It is a truth rather universally acknowledged in this new world that, compared to my previous life in Japan, public safety is quite abysmally poor.
One simply does not stroll beyond the city walls without the expectation of being set upon by bandits or monsters. Indeed, traveling long distances without a sturdy guard is a feat reserved only for the exceptionally skilled or the exceptionally foolish.
I have gathered that the distinction between a common animal and a monster lies in whether they are born through natural breeding.
Monsters, with few exceptions, seem to manifest spontaneously in places where magical energy has stagnated, such as the lightless depths of dungeons or the heart of ancient forests. It is all a bit of a biological mystery, really.
To put it plainly, martial prowess is not a luxury here; it is a necessity. This world may have started as a romance game, but it is positively riddled with RPG elements where the law of the jungle prevails. It is quite a bothersome reality.
Consequently, the local lords whose territories house dungeons or high monster populations tend to be a rather rugged, militant lot.
My own family, the Weltheim¹ house, stands at the opposite end of that spectrum. Being a Duke² family with few monsters and a treasury deep enough to hire a small army, we have grown quite comfortable.
However, I have no intention of following the path laid out for the original Kraut-the sort of 'bit-part villain' who gathers strong underlings only to hide behind them while blustering about his own importance.
Since I have sworn to become the ideal older brother, I must be strong enough to protect my sister from the Demon King with my own two hands!
To that end, I decided I required training from a true professional.
* * *
"I beg of you! Please, teach me the way of the sword!" Kraut said.
"...Are you truly being serious?" Heliotrope asked.
Her voice drifted down to me, laced with a weary sort of exasperation. I could well imagine the cold, piercing gaze she was leveling at me, though I couldn't see it from my current position, bent double in a rigid, right-angled bow.
I was currently soliciting the tutelage of Heliotrope, my personal maid-who also happened to be a strikingly beautiful slave combat maid.
I had initially considered asking one of the knights, but truthfully, they didn't seem particularly formidable. It was a bit rich coming from me, I suppose.
Yet, it was hardly their fault. The Weltheim lands are nestled close to the Royal Capital, and monsters are a rare sight.
Furthermore, the provincial capital where our estate sits is a bustling commercial hub. With so many merchant caravans passing through, skilled mercenaries and adventurers are constantly drifting in and out. Any bandits foolish enough to show their faces are dealt with long before the knights have to lace their boots.
It is only natural that the quality of the soldiery withers in a place where danger is a stranger.
Thus, I concluded that Heliotrope was the most capable person I knew. In the game, her lightning-fast techniques with a Rapier³ had given players quite a headache.
"......"
"......"
Whether she was stunned or merely contemplating my audacity, Heliotrope remained silent. I kept my head bowed, the quiet between us becoming rather taxing on my nerves.
Even within the bounds of a master-slave relationship, being asked such a favor by someone you despise must be a complicated affair.
Since a slave cannot disobey a direct order, it would have been simpler to just command her. But I had no desire to use force. Even if she refused, I was prepared to bow as many times as it took.
Given Kraut's past behavior, a refusal was only to be expected; I merely hoped to convey a shred of my sincerity. Or so I thought, until-
"...I have one condition," Heliotrope said.
"Eh?" Kraut asked.
Stunned by an answer I hadn't dared hope for, I looked up. Heliotrope's face was slightly averted, looking as though she were wrestling with some internal conflict.
"Name it. I will do anything within my power," Kraut said.
I didn't hesitate. To win her trust, I couldn't afford to back down now. More than anything, I would endure whatever was necessary to become the brother my sister deserved!
I steeled my resolve, my heart swelling with determination, when-
"Release me from the slave contract," Heliotrope said.
She spoke the words clearly, her eyes narrowing as she glared directly into mine.
"Eh--" Kraut muttered.
While I stood there, utterly speechless, Heliotrope continued in a flat, business-like tone.
"A slave is physically incapable of harming their master. If I am to teach you the sword, there will be times when we must exchange blows or engage in mock combat. If you are truly serious about learning, the slave contract is nothing but a shackle," Heliotrope said.
"That is..." Kraut started.
She wasn't just making a point; she was entirely correct. In any other circumstance, releasing her would be the only logical step-if only the relationship between Kraut and Heliotrope weren't so dreadfully fractured.
I had intended to release her eventually, of course. But that was supposed to happen after we had built a foundation of trust.
I was painfully aware of how much she disliked me. Resented me, more like.
Her homeland had been snatched away, she had been forced into servitude, and her master was nothing more than a spoiled, arrogant brat. Kraut had spent years looking down on her, mocking her, and making her life a misery.
Without the magical restriction preventing her from harming me, I likely would have been sent on a one-way trip to the afterlife long ago.
To free her now, with no trust between us, was essentially a very elaborate form of suicide. No sane person in my position would dream of such a thing. And yet...
I reached out and removed the slave collar-the one that looked like a simple choker, which only the master could unlock.
In that very instant, a large knife appeared as if from thin air, its edge swinging with lethal intent toward my throat.
Summary:
Kraut reflects on the dangerous nature of his new world and decides he must become strong to protect his sister. He approaches his slave combat maid, Heliotrope, to ask for sword training. Heliotrope agrees on the condition that her slave contract be terminated. Despite the extreme risk to his life given their hostile history, Kraut removes her collar. Immediately upon being freed, Heliotrope attacks him with a knife.
Character Insight:
Kraut demonstrates a reckless but genuine commitment to his new path, choosing to trust Heliotrope even when his own survival is at stake. Heliotrope, meanwhile, shows a calculating and sharp-witted side; she uses Kraut's sudden change in attitude to bargain for the one thing she desires most: her freedom. Her immediate move to attack highlights just how deep her resentment runs, suggesting that Kraut's past sins won't be easily forgiven just because he's trying to change now.
Behind the Scene:
The author contrasts the 'safe' life Kraut lived as a pampered noble with the harsh reality of a world where monsters are a common occurrence, setting up the necessity for his physical training.
T/L:
¹ ↩ Weltheim: The name of the ducal family the protagonist belongs to, positioned near the capital for safety.
² ↩ Duke: A high-ranking noble title, often implying significant wealth and political power within the kingdom.
³ ↩ Rapier: A slender, sharp-pointed sword used mainly for thrusting, requiring high agility and precision.
Notes:
• Kraut - The eldest son of a Duke's family. He has blue eyes, a straight nose, and short silver hair. Despite his handsome facial features, he is notably obese. He was previously arrogant and selfish before regaining memories of a past life.
• Heliotrope - Kraut's exclusive maid, fifteen years old (six years older than Kraut). She has long black hair reaching her waist and a cool, beautiful face. She is a 'slave battle maid' who was formerly a noble lady from a fallen northern country. She wears a Victorian-style long-dress maid outfit.