With a small amount of my blood used, the spell for the master-servant contract was completed.
A slave mark was imprinted on Shizuku's upper left chest. With this, she became my slave, bound to obey my commands absolutely. The penalty for disobedience was a dreadful curse-intense pain throughout her body and, eventually, cardiac arrest.
The moment the spell was cast, Shizuku gasped and contorted her face in agony.
Watching her suffer, even as a bystander, pained me slightly.
(That Rogue... In the original story, even though he was just exiled after having his lover, Shannon, taken from him, he callously watched a young girl endure such pain. He must really be mentally twisted.
I thought about this, but I was no better. As someone who had done the same thing, I had to take responsibility and take Shizuku in.
"-Sir, the master-servant contract is complete. We will now proceed with the other procedures as ordered."
"Ah, please do."
I nodded and approached Shizuku, gently stroking her head. She was still dirty, and her ears droop.
"I'm sorry, Shizuku... Just hang in there a little longer. I'll make sure you get plenty of delicious food later."
"...Cough."
Shizuku looked at me with a puzzled expression and nodded quietly. Her occasional coughing made her appear even more pitiable.
Thirty minutes later.
Shizuku emerged from another room.
Her once gray hair and tail had turned into a vibrant silver, and the dirt on her skin had been cleaned away. She was no longer in tattered clothes but instead wore a simple dress typical for a commoner.
She no longer coughed, though she remained thin, her skin now a healthy white. Seeing her transformation, Gaizen, Pearl, and I couldn't help but exclaim, "Wow!"
"As per your instructions, not only has her appearance been restored through life magic, but her illness has also been cured," the slave trader explained. "However, Sir, how did you know about my magic and skills?"
"You're a professional slave trader. It's standard practice to keep valuable merchandise alive and in good condition, right? I just guessed. Don't worry about it."
In truth, I knew this from the original story.
This slave trader was actually a versatile character who could handle almost any request with ease, often thinking ahead and anticipating needs.
But back in the original story, Rogue, having used his luck to strip Shizuku naked and clean her up, somehow ended up naked himself and joined her in the bath (without properly curing her illness).
Moreover, the depiction in Bird's Work 8 was shockingly detailed and graphic at this point. (Even the typical battle scenes usually end with mere sound effects!)
The illness was a lung disease specific to beastmen, and curing it required a special elixir made from the materials of a powerful high-level monster.
The protagonist Rogue used his enhanced cheats to single-handedly defeat the monster and get the materials with a smug face, but with my current reduced level, it would be challenging.
Even with Gaizen and Pearl's help, their abilities were also diminished, making a total wipeout inevitable. It would be a waste of time, so paying the slave trader to handle it quickly was safer.
The stage setting of Bird's Work 8 was irrelevant.
It was all just convenient plot devices to make Rogue look impressive.
I would solve the problem using my own methods.
So, to all the readers, sorry for the lack of any lucky pervert scenes...
"Also, while Shizuku was originally suited for a warrior or swordsmanship class due to her beastman physical abilities, my unique skill, 'Free Conversion, has reallocated her to the Light Warrior and Thief classes."
"Thank you. Now we can form a balanced party."
The conversion was made with consideration for our party's combat balance.
The Light Warrior class specializes not only in close combat but also in agility and evasion, functioning as a "dodge shield." Shizuku would be able to fight alongside Gaizen and me as a frontliner, focusing on counterattacks after dodging.
In the original story, Shizuku served as a frontliner, either as a Saber or a Fencer, always charging ahead like a shock trooper. Meanwhile, Rogue, behind her, used cheat-level magic to overkill enemies while constantly flaunting himself.
Even if it was a tactic, how odd is it for an invincible protagonist to flaunt himself from the safety of a girl's back? Despite this, Shizuku never complained and praised him with, "Master, you're amazing!" becoming a mere praise doll.
Wasn't it pitiful for a main heroine?
I truly questioned Bird's Work 8's characterization...
My approach is to have the entire party work together in combat.
I find a certain elegance in that.
Since I alone am a complete attacker, I hope Shizuku can support Gaizen and me. The warrior class is also essential for scouting dungeons, detecting traps, and collecting items.
"Then, we'll be looking forward to seeing you again."
With the slave trader's farewell, we headed toward the inn.
As long as I have money, that slave trader will be useful. To counteract Rogue's protagonist's moves, I might rely on him for future needs.
I was frustrated by the unjust exile and decided to intentionally alter the developments.
To save money, I chose a low-cost hotel.
Thinking about it, aside from me, everyone else was broke.
Gaizen had used most of his reward on equipment for his tank role and sending money to his wife and child back home, while Pearl was a spendthrift, buying up every magical book she could find.
"I'll cover the expenses for now, but make sure to pay me back once you're earning."
I said with a touch of irony, given that they had left the hero's sacred sword to join me. As characters who would also be dealt with, I felt the need to take care of them.
We then went to the dining area on the first floor and enjoyed our meals, all on my tab.
"Shizuku, eat as much as you want."
"Y-Yes. Thank you, Master. Shizuku said, swallowing nervously.
Despite her reserved tone, Shizuku swallowed hard as she faced the spread of food. Initially, she ate cautiously with a fork, but soon her drooping ears perked up, and she started to gobble down the food rapidly.
She must have been incredibly hungry. Given her status as a slave, her poor table manners were understandable.
"Alfred, you're amazing."
"What do you mean, Gaizen? And at least take off your helmet during meals."
"I've told you before, I'm shy. But despite being expelled from a clan-level party and having my abilities stripped, you haven't given up. Plus, you've even saved up a significant amount. Do you have any other. skills?"
"No, I don't. I was planning to take it easy on my own, but with comrades like you by my side, I decided to give it my all."
"Pearl, you're always with Alfred, right?"
"Thanks, Pearl. Also, tomorrow, I'll be doing more headhunting. Sorry, but I'll need your help again."
"... We're doing this again? What happened to you?"
Gaizen looked bewildered, but I had someone I wanted to add to the team.
In the original story, this character was practically the one who made Rogue invincible...