Volume 7 Chapter 1 Presence
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
By dawn, Ines had finally passed out. I decided to let her sleep and headed for a morning bath. She was going to be a sticky mess if I just left her there, so I’d given her a quick once-over with some cleansing magic first.
I hadn’t slept a wink myself, but with my (Provisional) Fatigue Recovery Set, pulling an all-nighter is a non-issue. When I slipped back into the room to change, I stole a glance at Ines. She looked utterly at peace, a tiny, happy smile gracing her sleeping face.
Well, today was back to the weekday grind. Up until now, life was just me and my three slave girls—mornings spent training in the dungeon, afternoons grinding for XP, and the evenings dedicated to padding the ‘new house’ fund.
Since the three girls from Gale are full-fledged adventurers in their own right, we’d agreed they’d mostly keep to their own routines. I’d already handed out magic items disguised as everyday accessories to the lot of them, so they shouldn’t run into anything they can’t handle.
The problem was Ines. She was completely out of commission today, which meant the Gale party couldn’t hit the dungeon without her. Basically, my ‘enthusiasm’ last night was about to cost them a day’s wages.
”Good morning, Master!” Camilla said.
”Good morning♪”
”Morning.”
”Good morning, Master,” Juliet said.
”Morning!”
”Morning, everyone. You’re up early.”
The whole crew was already gathered in the living-dining area. Camilla was the first to greet me, practically launching herself into my arms. As I caught her, she started nuzzling her head against me with a needy sort of intensity.
Sylvie had slept in her room, but I guess she still felt a bit lonely. Ilse chimed in with a “Hey, I want headpats too!” so I obliged. Then, to make sure no one felt left out, I gave Liese a turn.
Naturally, that meant Sylvie and Juliet had to get theirs too. By the time I was done, everyone seemed to be in a much better mood.
”Is Ines-san still resting?” Liese asked.
”Yeah. She’s pretty wiped, so let’s let her sleep for a while.”
”Well, you were going at it until sunrise,” Sylvie remarked. “Can’t really be helped.”
”Wait—you could hear that?” I asked.
”Yes. And like me, Elves have very sensitive ears,” Juliet replied.
I’d been careless and forgot to soundproof the room. If Ines ever found out the two of them heard everything, she’d probably die of embarrassment.
”My bad. Anyway, since Ines is sidelined, how about you two hit the dungeon with me today?”
”Are you sure?” Juliet asked. “What about Liese and the others?”
”They’re coming too. I want them to observe a higher-tier fight. We’ll squeeze in some training, too.”
I looked over at Liese’s group; they didn’t seem to have any objections. Usually, my combat style is all about maximum efficiency, which doesn’t leave much room for ‘teaching.’ Plus, I can’t exactly demonstrate party tactics by myself.
On that front, the girls from Gale were the ones who mentored me right after I reincarnated—they’re more than qualified. Their party coordination is top-tier. Power-leveling for raw XP is one thing, but for actual combat drills, Gale is the way to go.
I decided then and there to make this a semi-regular thing. I couldn’t just ask them for a freebie, though, so in exchange, I’d take the two of them on a high-speed power-leveling run. Maybe the sixteenth floor?
True to the plan, we spent the day alternating: training Liese’s group on the fourth floor, then swapping to the eleventh for some power-leveling while I ran an impromptu party with Sylvie and Juliet. I made sure to leave a note for Ines in case she woke up while we were out.
”Seriously, Daisuke. You’re just… broken,” Juliet sighed.
”Wait, what did I do?”
”Everything! No matter how many mobs spawn, you draw all the aggro, yet you don’t take a single hit. Even before the fight starts, you’re taking the most optimal pathing without a single wasted step, and you’re sniping anything that even thinks about an ambush.”
”Hey, it keeps us safe. Isn’t that a good thing?”
”It is,” Sylvie chirped. “He’s incredibly reliable!♪”
”I mean, sure, but… if I get too used to this, my combat instincts are going to rot.”
Since Ines—our usual tank and vanguard—wasn’t there, I’d taken over the ‘shield’ role. It was safe and efficient, but Juliet had a point. That’s exactly why I usually stay out of the way when the three slave girls are fighting.
”We’re only doing this occasionally, so you’ll be fine. How about it, Liese? See anything useful?”
”Yes. Your positioning gave us a lot to think about. Thank you very much,” Liese said.
”Master was so cool!”
”Thanks, Daisuke! Thanks, Sylvie-san, Juliet-san!”
Camilla clung to me, her tail wagging so hard it was practically a blur, her eyes sparkling. She was adorable, but… was she even watching the fight, or just me? Liese gave a serious bow, and even Ilse seemed to have picked up a thing or two.
”I guess even Sylvie-san and Juliet-san think you’re a freak of nature, huh?” Ilse teased.
”Hey, that’s not nice! A lot of things about him are weird, sure…”
”Fufu, now don’t be mean, Ilse-chan. Daisuke-san isn’t just strong; he’s a wonderful man.♪” Sylvie said.
”Thanks, Sylvie. As for Juliet and Ilse… sounds like you both need a punishment.”
”Wait, what!?”
”Why me?!”
Calling me ‘abnormal’ is just rude. It’s Juliet’s turn anyway, and Ilse is about due for a ‘reward’ soon too. I’ll make sure they both scream plenty.
I ignored their protests and, having hit our target quota, we headed back home. I couldn’t exactly bring the slave girls down to the sixteenth floor, after all. When we walked in, Ines was finally up.
”Morning, Ines. Feeling rested?”
”Yeah… I still feel a little flushed, but much better. Sorry about earlier, you two,” Ines said.
”Don’t worry about it. It must be nice being loved that much all the way until morning!♪” Sylvie replied.
”Huh?”
”We heard everything, Ines-san,” Juliet said.
”You… what…?”
Just when things had finally settled down, Sylvie and Juliet let the cat out of the bag. Ines turned toward me, her neck moving with a literal creak-creak-creak¹¹ of horror.
”Sorry. I forgot to put the soundproofing up.”
”Daisukeeeeee!”
Tears welling in her eyes, Ines tackled me, her fists drumming against my chest in a frantic thud-thud-thud²². She was clearly mortified—her ‘punches’ actually packed a bit of a wallop.
”You let them hear… everything?! That’s too embarrassing! I’m going to die!”
”My bad, my bad! I’ll be more careful next time. Come on, turn that frown upside down.”
”Nn… trying to distract me with a kiss… you’re such a mean man…♡” Ines said.
I pulled her close and kissed her. She froze for a second, then immediately melted into me. Her tone was still ‘angry,’ but her face told a completely different story. After one more kiss, she finally gave me her usual smile.
”Good grief. I’m holding you to that promise, okay?”
”I get it, I get it.”
”Ines, you’re way too soft on him,” Juliet remarked.
”Fufu, why not? I suppose that means it’s our turn next?♪” Sylvie asked.
The kiss was supposed to be an apology to Ines, but now I had to do the same for the other two. Sylvie went in for it as aggressively as ever, totally unfazed by Liese and the others watching. She’s rarely the shy type.
Juliet, on the other hand, still looked a bit flustered about the public display of affection. But when I squeezed her tight, she hugged me back with just as much intensity. I’m hoping she’ll eventually get used to it and start being more proactive.
After that, since Ines still wasn’t at 100%, I took just Sylvie and Juliet down to the sixteenth floor for some hunting. Juliet looked exasperated the whole time, but she knows how important leveling up is, so she didn’t complain too much in the end.
* * *
The next day, it was time to part ways with the Gale party. When I told them I wanted to focus on leveling the slave girls for a while, they were more than happy to agree.
By the way, I spent last night with Camilla. She was being even more clingy than usual, so I spent the night petting her head and scratching her beast-ears until she finally fell asleep. It seemed to do the trick—she was much more composed this morning.
”Good morning, Dietlinde-san.”
”Good morning, Daisuke-san. An exclusive commission has come in for you. Please, follow me.”
When I stopped by the Guild to give my morning greetings, she dropped the news. We moved to a private room, and sure enough, it was the Knights. They wanted me for about a week to ten days, with a reward of twenty gold coins.
For a B-Rank adventurer flying solo, that’s a solid paycheck. The request form was light on details—basically a ‘if you’re interested, come talk to us’ sort of deal.
”You are within your rights to decline. How do you wish to proceed?” Dietlinde asked.
”I mean, I don’t really have enough info to decide… but if I say no, does it make the Guild look bad?”
”…Honestly? Yes. I won’t force your hand, but it would be a huge help if you accepted,” Dietlinde said.
Since my reputation directly affects Dietlinde-san’s standing, I figured I should at least hear them out. If it sounded like a disaster, I could always bail.
”Fine. I’ll go listen to the details.”
”Thank you very much,” she replied.
Her expression only shifted by a hair, but I could tell she was relieved. The Adventurer’s Guild isn’t a state-run organization, but the crown is still one of their biggest clients. I’m not exactly looking to climb the social ladder, but hey, if it helps Dietlinde-san, I’ll give it a shot.
* * *
The client was the Knight Order—specifically, the Royal Palace Knights. Other lords can have their own private armies, but this operation was being spearheaded by the big guns.
Speaking of the Knights, I remembered Günther, the ‘cool older guy’³³ who did the orientation when I first arrived. He’s the commander now. It wasn’t my fault, but Otto’s bullshit really put him through the wringer, so if I see him, I should probably apologize.
Aside from him, I’ve been having monthly dinners with Mercedes—that ‘waste of a beauty’ knight—to stay updated on what the Hero Party is up to. Apparently, Otto isn’t the only headache they have to deal with, but they’re managing.
The Knight Station is right next to the castle. It’s been a year since I’ve been around this neighborhood; I just never had a reason to come back. There are a lot of stuck-up nobles around here, and they usually treat slaves like garbage, so I’d sent the girls back home for the day.
When I mentioned the commission at the front gate, they sent someone to fetch a guide.
”Good morning, Daisuke-san!”
”Morning. Of course they’d send you, Mercedes.”
I wouldn’t have been surprised if a random guard led me in, but I guess they figured they’d use a familiar face.
”Yep! I was the one who recommended you, after all,” Mercedes replied.
”Figures.”
So that’s why an adventurer with no political ties got a direct request. Mercedes’s meddling. I guess that counts as a ‘connection.’
”We’ve got a VIP in right now, so you’ll have to wait a bit. I’ve got a room ready for you, though,” Mercedes said.
”No problem.”
I’d shown up without an appointment, so I wasn’t expecting to be seen right away. A couple of hours of waiting was par for the course.
”I’ve got some snacks on me. You want some, Mercedes?”
”Don’t mind if I do! Between you and me, the pay for a low-ranking knight is… let’s just say it’s not great,” Mercedes replied.
She wasn’t even whispering. I guess it’s common knowledge in the barracks. We got to the waiting room and just started shooting the breeze.
”Is it okay for you to be hanging out here? Don’t you have work?”
”It’s fine. I don’t have any field duties today,” Mercedes replied.
”I mean, don’t you have paperwork or something?”
”I already powered through the important stuff. It’s handled,” she said.
I always forget because she’s such a mess, but Mercedes is actually incredibly capable. She’s not just a powerhouse in a fight; she’s got a sharp brain, too. Unless she just totally blanked on something, she’s probably telling the truth.
”So, who’s giving the briefing?” I asked.
”Captain Emily. You remember her?”
I only met her a few times a year ago, so my memory was a bit fuzzy. I used ‘Mental Memory’ to pull up the file. Right—the ‘Big Sister’ type, about thirty years old, very straightforward and businesslike.
”Yeah, I remember. She looked like she could hold her own.”
”She definitely can. By the way, Daisuke-san… what about those snacks?” Mercedes asked.
”Oh, right. My bad.”
A knight extorting a civilian for food. On paper, it sounds like some horrific abuse of power. In reality, it was just a gorgeous mess of a woman pestering me for treats.
”Here. Knock yourself out.”
”Thank you! Munch… Wait, this is—!” Mercedes said.
She took one bite of a honey-glazed pastry and her eyes practically bugged out. She leaned in close, looming over me.
”Wha-ish-ih?! Ih-ih-ih-un-ee-un-ee-ih-ih?!”
”What was that?”
She was trying to talk with a mouth full of pastry, and it was a lost cause. Total waste of a beauty.
”Gulp… My apologies. Let me try that again… WHAT IS THIS?! Is this made with real honey?!” Mercedes asked.
”Yeah. Why?”
It was decent-quality honey, sure, but we eat it every day at my place. Seeing their faces melt when they eat something sweet is the highlight of my day.
”As expected of a B-Rank… being able to just casually toss out luxury items like this,” Mercedes said.
”You’re exaggerating.”
Still, as the one who made it, seeing her that happy was satisfying. Even if she was shoveling it into her face with both hands like she’d never seen food before.
”I sense the presence of something sweet!” a voice said.
”Huh?”
Just as I was watching Mercedes devour the snacks, the door slammed open. A girl I didn’t recognize came charging in.
—
Summary:
Daisuke begins a new weekday routine, balancing training for his slave girls with power-leveling sessions for the Gale party. Ines suffers from intense embarrassment after learning her late-night activities were audible to others. A new professional opportunity arises when Dietlinde presents an exclusive commission from the Royal Palace Knight Order. Daisuke visits the knight station and reunites with Mercedes, only for their meeting to be interrupted by a mysterious newcomer sensing the ‘presence of sweets.’
—
Trivia:
- The mention of ‘Otto’ and ‘problem children’ in the Hero Party suggests ongoing instability in the kingdom’s main defense force.
- Mercedes’s casual dismissal of paperwork and her recommendation of Daisuke implies she has more political influence or trust than her ‘disappointing beauty’ moniker suggests.
- The ‘presence of sweetness’ ending suggests the new character has heightened senses or a specific obsession, likely leading to more comedic or high-stakes interactions
—
Character Insight:
The relationship between Daisuke and the Gale party (Sylvie and Juliet) has transitioned into comfortable, public intimacy, while Ines’s vulnerability adds a layer of domestic bonding. Daisuke’s willingness to take a job specifically to help Dietlinde’s reputation shows a growing sense of responsibility toward his professional connections.
—
Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
Adventurer Guilds are non-state entities that nonetheless must navigate delicate diplomatic relationships with national Knight Orders.
The Royal Palace Knight Order is the primary military force, distinct from private knight orders held by other lords.
Elves have superior hearing, which has practical (and social) implications in communal living.
—
TL Notes:
The Japanese onomatopoeia ‘ギギギ’ (gi-gi-gi) was translated as ‘creak-creak-creak’ to emphasize the stiff, mechanical movement of a character in shock. ‘Zannen bijin’ was localized as ‘waste of a beauty’ to capture the specific trope of an attractive woman with a flawed personality.
—
Glossary:
Notes:
• Ines – 170 cm wind‑enhanced swordsman (Level 21+, D‑Rank) and Gale Party leader, with long emerald‑green hair, blue eyes, voluptuous figure and an erotic silhouette. She wears heavy armor styled like a college girl, sports a goddess‑like smile, and is shy, naive, and easily embarrassed. Deeply affectionate toward Daisuke — her first lover and shield‑vanguard — she worries about being a nuisance yet boldly asks to bathe with him.
• Camilla – 14‑year‑old fox‑type beastkin, ~140 cm, thin, fluffy tail that thumps when excited and stands straight when nervous, twitching ears, simple accessories. Rescued from a duel with Gerta, she’s shy, spoiled and sees Daisuke as a father figure; she fears abandonment, seeks his scent and approval, is socially anxious yet easily pleased, and helps clean for him. A slave‑earred girl attached to Daisuke, craves head‑pats, is dependent, cries at sleeping alone, favored by Rin, and participates in the household’s communal life.
• Juliet – A 150 cm cat-kin beastwoman of the Gale Party, with blue bob hair, expressive cat ears, a fluffy tail that puffs when teased, and a large chest; wears hot pants, a crop-top, and a short jacket. Prickly tsundere with sensitive hearing, blunt and prone to teasing Daisuke—yet consenting to their shared living and romantic bond after her first sexual experience with him. Once traumatized and averse to intimacy, she’s slowly warming, despite disliking lewd talk and criticizing his “broken” combat style, while relying on him in battle. Twin Winds instructor and scout, dual-wields a two-handed sword, possesses the Idaten skill, and has a nekojita palate.
• Sylvie – Elf, 140 cm, petite loli‑like with pointed ears, long wavy blonde hair and a fairy‑like smile. Top‑ranked Gale adventurer, Daisuke’s spirit‑magic teacher, scout and trap‑expert who drinks MP potions. Usually in a white blouse and embroidered yellow skirt, forest‑scented; for dates she wears a Gothic Lolita dress with lace‑up boots. Kind older‑sister who watches over younger girls like Camilla, observant, playful and assertive about her romantic interest in Daisuke, her twitching ears reflect her mood, cheerful and recently left her village.
• Liese – Standing 170 cm tall, this Dragonewt has grey‑blue hair, thick horns and grey scales on her neck and limbs. Former Grünewald guild trainee and spear‑user, she is now Daisuke’s disciplined, loyal vanguard and the first slave he took in. Polite and hardworking, she guides the other girls, thumping her tail to betray emotions while serving her master.
• Ilse – Seventeen‑year‑old tiger‑type beastman archer with pointed ears, thick tail and petite frame. Former merchant‑guild worker turned bandit, rescued on an escort mission, now serves Daisuke as a companion. Blunt, headstrong, diligent; wields a bow skillfully, Scavenger talent and high Fortitude drive growth. Informal with Daisuke, she craves his attention, teases him, requests the ‘aahn’ feeding treatment, uses magic, and flashes a wry smile at his overwhelming strength.
• Daisuke – Mid‑40s Japanese reincarnated adventurer, B‑Rank (Lv69), blessed by the Green God. Dressed in Radiant Iron gear and a vintage watch, he uses Earth/Wind magic, stealth and high‑speed combat. Manages slaves Ilse, Liese, Camilla; mentors Rin, dates Ines, pursues Regina & Dietlinde. Owns a Royal Capital house, runs a growing harem of lovers and subordinates, cooks expertly, wields Item Box, Transformation and cleaning magic, and harbors a lecherous inner monologue.
• Dietlinde – A slender sheep-beastwoman with fluffy white curls, small spiraling horns, and subtle ears, serves as an elegant receptionist at the Maultasche Royal Capital Adventurer’s Guild. Composed yet weary, she hides deep self-disparagement beneath professional grace. Once an unsupported orphan, she endures the Dungeon Upheaval’s strain, her low heels echoing through the halls. Her reserved demeanor softens only for Daisuke—his quiet care, recovery magic, and small gifts bring rare solace, deepening her unspoken affection as she clings to calming scents and distant dreams of cosmetics.
• Günther – Commander of the Maultasche Kingdom’s Knight Order, he wears polished silver armor etched with the royal crest, a stern gaze and a scar across his left cheek. Trusting yet authoritative, he can open the Sealed Vault and mentors the Hero’s Party, serving loyally under Martina and the King while wielding healing magic.
• Otto – Heavy Warrior, once the 52‑level tank of the Hero Party and a doctor‑degree holder, now a creepy 50‑year‑old mind trapped in a youthful body. He dons bulky armor and a stern face, is narcissistic, status‑obsessed and manipulative, obedient to Shouta and Takumi but tyrannical toward Ren and staff, pretends to mentor yet is a nuisance. Expelled from the Hero’s Party, he is delusional, sociopathic, and cares only for his own advancement.
• Mercedes – Brown semi‑long hair, white frilled one‑piece dress; elegant yet “disappointing beauty” of the Royal Palace Knight Order. High‑ranking noble, Home Secretary of Maultasche, mother of Patrizia, skilled in combat, destruction magic, shield teaching, leads parties, sees dungeons as divine trials. Despises goblins/orcs, feeds Daisuke’s party intel, seeks a Reincarnator boyfriend (often rejected). Subordinate to Captain Emily, terrified of Vice‑Captain Cassandra, stressed after the Hero Party incident, loves sweets.
• Emily – Captain of the guide knights, about 30, sports a striking purple wolf‑cut hairstyle and radiates a powerful aura. He also serves as a Knight and chaperone for a high‑school girl party, but is frequently late because the Knight Commander overloads him with work.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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