Rain Shelter

"You built the country like this, then?"

"Yeah. Mostly just repeating what I did today."

Inside the wooden house, I was gazing out the window with Svetlana.

Outside, it was pouring.

The sky had turned ominous—figured it wouldn’t last till we got back to Rebeck—so we’d hastily built this wooden shelter.

I had Svetlana do the work, gathered materials together.

Finished just as the rain started. I’d changed into clothes magically conjured on the spot, damp from the downpour.

Svetlana got a little wet too, but didn’t bother changing out of her slave dress. Whatever.

So here we are, the two of us, stuck in a rain shelter.

"This wooden house—I’ve seen plenty in the capital. Always thought they were solid, well-made, impressive. Never thought they could be built this easily."

"Easy?"

"At least for you."

She looked at the slave card. Then at me.

Yeah, sure. It’d be easy for me.

“How long’d it take an ordinary person to build a house like this?”

“Five adults working full-time. Maybe a day.”

“Huh.”

“You’re the one who’s supposed to be king, really.”

“Is that so?”

“Ah—”

Svetlana jumped, flustered, scrambling to explain.

“It’s not because of the card! I meant—because you’re the one who knows how to use it properly!”

“I know. Calm down. I taught you about magic charging, didn’t I?”

Right. I’d already made that clear to her.

While talking about what I wanted, I’d mentioned what Saint Night had done too.

So she knew, without a doubt, that I wasn’t misunderstanding.

Still, she couldn’t help but defend herself.

Her eyes were desperate. Clinging. Like she was afraid I’d toss her away.

Once you became a regret—probably because you couldn’t find your master and ended up a regret.

Fear of losing something you’ve finally got.

“Svetlana.”

“W-what?”

She flinched. Still trembling.

“There’s only one way to stop being my slave.”

“Huh?”

“You die.”

“Die…?”

“That’s right. No other way. As long as you’re alive, you can’t stop being my slave. I won’t let you. No matter what.”

“…Ah.”

Said it roundabout, but it worked better for it.

Svetlana froze. Her face slowly relaxed, relief washing over her.

In the meantime, the rain outside grew heavier.

Pouring down like someone dumped a bucket.

The wooden house wouldn’t be ruined by this, though.

“Won’t be able to get back anytime soon.”

“Looks like it’ll rain till morning.”

That’s about the size of it. Well, I’ll just think of it as a holiday gift from the goddess.

The point is, we’re stuck here because of the rain.

If we were in some town, I’d be stuck with a sudden job offer while trying to find shelter.

So being unreachable right now? That’s a big plus.

Open DORECA’s menu.

Magic flickers in small bursts. Population bumps up now and then.

Proof the slaves are working, the nation’s building smoothly.

Five slaves I entrusted with my power—card-bound, they’ll be fine for a night.

—Gurrrrrlululul.

Stomach growls loud enough to wake the dead.

Not mine. Svetlana’s.

She clutches her belly, face flushed red.

“M-M-My apologies…”

“Don’t sweat it.”

I pull out DORECA.

“Food’s on the way.”

“I’ll—”

Emergency production using magic won’t work with a regular slave card. No materials. Just watch this.

Yes.

Menu open. What would you like to eat?

The list unfolds.

The black card’s list holds all sorts of food.

Almost anything can be made if you pay the magic.

Anything… really.

Then, can I have the same as you?

That’s… too much honor.

Then it’s settled.

It’s touching how she finds it a burden to eat the same as her master—almost sweet, really.

Using DORECA’s magic, I conjure two servings: warm bread and soup.

I hand one to Svetlana, then eat my own.

She stares at it.

What’s wrong? Not eating?

No, I will! I will eat—just… I’ve been thinking.

After a firm denial, she speaks softly.

You’re amazing, really.

Huh?

This house, the clothes you’re wearing, the bread and soup—each made in an instant. I thought, even if you were flung to some new, empty land right now, you’d surely forge a whole new country.

Hmm. Well, honestly, I’d probably survive being stranded on a deserted island.

That’s what I thought was amazing.

“But there are two things required for that.”

"Two?"

"One is DORECA, and the other is—"

Tear off a bite-sized piece of bread and shove it into her mouth.

Slave's Smile

“Ah…”

That’s right, isn’t it?

"Then—then that means!"

Svetlana screamed.

With a determined look, charging in like she’s about to eat her way through it.

I’ll keep smiling by your side—whatever it takes, I’ll keep smiling. If that’s what makes you great, then I’ll keep smiling forever.

Yeah, I guess.

“F-fuhahaha…”

Svetlana burst into laughter.

A laugh so obviously forced, she stared up at the ceiling.

…Pfft.

Couldn’t help it. Not that that’s the point.

It’s not.

Still, these guys—(Eternal Slaves)—really.

“Cute, huh?”

I say, brushing a finger along Svetlana’s cheek.

——Magic charged: 50,000.

Flushed crimson, like a boiled octopus.