Chapter 4 - 04 Pride
Even as midwinter arrived, the momentum of the hot spring inn showed no signs of stopping. Having no choice, I built a separate hot spring for general customers and opened it up.
Nobles came day after day, bringing all sorts of gifts to my Father in order to secure reservations.
"Young master. You could make a fortune just from this, you know?"
"To them, it's nothing more than pocket change. But I am happy that pepper has arrived alongside the livestock and silver!"
We can now make tableware from silver.
Receiving cows and chickens was also a big deal. More than anything, I was happy that we could now obtain milk, butter, cheese, yogurt, and eggs.
"With this, our repertoire of sweets will increase, and our meals will become even more abundant!"
"I'm starting to feel like we're just being worked to death for your sake, kid."
"That's not true, Father. Even Mother is happy, isn't she?"
Butler let out a heavy sigh and said, "Well, that's true."
Emilia's parents, whom we protected, run a souvenir shop at the hot spring inn.
"Young master. That stone they're selling at that souvenir shop, that's the stuff, right?"
"That's right. Since it's winter, I heard they're selling like hotcakes!"
That stone is quicklime.
We have them doing demonstration sales, selling 10cm square slices for 1,000 G.
"Come and take a look! All you have to do is pour water on it! It gets warm instantly! It's perfect as a souvenir. How about it?"
The watching customers jump at the offer.
Saying it's an easy way to stave off the cold, they buy them as if they're fighting over them. Other items, like towels made of cotton, underwear, and shirts, are also doing well. And then there's the soap. Because we added extracts from seasonal flowers, they have a wonderful scent and are selling like hotcakes, with people saying 500 G is cheap.
And then, the glasses made with alchemy. They come in high-quality wooden boxes, with the surroundings covered in wood shavings to prevent breakage.
"Hey, Father! I want that glass!"
"10,000 G for a pair? That's cheap! Hey! I'll buy all this soap! And those glasses over there too! Load them into the carriage!"
Thus, there is never a day when the daily sales fall below 1,000,000 G.
"Young master. We were barely surviving on scrap vegetable soup until recently, you know?"
"I know. We've been eating the same things since the day I was born, haven't we?"
"That's true, but things have changed so drastically in these four years that my brain can't keep up."
I understand what Gale wants to say, but there is no stopping now.
"Well then. I have various things I need to make. If you'll excuse me."
While making soap, shampoo and conditioner, and hair removal cream, I was also building a carriage. The thread spun by the Wild Spiders inhabiting the dungeons is quite interesting.
First, when I soak the collected thread in ash dye, it turns a dark color. If I soak it even further, the thickness increases and it gains a rubber-like elasticity.
Can I use this for something?
What I thought of was using it as tires for a carriage.
At first, the artisans asked if the slime solution could be used for something. We tried inflating it like a bicycle wheel, but it couldn't withstand the weight or obstacles like stones.
By wrapping this thread around it for reinforcement, we managed to create something quite good. Furthermore, we discovered that wrapping it three times was the absolute best, and after working on development together with the carriage makers, we finally completed one unit.
First, I had them test drive it.
It's a carriage for ten people, but even with ten passengers, there is plenty of room, and the balance and cushioning seem to have no issues. We also installed glass windows, designed so that a breeze would enter during the summer.
In winter, we devised a way to use heated stones placed under the seats as a heating device.
"Young master! This will definitely sell!"
After thinking for a moment, I suggested, "Let's not sell it just yet."
"What's the problem? Even the durability is no issue!"
"I want to increase the strength of the carriage so it can withstand attacks from arrows."
"True, if we're selling to nobles, that is important. Men! Let's do this!"
I was thinking about something else.
I had gone to the river to look for Purification Slimes that would clean up feces and urine.
If I get these, I can even install a toilet in the carriage!
After capturing them, I immediately returned and consulted the Master Craftsman, who said, "I see! We haven't been thinking about women's needs. Certainly, women will be delighted!" and began building a toilet in the back.
Then, one day, there was a huge commotion that guests from the Imperial Capital were coming.
"Who is it that's coming?"
"Young master! Don't be so carefree! It's the Grand Duke, Klaus von Bismarck!"
I wondered why such a person would come.
"It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he's the No. 2 in this country! They say he's retired, but in reality, he still holds great power."
Thinking that if even Gale is intimidated, it must be incredible, Butler told me to help out as well.
Recently, the Viscount families have been actively trying to deepen friendly relations. They are also favorable toward a house like ours. Since I've been able to buy various supplies, I'll prepare something interesting!
Apparently, he was the supreme commander of the military back when my Father was on the battlefield. So that's why Gale was so tense.
When the Klaus family couple arrived, there was an uproar.
While they were chatting, I was called over and told to greet them.
"I am Butler's only son, Shivans. Though I am inexperienced, I shall serve as your attendant, Excellency and Madam. I may have shortcomings, but I humbly ask for your kind indulgence!"
My way of bowing should be correct. But why aren't they saying anything? Finding it strange, I looked up to find them staring at me with blank expressions.
Oops! Did I do something wrong?
"Dear, is this child really the same age as our grandson?"
"You were Shivans-kun, right? Is it true that you are eleven years old?"
When I timidly replied, "That is correct. I will be twelve soon," Klaus burst into loud laughter.
"Haha, sorry! I didn't realize that child of the Death would be so adorable and intelligent!"
"Now listen, Shivans-kun. We have a grandson the same age as you, but he's incomparable to you. That's why we were so surprised."
Since Klaus and his wife said that with smiles, I felt a wave of relief.
"See, I told you! Everything we've achieved is all thanks to this son of mine!"
Aren't you being awfully friendly, Father? I was quite nervous over here, you know?
"Is that true, Shivans-kun?"
"If Madam will allow me a direct answer, I shall speak. I have merely been allowed to help my Father a little bit."
Seeing that I maintained a formal attitude, the wife declared in high spirits, "A direct answer, huh? You're amazing! I want other foolish nobles to learn from you!"
"Interesting! To think that a Butler, who is nothing but a man of arms, had such a son! It was well worth coming here!"
Klaus was smiling, but he was looking at me with eyes that felt as if he were appraising me.
After that came the meal, and today we served beef fillet steak.
When I brought the meat sizzling on a hot iron plate to Klaus and his wife, the two of them looked on with great interest.
"Excuse me. Would you mind sitting a little further back from the table?"
While saying that, I had them step back a little. I dimmed the lights and poured strong alcohol over the steak and lit it. Since flambé doesn't exist in this world, it served as entertainment.
"Whoa! What is that?"
"Eek!"
The two of them let out cries of surprise.
"Fufu. My apologies for startling you. This is the completed form of this dish."
While surprised, Klaus asked in a questioning tone.
"You can use Fire Magic, can't you?"
"A little."
"Why use fire for cooking?"
I restored the lighting and explained.
"It is to seal in the deliciousness of the meat. Furthermore, by searing it, the aroma increases, and it is also so that you may enjoy the sound of it cooking with your ears. Please try inserting your knife. Does the overflowing meatiness not stimulate your nose as well?"
The sizzling sound and the savory aroma filled the air. And the appearance, which whetted the appetite, was nothing short of perfect.
"Fufu. I can tell! That doing this makes it even more delicious!"
He continued eating with excitement. Next was the alcohol; since Excellency was already drinking heavily, I suggested sparkling sake to his wife.
"This clear sake is proof of having been aged for many years before being served. It has a mellow and elegant aroma. It has both sharpness and richness. I believe the good effervescence will surely suit your palate, Madam."
After taking a sip, she praised it, saying, "It's true! It's refined yet has a deep flavor!"
"Did you make this sake as well?"
"It is a product made possible thanks to everyone."
As I bowed and left the table, the couple began to whisper to each other.
"Dear. That boy is amazing! It's not just his words, but his knowledge is backed up. He really doesn't seem like an eleven-year-old."
Klaus nodded deeply and said, "Indeed."
"To think he's eleven. He can use magic, and he has the humility not to try and make himself look bigger. Even with us as his opponents, his consideration to ensure we are entertained is quite, quite something."
Comparing him to her own grandson, the wife found herself wanting to see my mother, Leen.
We soaked in the hot spring, and while talking with Leen performing the shampoo and conditioner, I ended up even more confused.
The one thing I can say is that both of them are complete doting parents.
The couple praised their son so much it was almost cringeworthy.
I treated Klaus, who had come out first, under the guise of a massage.
"There is tension in your shoulders and lower back. Let me fix it a little."
As I applied [Heal] to the red dots, he praised me, saying, "Ooh! Amazing! It feels great! I can feel it getting easier!" When he realized his wife had come beside him, he spoke up, "My shoulders and back feel much better."
"Oh my! That is wonderful news!"
His wife also looked happy.
"Also, you sometimes have pain around your stomach, don't you? I will fix it, but I believe it would be better if you moderated your alcohol intake. Do you also have occasional headaches?"
At my words, the wife started saying, "Tell me more!"
"You're incredible! You're hitting the nail on the head with everything!"
"My treatment is merely first aid. I recommend that you have a proper doctor examine you."
At that, he complained gloomily, "Those quacks wouldn't understand! They won't fix my stomach or my head, they'll only prescribe suspicious medicine!"
"You were Shivans-kun, right? Would you like to become my personal physician?"
"I am an amateur. It is not as if I learned it somewhere."
When I politely declined, he looked disappointed.
Next, I diagnosed his wife.
"Recently, have your vision become blurry or have you had ringing in your ears? It must be painful, right?"
"H-How did you know! That's exactly it! Those quack doctors say it's just my imagination and only give me strange medicine!" I had to suppress my laughter, thinking they were a perfectly matched couple.
Since her brain was beginning to decline slightly, I applied multiple layers of [Heal]. Since her knees also seemed to be bothering her, I fixed them as well, and I was praised, "Shivans-kun! Aren't you a genius?"
"I recommend that you consume more raw vegetables. Just as the old saying goes, 'food and medicine share the same source,' I want you to have a balanced diet. If you were to continue living this way, I suspect you probably wouldn't have survived five years from now."
"You can't say that to people either!"
Klaus mocked his wife.
"Please take care."
As I bowed to the two of them with a smile and left, the wife said, "I see why this place is popular. It's all thanks to that boy after all," and Klaus agreed, "No doubt about it."
"Dear, I want to come again!"
"Leave it to me! I'll make sure that muscle-brain makes a reservation no matter what!"
By now, my Father, Butler, must be sneezing.
When my Father, who was in a separate room, sneezed, Gale made a displeased face.
"Boss. If it's a cold, have the young master look at you, okay?"
"It's not that. I suddenly got a terrible chill. What was that?"
"I don't know!"
My Mother, Leen, and Emilia were already serving other customers.
"Heh! So Leen-san is the wife of that famous 'Crimson Death'? Could it be that you're the rumored 'Ice Doll'?"
"That was a very long time ago!"
They were being fawned over as celebrities.
When Emilia was asked, "You're so cute. How old are you?" and replied, "I'm twelve," she was praised, "You're so young and beautiful, I'm envious," which made her blush.
"My son is sixteen, would you like to marry into our family?"
"I-I am not a noble, so..."
"Oh? What a shame!"
(You're saying that knowing it, aren't you!)
I hid my anger and maintained a fake smile.
Unaware of such things, I continued to treat the customers after their baths.
That Night
As soon as I got into bed, I began recounting today's events.
"Today too, I was asked if I'd marry into their family. When I said I wasn't a noble, they were totally put off."
"That just means Emi-nee is that beautiful and cute!"
"You're the one who's more beautiful!"
"Emi-nee, that's not making me happy, it's depressing me."
Saying "Sorry, sorry," I apologized, but then she started saying, "But, I'm the only one who loves you most of all! Don't you forget it!"
"Heh. So it's not just that you like me?"
"T-That's right! Is that a problem? We've slept together and kissed this much, so you should know, right?"
When I hugged her and said, "Me too," she said, "Say it properly."
"I love you very much, Emi-nee!"
"Me too! I've loved you ever since we were children!"
Perhaps feeling relieved, Emilia fell into a deep sleep immediately.
The Next Morning
Breakfast was in buffet style, but no noble complained.
A little while ago, there had been a noble with a bad attitude.
At that time, my Father had said, "I introduced you as Count Arton, but I did not know you were such a boorish noble. Please leave," and sent him away.
After that, in social circles, the news that Viscount Butta had caused a commotion at the hot spring and was kicked out spread in an instant, and everyone knew that even Count Arton's reputation had fallen to the ground. Although they were Arton's Vassal Nobles, both of them had disappeared from the public stage.
Then, the Klaus couple appeared with bright smiles, arms crossed.
"Good morning, Excellency Klaus. Madam. Did you sleep well last night?"
I intended to ask with a full smile, but they were surprised by everything.
"Shivans-kun. It was the best sleep ever! Were those futons on that bed made by you after all?"
I wondered how to answer Madam's question, but the answer was already decided.
"I merely provided the ideas. They are the fruit of the wisdom and effort of each and every artisan."
Then, my Father, Butler, arrived and sat heavily in front of Klaus. Then, Klaus said to me, "You sit down too."
"I am sorry. For my Father to sit without permission. My apologies!"
"It is fine. Your father is like a piece of coarse, insolent clothing walking around."
When I whispered that it was rude to the guest, he complained, "It's fine! Even Excellency says so, doesn't he?"
"No, Father. Is it not said that there should be courtesy even among friends?"
The Klaus couple burst into laughter at my words.
"You're a good parent, Butler!"
"I am humbled by your praise!"
"Father. That's not it."
The wife chuckled and said, "Sit down," so I sat.
"Since yesterday, there is something I have wanted to ask you. Shivans-kun, what are you aiming for, and where are you trying to go? I would really like to hear it!"
If I said, "I thought I'd start as a small lord in a game and take over the world," they wouldn't understand, so I thought for a moment.
"I hope that this territory where I was born and raised will always be peaceful, and that everyone can live happily."
How was that? I aimed for something safe. I don't even know what the right answer is anymore!
"Oh? That's unexpected. I thought you held much larger ambitions?"
Madam. Do you see through me?
"Fufu. Well, isn't it fine? I was curious about what you said yesterday. You know, when you were receiving treatment, you said, 'It is not as if I learned it somewhere,' didn't you?"
"Yes. That is indeed correct, Excellency."
It actually is, but what is he thinking?
"So! Do you have any intention of going to the Imperial Academy? When my grandson turns fifteen, I will have him take the entrance exam. With your abilities, passing is a certainty. What do you say?"
"What would I be able to learn there?"
"Things like the swordsmanship you excel at, magic, history and politics, and the basics of economics."
Entrance exams at this age, huh. I hate that.
Speaking of which, what happened to my proposal?
It didn't matter much now, but I was strangely curious.
While I was lost in thought, the conversation proceeded at a rapid pace.
"Listen, Excellency! If our Shivans takes the exam, he will undoubtedly pass! One of your grandson's slots will decrease by one! Is that alright with you?"
"Father. Stop. You're embarrassing me."
They burst into laughter yet again.
"Fine, fine. This is the good part about Butler. Even if the grandson fails, that is fine too. Setbacks are a part of life. Butler, you have experienced them as well, haven't you?"
"I am nothing but setbacks. The only good thing was getting to be with my wife, Leen, and having this son!"
I thought that, as expected, they accepted his full-blown doting parent behavior with a laugh.
"I also have something I want to ask. Last night, there were several loud noises echoing from the mountains, what were those, Butler?"
To Madam's question, my Father answered honestly.
"Wolves have been appearing lately. My son was setting traps in the mountains!"
"I see. So that's why this territory is so peaceful!"
She laughed elegantly while slowly sipping her tea.
When breakfast was finished and we prepared to head home, the wife patted my head as if reluctant to leave and said, "Come to the Imperial Capital in three years. We will be your backing."
Since many nobles were eavesdropping, they let out cries of surprise.
The wife of a Grand Duke, who boasts immense power, had publicly declared that she would back the son of a mere Knight Title.
"Of course, I will visit many times before then! I will make plenty of reservations. Do you understand, Butler?"
When Klaus spoke with an intimidating smile as if to exert pressure, my Father could only reply, "Yes, sir!"
When the wife said, "Let's buy some souvenirs before we go!" Klaus agreed. There, I hurriedly went to fetch the carriage. And then I rushed back to the hot spring inn to paint the Grand Duke family's crest in gold.
The Klaus couple was greatly surprised after they finished their shopping.
"W-What is this? This carriage?"
"Dear! What is the meaning of this?"
There, I guided them inside.
"First, these seats. They recline. And the futon that Madam liked is right here. I have named this carriage 'The Lady.' For the reason, please look at the back."
As I guided them, there was a door, and when opened, there was a toilet.
"Oh my! This is wonderful! The trip back will be so comfortable!"
"Even so, it's strangely warm, isn't it?"
When I had Klaus lift the floor and the seats, there were stones.
"If you heat these stones, the room temperature will remain comfortable. I thought the trip to the Imperial Capital might be cold, so I had them prepared. They can be reused as well."
From there, when I spoke about the defense, mentioning that it wouldn't budge even from arrows, Klaus asked, "When did you acquire such a carriage?"
"I was dissatisfied with current carriages. So, I thought I would make one."
"Hahaha! You are truly a genius! I thought that Butler's constant praise was just him being a doting parent, but you truly are an unmistakable genius!"
Saying that, he produced 10 Gold Coins.
"Excellency. I know it is rude to say this, but this carriage is my sentiment. I did not make it out of greed for money!"
"Even if you didn't, the artisans surely did. Furthermore, receiving such a magnificent thing for free would affect my pride."
When he said that, I had no choice but to accept.
I wasn't without a sense of guilt for having received such a large sum of 10,000,000 G, but I gratefully accepted it.
In the end, I worried about what to do with this massive sum of 10,000,000 G and handed it to my Father.
"First, let's give some to the carriage makers!"
When I tried to give 1,000,000 G, he said, "It's too much" and refused, but when I forced it upon him, he accepted it.
Regarding how to use the rest, the discussion turned to, "In that case, let's call the Slave Trader and have them erase the Slave Marks!" and we contacted Marc.
It cost 1,000,000 G to erase the Slave Marks for all one hundred people, but Emilia was delighted.
"With this, I've become a commoner's child, haven't I? Thank you!"
I whispered to my Mother, Leen, "I can become a concubine, right?"
"Yes. You can!"
We both embraced each other in joy.
That Night
As soon as I got into bed, I began to talk about today's events.
"Today too, I was asked if I'd marry into their family. When I said I wasn't a noble, they were totally put off."
"That just means Emi-nee is that beautiful and cute!"
"You're the one who's more beautiful!"
"Emi-nee, that's not making me happy, it's depressing me."
Saying "Sorry, sorry," I apologized, but then she started saying, "But, I'm the only one who loves you most of all! Don't you forget it!"
"Heh. So it's not just that you like me?"
"T-That's right! Is that a problem? We've slept together and kissed this much, so you should know, right?"
When I hugged her and said, "Me too," she said, "Say it properly."
"I love you very much, Emi-nee!"
"Me too! I've loved you ever since we were children!"
Perhaps feeling relieved, Emilia fell into a deep sleep immediately.
The Next Morning
Breakfast was in buffet style, but no noble complained.
A little while ago, there had been a noble with a bad attitude.
At that time, my Father had said, "I introduced you as Count Arton, but I did not know you were such a boorish noble. Please leave," and sent him away.
After that, in social circles, the news that Viscount Butta had caused a commotion at the hot spring and was kicked out spread in an instant, and everyone knew that even Count Arton's reputation had fallen to the ground. Although they were Arton's Vassal Nobles, both of them had disappeared from the public stage.
Then, the Klaus couple appeared with bright smiles, arms crossed.
"Good morning, Excellency Klaus. Madam. Did you sleep well last night?"
I intended to ask with a full smile, but they were surprised by everything.
"Shivans-kun. It was the best sleep ever! Were those futons on that bed made by you after all?"
I wondered how to answer Madam's question, but the answer was already decided.
"I merely provided the ideas. They are the fruit of the wisdom and effort of each and every artisan."
Then, my Father, Butler, arrived and sat heavily in front of Klaus. Then, Klaus said to me, "You sit down too."
"I am sorry. For my Father to sit without permission. My apologies!"
"It is fine. Your father is like a piece of coarse, insolent clothing walking around."
When I whispered that it was rude to the guest, he complained, "It's fine! Even Excellency says so, doesn't he?"
"No, Father. Is it not said that there should be courtesy even among friends?"
The Klaus couple burst into laughter at my words.
"You're a good parent, Butler!"
"I am humbled by your praise!"
"Father. That's not it."
The wife chuckled and said, "Sit down," so I sat.
"Since yesterday, there is something I have wanted to ask you. Shivans-kun, what are you aiming for, and where are you trying to go? I would really like to hear it!"
If I said, "I thought I'd start as a small lord in a game and take over the world," they wouldn't understand, so I thought for a moment.
"I hope that this territory where I was born and raised will always be peaceful, and that everyone can live happily."
How was that? I aimed for something safe. I don't even know what the right answer is anymore!
"Oh? That's unexpected. I thought you held much larger ambitions?"
Madam. Do you see through me?
"Fufu. Well, isn't it fine? I was curious about what you said yesterday. You know, when you were receiving treatment, you said, 'It is not as if I learned it somewhere,' didn't you?"
"Yes. That is indeed correct, Excellency."
It actually is, but what is he thinking?
"So! Do you have any intention of going to the Imperial Academy? When my grandson turns fifteen, I will have him take the entrance exam. With your abilities, passing is a certainty. What do you say?"
"What would I be able to learn there?"
"Things like the swordsmanship you excel at, magic, history and politics, and the basics of economics."
Entrance exams at this age, huh. I hate that.
Speaking of which, what happened to my proposal?
It didn't matter much now, but I was strangely curious.
While I was lost in thought, the conversation proceeded at a rapid pace.
"Listen, Excellency! If our Shivans takes the exam, he will undoubtedly pass! One of your grandson's slots will decrease by one! Is that alright with you?"
"Father. Stop. You're embarrassing me."
They burst into laughter yet again.
"Fine, fine. This is the good part about Butler. Even if the grandson fails, that is fine too. Setbacks are a part of life. Butler, you have experienced them as well, haven't you?"
"I am nothing but setbacks. The only good thing was getting to be with my wife, Leen, and having this son!"
I thought that, as expected, they accepted his full-blown doting parent behavior with a laugh.
"I also have something I want to ask. Last night, there were several loud noises echoing from the mountains, what were those, Butler?"
To Madam's question, my Father answered honestly.
"Wolves have been appearing lately. My son was setting traps in the mountains!"
"I see. So that's why this territory is so peaceful!"
She laughed elegantly while slowly sipping her tea.
When breakfast was finished and we prepared to head home, the wife patted my head as if reluctant to leave and said, "Come to the Imperial Capital in three years. We will be your backing."
Since many nobles were eavesdropping, they let out cries of surprise.
The wife of a Grand Duke, who boasts immense power, had publicly declared that she would back the son of a mere Knight Title.
"Of course, I will visit many times before then! I will make plenty of reservations. Do you understand, Butler?"
When Klaus spoke with an intimidating smile as if to exert pressure, my Father could only reply, "Yes, sir!"
When the wife said, "Let's buy some souvenirs before we go!" Klaus agreed. There, I hurriedly went to fetch the carriage. And then I rushed back to the hot spring inn to paint the Grand Duke family's crest in gold.
The Klaus couple was greatly surprised after they finished their shopping.
"W-What is this? This carriage?"
"Dear! What is the meaning of this?"
There, I guided them inside.
"First, these seats. They recline. And the futon that Madam liked is right here. I have named this carriage 'The Lady.' For the reason, please look at the back."
As I guided them, there was a door, and when opened, there was a toilet.
"Oh my! This is wonderful! The trip back will be so comfortable!"
"Even so, it's strangely warm, isn't it?"
When I had Klaus lift the floor and the seats, there were stones.
"If you heat these stones, the room temperature will remain comfortable. I thought the trip to the Imperial Capital might be cold, so I had them prepared. They can be reused as well."
From there, when I spoke about the defense, mentioning that it wouldn't budge even from arrows, Klaus asked, "When did you acquire such a carriage?"
"I was dissatisfied with current carriages. So, I thought I would make one."
"Hahaha! You are truly a genius! I thought that Butler's constant praise was just him being a doting parent, but you truly are an unmistakable genius!"
Saying that, he produced 10 Gold Coins.
"Excellency. I know it is rude to say this, but this carriage is my sentiment. I did not make it out of greed for money!"
"Even if you didn't, the artisans surely did. Furthermore, receiving such a magnificent thing for free would affect my pride."
When he said that, I had no choice but to accept.
I wasn't without a sense of guilt for having received such a large sum of 10,000,000 G, but I gratefully accepted it.
In the end, I worried about what to do with this massive sum of 10,000,000 G and handed it to my Father.
"First, let's give some to the carriage makers!"
When I tried to give 1,000,000 G, he said, "It's too much" and refused, but when I forced it upon him, he accepted it.
Regarding how to use the rest, the discussion turned to, "In that case, let's call the Slave Trader and have them erase the Slave Marks!" and we contacted Marc.
It cost 1,000,000 G to erase the Slave Marks for all one hundred people, but Emilia was delighted.
"With this, I've become a commoner's child, haven't I? Thank you!"
I whispered to my Mother, Leen, "I can become a concubine, right?"
"Yes. You can!"
We both embraced each other in joy.