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Chapter 162: Laid-back Time after the Item Appraisal – Part 2

After that, with Viine joining the conversation, it turned into a full-blown girl’s talk ranging from where shops with delicious sweets are to be found, to shops with tasty egg dishes and what can be eaten there, to finally going to Eva’s restaurant next time.

Only, as a guy, I’m left out of the loop…

I listened silently while stroking Rollo, who’s sleeping on my knees.

…I think it’s just past noon.

Even while relaxing at home, I’ve become hungry.

After eating the stew inside the labyrinth, I haven’t eaten anything else; thus, I will treat myself to a lunchtime, huh?

Wondering whether the others are hungry as well, I interrupt their chat and ask them.

“―Hey, I’m sorry to interrupt when you’re chatting so excitedly, but aren’t you girls hungry?” (Shuuya)

“Nn, hungry.” (Eva)

“I just thought that I really wanna eat something after having a talk about such delicious-sounding goodies just now.” (Rebecca)

“Yes. I’m hungry as well.” (Viine)

They are the same.

“Then, it’s fine with me if you want to eat out; however, I don’t mind preparing something either?” (Shuuya)

“Yay, how nice~. What are you going to make?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca bent forward and asked with a cheerful expression, recalling the food I prepared earlier.

“I haven’t decided yet, but I think it will be a dish using meat and vegetables.” (Shuuya)

We have bread as well, so I guess something similar to hamburg steak would be fine.

“Nn, looking forward.” (Eva)

“Master, that from the other day?” (Viine)

Eva smiles, and Viine asks me such.

“Ya, something similar. Anyway, I’m going to make it over there.” (Shuuya)

“Let me help.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, me too.” (Eva)

“Me three.” (Viine)

The three apparently want to help out, but it’s not really necessary.

“Three additional people are not needed for the cooking, but can I have you prepare the tableware on the cooking table in the kitchen and goblets on the table here?” (Shuuya)

“Roger.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, got it.” (Eva)

“Yes.” (Viine)

“Nya.”

Everyone agrees to my proposal.

The first to move is Viine, and following her, Eva made her wheelchair change and moved over to the cupboard.

“Ah, me too!” With those words, Rebecca ran after Eva, eager to help out.

Because everyone has started to move, Rollo goes back and forth at their feet as if imitating them.

Somehow, I think it’s no use to hold tableware with three people, but whatever.

I head to the kitchen while smiling.

◇◇◇◇

I take out the newly obtained refrigerator, set it up, and insert a magic stone while at it.

I then put vegetables, fruits, eggs, and other ingredients into the refrigerator to keep them cool.

Igniting the stove, I prepare two frying pans after pouring oil into both.

In advance, I ready seasoning and sliced bread on the cooking table.

The girls had lined up several big plates on the table.

After turning in their direction with a smile…

I prepare eggs, wheat flour, onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and black sweet water as a subtle seasoning to bring out the flavor.

I slice the tomatoes and onions finely―

Next, I put them together with salt and the appropriate amount of water into a frying pan.

I boil them gently while mixing and mixing with splashing sounds.

My movements are swift yet unhurried, perfectly in sync, just like a seasoned chef.

“Shuuya, your handling is amazing.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, with the hot pot cooking the other day, your ability is certified.” (Eva)

While wondering whether a certificate of authenticity exists in this world, I use the rest of the Runga meat.

Creating a large amount of minced meat, I mix it together with a bit of black sweet water, the eggs, and a small amount of wheat flour.

“Nya.”

Seemingly curious about the meat mixing, Rollo stretched out a paw, trying to mix together with me.

“Rollo-chan!” (Rebecca)

Without a moment’s delay, Rebecca hugged Rollo.

After expressing her affections by kissing the back of Rollo’s head, she carries her in front of her chest.

“Haa~ I’m being healed. How very cute!” (Rebecca)

“Nn, next is my turn.” (Eva)

“To treat Rollo-sama as a toy…” (Viine)

Or such you say, but you are casually massaging Rollo’s paw there, Viine-san.

Anyway, I have to focus on cooking.

Previously, I had used cabbage, but this time, it’ll only be chopped onion.

I made a great number of shaped hamburg steaks.

The sauce of cooked tomatoes and onions looks good.

Furthermore, a tomato sauce that appeared to be rich and full of juice has been completed.

I thrust the tip of a dagger into the red sauce.

I lick the red blade with my tongue, checking its taste.

Uh huh. As I’m licking the blade, giving the impression of a professional killer, I show a strange face.

“You won’t cut your tongue like this? Either way, despite your weird face, it sure looks like the taste is great.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, the nice smell of toomaa.” (Eva)

Not tomato, but toomaa, eh?

What an unexpected culture shock.

However, the simple tomato sauce is done in a jiffy.

Alright, next, I will roast the steaks in the other frying pan.

Paying attention to not get them scalded, I roast several steaks with a great feel while imagining them to be hot and humid.

I complemented the juice of the meat by adding the tomato sauce, causing a sizzling sound to originate.

Last, I place the hamburger steak on top of bread and lettuce, douse it with the finished tomato sauce, and voilà.

I arrange the hamburgers on three plates.

“We will carry it.” (Viine)

“Please.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, let’s go.” (Eva)

“I’m so looking forward to it. Let’s eat in the living room!” (Rebecca)

Everyone heads to the living room while carrying the plates with the food, impatient to take a bite.

They line up the plates at their respective seats.

“Time to dig in~” (Rebecca)

“Nn, meat dish, full of anticipation.” (Eva)

“Master! My saliva is accumulating!” (Viine)

Viine is somewhat blunt, unlike a lady.

“Let’s eat? I think the sauce and meat are delicious.” (Shuuya)

“Good appetite.”

“Nn, great.” (Eva)

“…The bread is hard, but the meat goes well together with the sauce. It’s so tasty.”

“Nyaon.”

What a relief. It looks like the taste is okay.

The three girls and Rollo look satisfied as they joyfully wolf down their share.

Rollo’s mouth even became red around her whiskers, as if she is not eating a hamburg steak but raw meat.

“…What about you, Shuuya?”

“Ah, I will eat now.” (Shuuya)

“It’s delicious. That’s why you have to eat it while it’s still warm.”

For some reason, Rebecca acts naggy like a mother.

Without replying to her, though, I enjoy the food together with everyone.

“…Mm, great.” (Shuuya)

Rather than a hamburger, it’s a Salisbury steak, but well, I guess that’s the taste I was looking for.

In the middle, I take out a melon-like fruit and eat it with everyone while drinking black sweet water mixed with ice.

That’s how we spent a peaceful and enjoyable afternoon.

“Well then, the sun will go down soon, so I will go back to the restaurant.” (Eva)

“Ah, I will go back home together with you.” (Rebecca)

Eva and Rebecca leave their seats while stretching themselves.

“Okay, shall I escort you?” (Shuuya)

“No, I talked with Rebecca before. We will stop by some stores.” (Eva)

“Yeah, yeah.” (Rebecca)

Eva and Rebecca are apparently going shopping. They still have some energy left, huh?

“Understood. Then I will invite you the next time we go to the labyrinth again.” (Shuuya)

“Oki. Is it fine for me to come here occasionally… or rather, every day when I have time?” (Rebecca)

“Didn’t I tell you before? Sure, go for it. Ah, I suppose there will be times where you’ll be troubled without a key. Therefore, I will give you this key in advance―” (Shuuya)

I take out duplicate keys from my pocket and throw one each to Rebecca and Eva.

“―Thanks.” (Rebecca)

“―Nn, I want to come here as often as I can, too.” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva catch the keys.

“Don’t worry and come over whenever you want. Just make sure that it won’t affect your work at the restaurant, okay?” (Shuuya)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Eva smiles angelically, then moves her wheelchair outside the living room.

Falling behind, Rebecca follows in order to push the wheelchair from behind.

“Cya then~” (Rebecca)

While enjoying helping out her dear friend, Rebecca roughly descends the small stairs in front of the house.

Eva looks in surprise at Rebecca and laughs.

While chuckling happily together, both of them cross the courtyard and vanish out of sight through the opened front gate.

Now then, I guess I will head over to 【Lodging Moon of the Labyrinth】 to meet with Mel and the others after taking a bath.

Hastening the matter with her wanting me to get in contact with Kazane is…

Aww man, it’s slightly annoying.

“…I will take a bath and then go to Lodging Moon.” (Shuuya)

『Your Excellency, if you want, I will clean you.』 (Helme)

『Nah, sorry. This time, I will take a normal bath.』 (Shuuya)

『Okay.』 (Helme)

I quickly wrap up the telepathic communication with Helme.

“Understood. I will put the tableware away, and then sweep the place.” (Viine)

“Aight, I leave it to you.” (Shuuya)

Viine nodded with a smile, placed the goblets and dirty plates on a big tray, and carried all of it to the kitchen.

I don’t really want to make her handle such chores, though.

I have to hire someone like a maid, after all, I guess.

This is the Martial Arts District, so I think there are few burglars, but, just in case, it would be better if someone was at home, keeping a watch when I am out exploring.

Though it would certainly be funny if burglars visited.

A beautiful thief like cat woman would be more than welcomed.

“Nyao.”

“Rollo, we are going to take a bath~” (Shuuya)

Rollo swung her tail and walked after me, excited.

We go up the wooden spiral stairs together and move to the bathtub room in the tower through the veranda on the second floor.

Removing my equipment, I pour hot water into the tub while laying myself inside.

Rollo enters the tub by jumping.

“Nyaoon, nya!”

She repeated the strange challenge of trying to climb the narrow rim of the tub.

However, as it’s slippery, she falls into the tub and becomes wet in the process, making her look funny. Really cute…

“…Rollo, stop it with the weird challenge. I’m going to wash your body, okay?” (Shuuya)

“Nyaoa.”

Rollo-san uses a different vocal tone than usual.

Grabbing the neckband of the sliding Rollo, I wash her by scrubbing her with soap as usual.

After I washed myself completely as well, I submerge in the hot water.

I relax for a bit, loosening my nerves, and then get out.

I dry my body with a leather cloth and get my personal appearance in order.

In the middle of drying the thick, black fur of Rollo, who looks thin with her wet body, with a leather cloth, she ended up running away.

“―Rollo, I’m going down to the first floor first.” (Shuuya)

“Nnn.”

It seems as though she has climbed the roof at the end of the veranda. She answers me with just a throaty groan.

I guess that’s her way of playing around.

Passing under the tear-shaped doorway and going past the fireplace, I return to the first floor by descending the spiral stairs.

“Master, are you going to depart?” (Viine)

“Yeah, but Viine, feel free to take a bath. It’s slightly dirty, but there’s still hot water in the earthenware bucket.” (Shuuya)

“Ah, thank you. I will enter quickly then.” (Viine)

“Sure.” (Shuuya)

Viine ran up the spiral stairs.

Meanwhile, I leave towards the courtyard.

I’m just out of the bath, but… well, who cares. I will do some light training.

Standing in the middle of the courtyard, my training spot, I energetically open the overcoat to the left and right.

After stretching my arms out as if feeling the wind, I summon the Magic Halberd in my right hand.

My look becomes sharp at once, like a hunter ready to pounce at his prey. And then, the instant I glared at the stone floor, I push out the halberd to the front while focusing on twisting my whole body with my waist lowered and unleash <Thrust>.

The red spearhead pierces the empty space like a flash of thunder.

At that point, while checking my footwork as I concentrate on inclining my body weight forward, I summon the Cursed Sword Beet in my left hand.

I execute an upwards slash, linking it with a downward one with the sword.

As I mow down the halberd, I imagine hitting the torso of an enemy.

Making my body rotate sideways, I move from the courtyard close to the front gate.

Then I focus on my feet, stopping the rotation.

I erase the sword and jump by strongly kicking the stone ground with Magic Combat Step while switching over to a two-handed hold of the halberd, using the Wind Spear Style. Right on the heels of that, the moment my feet touch the wall close to the gate, I run along that wall.

The image is of a ninja.

Without resisting gravity, I run along the wall with the barely necessary momentum and then using it as a springboard, I make a triangular jump while twisting my body.

I swing down my halberd towards the lawn located in the corner and make the red ax blade impact with the ground.

The lawn is torn off, and the soil bursts open due to the sheer force behind the strike.

Oh shit, I got caught up in the moment and hit it without stopping the blow.

In a hurry, I gather the soil and forcibly fill up the hole.

―Phew, I think this should do the trick…

I guess I will stop the training around here and check on the slaves.

I make the halberd rotate on my palm while walking across the courtyard.

When I enter the common-use room after pushing the door open, the slaves are just in the middle of a friendly chat, gathered around the table in the middle.

The remains of their meal are also visible.

Looks like one of them made it.

No wonder; there’s a kitchen in the inner part of this room, after all.

“Ah, Master.” (Fuu)

Fuu notices me first and immediately greets me.

The others see me too, stand up all at once, and come running over.

“Yo, I guess you just finished your dinner?” (Shuuya)

All of them have relaxed expressions, the fatigue of the exploration already washed away.

Besides, they are only wearing light, casual clothes.

“Yes! As we finished the cleaning, we took a break.”

“Yes!”

“That’s right.”

“Correct.”

As usual, Bia extends her snakey tongue and speaks, using a tone not befitting a slave.

“I see. Since the ingredients over there are probably going to rot if you leave them like that, you can freely put them in the refrigerator in the main building.” (Shuuya)

“Thank you very much.”

“Milord, how splendid and thoughtful of you.” (Bia)

“Yes, we are blessed. Not only had we our lives saved, even the equipment…”

I suppose I will try asking them a bit about maids.

“Say, I’m planning to employ maid-like servants. Do you know any company that you can recommend?” (Shuuya)

“Yes.”

Fuu answers promptly while raising her hand before the others.

“And?” (Shuuya)

“There’s the move of receiving a referral from a company, but there’s also something called a servant guild. In there, various servants are registered, so it will be possible to hire someone right away.” (Fuu)

Hee, a servant guild, huh?

A recommendation from a company might be nice, too.

For example, if I have Chianelas introduce me…

The other day, the grim-faced employee with blonde hair who worked at the 【Unicorn Slave Company】…

Chianelas might be able to introduce me to an excellent butler-like servant like Moros-san.

“Understood. I suppose I can get a referral to capable servants if I get an introduction from Chianelas, or in other words, the 【Unicorn Slave Company】 where you guys were sold?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. That’s for sure.” (Fuu)

Fuu states reassuringly.

Thereupon,

“―Master!” (Viine)

“Viine.” (Shuuya)

She is standing at the entrance of the boarding house with a slightly flustered expression.

“What’s wrong?” (Shuuya)

“Ah, n-no, I was worried because I couldn’t find you anywhere…” (Viine)

Did she think that I would leave her behind?

Even though her silver mask is equipped, her silver hair is still a little wet. It is evident that she left in a hurry to find me.

“Don’t worry; I won’t leave you behind.” (Shuuya)

“Okay!” (Viine)

A smile bloomed on her face like a pretty flower with her apparently feeling honestly relieved.

What a lovely expression!

“It’s right after the labyrinth, so you can rest if you feel tired, you know?” (Shuuya)

“No, that’s unnecessary. I slept and took breaks in the labyrinth. I also finished my big and small business. Above all, since I’m a dark elf, this much won’t be any burden. I will clearly tell you if it gets too intense.” (Viine)

Seemingly having her pride hurt a bit, she replied while pouting.

“I see.” (Shuuya)

Deciding to leave the house-sitting to the slaves,

“You guys, we two are heading out. Please watch the house for me. Feel free to eat in the main building, too.” (Shuuya)

“Understood.”

“Yes.”

“Affirmative, I will eat.” (Bia)

“Please leave it to us.”

I feel uneasy about Bia’s line about eating, but whatever.

Viine and I turn around and leave the boarding house in tandem.

“Nnn―nyaoon.”

As I walk towards the front gate through the courtyard, Rollo becomes visible, running from the direction of the main building towards the courtyard, where we are, while raising a cry.

“You’re late, Rollo.” (Shuuya)

“Nya.”

After approaching and rubbing her head against my foot, Rollo brings her head close to Viine’s foot as well.

“Rollo-sama…”

Seemingly happy, Viine bent her knees so much that her panties became visible.

She caressed Rollo’s head while lowering her eyes.

“…We’re leaving.” (Shuuya)

Even while saying so, my eyes were caught in Viine’s seductive zone, but only heaven knows of that.