Chapter 5: A Heart-Pounding First Request – The Journey Begins

Since then, my relationship with the catgirl Lulu-chan has changed a bit. Specifically, what changed… well…

“Ah, Senpai! I’ll help you with that!”

She’s gotten attached to me.

…Why though?

“Um… I’m sorry for being so rude yesterday!”

Lulu came to apologize the next morning, her tail twisting nervously behind her.

After hearing her out, it turned out she’d had a bunch of nonsense fed to her by her slave trainer and that damned toad.

Apparently, in households with high-ranking masters, even the slaves are locked in fierce competition. If you don’t actively try to push the others down, you’ll get tossed out yourself! Or so they threatened her.

…And while that is kind of true, I had no such intentions. Still, we’re both in the same boat as slaves. I can understand the fear of being abandoned, so I chose not to press her on it. Despite how she acts, she must’ve been trembling inside.

What changed her mind was how unexpectedly intense Master was. She got terrified and cried for help—and that’s when I swooped in and somehow managed to protect her. Ever since then, she’s been following me around like a puppy.

The cost was high, but gaining her as an ally was a big win. We’ll be stuck together for a while, so having a good relationship is way easier than dealing with constant tension.

Deep down, Lulu’s a natural follower—a pretty honest and straightforward girl. She was scared at first, but once she saw how good the treatment and environment were at our place, she even got really into that side of things.

Now that there are two of us handling it, my own workload’s been reduced quite a bit… Honestly, I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for the importance of party members.

The shock, however, came when I realized how used I’d gotten to Master’s pace—just from watching Lulu’s reactions. It was… sobering.

Then again, this girl’s gotten pretty enthusiastic lately, so I’m sure she’ll catch up in no time. I mean, in this world, if you can trade your body for three meals a day, snacks, and naps, it’s not just a bargain—it’s a steal.

Anyway, I was pretty pleased with myself for securing a cute junior sacrifice. Next, I’ll expand my influence, ignite a revolution, and overthrow the hierarchy once and for all! I haven’t given up, you know.

Sure, I owe that perverted bastard Master a lot, but I’ll never forget how he toyed with my body like that. He’s gotten complacent with his cheat powers and thinks he can let his guard down just because we’re slaves. I’ll make him regret it. He’d better keep that neck of his nice and clean, because I’m coming for it!

“Lulu-chan! Let’s work together to rise up and overthrow that perverted bastard!”

“Eh!? Ah, yes! I’ll do my best to serve just like you, Senpai!”

…That’s not what I meant.

“We’re taking on a guard request. It’s an overnight job, so I want both of you to come with me.”

A calm, sunny afternoon.

Lulu and I were munching on sweet potato cookies we’d baked when Master came home and immediately dropped that bomb.

I’m supposed to be a rare species, you know. Is it really safe for me to go outside?

“You’ve got your guild card, so you can prove your identity. As long as you stay close to me or Lulu, it’ll be fine.”

“Of course! I’ll protect Senpai!”

…So I’m the one who needs protecting now?

“Just so you know, Lulu’s actually really strong. She could wipe the floor with most adventurers.”

You’ve got to be kidding me…

She’s a cheat character too!? I totally let my guard down just because she acts all junior-like!

Now that I think about it, she did climb onto the roof like it was nothing, and she was swinging around that Levantine sword I couldn’t even lift…

Everyone around me is a cheat, and I’m starting to feel seriously left out.

For the trip, Lulu was given a warrior’s leather armor and a longsword, while I got a hooded robe. As for weapons… we were both told no, since they’d be dangerous in our hands.

Someday, I will remember this insult.

After checking our gear, we left the house. I kept my ears hidden under my hood and followed behind Master.

Thanks to this drab robe, I wasn’t attracting much attention, which was a huge relief.

When we arrived at the northern gate of the town—our meeting spot—two girls stood near a wagon loaded with luggage. One had red hair and eyes and wore a mage’s outfit, the other had blue hair and a sword at her waist.

The moment they spotted Master, both of them started fidgeting nervously.

No way… don’t tell me our demon king has been planting flags with them too?

Just how many girls is this cheat bastard planning to charm? At this rate, the other male adventurers are going to start plotting to kill him out of pure jealousy.

I even considered telling him to stop being so nice to every girl he meets. But if I say something like that, it might sound like I’m jealous, and I really don’t want that misunderstanding.

Besides, even if someone does go after him, I’m sure he can take care of himself. Good luck, Master.

“Looking forward to working with you. These are my slaves—Sora and Lulu.”

“…Pleasure. I’m Rebecca.”

“I’m Clarice.”

“I’m Lulu, Shuuya-sama’s slave. I look forward to working with you!”

Before I realized it, while I was drowning in my own thoughts, the introductions had already started.

Sparks were flying between Lulu and the adventurer girls. Can we not? This is so pointless… Wait, wasn’t Lulu’s whole “meek junior” thing just an act?

…Was it actually half real? Or maybe this is the real her?

…I think I’m starting to develop trust issues with women.

“I’m Sora. Nice to meet you.”

Shrinking back in fear, I gave a safe and unassuming little bow.

That only made their glares sharper. The swordswoman, Rebecca-san, was radiating so much bloodlust it felt like she might actually draw her sword. Why do people always end up fighting…? No, seriously, please don’t. I’m super weak, okay?

“Senpai, this is where you need to stand your ground and—”

“Don’t, Lulu. This is a pointless fight. Totally unproductive.”

I sighed, holding back battle-ready Lulu. I couldn’t understand why they were going so far just for the attention of that sadistic bastard. If they were slaves afraid for their future, maybe I could get it—but they’re not. They’re fully independent adventurers, aren’t they?

…Then again, maybe being an adventurer isn’t all that different. If that’s the case, a guy like Shuuya-sama—who’s loaded, skilled, and unattached—might look like prime husband material.

“Th-that confidence and composure… as expected of Senpai! It’s true, Shuuya-sama doesn’t even look at anyone else but you!”

“…Where are you getting that from?”

Lulu's admiration level suddenly shot up, her eyes sparkling like I was some kind of idol. I don’t get it at all. And now the other two were glaring daggers at me. Great. Now they’ve got the wrong idea. That perverted bastard only likes elves, okay!?

“A little kid like him!?”

“I—I noticed him way before you did…!”

Rebecca-san looked genuinely stunned, flicking her gaze between me and Master. Well, I do look like a kid right now. By this world’s standards, I’m probably about eleven.

Up until a moment ago, both of them had clearly marked Lulu as the primary rival—but now, thanks to that stupid misunderstanding, all their hostility had shifted straight to me.

Lulu… were you planning this? Acting like my ally while secretly steering them toward me so you could make your move from the inside?

“That’s too bad… but I doubt either of you has what it takes to truly satisfy Shuuya-sama.”

Why are you saying things that can only be taken the wrong way, Lulu? And why are you looking down on them like that? Don’t forget—you’re still a slave. If Master ever stops protecting you, you’ll be treated worse than livestock, so maybe don’t poke the bear?

“No way… a kid like him!?”

“W-Wait, is Shuuya into boys? Is he one of those? Ah—but hold on, I’m sensing some pretty serious magic coming off this one. Maybe his age isn’t what it looks like…”

“He’s hiding his face too. Is he some kind of half-breed…? A half-succubus, maybe!?”

“That would explain it! So he seduced Shuuya! How shameless!”

No, no, no. This is all a massive misunderstanding and 100% false. I’m innocent. He’s the guilty one. So please stop aiming all your aggression at me!

“So you finally get it… Humans like you aren’t welcome here.”

…Excuse me?

“G-Grrrgh!”

What even is this situation?

While I stood there paralyzed, unable to keep up with the insanity, a voice called out from behind.

It was, thankfully, the only person here who could actually bring this madness under control—Master. Shuuya. I was saved.

“We’re about ready to head out—wait, what the hell’s going on?”

“Sh-Shuuya, don’t! That one’s a half-succubus! You can’t let your guard down! You’ve definitely been seduced by some kind of ability!”

“No, that’s a total misunderstanding…”

The misunderstanding was spiraling out of control. How did just stepping outside suddenly get me labeled as a half-succubus? I’m gonna cry. No, seriously—I’ll bawl my eyes out. Maybe I should just come clean and reveal my real race already…

“What are you even talking about…?”

Shuuya made a puzzled face after hearing the mage’s accusation. He looked at me, then at the girls, and something clicked—his lips curled into a crooked smile. These girls had gotten the wrong idea on a whole other level. Please deny it. Quickly.

“…I bought this one because I liked him. Race doesn’t matter to me. Besides, you should know better than anyone that charm magic doesn’t work on me.”

…Huh?

“Y-you’re kidding…”

Master’s hand rested on my shoulder as I stood there frozen in shock, unable to keep up with the rapid-fire exchange around me.

“So… Shuuya, you’re into that kind of thing?”

“Yeah. I am.”

“You bought a child succubus…? T-that’s disgusting!”

“All men are perverts deep down.”

W-Wait a second, hold on—why is everyone just running with this ‘half-succubus’ narrative!? This is way past slander. I demand a full retraction. I will sue.

“Wa-wait, Master, you’re—mmph!”

“If people in town find out he’s an elf, we’ll be swarmed by every nobody and their dog.”

W-What a terrifyingly convincing argument… But I’m not falling for it! You could’ve said I was half-goblin or half-dwarf or something! Those races look young too, right!? Why did it have to be succubus!? I hate this so much!

“I’m not a succubus, I’m half-gob—mmph!”

“So yeah, don’t mess with my favorite slave, alright?”

He clamped a hand over my mouth. I couldn’t speak. This misunderstanding—this horrible, irreversible misunderstanding—is going to spread! Rumors of me being a succubus are going to fly through the streets! And the mage girl? Her hostility meter just hit the cap. She’s muttering things like “I’ll purify that filthy demon” and “I’ll save Shuuya myself.” I’m terrified.

She’s totally the type to go full yandere stalker. And worse, she’s the kind that turns her attention toward the rival. What am I supposed to do!? Even the swordswoman next to her was backing away in horror, trying to calm her down from a safe distance!

“Senpai, the jealousy of the losers is kind of delightful, isn’t it!”

Lulu, don’t shout things like that! What if they hear you!?

◇◆ADVENTURE RESULT◆◇
【EXP】
NO BATTLE —
◆【Sora Lv.8】
◆【Lulu Lv.1】
◇—
◇—

Sora Lv.8 [82]
Lulu Lv.1 [13]

【RECORD】
[MAX COMBO] >> 12
[MAX HIT] >> 16
【PARTY】
[Shuuya] [Lv.26] HP 372/372 MP 630/630 [Normal]
[Sora] [Lv.4] HP 17/17 MP 30/30 [Normal]
[Lulu] [Lv.1] HP 272/272 MP 22/22 [Normal]

【Comment】
“Peaceful days are nice, but now the mage girl is so scary I can’t sleep at night.”