Chapter 4 - 4 Underground Auction – Chirs

 After that, Hayato and I decided to take a bath together.

Since both of us are Japanese, we didn't feel stressed in the bath, and the water was nice....

And after all, we are stuck in the air-conditioned alchemy room after a bath.

I would like to drink coffee milk if I could but, well, there's no such thing, so I'll just go with fruit juice.

“Wow, it's cool” (Hayato)

“Let's go upstairs after we cool off a bit” (Itsuki)

“It' s nice. I wish I could have been in there with you” (Oligor)

“As expected. Well, you can go in with these guys upstairs” (Itsuki)

“That would be boring!　It has been meaningful to me since I mixed up with a young man!” (Oligor)

I wonder what she's talking about again.

Well, fine.

Relax in bath and soothe your body without catching a cold.

Anyway, the couch is vacant, so sit there, Oligor.

I'm getting hot after taking a bath for a while....

“Yes. But why is Lord Eliodarte's latest air conditioning tool here?　He's not the kind of guy who's supposed to be making things for you, but...” (Oligor)

“I'm not sure because Darwin just left me there. Is Lord Eliodarte an alchemist and a noble?” (Itsuki)

“Darwin?　It shouldn't have been sold yet, and I wonder if he is acquainted with Lord Eliodarte. Lord Eliodalt is a count, like me, by title, but he is one of the best alchemists in the kingdom. He is known as an eccentric who doesn't respond to anything other than his own interests, and refuses orders from the king when asked to create something that doesn't appeal to him....... However, his skills are very good, so he seems to be valued by the king” (Oligor)

“Heh. Well, the alchemists I know are also eccentric. Like Reinrich ......” (Itsuki)

I took the fruit juice that Wendy had cooled for me with water magic out of the magical space and handed it to Hayato and Oligor as well.

“Well, I'll tell her what you said” (Oligor)

“Give me a break!” (Itsuki)

“Haha...... Well, I guess genius means there are a lot of weirdos. They're useful in the royal capital, but there are quite a lot of eccentrics” (Oligor)

“If it's a noble, well, it's a good thing I don't seem to have a chance to meet him when I go to Royal Capital” (Itsuki)

“I'm not sure about that ......” (Oligor)

“Ah, I see. I'll give it to you, Hayato. It's hard to hand it over when everyone else is around” (Itsuki)

“Huh?　Boo hoo!!” (Hayato)

As Hayato spewed the fruit juice from his mouth, the standard reaction happened, and then ‘Ja Ja-Jaan’.

The one I took out of the Magic Space was the similar vibrator.

I made this one look like an orthodox, pink quail egg that was one size bigger.

“Th, this is!” (Hayato)

“Right. That's the product I made 40 million Nord” (Itsuki)

“What the hell are you making?　I think it's pink—” (Hayato)

“Oops, Hayato, the name of this is a vibrator. Don't make the mistake of calling it other name!” (Itsuki)

“What's going on?　What's that?　How does it work?” (Oligor)

“Hmm?　Oh, and I'll give one to Oligor to try now?” (Itsuki)

“Ehhh!?” (Hayato)

“Yeah, sure. So, this is the product that Yashisu bought the exclusive rights to. It's got an inscription on it” (Oligor)

“It's from the former world, but in here, it's my original” (Itsuki)

“Huh. So, what to do with this?” (Oligor)

“You have to put some magic into it first” (Itsuki)

“Wait, wait a minute!　Are you going to use it here and now?” (Hayato)

“Oh, not the way Hayato knows how to use it. It's just a normal way to apply it to a stiff shoulder, like this” (Itsuki)

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Oh, I see. This feels so good” (Oligor)

“Huh?　Oh, oh!　It's just a massage device. That surprise me...” (Hayato)

“Well, the downside is that there are some places I can't reach on my own. I'm thinking of improving that and making it more like a backscratcher” (Itsuki)

“Heh. I mean, the vibration is amazing. The vibrating sphere shouldn't vibrate so much though” (Oligor)

“Well, that's a combination. Yashisu got the King's permission to sell it, too, so we can sell it in a big way” (Itsuki)

“Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh!” (Oligor)

“Wow......... I never thought I would see something like this in another world........” (Hayato)

“Good idea, right?　I could have built a bike or something, but it's not safe to ride here” (Itsuki)

“Well, can I have it?” (Hayato)

“Sure. As you wish!　Use it” (Itsuki)

It's free to use whatever you want.

It's perfectly safe, so you can use it however you want, okay?

As you wish.

“Eh.........oh, and by the way, Letty has been saying that her shoulders are stiff lately, can I give it to her?” (Hayato)

“...... Well that's fine, isn't it?　It's already a gift for Hayato” (Itsuki)

“Um, yes. Then” (Hayato)

“Uh, oh, oh, oh—” (Oligor)

“Enough of that, Oligor” (Itsuki)

“I mean, I can't get enough of the vibrations. I take a liking to it” (Oligor)

“In the meantime, they're still waiting for their turn to be sorted out by Yashisu. I wonder how much money he's making against the nobles” (Itsuki)

“Oh. Not much of a shortage, I see. Thanks. I think I've made a very good friend. Just give me a call and let me know as soon as you get the new one up and running” (Oligor)

“Yeah, I get it. And it's nice to hear from an actual user. I'll prepare a great one for you” (Itsuki)

“Awa, ahahaha .......” (Oligor)

Actually, I already have a prototype ready to go.

However, I don't want this to be regarded as the same kind of thing, because if you sell it to Yashisu for five silver coins, it will cost a lot of money in terms of materials, but, well, it's powerful and you can expect for it. 

When I went upstairs and went to the living room, everyone seemed to be already gathered together, chatting and laughing.

“Oh, it's been a while. You have become such a big deal in a short time” (Letty)

“Ah, it's been a while, Letty-Jouchan” (Itsuki)

“How does it feel to have the cat-eared girl you've always yearned for?” (Letty)

“That's the best word for it. Shiro is cute and friendly and adorable” (Itsuki)

“Onii-chan!　Mii also has cat ears too!” (Mii)

“Oh, it's been a while, Mii!” (Itsuki)

Mii exchanges high fives with me and strokes her head languidly.

Oh, it is nice that Mii's cat ears are different from Shiro's.

“Muu. Lord, stroke Shiro's head, too” (Shiro)

“Yes, yes. Are you jealous?　That's cute” (Itsuki)

“Onii-san can pet Mii's ones more too!” (Mii)

“Sure. Gushigushi—” (Itsuki)

“Hiya—” (Mii)

Yeah, this's double cat ear petting.

Blissful time.........

“You know, your face is so sloppy......” (Letty)

“It can't be helped. These pretty little guys are bad” (Itsuki)

It's the fault of the two cat-ears who are squinting and looking pleasant!

“it's been a while” (Emily)

“Oh, it's Emily, isn't it? It's been a while, and you, too” (Itsuki)

“I'll never forgive you if you make Wendy-sama sad” (Emily)

“Hmm?　I didn't intend to......, but sama?” (Itsuki)

“Emily-sama, shiii— shii—" (Wendy)

“Secret?” (Emily)

“Yes. I'll tell him about it sooner or later. Moreover, Master promised me that he would make me happy. So it's all right” (Wendy)

“Okay, then. All right, then” (Emily)

“Oh, oh. Wendy?” (Itsuki)

“Well...... I'll tell you all about it later. But it's not like this is a story that's harmful to Master” (Wendy)

“Hmm, okay. Then it's fine.  Tell me when you want to” (Itsuki)

If Wendy says so, it's probably not a problem.

More importantly, did Emily and Wendy know each other?

I wish I could get to know a part of Wendy that I don't know someday.

“So, you're Chris-san, right? I've heard about you. How's your eye?” (Itsuki)

A girl didn't even sit on the couch, but held her knees in a corner.

Her eyes are covered in hair and I can't see her condition, but she seems to be okay.

When she looked up, she was looking at me.

“I hear you're going to royal capital, and we'll be joining with you. You may not like it, but please take care of us” (Itsuki

“Uh, well, yes....” (Chirs)

I guess she doesn't want to talk too much around being frightened and not trying to make eye contact.

Come to think of it, the first time we met, this girl was at the end of the carriage and we weren't talking to each other.

“Master-sama, are you going to royal capital?” (Wendy)

“Yes, I was just curious about the auction that Hayato is participating in. Going to another city can be dangerous, but with Hayato and the others, I'd feel safer” (Itsuki)

“If royal capital alone, only Shiro can handle it” (Shiro)

“Well, I mean, it is safer than last time” (Itsuki)

“Hmm. Then Shiro will go, too” (Shiro)

“Of course. And Wendy, too” (Itsuki)

“Certainly. I heard that Aina and the others will be back tomorrow, so we should all go together, including the guards” (Wendy)

“Right. Well, since we're here, we should all go out” (Itsuki)

I could get some herbs, and if I couldn't get them at the auction, it wouldn't be a bad idea to try them out... right?

It was a coincidence, but since I made it, I need to know exactly what it took to make it.

Maybe I could tell Hayato that story.

If it is him, he might not cause me any harm.

“All right, well, let's get ready a meal. Wendy, help me out here” (Itsuki)

“Yes. I'll accompany you” (Wendy)

“I'll call you when it's ready and you can make yourself at home if you like” (Itsuki)

With that said, I took out the chair I was using on the terrace and arranged it so that I could sit in it appropriately and we decided to head to the kitchen.

“Oh, let me help you...” (Chirs)

“Hmm, sure. Then, take care of it” (Itsuki)

Chris, who had been sitting, got up and offered to help me.

Maybe she's in charge of food for Hayato's party.

Originally, you're a guest and I want you to take your time.

She says she's going to help me, so that's fine.

The three of us go to the kitchen and start cooking.

But all I do is grill the meat.

Since Hayato is here for the first time, I want him to try the beef tongue.

“...... excuse me” (Chirs)

“Hm?” (Itsuki)

“What do I need to do?” (Chirs)

“Hmm. Do you usually cook?” (Itsuki)

“Yes. I cook the food. That's all I can do, so....” (Chirs)

“Oh, I see. Then you can make whatever you want out of these ingredients” (Itsuki)

“Um... yes” (Chirs)

“Oh, and from what I hear about your eye injury, is okay to use a knife?” (Itsuki)

“Yes. I usually do, so it's not a problem. ... yeah. It's not that problematic. And yet....” (Chirs)

“Hm?” (Itsuki)

“Because of me......... There is no such thing as spending extra time and a lot of money. I'm just a slave.........” (Chirs)

Ah—......

Oh, that. The pattern of thinking it's my fault, or something.

Hmmm—..... I don't know if it's okay to talk about it.

“Are you just a slave......... I'm just a slave to Master-sama, too” (Wendy)

“Wendy-san” (Chirs)

“But Master-sama doesn't treat me like a slave. He treats me with care and respect. He treats me like family. What about you?　Are you being cherished?” (Wendy)

“I think I get treated well......... But I can't give anything back. So” (Chirs)

“And that's why you want to get throw away?” (Wendy)

“......” (Chirs)

“You said earlier that you were cooking for them” (Wendy)

“Such cooking, anyone can do it......” (Chirs)

“Really?　Maybe you can make a meal that's good for one meal, but I think it's hard to make good food every day unless it's really suits for their taste” (Wendy)

“What did Hayato and the others say when they ate your food?　Didn't they say it was delicious?” (Itsuki)

“He has been telling me......... He said it tastes good every day. And that makes me very happy” (Chirs)

“Fufu. It's nice when someone you care about tells you that the food you make is delicious” (Wendy)

“...... yes” (Chirs)

“Even slaves can desire happiness. Master-sama loves me. I love him. Just because being a slave doesn't mean you can't seek happiness” (Wendy)

“Right. If Wendy had lost an eye like you did, for example, I'd certainly heal it, no matter how much work or money it took” (Itsuki)

“Master-sama ......” (Wendy)

That's a given.

I can't think of not sparing money to heal a mere wound that could be healed with a mere pile of money.

“It's because Onii-san loves Wendy, well...... like that” (Chirs)

“Don't underestimate Hayato. He's a much better man than I am. There's no way he'd be willing to spend money and trouble for someone he cares about” (Itsuki)

“But......” (Chirs)

“It's okay. He just likes doing it, so don't worry about it” (Itsuki)

“However, I can't do anything in return......” (Chirs)

“Then, smile and tell him thank you when you're healed. A girl's smile is always a man's life force” (Itsuki)

“Smile......” (Chirs)

“Honestly, you have a very depressing attitude. Come on, laugh it up, with a big smile on your face” (Itsuki)

I pinch her cheeks and try to force a smile.

“Uh-oh, that's a h-rt!” (Chirs)

“This is sexual harassment. Master-sama” (Wendy)

“Oh, I'm sorry. But you know, it's important to smile. Especially if it's a beautiful woman” (Itsuki)

“Beautiful.... I'm not like that!” (Chirs)

“No, you have what it takes. It's just that that hair looks like it's in the way. Right, Wendy” (Itsuki)

“Yes. I think she's a very pretty girl” (Wendy)

“Well, when your eye goes back to normal, comb your hair for a bit” (Itsuki)

“Yes, let's make it prettier” (Wendy)

“And while you're at it, I'll make you a hairpiece that you might look good in. I'll make you a present for your recovery” (Itsuki)

“Well, I'll make you an outfit and give it to you” (Wendy)

“Don, don't decide on your own” (Chirs)

“No, I'll make a decision on my own” (Itsuki)

“What?　Oh, you can't!” (Chirs)

“She's starting to get emotional. I knew it would be better that way” (Itsuki)

“Ah......... Well....” (Chirs)

She looked like the lifeless face of a female coworker during an all-night work death march.

It's not that she doesn't have feelings.

She's not good at showing it, or maybe she's afraid of it.

I don't know what hers was like before, but I think it was very bad.

But the environment has changed.

Then she should aim for happiness from now on.

“Well, it's time for the hungry ones to start waiting. Let's make a quick meal” (Itsuki)

“Yes. I'm have done the preparation, so let's get right to it” (Wendy)

“Sure. I'm going to go roast some meat. I'll leave you the rest” (Itsuki)

“I'll take care of it. Okay then, Chris-san. Let's make something together” (Wendy)

“Ah, yes. I look forward to working with you” (Chirs)

Well, I guess. Shiro also eats beef tongue, after all.

I guess I'll use it all up this time.

So, I'm going to do some shopping........just in time. If there's something unusual in the royal city, I'll buy it.

So, I wonder how much I'm going to grill today.

“Um, Wendy-san” (Chirs)

“Yes. What is it?” (Wendy)

“Wendy-san, well, you know, your master is a strange man” (Chirs)

“Uh-fufu. Cool, right?” (Wendy)

“Um, yes. Just for a bit” (Chirs)

“Master-sama is honest with himself, a little naughty, but cool and kind” (Wendy)

“A little naughty.... Well, this person, Wendy-san, you love your master, doesn't it?” (Chirs)

“Yes. I love him” (Wendy)

“I too.........love Hayato-sama. I want to be by his side forever” (Chirs)

“Hmm. We're both slaves, but let's do our best for each other” (Wendy)

“Yes. I will try my best to be like you two, you know, little by little” (Chirs)

The two of them are talking about something as they cook, but unfortunately, I can't hear them.

But when I saw them laughing at each other, I was relieved to see that they were laughing at each other, and I was concerned about how well the tongue and salt were cooked.