When we finally reached Volton and returned to the house, we were greeted by Titan, Akane-san, and Lulu-chan.
「We’re back. Was your stay comfortable?」
「Yes, we were able to pass the time pleasantly.」
「Let’s discuss Akane-san and Lulu-chan’s circumstances from now on tomorrow.」
「………yes, please do.」
「P-please!」
Akane-san and Lulu-chan bowed deeply.
We took turns taking baths, and I called Sophia and the others to the living room afterwards. I had something I wanted to suggest to them.
「As a matter of fact, Sophia and I have been promoted to A rank adventurers. So I was thinking it would be fine now and made up my mind. Wouldn’t it alright to release Sophia, Maria, Laeva from the slavery contracts now?」
The moment I said that, the complexion of the three quickly paled.
「…………would we be leaving Takumi-sama’s side?」
When Sophia asked in a quivering voice, I realized my words were lacking.
「Oh, don’t get me wrong. I want Sophia and Maria to always stay by my side. Your liberation is a different story. Our adventurer ranks were already raised to A rank. With this, even nobles can’t approach and involve themselves you girls so willy-nilly.
Laeva too, I want you to stay as my assistant.」
The faces of the girls were evidently relieved when I said so.
「So that’s how it was.…… Certainly, I myself have become a high rank adventurer, therefore I can defend myself on the various matters that I had to shoulder for being an elf.」
「Still, is there a need to go out of your way to release us?」
「To say a “need”, huh. Marnie isn’t a slave, is she? I was thinking that, if possible, I’d like for Sophia and Maria to be on the same position too.」
「I feel the same way. To me, Sophia-san is the first wife, Maria-san is the second wife, and I am supposed to be the mistress.」
「F-first wife?!」
「Me, the second wife!?!」
Sophia and Maria’s faces turned bright red.
「Laeva, too. The money you’d be able to send would increase, to the point where you can call them to Volton, right?」
「…………you’re right. That’s good idea! I’ve already decided to always be Takumi-sama’s assistant. But it never occurred to me to send my family here!」
「That being the case, do you understand? It wouldn’t make sense for Sophia and Maria to be my slaves, right? I wish you’d continue to support me as my partners. And I’d be in trouble if Laeva isn’t my assistant, after all.」
「「Partners…………」」
「I will continue to do my best as Takumi-sama’s assistant. Please treat me well.」
While Sophia and Maria were in a trance, Laeva smiled and responded.
At once, the slave contracts of the three were dispelled.
The slave contract magic is classified as a curse. Therefore, the Light Attribute magic 『Dispel』 can undo the curse. Conversely, slave contract magic is magic that sets contracts and release with the Dark Attribute.
Sophia, Maria, and Laeva’s slave crest vanished the same time the curse was dispelled.
「Un, it seems it was dispelled properly.」
「…………Takumi-sama, please treat me well from here on.」
「Takumi-sama, please take care of me after this.」
「Takumi-sama, I’ll work even harder than before.」
「Fufu, what a relief.」
「Un, treat me well like always.」
With this, there’s no more slaves in our house, but it seems it would take Lulu-chan a while to get used to such a life.
I can imagine how slaves, and the children as small as her, were treated in Sydnia, but there’s little we could do.
「How is it? Have you settled into the life here?」
The morning after returning to Volton from the royal capital, I had a discussion with Akane-san and Lulu-chan regarding what would happen from here on in the living room.
「Yes. Because of the Toilet Purifier MD and the large bathroom with a magic device that produces hot water, I kept getting surprised.」
「I see, that’s good then.」
「……U-umm, is it alright for me to not be wearing a collar?」
Lulu, who had been a slave ever since she was born, seems to have been greatly perplexed at her sudden newfound freedom.
「It’s fine. Lulu-chan isn’t a slave anymore. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean that you’ll be thrown out. Lulu-chan, let’s search for the future you wish for with everyone, alright?」
「…………y-yes.」
It can’t be helped that her response was lacking any real feelings. She’s still only a 10 year old child, after all.
「And so, it’s not like Akane-san has officially defected from Sydnia, but I think you should talk to the King of this country. Because of that, I plan to explain the situation to Margrave Volton, and have Margave Volton report it to his Majesty.」
「…… the king and the nobles of this country, Valkyra Kingdom, are trustworthy?」
Akane-san anxiously asked a part of what worries her.
I understand that anxiety well. If I didn’t meet Margrave Volton and his Majesty personally, I’d probably hesitate after being told that too.
「It’s true that there are many good-for-nothing nobles, but at least I think Margrave Volton and his Majesty the King are alright.」
「Iruma-san, you’ve met his Majesty the King?」
「That Purifier MD is something I made, and it’s because of that that his Majesty summoned me. For the meritorious deed of keeping towns sanitary, I earned the opportunity to meet him and received a monetary reward. The nobles I’m acquainted with are Margrave Volton and Earl Rockford, but both of them are friendly so I think you don’t have to worry.」
When I said so, Sophia and Maria nodded.
「Of course, I believe that the safest place to hide in is at my house for now, so that wouldn’t change, but this matter might become an issue between countries, after all.」
「……I understand. Please help us.」
「P, please help us!」
「Un, don’t worry. It’s alright to leave it to me.」
I told Akane-san and Lulu-chan, who were bowing side-by-side, that there’s no need to worry. Maybe, if it’s Margrave Volton and his Majesty, they’d do well.
Without delay, I made an appointment with Margrave Volton.
***