I finally made it home.
It truly felt like it had been forever.
Not that anything specific had happened. Well, things had happened, but it wasn't as if I’d been in grave danger, nor had I been driven to my wit's end or pushed to the edge of exhaustion.
Even so, it was a simple fact that I was relieved to be back. I was genuinely glad to have returned.
"We're finally home."
"...Um. Yes."
Roxanne agreed with me. All is right with the world.
"That is all well and good, but would you mind explaining the situation?"
Just when I thought I’d gotten away with it, Sherry cut right in. Talk about calm. Dammit. I almost resented her for being so composed at a time like this. Just go with the flow, Sherry. Let yourself be carried away. Though I suppose that might lead to its own problems.
"Right. Everyone, sit down."
"Okay, desu."
"I think that would be wise."
Miria and Vesta took their seats. Only one person remained standing.
"Um. Is it all right if I sit as well?"
"Take that empty seat there."
"Y-yes."
I had Lutina sit in the vacant spot. The table in the house was a six-seater, specifically chosen for a full party. Since a party can have up to six members, that’s why I’d bought it. Now, every single seat was filled.
"Um. No matter how I look at you, you clearly appear to be a noblewoman," Sherry said, opening the floor the moment Lutina sat down. As expected, she was perfectly level-headed.
"No, she isn't a noble. Well, there's some history there. Just try to read between the lines."
Everyone has a past. People have their circumstances, and it's generally best not to pry too deeply. Sherry and the others, having become slaves themselves, should understand that better than anyone. Especially Sherry. Her family had apparently been wealthy back in her grandfather's day. On the other hand, Miria really needed to reflect on her own past—she’d become a criminal slave just for poaching fish in a no-fishing zone.
"I see."
"No, I don't mind if you know. In fact, it would probably be better if I told you," Lutina insisted.
She was fine with us prying. I had to give her credit; she clearly intended to integrate into the group.
"Well, if Lutina says so..."
"My house was ruined because we failed in our duty to conquer the Labyrinth. The blame lies with us for our negligence. Even after our downfall, the complexities of noble society meant we couldn't simply disappear; the title was to be passed to a distant relative. For that to happen, I—the eldest daughter—was a hindrance. Thus, I abandoned my house, discarded my status, and came here to serve Master Michio."
"So that was the reason."
Sherry seemed satisfied. In truth, the reason Lutina was here was exactly as she’d described. Everyone knew which noble house had fallen, since we’d raided the castle together. Now, the eldest daughter of that very house was following me.
A noble lady becoming my slave... The story seemed almost too good to be true, but seeing Sherry accept it so easily, I realized it wasn't an entirely unheard-of tale in this harsh world.
"I have heard that Master Michio will surely be able to conquer the Labyrinth."
"Yes. There is no doubt about that."
Why was Roxanne the one answering for me?
"Sloth was the sin of our house. I must wake from that slumber, rectify our failures, and redeem our mistakes. That is why I have come here. I wish to combine my strength with yours and fight within the Labyrinth. I look forward to working with you all."
Yikes. So she’d come to me with all that on her mind? She’d put a lot more thought into this than I had. I hadn't been thinking about redemption at all.
"Yes, of course. Let’s do our best together."
Roxanne nodded happily. She was officially won over. Sherry, knowing full well that I wasn't actually that motivated, was looking on with a sympathetic gaze. Or was she sympathizing with Lutina for being driven from her home?
"I'll do it, desu."
"I believe we'll be fine."
The other two were in as well. These two didn't tend to overthink things anyway.
"Right. Since we're all on the same page, I'd be happy if you all get along."
I didn't quite follow all the logic, but that seemed like a good way to wrap it up. Basically, Lutina was now one of us. That was the bottom line.
"Yes. We are comrades fighting under Master toward the goal of Labyrinth conquest. There is no reason we shouldn't get along."
Roxanne’s summary was a bit intense, but for now, harmony was the priority. That would do. Trying to steer the conversation elsewhere would have been too difficult anyway.
"U-umu. Then I'm counting on you."
"Yes."
And so, Lutina joined our party. Joining my party meant, by extension, joining my harem.
Lutina was refined and beautiful—an elegant noble lady through and through. Judging by what she’d just said, she had a strong will underneath that exterior. Though she didn't have to be that obsessed with Labyrinth conquest.
Still, it wasn't a bad thing. Having been cast into this world from Japan, I was effectively a drifter. To make a living, I had to enter the Labyrinth and fight monsters. Having someone who was eager to do that of her own accord was nothing but a plus for me. That’s what party members were for. That’s what harem members were for.
...Well, I couldn't say it was only for that.
"It's late. Let's just take a bath and go to bed."
"Can we take one now?"
"No problem. A lot has happened, so let's soak in the tub and ease our fatigue."
"I understand. You're right."
Roxanne agreed. Her approval meant the approval of the entire group. No exceptions. That was just how it worked. With that, I made a quick getaway to go start the water. Roxanne would handle the rest.
"Um... a bath?"
I thought I heard Lutina’s bewildered voice behind me, but I decided it was just my imagination. It was nothing. If I said it was nothing, it was nothing.
In the bathroom, I used Water Magic and Fire Magic to prepare the bath. Having the Wizard job made this so much easier. I filled the tub with hot water in no time.
"Master, is it ready?"
Just as I finished, Roxanne poked her head in. It looked like she’d finished explaining things to Lutina.
"Yeah, it's good to go."
"Then..."
Whoa. The completely naked Lady Roxanne made her entrance. Sherry, Miria, and Vesta followed close behind. It was a magnificent procession.
The Entry of the Gods into Valhalla.
The goddesses were entering Valhalla Castle. Was my home Valhalla? After Vesta came Lutina. She was clutching a single towel around herself in a modest attempt at cover.
Oh, wow. She was stunning. Her skin was young and pale, practically radiant. She was refined, pure, and overflowing with class. The way she twisted her body bashfully was incredibly enticing. A single towel didn't hide much. Her charm, her allure, and her temptation were spilling out despite her best efforts to conceal them.
Beautiful. Simply wonderful. To put it mildly, it was the best thing ever.
I hurriedly cast one last spell and stepped out of the water. I stripped off my clothes in seconds and leaped back in. A "Lupin Dive"—it turns out you really can do it if you try.
"Was that magic just now?"
Lutina greeted my return with wide, sparkling eyes.
"O-oh, yeah."
The sparkling eyes were great, but at this angle, I could see quite a lot. I wasn't complaining, though.
"I heard you could use Wizard magic. Is that what I just saw?"
"That's right."
"I knew it. It's wonderful. With power like that, I'm certain we can conquer the Labyrinth."
Being approached by a beautiful, half-naked noble lady with stars in her eyes was a dream come true. Even if her reasons for being excited were a bit specific.
"Yes, of course."
Roxanne, don't you answer for me. More importantly, I wanted to start washing them. I wanted to lather them up with soap and massage them. I wanted to stroke them, cherish them, and show them my affection.
I started with Roxanne. There was no way I was going to rush just because I was curious about the newcomer. I washed her thoroughly, lingeringly, and with great care. I enjoyed the smoothness of her skin, the suppleness of her flesh, and the way my hands glided over her. It was always a fantastic experience.
I washed Sherry, Miria, and Vesta as well. Sherry was so small and precious I felt like I could wrap her up; Miria was quiet and adorable; Vesta was a generous delight to wash.
Wonderful. And from today, there was one more.
"Right. Next is Lutina."
"Y-yes."
The way she writhed shyly was just too much. Was she trying to tempt me? She was, wasn't she? Well, I’ll take what’s offered. And take it I did. Metaphorically speaking, of course.
Faced with such radiant beauty, why would I bother with self-restraint just because it was the middle of the night? Who would even have the guts to stop me? Nobody. You might as well dance while the music's playing.
"Good morning, Lutina."
"G-good morning."
The morning after my "dance," I woke up feeling refreshed and full of energy. It was already bright outside, likely later than our usual time, but that didn't matter. I’d slept well and felt great.
Starting with Roxanne, I gave Sherry, Miria, Vesta, and Lutina each a kiss to get my brain in gear.
Umu. Perfect. Lutina’s kiss was a bit clumsy, but that was part of the charm. I almost went in for more, but I decided to hold back for now. I stopped at a light graze of the tongue. Leaving myself a little hungry would keep my motivation up for the day. I’d save the real fun for tonight. I was already looking forward to it.
"Anyway, sorry these are just leftovers, but wear these for now."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
I handed Lutina some equipment to get her ready. They were just spare items like a leather hat and leather gloves. I put the Substitution Misanga on her myself. That one wasn't a leftover. I couldn't help but stroke her silky skin as I did it; it was so soft it made me want to nuzzle against it. Soft and smooth as could be. It was dangerous.
But I’d save the rest for tonight.
"Use this as your weapon for now."
I handed her the Holy Spear. Among the weapons I wasn't using, it was the best. I figured I’d probably end up using it myself once I added some skills to it, but it would do for her for the time being. I might even find another one.
Counting chickens before they hatch... Though tonight’s entertainment certainly wasn't a "maybe."
"Thank you. Um... so I should use this spear to thrust at the monsters?"