Both Roxanne and I were armed with swords, so objectively speaking, we probably looked a bit out of place for a casual stroll.
I focused on the sensation of Roxanne’s hand in mine. It was smooth and soft—the kind of hand that made me want to cherish the person it belonged to. Roxanne squeezed back.
Guiding her by her graceful hand, I stepped into the nearest general store. It turned out to be a woodcraft shop. Various wooden products were packed tightly into every available space, leaving little room to move. I had ducked in randomly to hide my embarrassment, but this might actually turn out well.
Still holding hands, I walked around the shop with Roxanne. There were wooden bowls, trays, and a wide variety of other utensils.
"This is..."
"It is likely a sieve," Roxanne offered.
I stopped in front of a particular item. Just as she said, it was a sieve. The bottom was slatted to allow for drainage, while the sides were firmly enclosed by wooden boards.
"I didn't know they had things like this."
"I do not see them often in Quratar. They are not exactly essential, after all."
If you were to ask whether a specialized tool for draining vegetables was an absolute necessity, the answer would likely be no. It was probably a piece of cookware intended for wealthier households.
A drainage tool made of wood. To me, it looked exactly like a steamer. If it had a dragon brand burned into the side, it wouldn't have looked out of place in a Chinese restaurant. The construction was solid; I was fairly certain I could use it as a steamer. Since both Chinese-style steamers and those used for soba noodles functioned on the same principle, this should be more than adequate.
I could just flip two of them over and join them, cover the top with a cloth, and then secure a wooden board or something similar on top as a lid.
"Alright. Let's buy this and head back."
"Yes, Master."
If I had a steamer, the possibilities would expand significantly. Even if the shopkeeper called it a sieve.
"With this, I can make some desserts."
"Desserts? That sounds wonderful."
"Just you wait. You’ll love it."
In this world, desserts didn't seem to be common. Fruit or hard biscuits were about the extent of what people ate. The Duke or Cassia might have access to better sweets, but for the commoners, there wasn't much variety. Even Roxanne had been delighted by something as simple as karumeyaki.
Once we returned home, I went out to buy eggs, milk, and sugar. Sugar was available in this world, though it was quite expensive. It was known as Kobold Sucrose, which apparently dropped from higher-level Kobolds. Up until now, I hadn't attempted to make any desserts.
I figured I could make something like crepes with milk, flour, eggs, and sugar, but I’d never actually made them back in Japan, so I hadn't bothered to try here yet. However, if I had a steamer, there were several recipes I could manage.
Since I’d never made pudding before either, attempting it now—even with a steamer—seemed like a recipe for disaster. The ingredients were simple enough: milk, eggs, and sugar. Vanilla essence was obviously out of the question, but I could manage the caramel just by boiling down sugar. The real issues were the proportions and the steaming time. I’d likely need several rounds of trial and error to get it right.
On the other hand, I had made steamed bread in my home economics class back in the day. I was confident I could manage that much. The ingredients were flour, sugar, milk, eggs, and baking soda. For the baking soda, I had the shell powder I’d used previously when making soap. Using it would make the steamed bread fluffy and soft.
Fearful of a complete failure, I decided to start with small portions on the first day. I prepared the dough and let it rest. While the dough sat, I rested with Roxanne.
Later, I brought water to a boil in the wok and placed the steamer on top. I put the cups of dough inside, flipped another sieve upside down to serve as a cover, then finished it with a cloth and a wooden board for a lid. Once steam began to rise, I lowered the heat and asked Roxanne to keep an eye on the fire.
While she watched the stove, I traveled to the Imperial Capital to pick up Sherry.
"It smells sweet and wonderful," Roxanne informed me when I returned with Sherry, who smelled faintly of alcohol.
I didn't think the aroma was that strong yet, but perhaps it really was that sweet. I suppose a person who could sniff out monsters perceived the world on a completely different level.
Peeking inside the steamer, they looked like they were turning out quite well. Since this was just a prototype, they were small. When I started making them for real, I’d have to adjust the steaming time. Well, before I could worry about that, I’d had to see if I could even make the dough and if the steaming process would work in the first place. This was a good enough start.
After finishing dinner—which Roxanne had prepared almost entirely on her own—we held a tasting session. When I pulled them out of the cups, they were soft and moist.
"Alright, go ahead and eat."
"Yes!"
"Thank you for the food."
I bit into one and found a pleasant, springy texture. Not a bad result at all. The dough was right, and the steaming process hadn't hit any snags. It might even be better with a little more sugar next time.
"It’s d-delicious, Master!"
"This is amazing."
The two of them clearly approved. They continued to eat the steamed bread with bright smiles. I was planning to expand my harem, after all; a little bit of indulgence like this was the least I could do as penance. I decided I’d make these every now and then from now on, though the high calorie count of steamed bread was a bit of a concern.
"And now, Master. This is my present to you. I look forward to your continued favor."
Once we finished eating, Roxanne handed me the clothes we had bought during the day. I stood up and accepted them gratefully.
"Thank you. I’m looking forward to our time together as well."
"Yes. And this is a present for Sherry, from me."
"Oh! Thank you very much. I will treasure it, Roxanne-san."
Sherry also stood up to accept the gift. She seemed to have held back on the alcohol more than she had during her previous trip to the library. She performed her nightly duties after dinner perfectly, though her kisses tasted slightly of booze.
The next morning, after a stint in the Halber Labyrinth, I delivered the fourteenth mirror.
"I have ordered several frames to be made. They should be finished shortly," Gosler informed me.
"I see."
"Michio-dono, have you known Luke the broker for long?" Gosler asked after I had stowed the gold coins in my Item Box.
"Not particularly long, but for a fair while now."
"He is a most excellent broker. Our house employed his father before him, so I have known him since he was an apprentice."
"Is that so?"
So Luke was a second-generation broker. In that line of work, connections with the Knight Order and the nobility were everything. It was undoubtedly an advantage to inherit a legacy of such networks.
"As a broker, he is trustworthy. Should I have business with you, Michio-dono, I would like to contact you through Luke. Would that be acceptable?"
Strictly as a broker, huh?
"Through Luke?"
"You mentioned you reside in Quratar, and it is difficult for us to travel there often. Luke, however, sends messengers here on a regular basis."
The mirrors weren't going to end at fourteen. If they were used as gifts, they would eventually need to be replenished. I needed a way for them to get in touch whenever necessary. Essentially, I would be making use of Luke as a middleman.
"If that is what you prefer, I don't mind."
I gave my consent and left Bode. For the time being, I had sold out of mirrors.
After spending the time until past noon in the labyrinth, it was finally time to visit the Slave Trader in the Imperial Capital. My heart pounded with anticipation at the thought of what kind of encounter awaited us.
"As I mentioned before, I'm heading to the Imperial Capital now. What will you two do? Do you want to come along?"
"Yes. I will follow you anywhere."
"Um... are you sure it’s alright for me to come?"
When I consulted them, Sherry seemed to hesitate.
"Well, the person we find will be a comrade for the both of you. I want to hear your opinions."
"It’s alright, Sherry."
"Come to think of it, Roxanne-san was there when I was chosen. In that case, I would like to go as well."
With both Roxanne and Sherry joining me, the three of us warped to the Imperial Capital Adventurer Guild. We headed toward the slave merchant's trading house using the directions Alan had provided. When we arrived, we found an entire block surrounded by high walls. A magnificent building towered within the grounds, fronted by a luxurious gate. Business was clearly booming.
"Is this the place?"
"It appears so."
I wondered if the walls were meant to keep people from getting out. The gate was open, so we stepped inside. A man immediately approached us.
"I’ve come with a recommendation. I wish to speak with the owner."
"Understood. Please, follow me."
I handed over the letter of introduction, and the man guided us into the building. He led us to a room next to the entrance and left.
"Welcome. I am the master of this firm."
After a short wait, a different man entered. He was a Slave Merchant Lv 6.
"I look forward to doing business with you."
"Then, if you would follow me..."
The merchant guided us to a room further inside. Once we were seated on the sofa, three cups of herb tea were served. Since I had presented a letter of introduction, I doubted he would mistake me for someone trying to sell Roxanne or Sherry. Wait—did people ever use recommendations to sell slaves? No, the letter should have clearly stated that I was looking for a Master Smith.
"Thank you. We'll have some."
I only pretended to take a sip of the tea. Knowing that this was a place where human trafficking occurred made it difficult for me to trust anything they offered, purely on principle. Though, as someone currently buying slaves, I was hardly one to talk. Roxanne and Sherry drank theirs normally. Alan, the merchant back in Vale, didn't seem like the type to do anything truly underhanded.
"I have read the letter from Alan. You are searching for a Master Smith, I believe?"
"No. I no longer have a need for a Master Smith."
"I see."
The merchant glanced briefly at Sherry. He had likely identified her as a Dwarf at a glance. Not selling her, buddy.
"I'd like you to introduce me to a woman who can fight in the labyrinth."
"A combat slave for an adventurer, then? Do you have any other requirements?"
"Someone who can speak Brahim."
Naturally, I wanted someone young and beautiful, but I didn't feel the need to say that out loud with the two of them right there. He should be able to take the hint.
"In the Imperial Capital, the vast majority of our demand is for combat slaves for adventurers or beautiful domestic slaves for the elite. Our firm specializes in meeting those exact needs. I am certain we have someone who will suit your tastes."
It seemed he understood perfectly without me having to say a word. This merchant was professional.
"I hope so."
"In that case, shall we go to the quarters and have a brief look? If someone catches your eye, we can bring them out for a formal interview."
"Understood."
Screening them by looks first seemed like an efficient way to handle things. I followed the merchant up to the third floor. Since these were the women's quarters, Roxanne and Sherry came along.
"On the second floor, we have those of more advanced age or women not suited for combat. If you like, I can show you those rooms later..."
"...That won't be necessary."
My public goal was to bolster our combat strength, so I wished he wouldn't make those kinds of suggestions. Because I hesitated on how to answer, it had taken me a moment too long to deny it. Roxanne and Sherry were listening, so I had to be careful.
A beautiful combat slave—that was the goal. Though finding the perfect match might be difficult. Still, a tall woman would be nice. Though I suppose I was the one who needed to worry about the "high income" requirement.
The merchant glanced at Sherry again for some reason but dropped the subject, leading us into a room on the third floor.
"A customer is looking for a new party member. Those who understand Brahim, line up!"
The merchant lined them up. There were about ten women in total—not a huge number. There were some who looked completely unmotivated and others who looked at us with curiosity. It was already a better showing than the Vale trading house, where almost everyone had seemed to have given up.
It seemed true that the demand for combat slaves was high in the capital. Because the group was small, the inspection was over quickly. The most promising one appeared to be a woman with a decent face and a decent level of motivation. We moved through the room.
Just as I was thinking she was the best of the lot, we were guided to the next room. I suppose ten people would have been too few for a firm this size. It seemed they divided the slaves into smaller groups rather than stuffing them all into one large hall.
There were no beauties in the next room. I could tell with a single glance; this room was a bust.
"What about these ones?"
"In this room, we have gathered women who can serve as immediate combat assets."
So that was the classification. They were certainly sturdy and well-muscled. I gave the room a quick pass and moved on. However, as we toured the other rooms, I didn't see anyone who particularly stood out. I suppose expecting someone on the same level as Roxanne or Sherry was asking too much. I would have to compromise to some degree. There were quite a few rooms left, though.
"Are there more?"
"The next room contains only those with no prior experience with men. Their prices are somewhat higher for combat slaves, accordingly."
"That's fine."
I guess that was another way they sorted them. The slaves who understood Brahim were called forward. There was one beautiful woman in this room, but she was clearly devoid of any drive. She wouldn't even look at us.
I see. She was the "social climber" type Sherry had told me about. She likely knew she was beautiful and figured she could wrap a wealthy master around her finger. To her, entering the labyrinth was just a dangerous, tedious chore she wanted to avoid. A woman that beautiful would aim for a life of luxury. I suppose the women who ended up as combat slaves were the ones who couldn't secure that kind of future.
Roxanne and Sherry, who were beautiful yet perfectly willing to be combat slaves, were truly rare finds. If I bought the social climber, she’d be forced to fight anyway, but I worried her attitude would only get worse.
"On to the next room, then."
"Please."
We entered the next room and several women lined up. After they had assembled, a Cat-kin girl who had been sitting in the back stood up, a moment behind the others.
Oh, she was cute.
Suddenly, someone said something to the girl, and she was sent back to her seat. And she was so adorable, too.
Milia. Female, 15 years old. Diver Lv 2.
According to my Appraisal, her name was Milia. Since she’d been slow to stand, was she unmotivated? Or was she just not suited for combat?
"I wonder why she was sent away," I muttered.
"That was the Barna language," Roxanne noted.
"Barna?"
"Yes. It is the language spoken by the beast-kin living in the middle-eastern regions of the Empire."
"I see. So she doesn't understand Brahim?"
The merchant had ordered those who understood Brahim to line up. She’d been sent away because she didn't speak the language. Milia probably hadn't understood the command but had hurriedly tried to join the line when she saw everyone else moving. She was a girl who could read the room. As a Japanese person, I appreciated that quality.
Actually, I’d seen others who hadn't lined up at all. Since no one else had been sent away just for not knowing the language, the fact that she’d even tried to participate was quite impressive. Conversely, it meant the merchant didn't punish slaves who failed to follow commands they couldn't understand. If he did, they would have been much more anxious and attentive to the movements of others.
It likely wasn't just this merchant. They didn't expect slaves to instinctively divine their master's will; commands had to be given clearly in words. I wondered if I was giving proper orders to Roxanne and Sherry. I really had to be grateful to Roxanne, who likely anticipated my needs to compensate for my shortcomings. Every visit to a trading house reminded me of my own inexperience.
"My apologies. She has only recently arrived," the merchant said.
"No, it's fine."
"Well then, please, take a look."
I followed the merchant and looked over the women in the room. There wasn't anyone particularly striking among those in line. Milia was the cutest of them all—not just in this room, but in the entire building, excluding the domestic slaves on the second floor. The runner-up was the social climber from the previous room.
"Roxanne, can you speak Barna?"
"Yes. Barna is used by the beast-kin to the east. It was spoken in the region where I grew up as well."
"What about you, Sherry?"
"I cannot speak it."
So Roxanne could speak it. Apparently, Wolf-kin and Cat-kin used the same language. Milia had small, triangular ears that faced forward. They were just like the ears of the woman I’d seen briefly at the Kohaku Merchant’s shop. Definitely cat ears. I could have said they were the same as the old Cat-kin merchant’s ears, too, but the ears on a cute girl were a different matter entirely.
"She’s a Cat-kin, right?"
Roxanne called Milia over and they spoke for a moment. Roxanne’s expression turned slightly troubled.
"What did she say?"
"Um... she says she wants to eat fish."
"Fish?"
Roxanne asked again, and this time the girl nodded vigorously. No doubt about it, she was a Cat-kin. Was eating fish more important to her than her own race?
"She is indeed a Cat-kin. She says she will work hard and happily if she can eat fish."
"Fish, huh..."
I wondered just how vital fish was to her. Did all Cat-kin love it that much? According to Appraisal, her job was Diver. I’d never seen that job before, but I suppose it made sense for someone so focused on the sea.
"Is there something about this one that interests you?" the merchant asked.
"Could I arrange an interview with her as well?"
"She doesn't yet understand Brahim, and she was sold into slavery for a crime she committed."
"Is that a problem?"
"No... not if the customer is satisfied."
I didn't miss the flicker of annoyance on the merchant's face. Was Milia a hidden gem? Or was even that look part of his act?
Once the tour was finished, we moved to the interviews. I selected three candidates.
The first was the woman from the first room whose looks and motivation were both decent. Even in the interview, she was just that—decent. Not good, but not bad either.
The second was the beautiful social climber. As expected, she was completely unmotivated. She answered my questions, but her eyes were dead. That was a deal-breaker. Even if she’d be forced to fight once we were in the labyrinth, her daily attitude would likely be a nightmare.
The third was Milia. When the merchant called for her, she bowed and entered the room. She was taller than Sherry but shorter than Roxanne—probably around 155 centimeters. she had a lean, slim build, though her chest seemed to have a fair amount of volume. Her hair appeared black at first, but it had a bluish tint, like a deep navy or a dark ultramarine. She had a cute, slightly round face and round, clear eyes. And on her head were those cat ears—triangular, bluish-black on the outside and lined with white fur on the inside. They looked incredibly soft. I really wanted to touch them.
"Roxanne, can you handle the interpreting?"
"Yes, Master. Leave it to me."
We spoke through Roxanne.
"First, about the fish. How often do you want to eat it?"
Roxanne translated, and then relayed the answer. "She says once every three days... no, she says once every five days is enough."
I had expected her to demand it every day, but I guess it wasn't that extreme. I didn't know how common fish was in this world. There were fishmongers in Quratar, so it was definitely available, but I hadn't seen Roxanne or Sherry cooking it. Modern Japan might have seen a decline in fish consumption, but compared to this world, it was probably still a staple.
"She says once every ten days is fine."
The demand went down again? Was it because I had gone silent while thinking? Milia was looking at me with eyes full of desperate hope.
"Roxanne, Sherry, are you two okay with that?"
"Yes. I don't dislike fish," Roxanne said.
"I’m fine with it too."
Since I was the one who usually boiled or prepared the meunière, it would have been a problem if they hated it.
"That won't be an issue."
I nodded to Milia.
"Fish is great. You can grill it with salt and bite into it while the fat is still sizzling. Or you can dust it with flour to lock in the flavor and moisture for a tender meunière. Even just sautéing it in olive oil is delicious, or you can simmer it with oil and wine. For a braise, you can use fish sauce, or just a simple salt broth. Simmering it in salt brings out the natural stock of the fish for a simple, exquisite taste."
As Roxanne translated my culinary monologue, Milia leaned further and further forward. She was hooked—completely and utterly hooked. Her eyes were deadly serious.
"She says she absolutely wants you to be her master."
Talk about an easy sell.