As A Result of Trying To Live An Erotic Slow-Life, I Have Become The Underground Ruler of This Upside-Down Otherworld - Chapter 75: Chapter Four: What Must Be Started

Chapter 75: Chapter Four: What Must Be Started

“—That concludes the investigation results regarding Yuri-kun.”

Kneeling with her head bowed.

Kazune formally reported the findings on Yuri.

“Got it… Yeah, thanks, Kazune. Relax, I’ll brew some tea.”

“Yes. Thank you, Arius-san.”

Kazune in work mode, despite her gyaru look—no, because of it—feels extra cool.

It’s like, not just Kazune, but why do the women around me keep trying to kill me with their charm gaps? That’s the issue.

“U-Um, I’ll brew it, sir!”

“Thanks. But sit down, let me handle this much.”

“Y-Yes, sir, thank you, sir!”

Discipline, or something like that.

Once work mode’s off, Kazune’s all flustered watawata.

Her true self might be different still, but I’d like to see it someday.

Yeah, I boasted to Rozaria to watch me.

I realized there’s a mountain of problems I don’t just have to solve, but want to solve.

Among them, I won’t say “as soon as possible,” but Yuri’s case is a priority.

“Still, his hometown in that state… Was it Rozaria?”

“Can’t say for sure, sir. But she’s definitely involved.”

Yuri’s body has fully recovered.

Naturally, we should send him home. But if the villagers are soulless, that’s tough.

Kazune said circumstantial evidence points to that village being Yuri’s hometown, but she can’t say 100%.

A thorough investigation to confirm would be high-risk.

It’s a tough call emotionally, but between Yuri and Kazune’s team, Kazune’s team is more important to me.

Both Yuri and I need to face our situations head-on.

“So, Kazune.”

“Y-Yes!”

Kazune straightens pin, visibly tensing.

I set her tea on the table, but she doesn’t react.

“About the Rats going forward.”

“—”

Oh, she’s sweating. That bad, huh…

Seriously, we discussed hiring them as full-time with all Ronnyan staff.

Kazune and the Rats’ mission wasn’t perfectly executed, a bit of a gray area.

I was all for hiring them, but Towa and Mia put on the brakes.

Not opposed, but they wanted careful consideration.

The result?

“Keep working with us.”

“A—”

We decided to hire them.

Realistically, we need organizational strength, even setting emotions aside.

Enemies or not, I can’t say we’re on good terms with Rozaria.

She’s clearly not acting alone. Not to compete, but I need power to avoid being crushed before I act.

I explained this clearly to everyone.

I think they understood.

“Um… This isn’t a dream, right?”

“Don’t wanna pinch your cheek, so shall we check with a kiss?”

Stealing Kazune’s lips, she looks dreamy.

Might’ve been the wrong way to prove reality.

But.

“—! We Rats pledge Arius-sama as our sole master, offering lifelong loyalty and love.”

“Yeah, thanks. Work hard for me, and I’ll strive to be a master worthy of you.”

Kazune bows deeply.

“So, here’s the deal. You’ll get a base salary of one silver coin a month, plus extra rewards for completed missions.”

“N-No way, that’s too much!! W-We’re just happy to serve—”

“Kazune.”

“Au… Yes, sir, I’ll gratefully accept.”

Good work deserves good pay.

It’s still not enough, but given our finances, it’s tight.

I feel bad for paying so little, so…

“Also, I want one Rat stationed at Ronnyan at all times.”

“Stationed, sir?”

“Yeah, we’ve got two empty basement rooms. I need someone here for quick contact. Ideally, a three-day shift rotation.”

Officially, for communication, but…

“S-So! That means, like, that! Can we expect that, sir!?”

Sad to say, yeah, that’s it. Covering what’s lacking with my body is pathetic, but…

“You got it. At least once in those three days, I’ll… yeah, sneak in at night.”

“N-Night visits…!”

Her eyes are sparkling kira kira.

Well, in this world, women are the aggressors, so some might fantasize about being “attacked,” right?

“I’m leaving the rotation to you, Kazune. Keep it fair.”

“Of course, sir! Leave it to me!”

“Not just that, while you’re here, food and stuff are covered. I can cook if you want… Let me know any requests.”

“—Heaven’s right here.”

Oh, her eyes rolled back.

Not quite Benkei’s last stand, but close.

“…Well, if you’re happy, that’s what counts.”

Let’s call it good for now.

※

Yuri’s issue, Rozaria’s issue.

“Good morniiing!”

“Eh, ah, y-yes, good morning!”

I can’t focus only on those.

“Yo, those greens look crazy tasty!”

“A-Ah, y-yeah… They’re great for stews, soak up flavor well!”

“Sweet! Gimme one! How much?”

“Eah!? U-Um, the price… T-Two copper coins!”

“…Oh, sorry! Don’t have small change, here’s one silver! Keep the change, throw in something extra next time!”

“Y-Yes!? W-Wait, Arius-sa—”

No way that’s just two coppers. Is a silver even enough?

“Onii-san? Um, is that okay?”

“Hope it’s enough.”

Yuri, holding my right hand as we walk, looks worried.

“It’s fine, Arius-san. Probably about five coppers.”

“Got it, then I’m good.”

Mia, holding my left hand, reassures me.

“…What’s he thinking?”

“Scary… Hope they stay back.”

Red light, cross together, no fear.

Not quite, but thanks to Yuri, the bad vibes in the air are starting to ease.

Most stares aren’t at me but at Mia, not wearing her black robe.

Yet, Mia’s face shows no shadow.

“Hm? What’s up, Arius-san?”

“Nah… Just thinking, thanks.”

She gets what I mean from that, flashing a bright smile.

I don’t have many things I can do.

But I have plenty I want to do. The first step I chose was being accepted by the community.

Holding hands, walking the market together.

Simple, but just Mia—or an ugly woman—not wearing a black robe changes so much.

The old man we greeted first used to return it normally.

Yet, seeing Mia briefly, he was visibly shaken.

“Mia doesn’t care about anyone’s stares but Arius-san’s.”

“That’s sweet. But it’s a bit different, Mia.”

We should care about stares.

Ignoring disgust is strong, I think. But that’s just cutting off, isolating.

“Disgusting someone who’s done nothing wrong, or getting used to being disgusted, both are wrong.”

“Arius-san…”

That path just leads to Rozaria’s world-flipping.

We need harmony. That means removing unnecessary filters and barriers.

I get harsh stares for criminals, but the girl beside me is just a perfect beauty.

No need to find her beautiful, but ugliness isn’t a reason to exclude.

“It’s self-satisfaction, I know.”

Yeah, I know.

Discrimination, or common sense.

Long-built perceptions don’t change easily.

In my past life, it was deep-rooted.

Skin color, birthplace. Mere reasons for bad feelings didn’t vanish in a day, a year.

Erasing that is tough, and I can’t boldly claim I can.

“But I want us to be accepted.”

So we parade.

Holding hands, showing it’s not bad.

I want to say, let’s change how we coexist.

What I can do, what I want to do, it’s still hazy.

But that desire was born strongly.

“Using you and Yuri for this prep… Sorry for that.”

Alone, I can do little. Even with Kazune’s Rats, I need their strength.

I know hurting someone with excuses isn’t okay, but still.

“No… Thank you, Arius-san. Anything Mia can do, just say.”

“I… don’t get the hard stuff, but I wanna help Onii-san’s goals!”

“Yeah, thanks, both of you.”

Releasing their hands, I pat their heads.

Two kinds of gazes—those from the two happy girls and the prickly ones piercing through.

I’ve taken a step, but what’s next is still unclear.

“Gotta keep at it… Hm?”

“Huh…? Nelba?”

Back at Ronnyan’s entrance, there’s a familiar charismatic figure.

“Oh. Not long enough to call it a while, but good to see you, Arius-dono.”

“Y-Yes, been a bit. Something up with Ronnyan?”

Shaking hands, exchanging pleasantries.

“Hm. Not Ronnyan, but you, Arius-dono… I’ve got a talk, or a few, to bring up.”

She winks, oddly polished.

“A talk? Uh, then, my room, maybe?”

“Thanks. Oh, should I cleanse myself first? I did bathe, mind you.”

Her playful words can’t be brushed off lightly.