When I returned home that evening, I found a memo waiting for me.
The moment I had been dreading had finally arrived.
It was sooner than I’d expected. Given how much time had passed, I should have anticipated that the Duke would be summoning me soon.
"Master, it appears we have won the auction for the Butterfly Skill Crystal," Roxanne said, reading the note.
Had the news reached us so quickly because I’d bid on something unnecessary? It would have been perfectly fine if it had taken a few more days. Curse that Butterfly Skill Crystal.
"What kind of skill does the Butterfly crystal provide?" I asked.
"If attached to a weapon, it creates a Wind Attribute Sword. If attached to armor, it grants Wind Attribute Defense."
"So it’s like the Mermaid Skill Crystal?"
"Exactly," Sherry confirmed.
We had used a Mermaid Skill Crystal when crafting the Waterproof Leather Mittens. While that crystal provided water-aligned properties, the Butterfly variant was apparently its wind-based counterpart. I recalled that Cassia’s equipment featured resistance to all four major attributes. If I could replicate that, we’d be in excellent shape.
The Waterproof Leather Mittens were currently relegated to our second-string gear because their defensive stats were lacking. They were made from basic mittens during my early days, so that was only natural. This time, I planned to use a much better base.
The Damascus Steel Forehead Protector had exactly four empty skill slots. With this, I could theoretically create a single piece of equipment that boosted resistance against all four attributes.
"I’m thinking of putting the Butterfly Skill Crystal on the Damascus Steel Forehead Protector. We’ll probably need a Kobold Skill Crystal to go with it as well."
"That sounds wise," Sherry said, sounding quite supportive. "Damascus steel gear will last us a long time, so it’s best to make it as effective as possible."
She seemed more assertive than usual. I suppose that since I hadn't failed a single fusion yet, she had gained a significant amount of confidence. That was a good sign.
"Are there only four attributes we can add resistance for using skill crystals?"
"As far as anyone knows, yes, there are only four."
Just as I thought. They matched the elemental magic types a Mage could use. It made sense.
"It should be safe to put all four on the forehead protector, right?"
"Eh?" Sherry froze.
We had been making such good progress, too.
"Is research into multiple skills not very far along?" I asked. "It’ll be fine. It’s not like the effects are going to overlap or conflict."
"Well... um..."
"Don't worry. If it doesn't work, we'll deal with it then."
"N-No, that’s not it."
It was notoriously difficult to test whether defensive skills were actually functioning as intended. Unlike the Alchemist’s Plating skill, which could be verified by observing monsters, defensive buffs were more subtle. It wasn't like I could easily strap a Damascus Steel Forehead Protector onto a monster to test it—immobilizing a beast just to play dress-up was more trouble than it was worth.
The alternative was testing it on myself. Human experimentation. I’d have to cast a Fire Wall and stick my own hand in it. I wanted to do that even less. Besides, a single hit wouldn't tell me much; I’d have to calculate how many strikes it took to kill me to get an accurate reading. I had zero desire to start counting how many hits I could take before dying.
"You're right. It is difficult to verify the effects. Your concern is valid, Sherry."
"...That isn't quite it. I mean, verification is one thing, but if the fusion fails while trying to combine multiple skills..."
"I trust in your talent, Sherry."
"Haa..."
She gave me a strangely cold look, but I wasn't a mad scientist. I wasn't like those people who performed heinous human experiments for the sake of scientific progress. I was simply stating what I knew I could do. True atrocities involved dragging slaves or thieves into a room to see how many magical blasts it took to end them.
If I were to test anything, the most I’d do is pay close attention to my gear whenever a monster targeted me with magic. That was a perfectly reasonable compromise.
I decided to pick up the skill crystal the following day. For tonight, I put on an apron and prepared the whole fish I’d promised. It was a simple, strictly functional waist-apron without a hint of charm, but for my purposes, it sufficed.
I brought the meal to the table, and we dug in. The whole-fish Tatsuta-age was delicious, as always.
"Still," I mused aloud, "it feels a bit uninspired to have the exact same meal every time we clear a floor."
Roxanne translated my comment, and Miria immediately looked at me with a heart-wrenching expression. Her eyes were actually starting to tear up. I’d brought this up specifically while there was still plenty of food on the plate to avoid this exact reaction.
"N-No, wait. This is undoubtedly delicious. It’s just that having the same thing every single time seems a bit... uncreative."
"...Breadcrumbs, desu," Miria suggested after a moment of thought.
Fish fry, then. I’d made that once shortly after she first joined the party.
"That’s the one? All right, let’s make whole-fish fry our next celebratory meal."
"I think that would be wonderful," Roxanne agreed.
"Yes. I’m already looking forward to it," Sherry added.
"Eat, desu!" Miria’s eyes sparkled. Despite the future promise, she immediately went back to devouring the Tatsuta-age in front of her. She looked genuinely delighted. Of course, even with the next meal settled, she still looked dejected once the very last piece was gone. I couldn't help her with that part.
The next morning, after breakfast, I headed to the Merchant Guild alone. I asked Roxanne and the others to handle the laundry and cleaning while I was away. I didn't particularly want to see Luke, but I couldn't avoid him forever. I’d considered pretending I was away in some distant land, but the existence of Field Walk made such excuses difficult. Convenience could be a double-edged sword.
I arrived at the waiting room and called for Luke. I had half-hoped he might be out sick, but he appeared almost instantly. Life never went that smoothly.
"Here is the Butterfly Skill Crystal," he said, leading me to a private meeting room.
"Indeed. I’d like to fuse this with a Kobold crystal. Are there still buy orders out for those?"
"The market has calmed down a bit, but there are still orders in the four thousand range. You’ll need five thousand Nahl if you want one immediately."
"I’m not in a massive rush. Let's put in an order for five thousand then." The price had dropped slightly from the fifty-two hundred I’d seen previously. Since I didn't need the wind resistance right this second, five thousand was a fair price.
"Understood. Also, I’ve identified what the people buying up Kobold crystals are after. It's MP Absorption. I know you've also ordered a Scissor-type Insectivorous Plant crystal, but at the moment, it might be difficult to acquire one without significantly raising your bid."
Now that he mentioned it, I hadn't heard a word about the insectivorous plant crystal despite offering a premium for it. Combining that crystal with a Kobold one resulted in the MP Absorption skill. So that was what everyone was chasing.
"The insectivorous plant, huh?"
"One was put up for auction recently, but it sold for a staggering price."
"So even though Kobold crystals dropped, the plant crystals are still soaring?"
"Kobold crystals circulate in much higher volumes because they have so many uses. Standard skill crystals are often used immediately by the owners or sold directly to smiths they know, so they rarely hit the open market."
I see. From their perspective, they didn't need to fight over every Kobold crystal since those were plentiful. They only needed as many Kobold crystals as they had plant crystals. But because the plant crystals were so rare, they’d compete for them to the absolute limit whenever one appeared.
"I get it. In that case, there's no need to force the issue. Let's just wait and see for now." I hadn't managed to get a Damascus steel sword with an empty slot yet anyway. Though, I was tempted to try the skill out on a basic steel sword just to see how effective it was.
"As you wish. Also... the Harz Knight Order has sent word. They requested that you show your face at the castle."
Ugh. It finally happened. It was okay. Stay calm. Just keep your cool.
"...By the way, have you heard anything about a certain noble house?" I asked, changing the subject to settle my nerves. I managed to keep my expression neutral.
"A certain house?"
It hadn't been confirmed that it was the Baradam family yet, so there was no need to name them.
"I heard a rumor that a certain house is struggling with its finances. There might be a large amount of skill-equipped gear hitting the market soon."
"Is there something specific you’re looking for?"
"Just passing along information. You've been a big help to me, after all."
"Thank you. I'll keep my ears open."
I left the Merchant Guild and headed back. The deadline was tomorrow morning. I usually visited the Duke at this hour, so I really had no choice but to go. Delaying it any further would only look suspicious.
"I’m going to Bode Castle," I told the girls when I got back. "I’ll leave the breakfast prep to you three."
"Understood."
"Please be careful, Master."
"Yes, desu."
Luke would likely inform the Duke that I’d been contacted. There was no avoiding it. Besides, waiting longer wouldn't change anything. Well, maybe waiting a day would let their memories of the event fade a bit. Perhaps I should go tomorrow... or the day after?
"Are you not leaving?" Sherry asked, noticing me lingering in the room.
"I’m just... getting ready."
"I see."
Her voice sounded strangely flat. No, it was her eyes—they were cold. She probably understood exactly what kind of tight spot I was in. Dammit. Fine, I’ll go. I said I’d go, so I have to go.
I used the warp point in the living room.
"Is the Duke or Master Goslar available?" I asked a knight in the lobby of Bode Castle.
"I believe they are in the back."
The answer was as certain as death and taxes. The knight cleared the way for me. For a castle, they certainly weren't very cautious about outsiders. Then again, I had personal permission from the Duke. It was better than being treated like a suspicious adventurer, I suppose.
I reached the office door and took a deep breath. Steeling my resolve, I knocked.
"Enter."
"It's Michio."
Hearing Goslar's voice, I stepped inside. The Duke was seated in his chair while Goslar stood by the desk, sorting through paperwork.
"Ah, Master Michio! I heard about the other day from Goslar. It seems you were quite the center of attention."
"I wouldn't say that..."
Straight into it, then.
"And you defeated your opponent without even drawing a blade. Magnificent!"
"Ha..."
"As expected of the man I recognized. Even Goslar admitted he couldn't follow your movements."
"Indeed," Goslar added. "I certainly wouldn't want to find myself on the receiving end of such a technique. I doubt I’d even know what happened."
Goslar wasn't Level 99, so he probably wouldn't be defeated quite that easily, but I wasn't about to tell him that.
"Well, it's not as if you'd ever have reason to use it against me or Goslar," the Duke said with a chuckle.
"Ha..." The pressure was coming from a completely different angle now.
"I know a bit about the man you fought. Sabo Baradam was a seasoned warrior. A violent man with a poor reputation, but his skill was the real thing."
"Ha..."
"And yet you dispatched him with ease. You should be proud."
"Ha..." I just had to endure this.
"Hmm. I’m dying to know how you did it, but seeing your expression, I imagine it’s a closely guarded secret."
"My apologies, Your Grace."
As I remained silent, the Duke began to fill in the blanks with his own wild theories. I decided to just ride the wave. Let him believe my fists were part of some secret assassination style passed down through the generations, mastered only by those who had known true sorrow.
"I thought as much. It can't be helped. Only a fool would carelessly reveal the secrets of his strength."
"For a top-tier Explorer or Adventurer, such secrecy is only natural," Goslar agreed.
Even Goslar was on board. Thank God. In this world, the idea of open-sourcing your techniques didn't exist. If someone copied you, you lost your edge. Knowledge was something you kept for yourself, passed only to your children or a handful of trusted disciples. That was the common sense here.
"I heard the woman who fought before you was also remarkably strong," the Duke continued. "Did you teach her your techniques?"
"Indeed," Goslar said. "Her extraordinary performance makes much more sense if she’s been training under Master Michio."
So Roxanne appeared "extraordinary" even to a man like Goslar.
"No, well..."
"Speaking of which, she mentioned she always watches your fighting style closely," the Duke said.
"I see. That makes sense." It was a classic case of the apprentice learning by observation, though it wasn't actually true.
"She is... quite special."
"I’ll bet." The Duke leaned in, looking very curious.
Wait, no. You’re not getting Roxanne. Absolutely not. Never. I wouldn't even trade her for Cassia. I had no intention of letting go of Sherry or Miria, either.
The Duke gave me a friendly smile. I stared back, making it clear I wasn't backing down on this.
"Ahem. The reason we called you here today, Master Michio, concerns the Pelmask Mirrors. We’ve gifted two of them to influential figures in the territory for recent celebrations, and they’ve been exceptionally well-received," Goslar said, sensing the tension and tactfully changing the subject. Goslar really was a pro. He must have a hard time managing this Duke.
"I’m glad to hear it."
"We’ve already decided to gift another one soon."
"Ah, for that house?" the Duke asked.
"Precisely."
I had no idea which house they were talking about, and it wasn't my business anyway.
"We believe the mirrors with Taluem frames have become a signature gift for our house. We’d like to order three more as replacements. Would that be possible?"
So the primary reason for the summon was just to order more mirrors?
"I’d be happy to take the order."
I needed the money for the upcoming auction, so there was no reason to refuse.
"There’s no immediate rush. You can bring them one at a time like before. If you happen to have an extra one or two, we’ll buy those as well."
The duel wasn't being scrutinized, I’d secured a new order, and everything was looking up. It was a classic case of worrying over nothing. I returned home in high spirits.
I didn't head to Pelmask or the Kohaku Merchant that day. Instead, I went to the Imperial Capital. It was the day I was supposed to pick up the order from the clothing shop. I arrived late in the afternoon, collected the aprons, and headed home.
"These are wonderful! Thank you, Master."
"They are very well-made."
"Cute, desu!"
The three girls immediately began spreading the aprons out on the table. They were genuinely excited. The shop in the capital had done a great job, adding plenty of frills for a charming look. The silk aprons even had lace along the hems. Even the ones made from standard cloth were quite adorable.
"We’ll wear these while we cook, right? It’ll make preparing meals even more fun," Roxanne said.
"The silk ones seem like they’d be a pain if they got stained, though," Sherry noted.
"We won't be wearing the silk ones in the kitchen," I clarified.
"Then where...?"
"The silk aprons are for the bedroom. It’s a tradition from my homeland. Aprons are for cooking, right? So, if you wear nothing but an apron in the bedroom, it’s a way of saying, 'Please cook me however you like.' I’d really like you three to try it."
I felt my interpretation of the "naked apron" trope was solid. It was a time-honored tradition—in a sense.
"Oh! Is that so? Then... I’ll try it tonight," Roxanne said.
"Wear nothing but the apron?" Sherry asked, blushing.
"Doing it, desu!" Miria was all in.
After dinner and a quick wash, I entered the bedroom a few minutes after the girls. I felt a surge of anticipation, almost like it was a wedding night. My heart was pounding as I opened the door. Sure, I washed their bodies every day, but this was different.
There’s always room for dessert, after all.
"Ohh!"
I couldn't help but let out a gasp when I stepped inside.
"How is it, Master?" Roxanne asked, her voice tinged with a hint of anxiety.
She looked... well, it was a case of seeing yet not seeing. A bit like a sandalwood tree that’s fragrant even as a bud. Her generous curves pushed against the loose apron, creating enticing gaps between the silk and her skin. While the apron technically covered the essentials, the way her full breasts overflowed from the sides only emphasized her size.
"Splendid." That was the only word for it.
"Thank you very much."
"Sherry, you look incredible too."
The effect of the apron on Sherry’s petite frame was devastating. She looked like a pint-sized bride.
"It’s a bit embarrassing," she admitted, which only made it better.
"Miria, it suits you perfectly."
"Yes, desu!"
The way her bluish tail extended out from under the hem was a fantastic touch, and the contrast with her cat ears was irresistible. The frilled shoulder straps and silk were just... perfect. I wanted to devour them then and there.
"Umm... Master. Please, cook me however you like," Roxanne murmured.
How could any man resist an invitation like that? I was in paradise. A literal land of milk and honey.
I woke up the next morning bathed in a pleasant lethargy. It was a sweet, heavy morning, with the embers of last night's passion still glowing. I’d like to issue a correction: that wasn't dessert. That was the main course.
I had even equipped Sex Fiend for the first time in a while. Since it was the main course, a bit of rumination—or perhaps a second helping—was only natural. I drifted in and out of sleep, savoring the afterglow, until the pink haze finally began to lift.
Roxanne leaned over and kissed me.
T-This is dangerous. Just when the lingering scent of last night was finally starting to fade. It was a daily routine, but this morning was different. I’d slept with Sex Fiend equipped, and the urge to pull her back down was overwhelming. Her soft lips and flickering tongue were intoxicating.
I fought the rising tide of lust and held my ground. If I gave in now, I’d be on the fast track to becoming a total degenerate. I had to stay strong. Even as I enjoyed kisses from Sherry and Miria, I endured. I was a man of iron will. A man of patience. The character for "patience" is a blade over the heart, after all.
"Morning, desu."
"Morning, Miria."
I finally managed to release her and sit up. I’d been a bit... intense last night, so I wondered if they thought it was weird. Then again, every morning was more or less like this.
"Yes, desu."
"My bad."
Miria brought me my clothes as usual. I decided to snap out of it and get dressed. I had work to do today. I shifted my mindset and prepared for the day.
We headed into the labyrinth first. We were getting used to the 16th floor of Halber. We were taking fewer hits, and our pace had stabilized. Of course, "fewer hits" didn't mean zero, and the longer battles were still exhausting.
The three girls took the front line. Roxanne dodged with grace, Sherry thrust her spear, and Miria slashed with her rapier. I provided fire support from the rear.
A Sand Storm took out three Clamshells. Once the first few enemies were down, the rest was easy. We surrounded the final Bitch Butterfly and finished it off. Roxanne held the front, and as long as no one flanked her, the monsters didn't stand a chance of landing a hit.
The next group was three Bitch Butterflies and two Clamshells. It was rare to see more butterflies than clams. I targeted the butterflies first with wind magic, their weakness.
"Here they come!" Roxanne called out.
A Clamshell spat a jet of water. Roxanne dodged it effortlessly. To be honest, their long-range attacks weren't much of a threat since Roxanne could dodge them every time. It was a bit of a shame that the water jet didn't actually slow down the monsters' advance.
The monsters reached the front line. Three butterflies and one clam stepped up, while the other clam moved to the second row. An orange magic circle appeared beneath the butterflies.
"Sherry!"
"On it!"
Sherry immediately lunged with her spear, the Chant Interruption skill canceling the magic.
"Another one!" Roxanne tilted her head to dodge a jet of water while simultaneously catching a butterfly's strike on her shield. As soon as the water passed, she stepped right to avoid a charge from another butterfly.
The water had come from the clam in the second row. Roxanne was holding the front while tracking projectiles from the rear. She was as terrifyingly skilled as ever.
When my MP ran low, I swapped to Durandal to top off. It was just a matter of grinding them down one by one. It was tedious, but not particularly dangerous. Even if I took a hit, Durandal would patch me up instantly. As long as I didn't get one-shot, I was invincible. It really was an incredible sword.
I knew it must be exhausting for Roxanne to hold the line while I picked them off, but then again, she was Roxanne.
"Is it tough facing the Clamshells up front?" I asked during a lull.
"No, this is nothing. As long as I can dodge for a moment, Master will take them down."
She seemed genuinely unbothered.
"I’m getting used to them too, but I still haven't quite mastered their patterns," I admitted.
"Really?"
"When the shell moves, I can't tell if it’s going to spit water or bite."
"Well... it’s like this. When it spits water, the shell moves with a su sound. When it’s going to bite, the shell moves with a fu sound."
Roxanne’s explanation was... not helpful. I looked at Sherry, who simply tilted her head.
"Miria, can you tell the difference?"
"She says she's working hard to be able to tell," Sherry translated.
So that was a no.
"Working hard, desu!"
"I see. That’s the spirit." Maybe that kind of determination was what I was lacking.
After returning from the labyrinth and having breakfast, I brought out the Amber Necklace. It had been a while since it had seen the light of day.
"Amber, desu!"
"You recognize it?"
"She says it’s rare where she’s from, but in the northern seas, it sometimes gets caught in the fishing nets. Apparently, people are happier catching amber than fish."
So Miria was the only one who preferred the fish.
"It’s beautiful, isn't it?"
"Beautiful, desu."
"If we find one that suits you, I'll buy it."
"Buying, desu!" She seemed genuinely pleased. I could have asked if she’d rather have a fish, but I didn't want to risk her actually choosing the fish.
"Are we going to Pelmask?" Sherry asked.
"Yeah. I need you to handle the three mirrors."
"Understood."
"All right, Roxanne."
"Thank you, Master."
I placed the necklace around Roxanne’s neck. It looked magnificent against her skin. I almost felt the urge to grope her right there—to grab those soft peaches and let my fingers sink in, just like I had through the side of her apron last night.
No, no. That was just the Sex Fiend skill talking. Leaving it on while I slept had been a mistake. My usual self wasn't this obsessed. Probably. Mostly.
I put a necklace on Sherry as well, and we headed out. Our first stop was the Kohaku Merchant in Bode. I warped to the guild and stepped into the office next door. The cat-kin merchant was there to greet us.
"Welcome, welcome!"
"Sorry to drop in unannounced."
"Not at all! We’ve been expecting you."
"Can I get some more raw amber?"
"Of course. We have plenty ready."
He remembered me, which was good.
"Also, I’d like to find an amber necklace that suits her." I placed a hand on Miria’s shoulder.
With the auction coming up, I should have been saving every Nahl, but I couldn't leave Miria out. Besides, selling the raw amber was basically a business trip anyway. Between the mirrors and the raw stones, I’d make more than enough to cover the necklace.
There was also a chance of producing a White Magic Crystal. I’d been hunting with the 64x acceleration skill active, so I was sure things would work out.
"Certainly. Please, take a seat."
The four of us sat down as the merchant brought out his stock.
"I have twelve pieces of raw amber for you today, same quality as last time."
"I'll take them all."
"Excellent. And as for the necklaces..."
He brought out a staggering variety. I suppose since I’d bought one before, he’d pegged me as a high-roller and wanted to upsell me. He spread them out in front of Roxanne and Sherry too.
"Wait, those two already have theirs," I reminded him.
Roxanne wasn't looking at them with longing, fortunately. Sherry, on the other hand, was already in full appraisal mode.
"These are incredible," Roxanne remarked.
"This one in particular seems like a very fine piece," Sherry added.
"Pretty, desu!"
I was glad Miria liked them, but the other two were getting very serious about the selection.
"I think something like this would look good on Miria," Roxanne said, holding a necklace up to the girl's chest. As long as she wasn't holding it up to her own chest, I was safe.
"Is this the best one?" Sherry asked.
"You have an excellent eye! That is one of our pride and joy pieces, made from the highest-grade amber."
"The clarity and brilliance are remarkable," Sherry noted.
"Amber of that quality is rare. It’s the finest piece we’ve seen in years."
"The one I’m wearing is a deep, rich red, but this..."
"The one you purchased previously was a once-in-a-decade find. This one is easily its equal, and it features multiple large stones."
"It must be quite expensive, though?"
"Normally, yes. But for a valued customer, I can offer it for under seventy thousand Nahl. Let’s say sixty-nine thousand, eight hundred."
That was still incredibly expensive.
"Actually, I think something a bit softer might suit Miria better," Sherry said, setting the necklace down. She clearly hadn't forgotten our actual goal. She wasn't just playing along with the merchant’s pitch.
"I see. In that case, how about this one?" The merchant reached under the counter and pulled out yet another tray.
"There are more?" I asked. If he had recommendations, he really should have started with them. Those first pieces were definitely meant for Roxanne and Sherry.
"This necklace is made from a variety of amber—red, pink, yellow, and milky white. Depending on the angle, the appearance shifts, much like a cat’s eye. It’s a piece I always hope to see a cat-kin wear."
Was that a pun? The merchant handed the necklace to Miria.
"Pretty, desu!"
It was certainly unique, with all the different colors blending together. It wasn't a bad choice at all. Miria slipped it over her head.