——

 

　The next day. After going to the cafeteria at noon, I headed towards the garden to interview the chief gardener, Lilly-san.

 

“Oh my, isn’t it Plo-chan?　I was waiting for you.”

“H-hi…… I’m Ploum, Lilly-san.”

“Oh, please don’t, no ‘san’. Just call me Lilly-chan, okie? “

“O-okay. Lilly-chan.”

 

　Chief gardener Lilly―― a muscular, bulging man who acted like a ‘big sister’ greeted me with his rough voice.

　Up until now, I had only seen him from a distance, but facing him like this really makes me feel incredibly intimidated. In more than one way.

 

“I heard about you from Jas-chan. He said you were going to write a biography of me!　Shoot away, I’ll answer aaaaanything you ask! “

 

　He spoke while wiggling his huge body around……

 

“A-Alright, let’s get to it…… Lilly, -chan, how old are you? “

“Asking a maiden her age is a no-no. But I’ll answer it just for you. I’m 38 this year.”

 

　38 is no longer a maiden. Well, his beard and bald head certainly make him look old…… still, his well-defined muscles are amazing.

 

“What did you do before coming here? “

“I was an adventurer. I was a C-ranked Martial Artist.”

 

　Just like Aniki did, his eyes looked towards the distance. I wonder what happened to Lilly-san in the past……?

 

“But being totally honest, I didn’t want to be an adventurer. However, I was refused at the work I really wanted as a florist because of my appearance, therefore I had no choice but to work hard at adventuring in order to live.”

“But, you’re pretty strong, right Lilly-chan?”

“Not at all. I was certainly strong, but being an adventurer isn’t that gentle. That’s why intermediate adventurers like myself teamed up to challenge dungeons.”

 

　Lilly-san’s bright face turned a bit darker as she said that.

 

“You’re disgusting…… I was often told those words. They did it face to face, behind my back, and even if they didn’t put it in words, their attitude expressed that. They all bullied me. I was ostracized and they also stole my items. I always wondered why was I born into such a body, but it was painfully clear that nothing could be done about it even if I worried about it……”

“Lilly-chan……”

 

　This person has also been struggling.

 

“One day, a new woman joined the team I was in. That girl was very understanding of my circumstances. That was the first time we met, but I felt like she was a close friend.”

“Ahh, so she didn’t abandon you.”

“……I was very happy that she had nominated me as a guard while she changed her clothes. I thought I was finally being treated as a woman. But, you see, a few minutes later that girl started screaming.”

“Ha……? “

“It was a trap. In order to get me out of the team. All the team members had colluded and set up that trap for me.”

“…………”

 

　……How terrible. Being told such a terrible story, I don’t know what to say. I wonder what happened to Lilly-san afterwards.

 

“I became a slave under the crime of peeping. I was really desperate at that time. After all, nobody would buy a girl with such a disgusting muscular body like me. And even if I was to be bought, my future would’ve probably been forced physical labor until I died. Right?　I was completely cornered.”

 

　Well, it’s obvious to be despaired at that situation. If that was me, I wouldn’t be able to trust in anyone anymore. However, I see, Lilly-san was a slave that was bought by this house.

 

 

“――Up until then, this was just a depressing story. But from then on, I really began to shine――”

 

　…………Eh?

 

“Ahhhh!　It was love at first sight; it really was!　I’ll never be able to forget for the rest of my life the shock I received when I first saw Second-sama! “

“……O-okay.”

“The obvious reason was because he was extremely handsome, right?　But if Second-sama wouldn’t have been there, that would’ve been the end for me. It was impossible not to fall in love!　Moreover, he gave me a life without inconveniences and assigned me the job I always wanted to do……Ahh, I think I’ll…!　I think I’ll cry!! “

 

　He had a dark face just until now, but then he returned to his usual self and it looked like his emotions were about to burst.

 

　Lilly-san then began to speak about how wonderful Master was, continuously. I felt like I couldn’t find the appropriate time to end the talk.

 

“――Right!?　Hey, Plo-chan, are you listening? “

“Y-Yeah. But, it’s about time for the next question.”

“Ahh, oh my, it can’t be, I got too excited. Sorry.”

 

　I’m saved……

 

“Well, the next question is, why did you become a gardener? “

“Ahh, about that. I suppose the main reason was because I wanted to do it.”

“You wanted to? “

“Yeah. Don’t you think taking care of the garden is great?　I’ve always longed for this kind of job. Growing cute flowers and maintaining a dreamy garden, right?”

 

　Ahh, that’s right, he told me he wanted to be a florist. I suppose he does have his cute aspects.

 

“However, that isn’t my only job. In fact, it actually doubles as patrolling the place. Something like a security guard. Cube-chan said this was perfect for me since I looked strong.”

“Certainly, if Lilly-chan is here, any thieves trying to break in would run away thinking a monster has come out.”

“What did you say? “

“No, nothing, never mind.”

 

　Whoa, this person is really scary.

 

“Fuu…… oh my, looks like we ran out of time. It’s almost time for that place to open. So, was I helpful? “

“Yeah. Extremely helpful.”

“Then that’s great. Well then, I’ll go talk with Sovra-chan. See ya～”

 

　Lilly-san shook my hand then left. This was the first time I talked with Lilly-san, but he looks like a good person. It seems he’s feared and loved at the same time by his subordinates in the garden.

 

　Tomorrow is Sovra-niisan’s turn, huh? ……I’m not really good at dealing with him.

 

——

——

 

“Ohh, the failure came.”

 

　Evening of the next day. When I went to the back door of the kitchen, Sovra-niisan was waiting for me there while smoking a cigarette.

　He has unkempt black hair with a beard and wears glasses. To be honest, he doesn’t look like a chef at all.

 

“Who’s a failure? I’m Ploum.”

“Ahh, is that so? Anyway, just sit there.”

“There’s only ground over there! “

“What?　I see. Well, whatever, just sit wherever you want.”

 

　Somehow, I feel like I’m hated.

 

“Head Chef Sovra. 35 years-old, single. Taking applications for a girlfriend.”

 

　Without waiting for me to ask a question, Sovra-niisan introduced himself. Hey, wait a moment. Taking applications for a girlfriend?

 

“Did you break up with your girlfriend? “

“HAAAAAA?　I’ve never had a girlfriend, idiot.”

“Then, who was the girl you were walking together with the other day? “

“Geez.”

“…………Haa.”

“Ahh, so that’s what you meant?　Alright, I get it. I’ll prepare one or two women for you――”

“That’s not it!　It’s okay, I’m good!　Anyway, let’s continue with the interview! “

 

　Ahh, he’s a lost cause, he’s too much of a philanderer.

 

“What did you do before coming here? “

“I was a B-ranked adventurer.”

“Ehh, for real!?”

 

　Unexpected. Moreover, a B-ranked one. That’s pretty awesome.

 

“My Swordsmanship and Spearmanship skills were good enough to make the girls scream, you know. Of course, my ‘night skills’ would make them scream too.”

“Is that so? Then, why did you come here?”

“I was deceived by a woman.”

“Nbufu! “

 

　I was hit.

 

“It was some bitch my parents selfishly decided to be my bride. But that was only so that they could escape their debts. From the beginning, it was just a ruse to fool me into shouldering debt my family had to some dangerous people.”

“……That’s pretty harsh.”

“And out of all things, it seems that woman got really serious about it. Moreover, it seems she borrowed some money from the same dangerous folks and she had to pay it back soon. That’s why I decided to become a slave in order to pay for the money……”

“But? “

“Actually, she just used the money for herself. I didn’t know until later, and I couldn’t do anything about it since I was just a slave, but the debt remained and was to be passed on to the master who would buy me. I totally became a booby trap slave.”

“Wow, what a terrible woman.”

“Well, she really did a number on me.”

“It was the worst……”

 

　But, then that’s why with this I’m somewhat convinced. Sovra is famous as a womanizer who will go out with many different women in the city when he has the time, but there’s a rumor that he will never spend too much time with a single one. When I saw him on a date in the city, I thought he had finally decided to settle down, but I guess he was just fooling around.

 

　……He’ll never get serious with anyone. Or more like he can’t get serious. It kinda looks like something cool, but isn’t he just fooling around too much?　I wonder if he really wants to get into a serious relationship, but his worries prevent him from doing so?

 

　Ahh, I noticed something peculiar. Let’s ask him.

 

“Sovra-niisan. I’m saying it just because, but why haven’t you laid a hand on the maids? “

 

　It was just a light-hearted question.

 

 

　But at that instant――A knife pierced the ground directly below my crotch.

 

 

“Ueeehh!? “

 

“Stop spouting that nonsense.”

 

　It was a quiet voice. I immediately noticed he was extremely angry. Did I make a mistake again?

 

“I’m s-sorry, niisan.”

“I don’t want your stupid apology, damn brat. It just looks like you still don’t get what your position is. Ahh, seriously, just what is that Jast doing……”

 

　Sovra-niisan said so while scratching his head, visibly irritated.

 

　I was really taken aback. My inconsiderate words have made him think poorly of Aniki!

 

“……Listen here, who do you think the maids belong to? Let’s hear it.”

 

　After heaving a huge sigh, Sovra-niisan opened his mouth.

 

　Who do the maids belong to…… who do they belong to?　…………Ah.

 

“……Is it Second-sama? “

 

“Answer faster, dammit. Who do you belong to?　Who was the one who bought you and gave you such a good life? “

 

“Second-sama.”

 

“Who do I belong to? Say it.　Who would buy a worn-out old man slave in his mid-thirties with millions in debt, and still pay him a salary, and provide food, clothing, and shelter?　Come on, say it!　Say it! “

 

“Se-Second-sama! “

 

“……Fool. That’s why there’s no way I would touch something belonging to Second-sama. Don’t ever say something like that ever again, even as a joke. Next time I’ll stab you in the crotch, you shitty brat.”

 

　Putting out his cigarette, Sovra-niisan turned his back on me and left.

 

 

　He was totally right…… I was being a fool.

 

　I went back to my room feeling depressed and dragging my body. It’s a big room in the servant’s huge mansion, so nobody would think it belongs to a simple stable-hand. Even at night, I don’t have to do anything, dinner is just served.

 

　Lying down on my soft bed, I looked up at the dim ceiling.

 

　……I somehow thought this was paradise. That I was blessed. However, I didn’t realize this paradise was all thanks to someone.

 

　Just like Jast-aniki, Lilly-san and Sovra-niisan said. I finally began to understand it a little after being told by The Big Four.

 

　Will a day when I can speak just like them come? If so, I’d love if it would come sooner.

 

　I fell asleep while thinking about that.

 

 

　　　＊　＊　＊

 

 

 

“The younger ones these days are no good. They aren’t serious enough. In the first place, they are naive. You get what I’m saying, Jast?”

“Kind of, Sovra-niisan.”

 

　Night. There were two people drinking wine in the corner of the cafeteria.

　A man with glasses whose hair was unkempt, Sovra, and a young man with hair all swept to the back, Jast.

 

“Still, nii-san’s speech seems to have worked wonderfully. That guy went straight to bed.”

“Ha. I was just messing around with him.”

“Here nii-san, drink another.”

 

　Jast poured more wine to improve Sovra’s mood.

 

“Ohh, thanks. Eh?　Well, he wasn’t that bad. But it was all because you didn’t educate him properly.”

“I’m really sorry for that.”

 

　Jast just bowed down while smiling. Sovra let out a sigh after looking at him, then after emptying his drink, he opened his mouth again.

 

“A biography, huh? I didn’t think such an idiot would be able to write one.”

“He’ll keep learning from now on, I’m sure. Wasn’t that the case with us too?”

“I suppose.”

 

　The two of them closed their eyes as they remembered about the time when they first came to House Firstest.

 

“……I was desperate. I was originally good at cooking, but I was no professional. Back then it was all studying and training. I don’t think I’ll read a book that fast ever again.”

“I was desperate too. I had to work really hard since I didn’t know how to read.”

“You really had it hard. Well, I had my fair share too. I suddenly had to make three meals a day for fourteen people. I had to get better at it even if I didn’t like it.”

“Hahaha, that was one way to improve.”

 

　They both laughed while remembering their difficult moments.

 

　They couldn’t help but to laugh. Why was it that hard? Why were they so desperate? They understood each other without using words. They just wanted to be useful for Second.

 

 

“Oops, is it that late already?”

 

　After looking at the watch, Sovra spoke.

 

“Usually, Cubero-san would’ve come already to drive us away.”

 

　Jast responded while laughing loudly. If the butler Cubero were to find two people drinking in the middle of the night, he would surely chide them.

 

“Ahh, that’s right. Wasn’t Cubero going to pick him up?”

“Yes. It’s finally, tomorrow.”

 

　The pair thought about the following day while they drank from their glass. A man’s face came to their minds.

 

　A face they would see again after four months, their master’s.

 

======

 

Thank you for reading.

 

Next time, 『Chapter 6  The Political Strife Arc』.

 

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Cheat sheet

Stats details

＜Status Details＞

• HP　Hit Points
• MP　Magic Points
• SP　Stamina Points
• STR　Short range attack skill power, strength, physical power.
• DEX　Long range attack skill power, dexterity, hit rate.
• AGI　Quickness, avoidance rate.
• INT　Attack Magic skill power.
• LUK　Good luck, critical rate.
• VIT　Simple defense.
• MGR　Magic defense.

Types of combat skills

Named after shogi pieces (The word in bold is the one being used in this translation). From easier to acquire to harder.

1. Pawn/Soldier (Fuhyou)
2. Lance(Kyousha)
3. Knight (Keima)
4. Silver General (Ginshou)
5. Gold General (Kinshou)
6. Bishop (Kakugyou)
7. Rook (Hisha)
8. Promoted Bishop/Dragon Horse(Ryuuma)
9. Promoted Rook/Dragon King (Ryuuou).

List of Swordsmanship skills

Swordsmanship

1. 《Soldier Swordsmanship》　                  Normal attack.
2. 《Lance Swordsmanship》　                    Piercing attack.
3. 《Knight Swordsmanship》　                   Precision attack.
4. 《Silver Swordsmanship》　                     Strong single-target attack.
5. 《Gold Swordsmanship》                           Small-range attack to all directions.
6. 《Bishop Swordsmanship》                       ???
7. 《Rook Swordsmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Swordsmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Swordsmanship》　       ???

List of Shieldmanship skills

Shieldmanship

1. 《Soldier Shieldmanship》　                  Normal defense.
2. 《Lance Shieldmanship》　                    Piercing deflection.
3. 《Knight Shieldmanship》　                   Defense + knockback.
4. 《Silver Shieldmanship》　                     ???
5. 《Gold Shieldmanship》                           Ranged guided defense + knockback.
6. 《Bishop Shieldmanship》                       Reinforced defense (Temporarily boosts VIT and MGR)
7. 《Rook Shieldmanship》　                      ???
8. 《Dragon Horse Shieldmanship》　    ???
9. 《Dragon King Shieldmanship》　       ???

List of Archery skills

Archery

1. 《Soldier Archery》　                  Normal range attack.
2. 《Lance Archery》　                    Piercing range attack.
3. 《Knight Archery》　                   Precise sniping range attack.
4. 《Silver Archery》　                     Strong single-target range attack.
5. 《Gold Archery》                           Weaker range attack with added knockback.
6. 《Bishop Archery》                       Strong piercing range attack.
7. 《Rook Archery》　                      Very strong single-target range attack with scaling % damage.
8. 《Dragon Horse Archery》　    Powerful piercing range attack.
9. 《Dragon King Archery》　       Powerful on-impact range attack.

Types of Magic skills

They use the “Form” or “step” system of martial arts. From lower to higher.

1. First Form　      　      Regular attack
2. Second Form　      　 Extended range attack
3. Third Form　      　    Strong single target attack
4. Fourth Form　      　  Strong extended range attack
5. Fifth Form　      　      Extremely powerful extended range attack

• Their cast time becomes longer in this order First→Third→Second→Fourth→Fifth.

Ranking of the skills

From lower to higher, then it changes to the “Dan” system of martial arts, which means Grade.

1. 16th class
2. 15th class
3. 14th class
4. 13th class
5. 12h class
6. 11th class
7. 10th class
8. 9th class
9. 8th class
10. 7th class
11. 6th class
12. 5th class
13. 4th class
14. 3rd class
15. 2nd class
16. 1st class
17. Grade 1
18. Grade 2
19. Grade 3
20. Grade 4
21. Grade 5
22. Grade 6
23. Grade 7
24. Grade 8
25. Grade 9
26. Title

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 ToC    

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