Volume 3 Chapter 3 Situation Check
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
Yesterday, a lot happened, and I completely forgot to talk about Liese’s terms of employment. She didn’t seem to mind at all, though.
”Liese, shall we talk about your terms?” I asked.
”Terms?” she replied.
She had a puzzled look on her face. Discussing employment terms with a slave might not be common practice here. Even so, I wanted to do things properly.
”I’m technically your Master, but fundamentally, I don’t intend to treat you like a slave,” I told her.
”Eh?”
Liese looked stunned by the unexpected turn.
”Think of it as something closer to a Merchant Guild¹ shopkeeper and an employee. When a normal commoner works at the Guild, they get wages and days off, right?”
”I believe it varies by Guild, but for everyone except live-in apprentices, that is generally the case,” Liese answered.
Live-in employees usually don’t get much in the way of wages. For an apprentice, getting nothing at all would be the norm.
”I’ll pay you wages too, and you’ll have days off. If you have any other requests, I’ll listen as much as I can,” I said.
”Since slaves cannot own property, are wages not unnecessary?”
”To the public, sure, but I’m saying it’s fine, so it’s fine. If there’s nothing you want to buy, I’ll just keep it safe for you.”
I have an Item Box², so I’ve never used it, but the Adventurer’s Guild³ will hold onto things for a fee. However, that seems impossible for a slave who can’t legally own assets.
”I’ve also never heard of a slave getting days off…” Liese murmured.
”That’s the same thing. Actually, partly for my own convenience, I’m often busy on Yellow Day⁴. If there’s something you want to do, go for it. You can train, or go shopping with your wages.”
My dates with the Gale Party are still ongoing, and I have lunch with Mercedes and Yuko. I could take her to the library in the afternoon if she wants, but I can’t exactly bring her to a brothel.
”…I understand. And also…” Liese started.
”Hmm?”
”If you do not treat me as a slave, does that mean you will not provide me with protection?”
For the first time, she asked with an anxious expression. She did say she would eventually become strong enough to protect me, but right now she’s still only at the level of a novice adventurer. It seemed I’d given her the wrong impression.
”No, I’ll properly protect you. I phrased that poorly. I’m sorry for making you anxious,” I said.
”No, please do not apologize! Master has done nothing wrong, and in the first place, there is no need to apologize to a slave.”
”I can’t have that. My lack of words was the cause, so it’s only right to apologize.”
This, again, must be a difference in perspective. The Grunewald Merchant Guild’s education is apparently a bit too thorough.
* * *
I registered Liese at the Adventurer’s Guild. I avoided the early morning rush and picked a calmer time. Naturally, I went to Dietlinde-san’s counter.
”Good morning, Dietlinde-san. Please register this girl,” I said.
”Understood,” replied Dietlinde.
She was a captivating “cool beauty,” no matter how many times I saw her. Watching her handle her work with such seriousness made me realize what a wonderful woman she was. Since there was nothing for me to do regarding the registration, I took a step back and watched the two of them. Liese didn’t seem particularly troubled, and the process moved along.
”Do you have a moment? You’re the B-Ranker, Daisuke-san, right?”
”Ah, yeah. That’s right,” I replied.
While I was watching the registration, a new receptionist from the adjacent counter called out to me. Crap, I let my guard down. I had been subtly avoiding her until now.
”I knew it! That’s amazing – reaching B-Rank in just one year is incredible. I’m Henriette. It’s nice to meet you ♡”
”Yeah, nice to meet you,” I said.
Henriette was a beastman – either a dog or a wolf – and at just under 160cm, she was quite small for a woman in this world. She had long, salt-and-pepper hair and her chest armor was… significant. Considering her height, it was on the larger side. Since she was a rookie, she was likely young.
I’m actually very bad at dealing with this high-pitched, syrupy, fawning vibe. It reminds me of my previous life. She was smiling brightly with a cute face, but my Sense Malice⁵ skill was screaming in my head. It was at a level I rarely encountered. Was she a gold-digger aiming for a high-rank adventurer, or just hoping for expensive presents? Either way, I wanted nothing to do with her.
”You’re always lining up at Dietlinde-senpai’s place, aren’t you? Come to my counter too sometime. Let me hear all about your adventures ♡”
”Ahaha, I don’t really have any great stories,” I said.
I absolutely hated the idea, but if you treat this type coldly, they hold a grudge, making things a pain later. Unfortunately, she seemed popular with some of the older guys.
”Master, the registration is finished. I am sorry for making you wait,” Liese said.
”Ah, it’s fine. Well, shall we go? See you later, Dietlinde-san, Henriette-san.”
”Take care,” said Dietlinde.
”I’ll be waiting for you! ♡” cried Henriette.
Liese had given me the perfect exit. Dietlinde-san bowed her head precisely, while Henriette waved with a smile – even as my Sense Malice continued to peg her as a threat. They were total opposites.
* * *
First, I checked Liese’s current status on the first floor of the dungeon. She said she could win against a Goblin, but I wanted to see it.
”First, try fighting however you like,” I told her.
”Understood.”
I led her to a lone Goblin. I stayed close enough to intercept if things got dangerous.
”Ha!”
Liese charged gallantly and finished the Goblin with a single thrust to the chest. Since her weapon was made of steel, this was expected. Her ability to fight without flinching was impressive for a woman in this world.
”Yeah, that’s good. Next, try dismantling it,” I said.
”Understood.”
Goblins don’t have parts that sell, so “dismantling” just means digging the Magic Stone⁶ out of the belly. I’m fine with it now, but it made me sick at first. Liese extracted the stone without a change in expression. She knew exactly where it was.
”Dismantling is no problem either. Next, let’s have you face multiple opponents.”
With two Goblins, she didn’t get an instant kill, but she used the reach of her spear to maneuver well and won without a scratch. However, when three showed up, she started getting pushed back. Two was her limit.
”I’m stepping in, Liese!”
”Urgh, yes!”
It was over instantly. There was no way I’d struggle against Goblins.
”Good work. Two is the most you can fight safely,” I said.
”Haa… haa… yes, Master,” replied Liese.
She looked frustrated, but winning against two with room to spare showed she had talent.
”Your level is still low, so this is just the beginning,” I encouraged.
”Yes! I will do my best from now on!”
* * *
Hunting Goblins didn’t earn much, so I decided we should go after some Orcs.
”Liese, I’m going to carry you to the eleventh floor to save time. Unless you’d rather run?”
”Please do as Master likes,” she said.
Since Liese had never entered the dungeon, she couldn’t use the transfer device yet. You have to reach a floor on your own first. Normally, reaching the eleventh floor is a condition for C-Rank promotion, but Liese was registered as a porter.
I picked her up in a princess carry. My hands were full, but I could manage with magic.
”Alright, here we go. Keep your mouth closed so you don’t bite your tongue,” I warned.
”Yes.”
I knew the shortest route and blew through the Goblins while running. I held back enough to keep her safe, trying to minimize the shaking.
”Mmmph!!”
”Sorry, just bear with it for a bit!”
Even holding back, I was faster than her full sprint. Liese went stiff with fear. She followed my instructions and kept her mouth shut, so she didn’t scream, but her eyes were getting teary. As we hit the lower floors, she couldn’t keep her eyes open and just clung to me tightly. She smelled nice and her trembling was almost cute, but I felt bad for her. I stopped at the Safe Zone⁷ on the seventh floor – the spider level.
”Are you okay, Liese? Here, drink some water and rest.”
”Ye… yes…”
I felt bad, but there were still four floors to go. I decided to slow down.
”I’ll drop the speed from here, so just hang on a little longer.”
”No, I am… fine,” she insisted.
She was wobbly; she clearly wasn’t fine. She’s serious and responsible, but she pushes herself too hard.
”Liese, I know you don’t want to be a bother, but it’s more of a problem for me if you overdo it. You have to tell me when it’s too much.”
”…Yes. I am very sorry,” she said, slumping down.
Her tail hung limply. I didn’t mean to sound like I was scolding her, but she likely felt discouraged by her own lack of strength.
”Come on, rest a bit more. I’ll get some jerky out if you’re hungry.”
”!! Yes! Ah, it’s so good! The more I chew, the better it tastes!”
She pounced on the dried meat and began devouring it happily. Her tail perked right up, smacking the floor with excitement. It wasn’t even high-quality jerky, but I was just glad she was feeling better.
* * *
After that, I ran as slowly as possible and reached the eleventh floor before she hit her limit.
”Now, Orcs and Lizards appear here. You mustn’t leave my side unless I tell you to,” I cautioned.
”Understood.”
If she got separated, she’d either become an Orc Seedbed⁸ or lizard food. Liese was disciplined enough that I knew she wouldn’t wander off.
”Since I’ve made you anxious lately, I’ll show you a little of what I can do,” I said.
”Yes.”
Full-power magic would catch her in the blast, so I stuck to melee. I found a pack of five Orcs. They spotted us – Liese specifically – and came charging with heavy, thumping steps. They were much larger than humans; I imagine they were terrifying to a novice. When they were ten meters out, I drew my sword.
”…Eek! Ma- Master!”
”It’s okay. It’s already over.”
”It’s over?” she asked.
She couldn’t have seen it. I used Ground Shrink⁹ to close the gap and took all their heads in a single pass. The Orcs tried to keep running, unaware they were dead, until their bodies finally realized their heads were rolling on the floor. It’s still a sight I’d rather not look at.
”Eh…? What on earth…?”
”I just dove in, took their heads, and came back,” I explained.
”I couldn’t see you move at all. That wasn’t just ‘high speed’…”
”I told you, I’d show you a little power.”
Liese looked like she couldn’t believe her eyes. Once her level goes up, she might see a bit of it, though I doubt anyone can see Ground Shrink. After a few more fights, she finally realized it was real.
”I have never seen someone as strong as Master!” she cried.
”Thanks. I have some secret Skills, so don’t go telling people the details, okay?”
”Yes! Even if it costs my life, I will keep your secrets!”
”No, dying to protect a secret is absolutely not allowed. If talking saves your life, you talk. Got it?”
With sparkling eyes, Liese pumped her fists in the air and showered me with praise. Her tail was thrashing wildly – almost as much as when she was eating that jerky. Having a cute girl praise you feels great, and her loyalty is definitely up, but man, she’s a bit intense.
—
Summary:
Daisuke establishes employment terms for Liese, treating her as an employee rather than a slave. They visit the Adventurer’s Guild for her registration, encountering a suspicious new receptionist named Henriette. Daisuke then takes Liese into the dungeon to assess her combat skills and demonstrate his own overwhelming power.
—
Trivia:
- Slaves cannot legally own property or receive wages in this world.
- Liese was formerly educated by the Grunewald merchant guild, explaining her professionalism.
- A transfer device exists in the dungeon, but only for floors already reached on foot.
- The eleventh floor is the benchmark for C-Rank adventurers.
- Daisuke’s ‘Sense Malice’ skill identifies Henriette as a significant threat despite her facade
—
Character Insight:
Daisuke shows a modern moral compass by paying Liese, while Liese shows intense loyalty bordering on self-sacrifice. Henriette is established as a potential antagonist with a hidden agenda.
—
Behind the Scenes:
The ‘Yellow Day’ likely refers to a specific day of the week in a color-coded calendar system common in Japanese fantasy web novels.
—
TL Notes:
Notes:
• Liese – 16-year-old Dragonewt. Class: Lancer (L7). Grey long hair, thick horns, grey scales on neck/limbs, 170cm, thin chest. No fire/water magic aptitude. A 16-year-old Dragonewt slave with gray hair and scales. Spear user (Spearman). Has the Titles ‘The Two Conflicting Dragons’. Loyal, serious, and enjoys meat. A slave and novice adventurer under Daisuke. Formerly educated by the Grunewald merchant guild. Uses a steel spear. Has a tail.
• Mercedes – Brown semi‑long hair, white frilled one‑piece; shrewd Home Secretary of Maultasche Kingdom, mother of Patrizia, high‑ranking noble overseeing domestic affairs and security. Spirited Royal Knight who meditates, teaches shield techniques, leads parties, despises goblins/orcs, sees dungeons as divine trials, wields elite combat and destruction magic, calls herself “Elegant and Fair Knight”. Also a beautiful but disappointing castle acquaintance who feeds Daisuke Hero Party intel and desperately seeks a boyfriend among Reincarnators, often rejected.
• Yuko – 17‑year‑old high‑schooler, reincarnated from a 40‑year‑old Earth civil servant and former tech‑track professional, wears a half‑up hairstyle, thin chest armor, stands 160 cm with a standard build. Polite but low‑motivation, poor etiquette. Apprentice to Lady Xaveria, acquaintance of Daisuke, battling entitlement and stress.
• Dietlinde – Dietlinde‑san, a slender sheep‑type beastman with white curly hair and tiny horns, works as receptionist and clerk at the Maultasche Royal Capital’s Adventurer’s Guild. She moves with low‑heel clicks, exudes cool beauty, and keeps a distant, noble distance. Though exhausted, she coolly greets Daisuke before seeing him off, admires cosmetics but feels they’re out of reach, and favors calming scents.
• Henriette – A rookie receptionist at the Adventurer’s Guild. A beastman (dog or wolf) with grey and white long hair, approximately 160cm tall.
• Aya – A 165 cm tall, slender alchemist with long hair and a flat chest, wearing no armor. Serious and straight‑laced, she serves the Working Women Party and the Leemans Party, formerly a pharmacist, now an apprentice alchemist. Clean‑prudent, she appears as the protagonist’s lover in his delusions.
• Rei – 155 cm, standard‑built member of the Working Women Party. Twin‑tails, thick chest armor, bright high‑energy aura, and the unique “Rainbow Raiment” skill that brightens allies. Former corporate employee and hobbyist cosplayer, she’s outgoing, teasing, known for comedy routines, and plans to retire to open a maid café.
• Rin – Ice Mage of the JK Party: a tall, large‑breasted high‑school girl with long shaggy hair and thick chest armor. She wears a cool‑beauty façade but secretly loves makeup. Quiet and salty, her fragile VIT makes her physically imposing yet fragile; only intimate moments crack her mask, and her overwhelming presence dominates those around her, especially Daisuke’s delusion.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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