For Our Greedy Master

We sorted the items by type so they would be easy to understand when we handed them to Master, then put them into the item bags.

This way we wouldn't have to bother him.

*　*　*

With four people, it was done in no time.

It was unexpected that Finn helped, but she seemed to have decided this was part of the job.

*　*　*

We used an empty item bag, but it was filled to capacity with items from the Crystal Village.

The ones we used regularly still had room.

*　*　*

We needed to decide whether to make a third trip into the Crystal Village, but there was something to take care of first.

*　*　*

"Pour the rinse water into that drain over there."

"Understood."

*　*　*

We borrowed a large tub from the inn and put our laundry in it.

*　*　*

Yes, whether we went back to the labyrinth or headed home, we had to take care of this first.

As maidens.

*　*　*

Using soap and a washboard, we washed everything and rinsed them clean.

*　*　*

Water was charged separately, but since we had Alexia the mage and the help of the Water Elemental, that part was free.

*　*　*

We had to use the precious money we were entrusted with carefully.

*　*　*

At first it was just me, but Alexia came to help, and the two of us took care of the laundry for all four of us.

The other two had gone to buy food.

*　*　*

"Is this everything?"

"Yes."

"Having four people really does mean a lot of laundry."

*　*　*

After saying that, Alexia used magic to move the water in the tub, creating a current.

Adding a little soap caused it to foam up rapidly, and the dirt came right out.

*　*　*

"I wish I'd asked for help from the start. It's so fast and easy."

"And it doesn't rough up your hands."

*　*　*

My hands had grown cold and red, and Alexia held them to warm them up.

After changing to clean water and rinsing, we were finally done washing.

*　*　*

We wrung out the water and returned to the room.

The inn apparently let us use their yard too, but since there was underwear among the laundry, it would be embarrassing for others to see.

*　*　*

There was only one person I was willing to show them to, and that was Master.

*　*　*

Back in the room, we spread out the laundry, threaded a rope through, and hung them to dry.

Then we tied the rope to the pillars.

*　*　*

This method comes in handy during expeditions.

*　*　*

This alone wouldn't dry them, so Alexia used magic to blow warm air.

This way they would dry quickly even on cold or rainy days.

*　*　*

I sat on the bed and watched the laundry flutter.

*　*　*

I liked these peaceful moments.

Maybe relaxing just suited my nature.

*　*　*

Having completed my work, I enjoyed a moment of tranquility.

That was probably what happiness meant right now.

*　*　*

Maybe because the warm air had heated up the room, I felt a bit sleepy.

If I slept now I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight, so I was pinching my cheeks when Alexia laughed at me.

*　*　*

"Come on, it's almost done, so perk up."

"I know!"

*　*　*

Being spoken to woke me up a little.

We folded the dried laundry, sorted them, and placed each person's on their bed.

We had about three days' worth of changes of clothes, but you never knew what might happen.

*　*　*

Besides, I didn't want to leave them sitting for days, so we had decided to do it this way.

*　*　*

Finn and Elza returned with the food, and we discussed our plans while eating.

*　*　*

"Isn't this enough? We beat the boss, and if we're buying gems and gold on the way back, that'll be quite a lot of luggage."

"That's true… It was quite bulky back then."

"He bought as much as he possibly could, didn't he."

"I didn't see it directly, but I can imagine."

"His greed was staggering, wasn't it…"

*　*　*

Alexia had a distant look in her eyes.

Among all the people she had observed as a noble, our master Yohane's greed was in a league of its own.

She added that he had good qualities too as a follow-up.

*　*　*

After deliberating for a while, I ultimately chose not to go back.

That way we could return home sooner.

*　*　*

Being away for so many days inevitably made me feel lonely.

*　*　*

"I see. Then all that's left is to buy gems and such before heading back."

"That's right. That's the plan."

*　*　*

I couldn't tell real gems from fake, but Spartia was strict about enforcement in that regard, and the shop we'd bought from before should be trustworthy.

*　*　*

We checked out of the inn and first exchanged some of the magic stones for cash.

Magic stones had many uses, and even in Spartia where circulation was heavy, prices hadn't dropped as much as I'd thought.

When I asked about it, apparently when there's a surplus, it gets exported, so prices stay stable.

I also heard that if they didn't do this, adventurers would stop coming.

*　*　*

It seemed they had thought things through.

*　*　*

Taking the money we got, we promptly bought gems.

The prices here were unbelievably cheap compared to Kassad.

And they were genuine.

*　*　*

Now I understood why there were limits on how much you could buy.

Things were valuable because they were rare.

Just like how no one puts a price on stones you can find anywhere.

*　*　*

We bought gems up to the limit for all four of us.

I had wanted to greet the Warrior Commander who had helped us before leaving Spartia, but I didn't even know where to find him.

*　*　*

Since he was a busy person, I decided there was no need to force a meeting, and we set off on our return journey.

*　*　*

"It would be so much easier if there were portals in every country."

"If that happened, invasions would be too easy."

"Ah, that would be a problem."

"Convenience equals danger. Besides, traveling like this isn't so bad, you know?"

"For me it's just a hassle."

"Now, now… We can use a portal partway through."

*　*　*

I tried to placate Finn as we traveled on foot.

Along the way we spotted the Crystal Village, but the hole had been sealed.

*　*　*

I had heard that labyrinths were alive.

Sometimes they changed shape to confuse adventurers.

When we had gone to the Wind Labyrinth before, the terrain had shifted, and as a result we'd encountered Kiyo and Justitia, the Creator King's Apostle.

*　*　*

What was Kiyo doing now?

Perhaps he had rejoined the Ash King.

*　*　*

The last time I met him, the gap in our abilities was like heaven and earth, but how much had I closed that gap now?

Or was the distance still just as far?

*　*　*

I wanted to become stronger. Because that was the best way to be useful to Master.