Once it reached this point, the decision was final. There was no more room for negotiation.
"I see." I nodded with a look of feigned satisfaction.
In truth, if things had gone poorly, we might have ended up starting from an even higher floor. Normally, it would have been the 45th, and if the situation had truly spiraled, we might have been pushed all the way to the 52nd. Managing to keep it down to the 43rd floor was a solid achievement. It was something I could almost be proud of.
"I will do it," Milia said.
"I believe it will be fine," Sherry added.
Those two were already on board, as usual.
"Yes," Rutina chimed in. "Though it’s a bit frustrating to act for the sake of that Matriarch, we must press forward with the labyrinth's subjugation."
Even Rutina had no objections.
"All right. Then it’s settled. We’ll follow the provided data until we reach the 42nd floor."
"Understood."
"I'm counting on you."
We set off with Roxanne leading the way.
As expected, the information was so sparse that we occasionally got lost. By the end of the day, we had only managed to climb ten floors. It was taking longer than I had anticipated, but to me, that was a good sign.
"It is nearly evening, I suppose," Roxanne noted.
"Rincape," Milia reacted instantly.
She must have been fighting all day just for the sake of that anticipation.
"Right. Let's head back and have dinner."
From within the labyrinth, we Warped directly to the Quratar Adventurer Guild.
When we took breaks during lunch, I had gone outside once to report our names to the Clan Explorer stationed at the reception, but I decided it wasn't necessary when leaving for the day. It was a hassle to do it every single time. As long as I kept them thinking we were inside the labyrinth earning our keep, it was fine. Once night fell, they would simply assume we had left on our own.
Since Nesco was located to the north, similar to Bode, the sun set late, but it wasn't a problem. I had already mentioned we would withdraw in the evening, and we weren't so far north that we had to worry about the midnight sun. If the labyrinth were suddenly cleared, it would be suspicious if we didn't emerge, but the current state of exploration made that unlikely.
After doing some shopping in Quratar, we returned home from the guild once more. It was incredibly convenient. The shops were concentrated in the center of the city, and being able to move via Warp made a massive difference. There were no convenience stores here, but given the presence of Warp, it was hard to say whether this world or modern Japan was more convenient. This was a prime location.
"Grilling," Milia said, dashing straight to the kitchen the moment we arrived home.
"Well, I'll get the bath ready. Rutina, we'll see about how to wear that item I bought from the Matriarch after we've washed up."
"Yes."
I had that to look forward to as well. After leaving Rutina with those words, I prepared the bath. Lately, I had been making the bath a daily occurrence. It was the hottest time of the year, after all. While the labyrinth was relatively cool, we couldn't help but sweat during combat. I wanted to feel refreshed, even if I knew I'd start sweating again the moment I stepped out of the water.
That was one thing, but this was another. Just like how sweets go in a separate stomach, the idea of skipping the bath was unthinkable. Preparing it wasn't a heavy burden anymore, especially since Rutina helped with some of the tasks. I even had enough time to cook a side dish for dinner afterward.
"All right. That should do it."
"Yes," Milia replied.
Dinner was finished. We carried it to the table and ate.
"Oh, this is quite good."
"It is, isn't it?"
The fish—whatever it was called—was genuinely delicious. So much for the saying that local specialties are never tasty. Of course, it might have been because Milia’s selection and cooking were superior. The male fish had a rich, concentrated flavor to its meat. It was amazing. The female was reminiscent of shishamo with eggs inside—though not exactly salmon roe. It had a deep flavor that went beyond simple saltiness. The texture was enjoyable, too. Both were impressive.
"Is it good?"
"Yes," Milia replied, looking thoroughly satisfied. Then again, she would probably be satisfied with any fish.
After the meal, we soaked in the bath to melt away our fatigue. I avoided doing anything stupid that would increase my exhaustion, choosing instead to soak leisurely. Or perhaps 'languidly' was the word. Or 'heavily.' Or 'stickily.' Five female bodies in a single tub. I swam through them. Freestyle. You can imagine the rest. I didn't actually do anything, though. I didn't increase my fatigue. I really didn't.
After getting out and quenching my thirst with ice-cold water, I headed to the bedroom. This was where I could do the exhausting things. Not that my Sex Fiend skill ever let me get tired, though.
"That was a lovely bath."
Roxanne and the others arrived at the bed, having changed into their negligees—the camisoles I had purchased at the Imperial Capital’s clothing shop. They worked well as sleepwear. They were thin and easy to put on or take off.
"Indeed."
"Yes."
I welcomed Roxanne to the bed with a kiss. I didn't strip her immediately. We had plenty of time to enjoy ourselves, and I intended to take it slow.
"Now, Rutina, take this."
After savoring each of them in order, I finished with Rutina. I took the item in question out of my Item Box. The Body Clip. The upper portion looked like a relatively normal necklace.
"Yes."
I placed it around her neck. Now for the next part. The bottom of the Body Clip had two chains attached to it. I slipped my hands into Rutina’s negligee and fumbled around.
"Just stay still for a moment."
This was irresistible. While stroking her skin, I slid my palms along until I found the chains. Confirming the clips at the ends, I used my left hand to secure one of her bountiful mounds. The soft, elastic surface struggled as if trying to escape my grasp, but I managed to suppress it by enveloping it firmly. The mound was so rich that it couldn't fit entirely within my palm. Enjoying the elasticity and her reaction, I calmed the upper half of the mountain.
Then, I attached the clip to that beautiful, cherry-blossom colored peak.
"Ah..."
It was a lovely sound.
"All right."
"...Um. Excuse me..."
"It’s fine."
It couldn't be helped; this was how it was designed. It was a Body Clip, after all. It was meant to pinch. Once equipped, it functioned as gear, fitting her body perfectly.
"Ahhh..."
"Next one."
There were two chains, which meant the other one had to be attached to the symmetrical peak of the other mountain. Onto that beautiful, cherry-blossom peak.
"Nn... nngh..."
I hoped she didn't think tonight would end with just those small sounds.
"Good morning."
"Ah. Good morning, Roxanne. Good morning, everyone. Nngh."
Having fully enjoyed those beautiful voices, I woke up the next morning to Roxanne’s kiss. Then, I kissed everyone else in turn.
"Nn... nha... G-Good morning."
I kissed Rutina last. Our kisses were steadily becoming deeper. Since she had no other examples around her, it was bound to happen if she learned by watching the others. It was inevitable. I couldn't allow her to remain passive and amateurish. She had to read the room. People grow by observing and imitating those around them.
"All right, let's get our gear on and head to the labyrinth."
"Yes, let's."
I took the equipment out of the Item Box and distributed it. Finally, I handed Rutina her things, along with the Body Clip.
"Rutina, come over here."
I had removed the clip before she went to sleep. It would have been difficult to sleep with it on, and I wasn't so sadistic as to force that upon her. I was a kind master. As for the fact that taking it off allowed me the pleasure of putting it on again—that wasn't something I was consciously thinking about. Mostly. Hardly at all. Only a tiny bit. Just the tip. Because it was just the tip.
"Nn..."
As usual, she let out a lovely sound near my ear.
"I'll be the one to put this equipment on you from now on."
"...Yes. Nngh..."
The fact that there were two of them was great. Why weren't there three? Well, since it was equipment, she had to wear it in the labyrinth. Once we returned, I would take it off for her before she got into the bath. It would be a disaster if it rusted—not that equipment usually did. Then, I would put it back on after she washed.
It was necessary. An absolute necessity. It was a perfect cycle. My daily routine was set.
"Is that perfect? How does it feel?"
"Yes. Um... no, it’s fine."
The fit must have been fine. Putting it on felt good. If there were ever a problem, I would be happy to adjust it for her anytime. We were ready.
"Starting from partway through the 10th floor today?"
We Warped directly into the Nesco Deep Labyrinth. There was no need to show our faces to the entrance explorer every single time. It was early, so I wasn't even sure if they were at their post. Even if they were, I could just claim we had entered before they arrived. If the labyrinth was cleared, we simply wouldn't be able to enter. It wasn't a problem.
If we did this every day, people might think it strange that we were always early except for the day it was cleared, but the odds of it being cleared in that tiny window at dawn were low. And even if it happened, I could just say I'd overslept.
"The 10th floor should be toward the back on the right."
"Understood. This way, then."
"I'm counting on you. Rutina, no problems?"
"Y-Yes."
Apparently, she was fine. We proceeded according to Sherry’s information and left the labyrinth before breakfast. When we stepped outside, the Clan Explorer was properly stationed.
"Ah. Good work. Have you been in the labyrinth since before we arrived this morning?"
"I'm Michio. It would seem so."
I confirmed it while showing the patch with my emblem. We hadn't met anyone when we entered, so it hadn't been determined who arrived first. Therefore, neither possibility could be denied. It was a Schrödinger’s cat state. I wasn't lying.
"I see. I'll record it that way. It seems you were in the labyrinth until late last night as well. You're working hard."
"Indeed. Well then, we're going to get some food for a while."
We were actually entering the labyrinth, so it wasn't a problem. After breakfast, we entered through the front again, and after a few more breaks throughout the day, we Warped directly home in the evening. It was a perfect cycle.
The next morning, we Warped directly to the labyrinth again, then stepped outside before breakfast just to make the record.
"Good work. I've been here since before it was light this morning, yet you were already inside."
Guh. Was he suspicious? Was he trying to trap me?
"I didn't meet anyone when I arrived."
I certainly hadn't. I wasn't lying. I was a Schrödinger’s Adventurer.
"Is that so?"
Since I had no choice, the following morning, I Warped to a spot near the entrance instead of going directly inside.
"Wait, there's nobody here."
There was no one. Did the Clan Explorers arrive later than us? It was already bright. Was yesterday just an anomaly? I entered the labyrinth and went back outside before breakfast to take the record.
"Good work."
"I came a bit slowly today, but there was no one here."
"Ah, yesterday was special. Usually, this is when I arrive. You seem to start your activities quite early."
"Hmph. I see."
Scaring me like that. It wasn't suspicion; it was just a coincidence. From now on, I'd just Warp directly inside without worrying. I didn't care what they thought. I was a Schrödinger’s Adventurer, after all.
From then on, I Warped directly inside at dawn and returned directly home in the evening. In between, I used the entrance only during breaks to show my face. They were keeping a record, so I had to do my part. And, of course, we were properly proceeding with the conquest.
"With this, we've finished up to the 42nd floor. From next time, we'll be exploring on our own, right?"
"That's right. Roxanne, I'm counting on you."
"Yes. Please leave it to me."
We reached the 43rd floor in no time. It was incredibly fast. Having the navigation data was the problem. Maybe I should have limited us to one floor a day like in Quratar? But if I did that, Roxanne might have insisted on doing that all the way to the 52nd.
"Huh?"
Despite my thoughts, we arrived at the 43rd floor Boss Room within that same day.
"It's the Waiting Room," Roxanne stated plainly.
Wait, wait. You definitely saw the navigation data for the 43rd floor. You're being far too blatant. I looked at Sherry, but she was shaking her head vigorously. So she hadn't shown her. Was it a coincidence? Could we arrive this fast without help? No way.
There was nothing for it. We cleared the 43rd floor and moved to the 44th. As expected, we didn't clear the 44th that same day.
"...It's the Waiting Room."
However, we arrived at the 44th floor Boss Room with ease the very next day.
"Yes. That was simple. This labyrinth might not be very large," Roxanne said.
She definitely saw the navigation data.
"...I don't believe it's particularly small, though," Sherry said, still insisting she hadn't shown her anything.
If it wasn't Sherry, then Roxanne must have memorized everything when the Clan Explorer first showed us. Even if she wasn't consciously recalling it, the information was tucked away in her brain, allowing the correct path to surface unconsciously. Given her obsession with the labyrinth, her memory was terrifying. I certainly wouldn't have remembered. Was the first floor straight then right? No, left and then back. I'd already confused the first and second floors. That's how a normal person's memory works.
"Simple," Milia said.
"I think it's amazing."
"If it gets us closer to subjugating the labyrinth, it isn't a bad thing," Rutina added.
These three were being far too carefree. We had already reached the 45th floor. At this rate, we'd reach the end in a heartbeat.
"W-Wait, we haven't even cleared the 45th floor in Quratar yet. How about we finish that one first?"
"I don't think monsters on that level will be any match for us," Roxanne replied.
That carefree woman. She definitely memorized the 45th floor data, too. At this rate, we'd go straight to the 52nd. I needed to delay her. Carthage must be destroyed; I'll sow salt if I have to.
"No, I wonder about that. Back at the Vale Labyrinth, we did Quratar afterward."
"That was because we didn't have navigation data for Vale."
"That was back on the lower floors. Now that we're at the 45th, wouldn't it be better to experience Quratar first, since we have more information there?"
"I see."
"That's true. Since there are more people in Quratar, we can fight more safely," Sherry added, giving me some covering fire.
"Well, I suppose it doesn't matter which one we do first," Roxanne conceded.
She seemed strangely convinced. Did that mean once she memorized something, she never forgot it? Human memory is supposed to fade. Little by little. Day by day. I wished she would just forget everything—cast it into the distant beyond of oblivion.
"In that case, let's stick to the safer Quratar Labyrinth."
"Understood."
Verdict for the plaintiff. I had successfully persuaded Roxanne.
"All right. Let's move to Quratar. We can just show our faces here in Nesco a few times a day. It's a hassle, but it can't be helped."
"Yes."
"I agree."
Even Rutina seemed fine with it. Technically, we were here on the Matriarch’s orders, but Rutina didn't seem to have any particular attachment to her. That was a relief.
We Warped to the 45th floor of Quratar. It had been a few days since we were last here. I wanted to buy some time, even if it was just until we got used to the floor.
"This way."
"Oh, a monster?"
Roxanne immediately took the lead. At this rate, I wouldn't be able to stall for long.
"No, there are none nearby. The Boss Room is this way."
"The Boss Room?"
"Yes. We're going to repeat the Boss Battle as usual, right?" Roxanne asked with a bright smile.
Repeating the Boss Battle. It was true we had done that in the past, but the way she pressured me with that smile was hard to refuse.
"Ah, well... in that case, the map..."
"It’s fine. I’ve thought about how to navigate this floor before, so I know the location perfectly."
"Shouldn't we confirm it?"
"I don't forget labyrinth information easily."
Apparently, she didn't. Which meant she had Nesco down perfectly as well.
"Wouldn't it be strange to farm bosses in Quratar and then explore the same floor in Nesco? Isn't the order backward?" I tried one last-ditch resistance.
"If we get used to the boss battle in Quratar, where there's plenty of information, we can fight safely and securely in any other labyrinth."
Our standards for 'safely and securely' were very different. Sure, if you're used to the 45th floor, the lower floors are a piece of cake, but that wasn't the point.
"Well, usually it is the other way around," Sherry pointed out.
Bless you, Sherry. Her logical mind was exactly what I needed.
"Exactly. Step by step. Gradually. It’s important to take it slow and get used to things."
"I see. Is that so?"
Since Sherry had taken my side, Roxanne softened.
"Little by little. One step at a time." If anything, I wanted to take three steps forward and two steps back.
"I understand. You're right. Let's keep the boss battles in Quratar to a moderate level."
"Y-Yeah."
I hoped she understood. This wasn't the kind of 'moderate level' where you have five cups of sake every night.
"Hmm. There aren't many good monsters here. Let's head straight for the Boss Room."
"I-I see."
By the way, I also kept things to a 'moderate level' in bed every night. So it couldn't be helped.
"There's still nothing. If we lap the room once more, it should respawn."
"...I suppose."
In the end, I was forced to face a massive number of bosses. It was pure boss farming. I had underestimated her. Roxanne was still Roxanne.
"It is nearly evening, I suppose."
"...Is it? Shall we call it a day then?"
"Yes. Let's leave it at this for today."
By the decree of Roxanne, who decided she'd let us off with this much for the day, our activities ended. I didn't even want to think about tomorrow. We left, shopped, and went home. I didn't stop by Nesco; they would just assume we were there until sunset.
Back at home, I took off my gear and changed into regular clothes. Roxanne and the others started maintaining the equipment.
"Rutina, come here."
I had something to do first. I had to remove her equipment. Because it was an important, precious, wonderful item. The idea of anyone else—even Rutina herself—removing it was unthinkable. I wouldn't yield this right to anyone.
"...Y-Yes."
"We've left the labyrinth, so it’s time to take off your gear."
"Yes."
I didn't make her take off her clothes, of course. I simply reached inside and fumbled around. This was the best part. I gently felt for the Body Clips. Gently, slowly, carefully. I slid my fingers as if licking her soft skin.
"Have you gotten used to this equipment at all?"
"Yes, somewhat."
Good.
"From now on, I’ll be the one to put it on and take it off."
"Yes... nn..."
Oops, I might have put a little too much force into it.
"As I thought, putting this on and taking it off is quite a task. It requires practice. It's best to leave it to someone who's used to it. Therefore, I will do it."
Proof complete. Q.E.D. I would do it tightly, erotically, and ferociously.
"...Yes."
She gave her consent. My apologies.
Then, after dinner and the bath, I would put it back on. It was only natural. I couldn't have her soak in the bath with such precious equipment on. Though the idea of washing her while she was covered in foam with it still attached was tempting, it wasn't practical. But I could do something similar in bed.
"Now, Rutina."
"...Yes."
I pulled her close, gently enveloping her entire bountiful mounds as if washing them. And then, as I pressed down to attach the clip...
"All right."
"Nngh."
This was it. This was the good part. Since it was precious equipment, it was best to keep it on as much as possible. I would take it off when she slept, only to put it back on the next morning. Equipment is put on to be taken off, and taken off to be put on. Life is living to die, and dying to live. There was no problem at all.