Side: Milly
Yuki-san finished his meeting with Seraria-sama and turned back to us.
"Right. As you heard, the numbers are set. I'm going to prepare a place for 400 people to live. So, what kind of houses do you think would be good?
My respect for him is boundless, seeing how he seeks our cooperation without a moment's hesitation. Ordinarily, someone with power beyond human intellect—a Dungeon Master—would use it to dominate, yet he exerts that power for the sake of people with such nobility and kindness.
He is far more like a savior than certain "Saintess" currently in this room.
In normal circumstances, we slaves would have been used as playthings until we were broken. But I was bought by Mobu-san and his group, met Yuki-san, and now I am witnessing the dawn of a new era. When I tell him this, he only gives a wry smile and says, "Nothing's even started yet."
But I know. If the future he envisions bears fruit, tragedies like ours will become fewer than they are today. He didn't use flowery language to say he would "eliminate" suffering, like some idealistic dreamer; he said he would reduce it. It wasn't a delusion; it was a statement from someone with his feet firmly on the ground.
Honestly, even if Yuki-san declared he would swallow this country and Gartz whole and raised an army, I would follow him. That is how much I trust him, despite the short time we have spent together.
...Is this what they call "destiny"?
For the time being, he doesn't seem to favor autocracy or monarchy, and he makes no move to embrace us to produce heirs. Since Ratz and Labyris are currently on the offensive, I am simply observing.
...Though, it was my suggestion that essentially forced Rurua-sama into the position of having to bear Yuki-san's children. I harbor a personal grudge, but her abilities are superior to ours. Thus, let us use her. For the sake of superior children, Rurua-sama can serve as a mere tool for sexual relief. I just hope this might erase Yuki-san's concept of monogamy and give us all a chance to bear his children.
The others likely see the condition for Rurua as a mere formality and would let her live even if she couldn't conceive, but I see no reason to shelter a useless creature who cannot even bear Yuki-san's child. I'd rather kill her.
She shouldn't be out in public; she should spend her nights serving Yuki-san's needs. If a child is born, we will raise it. We will cherish it, for Yuki-san's blood will flow through its veins. As for Rurua-sama, she can spend the rest of her life in a collar inside a room for all I care.
As I was lost in these dark thoughts, Yuki-san suddenly asked for my opinion.
"...So that's Ratz's take. Hey, Milly, what kind of place did you live in before?"
"Me? When I worked for the Guild, I shared a room with three colleagues in the dorms. My family home was the same—no different."
"There weren't any private rooms?"
"No. A private room is a privilege granted only to incredibly wealthy merchants, high-ranking nobles, or royalty."
Yuki-san hummed, looking like he was pondering something difficult.
"Eris, what is Yuki-san worrying about?"
I whispered to Eris, having missed part of the conversation while daydreaming.
"What are you... ah, is it about Elju-sama or Rurua-sama again? I understand your curiosity, but Yuki-san's talk is more important right now."
"Sorry, I'll pay attention. So, what did Yuki-san say?"
"Yuki-san is saying that for the slaves and the guards who will be stationed here, he wants to give each person their own room if they don't have a family."
"What? Even if Yuki-san is kind, won't that make slaves presumptuous?"
We are strictly forbidden from telling the incoming slaves about Yuki-san's true generosity. His existence must remain a secret kept only in our hearts. Therefore, we cannot use the title of "Dungeon Master" to command them through awe or fear. Management of the slaves must start with us as their representatives.
Giving them private rooms is a privilege normally reserved for people of very high status. If we give them something like that, the slaves might lose their sense of being slaves and stop listening to orders.
"Besides, isn't calling them slaves just a convenient excuse for employment? And wouldn't it be good for eliminating discriminatory attitudes? I'd be more troubled if we suddenly brought in refugees who aren't even slaves."
"I understand that, but... Hmm. Even if normal refugees come later, we can just make them understand that this is normal here, right?"
"Yeah. Wouldn't it be effective for removing discrimination if even the lowest class on this continent—slaves—are given their own room?"
"But I think the employment system and the way we treat slaves here will be more than enough to eliminate discrimination, Onii-san."
Ratz is right.
The slaves coming here won't be able to imagine it, but this place is a paradise. Even without private rooms, having a solid place to sleep and regular meals is incredibly generous for a slave. Normally, they sleep curled up on the floor and eat scraps. That is the "norm" for a slave.
"Yuki-san, why not just group the slaves together in rooms like ours? Maybe 50 or 100 to a hall? Is there some reason you're attached to private rooms?"
"Ah, I see. You don't understand the 'meaning' of a private room. Alright, everyone follow me."
Yuki-san stood up and started walking, still carrying Labyris.
Honestly, I'm jealous of Labyris, Aslin, and Filia...
"Oya? Isn't this the Dungeon Core room?" Ratz asked.
This was indeed the room with the Core. When we first arrived, we were strictly ordered never to touch it. Back then I didn't understand why, but now that I recognize the Core as the heart of the dungeon, I wouldn't dream of touching it.
"Yeah, but it's a dummy. Anyway, ignore that. Over here."
"Wha—!? Onii-san, this Core is a fake!?"
"Like I'd put the real one in such an obvious spot. Though this core is still related to the dungeon's functions."
"...So it's real, but it's not the real one..."
Ratz muttered, looking more exasperated than surprised.
He truly is a man who leaves nothing to chance.
A section of the left wall moved, revealing a door. This room was already a hidden room, and now there was a hidden room inside it?
Is there even an adventurer alive who could reach this place? From what I've heard, the traps so far have been more vicious than any known dungeon.
"Here we go. This is my 'private room.' Welcome."
Yuki-san opened the door and invited us in.
"Excuse us..."
We were led into an entrance hall.
"Ah, take your shoes off there. Same as the inn. Use the slippers."
We stepped into Yuki-san's private quarters... and it was beyond our comprehension.
"T-This place is..."
"Good heavens... so that inn was just a small sample to you, Onii-san?"
The space was smaller than the banquet hall, but it was incredibly beautiful. I've seen many rooms, but this had a cleanliness and order different from even high-end noble inns.
The furniture wasn't gaudy; it was refined, with sleek, efficient shapes.
On a beautiful desk sat stacks of copy paper and a strange device displaying a screen like the "Call" magic. On the walls were bookshelves filled with colorful books and vivid landscape paintings. In the corner sat a miniature version of the dungeon map we saw in the banquet hall.
"It's full of weird stuff, I know, but take a seat. Fifteen people is a lot... eight on the sofa, five at the table chairs. The rest of you, sorry, but you'll have to sit on the floor. Glad I expanded the room beforehand."
Prompted by Yuki-san, we sat down while marveling at our surroundings. The children stuck to Yuki-san like glue.
"By the way, does anyone here hate milk?"
No one said no.
"Alright, let's try some 'cocoa' then."
Cocoa? What is that?
After a short wait, Labyris and the others returned carrying a tray of cups.
"Need my help?"
"Onii-chan, please stay seated! Aslin is being helpful!"
"Me too!"
"...Just give up, Yuki," Labyris sighed.
Though they were a bit wobbly, they distributed the cups of "cocoa".
The contents were a warm, brown... muddy water?
"Looks aside, give it a try. It's not poison."
Since Yuki-san would never do such a thing, I took a sip.
"It's sweet...!?"
"Wh-!? What is this!? It's delicious! Is there... is there sugar in this!?"
Ratz and I were the only ones who could find words; the others just stared wide-eyed as they kept drinking.
"Ah... wait. Is sugar a luxury item here?" Yuki asked.
"Of course it is..."
"Yes, it's very expensive."
Yuki-san truly is a bottomless well of wonders.
"So, Onii-san. Why did you bring us here? It wasn't just for the cocoa, was it?"
"It's part of it. What do you think of this room?"
"It feels... very much like 'you,' Onii-san."
Ratz answered.
I felt the same. It wasn't over-the-top, but it was beautiful and felt like a gentle place. Every piece of furniture, even the cups, didn't feel like mere tools; they felt like they had character. It was a comfortable, purposeful room.
"Right? When you have a private room, you start wanting to fill it with things you like. Milly, can I give you a princess carry for a second?"
"Eh? Wh—?"
"I'm short on time, so if you hate it, I'll apologize later."
Before I could answer, I was swept up into Yuki-san's arms.
Ah, bliss... I was so dazed that I barely heard a "click" sound.
"Thanks. You okay? Sorry if you hated that."
"N-No!! You are welcome to do that anytime!!"
I'm certain my face was bright red even after he set me down.
Yuki-san started operating something on his desk with his fingers. A square box underneath began spitting out a piece of paper.
"Here, Milly. This is called a 'photograph.' It's... well, it's a way to perfectly capture a scene exactly as it is."
He showed me the "photo."
"Ah... th-this is... me and Yuki-san from just now!?"
In the photo was Yuki-san holding me. He was looking at the camera, but because I had been so flustered, I was caught staring up at his face.
"This is incredible..."
"...I'm jealous. Make a photo of me, too."
Everyone crowded around, shouting their praises and demands for their own photos.
"Milly, you asked why I was so attached to private rooms, right?"
"Yes."
"Things like this... isn't this the kind of thing you'd want to keep secretly in your own room? Or do you want everyone to see it?"
"...I certainly wouldn't want to show this to anyone who wasn't a close friend."
Especially since I looked so utterly captivated by him in that picture. Ah, it's embarrassing, but I'm so happy. A photo... what a wonderful thing!!
"Exactly. By having a private room, people will want to decorate with photos or collect things for their hobbies. That way, the wages we pay will circulate back into the dungeon economy, right?"
"Ah, so that's the goal," Ratz realized. "If we pay them and they just save all their money, we'd run out of funds eventually. I'm convinced on the private rooms now."
"How about you, Milly?"
"I have no complaints!! Also, can I have more of these photos!? And I want a private room too!!"
"You don't need multiple copies of the same photo... and as for the rooms, they're already in the inn. I planned for everyone to have their own rooms from the start. When we get back to the inn, discuss it among yourselves and decide who gets which room."
After that, every single one of us took a photo with Yuki-san to decorate our future rooms. A group photo of everyone was also placed in the entrance hall of the inn.
Therefore, my only wish is that your kind face never has to twist in pain...
* * *
Shortly after this, we found a book on Yuki-san's shelf filled with images of naked women.
We decided it was for the best to tear it up and throw it away. Yuki-san's face did twist in pain then, but we decided that didn't count.
