Even if my only strength is water magic, having modern knowledge should be sufficient, right?

Episode 19: Second Day of Noble Work

(Back to Frim’s Perspective)

“I’m glad you’re both safe! Logan-san, Markea-san!”

“…?”

“Huh?”

I felt uneasy all day. Could it be that the reason the two didn’t return immediately was because Pakis lied to Boss and now they’re being beaten up? Despite my thoughts, both of them seemed taken aback. Logan-san’s mouth was slightly agape, and Markea-san froze with a “Huh?” escaping her lips.

“I apologize for causing you worry.”

“We were worried!”

What’s with this reaction? Did I do something wrong? I thought for a moment but quickly realized. I think they were surprised that I, their superior, would show concern for slaves. Swordfighting slaves still retain some humanity because they interact with people through exchanges of life and victory, but some have had their emotions beaten out of them to the point where they won’t move until whipped. Even though they’re slaves, I still see them as people and want to treat them properly. There may be situations where I can’t do that, but still, people are people.

“Frim-chan is kind to slaves.”

A voice came from the swollen bed. …Is there someone else here? One of Pakis’ older brothers was lying on a futon. He was one of the brothers who spoke at the entrance for the people I talked to at the arena.

“I’m here instead of Pakis. Long time no see.”

“Nice to see you again,big brother.”

This is probably the second time we’ve spoken properly. He’s not the brother who attacked me, but he’s still a dangerous opponent.

“Don’t call me ‘brother,’ use my name. It might be necessary for work, right?”

Uh-oh… I’ve never heard this person’s name before.

“I’ve never heard your name before. I’ve only heard Pakis call you ‘brother.'”

“Hehe, I see, I just wanted to tease you———I’m Myued. Nice to meet you, Frim-chan.”

Was he just teasing me? Or maybe he came to avenge Pakis? They’re brothers… Even if he were to attack me, there’s no one here to stop him. I’m terrified, even though I don’t know what he’s thinking.

“Is it okay to call you Myued-san?”

“Yeah, I just came to transport the slaves. It’s late, so I was told to stay the night and decided to. So? Why was Pakis so angry?”

—A chill ran down my spine. How should I answer? No, even if I lie, Logan-san and the others have probably already heard from me. I don’t sense any hostility from Myued-san, but I still need to be prepared to take a few hits.

“Perhaps because Pakis-san was originally my superior, and he didn’t like being assigned as my subordinate by the boss?”

“I see, tough luck.”

…Huh? He’s not mad about Pakis?

“I’m sorry for causing you trouble, Myued-san.”

“Nah, it’s fine… Pakis is probably to blame anyway. Good night, go to sleep.”

“Yes, good night.”

I wanted Olmiroi to talk to his sister tonight, and I wanted to ask Logan-san and the others what happened, but I couldn’t do that as long as he was in the room. I was told to sleep, so I went to the bed arranged for me… and saw Logan-san and the others lying on the floor.

“Logan-san, everyone, please sleep in the beds.”

“Is it okay? Would it be disrespectful to sleep on the same floor as Myued-sama?”

What’s with that reasoning? My stomach churns, but is that how it is? No, in this case…

“The people of this mansion told us to sleep here. If we don’t use the beds prepared for us, they might think we’re not appreciating their kindness… Is that okay, Myued-san?”

“Huh? Sure, sure, you guys should sleep in the beds.”

“Thank you.”

While I slept in the bed, it felt uncomfortable to see Talarine and the others sleeping on the floor.

“Indeed, you’re kind even to slaves.”

“Slaves are still people. Besides, I was told by the boss to treat them well as their superior. It’s natural to cherish them since they belong to the boss, right?”

I didn’t want to say “belong.” Still, I had to give a proper reason. Myued-san had a slightly kinder expression, but what was he thinking?

“I see… let’s go with that. Goodnight.”

“Yes, goodnight.”

With a man next to the bed whose thoughts I couldn’t fathom, I thought I wouldn’t be able to sleep due to tension, but I was so tired that I fell asleep easily.

—

When I woke up in the morning, Myued-san was already gone. Work started right away, just like yesterday, no, there were two more people, and they used a soft brush to remove moss and dirt. Logan-san’s height was helpful.

“Please lift Markea-san higher.”

“Got it.”

“There’s still dirt here, I’ll get rid of it.”

“Okay.”

Markea-san refused to brush the statue because she was afraid of breaking it, so instead of Logan-san, she lifted me up. It was a check on the statue from yesterday. As a young girl, I couldn’t see the top of the statue. It was also embarrassing to ask Olmiroi in front of Talarine.

“You did that statue yesterday, right? Why are you doing the same one again?”

A servant came to see. It was the same person as yesterday, so maybe they entrusted us with the management?

“Good morning. Since it was evening yesterday and the angle of the sun was different, we’re conducting a full inspection to make sure we didn’t miss any dirt and removing what wasn’t visible.”

“I see… here’s your food. Eat, then wash.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Excuses come easily since I came to this world. No, it’s an explanation. If I can’t say this, I might get hit. Unlike yesterday, breakfast was served properly. Hard bread, delicious soup, a small amount of meat, and salad. The late breakfast brought by the servants was somewhat more luxurious than the basic meals served at the boss’s place. Since I eat at the boss’s place, there are many items that last longer, so soup is a rare treat.

“We didn’t have leftovers yesterday. Don’t think you’ll always get something.”

“No, thank you very much. I’m grateful for Bursa-sama’s kindness.”

“…I heard you’ll be here for a few days. You’re different from the usual useless guys; you’re throwing me off.”

By the way, Markea, please put me down on the ground. It’s strange to talk with my feet planted like this.

“I’ll make sure you get something decent. Keep it up.”

“Understood! I’ll do my best!”

The servant left with a smile.

“Shall we eat breakfast?”

Living every moment with caution… It’s truly suffocating.

—Still, it’s better than sleeping in an alleyway.