I sat at my desk sorting through the items I had received while the girl changed behind me. I was not sure whether I should leave the room, but I didn't really feel like waiting outside, even if that was probably common courtesy.
Instead I stayed there like an idiot, pulling things out of the bag and lining them up perfectly. I did not have OCD or anything. I just liked things a certain way.
It also killed time.
Time I could burn until she finished and the awkwardness faded a little. I kept overthinking whether I should step out, but of course I just sat there doing nothing.
Typical me.
I set the guidebook on the small shelf built into the desk, next to a few other random volumes that were probably there for whenever I got bored. Even though I could somehow read this world's language now, I would never willingly open a book that used more fancy words than actual plot.
Then there was the sword and the small dagger I had been given. I leaned the sword against the side of the desk and unsheathed the dagger just to look at it. The blue-tinted metal caught the light nicely, and the edge curved slightly at the tip. Intricate symbols ran along the handle, though I could not tell what they meant.
Then there was–
"Master."
I looked up from the desk and carefully glanced back. "Y-yes?"
"I... I'm done dressing."
Like hell she was!
Why the fuck was that even in the closet?
What stood in front of me barely counted as clothing. It looked exactly like the slave outfit you could put on pawns in one of my favorite games; nothing but black straps that only covered the important bits and left everything else bare.
Nothing else!
I did not dare look down, but the glimpse I caught was enough to know she wore nothing underneath. And she just stood there, waiting, like this was somehow my fault.
In those stunned seconds I noticed two things.
First, scars crossed her chest and lower abdomen. Clearly she had not been treated well at all. I made a quiet mental note to learn healing magic that could remove scars. Maybe it would help her move past everything, and bring back the beauty she deserved.
Second… she was probably a C-cup. Nice shape, too.
"Was this not to your liking, Master? Master Yosuke told me all men were into things like this."
I was not sure what kind of guy the previous hero had been, but he sounded like a complete scumbag. I kept my opinion about the outfit to myself. It was totally wasted on those curves anyway.
"Huh? N-no, that is not what I meant when I told you to choose an outfit," I muttered, looking away as calmly as I could. Gotta play it nonchalant.
I realized I would probably have to pick something for her myself. She might think I was testing whether she made a good bed-warmer or something.
With a small sigh I stood up and walked to the closet, giving her a little smile as I passed. "I will find something else for you, if that is okay."
I swear she tensed for a second before her shoulders dropped when I simply walked past her.
I was no fashion expert. I only ever wore stuff that was comfortable and practical. The grey cargo pants and red polo I still had on were more than enough for me.
The closet itself was way bigger than I expected, stuffed with fancy clothes that screamed formal occasions. I was not touching any of those willingly. This was only a temporary room anyway, while the Queen prepared an estate for me. I had not asked for any of it, but I had no choice but to accept more wealth than I was comfortable with.
In the corner on the floor I spotted a few items I instantly recognized as sex toys. I grabbed a nearby shirt and tossed it over them.
Yeah. I definitely did not want to see those every time I needed new pants.
After a bit more digging I finally found something decent.
I stood in front of her again, holding out the neatly folded clothes and trying my hardest to keep eye contact. "Here, take these instead. I do not know if they will fit though…"
She looked down at the bundle, mouth opening slightly, then took them quickly and bowed low before hurrying to the other side of the room.
At least she felt safe enough to put distance between us without expecting punishment. That counted as progress in my book. I would rather she distrusted me than feared me.
She almost looked happy when I gave her the clothes. A small smile tugged at my own mouth. I turned away fast so she would not see it. Last thing I needed was to come off as a creep.
This time I had learned from my mistake, so I decided to step outside and give her real privacy. Just as I reached for the doorknob she spoke.
"Wait, where are you going?"
"Just for a small walk," I said with a small smile. "I barely know my way around the palace, so I thought I should look around."
It wasn't the full truth, but I did not want her thinking she was the reason I had to leave. For some reason I got the feeling privacy was not something she cared much about. Still, I did want to learn the layout.
"I see…"
She sounded almost disappointed, like she had expected something else. I glanced between the door and her, then managed to stammer, "Y-you are free to come with me once you are done changing. I will wait just outside the door…"
I did not even wait for an answer. My face already felt hot from how awkward that came out. I closed the door behind me, checked left and right to make sure the hall was empty, then leaned against the wall and let out a deep sigh.
I had no idea how long I zoned out, playing imaginary conversations in my head, before the doorknob turned. I pushed off the wall and turned to see her properly dressed.
She wore a simple tunic dress, clean-cut and long enough to brush her knees. A leather belt cinched her waist, paired with soft leggings and low, well-worn boots. A short sleeveless cloak hung from her shoulders, fastened at the neck with a tiny clasp you could barely see.
It all fit her pretty well, even if it was a little oversized on her frailer frame.
I gave her a thumbs-up and a tentative grin. "It looks good on you."
She fidgeted with the hem of the dress and let out a small "Mhm," but then froze and bowed low like she had suddenly remembered who she was talking to.
"I apologize for my rudeness just now. I am grateful for your kindness and generosity."
This was going to be hard…
I scratched the back of my head, wishing I could melt into the wall. "It is fine, really. You do not have to… uh, bow or anything."
She straightened, but her eyes stayed on the floor. The awkwardness between us felt thick enough to touch. I wanted to say something, but my brain had already started running worst-case scenarios.
I cleared my throat and tried to sound casual. "So, uh, want to see the palace? Or, I mean, you do not have to if you do not want to. I just thought… we could look around or whatever."
I knew I had basically repeated myself, but I could not help it. My mouth always did that when my brain had not planned the words ahead.
She gave a small nod, still not meeting my eyes. "If that is what you wish, Master."
There it was again. Master. It wasn't so bad being called that. I was not sure why, but I liked it. Maybe because it made me feel… something. Or maybe because anyone would love hearing it from a girl like her.
I started walking down the hall, hands in pockets, and she followed close behind. The silence did not bother me, but this felt like the perfect moment to keep talking. Letting it die now would make things weird later.
"So, uh… what is your name?" I asked, somehow sounding casual for once. It was a miracle I could even control my own voice sometimes.
She hesitated, then answered softly, "I… I do not have one. Or I did, but I do not remember it."
No name, huh? That was weird… but it also meant I could give her one, right? That was how these things usually went.
"Oh, uh… do you want one?" I tried to sound less awkward than I felt. "I mean, you do not have to if you do not want to. But it might be nice, I guess?"
She looked up at me for a second. "If that is what Master wishes. You may call me slave, servant or Onnaaa! like my previous Master…"
Come on! How was I supposed to react to that? Also, was that a Jojo reference? What a cultured scumbag that Minato guy was.
"Oh, uhm, right… but I was thinking more of a real name, you know?" I mumbled, all casualness gone because of how matter-of-fact she sounded. "Do you not want one?"
She actually seemed to think about it, then gave a tiny nod. "Well… if Master feels it is necessary…"
Great, she finally gave in!
A good name, a good name… I was the one who suggested it, yet my brain went completely blank.
"I will think of a good one while we walk, if that is okay?"
She gave a short nod, eyes back on the floor as we turned a corner.
I racked my brain. Lily was too basic. Sora did not fit. Ellie? Joane?
After a full minute I finally landed on something simple enough.
Yes. This might work.
"How about, uh… Mira?" I asked, hoping it sounded decent.
She repeated the name under her breath, then nodded. "Mira… I like it. Thank you, Master."
I let out a breath I had not realized I was holding and dared a small smile. "Cool. Mira it is, then. Glad you like it."
We kept walking, and I started to feel like we had grown a little closer. At least I hoped so. Right now she was the only member of my so-called hero party.
We passed a few guards patrolling or standing at posts. Some even bowed their heads slightly in respect.
I gave them tentative smiles and small nods back, not entirely sure if I was supposed to, but doing it anyway.
Then I remembered something. I turned to her. "Hey, Mira? Do you know where the kitchen is? I mean the dining room." I corrected myself, remembering rich people probably did not eat in the actual kitchen.
"I do, Master. I can show you the way."
She then glanced out the window into a small space that sort of looked like a garden, with a giant grandfather clock in the middle. "Lunch is about to be served soon anyways."
"Oh, alright. Please do." I slowed my pace a bit for her to walk in front of me. She looked back at me for a moment. "Is it truly okay for me to walk ahead, Master?"
Oh my god, how little freedom did she have before? If she asked for permission for every little thing, this would be harder than I thought.
"Hey, Mira. You do not really have to keep asking for permission like that. Just act however you want." I added almost jokingly, "That is an order!"
There I was again, unable to use a serious tone and instead opting for a playful tone and an awkward chuckle. I couldn't help it! I always added a quick and quiet "Just kidding" at the end of any kind of joke almost automatically, which is a bit frustrating.
"Oh, alright. Please do." I slowed my pace so she could walk ahead. She looked back, eyes widening a little. "Is it truly okay for me to walk ahead, Master?"
How little freedom she must have had before. If she needed permission for every tiny thing, this was going to be harder than I thought.
"Hey, Mira. You do not really have to keep asking for permission like that. Just act however you want." I added almost jokingly, "That is an order!"
I could not keep a serious tone to save my life. Playful came out instead, along with an awkward chuckle. I always tacked on a quiet "Just kidding" at the end of jokes almost automatically. It frustrated me every time.
"Oh, alright…" she answered almost too softly for me to hear, then continued ahead. "This way, Master."
We reached two giant double doors. The guards stationed outside bowed when they saw us.
"Oh, if it is not Lord Kernt!" one of them called out, opening the door. "Our chefs have prepared a meal fitting for a hero like you. I hope it is to your liking."
"Thank you very much. I appreciate it." I smiled and nodded, then glanced at Mira and gestured her forward. "You can go in. Ladies first, you know? Haha…"
Both guards exchanged a look. One laughed softly into his hand. Mira stared at me in confusion for a few seconds. I wondered if I had said something weird.
"What?" I mumbled. I already felt insecure about opening my mouth too much.
"I apologize for our rudeness, Hero. We simply thought it was unusual how kindly you treated a mere slave. Forgive me, ex-slave." The first guard said, still smirking faintly.
"I see she even has proper clothing now. Too bad. I preferred her old outfit." The other added with a grin before getting playfully slapped on the back by the first.
Mira lowered her head and took a step back from the entrance. I understood then that the previous hero had not been the only one who treated her badly.
"Let us go inside at the same time then, Mira," I suggested with a small smile. I hesitated, then placed a light hand on her back to guide her forward.
Being this casual with a girl was not like me, but I figured I might regret it later if I held back. And I hated regrets, especially when they came from being too scared of what other people might think.
She flinched at the touch but kept walking. I pulled my hand back the second my tiny burst of boldness ran out.
The dining room was as ridiculously opulent as I had expected, with a table big enough for thirty people and way too much decoration for my taste.
Coming from a cramped apartment shared with six family members, the whole thing felt more off-putting than impressive.
A servant hurried over, looking slightly worried. "H-Hero Kernt! You came earlier than we expected. Please, take a seat." He pulled out a chair for me.
I gave my usual nod and smile. "Thanks."
I glanced back at Mira and pulled out the chair beside mine. She looked warily at the servant, who quickly averted his eyes.
"The food will be brought shortly. Please excuse me."
He walked away. I turned to Mira again. "Are you not going to sit down…?"
She hesitated, then approached on silent bare feet across the carpet and stopped beside me. "I could not possibly eat with you as an equal, Master. This position is more fitting."
Come on…
"It is fine. Take a seat. It would feel kinda weird if you just stood behind me while I ate."
She looked like she wanted to argue, but then bowed slightly. "If that is what you wish, Master."
Finally she sat beside me, hands folded in her lap, eyes downcast. Appetizers already waited on the table, but none of them interested me. I was holding out for real food — meat, chicken, something good.
The smell hit me as the dishes arrived. I started wondering if this was all just for me or if others would join, so I cleared my throat while one of the cooks set plates down.
"Excuse me, is this all just for us?"
"Hm? Forgive me, but this is for you. I am not sure what you mean by us."
"Huh? I-I meant Mira." I gestured to her.
He looked at her like he had only just noticed, then straightened up again. "This meal was prepared specifically for you, Lord Kernt. You are free to share the remains with the slave if that is what you wish." He put extra weight on the word slave and didn't even try to hide it.
"I was actually thinking she would eat… with me…" I trailed off, hoping I was not pushing too far. Hero or not, I was still terrified of saying the wrong thing.
His lip tightened for a moment before he forced a smile that never reached his eyes. "You are truly a generous hero, Lord Kernt! I understand. We will serve your slave — excuse me, Miss Mira — as well." He excused himself and left.
I let out a small sigh. When I noticed Mira watching me, I just gave her a small, awkward smile like "Gee, what a service." She looked down at the table, but I caught the faint smile forming on her lips.
When everything was laid out I dug in right away. There were meats I could not name, stews still bubbling in their bowls, juicy cuts, and soft bread that practically melted. Grilled vegetables in something sweet sat there too, but I skipped most of them. Excuse me for still being a picky kid.
Mira did not touch anything at first. She sat with her hands in her lap, eyes flicking over the dishes like she was not even sure she was allowed to breathe the air around the food.
I slid a plate of roasted chicken closer to her and gestured with my chin since my mouth was full.
"Mmm, mm!"
She blinked, understood the nonsense, and slowly reached for a piece. I kept eating without pushing. If I forced it, things would just get weird.
We ate in silence for a while. Not that I minded it. Meals were for eating, and I was enjoying this one too much to worry about conversation.
Finally, Mira started eating properly, taking small bites. At one point, I saw her closing her eyes after taking a spoonful of soup, like it was the first warm thing she'd tasted in weeks.
I didn't really know what to say. I wasn't used to this kind of awkward… gratitude? Sadness? Hunger? Whatever it was. So I just kept eating, stealing glances at her now and then, and pretending like I wasn't.
Eventually Mira started eating properly, taking small bites. At one point she closed her eyes after a spoonful of soup, like it was the first warm thing she had tasted in weeks.
I did not know what to say. I was not used to this kind of quiet gratitude, or sadness, or hunger — whatever it was. So I just kept eating, stealing glances at her every now and then and pretending I was not.
When I finally finished I felt a little guilty about all the leftovers. I leaned back with a content sigh and turned to her.
"I am so full! You can eat as much as you want, so do not hold back."
She gave a small nod and nibbled on a piece of bread.
Yes! Progress. That felt good.
I heard the door open behind me but did not bother looking. Probably just a servant doing servant things.
"Lord Kernt? Got a moment?"
Guess not.
I turned to see who had called, already hoping it was not more trouble.