The Spearmaster and the Black Cat-Novel

Chapter 165 – Boarding School Resonante

While taking some of the leaders of 【Remains of the Moon】along, I had the Slaughter Sisters, Lala and Lulu, guide us to their brothel.

In one of the establishment’s rooms, we talked with the women working there.

I had them accept the matter with the turf.

As the discussion dragged on, the Slaughter Sisters lied down and fell asleep.

Rollo also switched from my shoulder to my hood.

I sensed her restlessly stirring and then curling up on my back.

Since Viine started to look sleepy as well,

“It’s fine, just take a nap.” (Shuuya)

“However, the negotiations are…” (Viine)

“Mel is here.” (Shuuya)

“Excuse me then.” (Viine)

She starts sleeping in a bed used by the Mamas.

Or rather…

The prostitutes had problems negotiating as they were too nervous with us being present.

Thus Mel took lead of the conversation while politely and gently explaining. As result of that, the Mamas finally regained their calm and matters proceeded smoothly.

The prostitutes acknowledged the Pleasure Quarter and the Market Street falling under the control of the 【New Remains of the Moon】 with Lulu and Lala acting as nominal leaders of those areas.

The dual-wielding, black-haired man, Robald Andou, will back them up while constantly staying at Lulu’s and Lala’s side under the pretext of being their guard.

Well, in reality the real leader will be Robald, but it probably doesn’t really matter either way.

If he betrays us, we just have to lop his head off.

“Robald, I’m leaving this place to you, got it?” (Shuuya)

“…Understood. On top of being the one who allowed me to live, you’re someone who also has black hair and a flat face…” (Robald)

After looking into my eyes with his cheeks blushing,

“Besides, you resemble my dad a bit. I will think of it as fate and obey the words of the guild master.” (Robald)

I resemble his dad?

“Really? Did you ever hear the word Japan?” (Shuuya)

“Japan? No, never heard of it.” (Robald)

“I see, don’t mind it then.” (Shuuya)

At that point I turn my eyes in Mel’s direction and nod while putting the question “The negotiations are finished, right?” into the gesture.

“That means we concluded the negotiations then.” (Mel)

“Yes, please take care of us from now on.”

The prostitutes bowed their heads.

With this we’re done here.

I woke up Viine and we left the brothel.

“Master, I’m sorry for falling asleep in the middle of the talks.” (Viine)

“Well, you were tired, weren’t you? I told you to do it, so don’t worry about it.” (Shuuya)

Once Rollo appears from within the hood hanging on my back,

“…Nyaon.”

she meows.

Just like that we advance through the Pleasure Quarter’s streets while taking the leaders along.

I told them that I will entrust the proceeds and all the small stuff to Mel.

With the negotiations following after the leader meeting and the battles, she hasn’t slept much and thus has a foul mood.

She wore an unhappy expression with veins standing out at her temples.

“Okay. But! I want you to read the reports.” (Mel)

“Is there really any need for me to read them? I leave the judgment up to you.” (Shuuya)

While releasing my mana, I apply pressure by glaring at Mel who walks next to me.

“…U-Understood. I shall decide after a careful examination.” (Mel)

“Please do.” (Shuuya)

I correspond with an archaic smile.

At that point a young soldier with a Remains of the Moon armband runs up to us.

He goes down on his knees in front of me and bows.

“Guild master, Madame Kazane’s subordinate, a woman called Mirai, who is the leader of the War Foxes, is right nearby.”

“Mirai? Kazane’s subordinate, huh? Now that you mention it, we didn’t set a date for the meeting, did we?” (Shuuya)

“Guild master, it’s the woman who got in contact with us.” (Mel)

Mel added.

“Got it. You, bring that woman called Mirai to me.” (Shuuya)

“Yes!”

The young soldier runs off.

After a short while he returned with a woman in tow.

The woman’s face is small and well-featured, close to that of a Japanese woman.

For some reason there’s a dot mark painted with thick ink on her forehead.

If it’s an Indian bindi, it would mean that she’s a married woman, but…I think it’s just a fashion statement.

The woman with the pretty face bows and then speaks up.

“…Excuse me, I’m a messenger of Madame Kazane. My name is Mirai.”

“Hello, I’m Shuuya Kagari. Kazane-san wants to meet with me again?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. I have passed on the message from the other day to my master. The reply is that she will accept all of it. That’s the message. And, since she’s nearby right now and waiting for an opportunity, she’d like to request to meet in this place.” (Mirai)

So she has come here, that grandma.

Or rather, I suppose those girls have continuously tracked me.

They might have secretly followed me outside the range of my Grasping Perception.

Well, I suppose they approached me now because it’s a Remains of the Moon group.

“…Sure. Bring her along and let’s meet next to the hardware store over there.” (Shuuya)

“Yes, thank you very much.” (Mirai)

Mirai thanks me, stands up quickly, turns on her heels, and runs back.

And then, I saw how Kazane was actually sitting on something like a palanquin.

There’s a chair atop the palanquin carried by a great number of slaves or subordinates.

Granny Kazane sat on it.

They aren’t yelling “Heave-ho, heave-ho!” while sending it off as done during a festival, but masked, muscular, sweaty and agonizing men approach us while shouldering the palanquin.

Kazane Marumi, Granny Marumi.

The palanquin was lowered to the ground.

Kazane opens her mouth.

“Shuuya-san, let me apologize for the other day.” (Kazane)

She bows her head.

Yet, I can’t trust her.

“Nyaa.”

Having returned on my shoulder, Rollo greets her.

“My, my, I have heard of you, cute black cat-sama.” (Kazane)

“Nnn.”

Rollo seems to have no interest in Kazane.

She only replies with a throaty trilling after faintly moving her tail and averting her face.

“So, you wanted to meet me, right? You happy now?” (Shuuya)

“…Yes. But there’s something I’d like to talk about with you.” (Kazane)

“What is it? Don’t use that strange space anymore. No magic either.” (Shuuya)

“…Very well. Here will be fine. As you can see, I don’t have a spirit binding tool, a magic tool or anything like that with me.” (Kazane)

『She’s right. I can’t sense any strange mana.』 (Helme)

『Seems so, doesn’t it?』 (Shuuya)

As I’m telepathically talking with Helme, Kazane extends both hands from within her cloth robe, slightly revealing the chest with its conspicuous wrinkles.

I can somewhat see her sagging breasts.

As expected, even for me, the temporary president of the Boob Research Society, those are outside my strike zone.

“…Marumi, that won’t work.” (Shuuya)

“…Jeeeez, you’re really mean~1 ” (Kazane)

Nothing less of a former Japanese, to go along with the joke here.

She should be a Japanese from a different world, but the same anime existed in her world too? I didn’t voice out that question, though.

“…So, what is it that you want to talk about?” (Shuuya)

“The lancer of the chaos starting after an inexplicable bloodbath.” (Kazane)

What’s it all of a sudden?

A power of words-like spell? What symbolic expression.

Come to think of it, she’s a shrine maiden type. I guess she possesses some unknown divine power.

“It’s the words I previously got to know through my skill. The inexplicable refers to your power which I can’t see. The bloodbath is probably related to your recent dispute with 【Owl’s Fangs】. And I perceived the meaning of chaos as you reforming the underground society by crushing countless dark guilds.” (Kazane)

So she has foresight in addition to appraisal? A medium from a mysterious Japan, huh?

That might be the reason why the God of Fate, Asura, took a liking to Kazane.

Her story might be consistent, but, so what?

“…What about it?” (Shuuya)

Diviner, you don’t know the future.

I can say that as well, but I think she feels uneasy since she can’t see her own future after having gotten involved with me.

“…I want to believe that the calamity has passed, but since I can’t predict anything, I personally wanted to come to a mutual understanding. And, Adolian-sama of 【Assembly of Stars】mentioned recommending you, Shuuya-sama, for the Eight Lights. For the sake of the underground auction held at the end of they year to go down smoothly, we’d like you to cooperate, but…how about it?” (Kazane)

Eight Lights, she says…

Will I be on equal footing with the leading authorities of dark guilds if I take up the post?

I plan to participate in the underground auction, so I’d like to gladly cooperate since I’m looking forward to the auction.

Advice. Come on! I shift my eyes towards Viine.

“Master, if you become one of the Eight Lights, it might be accommodating for the underground auction. And you will likely be able to get to know many big merchants and rich customers.” (Viine)

What precise advice.

As expected of Viine, my woman, who’s an excellent secretary, assistant and attendant.

“I guess that’s true as well. Alright, I will play along, Kazane-san.” (Shuuya)

“That’s great. I will inform Adolian-sama. Once the location of the underground auction has been officially decided, I will get in touch with you, so please honor us with your attendance on that occasion.” (Kazane)

“Roger.” (Shuuya)

“Okay. Let’s meet another time again then.” (Kazane)

Kazane issues instructions to her subordinates.

Her subordinates lift up the palanquin and leave in the opposite direction full of eagerness.

At the time of their departure, the name of a famous commander, who died at Sekigahara, Otani Yoshitsugu, popped up in my mind.

Though he wouldn’t have died, had Kobayakawa come.

“…Guild master, congratulations for becoming one of the Eight Lights.” (Mel)

“Congratulations.”

As I’m remembering the history of the Battle of Sekigahara, I receive congratulations from Mel and the others all at once.

“Thanks. But, I like my job as adventurer. It won’t hinder that, right?” (Shuuya)

“…”

“What about the reply?” (Shuuya)

I gaze at everyone and use a deep voice.

“Nyagoa.”

Did Rollo understand my intention as well?

She released a weird yell as if threatening everyone.

At that moment,

“Yes, sir!”

“Understood, Guild Master, Rollo-sama.”

“Yes! We will be careful, Rollo-sama.”

Somehow they are calling her Rollo-sama…

Without minding that, Rollo skillfully scratched the base of her neck.

Now then, this is a good point to take a break, so I guess it’s time to return home.

“Well then, we’ll go back home.” (Shuuya)

“Yes. Do you want us to station guards around your house, guild master?” (Mel)

Mel deliberately asks while knowing of my true strength.

“No need. Rather than that, you assigned some personnel to protect my adventurer friends, right?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, of course.” (Mel)

“Very well. See you later then.” (Shuuya)

“Yes, guild master!”

We bid farewell from the leaders at this point.

I get on top of Rollodeen’s(Horse Lion) back, help up Viine as well, and then we quickly dash through the Labyrinth City Pelneet.

I think I have to give the slaves a little explanation as well, once we get back.

Ah, I remember! I planned to hire servants.

“Rollo, stop.” (Shuuya)

“Nya.”

Using her tentacles, Rollodeen(Horse Lion) smoothly comes to a halt atop a roof.

“…Master?” (Viine)

Viine calls out while clinging to me.

“Viine, it’s sudden, but my mansion is big, isn’t it?” (Shuuya)

“Yes. What about it?” (Viine)

“I plan to hire servants.” (Shuuya)

“I see. So we’re going to head to the servant guild next, right?” (Viine)

“That would be fine as well, but I was thinking of getting an introduction from Chianelas or such.” (Shuuya)

“Certainly, it’s quite possible that he will be able to refer us to excellent servants, but it seems also possible that Chianelas has headed to the royal capital Gronheim.” (Viine)

Since she worked under Chianelas, she has somewhat a grasp of his schedule, huh?

“What business does he have in the capital?” (Shuuya)

“I think it might be the regular meeting of the 【Large Company Dualbell】.” (Viine)

“He’s a merchant of a large company, so I suppose he’s busy. Come to think of it, I met you for the first time in Hekatrail, didn’t I Viine…? Do you remember?” (Shuuya)

“No, Hekatrail? …Ah, at that slave market?” (Viine)

“Yeah, yeah, I thought you might remember as our eyes have met back then.” (Shuuya)

Seemingly shocked after I told her that, Viine becomes teary eyed.

“…Sorry, I remember. The figure of master as you looked at me then…and yet, I of all people…” (Viine)

“Haha, isn’t it fine anyway? Because we met there, we’re here like this now. Seeing you back then made me think, how nice, Viine.” (Shuuya)

“I’m happy…” (Viine)

Viine closes her eyes, obviously wishing to be kissed.

Answering her plea, I gently kiss her pink and violet colored, beautiful lips.

Soft. Once, then twice; I keep kissing her repeatedly.

As I finish the third kiss, I affectionately piled my lips lightly on her upper lip again.

“Mmh, I love you…” (Viine)

Viine confessed with a slightly alluring smile and moist eyes.

“Yeah, I love you, too.” (Shuuya)

Next I lightly kissed the cheek on the opposite side of her silver mask.

Then I separate my face from hers.

Okay, once I finished employing servants, I will tell her about < Suzerain’s Bloodkin > and try asking her whether she wants to become my < Head Servant Leader >, I think.

『Your Excellency…you’re sly.』 (Helme)

Helme suddenly retorts as she appears in my sight.

『You want mana?』 (Shuuya)

『I want to be kissed too, but yes…』 (Helme)

『Kissing will have to wait for another time, okay? I will give you just a bit mana.』 (Shuuya)

I poured some mana into her.

Helme vanishes with a poof.

『Hauuu, t-thank youu.』 (Helme)

Closing the telepathic communication from my side, I look at Viine.

“…Viine, do you need a rest?” (Shuuya)

“No, since I had a little nap during the previous negotiations, I don’t need any at the moment.” (Viine)

“Okay. We’re going to head to the Unicorn Slave Company. Even if Chianelas might not be there; if we ask Moros, he might have a connection with the servant guild.” (Shuuya)

“Okay.” (Viine)

While gently stroking the tufty torso of Rollodeen,

“―Rollo, do you remember the location of the slave company from the other day?” (Shuuya)

Rollo perks up her ears.

“Nya, nyaon――”

She immediately jumps after reassuringly meowing as she apparently recalls the place.

“Kya!” (Viine)

When Rollodeen started moving, Viine hugged me tightly again.

An aroma of vanilla tickles my nose.

We come out along the main street at once, arriving in front of the stylish mansion in no time.

It’s made out of bricks in an art deco style with a bilateral symmetry.

We are in front of the Unicorn Slave Company.

“We arrived.” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

I remove Viine’s hugging arms and get off Rollodeen(Horse Lion)

Next, Vine dismounted as well.

Her legs are a bit shaky, but she fixes her long, silver hair that’s disheveled and hanging down.

How seductive.

While watching her in fascination, Rollo shrinks down in an instant.

Once she returned to her black cat form, she climbed on my right shoulder, her usual place.

After waiting for Viine to get ready, we walk across the path made out of concrete-like stone, proceeding up to the big door.

Last time it was open, but now it’s closed.

I knocked on the door with the door knocker that’s affixed to it with brass-made metal fixtures.

I bang it against the door several times.

After a little while the door was opened.

The one who came out was a young girl wearing an apron dress and a headscarf.

It wasn’t Moros-san.

She’s still small, so I guess she’s probably an apprentice in charge of the parlor or acts as babysitter.

“What’s your business with us, dear customer? Do you have an appointment?”

“I don’t have an appointment. I have business with Chianelas. Is he in?” (Shuuya)

“No, master has departed for the capital. I’m sorry, but what might your name be?”

“My name is Shuuya, Shuuya Kagari.”

“Ah, I-I’m terribly sorry! I will lead you to the inner room at once. Allow me to prepare you a meal as well.”

Nothing less of Chianelas.

I suppose he has taught even the low-ranking employees about my name.

“No, it’s fine. Is Moros-san present?” (Shuuya)

“Yes! The butler, right? I will go call him right away.”

“Please do.” (Shuuya)

After waiting for a bit, the little maid brought back Moros with his fitting swept back hairstyle.

“Oh, Shuuya-sama, what kind of business do you have with us today?” (Moros)

“Today it’s not about slaves or similar. I came to ask about the best course of action to employ magnificent servants like you. If possible, I’d like to hire you, Moros-san. If not, I’d like you to introduce me to useful personnel at the servant guild.” (Shuuya)

Apparently surprised, Moros-san widened his eyes.

“…Me, you say?” (Moros)

“Yes, indeed. I want to employ you as housekeeper.” (Shuuya)

“…This is quite the honor. But, I can’t since I pledged loyalty to Chianelas-sama. But, given that I was strictly ordered, “If Shuuya-sama were to come to the store while I’m not there, you must give absolute priority to any business he brings up,” I shall introduce you to the best servants I know of… So, how many servants do you wish to hire? Going by the size of your home, it should be a few dozen people. And, are you looking for women or men?” (Moros)

As expected of Chianelas, he’s an excellent merchant.

I think I will buy another slave from him next time.

“…I don’t mind if it’s several people. As for the gender, I don’t care either way, is what I want to say, but I’m a man as well. If I can choose anyway, it might as well be beautiful and useful women.” (Shuuya)

“Master…” (Viine)

Viine looks unhappy and mumbles my name.

“Haha, it looks like you are being loved dearly.” (Moros)

Moros looks at me and Viine while smiling.

“Yes, my supreme Master is the best male after all.” (Viine)

Hey, don’t praise me with such serious look. I’m happy, but it’s somewhat embarrassing.

『She’s growing up, isn’t she?』 (Helme)

Helme appears in my visionary field while blinking her long eyelashes.

She nodded while looking satisfied.

『Did she hear your words back then, Helme?』 (Shuuya)

『It seems to. But, since it’s also possible that she might get carried away, I will make sure to punish her when it happens.』 (Helme)

…Again saying something dangerous.

『What’s that punishment of yours…?』 (Shuuya)

『I will submerge her in water.』 (Helme)

…Won’t she die then?

『Helme-san, that’s forbidden, okay?』 (Shuuya)

『If you say so, Your Excellency…I think I will refrain for a bit.』 (Helme)

『Helme, no need to get so angry, just stay calm?』 (Shuuya)

『It’s a joke.』 (Helme)

『I know, I know. You can disappear.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes!』 (Helme)

Helme vanishes as if sinking into the ground.

After finishing the telepathic conversation, I look at Viine.

“…Viine. Thanks, but stay silent, okay?” (Shuuya)

“Yes.” (Viine)

“…I’m very envious.” He clears his throat. “Viine-sama, I’m sorry, but a beautiful and useful maid can do anything, from office work to battle and chores, and from all kind of maid work to taking care of her master’s daily life. I will introduce you to combat maids from our company that are suitable as guards. In additions, since there’s a place where apprentice maids diligently study working as house maids, parlor maids, chambermaids, nursery maids, style maids, kitchen maids who simultaneously work as laundry maids, and scholarly maids, I’m sure you will find wonderful personnel there.” (Moros)

Ooh, somehow there’s a lot of them.

Are there maids for each duty?

Since such matters are completely out of my expertise, let’s understand it little by little.

“Please.” (Shuuya)

After expressing my gratitude with eyes full of respect, I bow my head.

“There’s no need to be so polite to a butler like me, Shuuya-sama.” (Moros)

“Ah, you might be right about that, but…” (Shuuya)

“…However, I have the deepest respect for you, Shuuya-sama, who treats everyone equally no matter what rank they might have. I feel like I have slightly comprehended the reason why my master is pleased with you, and not just the money.” (Moros)

Though I’m not that extraordinary…

Moros’s work simply looked quite resolute to me.

Well, let’s leave that aside. So Chianelas is pleased with me and not just the money?

“…Chianelas has said something like that…” (Shuuya)

“Yes. I shall guide you then.” (Moros)

“Please take care of it.” (Shuuya)

We leave the Unicorn Slave Company behind, and again I’m being jolted around in a carriage for 30 minutes.

We arrive at our destination, a three-storied, huge mansion situated along the street.

I’m surprised by the building that looks like a big old school.

I was amazed by the many people, all women, lining up from the large gate in front of the mansion until the other side across the street.

Moros-san provides an explanation.

“It’s a mid-sized company called Resonante Company that’s owning and managing this place. Let alone Pelneet, in the whole South Mahaheim it’s one of the top three companies in regards to educating servants, except for those schools specialized on nobility. They have established a unique education system tailored towards the teaching of servants that accepts all men and women, unrelated to social status or age. In there the students learn various skills as servants while spending their lives in strict dormitories for many years.” (Moros)

“Hee…” (Shuuya)

Because they will be given education without relation to their social status, many women that try to find work come all the way to this Resonante Company from the poor countryside to take lessons here. Almost every day women ranging from little children to adults, visit this place to take the examinations and interviews, Moros says.

Awesome…this is a maid world.

The fact that they are accepting young and old is also amazing.

How to say it best…I’m sure, if this place has a mixed education, there will likely be melodramatic, soap-opera-like developments on a daily base….

Student and student, student and teacher, forbidden love.

Ending up getting pregnant, nasty scenes would…

Whoa, no good, I must not.

“…How amazing.” (Shuuya)

I muttered and shook my head to get rid of my weird delusions.

“…Indeed. There are always long queues like today.” (Moros)

Moros looked at me, obviously suspicious, but there’s no way that I’m going to point that out.

“We will hire servants here, right?” (Viine)

Viine says while looking at the people lined up.

“Looks like it.” (Shuuya)

“Yes. Let’s go inside.” (Moros)

Being led by Moros, we enter the boarding school of the Resonante Company.

The schoolyard is huge as well. Girls in maid attires and male servant apprentices respectively do long training runs, fight unarmed or practice with wooden swords and wooden spears over there.

Just like military forces.

A sergeant-like person spoke up.

“You guys lack fighting spirit!”

“――Yes!”

Several students that held wooden spears simultaneously swing those down, striking the ground with their weapons.

“You weeeaklings! More, do it more! Put your back into it!”

“――Yeeees!”

Uwah…

“You won’t be able to win against the fellows from Lalarbuin’s Boarding School with such meager skills! Do you guys want to lose!?”

“N-No.”

“Speak up!”

“”――Yes!””

“Okay, those are good expressions. Not to mention Lalarbuin, I will make sure that you’ll be able to win even against the nobility-specialized Lawfan Boarding School in Gronheim.”

“Yes, instructor!”

“I will do my best, instructor.”

“Instructor, I will do it!”

Oh my god, it’s the springtime of youth!

Those girls seem to compete against fellow schools.

“Shuuya-sama, are you interested?” (Moros)

Moros asked me who stopped to watch.

“Yeah, I’m curious.” (Shuuya)

“Even for these girls it’s a war. Every year the boarding schools of all provincial cities meet together to hold a maid martial arts tournament.” (Moros)

…Is that so?

“…Every year?” (Shuuya)

“Yes, they are desperate. If they play an active role in the tournament, they will be immediately employed by a noble. Or it will become easier to get hired in the big mansion of a wealthy merchant or an excellent adventurer.” (Moros)

I see. Rome was not built in a day.

I suppose even the maids go at it with such drive.

I’m sure there’s an inexhaustible supply of tales to be found here.

While observing the training carried out on the schoolyard, we walk up to the huge entrance door of the building located in the center.

Moros pushes the light brown door open.

“Welcome.”

Inside we were greeted by an adult maid wearing a simple, deep-blue dress and a small headdress on her head.

The white armholes on both arms of the maid stand out.

She bows her head with a polite demeanor.

“Hello, I’m Moros of the Unicorn Slave Company. Are Headmaster Daylan-sensei or Head Maid Sue present?” (Moros)

“Yes. Please wait a moment.”

The headmaster, eh? The maid swiftly walks down the corridor.