a sheath so the job of purchasing special materials in a specialized shop (although I was the one who ordered her to make one) fell onto me. It seems she is going to create a fitting holy sheath for it. I’m looking forward to its completion.

Merias was reserved at first, but due to Peris’ character, she quickly became friends with her. They were both Liberal Arts LV3 and stimulated each other’s intellectual curiosity.

Gon and I came to Ohi-sama’s mansion again. Because I asked about the title Gon answered「Ohi-sama is knowledgeable about this topic」. As long as I’m with Gon, I could come there anytime, and I did just that. As expected, I couldn’t visit with as it is so I filled my hands with as much food as I could and stood in front of the shrine. When I appeared before the door to the mansion, it quietly opened. It might unexpectedly be an automatic door.

We were greeted by the supervisors under Ohi-sama, Chieda-san and Sae-san, and then guided to her chambers. Today, besides those two, a fox in a ceremonial dress came along with us.

「Today, before Ohi-sama……」

「Let’s skip the formalities. Take it easy, take it easy」

「I’m overjoyed to receive your considerations. Today I brought presents with me. Please receive them if it all right with you」

After I said that, I presented ohagi, aburaage, zenzai, inari-zushi, and university potatoes.

「I’m ashamed of presenting the same things over and over again……」

「No need to worry. Hohou~. So this is zenzai. Let’s see……delicious! This sweetness! This crunchiness! It is indeed better when it’s crunchy」

「Ohi-sama!」

Her reaction was excessive, but it seems she liked it.

「This one is Sandill. Thank you for your continuous offerings. Our ladies like the sweet taste. I’m looking forward to the future」

「Thank you very much. In this case, should I substitute aburaage with zenzai from now on? 」

「Hm. Makes sense. Every…..」

「No! It is fine with aburaage. It goes well with the right drink! 」

Sandill objected. Don’t glare, Ohi-sama, don’t glare.

「Understood. The crispy aburaage is delicious. Also, please try inari-zushi, if it is all right with you」

「Mm. This is…..quite good…..good, good. This is also……..well, the offering」

「Understood」

Apparently, my presents achieved the desired effect. The supervisors liked the university potatoes. Offering all at once would be slightly difficult, so let’s establish a rotation of sorts.

「I came here for a purpose. I have something I would like to inquire」

「You are free to ask」

「First, about the barrier skill. I heard that it is possible to use it to teleport. How could one……」

「Oh, this is a special case and can’t be used normally. It has to be combined with other arts」

「Combine with an art?」

「This is a kind of a spell. Sandill knows the details. You are allowed to tell him」

「Ohi-sama, did you casually leave everything to this one to enjoy the offering in the meantime?」

「T-There is no-no-no-no way it is true! H-H-H-H-How rude! 」

Haaa, acknowledged Sandill. Ohi-sama, you are stuttering.

「I have something else to ask too. One of my comrades has「Self-loathing」title. I want to remove it, but….」 [¹]

「Self-loathing? What kind of title is this? 」

「Ahem, Ohi-sama. That thing that you failed to remove about 500 years ago」

「….Ah, that one. That was a failure…..No, it wasn’t a f-f-f-failure! There are no failures for this Mistress! That was a success!!」

「……Just when I tried to save you, you dug a hole for yourself」

「Sandill, you are rude!! Ei, stand up! Sandill will tell you about this matter! This wasn’t a failure! You can leave!!」

We were driven out of the room. They guided us to Sandill’s room.

「All right then, first I will speak about the barrier combination, it isn’t that difficult. You need to pour mana towards the place from where you want to teleport while chanting『Ohi-sama Ohi-sama, coming forth』and saying the name of a place you want to teleport. This would create a teleportation point, once you step inside, you would be able to teleport」

Let’s try at the first opportunity.

「Next is「Self-loathing」. This is quite a rather advanced curse. The person in question suppressed his own growth by wishing to seal his own abilities. Because it is a self-curse, it is difficult to remove. You can try, but it may result in the subject’s brain death. The best method would be to utilize divine protection skill when the person himself wholeheartedly wishes to remove it」

「And Ohi-sama failed because」

「…..She tried to force it. It almost reached the point of no return. I intervened」

I didn’t hear until the end. When we were talking, the supervisor, Chieda, entered the room.

「Rinos-dono. An order from Ohi-sama. From now on, it will be enough if you only offer bean-shaped ohagi and a sweet kind of aburaage」

「Nah! I was deprived of my pleasure! Are you holding a grudge against me!?」

Trying to pacify Sandill, I ended up with his personal shrine in my mansion.

The matter of her title depends completely on her own will…….Well then, how should I proceed? I thought about that as I left the mansion.

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「Let me suffer? An interesting joke. Fine, I will let you know your place」

The black rabbit released a pink aura and took out a rapier.

「Ufufu, the hellfire will burn you to ashes. If you do not start running, you will be roasted, you know? 」

I kept staring at pohasei without moving a single bit.

「Ahhahaha, are you too frightened to move?」

「Master, please escape!」

Merias clung to my back.

「I will kill you both」

「You have been noisy on you own since a while ago. In this some kind of a play? 」

「What?」

「You are still in one piece, Merias. Look」

「…..The fire has gone」

「Gazing at illusions can be pretty exciting, but these ones aren’t that great」

「Yeah, it is painful to look at. Is this everything you’ve got? You seem pretty amusing, there is a merit in bullying you」

The posehai was already trapped inside a 10-meter wide barrier. Then, I created a lot of cockroaches inside of the barrier.

「Uwa! What is this!? No!!」

The posehai immediately flew into the air. I exploded her black wings and took away her ability to fly. She raised a painful scream, landed on the ground and started to desperate run away from the cockroaches. I exploded both of her legs and took away her ability to move. The flood of cockroaches enveloped her body in no time.

「Nooooo! Gyaaaaa! Stooooop!! Stooooop!!」

This was rather unsightly, so I concealed the cockroaches from Gon and Merias. From their standpoint, it looked like the posehai was writhing in confusion.

While appreciating the sight before me, I confirmed her skills once again.

Lyona (Pohasei, 37 years old) LV29
HP: 183
MP: 116
Illusion Arts LV3
Seduction Arts LV3
Human Transformation Art LV3
Mind Magic LV3
Teleportation Art LV2
Flight LV2

She is specialized in manipulating people. She can’t be a decent opponent is she fights directly, but I have some interest in this「Teleportation Art 」of hers.

「Hey, Gon, what is this「Teleportation Art 」?」

「It is a kind of space magic, but it is very restricted. She can only transfer herself and it takes a lot of MP to cast. It is mainly used as a last escape method」

Can’t you freely move around with this thing?

「In that case, you might want to make use of your barrier skill. Multiple people can be teleported if they are inside of a barrier. Ohi-sama’s shrine also works this way」

You should have said it sooner. I need to get a detailed explanation on this skill from Gon later on. I feel like I’m missing on a treasure.

While I was thinking that, the space around posehai started to distort. Looking closely, it seems that her posehai comrades are about to teleport here. Among them, a posehai with a big build screamed in a loud voice.

「I noticed an emergency signal and came here, Lyona! What is happening?!!」

I cleared the insides of the barrier from the cockroaches. She was twitching on the ground with her whole body covered in sweat.

8 posehai, who were called her by Lyona, gathered around her. I see, that’s what he meant when he said that they act in groups.

「Are you comrades of this one? If you are willing to retreat, I don’t mind if you take her with you」

「Who are you!? Was it you who wounded Lyona to this extent……? Impossible! For you to be able to corner Lyona to this extent!!」

「Whether it is impossible or not is not important. I want to have dinner soon. Today, I will let you off with just this much, hurry up and scram」 [¹]

While I was still talking, a single posehai came slashing at me. Just before he succeeded, I enclosed him in a barrier and quickly increased the temperature inside. I a blink of an eye, he was devoured by the flames and disappeared.

「Mihiji!…….I won’t forgive you! Kill!!」

The giant posehai ordered in a loud voice. The rest of them started chanting. Taking this into an account, I released a scorching bullet mid-chant. New holes appeared in their bodies only for flames to burst out from them. Without knowing what happened, the six lost their lives.

「Oi, hulk. I have some questions to you」

「Kuh! Nuaaaaa! 」

At the same time as I deployed a barrier, the giant posehai initiated a teleport. His figure disappeared accompanied by his fierce screams.

「Did he……teleport? 」

「It is the first time I saw a posehai abandoning his comrade」

「Can’t help it. Let’s question this one」

I approached the fainted wounded woman. Gon and Merias followed me from behind. She was twitching before, but upon my approach, she slowly opened her eyes.

「Was that hulk your comrade? It seems he abandoned you」

The woman looked at me and grinned. At this moment, something flashed and an explosion occurred.

「Dangerous!」

I hugged Merias on a reflex. Her fluffy hair was extremely comfortable.

When I turned back, I saw nothing. It was the usual grassland.

「So she suicided. It is the first time I saw them doing that」

Gon was strangely impressed. Looking close, I noticed a katana lying on the grassland. Once I picked it up and appraised it,

Laser Sword: A sword that can cut through any material.

Ho, its sharpness is superb. The blade is incredibly beautiful.

「This sword was made by me」

When I picked it up, Merias quietly muttered this to herself.

「It looks very sharp. Isn’t it a good sword? 」

「I was told to make a sword that can cut through space. However, you need a lot of MP to achieve this effect. I thought of developing a technique to somehow preserve the MP, but it didn’t go that well」

MP? I have a lot of those. Let’s try pouring it in. When I imagined putting my MP into the sword……my MP was gradually sucked. I can put even more. As I poured more and more………the blade shone blue. Merias looked at this spectacle with round eyes.

When I poured about 10000 MP, I felt that it was filled to the brim. Before I noticed, the sword became like a polished mirror. Merias unconsciously leaked「Beautiful……」from her mouth. When I appraised it again, this is what I saw.

Holy Sword: A sword that can cut through any material and space. Its sharpness is further increased against the evil beings.

…….It seems that a sacred sword was produced. Is this all right? Is this really all right?

I silently passed the sword to Merias. Merias looked at it fervently, as if wanting to devour it whole.

「H-How did……….? Alloy composition? No, by changing the incorporated enchantment…..No, is this…….a formula? Overheating the gamul grass? Is it? Is it?」

The appearance of a beautiful girl staring at a sword with her eyes wide open while muttering something incomprehensible is quite scary.

「Merias, can you make something like a sheath for it? It stands out. It is all right you do it later. The materials…..let’s buy them tomorrow too. I’m hungry. Let’s have dinner! 」

Together with Merias, who refused to let go of the sword, and the yawning Gon, I returned to the mansion.

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When we arrived home together with Merias, Gon greeted us.

「Oh? This person…….has some considerable skills. Un? 「Self-concealment」? It is the first time I saw such a title」

Well, we couldn’t just stay before the mansion forever so we went inside. While being nervous, Merias sat down as I ordered.

「As I said earlier, you are a slave, but I intend to release you. It seems to take quite some time so you will be staying here until that moment. Feel free to use this house as your own. Your room will be the same as Peris’」

「Um……..You said you will release me, but why did you buy me in the first place? 」

「Un, if I’m to voice it out, It was a whim. There is no particular reason. It’s just, the status of a slave is insecure, right? I was also a slave in the past, I can relate to these feelings. Although, I still want to hear why you became a crime slave. If it is not that big of a deal, I intend to release you」

「I……killed a lot of people. For the sake of the dead, I need to die too」 [¹]

She looked at me with strong determination. It doesn’t seem likely for me to hear the whole story. Without any other choice, I peeked into her past myself.

Merias was born between her sheep beastwoman mother and her dwarf father. Her mother was a good pharmacist and her father was an excellent blacksmith. The stubborn father and the gentle mother raised her with love. She was interested in her parents’ trades since her young days and spent her days learning from them.

She had the talent in the first place so she was able to master both of the skills. She dreamed about inheriting their job and making their life easier.

The turning point in her life happened when she was 10 years old. A plague rapidly spread throughout the country, it started with sudden a high fever and led to the death in a few days. The death toll was exceptionally high amongst the children. The King ordered to start development of the cure to every competent person. Of course, this order reached her household too. The family poured all their effort into the development of the cure. And they successfully completed it. The King was overjoyed, and while promising a reward to them, distributed the cure for free amongst the populace.

Then, a tragedy occurred.

The children, who used the cure, died in large numbers. The distribution of the cure was stopped and the cause was investigated. The report stated that the cause was in the magic grass. A grass that acts like the poison in high concentrations. They concluded that the proportions of ingredients were flawed. [²]

Merias’ parents were executed to atone for their mistake. The father, who was harvesting the grass, and the mother, who made the cure, were charged with serious crimes.

Originally, they planned to execute Merias too. However, with her young age as a reason, she was taken care of by the court magician. There, she was ordered to develop and produce magic tools. Such work was very taxing on MP. The work that continued every day until she fainted put a serious burden on her body. However, this work, which was said to improve the lives of the citizens, was a form of atonement for her. She ignored the condition of her body and continued her work.

When she turned 16, she wasn’t able to complete the ordered work anymore. She wasn’t able to create much. While being aware of her own limits, she nevertheless tried harder than anyone else did. However, in the end, she was abandoned by him and sold off as a crime slave.

「It seems you did all kinds of work, but I can’t understand the details very well. Can you explain it to me in layman terms? 」

「!? How did you!?」

「Ah, I can somehow understand some things about people」

「…….It was mostly three things. Creating an edged tool with maximum sharpness and hardness, a material that can negate magic, and a medicine of immortality」

「Quite the ambitious projects you had there. Did any of those succeed? 」

「I achieved some minor things, but it didn’t come into reality in the end」

「Then what did you create?」

「A medicine that can unleash the whole power of a person. He won’t feel any pain or fatigue and will be able to act with his full power」

「Are there any side effects?」

「When it runs out, you won’t be able to move for several days. In the worst case, you will die」

……..Sounds like a failed product. I see, she was magnificently used. The death of her parents also seems suspicious. Merias herself doesn’t seem particularly evil.

「All right, for the time being, it is better to deal with your curse. Gon, can I ask you? 」

「You can do it yourself, though」

「Is that so?」

As if being inspired by Gon, I decided to remove it myself. A concentrated on Merias and imagined myself removing the curse. Curse LV3 was displayed inside my head. I poured my MP in it. After a while, it was reduced to LV2 and gradually disappeared.

「Fuu. The curse was removed. The status is still that of a crime slave. It seems we still need to visit a priest」

However, the title「Self-concealment」was still there.

「How do you erase this title?」

「I never tried this before so I don’t know. Ohi-sama is knowledgeable about this topic」

「I will ask when I have an opportunity」

While I was discussing these things, my map showed a reaction. It is moving in this direction at considerable speed. The color is red. It is definitely hostile.

I gathered everyone and went outside to meet it. And at the same time, it showed its appearance.

「Geez, you just had to complicate everything. Thanks to you, I need to cut the loose ends」

The one who appeared was a black rabbit beastwoman surrounded by the evil aura.

「Pohasei? How bothersome」

Gon muttered unintentionally.

「Pohasei is a tribe skilled in illusions. They often move and attack in groups. Very hard to deal with 」

「Ara, today I’m alone, you can relax. I’m here for the sheep girl. Her being alive is rather inconvenient for us. Don’t think bad of me」

「Are you the ones, who conspired against Merias and her parents?」

「Ara, she told you to this extent? Loose-lipped women are no good. Sorry, but is seems that you need to die too. But you are so young and cute. Should we play before I kill you? 」

「Before that, let me confirm something. Her skills are quite high, did you raise it with some kind of medicine? 」

「Such a perceptive boy. No, I forced her to commit crimes」

「Crime?」

「By killing her family, although she closed herself from everyone, her learning speed has increased. She deprived the lives of many people with her own medicine」

「Do you want to obtain the world? Or are you just enjoying the slaughter? 」

「Both. I tried to force her to create an impenetrable material of a medicine of immortality, but it seems that I aimed too high. Well, she did create the semi-immortal soldiers so it’s not as if she was completely useless. But I can’t expect any further growth from her, there is no reason to let her live any longer. I thought she would die once she became a crime slave, but I never expected from her to immediately tell you everything」

「One more thing. What’s up with this self-concealment? 」

「Self-concealment? What’s that? 」

「I see, an idiot. Yeah, right, the last question. Are you a woman or just crossdressing? 」

「……..I thought about playing with you, but it seems I will discard this notion」

「Understood. Oi, Peris」

Peris, who was by my side, silently gazed at me.

「Sorry, but go ahead of me and prepare dinner. Let’s have dinner right after I finish here. I’m expecting a lot of you」

Peris affirmed and went inside the mansion. I turned towards Merias.

「Sorry, Merias. I forgot to buy the clothes for you. Let’s buy some in the capital tomorrow. Today, you have to do with my clothes」

「What’s up with this demonstration of composure? Are you trying to make me relax my guard? Fufufufufu」

The pohasei released bloodlust and evil aura from her body. I faced her with a demonic smile.

「I hate women like you. The moment you were hated by me, death became your only destiny. I will let you taste the suffering, which will make you wish for an easy death. All right then, where should I start from~? 」

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「Nothing good ever comes from these guys! These guys are soldiers of Princess Ricolette. What are they even thinking!?」[¹]

The owner of Miraya, Akima, was fuming with anger. The soldiers quickly occupied the stage and started talking about something with the slave traders. There were a few customers left, but the auction was completely disrupted. Akima showed her intention to return home. I decided to accompany her and headed outside together with Peris.

「Master, what was this event all about?」

「Ah, Peris might not know it. It is a place for buying and selling of slaves」

「Slaves?」

「It is about buying people with money. The slaves have to listen to their buyers no matter what」

「Are they treated as goods? I thought that those, who were bought, were going to be released 」

「Ho, an interesting opinion. I want this girl to teach some things to my girls! 」

Akima teased Peris and laughed. Once we went outside, a man from the slave trader’s side approached me.

「I’m sorry for the inconvenience. Dear guest, I will hand over your slave immediately」

Apparently, the slave traders will be penalized for opening the slave market, it ended up without anyone being harmed. I bid farewell to Akima and followed the man. We arrived in a room in the hotel.

After a while, a nice looking man came into the room.

「Thank you for coming. It might be too hasty, but let’s finalize the purchase right away. The money…….yes, that is enough. Let’s proceed to the slave contract. Oi, bring her over here! 」
The sheep beastwoman was brought inside. Unlike the previous time, she was wearing a one-piece clothing. Previously, they wanted to display her bodyline to the audience. However, her appearance before my eyes was truly mesmerizing.

「I apologize, but can I receive a drop of your blood?」
Un? Blood? I do not remember anything like that when Elsa-sama bought me.

「Isn’t the slave contract done through a spell?」

「In the case of a crime slave, there is a need to bind it using blood. If you complete the blood contract, the slave won’t be able to resist you in any way. After all, the crime slaves couldn’t be given any freedom. It is enforced by the law so I ask you for your understanding」

The handling of the crime slaves is a difficult matter.

「When it comes to the blood, you can use this magic tool. Put your finger on it, and it will suck out your blood by itself. It won’t be painful and won’t leave any wounds」

I put my fingertip on the glass rod. The rod quickly sucked out my blood. The slave trader received my blood and dropped it on the palm of her hand while casting some kind of spell. Her hand glowed.

「With this, the slave contract is complete」

「How do you cancel the contract? What will happen to her if I die? 」

「Because it is a blood contract, the slave will die together with the owner. If you don’t like it, you should be able to cancel it in the slave store nearby. Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you need anything」

「Understood. There should also be a method to release a slave. How is it done? 」

「We do not hear about releasing the crime slaves too often, but if you want to, you need to get the permission from a priest.」

「Priest?」

「Correct. To release a crime slave, you need to prove to the priest that he atoned for his crimes. However, you need a lot of money, and it is not guaranteed that the priest will be convinced of his atonement」

In others words, once you become a crime slave, it is almost impossible to regain your freedom. What did this beastwoman do?

「I heard that she poisoned a village. If you look at her casual attitude, you should understand what kind of person she is. Please, be careful with her」

Saying his piece, the slave trader left the room. The sheep girl, who was left behind, approached me and kneeled.

「Thank you for purchasing me. I will be serving you with my utmost effort from now on. Feel free to order whatever you want」

「U~n, for now, how about leaving this place? My name is Rinos. What it your name? 」

「……I don’t have one. I would be happy if Master could give me a name」

「No, you should have a name, which you used before. What was your name before? 」

「……Merias」

「Then, I will call you Merias, are you fine with this?」

「Thank you」

「All right, Merias. I know that it is sudden, but we are hungry. We didn’t have the chance to eat lunch yet. Ah, her name is Peris. Our chef. Did Merias eat her lunch? 」

「…….No, not yet」

「Then it is decided, let’s eat lunch. Is beef stew all right with you? 」

「I’ll be glad to!」

「Let’s go!」

Merias followed after me and Peris. When we went outside, the soldiers were still running around. While I was silently praising their diligence, I heard an unexpected voice directed at me.

「Rinos-dono, so you wanted a slave too」

Princess Ricolette showed her face from the carriage’s window.

「The soldiers stormed the slave market some time ago. Was this your order? 」

「Yes, people shouldn’t sell each other in the open」

「I agree. It would have been nice if people stopped trying to buy each other with money」

「Are you really saying this? Didn’t you buy the beastwoman behind you? Don’t you think that you aren’t qualified to say these things? 」

「Maybe I am. In truth, I thought about releasing her from the crime slavery. But it seems that the procedures are too difficult」

「Release a crime slave? How ridiculous…….」

「I agree with Ricolette-sama. The life of a slave is full of uncertainties. The kids shouldn’t taste this feeling. I may not be qualified to say this, but I do think so」

「You’re just…….」

「I’m a former slave myself」

Princess Ricolette frowned for a moment. Perhaps, I shouldn’t have said it. Well, I will solve the problems when they actually appear. I took the two with me, as I distanced myself from this place. Soon enough, we arrived at the hotel with delicious beef stew and entered the restaurant.

「Isn’t it Rinos-sama? I’m glad to see you here again」

「Today, I brought my chef and a newcomer with me」

「Isn’t it Peris-sama, welcome. The newcomer is…..! Rinos-sama, this person……..」

「A new addition to our household」

「U-Understood. Please, this way……」

The always-polite boy became agitated. Ah, Merias’ curse is affecting him. Let’s cast a barrier to isolate this influence for now.

We were guided to our seats. However, Merias didn’t sit down and stood behind me.

「How about sitting down? Feel free to order whatever you like. Beef stew in this place is wonderful! 」

「To-To dine on the same table as Master is inappropriate!」

「I don’t mind. I can’t calm down with you standing here. For now, just sit. This is an order. Also, do you have anything you want to eat? The things you dislike? Nothing? Are you fine having the same as me? Then, three beef stews with salad, and three omelets please」

Very soon, the dished were delivered to our table.

「All right, let’s eat. Peris, you are free to steal the taste」

「Leave it to me!」

Peris started eating while muttering the names of ingredients from time to time. Merias too unintentionally muttered「Ah, delicious」. It seems that she liked it.

「All right then, Merias. Actually, I intended to release you from slavery, but it seems rather difficult so you will be staying with us for quite a while. I will look after you, but I want you to promise me one thing first」

Yes! She stopped eating and stood up as if she was a rocket.

「No, you can sit. Listen to me while eating. It’s not that big of a matter. First, do not ever lie to me. If something is too difficult, I want you to tell me. If you don’t like something, I want you to tell me. Second, my secrets should remain as secrets. The slave contract took care of it, I guess. However, I want you to keep it even after you obtain your freedom. Third, the last one, take care of yourself more. Your sad face makes me sad a well. I want you to be as happy as possible. Of course, there is no need to force yourself」

Yes…….she nodded like a pigeon pecking its food.

Having finished the beef stew, we left the hotel and headed to my store. There, we were joined by Irimo, who was already waiting for us.

「Irimo, she is our new companion starting from today, Merias. This horse is Irimo. Take care of each other in the future」

B-Best regards. Nervously greeted Merias. We left the city, and after confirming everyone’s presence

「Merias, I’m going to reveal you some of our secrets. You should never talk about it」

I said that and revealed Peris’ and Irimo’s appearance.

「Be-Belial!? Unicorn pegasus!?」

「Peris can fly by herself. Merias should mount Irimo. Hold on tight」

I forced Merias, whose eyes were spinning, to sit behind me on Irimo, and she flew into the sky. The feeling of her breasts against my back made my heart race, but let’s keep it a secret.

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The cold winds went away and the warm winds arrived.

Today, I came to the imperial capital together with Peris. Over the past few months, I often strolled around the capital with Peris when I had time. It was done for the sake of shopping and memorizing the food. I guided her to the places, where I considered the food to be good and had her remember the taste.

Peris looked human thanks to my barrier, but it didn’t go well at first. After all, she couldn’t say anything except for「gumomo」. I had no problems with that, but others did. I performed as her interpreter until she finally learned the language.

Gon professionally taught her the language, and coupled with her thirst for knowledge, she grasped it in no time. Right now, she is asking the cook behind the counter about the recipes, knife handling, and seasoning, trying to raise her cooking skills. A lot of stall owners think of her of as a glutton, even recently, in one of the street stalls

「Girl, it is all right to be gluttonous, but you should lose some weight」[¹]

she was told that with a bitter smile. According to Gon, Peris is one of a kind beauty, but that doesn’t change the fact that she looks like a small plump dragon. If she is as beautiful as Gon claims, I think about asking him to teach her human transformation.

I finished this round of shopping in the capital and stuffed everything in the infinite storage. We usually buy enough food to feed lots of mouths, so the shop owners often give us discounts. Also, it seems that Gon and Peris established some kind of a deep bond with all of the stall owners. I couldn’t even understand what they were talking about.

The shopping trip was prolonged and the most of the day already passed. Coincidentally, there was a high-class-looking hotel nearby, so we decided to visit the restaurant there. As we closed in on the restaurant, we found out that, regretfully, it was closed today. However, it was noisy inside. Just when I thought that it was some kind of private party, I discovered an unexpected person. The owner of 「Miraya」in the red light district, Akima.

「Ara, Rinos-chan, it’s been a while! What are you doing here? 」

「It’s been a while. I thought of eating here, but it is closed. What brings you here? 」

「Isn’t it obvious? The slave market! 」

The place that usually acts as a restaurant was turned into the slave market. Apparently, she often shows her face in such gatherings to fish for new workers for her establishment. This time, she acquired quite a few gems and went outside to complete the procedures.

「The normal slaves are already sold. It is about time for crime slaves to went on stage」

Crime slaves……people who sinned and fell into slavery. Usually, small crimes do not lead to slavery. They are the people, who committed serious crimes and have no choice but to spend the rest of their lives in slavery. Most of the times, men are bought as miners or fighting force, while women as prostitutes. However, their living environment is harsh and unbearable most of the times, which leads to 90% of them dying in the first 10 years. You can say that their execution is just being extended.

「There are almost no decent people there! But sometimes, there are some girls who were enslaved due to their parent’s crimes. You might as well participate since you are here! You might find an unexpected bargain! 」

Akima grabbed my hand and dragged me inside.

The room was dim, while the stage was bright. After a while, a man appeared on the stage.

「I kept you waiting, everyone. Let’s open the sale of the crime slaves. This is your last chance to purchase a slave」

「Rinos-chan, if you see someone good, do not hesitate to buy! Raise this white token and say the price. Keep in mind your budget when bidding」

Apparently, it was based on the auction system. While I was talking with Akima, a group of strong men lined up on stage.

「Human male, 25 years old; cat beastman, male, 19 years old; human male, 18 years old; same as before, human male, 18 years old! We are starting from 5000G」

The host raised his voice and introduced the goods. The white tokens were raised and voices saying「6000G！」, 「7000G！」resounded in the room. The slaves for sale are sometimes grouped together, or sometimes presented one by one. If no one is interested, the host will gradually lower the price. The lowest possible price seems to be 1000G. If there are no white tokens raised even in this situation, the slaves will be dragged out from the stage. Bad memories surfaced inside my head.

「What will happen to the unsold slaves?」

「Un. Sometimes they try in a different city, but most of the times, the merchants get rid of them」

As I thought. If not for Elsa-sama, I would have been dead by now. It might not be the best time, but I silently expressed my gratitude.

「The last item. Sheep beastman, female, 16 years old! We are starting from 3000G」 [²]

She had two curved horns on her head. Her hair was silver-colored and gave a natural warm feeling. Looking closely, her face was shaped rather nicely, she is definitely a beauty. Only her chest and hips were covered by cloth so I could easily see her body. She had some sheep hair on her legs and arms, but her breasts were relatively big and her body was well proportioned. She was beautiful enough to become a model.

However, no one was willing to bid for her. I thought that she will fare well in Akima’s establishment, but Akima only wrinkled her brows and had no intentions to raise the token. The slave on the stage, couldn’t bear the stares of the audience and lowered her head. However, a man affiliated with the slave traders forcibly lifted her head back.

「Is she not to your liking? She is a genuine pure girl. How is she? What about 2500G? 」

Her price kept falling down. I asked Akima why she didn’t bid for her.

「She is a beauty, but no. My intuition tells me this. You shouldn’t buy her! 」

While I was at it, I decided to appraise the sheep girl.

Merias (Slave Sage, 16 years old) LV36
HP: 91
MP: 145
Alchemy LV 3
Blacksmith LV 3
Pharmacist LV 3
MP Recovery LV2
Liberal Arts LV3
Curse LV3

Self-concealment [³]

Curse LV3……is impossible to get for common people. With this, she will attract the animosity on herself. Self-concealment…….overall skill decrease.

Skills are high! What’s up with this sheep woman?! A sage……Her unexpected skill composition left me speechless for a brief moment.

「By the wish of the seller, we can’t go lower that 500G! How about it? Is there someone? 」

I spontaneously raised my token.

As if waiting for that moment, a group of soldiers appeared from the back.

「Immediately close down this slave market! From now on, it is forbidden to host the slave auctions in the imperial capital! Close down immediately!!」[⁴]

…….What the hell is happening?

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There is a mansion on a certain remote mountain. It is so remote that, forget about humans, not many monsters are aware of its existence.

This mansion is the residence of the 10000-year-old fox god, Ohi-sama. And by her side, there served an old fox, Sandill. A talented manager acknowledged by everyone.

Recently, Sandill became increasingly worried about Ohi-sama’s diet.

For a whole year, the fox mansion continued to receive certain offerings. A boy, Rinos, brought by the white fox from the Juka Kingdom, ended up offering the so-called「ohagi」and「karaage」on a regular basis.

At first, Sandill didn’t pay any attention, but he heard the supervisor girls singing praises to it. Sometimes, the supervisors nearly fought each other.

Sandill reluctantly tasted it too and was captivated in a second. He especially liked「karaage」.

「Karaage」delivered by Rinos came in two flavors, a sweet one, and a normal one. Ohi-sama preferred the sweet one, while Sandill – the normal one. This normal karaage was extremely compatible with sake. He brought it back home and enjoyed it together with drinks.

A month ago, there was a change in「ohagi」. Different from before, it became much mellower. In short, Peris, the new chef of Rinos’ household, received a hint from Rinos and made something akin to「red mochi」, this「new ohagi」suited Sandill’s tastes rather well.

However, Ohi-sama didn’t like「new ohagi」very much and always discarded it after selectively eating some of its parts. It was the best possible outcome for Sandill.

Of course, he used an excuse of wanting to follow the manners and do not casually throw away the offerings. This「new ohagi」exquisite and showed him the incredible harmony between the ingredients. He deeply enjoyed the feeling of it slowly sliding down his throat. [¹]

One day, Rinos delivered another batch of「ohagi」and「karaage」as per usual. Unlike before, there were three of「new ohagi」delivered. Normally, it was just two. And each time, Ohi-sama would nibble on one and let him take the whole one. This time too, was the same pattern.

However, that day Sandill was exceptionally hungry. And at that time, 「new ohagi」was delivered. For starters, he put one in his mouth. Delicious. How can you make something so delicious? The humans couldn’t be underestimated. While thinking that, he unconsciously extended his hand towards the second one. And put it in his mouth. This time, he made sure to properly chew and enjoy the taste. It is indeed delicious. He swallowed it while thinking of the best drink to complement it with.

Once he came to himself, he noticed a single ohagi left. Oh, I did it….was, of course, present in his mind, but it wasn’t going to be a problem. Thinking that she won’t eat more than a half anyway, he carried ohagi and aburaage to her chambers. [²]

As usual, she enjoyed the taste of aburaage before switching her focus to ohagi. This time it was「new ohagi」. Hearing him, she disinterestedly took a bite on her favorite part as usual and tasted it.

「Sandill, one more」

Usually, it was the time for to say「you can take away the rest」, but this time, he couldn’t just produce another one from nothing. After all, there were no more. They were resting in Sandill’s stomach. Given some time, he could have requested more from Rinos, but he didn’t have any.

「One more」

「I have a thing to report to Ohi-sama」

「What is it?」

「Can you see the garden? I took care of it recently. The trees became very tidy and beautiful」

「Garden?……It is indeed beautiful. It seems you planted a tree by the side of the pond, but what about it? 」

While she was distracted, he quickly flipped ohagi in a way where the tasty side was above.

「One more ohagi, Ohi-sama」

She opened her mouth again and tasted this ohagi.

「It really is great, Sandill, another one」

That was troublesome. Turning it around once again won’t bring any good results.

「Uuu…….」

「Sandill, one more!………Or should I look at the garden once more? 」[³]

After that, Sandill disappeared for a while, and she enjoyed her peaceful everyday life.

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Inside the cell, Serias seemed to be asleep.

The magicians probably forcibly keep him asleep. They stand around him and cast extra heal one after another.

「What did that prisoner do?」

I asked the guard.

「Ah, that is a certain person of high standing. He was subjected to confusion since a long time ago, and there are always magicians casting healing spells around him」

Extra heal takes a lot of mana to cast, but it seems that extra heal can at least keep a person alive after「Onigiri」.

「Are you applying recovery magic to him? Oi, Shera」

「If it is recovery magic, even I can do it. Be grateful」

The guards prevented the idiotic cat princess from approaching Serias.

「Why!? I was going to help! Why do you need to stop me!?」

「That’s right! We are being merciful to you! Why can’t you gratefully accept it?! I’m surrounded by idiots」

The two complained to the guards. While I was thinking of punching them, Serias stood up

「Nuaaaaaa!!!!」

He suddenly grabbed the neck of a magician and snapped it with little effort.

「Your Highness! Please calm down! 」

The guard approached Serias’ cell in a fluster.

「Gaaaaaaaaa!!」

Maybe because magicians didn’t lock the cell, Serias was able to rush out of the cell. He swiftly stole a sword from the guard and stabbed it into his chest.

「!!!!!」

Releasing a voiceless scream, he fell on the ground. I released a wind spell at Serias. At that moment, he cut my wind spell apart and dodged to the side.

「Hyahha! Your Highness! Kill! Kill them all! 」

Looking closely, I noticed Visto Zai in a cell next to Serias’. He pressed the place, where his hand was, on the prison bars and screamed with all his might. His eyes were completely insane.

「Kill! Kih, gaha」

Without any trace of hesitation, Serias pierced his throat through the gap between the iron bars. Zai’s body collapsed like a puppet with its string cut. A group of soldiers rushed in after hearing the commotion, but Serias cut them down in a matter of moments.

「Stop it, *******! I won’t forgive you for showing such violent behavior before the hero! 」

The idiotic prince shouted towards Serias. Serias’ eyes flashed with a strange color when he looked at the idiotic prince. They turned dark. In that moment, Serias moved. With a speed completely incomparable to before, he dashed in our direction. I let my guard down.

In a blink of an eye, Serias approach the idiotic prince and cut with his sword.

「Willis-sama!」

The female cat, Amalia, covered him and was struck instead.

「Ah, aaaaaaaaa」

The idiotic royalty became weak in their knees. A part of our surrounding turned into a sea of blood. I released a fireball at this slaughterer. However, it was split apart by Serias’s sword. He managed to resist LV3 magic.

「Gaaaaaaaa, waaaaaaa, di-e……di-e………」

He spoke as if vomiting something. Serias was strange since a while ago. I used appraisal to look at his skills.

Hideta Shua Serias (Demon, 19 years old) LV26
HP: 101/208
MP: 47/58
Sword Arts LV3
Body Strengthening LV3
Evasion LV2
Etiquette LV1
Curse LV3

His 「Curse」 leveled up. Because of that, he became a demon. His skill also became higher overall.

It was a bit narrow, but I still released a wind blade. Yet Serias deflected it with his sword again. He turned away from us and escaped.

「Hey, stupid cats! Don’t move from this place! 」

I chased after Serias.

After leaving the basement, I found Serias surrounded by soldiers while he was wildly swinging his sword around. I immediately trapped him inside a barrier and deprived him of his freedom. The soldiers pounced at him and successfully captured him.

Serias was escorted away by soldiers. He will probably die very soon from the mental breakdown.

I returned to the basement to secure the idiotic cats. It wasn’t possible to keep them in the prison anymore, so they were transferred to the royal palace. Amalia, who covered for the idiotic prince, wasn’t breathing. I attempted to bring her back with ultimate heal, but her brain was seriously damaged by that slash, which in turn caused me to fail. The others were pierced in their hearts, and I wasn’t able to revive them either.

I embraced Amalia and carried her into the room allocated for the idiotic cats.

As expected, the idiotic cats were depressed. When I entered the room with Amalia in my hands, the idiotic princess approached her.

「Amalia! Amalia! Open your eyes!! I beg you, wake up!!」

「Is there someone who can revive her!? This is the Hideta Empire, right? You should have someone who can resurrect a person. Hey! Hurry up and call a magician! 」

The idiotic princess was desperate.

「Amalia’s brain was damaged. When the damage to the brain is excessive, it is impossible to resurrect a person anymore」

「What do you know!? Look! She doesn’t have any wounds! Don’t lie to me! 」

「I closed her wounds with magic. Otherwise, she was too sorry to look at 」

「Someone……someone……Amalia……..Amalia…….」

I heard the idiotic prince’s crying voice. At that time, the prime minister and Princess Ricolette entered the room.

「So one of your servants died. It is great that you, the royalty, weren’t hurt」

「Hmpf, it would have been better for you to be cut. Your selfish decisions can easily harm other people around you. You just use your position as a royalty to satisfy your desires. As a result, you lost a servant. Whom are you tears dedicated to exactly? Are they truly for your servant? Aren’t you crying because she won’t be able to accompany you in your stupid game anymore? 」

Princess Ricolette didn’t have any mercy. The prime minister looked like he swallowed a bug. The idiotic prince and the idiotic princess glared at Ricolette without wiping their tears.

「Now, get out of here. You do not deserve to live, but cutting you down here will create a stain on our reputation. You are nothing but pests. Leave the Hideta Empire as soon as possible. We will hold a funeral for your servant. You aren’t qualified to mourn that person. Rinos fellow, throw them away from our country」

As ordered, I dragged the idiotic cats out of the royal palace.

The carriage was rather small. There was barely enough food stuffed inside. I took a position of the coach, and together with Irimo departed towards the border.

The three inside the carriage didn’t say a single word. Well, there was also the fact of Irimo running at incredible speed. Before I noticed, it was already evening. A very beautiful setting sun was slowly sinking beyond the horizon. When I looked at the sky, the stars appeared one after another. It was a little more to the border.

I stopped the carriage near the river, which was close to the border. For the time being, I cast a barrier that should last for several days on the three.

「If you follow this river for half a day, you can reach a village. Go there first」

「What should we do?」

The idiotic prince opened his mouth.

「Meet all kinds of people and talk with them. There are plenty of ways to live. You should learn them. Notice that you aren’t able to survive by yourself. Before, you were provided with everything by your country. You didn’t even do anything. However, the reality is different. If you won’t do something for others, they won’t bother with you either. You need to comprehend it. That’s how people live」

The idiotic cats were silently depressed.

「You are probably hungry. Take this」

I handed them ohagi from the infinite storage.

「Be sure to remember this taste」

Having said my piece, I mounted Irimo and headed home. [¹]

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