With a single word from Swan Hilda, the Valkyrie, the introductions of Seira Hyperion, the Saintess newly joined to the “Princess Harem,” and Mariabel Ishante Hasshatitia, the former Princess Knight who is now a Temple Knight, concluded without incident. As the group prepared to leave the inn and head to the Former Lord’s Mansion, now the residence of Glenda, a problem arose regarding the treatment of the horses they had ridden.
Seira’s specialized white steed meant only for Saintesses and Mariabel’s well-trained chestnut warhorse were both mares. This was all well and good, but when kept with our horses, they had completely submitted to the “Black Princess” and the “White Princess.” Perhaps there was a skirmish in the stable. Setting that aside, the issue was that the stallions, “Assy-kun” and “Criskey-kun,” were casting lecherous glances at the newly added mares, as if they were sex slaves! Were they trying to vent their frustration because they couldn’t raise their heads to the “Black Princess” and the “White Princess”? In reality, their male members were erect. Leaving them like this seemed like it would lead to trouble. In such cases, it felt necessary to “call for a break” or physically separate them. Fortunately, there were empty seats in the carriage. We stopped at the Asgard Holy Church’s temple in Karamiya, returned the horses, and explained that we would be taking Seira and the others into our care. Naturally, Seira, as the Saintess, stepped forward to explain, stating that their actions were “based on divine pronouncements.” Within the Asgard Holy Church, Saintesses are revered beings, and thus their actions are typically subject to restrictions in accordance with religious norms. Nevertheless, the content of the divine pronouncements was respected, which is only natural for a religious organization. And now, we finally headed to the Former Lord’s Mansion where Glenda was. By the way, Seira and Mariabel were being transported in separate carriages and were reportedly being questioned extensively by the party members. The “reportedly” is because it would be awkward to be questioned together, and I was the one driving the carriage. To meet Glenda, we would likely have to pay a courtesy call to Count Hans Ignot Von Iglewaas, the provisional governor of Karamiya, who was a Spaniard noble and her father. He was apparently a “muscle-brain” like Glenda, which was a headache. However, Alicia, a Viscountess of the Espana Imperial Kingdom, would be the one taking the lead. As the only male in the “Princess Harem,” it was a somewhat pathetic situation, but Alicia, being a formally recognized noble, held a higher practical status than me, a First-Class Quasi-Noble. Therefore, the decision was not wrong. Incidentally, the status of a First-Class Quasi-Noble is stipulated to be equivalent to a Count within the court and a Viscount outside, but legally, even if they are of the same rank, Alicia, as a formal noble, is effectively superior. Thus, I was driving the lead carriage, with Alicia seated next to me. Come to think of it, it was rare for me and Alicia to be seated together on the driver’s seat. Setting that aside, having come this far, I finally had the余裕 to enjoy the surrounding scenery. The city of Karamiya is positioned as one of the vice-capitals in the Wahl Imperial Kingdom. More precisely, it was the capital city of the Marquisate of Botox. The imposing stone castle standing on a high hill was our destination. The main roads were beautifully paved, with orderly cobblestone paths. On the other hand, the ruts etched into the cobblestones exuded a sense of timeless history. The shops and houses lining the road also bore many signs of history. However, here and there, clusters of new buildings stood out conspicuously from their surroundings. These were likely built on sites that were burned down during the invasion by the Espana Imperial Army. This city of Karamiya is not a typical castle town but rather struck me as a city that had expanded haphazardly around the Marquisate of Botox’s domain mansion, which stood on a central hill. However, upon closer inspection, stone walls that appear to be castle ruins can be seen scattered throughout the city, though their function seems to have been lost. Perhaps it was a remnant of rapid city development, and the construction of the castle couldn’t keep up. At any rate, we passed through the districts where ordinary people lived on the outskirts, navigated through the shopping streets, and entered the noble district. At the entrance to the noble district, there was a checkpoint ruin, suggesting that access was strictly restricted in the past. Nevertheless, the clothing of the people walking on the sidewalks on both sides of the road became more flamboyant. Perhaps these were the servants of the upper class?! “Hal, look at that! A noblewoman here is leading a girl slave, a ‘human dog’…” Alicia suddenly called out. And it was a “human dog” led by a noblewoman?! I firmly gripped the reins and looked in the direction Alicia was pointing. Indeed, a beauty with fiery red hair was leading a “human dog,” apparently created by physically modifying a young slave girl. At first glance, it looked like a walk with a beloved pet. The beauty appeared to be a mature and dignified lady. Her bright red hair was tied up. Although it was difficult to discern from a distance, she seemed like a strong-willed beauty, perhaps like a “female executive of an evil organization” or a “villainous daughter.” She was wearing an expensive dress adorned with many frills, and despite concealing her figure, the swell of her chest was evident. She was probably big-breasted! That girl… somehow, she looked like she’d suit a “bondage outfit” and a whip. This beauty, exuding a dangerous aura, held a thin leather strap in her right hand, to which the young slave girl “human dog” was attached. This was the first time I had seen such a sight since encountering the “human dogs” modified by the Bashle Company in the Southern Nations during my First Expedition Trip. Come to think of it, I recall hearing that the Bashle Company’s main store was in the Old Imperial Capital Ashurai. Sophie was also nearly turned into a “human dog,” and I wished I could somehow improve the business practices of the Bashle Company, infamous as unscrupulous slave traders, through the solidarity of fellow traders. In the Imperial Capital Ashurai, Ly’s and Mai’s errands took priority. I probably wouldn’t have time to get involved here. Still, was that the finished “human dog” that had been delivered? My gaze naturally turned to the young slave girl “human dog.” The young slave girl who had been physically modified into a “human dog” seemed younger than the beauty leading her. The young slave girl’s short blonde hair and occasional glimpses of her face were cute. However, her limb amputations were painful. That is to say, her arms and legs were severed around the elbow and knee. It was a small mercy that she wasn’t completely naked, but she wore a hairband adorned with dog ear-like decorations on her head and a white fur-like covering. Furthermore, she had a pure white tail, which was likely connected to an anal ball. And, looking closely, an old man, who seemed to be a butler, followed behind the beauty. “Lady Caroline, you don’t have to do this kind of thing yourself…” “As the representative of the Bashle Company, it is natural for me to check the progress of products for important customers. And Iris, the second-class slave who was so arrogant, is now finished. She should just be cherished by the customers. She is still a virgin, as per the specifications… First, endure the pain of losing your virginity.” “Woof, woof, woof♪” Her conversation carried to us on the wind. To my surprise, that beauty was the representative of the Bashle Company. I recalled that the representative of that company was about the same age as my father… Perhaps there had been a change in leadership? Still, I thought it was too much for a beauty to run a slave trade. Especially since the Bashle Company specializes in physically modifying second-class slaves, which I don’t think I could endure. The carriage moved slowly through the city, slower than a walk, but we quickly overtook them. Still, the young slave girl in the form of a “human dog” after physical modification was pitiful. Moreover, she was whining “woof, woof,” as if she were being conditioned to believe she was a dog herself! Or was her mind also broken? The likely recipient would be a perverted nobleman or upper-class citizen from the subservient classes. I felt that the young slave girl would only have a future of being reduced to a pet and a female genitalia slave by a perverted gentleman with a special fetish. Reluctantly leaving the victimized young slave girl behind, I guided the carriage towards our destination, the Former Lord’s Mansion. It was frustrating… because my “Healing Magic” does not cover limb amputations. It would require a special treatment, like the secret techniques I used on Sophie and Ilisha. Alicia, seated beside me, also had a sad expression, but at present, there was nothing we could do to save the young slave girl who had been modified into a “human dog.” Furthermore, although it was barely within legal limits, it was a legitimate commercial transaction. In other words, the fate of that young slave girl was sealed the moment she was sold to the Bashle Company. Conversely, our Raymond Trading Company flatly refuses such physical modifications, even if requested by customers. Well, the purchase price is higher at the Bashle Company, so foolish people blinded by greed end up selling them. Is that sort of thing a necessary evil that society demands? However, for a “human dog” with its healthy limbs severed, returning to ordinary civilian life, which is permitted for second-class slaves, is desperate. Alicia, having had such an experience, harbors disgust towards “human dogs.” While the right to life or death of a slave is held by their master, this is no different from a third-class slave, to whom criminals are relegated! I pulled the carriage reins, feeling restless. We passed through the noble district and ascended the slope. Despite being the center of Karamiya, there were no buildings around the hill, only beautifully pruned ornamental trees. Of course, there were also flower beds planted with blooming flowers. And to reach the lord’s mansion, we had to ascend a spiral slope. This was designed, it seemed, so that as we ascended the slope, we could get a bird’s-eye view of the city of Karamiya. Seeing the magnificent cityscape lifted my spirits. Although the carriage’s speed decreased, the “Black Princess” and the “White Princess” were doing so with ease. In contrast, “Assy-kun” and “Criskey-kun,” pulling the carriage behind, looked desperate. Before long, we arrived at the Former Lord’s Mansion, and as expected, Espanol soldiers were guarding the main gate on either side. Immediately, they crossed their equipped long spears, blocking our passage. “Who are you?! This is no place for mere adventurers. If you turn back immediately, we will overlook your impertinent behavior. Otherwise, you’ll be thrown in prison!” One of the guards ordered us to leave with a condescending tone. In response, Alicia took out the Viscountess’s badge she kept hidden in her chest and attached it. “I am Alicia Mia von Rendol, a Viscountess granted my title by the Espana Imperial Kingdom. I have been summoned by Countess Glenda Shanti Von Iglewaas, who obtained an opportunity while traveling. First, I wish to pay my respects to your father, Count Hans Ignot Von Iglewaas.” “Y-yes, apologies, Viscountess Rendol, sir. Please, proceed.” The guards stood at attention and allowed us through the main gate, with one soldier running ahead as a herald to Count Iglewaas. We followed Alicia into the mansion and were led to the audience chamber. Inside, a man with a stern face, embodying sturdy integrity, awaited us. Was this Count Iglewaas, the provisional governor? “Welcome. Viscountess Rendol. I heard you were summoned by your daughter… is that correct?” “Yes, that is correct. As we were heading towards the city of Karamiya, we were “blocked” on the road and challenged to an informal duel. Afterward, there were twists and turns, and we ended up becoming friends. By the way, those behind me are my adventurer companions. There are some complicated circumstances, so please refrain from asking too many questions.” “A Viscountess indulging in such whims. And as for your adventurer companions, they do not even remove their masks in front of me, their superior… they have no manners. I smell a scheme – whiff, whiff.” Currently, Alicia, who was greeting Count Iglewaas, was bare-faced, but the other party members had masks modeled after Valkyries on their faces. However, it was unavoidable, as it would be a major issue if Ly’s and the others’ identities were revealed. After all, Count Iglewaas was said to be a “muscle-brain” and would not likely consider our circumstances. Furthermore, he is from a military faction of nobles, so the situation might be dire if Ly’s true identity were revealed. A primary concern is that he might not trust the letter of proxy that Alicia holds. And despite being a “muscle-brain,” he seems to have a keen intuition. This is truly troublesome. Therefore, to avoid further trouble, it would be wise to introduce ourselves as mere adventurers for now. Nevertheless, Count Iglewaas’s attitude towards us, whom he met for the first time, seemed to carry sarcasm or ill will. We haven’t done anything to Count Iglewaas… Well, objectively speaking, we might seem suspicious. However, disguise is essential, as Princess Ly of the Wahl Imperial Kingdom’s face is likely to be recognizable. “It was you, wasn’t it? Who seduced my foolish daughter! I’ll have all of you arrested and thoroughly investigate your backgrounds. Especially you men, you’ll need thorough interrogation. My subordinate interrogators are skilled. If they probe, they’ll find plenty of dirt.” “Count, isn’t that problematic?! You have a Viscountess of the Espana Imperial Kingdom here!!” However, Count Iglewaas’s words and actions were off the mark. Although he called her his “foolish daughter,” I felt a distorted affection or obsession towards Glenda. Should we have bypassed the city of Karamiya as originally planned? It’s too late to say now… Perhaps this situation was fated from the moment we met Glenda. I ended up complaining again. A knight, who seemed to be his aide, was admonishing Count Iglewaas regarding his order to arrest us. We were merely paying a courtesy call, so why has this situation arisen?? Someone seduced that Glenda?? I have no recollection of such a thing and am utterly bewildered. “I am appointed as the provisional governor of this city of Karamiya, so there is no problem. It falls within my discretion. Furthermore, a Viscountess is of a lower rank than me!” In any case, we were surrounded by Espanol Imperial soldiers and had fallen into an unforeseen situation. Thank you for reading. Episode 57-8, “For Whom Do the Sacs of Breasts Jiggle!?” is scheduled to be posted at 0:00 on May 28th.
