The next morning—no, it was already past noon.
Mash found himself properly laid out in bed.
When he raised himself up, Fam noticed and came running over.
"Master, you've been unconscious since last night..."
Her eyes were watery with concern.
"Sorry, using 'Summon Goddess' drains all my magical power."
"I understand that happens with Lady Lachshel too, but I wish you'd warned me first."
Fam seemed slightly annoyed.
"By the way, what about Lachshel's undergarment..."
"I'm wearing it now."
She admitted this with a blushing face, in an almost comical manner.
"I see, that's good."
He pulled Fam close and kissed her.
"There's nothing good about it, and your timing is strange."
"I'm hungry. Have you eaten, Fam?"
"No, I was worried so I stayed by your side. But I brought some bread."
Fam took bread from the table and they both sat on the bed to eat.
"My lord, I need to discuss something with you."
Her words, spoken in a low, solemn voice, made him uneasy.
"Wh-what is it?"
"Please tell me about all the women you're interested in right now."
"Uh, that's sudden, I don't know how to—"
"If you don't answer honestly, I'm going to sit on the floor, cut my stomach in a cross pattern, and display my organs on the floor."
"That's... extreme. Is that really necessary?"
"Yes. You may think I'm overreacting, but last night was shocking. It feels like my understanding of you has been shattered. I don't know how to process it."
"Alright... I'll be honest. Please don't laugh."
"I won't."
"I told you that in my previous world, women generally disliked me. So I tend to have feelings for any woman who speaks kindly to me..."
He felt his deception was transparent. As he continued speaking honestly, he found himself slipping into overly formal language.
"..."
A long silence followed.
"I don't understand why you say the opposite sex disliked you."
"Just look at me. I'm not exactly appealing."
"I disagree completely. This is just my opinion, but I'm sure others would feel the same. If what you're saying is true, there must be another reason. Like your personality. Or perhaps the way you stare at my chest with that expression."
"Well, imagine if instead of meeting like this, I visited your village as an ordinary traveler. Even if we passed on the road, you wouldn't have spoken to me. In other words, our unusual circumstances are the only reason we're together."
"That's... probably true."
"I wish you would have denied it! That hurts!"
"S-sorry! But, but... ah, it's because my father warned me about strangers."
Even while upset with him, she tried to soften her response.
"Maybe saying everyone disliked me was an exaggeration."
"So there were people who cared for Master after all."
Fam seemed relieved.
"Yes. My sister had a daughter who was always excited to see me. The last time I saw her was two years ago, when she was seven."
By now, he thought, she might be in a rebellious phase and dislike him too.
"Um, Master... normally, a niece wouldn't count... ah, I was mistaken, your niece absolutely counts. I see that what you're saying makes sense."
When he tried providing evidence against his claim of being universally disliked, it somehow turned into confirmation. Fam fell silent, contemplating. The silence stretched uncomfortably.
"Anyway, we're getting off topic. Let's return to the main question."
He felt relieved at the change of subject.
"Me, Mizuki-san, Lachshel-sama, Myra-san, and the guild receptionist. Is that everyone?"
Fam's perceptiveness was frightening. She pretended to list them randomly, but her ranking matched his preferences perfectly. Not that he had been consciously ranking them—Fam was unquestionably first. He'd assumed Lachshel would be second since she seemed willing to accommodate his desires, but Mizuki's spirited personality was surprisingly appealing. She had that "high school girl" energy he found charming. It was also alarming how Fam had included the guild receptionist when they'd barely exchanged words.
"Wait, Fam is different. Fam is special. ...But yes, I do find other women attractive."
"..."
After another long silence, Fam finally sighed.
"As I suspected, we're quite different. But I accept you. Just remember that I'm the only one allowed in your heart. No other woman."
Under Fam's intense gaze, he simply nodded. He wondered if he was forgiven.
"...It was actually somewhat enjoyable doing things with Lady Lachshel."
They visited the dungeon again that day.
It was past noon when they arrived. They were just exploring casually.
When they entered the shrine, several parties were gathered there.
Apparently, some adventurers recruited others on site to form dungeon parties. Mash felt uncomfortable joining strangers. Fortunately, those forming parties would likely seek strong members, so no one approached them.
As he considered this, he spotted Mizuki. None of the other Wind Blade members were present. She appeared to be alone.
"By yourself? Where are the others?"
He was particularly aware of her after his conversation with Fam at the inn. She still had an attractive figure. He wanted to look but avoided staring to prevent Fam's notice.
"I think they're probably already inside the dungeon."
"I see." Since she didn't elaborate, he simply nodded.
"What are your plans today?"
"As you can see, we're also entering the dungeon. Just checking things out and returning shortly."
"...Mind if I join you?"
He glanced at Fam. He wanted to gauge her thoughts, but she remained expressionless, seemingly waiting for his decision. Still, he sensed something troubling about Mizuki. Beyond her usual demeanor, she seemed shadowed by something gloomy. Perhaps homesickness, or some other problem.
"Currently, Fam and I are practicing combat coordination. You'd mostly be watching, and we're only going to the second floor. I should warn you: we're not very strong."
"That's fine. I'll follow along."
"Is that okay?" he asked Fam.
"I'm a slave, so I'll just follow orders," she said, touching her light blue arm covers.
Mizuki had joined their party. She seemed to be hiding something. And Fam was being worryingly passive-aggressive.
When they stood on the black circle, numbers appeared: 1, 2, 39, 40, 41.
They could access any floor that a party member had previously visited. If no one in the party had dungeon experience, they would automatically start at the first floor.
He selected the second floor and found himself where they had ended yesterday.
He retrieved the second-floor map from storage. Fam took it as if it were the most natural thing.
"Heading for the Area Guardian's room?"
"That's right. However, I'm hesitant to face a boss immediately. If we don't encounter monsters along the way, we'll explore a bit first."
Fam nodded and started walking, with Mizuki and Mash following side by side.
"You've been to the forty-first floor?"
"Yes, though not through my own strength."
Even if Mizuki's level was low, he doubted she would struggle there. This suggested her party was quite powerful. Her super-saving skill might also be particularly effective in dungeons.
Fam stopped and drew her weapon. Mizuki and Mash followed suit.
Mizuki was equipped with a shield and one-handed sword.
Before them was a snake about two meters long—a Serpent. Like wolves, there were monster and natural varieties, but the monster type was notably larger.
He initially lined up with Fam, then they split to flank the creature. Mizuki observed from behind.
Fam swung her sword to distract the Serpent. While its attention was diverted, Mash struck from behind, severing its head. The Serpent vanished, leaving only its skin behind.
"You're quite coordinated. Be careful though—they're poisonous."
At this rate, it seemed the second floor wouldn't present much challenge.
"What happened to that Japanese-style sword?"
Mizuki asked.
"Oh, remember Aidan? The dwarf?"
"Yes."
She nodded. He was surprised she remembered that detail.
"Aidan is an alchemist. This was one of his creations that he gave me."
"You're getting along well with him?"
"Yes."
"Wow, you two are communicating properly."
"Hey, don't underestimate working adults."
As Mizuki implied, he might be socially awkward, but he still had to defend himself.
"It's an extremely fine blade. It has an enchantment effect that makes it sharper when infused with magical energy. Her knife has the same property."
"Impressive evaluation."
He learned something new. The varying sharpness resulted from unconsciously channeling magic into the sword, not from his technique. He was relieved he wouldn't need to pretend to have special swordsmanship.
"I changed my job class to Sword Appraiser. I can identify weapon qualities."
"Lachshel is crying!" Fam's shoulders twitched. Mash tensed. Were those fighting words?
"Hmm? You seem nervous. Since Reid was an adventurer, a different job would balance the party better."
Mash was wary of Fam's reaction, but Mizuki misunderstood.
"Do you know where Aidan lives?"
"Fam, do you remember?"
"If I recall correctly, he's in the dwarven settlement to the north. The Blacksmith's Guild would know."
As expected, Fam was well-informed. Mash hadn't known this.
"Your name is Fam, right? I haven't introduced myself properly. I'm Yamase Mizuki. Please call me Mizuki."
"Yes, thank you very much."
After bowing deeply, she turned to Mash with a puzzled expression.
"Master, I've always thought your name was unusual. Please tell me your real name."
What was strange about "Mash"? He didn't understand the question. Was it an odd name in this world?
"If you stop calling me 'Master,' I'll tell you privately later."
"Um, let me think about that."
Was that really something to hesitate over?
"Hey, tell me too!"
"No. I won't tell you, Mizuki."
"Hmm, I bet your name is just one letter away from some celebrity's!"
Women's intuition was frightening sometimes.
After several more battles, they reached the Area Guardian's room. There was a large door similar to the one on the first floor.
This was thanks to Fam having memorized the map, allowing them to proceed without getting lost.
"Shall we defeat it and then head back to the inn?"
"Yes," Fam replied.
"Can I join the battle too?"
Mizuki hadn't participated in combat so far. It wouldn't be a problem with three of them surrounding and attacking. He nodded and opened the door.
Once they entered the room, the door closed behind them. They waited for the boss to appear, but nothing happened.
"Strange."
He glanced at Fam and Mizuki, who seemed equally confused.
"Master, look at the ceiling."
Looking up, he saw countless black, wriggling shapes clinging above them.
They started descending, slowly falling toward the group.
"Aaaaahhh, snakes!"
It was a nightmarish scene. He felt chills run down his spine and goosebumps erupt across his skin. He swung his sword frantically. Fam and Mizuki reacted similarly. Coordination became irrelevant in the face of such horror.
Fortunately, the defeated monsters disappeared upon death. He didn't want to imagine bodies piling up around them.
After about ten minutes of exhausting combat, the door at the back finally opened.
"I never want to return to this floor."
"...Agreed," he replied to Fam, who was breathing heavily.
Among the large number of snake skins left behind were two magic seeds. He gave one to Mizuki.
"You'll get a better price taking it to a trading company rather than the guild. If you don't have contacts, I can introduce you to Mateo Trading Company."
"'Introducing a company'..."
He'd spoken normally, but Mizuki reacted as though he'd suddenly transformed into a middle-aged businessman.
Fam suppressed laughter. He whispered to her, "What's so strange about offering an introduction?"
Afterward, they briefly visited the third floor before returning to the shrine.
"May I join you again tomorrow?"
Mizuki asked.
"Hmm? That's fine, but what about Wind Blade?"
"I'll handle it. What time works for you?"
He noticed Fam tensing at the question, sensing she might be upset if he suggested meeting at noon.
"Let's make it morning. Is that alright with you, Fam?"
"Yes," she nodded.
"Great! See you tomorrow, then."
Mizuki waved goodbye with youthful energy. She was, after all, still a high school student.
He felt a bittersweet nostalgia for his own distant youth. But no—in his school days, girls had only ever waved to someone standing behind him, never to him directly.
They decided to head back to the inn as well.