Chapter 183 - 181 Meilin's Past
I returned to the White Castle and dozed off for a little while.
I woke up because Maiko was performing 69.
"You're busy, aren't you? And yet, you still wanted to see me?"
"Yeah. I wanted to see you."
At those words, it overflowed with a gurgling sound.
When I immediately made it large, she straddled and covered me, but it seemed like she was crying. Why is she crying?
"It's because I'm happy, obviously! You told me you loved me and cherished me, even though I'm just a mediocre woman. Even if I am separated from my master and can never see him again, I can live my whole life on this memory alone!"
I hugged her tightly, tightening my vagina to squeeze out the semen.
When she changes clothes and leaves, she always sees me off with a smile, saying, "Have a safe trip!"
I flew to the Territory Capital, headed to Kaoz's mansion, and was welcomed.
"I finally understand why Father praises you so often! To transform that land in just a single night! They really weren't kidding when they called you a genius mage!"
Being praised that much makes me blush.
"I just thought it was a waste, considering that land has such good location."
"I see. But as you told the butler, it will incur enormous costs. I want to thank you for saving the village and for the hospital! We're having a party here tonight! Please, won't you participate? Also, there is someone I want you to meet."
When we went to a separate room, one of the Quack Doctor Trio and about ten disciples came along with him.
"It's been a long time, Shivans-sama! Congratulations on your promotion to Baron! Everyone, greet him! He is the author of that text and our teacher!"
The ten of them looked at me with eyes full of respect.
"It is my bible!"
"How did you research it?"
"Amazing! He's so young!"
"Is it true you built this hospital all by yourself in one night?"
Don't come at me so aggressively... it's stifling.
When I was rescued by Kaoz, I said, "I have a request," and he smiled, saying, "I'll listen to anything!"
"Please let it be known that Excellency Kaoz created that hospital for the sake of the people and to make effective use of that land. Also, the one who saved the village was Captain Meilin."
"Do you intend to leave all the credit behind?"
"I am not a person from this place. The honor should belong to the people of this city. Besides, is there anyone who would be happy to see an outsider acting so big? The truth doesn't matter."
He's having various conflicts in his heart.
So, I give him a push.
"Excellency. When the lords of other territories hear that employment is being created on useless land, that people who are about to fall ill will be saved, and tax revenues will increase, what do you think they will think? Furthermore, what will they think when they hear about how you are creating an environment where female knights can excel? What will His Majesty and your father, Klaus-sama, think? I believe what a politician needs is performance and capability."
He let out a sigh and smiled.
"I've only now truly realized how highly my father evaluates you. And the reason why you rose to Baron at such a young age. But you must attend today's party! Meilin might be dissatisfied, but we shall promote her. It is true that female knights are few, and the advancement of women is important!"
I ask about something that has been on my mind.
It was about the military. Regarding the previous war, I told him that the Bismarck family was constantly being pushed back, and honestly, if the Butler army hadn't charged in, Klaus's head would have been in danger, and he was surprised.
"Actually, the reason the East Empire is declining is that the military became corrupt due to the heavy use of nobles. Here, the knight order leads the military, right? If the children of the Vassal Nobles forget the previous defeat and say they want to drink together, I wouldn't want to participate in the party."
When I told him there's no way the alcohol shared with such people would be delicious, he looked troubled.
"I am not saying that I want women to be heavily utilized. I simply hate those who, when they lose, blame their subordinates, but when they win, they nonchalantly claim it as their own achievement, Excellency."
That's why, if it were Kaoz or Meilin saying it was my achievement, I would gladly hand it over, but the military heavyweights are brazenly staying in their positions.
"If you are going to hold a party, why not only invite those who have achieved merit like this time, and perhaps hint to the military heavyweights that 'if you continue to bear no responsibility for defeats and have no achievements, a demotion is possible,' and treat them coldly? If you make them feel a little uncomfortable, won't they work and train a little more?"
He grinned and said, "That's good! Let's have the butlers spread it as a rumor. There is no growth where there is no competition! For now, today's party is canceled. I'll consider the selection of people! Also, let me provide the funding for the hospital," and he gave me one hundred million.
"Let me know if it's not enough again."
"Understood."
While I was there, I told him to hurry with the selection of people who could work at the hospital. For the people working at the hospital, I had Quack Doctor Trio A and the ten disciples conduct interviews, and I dumped everything from the cafeteria cooks and the shop clerks to the caregivers, nursery teachers, and the operation of the hot spring facilities onto Kaoz, who in turn dumped it all onto the administrative officers.
Thanks to that, the administration was in an uproar from top to bottom.
"Everyone! Don't think you can go home starting today!"
"There's not enough time until tomorrow!"
"You idiots! Do you want to be fired! If you don't want to be unemployed, work like your lives depend on it! If you choose people haphazardly and hire those with no motivation, it won't end with just being fired!"
The administrative officer was scolding and encouraging them with bloodshot eyes.
Quack Doctor Trio A and the ten of them were also incredibly busy immediately upon taking their posts.
When I returned to the inn, everyone was talking about the hospital.
"That was made by Shivans-sama, right?"
"How did he do it in just one night?"
Since it's a hassle, I get straight to the main point.
"I have vacated the inn and prepared a dormitory for the hospital. There is also a hot spring and private rooms. I will make the room fees free, but I want you to work. How about it?"
Everyone vacated their inns and headed for the hospital.
Since Wesson and the others also came, I guided them to the dormitory.
(This is perfect. I'll have them help with the interviews for the shop, hot springs, and so on.)
When I asked, they readily accepted. Some people were even trying to display their own products amidst the confusion, but when I gave permission, they were very enthusiastic.
Since there were still very few people who wanted to work here, I decided to have the male adventurers and administrative officers distribute flyers.
[Those who want to help people suffering from illness. Those who can look after the elderly. Those who love children. Those who love business. Those who can do cleaning, such as baths. Those who love cooking.]
[There is a dormitory where you can live for free. Three meals are included. Uniforms are provided for free. Medical treatment is free. Salary is approximately 5000G per month.]
[If hired, the above conditions apply.]
[Single-parent households are very welcome. Children can be looked after at the workplace.]
[Everyone, please feel free to come for an interview. You can also take a tour. Why not work with us in a clean and comfortable environment?]
When I gave instructions to use these flyers, especially to distribute them in the Slum District, the administrative people seemed to be distributing them enthusiastically.
Around that time, the women were rejoicing with "Kyaa-kyaa" sounds. Not just nurses and doctor suits, but we had prepared a large number of cute underwear, lewd underwear, and ero-cute everyday clothes, dressing them on mannequins so they could be viewed as decorations.
Kuro-pan and Shiro-pan also arrived and were browsing through the lewd underwear. The most popular was a "four-piece set" consisting of a sheer babydoll with lace, a sheer lace bra that showed the nipples, crotchless sheer lace panties, and sheer lace garter stockings.
Kuro-pan asked longingly.
"Don't you think that would look good on us?"
She asked while showing her black panties in hot pants, so when I said, "I think it would look great on you two!", she looked happy.
Kuro-pan had tanned skin and short black hair. Her chest was about a B or C, and while she felt a bit intense, she was bright and had a good vibe.
Shiro-pan had fair skin, silver hair, and long hair. She had a gentle feel. Her chest seemed to be about a D or E, and she had an ojou-sama type feel.
When I asked the two for their names, Kuro-pan said, "Names? Is that necessary for having sex?", and when I said, "That's right! Call yourselves whatever you like!", I decided to call them Kuro and Shiro.
"Fine! But did you name me Kuro because of my skin?"
"That's not it. It's because your panties were black."
"Ufu. Did you like my white panties too?"
"Of course. Come to think of it, your boyfriends are adventurers too, right? Where are they?"
With a panicked face, Kuro said, "L-look! They're out distributing flyers!", and Shiro said, "I think we can meet them around tomorrow!"
"I see. Let's look forward to tomorrow."
I parted ways with them and left the hospital.
(Do they really have boyfriends? I feel a huge sense of incongruity, but I don't know the reason for them to lie.)
While thinking such things, the place I headed to was where the Dorakuma Trading Company had gone to see the moneylenders they owed money to.
"How is the Dorakuma Trading Company doing?"
"Huh? How could it be anything else! It was fine until the previous generation, but since that idiot son took over, the cuckoos are crying so loud it's deafening!"
Well, that makes sense.
Since the shop's title deed had also been seized, I decided to buy it. Since it was Misuzu's family home, I was thinking of doing something about it, but Dorakuma really is Gan...
When I went to the shop, Dorakuma's roar of anger was echoing.
"You! How many years have you been in this business! You big idiot! Just quit!"
Was it a young clerk? He was being hit...
"Are you okay? Are you injured?"
"Thank you..."
The clerk had a face like he was about to cry as he grabbed the hand I offered. There, Dorakuma finally seemed to remember my face.
"W-what are you here for?"
As I continued to stare at Dorakuma with an exasperated face, he backed away, so I gradually approached.
"You're being noisy. Don't do things that you wouldn't want done to yourself. I've bought this place."
When I showed the shop's title deed, he rejoiced.
"Th-thank you!"
"Don't misunderstand. You're fired."
"Wh... what are you saying!?"
"Then I shall ask all the employees. Do you want Dorakuma to stay in this shop?"
Everyone looked down or out the window.
"It's decided. I will give you 100,000G, so please go work or play wherever you like. Farewell."
Leaving Dorakuma behind, I gathered everyone.
"If he's hit by the cold winds of the world, he might cool his head a little. I hope this makes him reflect on what he's done and perform a dogeza to apologize to everyone..."
The wife and the head clerk had other concerns.
"But, at this rate, the business will just continue to decline..."
"It's okay, Head Clerk. First, please try drinking this. It's called amazake. Even though it has 'sake' in the name, there is no alcohol, so even children can drink it!"
Everyone took a sip and began to give their impressions.
"It's sweet, isn't it? It certainly doesn't feel like alcohol."
"I like it! I feel like my fatigue has been relieved!"
While the staff were making a fuss, Misuzu's Mother asked timidly.
"Are you saying this drink will save this shop?"
"Do you find it unbelievable? This drink isn't just sweet and delicious."
Amazake, which is called a "liquid IV drip."
"It helps with fatigue recovery and boosts immunity, so it can even prevent colds. If a nasty cold were to go around now, the medical expenses wouldn't be trivial, would they? If you drink it now, the symptoms might be milder."
Of course, there are individual differences in physical strength and immunity, and if one lives an unhealthy lifestyle without exercising, it's not something that can be solved just by drinking amazake.
"Don't you think it would sell well if I promoted it at 'Shivans Hospital,' which I will be managing for a while?"
"In that big hospital!? It certainly sounds like it would sell!"
When the Head Clerk said that, the wife, Misuzu's Brother, and the other employees also seemed to become enthusiastic.
"However, the koji is the lifeblood of this! If we can't make koji, we can't mass-produce it!"
I handed over a recipe that explained amazake along with the koji production method, and Misuzu's Brother took the lead to focus on making amazake.
(Amazake, which is said to have existed since the era of the Nihon Shoki. It seems common people drank it during the Edo period too. I wonder how much it will penetrate this world? Looking at it this way, fermented foods weren't very common in this world.)
While thinking such things, when I returned to the hospital, Kuro and Shiro had slipped out of the hospital and gone somewhere. I had a feeling it would be interesting, so I used [Presence Concealment] and [Concealment] to follow them.
The place they headed to was not quite the Slum District, but a ruin in a corner of the poor district.
There were five people inside the ruin.
An Old Man and four young men were in the center. In front of that Old Man, Kuro and Shiro knelt.
"I told you not to come here, didn't I? You weren't seen by anyone, were you?"
"Of course, Priest-sama. We have finally succeeded in making contact with Shivans. I was named Kuro by Shivans."
Everyone probably imagined it was because of her tanned skin.
"I was named Shiro. The reason we came today is because we were told to introduce you to our boyfriends tomorrow."
The four young men also had no names.
For convenience, they seemed to be called 1, 2, 3, and 4.
"Why do that? It's a hassle, isn't it?"
When 1 complained, Kuro said, "Didn't you want a reason to sleep with us?", and 2 muttered, "What a pain..."
"The boyfriends might get lectured, but for the sake of making them believe, it's better to have people with acting skills."
The four of them looked fed up at the prospect of being lectured by Shiro.
Then 3 spoke up.
"There's no choice but for me and 4, who are participating as adventurers, to be the sacrifices, right?"
"True. But we have to be careful; everyone saw his strength, didn't they? He killed over 100 orcs in an instant."
The Priest shouted at the frightened and intimidated youths.
"His Eminence Archbishop Shoben, who raised you orphans as believers—no, he was the Prime Minister Excellency, wasn't he. The time has come to repay Shoben-sama's kindness. Kuro and Shiro. Seduce Shivans! I want that combat power! Bring him to our side no matter what you have to do! Even if he's a total pervert, your bodies should be able to meet those demands, shouldn't they?"
The Priest wore a vile smile.
"W-what if we can't bring him to our side?"
"You know what to do, Kuro and Shiro. You will die along with him, laced with poison! If you become martyrs, the Church of Light will regain its radiance once more! God will surely be pleased!"
The Priest looked up to the heavens with an ecstatic expression, spreading both arms.
(These guys are assassins too! And this time, fanatics. It seems they don't know that the Koka Tribe and the Iga Tribe were trying to assassinate me. They were probably hired by political figures, but their reporting and communication are terrible. I suppose it can't be helped since they don't have mobile phones...)
I hesitated to sleep with Kuro and Shiro, but if they've been properly trained and are willing, I won't hold back either! But what should I do with these six fanatics? They've probably been continuously brainwashed by the church since childhood. I must release them from that brainwashing.
There must be more companions besides the Priest and these six. Is it okay to assume that?
(I'll let them swim for a while.)
When I went to see Kaoz, there was already a guest.
It was Meilin.
"I cannot accept a promotion based on credit I didn't earn! To go as far as twisting the truth... I want to live honestly! I never want to feel like that again..."
Is this some talk related to the previous secret?
Well, fine. I'll have her listen to me.
"What I am about to say is an important matter, if not a state secret. If you are a loose-lipped person, Captain Meilin, it would be better if you left. I don't know how important the truth you speak is."
"I-it is insulting to say I am loose-lipped! I will listen!"
When I told them that I had accepted a merchant's escort request and was being targeted by an assassin group; that I had received two attacks before arriving here; and that this time, I was being targeted by fanatics from the Duchy of Walujava, Kaoz and Meilin were surprised.
"I am already so popular with assassins as it is. On top of that, if I tell the truth about things like the defense of the hospital and the village, what do you think will happen? You can imagine, can't you? I've had enough. It's not all good things to hog all the credit. Because the enemies are sending even more powerful people, and even our allies are jealous."
When I said I'd had enough, both Kaoz and Meilin laughed. However, Kaoz immediately took on a serious expression.
"May I report this to my father?"
"Of course! If even I am targeted this much, there must be a whole crowd around His Majesty and Klaus-sama."
He immediately called the butler, acknowledged the document, and ordered, "Send a fast horse!"
Kaoz let out a sigh and held his head.
"I can't deal with this without a drink! Shivans-kun, Meilin, won't you join me?"
Meilin seemed to like alcohol and said happily, "Yes! Excellency!", so I drank as well.
"Shivans-kun. Upon investigation, it was just as you surmised."
What are you talking about? I asked, and...
It seemed there was friction within the military.
The Knight Commander and Battalion Commanders correspond to the 'General class'. Company Commanders correspond to the 'Field Officer class'. Platoon Leaders correspond to the 'Junior Officer class'.
"They have experience in the 'General class' from the war 20 years ago, but at that time, they were likely just soldiers who did nothing but run away. And in this war as well, it seems they abandoned their subordinates and fled, causing panic on the battlefield."
The ones who died in this war were only the 'Junior Officer class', adjutants, and attendants. There were no deaths, let alone injuries, among the 'General class' or 'Field Officer class'.
Meilin, who was listening to this, seemed to have some thoughts regarding her husband; she was gulping down alcohol, and her eyes were starting to glaze over.
"Wa-wait, Captain Meilin! You're drinking too much!"
"Shut up! I'm drinking tonight!"
Feeling that things were getting dangerous, Kaoz said, "I'll leave the rest to you," and dumped everything on me.
I carried Meilin and took her home, where she said, "Mohoda isn't coming back anyway! Let's drink again! Right!?" and brought me into her house.
Her husband, Mohoda, is the third son of a Count from a Vassal Noble family and is currently 45 years old.
Meilin is the eldest daughter of a Quasi-Knight from a Vassal Noble family and is currently 25 years old. They are as far apart in age as parent and child.
"I have an older brother, but he couldn't become a knight. Even though we are nobles, we were very poor. When I passed the knight exam at 18, my whole family was so happy!"
The gate for women is narrow, at about ten percent.
Initially, one spends time as a knight apprentice, but then an incident occurred.
One year later, the knight promotion exam was held.
It involved entering a forest and defeating a thief, a pest, or a monster—any of them would do. While many knight apprentices were searching in the mountains, Meilin sprained her ankle.
A classmate who saw this carried Meilin behind a rock and, pretending to provide first aid, tried to rape her. Just as he stripped off Meilin's pants and was about to attack after stripping himself, a spear pierced the rapist's back.
"Because I was screaming, someone thought it was a thief and killed him. The man who tried to attack me had a wife and children..."
Instead of the incident being cleared up, it went in a completely wrong direction.
The man who attacked her became a hero in a beautiful story, having died as a shield to protect Meilin from a thief. On the other hand, Meilin received criticism from the higher-ups.
'Didn't you invite him? It was by mutual consent, wasn't it?'
'Sprained your ankle? How weak! It only turned out like this because you sought help from a man.'
'Honestly! What a nuisance! This is why women are no good.'
She was treated as if no one knew who the criminal was, and just as she was about to be dismissed from the knight order, Mohoda saved her.
Mohoda was 39 at the time and was being pressured by his family.
'Get a wife quickly! If you don't marry by 40, you're disowned!'
He was weakened by being told such things.
That was when he helped the weakened Meilin.
'In exchange for making you a knight, become my wife.'
He accepted when told that.
"And on our wedding night, he said something shocking. That he could only love men. Even so, he asked me to be with him through a dogeza. It seems women are disgusting to him; he had never even touched my hand."
She aimed to be a knight because she wanted to save her family, but her truth was twisted, and she entered an unwanted marriage.
"At first he was kind, but gradually his complaints increased, and in the end, he'd yell and hit me, saying, 'It's thanks to me that you can continue being a knight!' And after the war, it got even worse."
It seems she spends her days taking out her frustrations on Meilin, while the non-commissioned officers despise him behind his back, saying, 'The Moho is the first to run away, and he still acts like a superior!'
"Before I knew it, I'll be almost 26. I'm totally an Auntie! Sorry for letting an Auntie like me vent her grievances! Let's drink!"
"You're not an Auntie. You're beautiful!"
"Then how old do I look?"
"About 24?"
"That's no different! Don't tease a woman ten years older than you."
"Can't you do math? Since we're only seven years apart now, you're a beautiful older sister."
Her face turned bright red, and as she drank heavily, she said, "It got hot because of you! If you think I'm young, then talk to me normally," and she took off her clothes.
When the cloth wrapped around her chest like a sarashi was removed, beautiful breasts appeared.
"From now on, I'll let you call me Mei! Be grateful, Shivans! I work out, so they're still a beautiful shape, right? Are you blushing, Shivans? Could it be you're a virgin? Kyahahaha!"
"I-I'm not a virgin!"
"Fine, fine! Lady Mei will help you climb the stairs of adulthood! Be grateful."
I was taken to Mei's bedroom, and Mei lost her virginity.
"Shivans... Shivans..."
"Mei's vagina... feels amazing!"
"Don't say embarrassing things, you idiot!"
"Mei's breasts are beautiful too!"
"Idiot..." she said while blushing, but she hugged me powerfully.
I was satisfied by releasing inside Mei many times and making her say, "It feels good, Shivans!" When I applied [Sleep], she fell asleep with a satisfied face.
(Goodnight, Mei.)
When I kissed her, she said "I love you" in her sleep, looking happy, so my heart raced as I applied [Clean] and returned to the White Castle.