Volume 5 Chapter 24 Curiosity Itself
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
On my way back today, I happened to run into Dietlinde-san again, so I took a moment to cast my Fatigue Recovery Set (Provisional) on her.
”Good evening, Dietlinde-san,” I said.
”Good evening, Daisuke-san. Thank you, as always,” Dietlinde replied.
It had been nearly two weeks since the dungeon reopened, and the Guild’s workload should have been easing up compared to the initial chaos. I wondered if Dietlinde-san was finally catching her breath, but she had been worn out even before the “Dungeon Upheaval” so perhaps not much had changed.
”And… who is this child?” she asked.
”Ah, sorry for her being dressed like this. A lot happened, and I ended up taking her in last week. She’s exhausted from trying to read—it’s not something she’s used to—and she just conked out.”
Come to think of it, I hadn’t actually introduced Ilse yet. Normally, I should probably wake her up to do the honors, but Dietlinde-san didn’t seem particularly bothered by the girl’s presence, despite her status as a slave.
”No, please don’t worry about it. If you’ll excuse me, then…”
”Of course. Take care,” I said.
It was Yellow Day so she didn’t have much time for small talk, but I believe it’s these little interactions that matter most in the long run.
After dropping off Camilla and Ilse, I sprinted back to the center of the capital to meet the other three at our usual spot by the fountain square. I managed to make it just in time. (I’m a bit worried people might start seeing me as some local eccentric, constantly sprinting through the streets, but that’s better than being late and leaving Camilla feeling lonely.)
Lately, it had become a fixed pattern for Juliet to be the first one to call out to me. Despite that, she usually wore a bit of a scowl, which was actually quite cute. She was in her usual hot pants, and today her top was quite thin as well—a truly magnificent sight. Sylvie was wearing a crisp, light-blue one-piece dress, looking the very picture of summer. There were fewer frills than usual, but her loveliness wasn’t diminished in the slightest. As expected of a petite Elf. Then there was Ines. She wore a light-colored blouse with a square-cut neckline paired with a tight, dark long skirt—a seemingly mature look. However, the sheer volume of her chest was so incredible that her cleavage looked ready to spill over. It was absolutely scandalous.
”Shall we go?” I asked.
”Yeah, let’s,” Ines replied.
I started walking with Ines, who had smoothly linked her arm with mine. It was a bit of a shame that she’d gotten so used to it that she didn’t blush much anymore, but the sensation against my arm remained pure bliss.
”You two are as close as ever!” Sylvie teased.
”Heh, jealous? Daisuke has another arm, you know,” Ines said.
”I’m not particularly…” Juliet muttered, looking away.
”In that case, would it be alright if I gave it a try?” Sylvie asked.
”Is that okay with you, Daisuke?” Ines asked.
”Eh? Oh, yeah. Sure,” I said.
Ines had been doing a bit of boasting, and Sylvie had jumped right on it. I hadn’t asked for it specifically, but it seemed Ines was proactively trying to pull the other two into our dynamic. I was grateful for the assist. Since Sylvie was on the shorter side, she ended up cradling my forearm against her chest. Being the petite type, there wasn’t much “give” to her breasts, but they were definitely there—soft and firm.
”…I see. So this is what it feels like. Here, Juliet-san, you should try too,” Sylvie said.
”I… I’m fine,” Juliet replied.
”Sylvie was kind enough to offer her spot,” Ines encouraged. “You should give it a go. Right, Daisuke?”
”Definitely. I’d be happy if you did, Juliet,” I said.
”…I guess I have no choice then,” Juliet muttered.
She tried to play it off as a bother, but with Ines’s push, she finally linked arms with me. My elbow pressed right into the side of her breast, and the soft, pillowy sensation was nothing short of divine. For comparison: Ines, who also had a large bust, had a perfect balance of softness and elasticity. Juliet’s, on the other hand, felt a bit firmer—more “bouncy.” It wasn’t a matter of which was better; they were both top-tier. Juliet wouldn’t meet my eyes, but just like when we hugged, she held on surprisingly tight. My elbow was buried deep against her. (If I move it, she’ll probably get mad, but I’d like to think this is her way of enjoying herself.)
”…Thanks,” Juliet whispered.
”No, thank you. I’m happy enough just with Ines, but being able to walk with three beautiful women like this? I’m the luckiest guy alive,” I said.
”You’re always saying such idiotic things,” Juliet huffed.
”Fufu, well, why don’t we take turns as we go?” Sylvie suggested.
”Sounds like a plan,” Ines agreed.
Ines gave the okay before I could even open my mouth. Not that I was complaining. From then on, I had Ines on one side while Sylvie and Juliet swapped back and forth on the other. Walking through town with three gorgeous girls on my arms felt like an incredible luxury. Ines and Sylvie were in high spirits, and while Juliet remained quiet, she never let go of my arm. I had to work hard to keep from grinning like a total idiot.
It was currently early August by the Hero Calendar (Gregorian), the peak of summer, so I’d intentionally chosen a spicy meal. I’d avoided anything piping hot since Juliet was sensitive to heat and struggled with hot food, but the spice level itself was pretty intense.
”I don’t usually mind a bit of heat, but this is actually quite spicy,” Ines remarked.
”Really? I think it’s fine. It’s not ‘hot’ hot, after all,” Juliet countered.
”It is a bit of a kick, but it’s delicious!” Sylvie added.
”Ines, are you doing okay?” I asked.
”No, I’m fine. I was just worried if the two of you were okay, Daisuke. I’m enjoying it quite a bit,” Ines replied.
”That’s good to hear,” I said.
I was glad it was within their tolerances. Juliet looked like she could have handled even more spice.
”So, are you three planning to keep grinding on the eleventh floor for a while?” I asked.
”That’s the plan,” Ines nodded. “The field layout has changed so much; we want to raise our levels a bit more before pushing forward.”
”It’s an open plain, so it’s easy to spot things, but the Ropers are such a pain,” Juliet grumbled.
”It’s a disaster if you get caught by one,” Sylvie agreed.
Ropers really were universally hated. I didn’t think there was much risk of these three getting caught, but I couldn’t help being worried. I’d given them pendants to protect against Mummies before, but then Mummies had been “phased out” of the area.
”Are you all set for Roper countermeasures?” I asked.
”We’re fine,” Juliet said. “You can tell they’re around by the smell, and Sylvie’s spirits can scout for them.”
”That’s right. Even if we’re hit by a Surprise Attack, as long as all three of us aren’t caught at the same time, we’ll be fine,” Sylvie added.
”Still,” Ines smiled, “I’m happy that you worry about us, Daisuke.”
”Of course I do. It’s my job to look out for you three,” I replied.
They seemed to have it under control, but maybe I should craft them something anyway. Something with a Restraint Resistance skill? If I added Presence Detection, the effect would be even better. Or maybe something to boost STR temporarily? No, MP Recovery Speed Increase would be more practical. (Sylvie doesn’t use physical weapons, so a strength buff would be useless for her.)
I wondered if I could make something that layered with the pendants I’d already given them. Earrings seemed like they’d fall off during a fight, and a choker might look too much like a slave collar. Maybe a bracelet? I knew I’d get stuck on the design, so I decided to consult an expert. I’d try asking Rei first; she was easy to talk to.
After dinner, I walked them back to their inn. Part of it was because of that lingering atmosphere where no one wanted to say goodbye, but I also made it a rule to walk them home after a date. I was sure they could handle themselves, but I didn’t like the idea of girls walking the streets alone at night.
”Thanks for today. Only one ‘Reward’ date left, huh? That’s right. What happens after that?” I asked.
”Ines, you’re already my lover, so please don’t hesitate to tell me what you want, date or no date. It’s better that way so we don’t have any misunderstandings,” I said.
”I’m glad to hear that. Personally, I’d love to keep doing this,” Ines replied.
”Thanks. As for Juliet and Sylvie… we’ll talk about what’s next once the ‘Reward’ period is over,” I said.
”…Fine,” Juliet whispered.
”Hehe, sounds good!” Sylvie cheered.
We reached the front of the inn. Parting ways always felt a little lonely.
”I hate to go, but… see you later,” I said.
”Daisuke,” Ines stepped closer, “is that ‘don’t hesitate to tell me what you want’ offer still on the table?”
”Of course,” I replied.
”Then… may I ask for that ‘selfishness’ from the other day again?” she asked.
”You mean the deep hug. I want to do it too, so honestly, you can ask anytime,” I said.
I pulled Ines into a tight embrace. I felt the distinct, soft weight of her chest pressing firmly against me. Just this feeling alone was enough to keep me occupied tonight.
”Do you want to kiss, too?” I asked.
”…Yes. Please,” Ines whispered.
Even in the shadows, I could see Ines turning bright red as we shared a kiss. She was getting used to the arm-linking, but maybe the kissing was still new territory for her. It was just a lingering touch of the lips, but I could feel exactly how she felt about me.
”…Phew. I hate to end it, but time to swap,” Ines said breathlessly.
”My turn!” Sylvie chirped.
True to the routine, Sylvie stepped up and gave me a tight hug. Despite her wavy hair, it felt incredibly silky and smooth. (Is that a racial trait?)
”Aren’t you going to ask if I want to kiss?” she asked, looking up at me.
”Eh? I mean, if you’re okay with it, I’d love to, but I wasn’t sure if it was right to ask since we aren’t officially together yet,” I said.
I was stunned by Sylvie’s sudden boldness. I’d thought the hug was already a massive win, so the idea hadn’t even crossed my mind. Sylvie was essentially a bundle of curiosity; maybe she just wanted to see what the fuss was about?
”Well, I’d like one too, please!” she said.
”Alright,” I replied.
I gave Sylvie a light, gentle kiss. It was different from the one with Ines, but she was just so undeniably cute.
”…I see. So that’s what it’s like. It makes you feel much warmer inside than just a hug. Okay, can I try doing it to you this time?” she asked.
”A-ah, sure,” I stammered.
Another curveball. She really was driven by curiosity. I closed my eyes and waited, only for her to wrap her hands behind my head and pull me down firmly toward her. Given the height difference, she really had to commit to the move. She was surprisingly assertive…
”I think I like this way better!” Sylvie chirped.
”I-I see. Well, if you’re happy, I’m happy,” I said.
Sylvie’s proactiveness was catching me off guard. Maybe she was feeling the heat now that there were more “candidates” in the mix?
”I’d love to stay like this, but it’s Juliet-san’s turn!” Sylvie said.
”…Right,” Juliet whispered.
Juliet looked grumpy and refused to meet my eyes, but her face was beet red. She was definitely just trying to hide her embarrassment. What a sweetheart. I pulled her into an embrace, and she immediately squeezed back just as hard. Once we actually made contact, she was always surprisingly affectionate.
”…Hey,” Juliet whispered.
”Yeah? Does Juliet want a kiss, too?” I asked.
”It’s… not that I want one or anything,” she said.
”Really? Because I definitely want to kiss you, Juliet,” I said.
”…Idiot,” she replied.
She kept up her usual prickly attitude, but when our eyes finally met, we held the gaze for a few seconds before she slowly closed her eyes. (Is this the kiss-waiting pose?) I looked at Ines and Sylvie; they both nodded, as if giving me the green light.
I leaned in and kissed Juliet tenderly. A small moan escaped her lips. Since she wasn’t pulling away, I got a little bolder, kissing her a second and then a third time. Her lips were wonderfully plump and soft. As we kept at it, her arms around me tightened, pressing her body even closer. The sensation of her firm, bouncy chest against me was incredible.
”Looks like Juliet liked the kiss, too,” Ines teased.
”…It wasn’t bad,” Juliet muttered.
”Fufu. Well then, Daisuke-san, good night,” Sylvie said.
”Yeah, good night,” I said.
I felt a bit like I’d been swept away by Sylvie’s curiosity and boldness tonight, but I didn’t mind one bit. In the end, she’d created an atmosphere that made it easier for Juliet to join in, so I was actually quite grateful. If Juliet were alone, her shyness and “tsun” nature would have probably kept us from even hugging yet. Ines and Sylvie’s support was a godsend.
Well, next week the “Reward” period ends. That’s when I plan to officially ask Juliet and Sylvie to be my girlfriends. I wonder how it’ll go…
I’m sleepy.
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Summary:
Daisuke enjoys a multi-person date with Ines, Sylvie, and Juliet in the Royal Capital. The chapter focuses on the physical intimacy of arm-linking and ends with a series of hugs and kisses in front of an inn. Daisuke navigates the girls’ different personalities while planning to formalize his relationship with Juliet and Sylvie next week.
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Trivia:
- Sylvie’s ‘bundle of curiosity’ nature is highlighted through her bold experimentation with kissing, suggesting she will be a proactive partner.
- The mention of ‘Roper’ countermeasures and the need for new equipment foreshadows a crafting sub-arc involving Rei.
- Dietlinde’s persistent fatigue despite recovery magic hints at a deeper plot point or an underlying curse/condition.
- Juliet’s ‘bouncy’ elasticity vs. Ines’s ‘balanced’ softness is a recurring comparison used to differentiate the characters’ archetypes
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Character Insight:
Ines has evolved from a shy lover to a secure ‘lead wife’ figure who actively facilitates the integration of Juliet and Sylvie into the harem. Juliet’s tsundere traits are softening, as seen when she closes her eyes for a kiss, signaling her transition to a secondary lover status.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The ‘Hero Calendar’ confirms the world uses a Gregorian-like system. The dungeon mechanics are shifting, with Mummies being removed from floor 11 and Ropers becoming the primary nuisance.
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TL Notes:
Sylvie’s hair was retconned from straight to wavy long hair by the author in this chapter’s preface.
Notes:
• Dietlinde – A slender sheep-beastwoman with fluffy white curls, small spiraling horns, and subtle ears serves as a weary receptionist at the Maultasche Royal Capital Adventurer’s Guild—once an orphan, now a slave, she endures the Dungeon Upheaval’s strain with quiet grace, her low heels echoing through the halls. Though composed and reserved, she hides deep self-disparagement beneath professional poise, her demeanor softening only for Daisuke, whose quiet care, recovery magic, and small gifts offer her rare solace; she clings to calming scents and distant dreams of cosmetics, nurturing unspoken affection for the one who sees her beyond her chains.
• Daisuke – A mid-40s Japanese transferee and B-Rank adventurer (Lv. 69) blessed by the Green God, he excels in Earth/Wind magic, stealth, and high-speed combat while wearing Radiant Iron gear and a vintage watch. Possessing exceptional physical strength, stamina, and healing skills—including Fatigue Recovery—he mentors Rin, dates Ines, and pursues Regina and Dietlinde, while managing slaves Ilse, Liese, and Camilla, and maintaining authority over Elisa and Gerta. Analytical yet prone to spoiling companions, he resides in a Beunemünde rental house, currently focused on crafting gear and leveling his party in the Royal Capital.
• Ilse – A 17‑year‑old tiger‑type beastman archer with pointed ears, thick tail and petite frame, once a guild worker turned bandit, now Daisuke’s companion. Headstrong, blunt, diligent, bow‑wielder with Scavenger skill and high Fortitude. Also a level‑13 warrior, uneasy around Liese’s seriousness, recently taken in by Daisuke, exhausted from reading, wavy long hair, boyish blunt speech, beginning to enjoy hugs.
• Camilla – Fox‑type beastkin, ~140 cm, thin, fluffy tail that twitches and thumps when excited, wearing accessories. A 14‑year‑old illusion mage, formerly abused, now Daisuke’s devoted slave and companion. She cleans, follows, and clings to his scent, fearing abandonment. Level‑15 warrior nearly matching Liese, spoiled, craves pets and lap time, seeks his approval.
• Juliet – 150 cm cat‑kin beastwoman from the Ducal Capital, Gale Party scout and Twin Winds instructor. Blue bob hair, cat ears, tail, large chest, fluttery shirt and hot pants that show toned legs. Prickly tsundere who dual‑wields a two‑handed sword, hates lewd talk, nekojita palate. Companion of Daisuke, slowly warming; now in a ‘Reward’ period with him.
• Sylvie – Petite 140 cm elf with pointed ears and long wavy blonde hair, fairy‑like smile. Top‑ranked Gale Party adventurer and Daisuke’s spirit‑magic teacher; excels in scouting and trap detection, drinks MP potions, handles adult topics. Usually in a white blouse and embroidered yellow skirt, forest‑scented; for dates wears a Gothic Lolita dress with lace‑up boots. Described as a curious bundle, always smiling and supportive, inquisitive about physical intimacy.
• Ines – A 170 cm, Level 21+ D-Rank swordsman and leader of the Gale Party, she has long green hair, blue eyes, and a voluptuous, mature build with a large bust, blending heavy armor with a feminine college-girl aesthetic—square-cut blouse, tight long skirt. Calm and composed, she masks low self-esteem with a goddess-like smile and gentle composure, deeply shy and easily flustered. Fiercely loyal and Daisuke’s lover, she proactively encourages other women to grow closer to him, her affectionate nature rooted in quiet devotion rather than confidence.
• Rei – A 155 cm Magic-Clad transferee from Earth with twin-tails and thick chest armor, she runs Maid Cafe Rei Shop No. 1 with breezy cheerfulness and sharp business acumen. Her Rainbow Raiment radiates a bright, high-energy aura, enhancing allies in battle while she blends teasing comedy with artistic flair—skilled in art and design, she leads ‘Yamato Nadeshiko’ and remains the protagonist’s trusted friend and advisor, balancing whimsy and wisdom with effortless charm.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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