"Nee, onii-san... You're so boring, wanna play with me instead...?"
"Mmm... I'd rather teach you how to please a woman than waste my time listening to your silly little lesson..."
Right now, I'm surrounded by a pair of elves. The one on my left trails her finger along my cheek, and the other one on my right slips her arms around mine and presses her lace-covered breasts into it.
This is bad.
There are maybe fifty women in Berland's brothel. Most of them are elves, a few are cyclopes, and only two are dwarves.
All of them are present here, and all of them are completely hopeless.
TWENTY MINUTES AGO
I was trying to demonstrate how to use sanitizers to an elf, showing her how to rub it on her palms. But then she tilted the bottle and deliberately poured it down her cleavage, and she just innocently glanced at me.
"Oops... Guess my hand slipped. It's just so slippery, isn't it, honey?"
I slapped my forehead and shook my head slowly.
Then, I tried to show a cyclops how to use deodorant and just pointed to my underarm. But she giggled and smirked.
"Onii-san, are you sure you're not just trying to see my armpit? Naughty..."
Then, she slipped a hand to her shoulder and started sliding her bra strap down.
"Stop. Don't, don't do it, lady..."
And let's not even talk about when I tried to explain mahjong to one of the dwarves. She picked up a tile, twirled it once before she tossed it, and crawled over on all fours, rubbing her palms on my thigh.
"I don't get it… Maybe you should teach me in a different way..."
PRESENT TIME
And now?
None of them are even pretending to care anymore.
Some are straight-up flirting. A couple are sniffing shampoo like it's perfume. A group in the corner are giggling as they rub toothpaste across their faces. Others are lying on their backs and twirling game pieces on their fingers.
They're not learning anything. They never were.
But Berland already bought my stuff and asked me to teach them how to use it, so that's why I have to do something about it despite this room being full of dangerously beautiful lunatics.
After a moment, an idea hits me.
I look over to one of the plush mattresses, where a familiar elf is lounging there. I recognize her, she actually paid attention a little earlier. Just barely, and she still ended up like the rest, but at least she nodded once.
"You. What's your name?"
She lifts her head lazily when I call her, brushing a lock of hair behind her pointed ear.
"Sabina."
"Let's play a game. Make a bet with me."
Her eyebrow lifts slightly.
"A bet?"
"If you win, I'll sleep with you and all your friends here. But if I win, all of you sit down and listen to the lesson."
Sabina goes quiet for a moment, then she smiles mischievously.
"Deal."
Immediately, the two elves that are still clinging to me groan in playful protest.
"Ehh?! Why Sabina?!"
"I wanna play too, onii-san! No fair!"
I raise my hand, and my tone goes a little serious.
"No distractions. If you interrupt, then she loses and there will be no sex."
The girls release my arm with exaggerated pouts.
"Meanie…"
Yeah, I have to win this.
I already have Yomogi and have Chantal, and if I'm going to sleep with anyone from Heiligeichen, it's gonna be Kimberly. No one else.
"Pick your game, Sabina."
She surveys the options before lifting a chessboard.
"This one. I want to play this."
"Alright then."
I sit across from her and activate [Temporary Boost] silently to set my intelligence stat to infinity.
Sorry, girls.
But there's no way I'm letting you win.
Then, I reach into my pocket and pull out a bronze coin.
"We'll settle this the old-fashioned way. Whoever guesses it right gets white."
She nods, already understanding what I mean.
I flick the coin into the air, and I say it quickly while it's still mid-air.
"Call it."
"Heads."
The coin lands on the soft mattress with a light bounce.
Tails.
I'll go first.
I take my seat behind the white pieces while she positions herself across from me, and we set up the board together in silence.
"Ready, Sabina?"
"Mmhmm."
I move first. Pawn to e4.
She mirrors me to e5.
The match begins.
We trade pieces back and forth. I take her knight. She takes my bishop. I castle early. She counters and develops fast.
Around us, the flirtatious giggles and lewd whispers fade. The other women are no longer lounging or teasing, they're watching us closely. Eyes flicking from piece to piece like this match matters to them.
Well, I was the one who promised to sleep with all of them if I lost anyway, so yeah, I guess it does.
My infinite intelligence stat obviously grants me an easy win, but I'm more amazed by how Sabina is holding her own, like she really knows how this game works.
She might be one of the best I've ever played against. But honestly, I barely ever played back in Japan. And when I did, I mostly lost.
So, activating the boost for precautions?
Good call.
Is it cheating?
Sure.
But I really didn't want to lose.
Minutes pass. Her king is exposed, and she's running out of room. Then finally, my queen goes to g6, and my rook seals the last escape.
"Checkmate."
Sabina stares at the board for a moment, then exhales and accepts it without a word.
And behind me...
"Awwww…"
"Sabinaaa!"
"You were our only hope!"
They groan, their disappointment is real. They slump to the cushions, shoulders sagging and lips pouting. I stand up and turn to face the room full of these sulky, scantily clad women.
"A promise is a promise. Now sit down and listen. Time for your actual lesson."
And they mutter in unison, voices defeated.
"Yeees…"
Sabina chuckles as she reclines back against a pillow, eyes on me.
"You're an interesting human, aren't you?"
Then, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, she adds.
"Fine, I'll do what you want, so... teach me everything, sensei..."
"Yeah, thank you. Let's begin."
And just like that, I teach these prostitutes about hygiene and games once again.
MEANWHILE, OUTSIDE KIMBERLY'S VILLA
**********
"Wind... Arrow..."
Kimberly stirs the air around her fingertips until it shapes into a large, arrow-shaped gust that takes form. Then, Kimberly releases it gracefully.
The Wind element spell bursts forward with a high-pitched whistle, streaking into the sky before curving sharply downward toward the distant forest across the hills.
And moments later...
BOOM!
The sound ripples through the air like thunder. From the faraway trees, a flock of birds explodes into flight, scattering into the sky. A few trees are uprooted and flung into the air from the impact.
Chantal blinks in awe.
"Wha… whoa… That was amazing!"
And Yomogi's eyes widen.
"That's… I've never seen anything like that…"
Kimberly slowly lowers her arm, turning into Yomogi and Chantal.
"That spell takes... quite a toll. It draws... too much mana… so I... rarely use it..."
Chantal tilts her head curiously, pointing to Kimberly's forehead.
"But you can control your mana really well, can't you? I mean, with that jewel mark and all."
Kimberly touches the emerald gem on her forehead, smiling faintly.
"Sometimes… people like to... exaggerate. Anyone… could do this… if they... gave it a try…"
Yomogi says with a warm smile, but Kimberly just shrugs lightly.
"You're so humble, Kimberly."
"I only try… to live simply… like... anyone else should..."
Chantal bounces forward to Kimberly, her eyes lighting up more.
"Hey, hey, can you show us how you control the wind around you? I really wanna see that!"
And Yomogi nods quickly, equally eager.
"Me too!"
Kimberly gives a breath of laughter, or something close to it.
"Young ones… always... so full of curiosity…"
Then, she closes her eyes and raises one hand to her chest. A spiral of wind began to twist and turn above her palm, slowly gaining form. It whirls tighter and tighter until it becomes a small, glowing vortex. She brings the swirling wind closer to her for a moment, then gently sends it toward the girls.
The vortex floats, and as it nears Yomogi and Chantal, it hovers in place... and then, from within, they hear Kimberly's voice.
"Do you like... what you see…?"
The vortex vanishes, and Yomogi takes a half-step back in surprise.
"I… I can hear her voice…"
And Chantal's mouth drops slightly.
"That's like… sending a message or something! How did you do that?"
Kimberly raises one arm above her head, gliding her fingers gently through the air as she speaks again.
"The wind… flows freely. It lives… by its own rules. We shouldn't… try to... force it. If the wind… wants to... go west… then we follow. If it turns... east… we don't... hold it back. And if the wind… chooses... to rest… we must... not disturb it… with anger... or noise..."
Yomogi stares at her, genuinely moved.
"That sounds like… a word of wisdom."
Kimberly looks at Yomogi.
"Wisdom…? I don't mind… if you call it... that. But if we… want to live... with the wind… then we must... live... kindly. Be gentle… with each other. And with nature. Isn't that… how we're meant... to live… in this world?"
Yomogi nods slowly.
"Yes..."
And Chantal looks up at the sky with a smile.
"You're right, Kimberly."
Then, Kimberly turns to them again, her tone turning slightly curious.
"That man… the one... who travels... with you…"
Chantal blinks and immediately understands.
"You mean Motegi?"
Kimberly nods once.
"Yes… The wind... follows him… softly… curiously. As if it… wants to... observe him. As if it... helps him… just to see… what he will do... next..."
Then, Kimberly continues speaking.
"You are both… very lucky… to be... at his side..."
Hearing that, Yomogi's face flushes.
"K-Kimberly, you're such a tease…"
And Chantal laughs awkwardly, putting one hand on her reddened cheek.
"Well, I'm not gonna deny it..."
MEANWHILE, BACK AT BERLAND'S BROTHEL
**********
"So, how's the lesson going, Mr. Motegi?"
"It's going well, Mr. Berland. The girls were eager to learn, and they picked things up pretty fast."
Right now, I'm sitting in Berland's private office inside his brothel, and he sits across from me on a plush couch, fanning himself with his folding fan dramatically and asking about my progress.
"I see, I see. Then it seems you're doing your task with style, Mr. Motegi."
"Yes, I do."
Then, he leans in slightly, lowering his fan just enough to peek.
"And… they didn't do anything naughty to you, did they?"
"Ahaha... a little, yeah. But nothing out of control. I mean, considering their profession, it's kind of normal, right?"
"Ah, forgive them, forgive them. They tend to behave that way when someone extravagant like you walks through the door, Mr. Motegi."
"You're flattering me, Mr. Berland. I'm just a regular merchant."
He raises the fan again, this time to cover his mouth as he lets out a little laugh.
"Ohoho… Not used to praise, are you, Mr. Motegi?"
"Ahaha... Guess not..."
His fan lowers once more, and his eyes are curious.
"Now then, tell me more. What exactly did you teach my darling girls?"
"Right. They've all learned how to use shampoo properly and how they should brush their teeth twice a day before bed and after waking up. And how to apply deodorant before going out. I also showed them how to use hand sanitizer before eating."
"I see, I see..."
"And they're having a great time with the board games too. They've started playing each other. Sabina the elf is a natural at chess. A cyclops named Meera is also surprisingly sharp at go. And a dwarf named Keyla turns out to be really good at mahjong."
Then, Berland claps his hands together lightly, clearly pleased.
"Splendid! Absolutely splendid! I always knew my girls were full of hidden talents."
And then, I suggest an idea for him.
"Actually, maybe you should consider organizing a small tournament for them. You could feature those three games and maybe offer a prize for the winner. I think it'll get them even more excited and keep their spirits up."
Berland's eyes light up as he snaps his fan shut.
"Oh, Mr. Motegi, that's a wonderful idea! Yes, yes… they deserve to be healthy and happy anyway!"
"You're right, Mr. Motegi."
But despite all his flamboyance, Berland is really a professional. Most brothel owners I've heard about treat their workers like tools and just bodies to make money.
But not him. He actually cares. He wants his girls to be clean, relaxed, and treated well. It's like he knows they'll shine brighter and give better service when they feel good about themselves. It's smart but also kind and rare.
It also reminds me of the black companies back in Japan. Endless overnight shifts, exploitation, burnout, and many people dying from overwork just because no one cared.
But again, Berland isn't like that. He's building an environment where his girls, despite their profession, want to work. Where they feel safe and valued.
And honestly, that's what I try to build for Yomogi and Chantal. Not just as lovers in bed or adventuring partners in the labyrinth, but as a team. I want to be someone they're proud to work with. I want to be someone who takes care of them, supports their performance, and makes sure our place feels like a second home.
Then, Berland shifts again.
"Now then… how much should I pay for this marvelous order, Mr. Motegi?"
"Yes, let's see. Soap is five bronze coins, shampoo and sanitizer are one large bronze each, toothpaste and deodorant are eight bronze each, a chess set is five silver, go boards and mahjong tiles are one large silver each, a cast iron pot is three silver, and a skillet is two silver coins. So they're all five gold, seven large silver, and five large bronze coins in total."
I pause for a moment before I continue.
"But since you're my first biggest buyer, Mr. Berland, I'll make it five gold and four large silver coins for you."
Hearing that, Berland beams delightfully.
"Oh my, Mr. Motegi, you are far too kind!"
Then, he claps his hands, and right on cue, the male elf receptionist from earlier enters the room, carrying a silver tray with a coin pouch on top.
"Here is your payment, Mr. Motegi."
"Thank you, Mr. Berland."
I reach for the pouch. I open it and start counting the coins inside, but then, I pause.
"Wait, there are six gold coins here…"
"Indeed, Mr. Motegi. That extra one is payment for your service teaching my girls."
And I quickly shake my head.
"No, really, Mr. Berland. You don't have to..."
But he cuts me off before I finish speaking.
"No, no. Mr. Motegi, you deserve it. We merchants know if every act has value, isn't that right?"
I blink, then smile and nod respectfully.
"Understood. Thank you, Mr. Berland."
"No, thank you, Mr. Motegi."
Then, I rise from my seat politely.
"Well then, Mr. Berland, I'll take my leave for today."
"Take care, Mr. Motegi. I'll be waiting for your return tomorrow."
"Of course, thank you again."
With that, I leave the brothel, making my way back to Kimberly's villa.
As I pass the market district, an unmistakably familiar sweet scent hits me.
That smell… It can't be...
Turning, I spot a female cyclops behind a small bread stall with so many fresh loaves on top.
"Looking for fresh bread, sweetheart?"
"Yeah, I'll take one, please."
She hands it over, and I pay her.
"Five large bronze."
"Here you go."
"Thank you, sweetheart."
After that, I continue on my way, tearing off a corner and taking a bite.
"As I thought..."
This soft, fluffy, lightly sweet taste... it really is a milk bread, the exact same milk bread I know from Japan. Well, maybe I can make some amazing sandwiches with this.
And then, I spot a short, stocky dwarf ahead dragging a wooden cart behind him. Judging by the glint from his cart, it somehow makes me curious, so I decide to I approach him.
"Hey there, can I buy some of your metal ores you've got?"
He pauses and then bursts into a deep, jolly laugh.
"Oh-ho! A human, huh? Didn't think I'd run into one asking about rocks! You're lucky, friend. Just came from the ridge with a fresh haul. Got iron, chromium, aluminium, and zinc right here. Finest stuff you won't easily find in Remantia's usual markets."
I step closer, eyeing the rough, gleaming chunks piled neatly in the cart.
"How much are these?"
"Two bronze coins each."
"I'll take one of each, then."
"That'll be eight bronze coins in total."
I pull the coins from my pouch and hand it over.
"Pleasure doin' business with ya, friend. Hope those beauties serve you well."
"Thank you!"
After that, I store all those materials inside my dimensional inventory, and we part ways.
Yes, with these ores, my kitchenware line can go beyond just cast iron and basic steel, as I can already imagine aluminium cookware and stainless steel pans lining up on my shelves.