I woke up with Roxanne in my arms, just as I always did.
Sherry was pressed against my back, while Miria slept on the other side of Roxanne, well within arm's reach. Even without moving, I could feel the warmth and soft skin of all three. With the addition to our group, the bed had become notably more crowded. A bit cramped, perhaps, but it felt just right.
Roxanne leaned in for a kiss.
It remained a mystery how she always knew the exact moment I woke up. It started slow and silent before she began to cling to me with a desperate intensity, her slick, smooth tongue tangling with mine. She moved with passion, and after a long, intimate moment of locked lips, she finally pulled away.
Next was Sherry. Or so I expected, but the kiss didn't come. I felt her shift, so I knew she was awake.
"Um... is this alright?" she whispered.
"..."
"Is the order not going to change?"
Instead of answering, I silently pulled her close. I see. She was worried about the hierarchy. I felt Roxanne’s body stiffen beside me. Now that Miria had joined us, it was a natural time to reorganize things. I could even promote Miria to First Slave if I wanted. Was that what they were afraid of?
"It's fine. I don't intend to change the order right now," I said softly.
I sought Sherry's lips after my brief reassurance. Truthfully, I had no intention of changing a thing, but it wouldn't do for them to get too comfortable, so I left the possibility hanging.
Last night, I’d given goodnight kisses in the order of Miria, Sherry, and then Roxanne. Afterward, I’d held them in the order of Roxanne, Sherry, and Miria. I hadn't equipped the Sex Fiend job yet. It wouldn't be right to go all out on the very first day.
"××××××××××"
"Good morning, Master," Miria greeted.
When I released Sherry's lips, Roxanne must have prompted Miria, leading to the greeting. It seemed Roxanne had already taught her the word for "Master." Well, no harm done.
Finally, I exchanged a kiss with Miria. I kept it light for now. There would be plenty of time to get more intimate later. After a gentle, teasing brush against her tongue—which Miria seemed to timidly retract—I pulled away.
"Good morning, Miria. Now then, let's get dressed and head to the Labyrinth."
"Understood."
"Yes, Master."
"Yes, Master!"
I climbed out of bed and began to change. "Regarding the Labyrinth, where should we start? I was thinking we should let her observe our combat style for a bit first."
"I agree," Roxanne said. "While it might not be strictly necessary for the 12th Floor, allowing her to watch us for a short time is a sound approach."
"Observation would certainly help her get her bearings," Sherry added.
While changing, we discussed the best way to train Miria.
"The only concern is the Grass Bees and their needles," I noted.
We were currently exploring the Halber 12th Floor, where the resident monsters were known for firing poisonous stingers. If Miria was going to observe, our usual hunting grounds would be ideal, but being in the rear didn't guarantee safety there. While Roxanne could dodge the needles with ease, her evasive maneuvers often left those standing behind her exposed.
"The stingers of a Grass Bee are of no consequence," Roxanne stated firmly.
"If poison is the concern, I suggest the Quratar 12th Floor," Sherry proposed. "The income there is quite respectable as well."
As usual, Roxanne was a bit of a Spartan, while Sherry remained remarkably pragmatic. I didn't think we needed to prioritize profits while Miria was still learning the ropes, but it was a valid point.
"Fair enough. It's close by, so the Quratar 12th Floor works for me. How about you, Miria?"
"××××××××××"
"××××××××××"
"She says she would prefer to avoid the Grass Bees," Roxanne translated.
I wondered if she had a phobia of insects. It was difficult to grasp the nuances through a translator.
"Then it's settled—the Quratar 12th Floor. Miria, focus entirely on observing today, just like yesterday. Some monsters have long-range attacks, so don't assume you're safe just because you're in the back. Stay alert."
"××××××××××"
"Yes, Master!" Miria chirped, her response full of energy.