“You are now Roxanne’s legal owner. As the owner, you are obligated to provide the slave with housing and food, and you must pay their taxes. If you neglect these duties or treat the slave with significant unfairness, the contract may be rendered void. Additionally, the creation and modification of wills falls under a slave trader's duties. Please feel free to utilize our services for such matters as well.”
Alan, the Slave Trader, delivered the announcement in a flat, monotone voice, merely reciting a set of pre-established rules.
He spoke rapidly, without emotion or any real interest in being helpful. It felt like a perfunctory, routine part of the job. It reminded me of the Miranda Warning you hear in American detective dramas—the whole "you have the right to remain silent" bit.
He likely said the exact same thing to every customer who purchased a slave. It was just a boilerplate list of warnings every owner needed to know.
And so, it was official. I had bought a slave.
I had somehow plunged into this parallel world as if starting a new game. It was a world of labyrinths and monsters. Here, people formed parties and entered the labyrinths to fight.
Apparently, forming a party required an extreme level of trust. I’d heard that these labyrinths could yield treasures vast enough to let a person live in luxury for the rest of their life. If you found something like that while partnered with someone you’d only met yesterday... well, things could get ugly.
Because of that, it seemed common for those who challenged the labyrinths to buy slaves and form parties with them instead.
In Japan, I’d been a loner. There was no way I’d easily find a party member I could trust with my life. However, finding a livelihood other than the labyrinths was also proving difficult.
If that was the case, buying a slave was my only real option.
As someone from Japan who lacked a basic understanding of this world’s common sense, I risked standing out in a bad way. I could ask a slave for information without having to worry about my reputation.
And then, there was the other reason.
I glanced to my side.
Roxanne, my new purchase, was standing right there.
She was a beauty of a level I’d never even seen in Japan. Maybe you could find someone like her in the entertainment industry or a high-end club in Ginza, but women like that would never give a guy like me the time of day.
On top of that, she had adorable dog ears that sat nestled in her chestnut hair. She was a member of the Wolf-kin. Those ears weren't human, and they were incredibly cute. Her large chest was clearly discernible even through her clothes.
Was this incredible woman really my slave?
Whoops. Focus, Michio. Focus.
I needed to pay attention to what the Slave Trader was saying.
Even if it was just boilerplate to him, this was the first time I was hearing this vital information.
According to his spiel, I was obligated to provide Roxanne with food and a place to sleep. I wanted to ask what specifically constituted "significant unfairness," but that wasn't exactly a conversation to have in front of her. I didn't want her thinking I was trying to figure out how far I could push the limits.
The part about a will probably meant deciding what would happen to the slave if the owner died.
I hadn't heard anything about taxes, though.
“What kind of tax is this?” I asked.
“A poll tax. Slaves are not obligated to pay taxes themselves; therefore, the owner is responsible for the slave's portion as well,” the Slave Trader answered.
Well, I suppose it made sense that this world had taxes. This was just the first I’d heard of it.
“Roxanne, do you know anything about these taxes?”
“Ye-yes. I know the basics.”
If Roxanne knew, I could just ask her for the details later.
“I understand,” I said, nodding to the Slave Trader.
“Then, we look forward to your next visit.”
With that, we were seen off. Roxanne and I left the trading house together.
Roxanne carried a large case in front of her with both hands. It seemed that was the sum of her worldly possessions.
I kept stealing glances at her. I knew I had the right to look at her boldly, but I felt strangely shy. Seen under the bright daylight, Roxanne’s beauty was even more striking. Her pale skin almost seemed to glow.
Her tunic was a bit baggy, but her breasts were definitely large. Quite a significant swell there.
Yeah. I was definitely looking forward to this.
Maybe that was why I couldn't look at her directly—because my thoughts were heading in that direction.
“Is that heavy?” I asked, pointing to the case. It felt wrong to have a woman carrying all the luggage. Even if she was a slave, it sat poorly with me.
“Ye-yes. I’m quite alright.”
“Let me take it for a second.”
“Ye-yes. Here you go.”
Roxanne extended her arms and handed the case over. I took it with my right hand.
I wanted to check the weight, but I had another objective. Holding the handle with my right hand, I pressed my left hand—the one holding Durandal—against the back of the case.
I mentally triggered Character Reset. This was a convenient skill that allowed me to swap my Bonus Equipment and Bonus Spells. Durandal was the most powerful weapon I could manifest with my Bonus Equipment. I had prepared it just in case before entering the Slave Trader’s establishment.
I hid the sword behind the case. Using the Character Reset, I unassigned the points and made Durandal disappear, having successfully made it through the trading house without needing to use it.
“You’re right, it isn’t heavy at all,” I said.
I handed the case back to Roxanne as if nothing had happened.
I had originally intended to carry it for her, but I changed my mind. For one thing, it was probably normal for a slave to carry the bags; me doing it would look strange.
More importantly, there was the matter of my sword. If I were clutching a case, I wouldn't be able to react in an emergency. Roxanne didn't have a weapon. I was the one who had to be ready.
The idea that a man should always carry the luggage was probably a concept born of modern society, where people no longer swung blades in the streets. In this world, street violence was a very real possibility. Me carrying Roxanne's bags might look like I was being a gentleman, but in reality, I would be putting her in danger. I needed to keep my hands free to draw my sword at a moment's notice.
The attendant carries the bags; the master carries the steel. That was the common sense of this world.
As I handed the case back to Roxanne, I opened my Item Box and pulled out my scimitar.
My heart hammered when our fingers brushed during the hand-off. Her fingers were slender, soft, and distinctly feminine.
I wondered about myself for a moment—was I really going to be okay?
“Fo-for now, let's head to the Vale Inn and get a room. If we take the street ahead, it's a straight shot to the rotary. Follow me.”
“Ye-yes. Understood.”
I tucked the scimitar into my belt and started walking. Roxanne followed close behind.
Having a woman carrying luggage behind me still felt awkward. Then again, Roxanne seemed just as nervous. She hadn't said much more than "Yes" for a while now.
“By the way, can you read kanji?” I asked.
“Kanji...?”
When I looked back, Roxanne was tilting her head curiously. Even that gesture was beautiful. No, focus.
Right, she couldn't read it. The word "kanji" hadn't been translated into Brahim.
I was currently speaking Brahim. It was a language with strange sounds I shouldn't have known, yet I could somehow speak and understand it perfectly. However, "kanji" didn't exist in Brahim, so it was treated as a loanword.
“Um. You could read the Intelligence Card, right?”
“Ye-yes.”
“What language is written on an Intelligence Card?”
“It was Brahim... Ah. Um. I’ve heard that Intelligence Cards act directly on the reader's consciousness, so the text appears in whatever characters that person knows.”
I see. That made sense. It wasn't actually written in kanji; the card just projected the information in a way I could read. I wondered what it looked like to people who were illiterate.
“Can you read Brahim, Roxanne?”
“Ye-yes. I’ve studied it a little.”
Excellent. I’d even managed to acquire someone literate in the local language.
“I can’t read or write Brahim at all, so I’d like you to teach me, if you don’t mind.”
“Ye-yes. As long as you are satisfied with what little I know.”
“Thanks. I’m counting on you.”
We passed the Explorer's Guild. I wouldn't be needing the services of a public reader anymore.
“Since you came to get me in five days as promised, I haven't had much time to study.”
“Hm? You were studying at the trading house?”
“Yes. They taught me Brahim, saying it would certainly be a benefit.”
I hadn't realized the Slave Trader offered that kind of service. Or more likely, she fetched a higher price if she could read and write. It wasn't exactly a selfless gesture.
“Our place is just a bit further.”
“Yes.”
Since we were carrying luggage, we bypassed the market and headed straight for the inn. I noticed several men watching Roxanne with wide eyes.
I felt a slight surge of superiority. But at the same time, I wanted to tell them to stop looking at my Roxanne. Even I hadn't summoned the courage to look at her properly yet.
We entered the Vale Inn, my regular spot.
“I’d like to move to a double room, if possible,” I told the Innkeeper as he reached for a key.
“That’s fine... Is a double okay?”
“Yeah. With dinner for two included.”
“A double room is three hundred and eighty Nahl. With dinner... well, since you’re a long-term guest, I’ll give you a special rate of three hundred and fifty Nahl a night.”
It was strange how adding dinner actually made the total cheaper because of the 30% discount. I wondered if he noticed. He called it a "service," so he must have been aware he was cutting the price.
“I understand. Three hundred and fifty it is.”
The 30% Discount was one of my skills accessible via Character Reset. If I bought multiple things together, everything became 30% cheaper. It was an incredible perk, and I intended to use it as much as possible.
I pulled three silver coins and fifty copper coins from the pouch in my backpack and laid them on the counter.
“Alright, both of you, hold out your arms.”
Right, the Intelligence Card check. He would see that I had officially made Roxanne my slave. I didn't really mind, so I extended my left hand. Roxanne did the same.
“The double rooms are on the fifth floor. Go ahead and grab your things from your old room, and I’ll lead the way.”
The Innkeeper didn't say anything after checking our cards. I guess he wasn't the type to pry into his guests' private business. He grabbed two keys and headed for the stairs.
“Let me take that.”
I took the case from Roxanne and followed him. Since we were inside the inn, prioritizing my sword wasn't as critical.
“Th-thank you very much.”
Roxanne followed me up the stairs.
“First, let's get everything out of the old room.”
We stopped on the third floor. The Innkeeper unlocked Room 311.
I handed the case back to Roxanne and went inside. I stuffed my laundry and the rest of my gear into a wooden tub. I packed the jersey that had been in the closet, along with the leather boots I’d kept in the lockable bottom shelf. I left the shelf key right there in the cabinet.
“That’s everything.”
“Alright, to the fifth floor.”
The Innkeeper locked Room 311 and led the way again.
“U-um, please, let me carry that.”
“No, I’ve got it.”
I brushed off Roxanne’s attempt to take the luggage. She was already carrying her own case.
We climbed more stairs. The third floor was no problem, but the fifth floor made me wish for an elevator. Not that such a thing existed here. I could have used Warp, but the Innkeeper already knew I was an Explorer from my card, so I had to act normally.
“I’ve put the double rooms on the top floor. The fifth floor is reserved for guests in doubles,” the Innkeeper explained, as if sensing my internal grumbling. I didn't quite see the logic in it.
“I see.”
“The room is here.”
He unlocked the door.
“This is it?”
I stepped inside. There was one large bed and a desk at the far end. Two chairs were provided since it was a room for two. I set my things on the desk.
The room wasn't much larger than Room 311—maybe one size up. It felt more spacious, though, because there wasn't a standalone closet taking up floor space.
“The right wall is a built-in closet. The bottom shelf locks, but don’t go out leaving anything truly valuable behind.”
Following the Innkeeper's direction, I slid open the door on the right wall to find the closet. It was definitely an upgrade from my last room.
He repeated the basic instructions I’d heard when I first checked into Room 311, handed me the key, and left.
I sat down on the single bed. It felt about as soft as the one on the third floor. Looking around, I saw Roxanne standing awkwardly near the door.
“Come on in. Have a seat.”
“Ye-yes...”
Roxanne entered timidly. She didn't just look tense; she seemed almost frightened.
I needed to break the ice.
“Um. Is this the number five?” I asked, showing her the key.
The room number was 517. I knew the '1,' so I figured the digit on the left had to be '5.'
“Ye-yes, that is correct.”
“And this one is a seven?”
“Ye-yes...”
Damn. The conversation was going nowhere.
Roxanne’s anxiety was palpable. We’d talked a bit more on the street, but as soon as we got to the inn, she’d retreated back into her shell.
Well, I guess being alone with a guy in a hotel room would do that. Especially since there was only one bed. I might be a guy with needs, but I wasn't about to jump her in broad daylight.
“Um... is it okay if I touch your ears?”
Since I was at it, I figured I’d just go for a bold request. I really wanted to touch them. If she was going to be scared anyway, I might as well act on my impulses.
Maybe. Probably.
“Ah... ye-yes.”
“Then come over here.”
I beckoned her over. It was just skinship. Skinship is important for building trust. If she was scared I was going to attack her, then showing her that I could touch her without going further might actually help. Or so I hoped.
She was so beautiful up close that I wanted to pull her into my arms, but I forced myself to stay calm.
I am a person of reason.
Expel worldly desires. Subdue carnal lust.
“...Yes.”
“Right here.”
Roxanne had started to sit on the floor for some reason, so I invited her onto the bed instead. I patted the spot next to me. She didn't need to sit on the cold floor.
She sat down beside me. My heart started racing, but I held back. Is that why she’d tried to sit on the floor?
Expel worldly desires. Sedate the passion.
I placed my hand on Roxanne’s head. Up close, her profile was stunning. Her hair was incredibly smooth, sliding through my fingers like silk. It was soft and thick—a joy to both look at and touch.
No, no. Don't push her down. Stay calm.
I endured with absolute patience.
Expel worldly desires. Remove wicked thoughts.
After savoring the feel of her hair, I finally touched her dog ears. They were large, soft, and hung down limply. They were surprisingly thick—maybe a centimeter or two. Because they were floppy, there were no hard cartilaginous parts; they felt like a soft powder puff.
They were so fluffy. So soft.
This was dangerous. I could get used to this. I wanted to touch them forever.
Oh, to hell with it. I used both hands.
“You’re really beautiful, Roxanne. And your ears are so cute.”
Roxanne was a beauty, but she didn't have that "ice queen" vibe. Her floppy ears made her seem approachable and friendly.
“Eh... ah, thank you very much.”
Our eyes met. Roxanne looked away bashfully.
God, she was cute.
I should just go for it, a voice in my head whispered. I crushed the thought immediately.
Expel worldly desires. Quiet the beastly heart.
I stroked her ears. I focused entirely on the sensation.
Expel worldly desires. Shatter the obsession.
I wondered if the ear-stroking was actually calming her down. It certainly wasn't doing anything for my own inner turmoil.
I peeked at her from the side. She didn't seem to be hating it. Even if she did, I hoped she’d at least tolerate it. Skinship was essential for our partnership.
But looking at her from the side... her chest was really something.
No! Stop it! I wanted to check, but I had to hold back.
Expel worldly desires. Crush the carnal urge.
“Um. Anyway, I’m looking forward to working with you.”
“Yes. I look forward to working with you as well.”
Despite me still playing with her ears, Roxanne bowed her head. I caught the back of her head as it came back up.
“These ears are really something else.”
“Um...”
“What is it?”
“May I call you ‘Master’?”
Yes.
Someone, please, give me a medal for not pouncing on her right then.
Expel worldly desires. Suppress the animal instinct.
Maybe the skinship was working, because the conversation started to feel a bit more natural. If I jumped her now and she got scared, it would ruin everything.
“Sure. I’d like that.”
“Yes, Master.”
Whoa. That was a close one. I almost hugged her. Composure, Michio. Composure.
Expel worldly desires. Seal off the lust.
“By the way, I noticed there’s only one bed here,” I said, still stroking her ears.
Wait. Was that a safe topic?
“Eh?”
“Eh?”
Predictably, Roxanne looked at me with confusion.
“Um. It was Master who requested this room.”
“Eh? Was it?”
“Yes. You asked for a double room.”
“Ah...”
I see. A "Double" meant one bed for two people, while two beds would be a "Twin." I had definitely nodded when the Innkeeper asked if a double was okay. That sly fox knew exactly what he was doing.
Good job, Innkeeper.
“Did you not know?”
Was that why she’d been so frightened? Well, even if I had known, I probably would have chosen the single bed anyway.
“There’s something I want to tell you first,” I said, straightening my posture. I kept my hands on her ears, though. Skinship is important.
I couldn't tell her the whole truth. She might not believe me, and it would only be a burden to her. But lying was risky too. So, I went with a half-truth.
“I came from a place so far away that you probably wouldn't believe it.”
“Is it further than Kassim?”
“Probably much further than anything you could imagine.”
“I see...” Roxanne seemed to fall into deep thought. I didn't know where Kassim was, but "further than you can imagine" was a pretty solid explanation.
“It was a very rural place. I don’t know much about the common sense of this world. I’m going to need you to teach me.”
“Yes.”
“Please don’t assume I know things. Even if it seems basic, explain it to me. I’d really appreciate it.”
“Understood.”
Well, the difference between a double and a twin was common sense back on Earth, but I think I’d managed to smooth that over.
“Also, as you probably heard, I intend for you to enter the labyrinths with me. Be ready for that.”
“Yes. I believe I can be of great help in combat. Please, leave it to me.”
When I mentioned the labyrinth, Roxanne looked me straight in the eye. For a second, I thought I saw a strange glint in them. The atmosphere around her shifted. She seemed incredibly confident.
It was actually a little intimidating. I reflexively pulled my hands away from her ears. Since we were going to be a party, her confidence in battle was a good thing, though.
“May I hang my clothes in the closet? I don’t want them to wrinkle.”
Now that her ears were free, Roxanne stood up. She’d escaped.
“Ah. Right. Go ahead.”
“Thank you.”
Roxanne opened the case she’d brought from the trading house. Inside was a maid outfit. She’d actually brought it with her?
The outfit we’d bought together. Since the price ended in 2,800 Nahl, the original price must have been around 4,000. It wasn't cheap, but it was a good investment.
The 30% Discount Bonus Skill only worked if you bought multiple things at once. If I’d only bought Roxanne, I’m not sure the discount would have triggered. It worked at the inn because dinner was included. When I’d ordered just hot water before, the price didn't change.
By trying to upsell me on a 4,000 Nahl outfit, the Slave Trader had accidentally dropped his total take to 422,800 Nahl. Greed can be a dangerous thing.
Roxanne hung up the maid outfit and started smoothing out the wrinkles. Even from behind, she was incredibly cute. I wanted to hug her right then and there.
Yeah, definitely a good purchase.
Despite her chest, Roxanne was quite slim. She was about as tall as me but much more slender. She definitely felt like a young woman.
“Oh. Were you barefoot?” I asked, looking her over again.
“Yes, I was,” she answered, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Maybe being barefoot wasn't unusual here. She’d walked all the way from the trading house like that?
“Put this away too.”
I stood up, grabbed the jersey from the desk, and handed it to her.
“Yes, Master... Th-this is...”
“Hm?”
“The material... I’ve never seen anything like it. It must be something extraordinary.”
Sorry, it’s just cheap synthetic fiber.
Well, synthetics were originally made to mimic silk. In a world without them, I suppose they’d look high-end. I think nylon was once considered more beautiful than silk, right?
Roxanne put the jersey in the closet. As she did, I touched her hair again. It wasn't just because I wanted to hug her—not entirely.
It was a test. I needed to see how much she would allow. I felt like she’d dodged me earlier. I still had a lingering worry that getting a beauty like Roxanne was too good to be true, like some kind of scam.
Roxanne quietly let me stroke her head.
Based on her reaction, she seemed fully prepared for her role as a slave. I didn't know what she was thinking, but even if she disliked it, she wasn't letting it show.
I found myself hugging her from behind. No, wait. It’s not what it looks like. My patience hadn't snapped; I wasn't going to force her.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t intend to let you go.”
“Ye-yes...” she whispered, her body relaxing into mine.
It didn't seem like a scam. It felt like if I had pushed her down right then, she would have accepted it. With her in my arms like this, I could feel her chest against my arm.
This was... intense.
No. I had to hold back. There were things to do. I didn't feel much guilt about buying a slave—maybe I just hadn't fully processed the reality of it yet. Either way, there was no point in forcing myself to feel bad.
“Do these leather boots—no, wait, these sandals fit you?”
I let her go and showed her the sandals I’d been wearing. If I stayed like that any longer, my self-control was going to vanish.
“Is that alright?”
“You’re going into the labyrinth. You need equipment.”
Since she didn't seem to mind, I knelt down and touched her feet. They looked just like human feet—smooth and feminine. No fur, despite being Wolf-kin. They were a bit small, though. Even though we were the same height, her feet were about two sizes smaller than mine.
“Thank you.”
“As long as they fit.”
“Yes. Ah, Master... Equipment is enchanted with magic. It expands or contracts to fit the wearer. It will be fine.”
She explained this from above. She didn't try to pull away while I was touching her. I took advantage of that and thoroughly checked the fit. Her feet were dainty, with smooth, soft skin.
“I see.”
“It is a standard feature of equipment.”
That was convenient. If every piece of gear had to be custom-made, outfitting a party would be a nightmare.
“Is that common sense?”
“Yes. Most people know this.”
“...Right. Like I said, I’m missing a lot of 'common sense,' so I’ll be leaning on you.”
“Yes.”
It was common sense here, then. Even villagers wore equipment, after all. My excuse was already paying off.
“As for weapons, do you prefer a one-handed sword or a two-handed sword?” I asked, standing up.
“Could I have a one-handed sword?”
“Roger that.”
I handed her the scimitar from the desk. Giving a slave a weapon might have been a bad move in some contexts, but based on her behavior, I decided it was fine. If this was all some elaborate ruse to kill me and escape, I’d be handing her the means to do it. But we were going to be sleeping in the same bed; if she wanted me dead, she’d find a way.
Besides, she needed a sword for the labyrinth eventually. Giving it to her now was a gesture of trust.
“It isn't in bad shape, but it seems it hasn't been maintained well,” Roxanne said, inspecting the blade with a serious expression.
“Wait, it needs maintenance?”
“Yes.”
Well, I guess that was obvious.
“The other gear too?”
“Of course.”
“I see.” I’d never even thought about it.
“Master. I will take care of the maintenance from now on. But your equipment is what protects your life—please, value it more.”
“Y-you’re right.”
Roxanne leaned in, actually lecturing me. I reflexively took a step back.
“I mean it.”
She started putting the rest of our things into the closet.
“Alright. Come sit here and try these on.”
I sat on the bed and beckoned her over. I swapped my sandals for the leather boots. The boots were clearly a step up in terms of protection. I’d worn the sandals because they were breathable and I hadn't encountered any monsters that targeted my feet, but it was better for the master to have the better gear.
“Yes.”
“Here.”
Roxanne sat next to me on the bed and took the sandals. The footwear that had fit me perfectly moments ago now hugged her much smaller feet without a gap. Magic was incredible.
“Today is a market day, so I want to get everything we need. Is there anything else you require?”
“A wooden shield would be sufficient, if you don’t mind.”
“A wooden shield. Got it. Anything else?”
“For armor, please focus on your own gear first, Master. I am happy with whatever is left over.”
Since she was right beside me, I resumed stroking her ears while we talked. She didn't seem as scared or tense as she had been when we first entered the room. Skinship was truly powerful.
“Alright. What about non-combat items?”
“We need oil for maintenance. Do you have any?”
“No.”
“Then let’s buy a small bottle of olive oil.”
Olive oil. Noted.
“Also, I need rags. Do you have any old undergarments?”
“None. Just what’s there.”
“They are still new, aren't they?”
Since she’d put the laundry away, she’d seen the pumpkin pants I bought five days ago. My dignity was officially dead. For the record, I was currently wearing the trunks I’d brought from Earth. It was a big day, after all.
“You can use the hand towels. Anything else?”
“I would like a water bottle.”
A water bottle. I hadn't even thought of that. But if we were going to be in the labyrinth for hours, staying hydrated was vital.
“Two water bottles. Anything else?”
“I will carry the supplies. The backpack, or something similar.”
“Right, a backpack.”
“That is all for now.”
I kept playing with her hair and ears. Those floppy ears were really addictive.
“The market is only every five days, so think carefully. We might not get another chance for a while.”
“Yes. I’m sure.”
“Shield, olive oil, hand towels, water bottles, backpack, armor, socks... is that it?” I counted them on my fingers. Seven items.
“Yes.”
“And for me... do they have soap around here?”
The word "soap" translated perfectly into Brahim.
“Soap? It’s very expensive. Most people use Koichi Fruit bran for washing.”
“Expensive, huh. What about shampo—no, never mind. Koichi Fruit it is.”
"Shampoo" didn't translate. In a world where soap was a luxury, I doubt they had conditioners and rinses.
“What about dental care?”
“Tufted toothbrushes. You can find Sucre Branches at any market.”
So they were called tufted toothbrushes.
“Shield, olive oil, hand towels, water bottles, backpack, armor, socks, Koichi Fruit, and Sucre Branches. Nine items. Don’t let me forget.”
“I won't.”
I grabbed my backpack and stood up. I wanted to keep touching her, but we had work to do. I pulled my copper sword from the Item Box and shouldered the pack with my money.
“Let’s go shopping.”
“Understood.”
We dropped off the key and headed out. At a general store, we picked up the water bottles (which were made of animal skin), the backpack, the oil, the fruit bran, and the Sucre Branches. The branches were just a Nahl for two—basically free. I packed it all into the new backpack and had Roxanne carry it.
At a clothier nearby, I grabbed two hand towels.
“You’ll need at least two pairs of socks. Pick some out.”
“I may choose them myself?”
“Go ahead.”
“I don’t know the sizes, though...”
“No, they’re for you, Roxanne.”
“For me? Is that alright?”
“Of course.”
She began selecting socks with a look of intense concentration. Even if sandals could be worn barefoot, having socks was better. I couldn't tell her that any pair would do—I knew from experience that poorly fitting socks were a nightmare.
“Are these alright?”
“They’re perfect.”
“Thank you.”
I paid for the socks and towels and tucked them into Roxanne’s pack. Finally, we went to the Armor Merchant.
Roxanne’s expression grew even more serious there. She treated the selection of a simple wooden shield like a life-or-death decision. Which, I suppose, it was.
I wanted her to find one with an empty slot, but I wasn't sure how to explain that in public. I looked through the shields myself and found three with empty Skill Slots.
“These three look like high quality,” I said.
“You can tell, Master?”
“Mhm.” I nodded confidently. I honestly thought they all looked the same, but the game mechanics told me otherwise. Roxanne began comparing the three I’d picked with terrifying focus. She was beautiful, but she was a bit scary when she was in the zone.
I decided to leave her to it and went to look at armor.
The most practical option was leather. I regretted selling the gear I’d looted from the thieves earlier, but I hadn't had an Item Box then. I found a leather jacket with an empty Skill Slot. Buying back something similar to what I’d sold felt like a loss, but it was the best option.
Next, I looked at gauntlets. Fingers were easy to injure in a sword fight. I wasn't sure if Durandal’s HP Absorption could regrow a severed finger, so protection was a must. I found some leather mittens and leather gloves. The gloves had five fingers, while the mittens were split like kendo gauntlets. I bought one of each to see which she preferred.
Finally, I checked out headgear. I found a leather hat that looked a bit like a bicycle helmet.
“I’ve chosen this wooden shield,” Roxanne said, coming over.
“A leather hat would be better than nothing, right?” I tried it on her. It fit her perfectly—magic again.
“Of course.”
The hat completely hid her dog ears. I’d definitely be buying it; I didn't want anything happening to those ears.
“Alright, we’ll take these. That’s six items.” I grabbed another hat with a Skill Slot and showed it to the merchant.
“Thank you very much.”
I paid and put the gear into my Item Box. Roxanne gave me a suspicious look. I’d tried to mutter "Item Box" under my breath like a spell, but she’d clearly heard me. Chanting was embarrassing, but maybe I needed to do it properly.
“That should be everything. Let’s head back.”
“Yes.”
She didn't say anything in front of the merchant, but she kept stealing glances at me on the way back. I needed a distraction.
As we reached the inn, I saw a clothing shop across the street. The clothes were neatly folded on tables and looked brand new. It seemed like a higher-end place. I spotted some black cloaks with hoods. I’d thrown away my old coat because it was covered in blood, which I was starting to regret.
“That men’s cloak is a fine piece made of flannel. Four thousand Nahl,” the merchant said, catching my eye.
Four thousand. That was several days' worth of labyrinth earnings.
“Would a cloak be useful?” I asked Roxanne.
“Yes. I don’t need one, but it does rain, and it can get cold.”
“I’ll take it. Actually, I’ll take two. Roxanne needs an outer garment as well. Pick one you like.”
The merchant hadn't mentioned a discount for one, but buying two would trigger my 30% bonus. It was also the perfect way to distract Roxanne.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
She began browsing.
It reminded me of a time my mother took me to a high-end brand shop in Akasaka or Hiroo. I’d been small, so the details were fuzzy, but I remembered watching the cars on the highway from a window while she shopped. I’d been bored and probably complained the whole time. My mother never took me shopping again. She must have been disappointed that I didn't share the experience with her.
I couldn't make it up to my dead mother now, but I could do better here.
Roxanne was browsing with pure joy. She was incredibly thorough, checking every single garment on the table. She looked at the color, the fit, the stitching, and the hems. Even the ones that were clearly a hideous shade of brownish-red got a full inspection before being neatly folded and put back.
The merchant didn't even try to help; he just stayed back.
Eventually, she started asking for my opinion. My fashion sense was non-existent, so I stuck to safe answers like "That looks good on you." I knew better than to say "Pick the cheaper one."
After looking at every single item in the shop, she narrowed it down to two dark red cloaks.
“Which do you think is better?” she asked, holding one on each arm.
I knew this was a test. She probably already had a favorite, and she wanted me to pick it. If I failed here, all the goodwill I’d built up would vanish.
She’d been holding the one on her left arm since halfway through the search. She’d kept it with her the whole time. If that wasn't a hint, I didn't know what was.
I hadn't noticed the hints my mother had given me years ago, but I wasn't that same kid anymore. I pointed to the one on her left arm.