Chapter 69: RomanceDay 84

  I wake to find Alina and Sherry at my sides. After some hugs and smooches, we go downstairs. Roxanne is fixing breakfast with Theo’s guidance. It seems that they’re almost done with the knowledge transfer.

  “Good morning, everyone. I hope to finish the 44th floor today, as long as we can do it safely. This will be our st full day with the guys before they go to Rutina. Of course, I expect that we may work together occasionally and they might even return to the party or some other function.”

  Marcus responds, “It’s been great, Boss. Couldn’t have been better.”

  “Well, a long goodbye now is bad luck, so let’s save that for tomorrow. I’ll see Mirabel at lunch today and find out if and when I’ll meet her parents.”

  Roxanne encourages, “Of course they will approve, Master.”

  “Thanks, Roxanne, I’ll do my best.”

  Wow, I’d almost forgotten about Roxanne’s armor change. Of course, it’s not like the old jacket was exactly subtle. Maybe she should wear a cloak in public. No, that’s for her to decide.

  Theo seems happy with the moderate armor upgrade. It really seems to suit him since this is more flexible. Marcus’ armor is pretty good too. All around, not bad. I don’t have to feel too embarrassed to send them out like this.

  “Anyway, let’s get to work.”

  We warp to Curatar’s Labyrinth to continue our work there. Theo amasses a rge quantity of silk thread along the way. Sherry doesn’t know of any use in crafting so I guess we’ll just sell it all. No problem to get more ter anyway.

  We’re moving a bit faster than usual and make it to at least 75% of the floor by lunch break. I take us home so I can change into normal clothes and clean up a bit.

  “I’ll meet Mirabel in Vale to avoid the crowds of Curatar.”

  Roxanne gnces at Alina and then announces that she wants to come as my bodyguard.

  “Sure, Roxanne, if you want.”

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  I warp us near the arranged spot in Vale and Mirabel arrives soon after. We exchange normal greetings and decide to walk around. Roxanne and Mirabel’s guards follow discretely behind. It seems that the guards pretty much accept Roxanne as part of the protection detail.

  “Father has agreed to meet you. It’ll be dinner with the family, three days from now. I hope you’ll be avaible.”

  “Yes, Mirabel, I will.”

  “Great. Let’s meet in the usual spot in central Curatar at sunset. We’ll go there together.”

  “Alright. What kind of reception can I expect?”

  “This will be an informal introduction, though you’ll be expected to use proper titles. Father will speak first and he will lead the discussion.”

  “That doesn’t sound informal to me.”

  “Father is much higher ranked than that baron you were pushing around. Do not try to challenge his authority.”

  “Alright. Should I wear fancy clothes or armor?”

  “Goodness no, David. What you are wearing now is perfect.”

  “What is he likely to ask of me?”

  “Yes, that is the main point. If he doesn’t like you, he will set some ridiculous condition to force you to give up. If he tolerates you, he’ll expect you to prove yourself by performing a difficult task. I will fight him if he asks for anything too dangerous.”

  “Thank you, Mirabel, but leave it to me to decide.”

  “Alright, David. I’m depending on you.”

  “I don’t want you to fight with your family, but my personal safety is much, much more important than that.”

  “Good, because you are my best chance for a happy life.”

  “Hard to say if that was meant to be romantic, but I like how you’ve warmed up to me.”

  “Hmm, romantic. David, what will married life be like?”

  “Over the next several years, I pn to spend much of my time in the byrinths. It will be my main occupation. What I hope is that you’ll have some sort of activity as well. It doesn’t matter if you earn money as long as you aren’t just sitting around, waiting for me to get home.”

  “Oh, that’s interesting. Noble women are usually meant to either assist their husbands in the byrinths or manage the household. I’ve heard that some just host and attend tea parties. What do you have in mind for me?”

  “Maybe run a small store, farm, paint, or fight in the byrinths. The decision is yours. Anyway, it’s just my wish, not a requirement.”

  “Wouldn’t I need to help earn money? Nobles don’t pay dowries.”

  “Dowry? I didn’t think of that. So, do I need to pay your family?” [1]

  “A betrothal gift is expected from a noble, but never from a commoner. In fact, it would be taken as an insult if you offered one.”

  “Well, I don’t have nd, a castle, or vassals so I am indeed poor compared to nobles. Still, for a commoner, I live quite comfortably.”

  “Sorry, David, I meant no offense.”

  “Not at all. It’s good to understand expectations. I can’t give you a grand pace with a hundred servants, but we won’t be living in the slums either. Currently, I rent a ten-room house in the countryside. If this isn’t enough, you may need to contribute.”

  “David, I have no need for a pace, though I won’t tolerate the slums, not that I ever imagined you living there. Am I being rude?”

  “Not so much. Anyway, it’s much better to risk offense than just blindly assume and get disappointed ter.”

  “Good, because my next point is worse. David, I don’t want to sleep in the same bed as your girls. I want my own room, separate from the others. When we spend the night together, I would like it to be in there. Even if it’s unfair, I want that privilege.”

  “Absolutely! I’m happy that you would be willing to try living in the same house. Giving you a separate room is the absolute minimum. We’ll also make rules for proper behavior so you feel comfortable. The girls will cooperate to keep me in the same house.”

  “Thank you, David. I was worried I’d sound like a spoiled noble. So, what are your expectations for me, other than work?”

  (No, you’re asking for too little. I’m the one who’s spoiled.)

  “Good. My turn to be blunt. I want children. It doesn’t need to be soon and I’m not asking for very many, but I want some if at all possible.”

  “Yes, David, that much is assumed. In fact, it would be a problem if you didn’t want children. Is that all you need from me?”

  “Of course not, Mirabel. I want the two of us to be close, very close. I want to trust you with my secrets and for you to trust me. I want us to be honest with each other. I want us to be happy together. I want us to want to make each other happy.”

  “Dammit, David, I just meant if you were expecting me to cook. You’re so damn direct that I might start taking your seductions seriously.”

  “Well, we’re already talking about having children. It’s a bit te to be shy now.”

  “David, you really do like me, don’t you?”

  “Yes, Mirabel, I do.”

  “…me too.”

  smooch

  “Alright, Mirabel, we’d better stop here before your guards explode. I’ll see you in three days.”

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  After Mirabel’s group left, I walked with Roxanne to Vale’s Labyrinth.

  “Thanks for keeping me safe, Roxanne.”

  “It is an honor, Master.”

  We warp home to find Alina waiting for us.

  “Welcome home, David and Roxanne. Were you successful?”

  “Yes, Alina. Mirabel is ready to commit. I’ll meet her family in a few days.”

  “That’s wonderful, David. You were right to keep trying. Is she prepared to elope?”

  “Yes.”

  “I was just kidding, but you may be right. Noble marriages aren’t usually like this, so how did you manage to charm her so deeply? Now that I think about it, you have all of us and even Rutina charmed as well. Very sneaky, David. You pretend to be shy, all while luring us in.”

  “I’m not trying to control anyone.”

  “Well, we’ll all follow you anyway.”

  Roxanne joins in, “That’s right, Master, control us as much as you want.”

  (It sounds like Roxanne is asking for some very special attention.)

  “Let’s get back to work.”

  Everyone gets ready and we return to Curatar’s Labyrinth. There are very few monsters so we reach the waiting room quickly. Two parties are ahead of us, so they probably cleared the path. Most parties follow the same maps, after all.

  Since this floor is the st before a major jump in difficulty, the traffic is especially high. Through eavesdropping, I learn that the bosses themselves are of particur interest. If I understand correctly, they drop mithril thread. [2] If it just comes as thread, maybe it’s just for defense, like my robe. What about wrapping it around a wand? I’ve never seen one like that, but mithril isn’t at the normal shops anyway.

  The doors open and the party at the front enters. Now I can hear the party ahead of us talk about the previous party’s cims as facts. Another party lines up behind us. These guys are leering at our women and whispering to each other. That’s only natural, but they’d better clear their heads soon.

  The party in front of us goes in and yet another party joins at the rear. Soon, both parties behind us are making rude comments about our girls. This is bothersome.

  “Hey! Shut up back there. If you don’t keep your mind on your work, you won’t survive this floor.”

  Most of them are startled, but one snaps back, “I’ve never seen you here before. You sound nervous. Maybe this is your first time.”

  “That’s because we don’t need to repeat floors. How many times have you been here?”

  “Um, we’re here to collect thread.”

  “That’s nice. Now stop talking about my party members or this will be your st trip. Got it?”

  Oh, now it’s our turn.

  “Alright, same split as the previous floor. Concentrate on disrupting their magic.”

  We rush in and two Silver Caterpilrs appear.

  After several fire spells, chant interruptions, stuns, a petrify, and many hits, the monsters are defeated.

  We get the expected mithril thread drop and go home.

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  It was still early so after a brief rest, we all gathered in the main room.

  “Thanks for working hard to complete this tier. We’re in a good spot now.”

  Marcus responds, “This is good experience for us too, especially since we’ll be teaching other people.”

  Roxanne adds, “And thank you for defending us, Master. The parties behind us were irritating.”

  “The first party was just whispering. I can let that pass. When the second party joined in, they started to get too bold. We’re probably going to see more of that when the guys leave the party.”

  Sherry mumbles, “Accidents happen in the byrinths all the time.”

  Sounds like Sherry was the most bothered by the taunts.

  “Guys, no more byrinth work so you may want to clean and gather your stuff this evening. Rutina will probably want to have your weapons and armor evaluated and catalogued. You’re obviously welcome to bring all of your clothes and belongings. Take anything you want from your room or anything special from the kitchen. Just please leave some pistachios for me.”

  Theo shows one more dish for Sherry and Alina. Roxanne helps Marcus clean their gear. I fill the baths.

  Dinner consists of skewered goat meat, garlic sauce, ftbread, and mixed vegetables. Theo was holding out on me! Well, I can’t compin since he’s sharing this now.

  “These are the best meat-skewers I’ve ever had. I love the sauce too. It’s a lot like tzatziki, without the cucumber.”

  Theo responds, “I’m not familiar with those names. It’s just a garlic sauce that should have been made with yogurt instead of the quick version. What is that st thing?”

  “A vegetable that doesn’t seem to be avaible here. I’ll show you if I ever find it. Anyway, thanks for sharing.”

  After dinner, I ask Sherry to do some Runesmith work. She enchanted Roxanne’s dragon-leather armor with slime and kobold crystals to grant her strong protection against physical attacks.

  Roxanne joins me upstairs.

  “Master, I’m very grateful for you defending our honor.”

  “Not every taunt needs to result in violence, but I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  “Master, is there any way I could repay you?”

  “Yes, Roxanne, it would be dishonorable of me to refuse.”

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  [1] In the LN, the duke expins the marriage gift traditions for this society (v7 c2).[2] The LN has an entire subplot about mithril thread (v13 c1).