“Yes. I want to be useful in combat as well. I look forward to working with you.”
“I look forward to working with you too,” Roxanne replied.
“Vesta, this is Roxanne,” I said. “She is the First Slave.”
“The First Slave? That’s incredible!”
Was it? I wasn't really sure.
“You don't necessarily have to listen to everything I say,” I told Vesta, “but make sure you follow Roxanne’s instructions to the letter.”
“Um... Yes, Master.”
“Master is very kind,” Roxanne added. “He has never raised a hand against any of us, but don't let that make you conceited.”
“I understand. I’ll be careful.”
This was the cornerstone of unit management. An organization that was only strict would never inspire loyalty, yet one that was only lenient would inevitably fall into ruin. To truly function at its peak, an organization had to be both.
It was nearly impossible for a single leader to embody both qualities simultaneously. Therefore, the highest-ranking officer would treat the lower ranks with kindness, while the immediate superior handled the harsh discipline. That was the trick to keeping operations running smoothly.
If the drill sergeant was a terror, the commander could afford to be the smiling face of the unit. As long as Roxanne took the lead on discipline, I wouldn't have to get angry with Vesta. I was essentially pushing the role of the villain onto her, though. Roxanne already seemed to give Miria plenty of lectures, which only made me feel like I’d never be able to hold my head up high around her.
“Just try to get along,” I said.
“Yes, Master.”
“I’m sure we’ll be fine,” Roxanne said.
I certainly hoped so. If they didn't get along, my stomach would be in knots. I needed peace for the sake of my own health.
“Regardless, you are so tall and beautiful,” Roxanne said, looking Vesta up and down. “As expected of someone Master chose.”
“Roxanne-san, you are also very lovely.”
“Thank you.”
If they were already trading compliments, we were probably safe. I suppose that was the first hurdle cleared.
“Um... Master is an Explorer, right?” Vesta whispered to Roxanne as we took a moment to breathe.
She wasn't going to ask me directly?
“That’s right,” Roxanne answered.
“But it looked like he used Field Walk earlier...”
“Ah. Well... just think of Master’s job as ‘Master.’”
That was a bit of a stretch, Roxanne.
“Is that how it works?”
“You won't last long if you’re surprised by things of this level. Also, these matters are strictly confidential. Please keep them to yourself.”
Well, I could leave that side of things to Roxanne. Vesta looked back and forth between us, looking down from her height. I gave her a small nod, and she nodded back. She seemed to accept it.
“We should probably get her the essentials,” Roxanne suggested. “Why don't the three of us go shopping?”
“Right.”
I followed Roxanne’s lead. Honestly, I wanted to head straight for the bedroom, but she probably needed a bath first. Besides, doing that while Sherry and Miria weren't here might cause complications later.
“Understood,” Vesta said.
“Vesta, what kind of weapon do you use?” I asked.
“I’m not particularly dexterous, so I don't have a specialty. I’ve heard most Dragon-kin just swing whatever they have with brute force.”
Brute force, huh? Looking up at her massive frame, I could certainly believe it.
“Any weapon at all?”
“It depends on the floor and my other equipment, but Dragon-kin often use a sword and shield. We’re strong enough to hold a two-handed sword in one hand while wielding a shield in the other. It’s better for defense. I’m not particularly strong for my race, but even I can manage that. I think that should be the way to go.”
“I see. A sword, then.”
Vesta claimed she wasn't strong for her race, but that was all relative. In our party, the front line didn't actually need high attack power. It was more efficient for me to land the killing blows to maximize experience and Magic Crystals anyway.
“Alternatively, I could use a one-handed sword and a Great Shield,” she added.
“I’ve never seen a Great Shield before. Have you, Roxanne?”
“I’ve seen Dragon-kin carrying exceptionally large shields before. Those must have been what she means.”
“Most people other than Dragon-kin can't use them, so they aren't widely sold,” Vesta explained.
I hadn't seen any at the Quratar Armor Shop. I wondered if Sherry could make one. I’d have to ask later.
“Could we get one if we went to a Dragon-kin village?”
“I’m sorry, Master. I don't know where they’re made, or if such a place even exists.”
“Is that so?”
“Both of my parents were slaves, you see.”
Vesta’s comment made my eyes wander toward Roxanne instinctively. Both parents were slaves? Maybe I shouldn't pry too much into her past. Roxanne didn't seem surprised, though. I suppose being a slave herself made it a familiar reality.
“...Ah. I see.”
“I’m not sure how the Dragon-kin usually obtain them,” Vesta continued calmly.
She didn't seem to mind the topic. Perhaps it wasn't a rarity in this world for a child to be born into slavery. That made me think back to the slave trader saying she was only brought to market because she turned fifteen. If both parents were slaves, did the child automatically become one? Yet, she was listed as a First-year Slave. The legalities didn't quite add up to me.
“Well, it can’t be helped.”
“If I become a Dragon Knight—that’s our race-specific job—I could use a two-handed sword and a Great Shield at the same time. I’ve heard some Dragon Knights even dual-wield two-handed swords.”
“Dual-wielding two-handed swords?”
“Yes. I believe that’s what it’s called.”
As expected of a Dragon Knight. It sounded like a cool job straight out of a fantasy novel. Apparently, it didn't involve riding dragons or using firearms like the name might suggest in other contexts.
“What about armor? Are you strong enough for Chainmail?”
“Yes, that should be fine. Dragon-kin women can even wear Plate Mail since it doesn't lose its shape, but it’s very heavy. Most women of other races don't use it.”
“Well, we’ll need to consult Sherry about your gear. For now, we’ll make do with what we have.”
“Yes, Master.”
Vesta tilted her head slightly but nodded. She clearly didn't know who Sherry was yet.
“Sherry is a very knowledgeable Dwarf,” Roxanne explained, catching the confusion. “She knows everything about equipment. You can trust her completely with the party’s tactics and gear.”
Nice follow-up, Roxanne.
“I see.”
“In the meantime, sit down and show me your ankle.”
“My ankle?”
Vesta looked puzzled but obediently sat in a chair. She took off her shoe, rested her right foot on the seat, and rolled up her trouser leg. Even sitting down, she was imposing. There was a definite sense of presence about her. The thought of embracing her later made me a little bashful, but I fully intended to go through with it.
I pulled the Substitution Misanga from my Item Box. Since it was an enchanted item, I kept it in my inventory rather than the storage room. It was a bit of a waste to use an entire slot on a single spare, but now I was back down to zero.
“This is a piece of equipment Sherry made,” I said as I wound the Misanga around Vesta’s ankle.
Her feet weren't unusually large for her height, and her ankles were slender and toned. There were small, scale-like bumps on her skin, but they weren't hard to the touch. The scales only seemed to be on her lower legs; from the ankle up, her skin was smooth. She had a healthy, seductive tan. Honestly, the shopping trip could wait—I really wanted to head to the bedroom.
“She made this?” Vesta asked from above.
“Sherry is a Master Smith.”
“A Master Smith... -sama?”
“She is, but don't call her ‘-sama.’”
“Um... is that really alright, Roxanne-sama?” Vesta asked, looking toward Roxanne.
“Please, just call me Roxanne,” she replied. “Sherry is a slave of Master’s, just like we are.”
That was the right answer. If Roxanne had started demanding Vesta call them “-sama,” I would have had to reconsider her discipline.
“She’s a slave?”
“Yes.”
“A Master Smith who is a slave? I was told that the man who could win a Dragon-kin at auction must be an incredible Master, and that I should serve him well... but to have a Master Smith as well...”
I’d heard that obtaining a Master Smith was incredibly difficult. Having one as a slave was apparently quite the status symbol. And since I’d spent a fortune to win Vesta at auction, I suppose I looked like a man of significant means. Being the First Slave of such a person probably did warrant a “-sama” in Vesta’s eyes.
“Don't overthink it,” I said, standing up after finishing with the Misanga. I patted Vesta’s shoulder. Patting her head felt a bit awkward since she was taller than me, though since she was sitting, I could have managed it.
“Thank you. Did she make this Misanga so that the whole party could match?”
“Not exactly.”
“Is there some legend behind it then?”
“Nothing like that. It’s just a precaution.”
“I see.”
“That is a Substitution Misanga,” Roxanne added.
Vesta froze. She probably thought it was just a regular piece of jewelry and wondered why anyone would bother equipping it, especially since Sherry had mentioned its defense was negligible.
“Wait, what?”
“It’s fine. It’ll keep you safe.”
“Wait... a Substitution Misanga?” Vesta’s eyes went wide.
“That’s the one.”
“I’ve heard those are incredibly precious. I remember my previous owner was desperately trying to find one.”
“Are they really that rare?” I asked.
“Yes. I had never seen one until I came here,” Roxanne confirmed. “It’s not the sort of thing a slave is usually given to wear.”
I checked with Roxanne, and she nodded in agreement. Well, it was a skill-enchanted item, after all.
“So I’ve heard,” I said.
“Is it really alright for me to wear something so valuable?”
“It’s fine.”
“Are you sure?”
I didn't know the exact market price for a Substitution Misanga, but it certainly wasn't worth more than Vesta herself. If a relatively inexpensive item could prevent the loss of an expensive and valuable companion like her, then equipping it was the only logical choice. If the people of this world didn't give them to slaves simply because of their status, they were being blinded by tradition. My decision was purely rational. Sherry would surely agree. I wouldn't tell Vesta she was "expensive," though.
“It’s fine. That’s just how Master is,” Roxanne said, supporting me.
“Does Roxanne-san have one too?”
“Yes, he gave me one as well.” Roxanne rolled up her trouser leg to show her own. On her shapely leg, the Misanga looked like a stylish anklet. I really, really should have gone to the bedroom.
“Wait here a moment.”
“Yes. Thank you so much, Master.” Vesta bowed.
I skipped the bedroom and went to the storage room to grab an Iron Sword.
“Carry this for now,” I said, returning to the living room and handing it to her.
I never used the Steel Sword I wore on my hip in the labyrinth. If Vesta was going to use a two-handed sword eventually, she’d get a Steel one, but if I gave her one now, she’d have a better weapon than the one I wore daily. That didn't feel right for the hierarchy.
“Yes. Um...” Vesta looked at Roxanne uncertainly. It was only an Iron Sword, so I didn't see the problem.
“It’s alright. That’s just how Master is,” Roxanne repeated.
“Let’s go, then.”
We headed out. I faced the living room wall and thought Warp. This was the second time today, so Vesta should be getting used to it. We emerged at the Adventurer Guild.
“Yes, Master.”
Roxanne and Vesta followed immediately. Vesta looked a bit startled but kept her mouth shut. Good girl.
“Where to first?” I asked Roxanne once we were outside.
“If we aren't going for weapons or armor, we should hit the General Store first, then the Clothing Shop.”
I suspected putting the Clothing Shop last meant she intended to spend as much time as she wanted there. Well, fine by me.
“But I have these clothes...” Vesta started.
“You’ll need a change of clothes too,” I insisted.
“It’s alright. That’s just how Master is,” Roxanne said. Her logic was becoming a bit circular.
We went to the General Store first for miscellaneous items. I left the selection to Roxanne.
“A normal rucksack will be too small, won't it?” I asked.
“I believe so.”
“Is it?” Vesta asked.
A standard rucksack like the ones we used looked like it would burst if she tried to put it on. It didn't fit her scale at all.
“Let’s get this large one.”
“That’s a good choice.”
“Yes, I think that will work.”
We picked out a large-capacity rucksack. Having a bigger bag meant there was a chance she’d end up carrying the heavy loads, but she’d have to forgive me for that. On her, the oversized bag looked perfectly normal. If Sherry wore it, people would think she was embarking on a week-long mountain expedition.
“I’ll take this.”
We bought the rucksack, some cups, Sucre Branches, and other sundries. I had Vesta put it on immediately and packed everything inside.
“And this as well, please,” Roxanne said, handing something to the clerk as I finished the payment.
“Was there something else?”
“No, I’ll pay for this.”
Roxanne pulled out a silver coin.
“This hairbrush is a gift from me,” she said, handing it to Vesta.
“Oh! Thank you so much!”
“I’m glad I saved my allowance. I bought ones for Sherry and Miria today as well.”
So it was a hairbrush. Roxanne showed it to her and then tucked it into Vesta’s new rucksack. Next, we headed to the Clothing Shop.
“Do you have anything in her size?” I asked the clerk.
“Yes, right this way.”
They led us to the back. Apparently, they did have a selection.
“Over here?”
“These items are in our larger sizes, so they should fit her.”
“You actually stock these?”
“We do get Dragon-kin customers from time to time. The selection is limited, however.”
The corner wasn't huge, but there was enough to choose from. It was similar to how they carried adult-styled clothes in children's sizes for Dwarves. The male Dragon-kin at the auction had been massive too, so I gathered height was a racial trait.
“This isn't a bad selection,” Roxanne said, stepping forward. Her eyes seemed to gleam. I had a feeling she was going to turn the entire rack upside down. If trying on clothes was a thing in this world, we’d be here until sunset.
“Get two or three sets for now,” I told her, wanting to signal to the clerk that we were actually buying.
“Understood. Come on, Vesta.”
“Is it really okay to have so many?”
“It’s fine,” I said, giving her a gentle push.
Roxanne’s battle began. She checked every garment meticulously, and if she liked one, she’d hold it up against Vesta to gauge the fit.
“How about this?”
“Yes, it’s nice.”
“And this one?”
“Oh, that’s lovely!”
The two of them chatted happily as they picked things out. I just watched, as did the clerk, who stayed at a respectful distance and only offered the occasional piece of advice.
“We’ll take these two, and how about this one as the third?”
“Yes, that works.”
“Then we’ll take these, please.”
They managed to decide without needing any input from me. I stepped up to pay, likely getting my 30% discount, though since I hadn't checked the original prices, I couldn't be sure. We stuffed the clothes into Vesta’s rucksack. The extra space was already proving useful.
“Thank you so much,” Vesta said, bowing as we left the shop.
“I’m glad you found things you liked.”
“Yes... but, um... these clothes are brand new, aren't they?”
“They appear to be,” Roxanne said.
“I’ve... I’ve never been given new clothes before.”
“It’s alright. That’s just how Master is.”
I walked along, listening to their conversation. Used clothes were the norm for many, it seemed. Wearing something brand new was likely a luxury she wasn't used to.
With the general goods and clothing sorted, all that was left was food for dinner.
“Vesta, can you cook?”
“I can manage simple things for myself.”
“Simple things?” I wondered what that entailed. She didn't sound very confident. Maybe something basic like rice and eggs?
“At our house, we all help make enough for everyone,” I explained.
“For everyone? I haven't really been trained, so I might not be very good.”
“Well, I’ll have you try making one dish.”
“Um... I don't think I can make anything Master would enjoy. All I know is how to make soup from potato peels and scrap vegetables, or stewed bread crusts...”
That was even bleaker than I’d expected. I suppose that was the reality for someone raised as a slave. Stewed bread crusts, though... actually, it didn't sound entirely unappetizing.
Up until now, I’d been lucky. Roxanne was a capable cook, Sherry’s grandfather had been wealthy, and Miria was a seafood enthusiast. It was a bit much to expect a girl raised in poverty to be a gourmet chef.
“In that case, you can just assist me or the others when we cook,” I said.
“Yes, I can do that!”
“Roxanne, I’ll leave the soup to you tonight.”
“As you wish.”
I didn't know how many fish Miria would bring back, but I’d prepare the rest. Knowing her, she’d insist on eating whatever she caught. I’d let her handle the fish while I made a meat dish—grilled rabbit would do. I could keep the rabbit meat in my Item Box and adjust the portion size based on Miria’s haul. We bought the rest of the vegetables and supplies.
“Vesta, do you eat a lot?” I asked as we picked out bread. I figured it was safe to buy extra.
“I’ve never been called a ‘useless mouth’ before, so I think I’ll be fine.”
“I... I see.”
Had she seen others called that? Growing up as a slave sounded like a minefield. I’d have to be careful what I said. As long as she didn't think I considered her a parasite, we were fine.
“This much should be enough,” Roxanne advised. I bought the bread, adding about one person’s worth to our usual amount.
“It looks so soft and delicious. If there’s any left over, would I be allowed to have it?” Vesta asked Roxanne as we left the bakery.
“We all eat together. Please, eat as much as you like.”
“Really? Is that okay?”
“It’s alright. That’s just how Master is.”
Roxanne’s "explanations" weren't really explaining much of anything, in my opinion.
“You need to keep your strength up if you’re going into the labyrinth,” I added.
We ducked back into the Adventurer Guild and warped home.
“Well then, why don't we head to the labyrinth for a bit?” Roxanne suggested once we were back.
“The labyrinth? Now?”
“Yes. I think Vesta should get some experience as soon as possible. We still have time before the others return.”
I suspected Roxanne had hurried the clothes shopping just for this. She’d planned to take Vesta into the fray from the start.
“Hmm...”
“It will be fine. I can handle the 18th Floor by myself if it’s just a quick trip. And you’ll be there too, Master.”
Calling the 18th Floor "something like that" was a bit much, Roxanne. That was the floor we were currently exploring. I knew she could probably breeze through it by dodging everything, but we had someone new to look after.
“I want to try. I think I’ll be okay,” Vesta said.
Well, if she wanted to go, I shouldn't be the one to stand in her way.
“Fine. If we’re going, we should have a full party. Let’s go get Sherry and Miria.”
You never knew what would happen in a labyrinth. The 1st or 2nd Floor would be perfectly safe, but that wouldn't give Vesta any real experience. I didn't want her to underestimate the danger, but I also didn't want her to think we were incompetent. My dignity was on the line. I needed to show her a floor that provided a challenge, which meant we needed everyone. Sherry would come, and I figured Miria would too. Or maybe she’d be so obsessed with fishing that she’d complain.
“Understood,” Roxanne said.
With her agreement, I warped us to the library. We emerged in the lobby, and as we moved toward the center, Sherry appeared. She must have sensed her party members nearby. I waved her over before she could head for the exit. I wasn't sure if the library allowed re-entry, and I didn't want to find out the hard way.
Sherry walked toward us, her lips moving.
“I hope they all just perish,” I thought I heard her mutter in Brahim. It must have been my imagination. I couldn't read lips in a foreign language anyway. It was an illusion—had to be.
“S-Sherry. This is Vesta. She’s joining our party today.”
“Perish... oh! Is she a Dragon-kin?”
“Yes. I am. I look forward to working with you,” Vesta said.
“I see! That’s great. I look forward to working with you too.”
Well, that was unexpected. Sherry’s attitude had softened instantly.