Striving For The Luxury Liner – Vol 10 Chapter 15

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Chapter 15 – Souvenir

Yesterday we enjoyed a very satisfying dinner after touring the sunken city. I’ll definitely buy some armored shrimp and magic oysters to take home. I feel bad for Ines, who couldn’t eat with us, but I’m sure she’s eating her mother’s home-cooked food, so let’s just say it’s not a problem.

“Wataru-san. It’s decided that Ilma and I will go with you to Ines. Best regards.”

Alessia-san said happily after finishing today’s breakfast on her own. Both of them are good friends of Ines, but they’re also two people who make fun of Ines, so I think it’s a delicate choice for Ines.

If only one of them were a stopper like Dorothea-san or Claretta-san, Ines would feel a bit more secure… Well, you know, Ines would be distracted if she was having a good time with Alessia-san and Ilma-san.

“Is that so? I’m looking forward to working with you. It would be a nuisance for them if we left too early, so can we rest in the room for a while first?”

“That’s probably a good idea. Then let’s have a cup of tea. Dorothea-san and the others are free to go.”

“We’ll have tea together.”

Carla-san, upon hearing the word “tea,” suddenly announces her participation. She is definitely after the tea cakes. With a wry smile, Claretta-san nodded her head, so the two of them were probably planning to work together.

“Well then, Marina and I will go to the Adventurer’s Guild as planned to confirm the request and then go sightseeing in the royal capital.”

Dorothea-san and Marina-san waved their hands lightly and left the inn. These two seem cool, but they both have Slime on their heads, which makes me smile.

“Wataru-san. I want some pudding.”

Carla-san asked for tea sweets. Let’s have tea first.

＊＊＊

“Master, help me…”

After a cozy cup of tea, we visited Ines’ parents’ house, where I received a cry for help from my own tired slave. What should I do?

“O-um, that’s a fresh skirt. It looks very nice on you…”

“Isn’t it? Master’s beautiful slave is suffering so much, so who cares about clothes right now? Let’s leave this country as soon as possible! Felicia, I beg you to do the same!”

Even though she said that, I’ve never seen Ines dressed like a normal village girl before. Also, Ines, behind you! Behind you!

“Ines. How can you talk like that to your own master?”

“Hyii!”

“Ah, Mom, no. Master prefers it that way.”

I don’t dislike it, but I don’t think I prefer it.

“Mom?”

“D-dear mother.”

Ines’ mother smiles at her. I wonder why Ines is forced to call her mother so politely. What kind of discipline does she have? It feels different than I imagined. I’m too afraid to ask. I’ve seen Ines’ face, so let’s go back now.　

“Wataru-san, good morning. Please come in.”

“Oh, yes. Excuse me.”

No, I answered reflexively. It was hard to leave now.

“Please wait a moment while I make some tea.”

“Oh, don’t mind me.”

Ines’ mother left the room with Ines, who stared at me with a desperate look on her face.

“I wanted to tease Ines, but she didn’t seem to be in the mood. Why is she so exhausted after two days at home?”

She wanted to make fun of her, didn’t she? But I agree with Alessia-san. I wonder if she usually looks this exhausted after returning to her parent’s house.

“Ufufu, Ines is a high-level adventurer, so two days of physical exhaustion wouldn’t have done that to her. She’s definitely mentally challenged. I mean, she’s her own mother, but what she does is amazing.”

Ilma-san seems to have some sympathy for Ines’ mother. Please don’t let it affect you, Ilma-san. If Ilma-san, who has an S trait, to begin with, develops into an extreme sadist, it would be unmanageable.

“Master. I brought you some tea.”

“T-thank you.”

Ines, dressed like a village girl, brought the tea gracefully. No, not gracefully at all. She is desperately trying to look up so that the mother behind her does not see her.

She’s thinking about getting out. It’s like she wants to get out of this country as soon as possible. Should I even think about leaving because I don’t want Ines to suffer beyond recovery? But I haven’t been able to enjoy this country at all yet.

“So, Wataru-san. What is wrong with you today? If it’s about Ines, I’d like to take a moment of your time…”

Oof, Ines’ mother asked me for some time first.

“Um, I came to see how Ines is doing and also to give you this because I couldn’t give it to you last time. It’s a product I’ve been working with, it’s not famous yet, but it’s a product and a pastry that has a good reputation in some circles.”

I was kind of scared, so I offered her a bath set, an assortment of cosmetics, and a box of donuts to put her in a good mood for now. And by the way, I didn’t forget to bring her a souvenir last time. I just couldn’t give it to her.

“Well, well, we can’t thank you enough for the time you gave us to spend with Ines, but we can’t accept such a gift from you.”

Huh? Is this really a refusal? Or is this a pattern of refusing at least once for the sake of appearances? I have never visited a house with a gift in this world, so it’s hard for me to judge.

“Dear Mother. You should accept it without saying so.”

Oops. Did she really want to refuse it if Ines interrupted her to accept it?

“Ines-chan…”

Ines’ mother calls her own daughter’s name with a voice that sounds like it’s coming from the bottom of her stomach. Has Ines stepped on a landmine? I’m afraid because I don’t know what kind of politics and discipline is being used against Ines.

“What? Mother was jealous of my hair and skin, so I told you. The things Master has brought you are so precious that kings and nobles would change the color of their eyes to buy them. If you refuse, you will regret it for the rest of your life!”

Oh, for some reason, Ines started to resist. What kind of change of heart is this after she had been quieter than usual, unable to resist her mother?

“Ugh… Is that the secret of Ines’ beauty? Does it make your hair shiny and silky?”

Ines’ mother’s expression changed to one of astonishment, and she looked anxiously at the souvenirs I had offered her.

“That’s right. You know it when you see it. Not only Master but Felicia, Alessia, and Ilma are all looking shiny, aren’t they? You can have them because I’m Master’s slave. So, no more lectures!”

I see; the souvenir I brought was critical for Ines’ mother, so she thought this would be a good opportunity to get her to stop lecturing her. But it’s been two days, and she’s still being lectured?

It might seem a bit too long, but when your own daughter is gambling and selling herself, and there’s a way to get her released immediately afterward, a slave contract in favor of fun… yeah, two days of lecturing is too short.

“Indeed, they’re all shiny…”

Ines’ mother reaches for the souvenir and pulls back. Her conscience as a mother and her psychology as a woman seems to be in conflict. Ines looks at me and gives me a “well done” look.

Well, Ines was exhausted, and if I could loosen up the lecture a bit, that would be good, right? Anyway, since she seemed to be having a hard time keeping her nerve, I thought I’d give her a little support.

“I’d like to get a lot of people to tell me what they think about this. If you can, could you tell me later how it works for you?”

“…I-if that’s the case, I’ll be happy to use it.”

Ines’ mother, who had been extremely reluctant, accepted the gift after much hesitation.

“Yes. Ines knows how to use it, so please ask her later.”

“Hey, um, Master. Come here for a moment.”

Ines, who had subtly changed her attitude, led me into a corner of the room.

(Master. If you say such a thing, my stay will be decided. Please get me out of here somehow.)

(Huh? But earlier, you told your mother not to lecture you, didn’t you? So I thought that if she didn’t lecture you, you would want to stay at your parent’s house a little longer…)

(I’ve had enough of my parent’s house, you know. I got sad looks from my father and brother and a lecture from my mother).

Ines’ homecoming was apparently a needle in a haystack. I expected her mother to be angry with her, but it seems she’s also been damaged by the stares of her father and brother.

(But I’ve already said it… Well, I’m going to talk to her to lighten Ines’ lecture, so hang in there a little longer. Besides, you should work harder, because if you can get rid of your family’s anger here, it’ll be easier for you to come back in the future. Right?)

(Mmm. I understand. But you must convince my mother. And even if you can’t come today or tomorrow, come and get me if you need my help in a few days.)

If I pick her up so soon, I won’t be able to see the disciplined Ines, will I? But if I leave her here, I’ll be afraid of Ines when she comes back. I’ll just have to try a little harder.

(Okay. I’ll think about it.)

When I nervously returned to my seat, Ines’ mother’s eyes were fixed on the souvenir. She seemed quite interested in it.

“Um, Ines-san’s mother.”

“Oh, by the way, I didn’t tell you my name. Sorry, you can call me Bella.”

Well, she wasn’t able to introduce herself, was she?

“No, I’ve been through a lot, don’t worry about it. So, Bella-san, I haven’t decided yet, but I will probably ask Ines for help in a few days.”

“I see. I understand. I’ll make sure she’s well-trained by then.”

Bella-san looked a little sad and then promised to train her with all her might. No, that’s not what I meant. So, Ines. Don’t stare at me.

“No, as for me, Ines-san’s genuine nature saved my life, so I’d be happy if she could have a good time with her family, regardless of the discipline.”

“I appreciate you saying that, but won’t this child’s selfishness make you lose interest in her?”

That’s the part she was worried about. There was no expiration date on the contract, but it would be a disaster if things got out of hand between me and Ines.

“Well, I promised the God of Commerce-sama that I would take good care of Ines-san when we signed the contract, so I hope you can rest assured.”

Oh, Bella-san looked incredibly relieved. It really is a world where God’s power has been confirmed, and God’s trustworthiness is outstanding.

“That’s why, since Ines-san came back. Please have a good time when you are with her.”

“Thank you.”

Bella-san bowed deeply. It’ll probably be okay now. I wonder why I have to go through all this trouble, but I will consider it my duty as a master of a slave. Ines. I’ve done my best, so you’ll have to serve me when I return.

“I will take you at your word and enjoy my time with Ines for a little while.”

Huh? Just a little? Does that mean she’ll continue to discipline her? Ines… I’m sorry, okay?

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