I sat at my desk, sorting out the items I'd received while the girl changed behind me. I wasn't sure if I should leave the room or not, but I didn't really feel like waiting outside (even though it might've been common courtesy).
Instead, I sat there like an idiot, picking stuff out from the bag of items I had and placing them in perfect alignment. I didn't have OCD or anything, but I preferred certain things to be a specific way.
It also wasted time.
Time I could burn while waiting for her to finish and feel less awkward. I kept overthinking whether I should leave, but of course, I just sat there doing nothing.
Typical me.
I placed my book on the small shelf built into my desk, alongside some other random books that were probably there for whenever I felt bored.
Even though I was somehow capable of understanding and reading this world's language, I would never in my life read some boring book with more fancy words than actual plot.
Then there was a sword I had received, along with a small dagger. I placed the sword against the side of my desk, then unsheathed the dagger to check it.
It was pretty cool, with a blue-tinted metal and a slightly curved edge at the end. It also had some intricate symbols on the handle, though I couldn't make out what they meant.
Then there was–
"Master."
I looked up from the desk, before carefully glancing back. "Y-yes?"
"I... I'm done dressing."
Like hell you are!
Why the fuck was that in the closet???
What I saw in front of me was nothing resembling clothing. In fact, it looked an awful lot like the slave outfit you can give pawns in one of my favorite games: an arrangement of black straps around the torso that only covered the nipples.
Nothing else!
I didn't even dare to look down, but the glimpse I saw was enough to realize she wasn't wearing anything there either. And she had the gall to stand there expectantly, as if this was my fault somehow.
In the few seconds I was stunned staring at her, I managed to note a few things.
The first thing was that her body was marred with scars across her chest and lower abdomen. Clearly, she hadn't been treated very well in the past. I also made a mental note to try and learn healing magic that could remove scars, hoping it might help with coming over her past (and restore the beauty she deserves!).
The second thing i noticed was…. the fact that she was probably C-cup. Good form too...
"Was this not to your liking, Master? The previous hero told me that all men were into things like this."
I wasn't sure what kind of guy the previous hero was, but he sure sounded like a scumbag. Though I kept it to myself that I found her outfit unattractive.
"Huh? N-no, that's not what I meant when I told you to choose an outfit," I muttered, averting my gaze 'calmly'. Gotta play it nonchalant, after all.
I realized I'd probably have to pick one out for her myself, since she might've gotten the wrong idea about me and think I was testing how good of a bed-warming slave she was or something.
So, with a small sigh, I stood up and made my way to the closet, giving her a small smile as I passed by. "I'll try to find something for you instead, if that's fine with you."
I swear I saw her tense up for a moment before dropping her shoulders slightly when I just walked past her to the closet.
I wasn't a pro at fashion, only ever really dressing in clothes that were both comfortable and practical. The grey cargo pants I was wearing, paired with my red polo shirt, was more than enough for me.
Still, the clothes in the closet were certainly not what I had expected. First of all, it was much larger than I had expected or had ever had. Secondly, it was filled with an assortment of fancy clothing that I guessed was for formal occasions (though I wasn't going to wear them willingly anytime soon).
This was my temporary room anyways, but I was allowed to make use of the clothes here while the Queen prepared an estate of my own. I didn't ask for that, but I had no choice but to receive way more wealth than I was comfortable with.
On the ground in the corner were a few items I instantly recognized as sextoys, grabbing a nearby shirt and covering them up.
Yep, I definitely didn't want to see that each time I wanted a new pair of clothes.
After looking for a bit longer, I finally found something decent I could give her.
I now stood in front of her, holding out the neatly folded clothes for her to take, trying my best to hold eye contact without letting my gaze drift elsewhere. "Here, take these instead. I don't know if they'll fit though…"
She looked down at the clothes for a moment, opening her mouth slightly but then quickly taking the clothes and bowing low before hurrying over to the other side of the room.
At least she seemed comfortable enough to take her distance without fearing any potential wrath, which was a step forward in my book. I'd prefer to be distrusted rather than feared, after all.
She almost seemed happy when I gave her the clothes, which brought a small smile on my face as well. I quickly turned around though to hide it, not wanting to seem like a creep.
This time, having learnt from my past mistake, I decided to take a walk outside to give her privacy. Just as I reached for the knob on the door, she spoke up, "Wait, where are you going?"
"Just for a small walk," I said with a small smile, "I barely know my way around the palace, so I thought I should have a look around."
It wasn't exactly the full truth, but I didn't want her to think she was the reason I had to leave. And I did want to know my way around too.
"I-I see…"
She sounded almost disappointed, as if she had expected something more. Glancing back and forth between the door and her, I then managed to squeak out, "Y-you're free to accompany me when you're done changing. I'll be waiting just outside the door..."
I didn't even wait for an answer, already a bit embarrassed by the delivery of my words, and closed the door behind me as I left the room. Quickly looking left and right to make sure no one was nearby, I relaxed and leaned against the wall, letting out a deep sigh.
I didn't know how long I zoned out, playing out action scenes in my head, until I heard the doorknob turn. I pushed myself off the wall and turned to see her properly dressed now.
She wore a simple tunic dress, clean-cut and just long enough to brush her knees. A leather belt cinched her waist, paired with soft leggings and low, well-worn boots. A short cloak hung over her shoulders, sleeveless and fastened at the neck with a small, barely noticeable clasp.
All in all, it fit her pretty well, if not slightly oversized on her frailer body.
I gave her a thumbs-up and a tentative smile. "It looks good on you."
She fidgeted slightly with the hem of her dress, letting out a small "Mhm" in response, but then suddenly froze up and bowed low, as if remembering who she was speaking to.
"I-I apologize for my rudeness just now. I am grateful for your kindness and generosity."
This was going to be hard...
I scratched the back of my head, suddenly wishing I could just disappear into the wall. "N-no, it's fine. Really. You don't have to… uh, bow or anything."
She straightened up, but her eyes were still downcast. I could practically feel the awkwardness radiating off both of us. I wanted to say something, but my brain was already overheating with "what if I say the wrong thing" scenarios.
I cleared my throat, trying to sound casual. "So, uh, want to… see the palace? Or, I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to. I just thought… you know, we can look around or whatever."
I knew I technically repeated myself twice, but I couldn't help it. I tended to do that when I spoke more than my brain had planned.
She gave a small nod, still not meeting my eyes. "If that is what you wish, Master."
There it was again. Master. It wasn't so bad being called that. I wasn't sure why, but I just liked it. Perhaps it as because I felt empowered? Though that's not possible since I couldn't care less about power. I just want an easy life, not something to rule over.
It's probably because anyone would love to be called that by a girl.
I started walking down the hall, my hands in my pockets, and she followed close behind me. I didn't quite mind the silence, but this was the perfect time to continue speaking. Doing so later would kill the flow.
"So, uh… what's your name?" I said, managing to actually sound casual for once. It was a miracle how I couldn't even control what I wanted to sound like sometimes.
She hesitated, then answered in a soft voice, "I… I don't have one."
No name, huh? That's weird… but that means I can give her one, right? Like in anime…
"Oh, uh… do you want one?" I asked, trying to sound less awkward than I was. "I mean, you don't have to if you don't want to. But it might be nice, I guess?"
She looked up at me for a second. "If that's what Master wishes. You may call me slave, servant, dog and bitch like my previous Masters…"
Come oooon! How do you expect me to react when you say something like that!?
"Oh, uhm, right… but I was sort of thinking about a real name, you know?" I practically mumbled, unable to sound as casual anymore due to the matter-of-factly tone she used. "Do you not want one?"
She seemed to actually think about it, then gave a tiny nod. "Well, Master feels like it's necessary..."
Great, she finally gave in!
A good name, a good name… I know I was the one who suggested the idea, but I couldn't come up with one.
"Hmm….uhm…I'll think about a good one while we walk, if that's okay?"
She gave a short nod, still looking at the floor as we turned a corner.
I racked my brain for a good name, but all I could think of were too basic names and random words. I tended to be picky, and this was one of those times. Lily…was the most basic. Then there was Sora, but that didn't really fit her.
After a full minute, I finally came up with something.
Yes, this might work.
"How about, uh… Mira?" I said, hoping it was good enough of a name for her.
She repeated the name under her breath, then nodded. "Mira… I like it. Thank you, Master."
I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, daring to smile a little. "Cool. Mira it is, then. Glad you like it."
We kept walking, and I started to feel that we had grown closer somehow. At least I hoped so, as she was currently the only member of my 'hero party'.
We passed by a few guards either patrolling or stationed in different places, some of them even bowing their heads slightly in respect.
I couldn't help but be a bit flustered at the attention, giving tentative smiles and small nods in return. I wasn't even sure If it was something I needed to respond to, but did anyways.
I then finally remembered about something, turning to look at the girl. "H-hey, Mira? Do you know where the kitche- i mean dining room is?"
"I do, Master. I can show you the way."
She then glanced out the window into a small space that sort of looked like a garden, with a giant grandfather clock in the middle. "Lunch is about to be served soon anyways."
"Oh, alright. Please do." I said, slowing my pace a bit for her to walk in front of me. She looked back at me for a moment, her eyes widening a bit. "Is it…it it truly okay for me to walk ahead, Master?"
Oh my god, how little freedom did she have before? If she's going to ask me for permission for every little thing, it's going to be harder than I thought. "Hey, Mira. You don't really have to keep asking for permission like that. Just, uhm, act however you want," I said, before almost jokingly adding, "That's an order!"
There I was again, unable to use a serious tone and instead opting for a playful tone and an awkward chuckle. I couldn't help it! I always added a quick and quiet "Just kidding" at the end of any kind of joke almost automatically, which is a bit frustrating.
"Oh, alright..." she responded almost too softly for me to hear, before continuing to walk ahead. "This way, Master."
We arrived in front of two giant double-doors, and the two guards stationed outside of it bowed as they saw us approach.
"Oh, if it isn't Lord Kernt!" one of them said, opening up the door for us. "Our chefs have prepared a meal fitting for a hero like you. I hope it is to your liking."
"Thank you very much… I appreciate it." I gave them a smile and a small nod in response, glancing over at Mira and gesturing her to go inside. "You can go in. Ladies first, you know? Ahah…"
Both guards exchanged a glance and one of them laughed softly into his hand, and Mira looked at me in confusion for a few seconds, making me wonder if I said something weird.
"W-what?" I mumbled, starting to feel a bit insecure about speaking more than necessary.
"I apologize for our rudeness, Hero. We simply thought it was unusual how kindly you treated a mere slave." the first guard said, but still had a hint of a smirk on his face.
"I see she even has proper clothing now. Too bad, I preferred her old outfit." the other said, before being playfully slapped on the back by the first.
I saw how Mira just lowered her head and took a step back from the entrance, and I understood that she hadn't just been treated badly by the previous hero.
"L-Let's go inside at the same time then, Mira," I suggested with a small smile, hesitating before placing a light hand on her back to guide her forward.
Being this casual with a girl wasn't like me, but I thought I might regret it later if I didn't. And I didn't like having regrets—especially not when the cause was being too self-conscious about what other people might think of me.
She flinched at the contact, but walked forward, and I quickly removed my hand what little boldness I had left ran out.
The dining room was as opulent as I had expected it, with a table that could probably fit around 30 people and far too much decoration in my opinion.
Being used to a humble upbringing, never having lived in anything but an apartment all my life (that I also had to share with 6 other family members), seeing something this opulent was slightly off-putting rather than beautiful.
One of the servants quickly hurried over, slight worry on their face. "H-hero Kernt! You came earlier than we expected. Please, take a seat." he pulled back a chair for me to sit in.
I gave my usual nod and smile in return. "Thanks."
I then glanced back at Mira, pulling back the chair next to me as a sign for her to sit down. She glanced over warily at the servants, who averted his gaze almost instantly.
"The food will be brought shortly. Please excuse me."
He then walked away, and I looked over at Mira again. "Are you not going to sit down…?"
She hesitated before walking over, her bare feet soundless on the carpeted floor, before standing next to me. "I couldn't possibly eat with you as an equal, Master. This position is more fitting."
Come on…
"It's fine, take a seat. It would feel kinda weird if you just stood behind me while I was eating."
Mira looked like she was about to argue, before thinking against it and bowing slightly. "If that's what you wish, Master."
Finally, she took a seat next to me, her hands folded in her lap and her eyes downcast. There were already appetizers laid out on the table, but none of it interested me much. I was just waiting for the real food—meat, chicken, something good.
I could smell the aroma of the food as it was brought out and placed around the table. I started to wonder if the food only was for me or if others were going to join me, so I cleared my throat as one of the cooks was placing dishes in front of me.
"Excuse me, is this all just for us?"
"Hm? Forgive me, but this is for you. I am not sure what you mean by us."
"Huh? I-I meant Mira." I gestured to the girl next to me.
He looked at her as if just now noticing her, then turned back to me and straightened up. "This meal was specifically prepared for you, Lord Kernt. You are free to share the remains with the slave, if that's what you wish." He made sure to put extra emphasis on the word slave, and didn't bother to hide it either.
"I was actually thinking she'd eat… with me…" I trailed off, hoping I wasn't overstepping any boundaries. Even if I was a hero, I was still afraid of saying the wrong thing.
His lip tightened for a moment before he gave me a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Even I could tell it was slightly forced.
"You're truly a generous hero, Lord Kernt! I understand. We will serve your slave- excuse me, Miss Mira, as well." He then excused himself before leaving.
I let out a small sigh, and noticing Mira's gaze on me, I just returned a small, awkward smile, as if to say Gee, what a service. She averted her gaze and looked down at the table, but I could see a faint smile forming on her lips.
When the food was all laid out, I made sure to dig in instantly. There was an assortment of different dishes, ranging from meats I couldn't name to stews that still bubbled faintly in their bowls. Juicy cuts, and soft bread that melted in my mouth. There were also grilled vegetables drenched in something sweet, but I didn't eat much of it since I wasn't fond of vegetables.
Excuse me for being such a kid!
Mira didn't touch anything at first. She just sat there, her hands folded in her lap and eyes flicking over the dishes like she was trying to decide if she even was allowed to breath in the food.
I moved a plate of something that looked like roasted chicken toward her, gesturing for her to eat. My mouth was full of a bite I just took, so I couldn't exactly use any words.
"Mmm, mm!"
She blinked at me, seeming to understand my nonsensical sounds, and slowly reached for a piece. I didn't say anything more and continued to eat. I figured that if I pushed, it'd just make things weird.
So we ate in silence for a while. Not that I minded it. Meals were for eating, after all, and I was too busy enjoying this meal to care about making conversation.
Finally, Mira started eating properly, taking small bites. At one point, I saw her closing her eyes after taking a spoonful of soup, like it was the first warm thing she'd tasted in weeks.
I didn't really know what to say. I wasn't used to this kind of awkward… gratitude? Sadness? Hunger? Whatever it was. So I just kept eating, stealing glances at her now and then, and pretending like I wasn't.
I eventually finished eating, feeling bad for leaving out so much food. I leaned back in my seat with a content sigh and turned to look at Mira.
"I'm so full! You can eat as much as you want, so don't hold back."
She gave a small nod in return, nibbling on a piece of bread.
Yes! I'm making more progress! That's good.
I heard the door open behind me, but didn't bother to glance back. It was probably some servant coming in to do…servant things.
"Lord Kernt? A moment."
Seems I was wrong.