The Baharuth Empire.
A nation northeast of the Re-Estize Kingdom, ruled by the young Emperor Jircniv Rune Farlord El-Nix. Known as the Bloody Emperor, he elevated anything beneficial to the Empire and eliminated anything that wasn't, with cold efficiency.
One noble house he'd eliminated-or rather, stripped of nobility-was the Furt family. Their house had been dismantled, all privileges revoked, reducing them to commoners.
Or so it should have been. Yet they still maintained a large estate in the imperial capital of Arwintar's upscale residential district. The surrounding mansions, however, had fallen into neglect-unkempt gardens, grime-coated gates. Former nobles who'd lost their status under the Bloody Emperor and could no longer afford upkeep had abandoned them. Many chose to accept reality, surrender their pretensions, and live quietly as commoners. Those who believed they could maintain their former lifestyle after losing their rank were fools.
The Furt family was exactly that kind of fool.
A girl stood before their estate. Thin, somewhere in her mid-to-late teens, with glossy hair trimmed to her shoulders and finely shaped features. Her expression held no smile-only a slight tension.
In her hands she carried a magic item staff. Beneath her robe she wore thick clothing, protective gloves, and boots. She looked like an adventurer-in truth, a Worker who took jobs without going through the Adventurers' Guild-but she hardly resembled a noble's daughter.
And yet she was the daughter of this foolish Furt family. Her name was Arche Eeb Rile Furt.
She pushed open the poorly maintained gate and entered the estate. An elderly butler named James, who had served the Furt family for years, guided her to the reception room. She'd lived here once. She could have found her way without an escort, but nobles clung to their formalities.
Arche found it tiresome, yet she followed anyway.
"Ah, welcome home, Arche. I've been waiting."
Her father and mother were there. Refined faces, refined clothing, ornate accessories-aristocrats through and through. She averted her eyes from them and looked at a painting on the wall. It hadn't been there last time. More wasted money.
The Furt family was in debt. Despite having their nobility stripped by the Bloody Emperor, her parents refused to see reality. They believed that someday, somehow, when someone finally disposed of the Emperor, the Furt family would be restored. So even in hardship, even without the title, they never ceased behaving like nobles-maintaining an unnecessarily large house, employing servants they didn't need, buying luxuries they couldn't afford. It was noble dignity, they said. Never mind that no such money existed.
Her parents believed in their noble station and refused to work. Without work, the wealth drained away. Their savings from their noble days were gone; they borrowed to sustain their luxuries.
Arche cleaned up after them, working as a Worker-taking direct commissions without the Guild's mediation, no rules, no protection, but compensation to match the risk. Ordinary adventurers couldn't repay their massive debts. Fortunately, Arche possessed exceptional magical talent and an innate gift, allowing her to earn as a Worker. She belonged to a Worker team called Foresight.
The money she earned went to the debt. But-
'Truly, it's absurd.'
How much had that painting cost? Where had the money come from? More debt, surely. Arche was exhausted. No matter how much she earned, her parents squandered it. If they simply abandoned their noble pretensions, they could live on what she made. Her parents spent the money their daughter risked her life to earn on this. Any affection she'd held had long since worn away. Yet she couldn't leave-because of her two younger sisters, Kuuderika and Ureirika. For their sake, she couldn't abandon the Furt household.
Earn money, bring it home. Without that, the family would collapse, and her sisters with it.
"So? Why did you call me here?"
She didn't sit. Her gratitude toward her parents had worn through long ago. Even greetings and small talk with them felt unpleasant. Another demand for money? Another complaint about her work as a Worker?
"Ah, rejoice. We've found you a husband!"
"What?"
The situation was worse than she'd imagined.
"A merchant in the capital. Quite wealthy. He'll buy out your contract. You won't need to do that vulgar Worker business anymore."
"Wait-I can't just suddenly marry-"
"He said he'd provide financial support to the Furt family."
'Money. Her eyes narrowed.
"How much?"
"Four hundred gold coins."
She inhaled sharply. An absurd sum. Three gold coins could support a commoner household in the capital for a month. Four hundred would repay the Furt family's entire debt of three hundred and still leave a surplus. If the remaining hundred were managed carefully, it might last until Kuuderika and Ureirika reached adulthood.
Then suspicion surfaced.
"Is that real? Can anyone actually produce four hundred gold coins?"
"It's no lie. We've already received two hundred. The remaining two hundred will be paid when you marry."
She nearly cursed aloud. 'Already received. Of course they had-so she'd have no choice but to comply. No, they'd intended to force her from the start. They were certain Arche wouldn't refuse. Her father, a typical noble, believed parents decided their daughter's marriage. Refuse, and he'd rage about the debt of raising her. Her mother seemed delighted at the prospect of a wealthy match-the daughter's wishes irrelevant.
And regardless of their intentions, they had sold her. Their own daughter, without her consent, for money, to a merchant. Whatever faint affection had clung to the bottom of her heart like jam at the bottom of a jar vanished completely.
She questioned the value of four hundred gold coins. She knew her face was somewhat above average, but not worth that sum. So what was the money? A chain to bind her. A debt she could never repay, ensuring she could never betray him no matter what. In other words, it was payment to do as he pleased with her young body.
She bit her lip. She remembered a woman she'd once worked with as a Worker-a former illegal prostitute in the capital-and the horrific stories she'd told about men who treated women as objects. A vision surfaced: herself pinned beneath a fat, large, middle-aged man, beaten, violated.
Her legs trembled faintly. Still, she looked at her parents.
"...I understand."
She hated it. But she could only nod. The two hundred had already been received. 'My sisters."
Arche resolved to offer her body, her dignity-even her life.
"The carriage arrives in three days. Prepare yourself."
Three days. Not short, yet far too brief to say farewell to the world.
"...And the merchant's name?"
"Beryl of the Beryl Trading Company."
She repeated the name in her mind.
-x-X-x-
Away from the capital's main thoroughfare stood an inn called the Singing Apple. It was where Arche lodged and where Foresight made their base.
In the tavern on the ground floor, four people sat around a table. Arche spoke.
"...So I won't be able to continue as a Worker with all of you. I'm sorry."
She told them everything she'd kept hidden: the family debt, becoming a Worker for her sisters' sake, and now being bought by a merchant. Her three companions-Hekkeran, Imina, and Roberdyck-listened grimly.
"I'm sorry for hiding it. If this causes you any loss, I'll compensate-"
"Yeah, hiding it was wrong."
Hekkeran Termite, Foresight's leader, nodded-then his stern face softened into a reassuring smile.
"But we're comrades. No one's going to blame you... right, Rober?"
Roberdyck Goltron, the solidly built man, smiled wryly. "Why ask me? Of course I won't blame her."
"Nor will I. You don't need to worry," said Imina, the half-elf, crossing her arms.
"...Everyone."
"More importantly, this merchant bothers me. The Beryl Trading Company?"
Hekkeran's tone was slightly sharp. "Roberdyck, ever heard of it?"
"No, I haven't."
"Imina?"
"...I think there was an adventurer in the Kingdom recently promoted to adamantite with that name."
"I'm asking about a merchant. Different person."
The three pondered. Then Imina glanced at Arche.
"But any merchant who buys a woman with money can't be decent. Four hundred gold coins is suspicious too."
"That's true," Roberdyck agreed.
Arche shared the concern. The story was too dubious, too lacking in substance. An unknown trading company paying a fortune to acquire a fallen noble's daughter made no sense. Her expression, usually reserved, now betrayed unease. Seeing it, Hekkeran spoke quickly.
"Well, look-if things go bad, just run. We'll all flee the capital together. Right?"
"Y-yes, of course," Roberdyck said.
Imina nodded. Arche's eyes welled up.
"...Thank you, everyone."
The three smiled. They ate and drank late into the night, a needless indulgence by their usual standards -but the others paid, hoping the memory would sustain her. Arche felt grateful for comrades far better than she deserved.
-x-X-x-
Time passed. The day arrived.
A carriage stopped before the Furt estate at midday. Arche watched it in a dress-not her Worker gear, but something refined and noble without being gaudy. It was her mother's wasteful purchase, though it had become useful now. Her mother had packed cosmetics as a trousseau, cheerfully imagining her daughter's wedding.
In truth, there was no love in this, only a buyout-and Arche didn't even know if she'd be a wife or a concubine.
She suppressed a sigh and studied the carriage. Its wheels bore Comfortable Wheel magic items; the body was likely enchanted; the horses had magic-laden eyes, clearly some manner of beast. The carriage was luxurious enough to make four hundred gold coins seem trivial. She smiled stiffly. The Beryl Trading Company evidently commanded immense wealth.
A mature maid descended with elegant poise and bowed to Arche and her parents.
'Thank you for waiting. I've come to escort Lady Arche. My name is Lazlo."
Her bearing surpassed that of any servant of the Furt household. Arche, momentarily captivated, hurriedly bowed.
"Thank you for coming. I am Arche Eeb Ryle Furt."
Her parents did not bow. To them, a merchant's maid warranted no deference from nobles. Arche clicked her tongue inwardly. They boasted of wealth yet couldn't humble themselves before those wealthier still. Enough with the noble pretensions.
"Then here is the remaining half, as promised."
Lazlo handed a credit tablet to her parents. Two hundred gold coins, presumably. Two tablets for her worth, Arche thought, and exhaled.
Lazlo smiled. "This way, Lady Arche."
Arche boarded. Her parents looked as if they were celebrating their daughter's departure-unable to see reality. They'd sold her, and they didn't even realize it. Her beloved sisters weren't present; they'd have wept, so Arche had arranged for them to be absent.
The carriage interior was opulent beyond measure-golden embroidery, plush cushions, finer than any true noble's carriage. As she shifted on the soft seat, Lazlo looked at her.
"Is the seating uncomfortable, Lady Arche?"
"N-no, not at all."
Lazlo smiled. "There's no need to be so nervous. Beryl-sama is a kind person."
"Y-yes... I see."
Arche recited her mother's etiquette lessons in her head and nodded. She wanted to ask about this "Beryl-sama" but swallowed the urge as improper.
Lazlo was clearly no ordinary maid. Beautiful, composed-older than Arche, perhaps a little younger than her mother. What struck Arche was her presence. She'd seen many people as a Worker, some commanded attention simply by sitting. Charisma. If the estate employed multiple maids, Lazlo was surely the head.
The carriage moved with only a faint sway. No concern of motion sickness.
"Lady Arche, may I ask about the luggage we loaded?"
"Ah, that's... my mother's trousseau. Cosmetics, undergarments-fine items. Though they seem dull compared to this carriage."
"And?"
"And my Worker equipment. Staff, armor. I couldn't bring myself to discard it."
Her parents had told her to throw away the vulgar tools of her trade, but she couldn't. They held memories of her comrades, of her days adventuring with Foresight.
"My, is that so?"
"...If it's unwelcome, I apologize. I can dispose of-"
"No, no. There's no need. It's quite all right. Please rest easy."
Lazlo smiled at the nervous girl, and Arche concluded she wasn't a bad person. But a good maid didn't guarantee a good master-the Furt butler was competent while his employers were not. She couldn't relax.
The carriage rolled along paved roads, magically cushioned, and soon a large mansion came into view. It looked to have been converted from a noble's residence, showing dignified age rather than disrepair.
"We've arrived, Lady Arche."
'Thank you, Lazlo-sama."
"Just Lazlo is fine."
"...That would be too presumptuous."
"My, my. Modesty is a virtue, but..."
Arche bowed. Until she knew her place here-concubine, mistress, lover, toy-she couldn't afford to treat Lazlo carelessly.
Lazlo opened the gate and the great door. Inside, three maids stood in a row, heads bowed.
"Welcome home, Lazlo-sama."
Lazlo sighed. "There's no need to bow to me. Cixous, Foire, Lumière-return to your posts."
"Yes."
"Understood."
'Very well."
They dispersed. Arche was now certain Lazlo was no ordinary maid.
"My apologies, Lady Arche. They greeted me before you, their guest, and ignored you entirely."
"Ah, no-it's fine."
Arche's breath caught. She wasn't welcome. Conflict with the maids... the life ahead would be harsh. Her heart nearly broke.
"I'll reprimand them strictly."
"No, no! I don't mind!"
If they were scolded, it would look as though she'd tattled, deepening any rift. "Are you sure?" Lazlo asked. "Yes." Lazlo considered, then looked back at her.
"Then let's call it a favor owed."
"A favor?"
"Yes. My father often said: what is borrowed must be repaid-even goodwill."
Arche blinked. Lazlo was likely well-born-a noble's second or third daughter, she guessed. And her father, then, would be a noble head. That such a man spoke those words impressed her; most nobles clung to their station and took others' kindness for granted.
"Your father sounds like a wonderful person."
"Yes! He is! You understand? Even indirectly, Father's greatness conveys itself!"
"Eh-"
Lazlo's face flushed; she seized Arche's hands, all composure replaced by a beaming smile. Then, abruptly, she went serious.
"...Forgive me. I lost myself."
"N-no... it's fine."
A fine maid-still, yes-but more human than expected. Arche found that likable.
"Ahem. To return to the point: a favor is a favor. If anything troubles you here, say so without hesitation.
I'll handle it."
"Thank you, Lazlo-sama."
"For small things, I'll help regardless of favors. Just ask."
Arche bowed to the smiling maid. Lazlo was someone she could trust here. Her sunken heart eased slightly.
She followed Lazlo through the mansion. The master, Beryl, was in his study. With every step, unease pressed on her-beautiful maids, a girl bought with gold, the worst futures she could imagine. The weight of it slowed her feet.
Then, after a stretch of time that felt both long and short-
"This is the study. We're going in. Please, no rudeness."
"Y-yes."
She gripped the hem of her dress and nodded. Lazlo knocked and opened the door. Bookshelves lined both walls, packed with volumes. Light poured through the far window, illuminating a man at a desk.
"Beryl-sama, I've brought Lady Arche."
"Hm? Ah... is it that time already?"
As he rose, Arche blinked. Not the middle-aged degenerate she'd pictured, but a beautiful man in his mid-twenties. Black hair, red eyes, plain clothing.
He turned to her. "I'm sorry, Arche. I should have greeted you myself."
"N-no, not at all! It's fine!"
Her mind spun. Hadn't she been sold by her parents to a perverted merchant? Confused, unsettled, she met his eyes.
"I'll be in your care. I am Arche Eeb Rile Furt."
"How courteous. I'm Beryl Albert. A pleasure."
She hesitantly took his offered hand.
"Have you eaten lunch?"
"N-no."
"Then let's talk over something light. Lazlo, would you prepare something?"
"Certainly."
He glanced at Lazlo; she bowed and left. "Standing's pointless. Sit, and let's talk."
"Yes..."
Arche had resolved not to show fear before the merchant who'd bought her, but she was tense. His handsome face, his gentle manner-none of it matched her expectations.
She sat, nervous.
The maid Lazlo returned with tea and cookies. The tea gave off a rich, fragrant aroma, but Arche kept her hands folded in her lap. A superior was present. She could not drink before the master of the house.
Beryl noticed her restraint, took a cookie, and sipped his tea. Grateful for the consideration, Arche finally reached for a cookie.
"It's delicious."
The spices marked it as high-quality. She'd eaten something similar as a small child, but this was far better. Before she realized it, the cookies were gone.
"I'm glad you like them."
Her eyes widened. "M-my apologies. That was unseemly of me."
"Not at all."
He sipped his tea, and Arche followed suit. The leaves were clearly fine as well. She gathered her thoughts, then spoke.
"Lord Beryl. Why did you choose to buy my contract?"
She'd wondered from the start. Paying such a sum for a mere Worker made no sense. The maids' beauty told her he had no shortage of women.
'Why me?'
"Ah, there are various things I'd like you to do."
'Things he'd like me to do. Arche swallowed. Acts too depraved for the maids, meant to humiliate her.
"Th-that is to say, my-"
"I want you to tell me about the Baharuth Empire. I've only recently arrived."
"...Huh?"
She blinked, genuinely startled.
"You were raised noble and learned imperial etiquette, and as a Worker you know the Empire's underbelly. That's the kind of person I wanted."
"O-oh... is that so?"
"Does that sound strange?"
"N-no... I'll do my best to meet your expectations."
She bowed her head. This man was more decent than she'd expected-a serious, upright merchant. She felt guilty for having imagined a depraved degenerate. "But even so-isn't four hundred gold coins too much? What value do I have to warrant that?"
"Don't be so modest. You possess an exceptional innate talent and considerable skill as a magic caster. Valuable things deserve appropriate prices, don't they?"
"...You knew?"
She blinked. Her innate talent allowed her to discern the magical power of other casters. Only one other person she knew shared such a gift-Fluder Paradyne, the Empire's strongest magic caster. It was a rare ability. She hadn't hidden it, precisely, but a merchant knowing of it was unexpected.
"I was curious, so I looked into you. I learned about your family's circumstances as well. I apologize for prying."
"No... that's..." She hesitated. "Is that why? Four hundred gold coins?"
He'd known of the debt. He'd paid enough to leave a surplus.
"Who can say?"
He smiled evasively. Arche was certain now. 'He considered my family's situation. He's kind-soft-hearted. Not a bad person.'
She exhaled in genuine relief. She'd feared a perverted merchant; instead, a gentle and wise one.
"... Thank you, Lord Beryl."
"I don't think I did anything worth thanks."
He drank his tea. She did the same, warmth spreading through her chest.
"And what will my position be in this house?"
"Hm? Concubine."
Her grip on the teacup tightened. "Then that means I would bear-"
"Ah, no, no. Not that kind of thing. It's a concubine position on paper."
"Eh?"
"You'll live and work here, so you need a status. This was the cleanest arrangement."
She nodded, slightly puzzled but understanding. A thin body, modest height, small chest-muscle-hardened from Worker labor. 'With so many beautiful maids here, there's no reason to want someone like me. The thought brought relief, but also a faint sting. It felt like having her lack of feminine appeal pointed out.
"You needn't look so down. You're quite cute."
"I'm not down... but thank you for the consideration."
"It's not consideration. If you wanted, I'd make you a true concubine."
"Eh-"
She caught her breath. The words carried too much conviction for mere encouragement. So he was a womanizer. Yet being acknowledged wasn't unpleasant.
He smiled. "I won't force anything. Rest assured."
"Th-thank you."
It was only their first day. She didn't want to give her body to a man she barely knew-not that she disliked him. If he pushed, gratitude might compel her, but she wouldn't initiate. She was certain of that.
-x-X-x-
'This is fine to sell; this is... too much of an out-of-place artifact for locals?'
I fiddled with a magic item that looked like a mere book. If it was this much trouble, I shouldn't have said I was going to the Empire.
I regretted it slightly and let my memory drift.
Two weeks earlier, he'd decided to go to the Baharuth Empire. Fucking Evileye and Lakyus in the Kingdom was excellent, but the Empire had events coming in the original timeline, so he'd go on a business trip.
The side objective: Foresight, the Worker team. They'd take a job to investigate the Great Tomb of Nazarick for the Empire and suffer fates worse than death. From his current perspective, they'd entered the tomb for money, so whatever happened was their own fault. But Arche, the magic caster-had a talent.
Clinging to his 'human' mentality, he thought it best to save anyone he 'pitied'. Self-satisfaction, he knew. And if wanted, he wanted to sleep with her. She was cute-a petite girl with a thin thread of fortune, or rather, a beauty clearly marked by misfortune. That was arousing.
He'd entered the Empire and moved about. When he told Demiurge he was going, Demiurge had said, "I see! So that's what this is about?"
He had nodded vaguely, and the next thing he knew, a merchant identity had been fabricated, and he was entering the Empire as Beryl, while changing his appearance.
He'd used Dominate and Charm Person on guards and officials. For the time being, even Emperor Jircniv wouldn't notice. So now he was playing merchant-though he had no talent for it. He sold gacha junk items, harmless conveniences that wouldn't cause trouble. No suppliers, no real skill required. It had been Momonga's suggestion to improve Nazarick's finances by collecting imperial currency. Though four hundred of those coins had gone to his personal use.
He'd bought an estate emptied by Jircniv's purges and posed as a great merchant. In practice, he was running a flea market out of a warehouse.
Managing the estate required staff, so I'd brought Lazlo first-obvious. But the mansion was too large for one maid. I couldn't hire locals, so I'd brought general maids from Nazarick. Lazlo reported they were too contemptuous of humans. If I was pretending to be a merchant, I'd receive human guests.
He needed maids who could behave somewhat amicably toward humans. He remembered the three from his date with Clementine: Cixous, Foire, Lumière. They'd revered Clementine. He'd brought them. But it seemed their respect for Clementine was special; toward ordinary humans they were contemptuous. They didn't voice it or show it, at least, but humans might sense it.
So he left human interaction to Lazlo. 'I may be overworking her. I'll ask what she wants and get it.'
Thus the Beryl Albert estate was a monster house: one incubus, one greater doppelgänger, three homunculi. Plus, one human now.
What a brilliant collection.
Several days had passed since Arche arrived. She taught him imperial etiquette and shared information about nobles she'd gained as a Worker. With her noble schooling, she handled some clerical work. Unlike Nazarick's denizens, he had to be careful not to overwork her.
As a concubine, he hadn't touched her yet.
So he was guiding her to offer herself willingly-acting kind, using his incubus physical appeal to lead her gradually. That was the plan. It would take months; her guard was high. He'd take the long view.
Which meant he was currently abstinent. He hadn't had sex in two days. His cock was painfully erect. Even while conversing mildly with Arche, he was rock-hard.
The brain in his groin screamed: 'Hurry up and violate this woman.'
At this rate he'd lose control and fuck her savagely-not what he wanted, yet. He needed release. Nearing his limit, he sent a [Message].
-x-X-x-
Her work at the Beryl estate began. In truth, it was little more than discussing noble manners and imperial affairs-small talk with tea and sweets. If she called this work, her Foresight comrades would scold her. Still, she was relieved the job carried no mortal danger.
Arche wanted to repay the four hundred coins, but she'd been told her salary was ten gold coins a month. She'd tried to refuse, but was firmly persuaded to buy things for herself. Secretly, she resolved to save for her sisters' future.
The three general maids seemed to avoid her a little, but they never shirked their duties. They simply couldn't make small talk. She felt blessed-no debt collectors, no threat to her life, good food, clean clothes. So happy. Too happy. And so she felt guilt. Her sisters, left behind. Was it right for her alone to be this happy? Every sweet she ate made her want to share it. Every pretty dress made her want to put it on her sisters. Happiness and guilt for that happiness, carried together as she worked.
Then one day, a carriage arrived at the Beryl estate. Assuming a business guest, Arche peeked from behind Lazlo as she went to receive them. A woman with a blonde bob, wearing a red dress-beautiful. She spoke familiarly with Lazlo and was shown to Beryl's bedchamber.
A close relationship, then. Lazlo emerged from the room, and Arche found herself approaching.
"Lazlo-sama."
"Oh? Were you watching?"
"Y-yes... my apologies."
"Not at all. It's nothing that needs hiding."
"Then... who was that woman?"
"Beryl-sama's concubine, Lady Clementine."
"Concubine..."
Was that the same position Arche held? Or was it a true concubine? A faint unease stirred. Clementine was familiar with the other three maids and with Beryl himself, touching him casually. She occupied a higher position, Arche understood. And for the first time, she felt a small, faint jealousy.
That night.
Arche couldn't sleep. If he'd brought in another concubine while she was here, perhaps she was inadequate. Her mind turned dark. If he asked for the four hundred coins back, she couldn't return it-and she didn't want to abandon this life. It was the first hope she'd seen: a dream that would have collapsed under Worker work, earning enough for her sisters to live happily into adulthood.
In this house, under a concubine's position, it might be possible. She didn't want to lose it. She had to be useful. But she didn't know what to do.
Vague anxiety joined her guilt, eating at her....I want some water. She took the pitcher by her bed, drank, and found it empty. Her thirst was quenched, but she should refill it. She rose in her nightclothes and slippers, left her room, and headed for the kitchen where the spare pitcher was kept.
Down the hall, through the common room-she heard a voice. At this hour? It came from Beryl's private chamber. She didn't intend to eavesdrop, but she had to pass the door to reach the kitchen. Making excuses to herself, she approached-
"Nn ah"
She recognized the sound as a moan of passion.
"!"
Shame surged. She hurried to pass-then noticed the door's small window was open. She could see inside. She could see what was happening.
"..."
As if drawn by a magnet, she moved to the window.
'What am I thinking? If I'm caught, I'll be thrown out.
Ignoring her conscience, she peered through.
Inside, a blonde woman and Beryl-both naked-lay tangled on the bed. As expected, yet Arche's eyes widened. Beryl gripped the arms of the woman on all fours and thrust into her pussy again and again.
-x-X-x-
"Hey, Beryl-sama, you're too rough today!!"
Her breasts swayed with each thrust. Animalistic, violent sex. Arche held her breath.
Smacck
"Nngh, deep, so deep.
Wet skin slapped against skin the obscene sound of thighs meeting. Arche stared, transfixed.
Bang bang bang.
"Nngh ah so rough I'm coming coming..."
A cool part of her mind screamed to leave, to return to her room. Arche couldn't look away. She'd seen sex before-guarding brothels as a Worker-but never like this.
Bang bang bang
"Aaah coming coming coming coming"
Her heart pounded. She was watching something forbidden, and she wanted more.
Spuurt.
"Nngh cumming..."
Psshh
The woman scattered her fluids and climaxed. Beryl held her convulsing body, thrusting impossibly deep. Milky semen overflowed from where they joined. He pulled out his manhood from the collapsed woman.
'Wh-what is that?'
It was large, thick, long, and brutal. That had been inside a womanhood. Arche was stunned.
She realized what she was doing. She pulled away from the window and retreated down the hall with a Worker's stealth, the water pitcher forgotten.
Back in her room, Arche burrowed into bed, face-down in the pillow.
'What a sight... so that's what a concubine's work really is...'
The images replayed. A woman moaning in pleasure, a man holding her as he came. Skin striking skin, obscene bodies. His cock.
She was aware of her hand drifting to her groin. She didn't stop it. Over her panties, she touched herself.
She was already wet. Gentle strokes brought pleasure through her body.
"Nn..."
A shallow sensation through cloth-she stopped. "..." She removed her underwear. Bare, she touched her pussy lips.
"Nn... fu"
Lifting her hips, she caressed around her clit. Sensation gathered low in her belly.
"Nn nnu..."
Face in the pillow, she toyed with herself, eyes closed, replaying the scene. She pressed and released her clit, pleasure seeping from within. She slid her index finger into her entrance, rubbing shallow inside while teasing her clit. It was how she always masturbated. But tonight it felt better than usual.
"Nn... ah..."
She pictured the scene. Beryl's cock. She rubbed her G-spot. She imagined herself in the woman's place -arms held. pussy pounded. filled with cum.
"Haa haah."
'No, I shouldn't fantasize like this... Her fingers moved faster regardless.
"Haa haa ah nn."
Arche buried her face in the pillow, desperate to muffle her moans.
She couldn't. Hips lifting, she rocked against her hand. Heat raced through her-
"I-I'm coming..."
Psshh
She climaxed, spraying the bed with her nectar. Convulsing, face in the pillow, she caught her breath.
"Haa... haa..."
Then she understood her situation.
"Ah."
She'd spied on her benefactor's sex and masturbated in his house.
"What the hell am I doing?'
Guilt flooded in. She wiped the damp spot, cleaned herself, erased the evidence, and lay down. She fell asleep with the unresolved ache and her guilt.
-x-X-x-
Next day.
Arche stepped out of the mansion's front gate and stretched. She wore her Worker gear rather than the casual clothes she kept for inside the estate. She hadn't been thrown out-she was simply on leave and heading into the city.
Beryl had given her two days off per week, and he'd told her to spend them as she liked. So she intended to see the Foresight crew and check on the Furt household.
She'd thought she'd abandoned everything when she came to this mansion, but she was grateful to Beryl-grateful enough that it worried her. Was it really all right to be treated this well?
Her thoughts drifted back a few days, to the sight she'd accidentally witnessed: a man and woman fucking. Would she someday do something like that herself? The thought frightened her. But not entirely in a bad way. A faint smile touched her lips as she set off for the Singing Apple.
By mid-morning, the Foresight members had gathered at the Singing Apple. The three of them sat around a table, talking. Arche approached with relief.
"Everyone. It's been a while."
"Hm? Ah, Arche!? What are you doing here!?"
Hekkeran looked startled; Roberdyck and Imina blinked. Imina rose and ruffled Arche's hair.
"What's wrong, Arche? Did you actually run away?"
"Eh? No-that's not it."
"But that outfit... did you get fired as a concubine?"
"That's not it either."
Arche told them about the Beryl residence: the excellent working conditions, the kind master. She spoke to reassure them she was fine, but the faces of the Foresight members grew progressively harder. Finally, Hekkeran spoke.
"Arche, why are you telling us this?"
"Eh?"
"Are you trying to mock us for scraping by day to day, putting our lives on the line?"
"N-no. That's not what I meant."
His uncharacteristic tone confused her. Had she said something offensive? Imina nodded along.
"So you came to look down on us?"
"N-no. I just wanted to see everyone-
"No need for excuses."
Why? What was happening? Her thoughts churned. She looked to Roberdyck for help, but he averted his eyes, uncomfortable. She realized there was no ally here.
"Everyone..."
Only then did she understand how insensitive she'd been. She'd forgotten the hardships they'd shared, left the team for her own convenience, and then bragged about how wonderful her new place was. Of course they'd be angry.
"How long do you plan to stay here? Go back to your precious Lord Beryl."
His words caught her breath; she nearly cried.
"...I understand. B-but... can I come again?"
Hekkeran turned his face away. She couldn't see his expression.
"Like hell you can. Don't show your face here again."
"...Okay. I understand."
Arche rose, tears welling, and fled the Singing Apple. All she felt was regret...
-x-X-x-
"Hey, Hekkeran. Wasn't that a bit harsh?"
"Shut up. If I hadn't said that much, she'd come back here again."
Imina's words made Hekkeran look uncomfortable-not angry, but a little hurt. Roberdyck exhaled deeply and scratched the back of his head.
They had anticipated Arche might return. If she came back with bad news, they'd planned to help her with everything they had. But if her new place was genuinely wonderful...
"If she keeps company with dropouts like us, it'll drag down her reputation. If she doesn't have to come to a place like this, she shouldn't."
It was obvious if you thought about it. Arche had been bought by a merchant and made a concubine. If rumors tied her to illegal Workers, the merchant might cast her off. Merchants valued appearances. A proper one would distance himself from anything shady to protect his credibility.
"Yeah. I agreed to it too. If anything, I pushed the hard role onto you. Sorry for being so high-and-mighty."
"Don't worry about it, Imina."
Hekkeran looked away from his lover. Trying to change the awkward mood, Roberdyck spoke.
"Let's first be glad Arche found a new place. And-"
"What to do with Foresight now," Hekkeran finished, arms crossed, taking a drink.
"Arche isn't coming back. If we could replace the magic caster who left, it'd be fine, but-"
"Impossible. A third-tier magic caster doesn't just appear out of nowhere."
"Right."
The three exchanged glances and sighed. Workers, unlike adventurers, had no Guild support. Replacing a lost member meant finding one themselves. But third-tier magic casters were precious-talent that only high-ranked adventurers typically possessed. It was unlikely one would be working as a Worker. Even if one was, if they had that much skill and still worked as a Worker, they had some kind of problem. Workers fought for their lives; you couldn't rely on someone you couldn't trust your back to-they'd be a liability.
"Hekkeran, what should we do with the team?"
"Only one option: disband. A three-person party is dangerous. It'll fall apart eventually. Or do we go back to being adventurers?"
"Don't joke. I don't want to bow to the temple's whims when helping people."
Their eyes met.
"If we disband, what about you, Rober?"
"I'll do farm work in a frontier village. Playing at being a priest isn't bad either. What about you two?"
Hekkeran and Imina looked at each other.
"Huh? Why are we being grouped together?"
"You didn't think we knew? Only Arche didn't, I'm sure."
Imina's face twitched; Hekkeran smiled wryly. They hadn't told their comrades they were lovers.
"Ah-ah? Ah! No, Rober, we weren't hiding it! Right?"
"Kuku... you panic so amusingly. Don't worry, no ill intent."
Roberdyck's teasing smile made Hekkeran and Imina exchange glances and sigh.
"We haven't decided what to do... but things will work out."
"Let's leave it at that. So then-"
"-what to do with this."
A request form lay on the table. It had arrived right after Arche left: a commission from an Imperial noble to investigate ruins within the Kingdom's territory. Adventurers couldn't investigate another nation's land; that's where Workers came in. Good pay, plus bonuses depending on findings.
The job was a ruin survey with some monsters but low risk. Other Worker teams had also been hired for the survey, further reducing the danger. They'd verified the information; nothing suspicious. Which made it suspicious. Dirty work always had a whiff of something off. Easy jobs had hidden catches that was Foresight's shared understanding. With their magic caster gone, they shouldn't take it. But-
"If we're quitting being Workers, we need money."
Imina and Roberdyck nodded.
"So, do we take it?"
"I don't mind."
"Imina?"
"Fine by me. No suspicious parts, right? We need funds."
"Then it's decided."
Hekkeran took the paper and smiled.
"Let's make this Foresight's last adventure."
"Hekkeran, don't say such ill-omened things."
Roberdyck's words made Hekkeran smile wryly.
After the falling-out with her comrades, Arche returned to her family home, the Furt estate. The earlier events had hurt, but she set that aside. Time was limited; she'd mourn after finishing what needed doing. No-she was putting on a brave face, using her tasks to avoid facing the hurt.
She looked at her clothes. She'd worn her Worker gear because she'd gone to the not-particularly-safe Singing Apple, so as not to be underestimated. Her father had been displeased: 'You've finally married into a powerful house, and you wear that?' In the reception room, she faced her displeased parents. Then her eyes narrowed at an unfamiliar glass ornament on the table-clearly expensive, not there last time.
"Still wasting money?"
"It's not a waste. I've told you, this is a necessary expense!"
Her father's shout chilled her heart.
"The debt? Did you repay it?"
"Who do you think you're speaking to? Of course we did!"
"I see."
At least the minimum was done. But this glasswork was no cheap purchase. There was no money for it. She'd assumed that after repaying the debt, they'd live frugally on what remained.
"We're not nobles anymore. We can't afford luxuries-"
"Wrong! If that wretched, foolish emperor dies, our house will immediately return to nobility! Our history spans over a century-it must not end! This is an investment for that!"
Her mother nodded. Trapped in their tiny world, blind to reality, understanding nothing. The truly foolish ones were her parents. Arche shook her head weakly.
"I can't give this house money anymore. Do you understand what that means?"
"So what! Your father-in-law's house is struggling! That merchant will surely provide support!"
"He won't."
"He's common-born; he should know his wealth exists for nobles! With your intercession, he'll surely help!"
Something in Arche snapped. If not for these parents, she wouldn't have dropped out of the Imperial Magic Academy. If not for these parents, she wouldn't have caused Foresight trouble. If not for these parents...
She stood and glared at them.
"Enough. I'm cutting ties with you."
Her father flew into a rage. Even a fool understood it would be bad to be disowned by Arche.
"What are you saying! Have you forgotten the debt you owe us for raising you!"
"I've repaid it."
She'd taken dangerous jobs as a Worker. She'd given nearly all her earnings to the house. The sum was considerable. She'd been too soft, hoping these fools would realize their parental duties and become a good family-no, she'd wished for it. But it was hopeless. She gave up. She should have done this long ago.
"You-!"
Her father started to rise; Arche glared at him. A Worker who'd survived countless life-or-death battles stared down a fallen noble who'd done nothing. He flinched and fell silent. She turned on her heel. She wouldn't be coming back. She opened the door-
"What will you do about Kuuderika and Ureirika? Without money, you can't support them!"
"That's right! For their happiness, stop this foolishness!"
She ignored them and left, closing the door behind her without regret.
Walking down the corridor, her mouth felt dry. She'd supported her parents partly for her sisters' sake. Her feelings for them hadn't changed. She looked at the gold coins in her purse-her wages from her master. It wouldn't be enough to take her sisters away. Providing food, clothing, and shelter wasn't sufficient. They were still young; they needed family. Hiring maids would cost money. For the future, she'd need a great deal. At the very least, she'd have to live in the same place.
As she agonized, she heard small running footsteps.
"Onee-san...!"
It was Ureirika and Kuuderika.
"Urei, Kude..."
"Onee-san, were you back?"
"Yeah. Just now... Are you two doing well?"
"We're fine!"
"I'm fine too!"
Arche reached out and hugged them. Her young, much younger sisters. Protecting these two angels was her role. What could she do for them? Alone, she couldn't. So what should she do? She held them. tighter.
-x-X-x-
Arche returned to the Beryl residence, dejected after finishing all her plans. Her comrades had distanced themselves; she'd cut ties with her family. Truly, this was the only place left for her. She sighed and opened the door-
"Ah! Welcome back, Lady Arche."
One of the maids-Cixous-was there. A beautiful, long-haired, big-breasted maid.
Arche nodded and entered, but felt eyes on her. She turned; Cixous was staring.
"...Is something wrong?"
"Eh? No... um..."
Cixous faltered and looked away. The three maids in this house were indifferent to her-or so she'd thought. Being spoken to felt odd.
"Did I do something rude?"
"No, it's not that... hmm."
Cixous crossed her arms, thought, then pulled something from her pocket: a small bag of cookies. She thrust it toward Arche.
"When you're feeling down, sweets are best... they say."
"...Eh?"
Arche was confused. The sudden closeness frightened her a little. Cixous looked awkward.
"Heh... Actually, Lady Lazlo scolded me. She said Lady Arche is becoming one of us, so be friendly."
"...I see."
Whatever the reason, the attempt to be friendly pleased her. Arche nodded and took a cookie, biting into it.
"...Sweet. Very sweet."
"They're filling, too-my favorite."
The sweetness seeped into her tired mind and body. She felt a little better.
"Thank you, Lady Cixous."
"No, no... I'm glad if it helped."
Cixous smiled brightly and peered at Arche's face.
"If you have worries, you should consult Beryl-sama."
"Eh... but this is my problem..."
"That doesn't matter. He's kind."
Cixous smiled at her.
And so Arche stood before Beryl's study. She'd come, but lacked the courage to enter. Consulting her benefactor about her sisters-was it ungrateful to ask for more? Would she anger him? Fear kept the door closed. She agonized, agonized, agonized-then knocked. A voice bade her enter; she opened the door.
"You're back already, Arche. Did you enjoy your first day off in a while? What's with that face?"
She touched her cheek. Cixous had pointed it out too; apparently she looked visibly downcast.
"...A lot happened."
"I see. Sit down for now?"
She sat at the reception table; Beryl sat opposite with a jar. Inside was something brown.
"...What is that?"
"Sweets help when you're down. Want some?"
"...I'll have some."
He's saying the same thing as Cixous, she thought, as she took a brown, rectangular, hard, butter-like piece and put it in her mouth. Slightly bitter, very sweet. A milky flavor, melting instantly.
"...It's delicious."
"Have another?"
She should have declined, but took a second. He smiled gently.
"So, what's troubling you?"
"...Um, well."
She hesitated. Should she really tell him? Would it cause trouble? As if reading her worries, he smiled.
"Talking is free. Why not tell me, Arche?"
She thought: this man can be trusted. He's kind. So just talking-just talking should be fine. She resolved and spoke.
"Actually..."
She explained her family situation: the debt repaid, but the wasteful spending continuing, likely leading to more debt. Her anger, her threat to cut ties. Leaving her sisters in that house. "-that's what happened." She stopped without saying what to do about her sisters.
"Arche."
"...Yes."
He looked at her seriously. She held her breath and closed her eyes. She was afraid-if she was thrown out, she had nowhere to go.
"Ureirika and Kuuderika, were they? Your sisters are important to you."
"Yes, they are."
"You want them to live in peace, and that's your worry?"
"...Yes."
He looked slightly troubled. Then-
"Simple. Bring them here."
Her eyes widened. She'd considered it but never voiced it-the most desirable option, but one that would impose on him. He said it easily.
"B-but it would be a burden..."
"It's no burden."
He smiled as if it were nothing. She wanted to cling to that smile.
"...Is it really all right?"
"Of course. Arche, you're already family to me. Family of family is family to me too, right?"
"...But."
She looked up; he wore his usual smile.
"I dislike seeing good people struggle unrewarded."
"Beryl-sama."
"So, Arche... though it's strange for me to say it-you've done well until now. You can rely on me from here."
Her eyes widened. She'd worked so hard. Left the school she wanted to attend, taken life-risking jobs to support her family, lived frugally while her parents indulged, fought and earned, had her earnings wasted, paid interest on accumulating debt, looked away from what she wanted to do, done what she had to do-and kept working. No one had acknowledged it. Her parents took it for granted. She couldn't tell her sisters. She'd kept it secret from Foresight. So to have her efforts acknowledged-
"Ugh..."
"Hm?"
"Uuu... uue... eh..."
Arche sobbed. Tears streamed endlessly, her face a mess, and she wept aloud.
"Eh, crying-A-Arche?"
Her benefactor panicked before her. She felt terrible, but the tears wouldn't stop.
"Uu... uh... uueee..."
"H-here, I have a handkerchief. Wipe your face..."
"Th-thank you... uu..."
Her reason told her to stop crying. But her heart convulsed, and the overflow spilled out as tears.
She cried and cried and cried. It felt like a long time-all the tears she couldn't shed before.
Her cheeks still wet, Arche blushed and looked down.
"...I'm sorry you had to see that."
"Ah-yeah? No, crying isn't a bad thing. Don't worry about it... I was just a little surprised."
His words made her almost cry again-she held it back, knowing more tears would cause more trouble.
He looked at her.
"We'll go pick up your sisters this week. We need to prepare on our end."
"...Thank you."
Her mind calmed, and then guilt welled up. She hadn't repaid her debt, and now she was given more. That fact brought impatience-but not the negative fear of 'I must repay or be discarded. It was a pure, forward-looking desire: 'I want to repay somehow! So she thought about what she could do. She couldn't think of anything.
"Beryl-sama."
"Hm?"
"I... I can't thank you enough. Is there anything you would ask of me?"
"Ask of you? No, no, you don't need to worry so much... A friend of mine said, 'When someone is in trouble, helping them is only natural."
How selfless, she thought, but looked at him again.
"If there is anything you wish from me, Lord Beryl, you can simply ask me."
"...Hm? Anything?"
"Yes, anything."
For a Worker who valued contracts and promises, "anything" was a forbidden word. Declaring she'd do whatever the other wished was dangerous. She knew that, yet said it deliberately.
"...Anything."
Knowing its meaning, she spoke it as resolve. Beryl's face twisted-happy, guilty, but happy again, and then...
"...Then, Arche."
"Y-yes."
He rose and sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Will you come to my bedroom tonight?"
Night, a man inviting a woman to his bedroom. She knew what that meant. Her mind conjured the couple she'd glimpsed days ago, entwined passionately. Her heart raced.
And-
"I... I will. I'll come."
Face bright red, Arche nodded. In her heart: anxiety, nervousness-and expectation and joy surpassing them. She felt her lower abdomen grow hot.
-x-X-x-